Maple leaf season in Bach Ma forest

In February, the maple forests in Bach Ma National Park ( Hue City) turn a vibrant red, attracting visitors for trekking and photography.

Bach Ma National Park covers a total area of ​​approximately 37,500 hectares, boasting diverse landscapes including mountains, forests, waterfalls, streams, and over 2,300 plant species and 1,700 animal species. Rare and endangered flora and fauna in the forest that need protection include the brown-footed langur, saola, white pheasant, cypress, and agarwood.

In early February, the weather in Hue is cool, and the maple forests on Bach Ma Mountain turn red, peeking through the mist and clouds, creating a colorful natural landscape.

Photographer Nguyen Phong, who lives in Hue City, went trekking in Bach Ma on February 12th and captured a series of photos of the maple forest during its leaf-changing season. He said that the beginning of the year is a beautiful time to admire the maple forest changing leaves and the early spring scenery on the summit of Bach Ma.

The red maple, also known as fragrant maple or simply maple, has the scientific name Fagraea ceilanica. This species is characterized by its pleasant fragrance and is commonly found in tropical regions, most notably in the forests of Southeast Asia.

The maple trees in Bach Ma are of the trilobite variety, different from the red maples in temperate countries. There are thousands of red maple varieties worldwide, classified by the number of lobes and leaf color. This species is a woody, long-lived tree, 2-10 meters tall, and is often planted in urban areas for shade.

According to Phong, the red leaves at Bach Ma don't grow in clusters but are scattered along the trails leading to the summit, extending to Do Quyen Waterfall and Ngu Ho Lake.

The higher you go, the lower the temperature becomes, and the mountain scenery appears hazy in the mist and clouds. Bach Ma is Vietnam's only stretch of primeval forest connecting the sea to the Vietnam-Laos border. Here you can also find abandoned villas, once a resort for French officers and the Hue elite.

The naturally growing maple trees, some around a hundred years old, stand out in the winter landscape of the old villas with their vibrant red blossoms.

Mr. Le, 29 years old, living in Hue City, visited Bach Ma Forest for the first time on February 12th. He said he had heard a lot about the beauty of maple leaves, but seeing them with his own eyes was truly impressive.

"The feeling of walking under the forest canopy, admiring the vibrant red maple leaves, is an unforgettable experience," said Anh Le.

Besides the red maple leaves, visitors to Bach Ma in February and March also have the opportunity to admire the pink hues of bellflower and rhododendron blossoms.

The photo shows bellflower blossoms near the Do Quyen waterfall. Bach Ma National Park.

The group of tourists rested and took photos under an ancient maple tree near the mountaintop on February 12th.

Mount Bach Ma is at an altitude of 1,450 meters; the closer you get to the summit, the more red maple leaves appear.

The Five Lakes Waterfall is a familiar stop for tourists exploring the Bach Ma forest, with its clear, cool water flowing year-round.

Bach Ma National Park is located approximately 40 km from Hue city. Visitors should follow National Highway 1A south to Phu Loc town, then continue following the signs at kilometer 3 to reach the park. Entrance fee is 60,000 VND per person. Visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes as the paths can be slippery, and be sure to clean up any trash if you bring food or supplies.

Source: https://baoquangninh.vn/mua-la-phong-tren-rung-bach-ma-3344365.html