Azaleas are plants that prefer sunlight and can withstand cold temperatures, so they thrive naturally in high mountainous regions with temperate and subtropical climates.
The blooming season for azaleas varies by location, with the earliest blooms occurring in Bat Xat District, Lao Cai Province, in February.
A trekking trip through the old forest of Y Ty or conquering Ky Quan San Mountain will take visitors on a journey immersed in the pristine beauty of the highlands, surrounded by the vibrant colours of spring flowers, including azaleas.
A trek to Ky Quan San Mountain typically lasts three days and two nights, with visitors preparing their personal gear and suitable clothing. The guides and porters are mostly local people from the Mong and Dao ethnic groups.
Ky Quan San Mountain, also known as Bach Moc Luong Tu, is located between Lao Cai Province and Lai Chau Province. At an altitude of 3,046 metres, it is Vietnam’s fourth highest mount, behind Fansipan, Putaleng, and Pusilung.
Even though it is not the highest peak in the region, the mountain is widely regarded by many professional climbers as having the most stunning views of all.
The trek to Ky Quan San is appealing due to its diverse terrain and breath-taking sea of clouds that can be seen almost year-round.
 |
The narrow path along the mountain slope, often described as a “dinosaur spine”, is steep and challenging, testing the courage of trekkers. |
The narrow path along the mountain slope, often described as a “dinosaur spine”, is steep and challenging, testing the courage of trekkers.
In the vast, misty landscape, many wildflowers and forest flowers bloom radiantly. The enchanting beauty seems to energise the mountain climbers.
After a night's rest on Muoi Mountain (about 2,300 meters high), the second day is when the azalea forest reveals itself.
On the way to the peak of Ky Quan San Mount, trekkers will be surrounded by primeval moss-covered forests with rich and diverse vegetation, as well as many flowers vying for attention and enthusiastically displaying their beauty amid the clouds at an altitude of almost 2,000m.
 |
Blooming azalea flowers glow in the vastness and grandeur of the wilds. |
Although it's early in the season and the flowers haven't bloomed together, observing closely will reveal hundreds and thousands of buds on the green forest slopes or on ancient trees clinging to the mountains.
According to a local Mong ethnic, this mountainous area has nearly 30 different species of azaleas.
With varied shades of red, pink, purple, orange, white and gentle yellow, the flowers glow in the vastness and grandeur of the wilds.
The blooming season often lasts within about a month, and even after falling, they still maintain a romantic beauty, adding charm to the forest paths.
During the trek, one can admire buds full of life are seen amidst the white clouds.
A purple-pink azalea blooms densely from the ground up to about 10 meters high, leaving everyone in awe.
According to local predictions and experienced hikers, the azalea season in 2025 is expected to start later than last year due to prolonged cold and rainy weather.
Conquering Ky Quan San Mountain at any time is a remarkable achievement for any hiker, but the emotional journey amidst thousands of flowers will create truly unforgettable memories.
