Son La mountains ablaze with red silk-cotton blossoms

These days, many areas in Son La province look like giant red carpets as red silk cotton trees are blossoming.

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Hoa Gao, also referred to by their scientific name as bombax ceiba, is closely associated with the lives of people in Vietnam’s mountainous regions.

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Along the roads leading into the village or along the riverbanks, giant trees stand out against the vast landscape.

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March is the peak season when Bombax ceiba bursts into full bloom. The old leaves fall away, leaving the branches covered only with flowers. From afar, the trees resemble burning torches, their bright red blossoms lighting up the landscape.

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The contrast between the bare branches and the vibrant colours of the flowers creates the very distinctive image of this kind of tree in the northwestern region.

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The blossoms have five large petals and typically bloom in March and April, when the weather turns warmer and light spring drizzles begin.

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Each flower features five big petals in a bright red colour that appears like a small fame.

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When the flowers are in full bloom, the entire canopy is almost completely covered with clusters of red flowers, creating a striking focal point amidst the mountainous landscape.

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The blossoms remain on the branches for a few weeks before falling off, making way for new leaves to come out.

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In Son La, red silk-cotton trees can be seen in many areas, but the most impressive scenery is found along the Da River, especially in Quynh Nhai. Many giant trees grow along the riverbanks or on the hillsides, creating striking red dots against the backdrop of water and rocky mountains.

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In the villages, many trees have existed for decades, even centuries. According to local people, they have been intertwined with the lives of the villagers for generations.

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In recent years, along with plum blossoms, and peach blossoms, the bombax ceiba blossom season has gradually become a highlight in tourism activities in Son La.

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During the peak blooming season, the locality attracts a large number of tourists to take photos, capturing the characteristic scenery of the northwestern mountainous region.