The beauty of the highland village of Nam Nghiep during ‘son tra’ (docynia indica) flower season

In recent years, ‘son tra’ ( docynia indica) flowers have come in to bloom around mid-March, dyeing the hills and villages in Ngoc Chien Commune, Muong La District, in the northern mountainous province of Son La. Specifically, Nam Nghiep Village has become an attractive destination on the eco-tourism and community-based tourism map for its large area of ‘son tra’ flowers and the cultural identity of the H’Mong ethnic minority group.
‘Son tra’ flowers bring Nam Nghiep an attractive beauty and special charisma.
‘Son tra’ flowers bring Nam Nghiep an attractive beauty and special charisma.

Nam Nghep Village is located at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,300 metres above sea level, about 12km from the centre of Ngoc Chien Commune. The village has 135 H’Mong households.

Many other localities in the northern mountainous region also grow ‘son tra’ trees, but Nam Nghiep has become known as the capital of ‘son tra’ flowers with its more than 1,200 hectares.

The poetic scene of Nam Nghiep Village during the ‘son tra’ flower season.

The poetic scene of Nam Nghiep Village during the ‘son tra’ flower season.
The village has now seven homestays. The simplicity, uniqueness, and closeness to nature are attractive highlights for visitors to this location.
The village has now seven homestays. The simplicity, uniqueness, and closeness to nature are attractive highlights for visitors to this location.
In addition to homestays, camping under the forest canopy is also popular, especially among young tourists.
In addition to homestays, camping under the forest canopy is also popular, especially among young tourists.
‘Son tra’ is a perennial woody tree. ‘Son tra’ flower has five ivory white petals and yellow pistils. It is quite similar to plum and pear flowers, but its size is completely different. The flowers bloom when the leaves have fallen, creating beautiful white flower clusters.
‘Son tra’ is a perennial woody tree. ‘Son tra’ flower has five ivory white petals and yellow pistils. It is quite similar to plum and pear flowers, but its size is completely different. The flowers bloom when the leaves have fallen, creating beautiful white flower clusters.
Coming to Nam Nghiep, visitors can walk around the village, breathe in the pure highland air, admire flowers, and take photos with flowers.
Coming to Nam Nghiep, visitors can walk around the village, breathe in the pure highland air, admire flowers, and take photos with flowers.
Visitors can enjoy tea marinated with ‘son tra’ flowers while watching the sunset at the only coffee shop on the top of a hill in the village.
Visitors can enjoy tea marinated with ‘son tra’ flowers while watching the sunset at the only coffee shop on the top of a hill in the village.
H'Mong people in Nam Nghiep are very innocent and honest. They always show friendliness and hospitality.
H'Mong people in Nam Nghiep are very innocent and honest. They always show friendliness and hospitality.
Some owners of homestays, such as Thao A Vang and Khang A Len, are very enthusiastic about developing community-based tourism as well as learning from successful models in other localities while finding ways to connect and work together.
Some owners of homestays, such as Thao A Vang and Khang A Len, are very enthusiastic about developing community-based tourism as well as learning from successful models in other localities while finding ways to connect and work together.
Duong Minh Binh (middle), a sustainable tourism expert who is famous as the homestay "witch", visited and surveyed a number of accommodation facilities and services in Nam Nghiep Village on the occasion.
Duong Minh Binh (middle), a sustainable tourism expert who is famous as the homestay "witch", visited and surveyed a number of accommodation facilities and services in Nam Nghiep Village on the occasion.
Having dinner under a ‘son tra’ tree next to the flickering firelight, and listening to the sounds of singing and the flute of the H'Mong people, visitors will experience unforgettable impressions and emotions.
Having dinner under a ‘son tra’ tree next to the flickering firelight, and listening to the sounds of singing and the flute of the H'Mong people, visitors will experience unforgettable impressions and emotions.
NDO/Photo: My Hanh

Related News