Nestled along the trekking path to Ta Chi Nhu Peak, Nam Nghiep Village in Ngoc Chien Commune, Muong La District, Son La Province has emerged as a favored destination for tourists.
During this time of the year, amidst its rugged charm, the village draws visitors eager to capture the sight of tao meo flowers painting the mountains and forests white.
Adorning the villagers' homes and the hillsides, these trees are integral to the Hmong people's way of life. When the flowers bloom, it's a sign that spring has arrived.
By September - October, the fruit is ready for harvest for various culinary uses, from making wine to sweet treats.
Nguyen Trong Cung, a 29-year-old traveler from the northern province of Thai Binh, captured the flowers during his visit to Nam Nghiep Village in early March. These blooms stay at their most beautiful until early April, and their longevity is influenced by weather patterns.
The villagers' pathway home is framed with the beauty of the white flowers.
Located about 10 kilometers away from Ngoc Chien Commune Center, visitors can reach Nam Nghiep Village via motorbike or pickup truck.
Cuong also mentioned renting a car for about VND300,000 ($12) per person for a round trip.
While tao meo flowers may not have the pure white look as some other flowers, Cung believes they still have a natural beauty that mirrors the simplicity of the locals.
Remembering his past visits, Cung reminisced about the flower season in 2022, when all tao meo trees in the region were covered in white blossoms. This year, the blooming period is expected to last 1 - 2 weeks.
Currently, there aren't many tourists visiting the village. Normally, a day trip to the village is enough to see the flowers and take photos.
Cung suggests visitors come early in the morning or at sunset for the best experience. Additionally, there's a coffee shop at the top of the village's highest hill where visitors can enjoy watching the sunset and the panoramic view of the flower-covered area below.
