When the cold still covers the mountains and forests of the Northwest, Nam Nghep village, Ngoc Chien commune, shines again with the faint pink color of the dai dai flower - a wild peach blossom that has been associated with the H'Mong people here for a long time.
On the hillsides and mountainsides at an altitude of more than 2,500m above sea level, hundreds of forest peach trees simultaneously bloom, creating a brilliant scene, attracting people and tourists to admire.
Nam Nghep village currently has over 130 H'Mong ethnic households living. Thanks to its high terrain and year-round cool climate, this place is considered the region with the most harsh natural conditions in the Muong La region. It is the large temperature difference between day and night that creates a favorable environment for eucalyptus trees to grow healthy, give thick flowers, sharp colors and long-lasting colors.
According to Mr. Khang A Say, Secretary of the Party Cell cum Head of Nam Nghep village, the H'Mong people call "pang to day" flowers, which in common language means forest peach blossoms. Flowers usually bloom from mid-December to about mid-January of the solar calendar. Each tree blooms vigorously for about two weeks, after which young leaves with a purple-green color begin to sprout on the branches.
Nam Nghep wild peach blossoms have thick petals, dark colors, and grow healthily in harsh climate conditions. For people, every time wild peach blossoms bloom, the H'Mong Tet has begun, signaling spring to come on the mountains," Mr. Say said.
Eucalyptus flowers belong to woody plants, with wide canopies, often growing naturally on high mountain slopes. From September to October, the plant begins to spread leaves, accumulate sap to nourish young buds and flower buds.
In November, nutrients gradually accumulate, by the end of December, flowers bloom simultaneously, covering the villages pink. When flowers and young buds bloom together, the pink color of the petals blends with the red color of the pistil, creating a beauty that is both pristine and elegant.
The first time coming to Nam Nghep village in the peak flower season, Ms. Lai Thi Thanh My (a tourist from Hai Phong) shared: "Forest peach blossoms here have a very different beauty, blooming in the clouds and mountains, peaceful and fresh space. The color of the flowers soothes the cold of the highlands, creating a feeling of warmth and comfort. This is a special experience that is difficult to have in the lowlands.
Despite having brilliant scenery and characteristic cultural values, the dense flower hill in Nam Nghep is still quite pristine, with little impact. In recent years, this place has gradually become an attractive destination for nature lovers who like to explore the local beauty.
Amidst the overlapping mountains, the season of dai dai flowers blooms as an invitation from the highlands. For tourists, immersing themselves in the colors of Nam Nghep forest peach blossoms is not only a spring trip, but also an opportunity to fully feel the pure beauty of Son La every spring.
