Cham Island in the season of paulownia blossoms.

This is the perfect time for tourists to visit Cham Island and admire the blooming paulownia flowers. Photo: Quoc Tuan

From the end of July, the paulownia blossoms begin to appear in many corners of the forests of Cu Lao Cham. On Hon Lao, paulownia trees grow everywhere, clustered together on the hillsides, scattered along the cliffs near the beach, or occasionally along the roadside where one might come across a "lonely" paulownia tree whispering beside a clear stream.

The paulownia flower is a symbol of the vibrant life of the land and people of the island, as it sprouts from the cliffs, adapts to the barren soil, and blooms profusely during the hottest time of the year.

While the paulownia flowers of Hue (blooming around April each year) are famous for their elegant pale pink color, characteristic of a "royal flower" associated with the royal court, the paulownia flowers of Cu Lao Cham island are a vibrant red, reflecting the strength and generosity of the inhabitants of this windswept land.

Before the development of tourism , the paulownia tree was closely associated with the lives of the people of Cu Lao Cham. Several parts of the paulownia tree can be processed into medicinal remedies, essential oils, and especially hammocks. Each paulownia hammock, even the cheapest ones, costs at least several million dong, significantly improving the livelihoods of the local people.

The blooming season of the paulownia flowers usually lasts quite a long time (about more than a month), making it suitable for incorporating into tourist attractions and photo opportunities. The most beautiful paulownia flower area that tourists can easily access in Cu Lao Cham is at the beginning of Bai Xep beach.

Paulownia flowers are in full bloom at Bai Xep, Cu Lao Cham. Photo: Quoc Tuan

Here lies a paulownia forest with dozens of trees growing gently on the hillside, right beside the main road. Most visitors who wander into this area are sure to be amazed by the wondrous beauty of nature and take the opportunity to capture impressive photos amidst the "forest of paulownia flowers" at Bai Xep.

Recognizing the diverse potential of the paulownia tree, in recent years the local authorities have actively propagated this species on the island, even building a road named "Red Paulownia" over 300 meters long with the hope of increasing the tourism value of the area. Since 2022, the locality has organized the "Cu Lao Cham - Red Paulownia Flower Season" festival and maintained it annually to promote the unique value of the paulownia tree.

According to Ms. Pham Thi My Huong, Chairwoman of the Tan Hiep Commune People's Committee, this year, due to several reasons, the locality will not be organizing the "Cu Lao Cham - Red Paulownia Flower Season" festival, but will implement several measures to enhance communication and attract visitors. These include the "Sharing Moments with Paulownia Flowers" activity, which will run from August 5th to 12th, offering unique souvenirs.

In 2015, a cluster of three paulownia trees (approximately 155-250 years old) in the Tinh Stream slope area was recognized as heritage trees by the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection. In 2024, the traditional craft of weaving paulownia hammocks was also recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/cu-lao-cham-mua-hoa-ngo-dong-3299164.html