The color of flowers covers the primeval forests, creating a majestic natural picture, and the flower season also opens up opportunities for community tourism development for the highlands of Son La.
The rhododendron flower season calls tourists' feet
April comes, at an altitude of 2,000 - 2,500m, the ancient rhododendron forests in Nam Nghep simultaneously bloom. Flowers are many colors such as red, pink, white, yellow, each tree trunk is rough, moss covers the flowers, standing out against the green background of the old forest.
According to local people, azaleas are distributed on an area of more than 300ha, flowers are concentrated in areas such as: Ta Tao, Ta De Do, Ta Chi Nhu. These are places with high altitudes, cool climates all year round, suitable for this flower to develop.
From the center of Ngoc Chien commune, visitors go about 10km to Nam Nghep village. The road has been concreted, making it convenient to move, however, the terrain is steep and has many curves, so a steady driving hand is needed.
The rhododendron flower season lasts from mid-March to the end of April. Flower viewing points are 8 - 15km away from the village center by forest road. Visitors often have to walk or hire guides to access the areas where rhododendron flowers are distributed.
Ms. Le Minh Trang, a tourist from Hanoi, said: "I learned about Nam Nghep through social networks, the image of rhododendron forest in the sea of clouds is very impressive. When I arrived, the actual scenery was even more beautiful, the air was fresh, the forest was still pristine, this experience is very memorable.
And Ms. Aki Phuong Lan, a tourist from Hai Phong, also highly appreciates the beauty of this place: "I have been to many places to see rhododendrons such as Lai Chau, Lao Cai. But Nam Nghe rhododendrons are no less famous than famous places, the flower forest and scenery are still natural, with little impact," she said.
This year, the weather has many fluctuations and is also a leap year, so flowers bloom later, but in return, many trees have thick buds, colorfast flowers and a long blooming time. This helps tourists have more time to experience.
Experience rhododendron forest in "heaven on clouds
Nam Nghep not only has beautiful flowers, but it is also suitable for nature exploration activities. In areas such as Ta Tao, Ta Dong, Hau Na Ta or Yen Ngua peak, visitors can trek through the forest. The route passes through primeval forests, interspersed with blooming azalea areas.
Early in the morning, clouds cover the valley, azaleas stand out in the sea of clouds, creating an impressive landscape. In the afternoon, visitors can watch the sunset from high spots, explore mysterious mossy forests.
To support tourists to admire flowers, Nam Nghep Cooperative was established in 2025, the unit has built nearly 20 trekking and hiking routes. The routes include mountain climbing, walking, cloud hunting and admiring azaleas and chipau flowers.
Mr. Thao A Vang - Director of the Cooperative - said: "We organize service groups including motorbike taxis, porters and homestays in the center of the village and stopovers in the middle of the forest. Each route has a guide, tourists can choose a route suitable for their health and time.
In addition to exploring the forest, visitors can also experience local culture. People often organize activities such as pounding banh day, cultural exchanges, and folk games. Local cuisine is also a highlight attracting tourists.
Currently, the village has many accommodation establishments, homestays and bungalows that have been renovated in the direction of preserving the traditional architecture of wooden houses with wooden roofs. Tourists can also camp in the forest or rent tents.
Mr. Nguyen Cao Cuong, a tent service provider, said: "Guests like to sleep in the forest to admire clouds and flowers in the early morning. We prepare enough blankets and mattresses to ensure safety for guests.
Azalea flower colors open a sustainable livelihood
The rhododendron flower season is bringing a clear source of income to the people of Nam Nghep. Previously, people mainly worked in the fields, and their income depended on the season. In recent years, tourism has developed, and many households have switched to services. People open homestays, set up tents, and guide tourists to climb mountains. Some households rent clothes and sell agricultural products. Young people participate as porters, carrying tourists by motorbike.
Mr. Khang A Nha, a resident of Nam Nghep village, said: "When the flower season comes with many customers, my family also provides accommodation services and takes guests to the forest to see flowers. The income is much more stable than before.
Tourism development also entails the requirement to protect forests, people in the village are propagated not to cut down trees, not to let tourists break branches, litter indiscriminately on the mountain climbing route.
Mr. Khang A Say - Secretary of the Party cell, Village Head commented: "The rhododendron forest has been a common property of the village community for many years. If the forest is preserved, tourism will develop for a long time. Therefore, people in the village are all aware of protecting it.
According to Mr. Duong Xuan Nam - Vice Chairman of Ngoc Chien Commune People's Committee, traffic infrastructure has been improved, but the terrain is still difficult, tourists should take small buses or hire local motorbike taxis to travel, mountain climbing routes all need guides to ensure safety. The rhododendron flower season lasts for more than a month but still creates great attraction, Nam Nghep gradually becomes a familiar destination for nature-loving tourists.
Amidst the sea of clouds and brilliant flowers, Nam Nghep highland village is changing day by day. Azaleas not only beautify mountains and forests but also open up new development directions, a direction associated with nature conservation and sustainable livelihoods for people in the highest H'Mong village in Vietnam.
