The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

By Linh Huong   January 20, 2026 | 03:41 pm PT
To day trees began bursting into bloom since mid-December in Mu Cang Chai in Lao Cai Province, transforming the highlands into a spring landscape that draws visitors from afar.
The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

Clusters of to day, a wild peach variety, begin flowering on hillsides in Mi Hang Village (Mu Cang Chai Commune) and Trong Tong Village (Pung Luong Commune).

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

Hanoi photographer Vinh DAV traveled to Mu Cang Chai at the end of 2025 and spent two days capturing images there. Trong Tong village was filled with blooming plants, reaching their peak in the Hang Gang area.

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

But he said the weather was cloudy, dulling the pink hues of the blossoms, and he had to wait for the sun to appear, sometimes for hours, to capture the moments.

"It feels like a reward for those who are patient enough."

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

To day is a tree found in several communes in Mu Cang Chai such as Kim Noi and Mo De, and in Pung Luong Commune.

The trees bloom at elevations above 1,000 meters.

The H'Mong people there call them pang to day, or wild peach blossoms. It is one of the most distinctive flowers in Vietnam's northwestern mountains when spring approaches.

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

Their flowers have five petals that are slimmer and longer than in cultivated peach blossoms. For the H'Mong, the blooming of to day signals the approach of the Lunar New Year, about a month before the holiday.

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

A resort in Mu Cang Chai with to day trees in full bloom.

Travelers to Mu Cang Chai can experience three of its most beautiful seasons of the year: the to day flower season (January - February), the water-pouring season on terraced fields (April - May), and the rice harvest season (September - October).

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

A H'Mong child sits beneath to day trees in Trong Tong Village. The village retains an untouched charm, with greenery spilling across the hills and valleys. For those looking to stay a little longer, Trong Tong offers homestays and tourism services.

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

Alongside to day blossoms, yellow mustard flowers are also blooming across Mu Cang Chai. Temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees celsius depending on the time of day, with sunny weather.

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

Visitors are advised to take photos in the morning or late afternoon for the best light.

According to Thu Uyen, a tourism worker, the colder the weather, the deeper pink the flowers become.

"The flowers are most beautiful for about 10 days from the time they first bloom."

The pink forests of the northern pre-spring

Depending on the location the season is expected to last until the end of January. January is the peak tourist season in Mu Cang Chai. Travelers can rent motorbikes from homestays, but with many roads being steep and requiring riding skills, hiring motorbike taxis is a good option.

If there is an extra day or two, one can head to Tu Le Valley or soak in the natural hot springs at Tram Tau District.

Photos by Vinh Dav

 
 
go to top