Nam Nghiep in the camellia flower season

Located at an average altitude of 2,500m above sea level, Nam Nghiep village in Ngoc Chien commune, Muong La district, Son La province – a place where the sky and the earth are just a hand's reach apart. Nam Nghiep village is most beautiful in spring when the hawthorn trees (wild apples) bloom profusely throughout the mountains and forests like giant cotton candy, suspended against the clear blue sky.

Every year, after the Lunar New Year, when the plum and peach blossoms are fading, the hawthorn blossoms begin to bloom. It wasn't until several years later, after hearing rumors about the beauty of this small village in the highlands, comparable to Japan or South Korea during cherry blossom season, that I finally decided to visit Nam Nghiep. The road to Nam Nghiep is a real challenge, even for experienced drivers. Large rocks jut out from the road surface, and sitting in the car felt like I was riding a death-defying bouncy castle. The car jolted violently, and sharp hairpin turns came one after another. After that stretch of road, a breathtaking panorama of mountains and hillsides covered in white hawthorn blossoms unfolded before my eyes. A pristine place amidst a paradise of white clouds, where it seemed as if I could reach out and touch the sky. Tiredness vanished after a long, deep breath of the pure air amidst the vast expanse of hawthorn blossoms; everything was crystal clear, untouched by worldly dust.

Nam Nghiep boasts over 1,600 hectares of hawthorn trees. Of this, approximately 800 hectares are planted with ancient trees, some 300-500 years old. These majestic hawthorn trees stand tall against the sky, glistening in the sunlight. Some have lush, long branches that hang down gracefully like a maiden's hair adorned with blossoms. When in full bloom, the hawthorn trees are covered in pure white flowers, clustered together, without any green leaves.

Following the red dirt road winding around the hills covered in blooming hawthorn blossoms, I entered the residential area of ​​Nam Nghiep village, their houses perched precariously on the high hills. Despite the difficult conditions, the people here wear radiant faces, radiating happiness. The women and children wore meticulously sewn, colorful dresses, but the most beautiful thing was their smiles. The children of Nam Nghiep had white teeth, chubby, rosy cheeks, and clear, sparkling eyes. I was captivated watching the children laugh and talk with each other, playing little games with them; a feeling of happiness and peace filled my heart. When they saw me raise my camera, they covered their mouths and giggled, whispering something to each other before running off behind an old hawthorn tree. As we got closer, they pointed out the largest flowering trees high up on the hill, where I could catch a spectacular sunset and enjoy a feeling of being very close to paradise .