Sa Pa - O Long tea hill: the last cherry blossom season

The cherry blossom season at O Long Sa Pa tea hill is in full bloom and is confirmed to be the last season before the area is converted into an eco-urban area. The flowers usually bloom from early December to late January, most brilliant in the first 2-3 weeks of the month. The area does not collect admission; visitors often buy 100g of tea to support the visit and take photos.

In the early winter weather, a thin mist covers Sa Pa, the pink cherry blossoms bloom amidst the vast green tea fields, creating a contrasting yet harmonious scene. This is the ideal time to watch, take pictures and feel the scent of young tea wafting in the wind.

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Why you should go now

This is the last chance to see the pink color of cherry blossoms interwoven with the straight rows of tea on the O Long tea hill. The scene is likened by many tourists to a miniature corner of Japan in the middle of Sa Pa: romantic, quiet and very "photogenic".

In the morning, the dew clings to the petals catching the sunlight, the flower arches glow a clear pink. In the afternoon, the soft light deepens the pink color, the green tea background deepens, creating a warm and poetic shade.

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Explore and experience

Walking along the tea slopes, rows of cherry blossoms run one after another amidst the lush green, changing shades according to the light. The feeling of walking under the flower canopy, sitting next to the tea beds listening to the wind and inhaling the scent of young tea is a peaceful experience, separate from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Many photographers come here to "hunt" for moments: drooping flower arches, straight tea roads, and drifting clouds. The afternoon light angle helps the flower petals stand out, highlighting the light pink color on the dark green background of the tea.

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Origin of tea hills and cherry blossom trees

Mr. Hoang Trung Hieu (local resident) said that O Long tea hill has been famous for many years. Tea growing is the main source of income; cherry blossom trees are planted to preserve the soil following the model of Taiwanese experts, brought from Yunnan, China to Sa Pa due to suitable soil. Tourism here is not yet developed, but the landscape still attracts many photographers.

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Light and timing of capture

According to Mr. Hieu, the ideal time to take beautiful photos of flowers at O Long tea hill is around 2 p.m. when the sun is high and the flowers are bright without being obscured by clouds. If you want to hunt for clouds, you can go early in the morning or late in the afternoon between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The flowering season lasts from early December to late January, but is at its best during the first 2–3 weeks. This is the golden window for those who want to capture the last blooms of the season.

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Practical information

Bloom time: early December – late January; most brilliant first 2–3 weeks of December.
Best time to take pictures: around 2pm; cloud hunting early morning or late afternoon, between 7am and 4pm.
Entrance: no entrance fee; visitors usually buy 1 pound of tea to support the tour and take pictures.
Destination nature: not an official tourist area; large, quiet space.

Tips for short trips

Go early in the season to catch the flowers at their peak.
Early winter has fog, the sun changes quickly; wait for the sun to rise to limit clouds covering the flowers.
Wear neat clothing when moving between tea rows; keep personal waste to keep the landscape clean.
Respect local tea production when visiting and taking photos.

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This year’s flower season is not only beautiful, but also special because it signifies the end of a familiar moment in Sa Pa. If you have ever wished to stand among the pink of cherry blossoms and the deep green of Oolong tea, now is the time to go.

Source: https://baonghean.vn/sa-pa-doi-che-o-long-mua-mai-anh-dao-cuoi-cung-10314546.html