Vietnam’s tourist attraction among best places for apricot blossom

The Hanoi Times — The end of March is considered the ideal time to visit the northern mountain province of Ha Giang, located approximately 300 km northwest of Hanoi. During this time, the Prunus cerasoides flowers bloom, transforming the high mountain peaks into a sea of soft pink hues, creating a breathtaking sight that lures visitors from near and far.

The province has recently earned a spot on Booking.com's prestigious list of the best destinations in the Asia-Pacific region to view the Himalayan cherry blossoms in 2025.

"For an experience that combines breathtaking natural beauty with cultural immersion, Ha Giang is a must-see," suggests the online booking platform.

Known for its dramatic karst landscapes and winding mountain roads, the region becomes even more captivating when wildflowers bloom. Here, a diverse mix of Prunus cerasoides flowers and wild apricot blossoms paint the rugged terrain in shades of pink and white. 

The contrast between the delicate blossoms and the limestone cliffs creates a truly unforgettable visual spectacle. Beyond the floral display, travelers can experience the rich cultural heritage of the local ethnic minority groups, making Ha Giang a unique and adventurous destination.

According to locals, the Prunus cerasoides flower, also known as Pang To Day, is a stunning woody plant that thrives in the northern mountainous provinces of Ha Giang, Yen Bai, and Lao Cai. Known for its strong vitality, the flower blooms only during the cold winter months on the peaks of mountains over 1,000 meters above sea level. Ha Giang's towering peaks, often shrouded in mist, provide the perfect backdrop for these delicate yet resilient flowers, adding a vibrant touch to the rugged landscape.

For the H'Mong ethnic group, the primary inhabitants of the site, the flower is more than just a visual treat; it symbolizes the arrival of spring and signals the beginning of a new harvest season. A bountiful bloom of these flowers is believed to herald a year of good fortune and prosperity, making it an important cultural marker for the local community.

This year, from March 14 to 16,  Ha Giang    Province will host the "Wild Apricot Blossom Festival" at the late blooming apricot garden in Vang Cha Phin Village, Cao Ma Po Commune, Quan Ba District. The festival attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year, offering them a chance to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty of Ha Giang's landscapes. Visitors can admire the bright pink of wild cherry blossoms and capture unforgettable moments at the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, a UNESCO Global Geopark famous for its spectacular limestone formations and unique biodiversity.

Beyond the blossoms, the festival offers a rich cultural experience. Tourists can immerse themselves in the traditions of ethnic minorities through activities such as linen weaving, intricate embroidery, buckwheat cake making, and traditional cooking competitions.

There are also lively ethnic costume performances and folk games, including tug-of-war, ball tossing, and stick pushing, which bring the spirit of Ha Giang's cultural heritage to life.