Bun flower season along Kien Giang river

The poetic Kien Giang River flows beside the vast rice fields, bringing a peaceful and charming beauty to the land of Le Thuy (Quang Binh) - the hometown of General Vo Nguyen Giap. Every March and April, the scenery here becomes even more poetic when the vermicelli flower season comes.

The clusters of pale yellow flowers bloom, emitting a gentle fragrance, reflecting on the water surface, painting a peaceful picture, urging travelers to slow down and feel the vitality of the earth and sky.

Bun flowers have alternating white and yellow petals. Every March, the bun plants bloom, lighting up a corner of the sky.

The flowers bloom for about a month.

The Bun tree has the scientific name Crateva religiosa - originating from Japan, Australia, widely distributed in Asian countries. The name sounds simple, rustic and somewhat soft but the Bun tree is a rather sturdy and solid woody species.

The tree has a large, rough trunk and a lush canopy that covers a large area by the river. The villagers do not know when the tree was built or how old it is, but they only know that every year, in early summer, the flower tree lights up a corner of the sky.

On the way down to Loc Thuy commune, Le Thuy district, after visiting the memorial house of General Vo Nguyen Giap in An Xa village, visitors can admire the ancient vermicelli trees blooming with flowers in Tuy Loc village on the other side of the river.

Bun flower sounds strange but is very familiar to the people of Tuy Loc village, Loc Thuy commune, Le Thuy district. Under the shade of the ancient tree, many people come to take pictures when the tree blooms in April.

Bun tree has another name, Bach Hoa or Man Man. It is a medium sized tree, about 15-20 m tall, with a cylindrical trunk, strong branches, gray-brown bark; branches are often curved and drooping, very flexible (perhaps that is why it is called Bun). Bun flowers have 2 colors: white and yellow.

If you have the opportunity to visit Quang Binh , don't forget to stop at Le Thuy to admire the vermicelli flower season along the gentle Kien Giang river!

Photo: Nguyen Hai

Heritage Magazine