Pear blossoms are in full bloom in the border commune.

Pear blossoms are in full bloom in Phiêng Khoài commune.

Unlike the vibrant pink of peach blossoms or the dense clusters of plum blossoms, pear blossoms possess a gentle and pure beauty. Each flower has five smooth white petals, with a prominent yellow pistil in the center, usually clustered in groups of 5-7 blossoms on the branches.

Pear blossoms typically bloom simultaneously in March and last for 3-4 weeks. Cooler weather helps the white blossoms last longer and increases the fruit set rate. Phiêng Khoài commune currently has nearly 70 hectares of pear trees, mainly concentrated in the villages of Cồn Huốt 1, Thanh Yên 1, Thanh Yên 2, Quỳnh Chung, and Kim Chung 3.

The branches of the Tai Nung pear tree are in full bloom.

Arriving at Thanh Yen 2 village, under the spring sunshine, pear blossoms sway in the wind, covering the branches. Standing amidst the blooming pear orchard, it feels like being transported to a dreamy space, where gentle white blossoms blanket the entire border region. Ms. Dinh Thi Nga, from Thanh Yen 2 village, shared: "My family has over 2 hectares of pear trees. From the end of February, my pear orchard begins to bloom. Everyone loves seeing the hills covered in white blossoms, but for growers like us, it's also a source of hope. If the flowers bloom evenly, with thick petals and bright yellow stamens, the chances of fruit setting are high. To ensure uniform flowering, growers must proactively prune branches, shape the canopy, and care for the trees after harvest. Pear blossoms are quite sensitive to prolonged drizzle; if there is heavy rain during the blooming period, the fruit setting rate will decrease."

The pear blossom season is a time when tourists flock to visit and take photos. Ms. Khuc Thu Hien from Mai Son commune shared: "I saw pictures of pear blossoms online, so I brought my family to Phieng Khoai this weekend to admire and take pictures. When we got there, it was even more beautiful. The flowers are pure white, each cluster standing out on the branches, looking very delicate."

Tourists take photos in the pear orchard.

Anticipating the demand for flowers in late spring, many flower shops have imported pear branches from Phieng Khoai to serve customers. Ms. Vu Minh Hanh, owner of Sen Flower shop in To Hieu ward, said: "This year I imported about 100 pear branches from Phieng Khoai to sell. The branches are slender, with many small buds, and after a few days in a vase, they will bloom beautifully in white. Customers like them because pear blossoms have a natural, elegant look. The price per branch ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 VND depending on the size."

Pear branches are cut and sold to meet the demand for ornamental purposes.

Amidst the vast expanse of white blossoms in late February, pear blossoms not only beautify the mountains and forests but also symbolize diligence and hope. Each pear blossom season is also when the farmers of Phiêng Khoài entrust their faith in a bountiful harvest on the hillsides of this border region.