Early cherry blossoms bring colour to Vietnam’s northern borderland

Located in the heart of Pa Khoang reservoir in Muong Phang commune, about 20km from the centre of Dien Bien, the cherry blossom island becomes a tourist attraction every Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday as spring arrives.

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In January, the pink blossoms of cherry trees cover the landscape, creating a poetic tableau nestled among the mountains of the northeastern region.

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The cherry tree island area spans more than 7 hectares and currently grows about 20 different varieties of flowers. The main variety is the Japanese cherry blossom Edohigan Zakura, with an estimated 120,000 trees.

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Cherry trees have grown steadily, adapted well to the climate conditions in Dien Bien, and bloomed simultaneously at the beginning of the year.

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Thousands of cherry trees blooming create a striking pink carpet in Dien Bien.

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The entire area looks like a watercolour painting, featuring a peaceful scene in the high mountains of the border region.

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During the peak flowering season, the island becomes a popular destination for many photographers. More visitors come to admire and take photograph of the flowers, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

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Locals say that the cherry blossoms at Pa Khoang Lake usually bloom early, signaling the arrival of spring earlier than in many other areas of the province. "Seeing the cherry blossoms bloom means Tet is drawing near. Whenever we see the flowers in bloom, everyone feels the spring festive atmosphere," says Lo Van Khanh, a resident of Muong Phang commune.

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Cherry blossoms also attract international tourists to Dien Bien. Many foreign groups have learned about the process of planting and caring for the flowers, while also experiencing the culture and life of the local ethnic communities.

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"“Cherry blossoms are not only beautiful flowers but also help showcase a peaceful and open Dien Bien, ready to welcome friends,” says a resident of Muong Phang commune.

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Pa Khoang Flower Island is considered the first place in Vietnam to successfully cultivate and sustainably develop Japanese cherry blossoms.

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For many years, Dien Bien province has held a Cherry Blossom Festival alongside traditional cultural activities of ethnic minorities in the northwest. Visitors not only admire the flowers but also sample local cuisine, enjoy folk art performances and experience the region’s peaceful pace of life.