The colors of flowers in the border region

With its rocky, mountainous terrain, winter in Ha Giang is a dry, cold time. When the first drizzles appear, signaling the end of winter, a quiet rebirth is taking place in this border region.

And very quickly, Ha Giang donned a new coat, a miraculous transformation from barren to vibrant and full of life.

The arrival of spring also marks the beginning of our journey to this land of many emotions. We set off from milestone number 0, along the clear blue Mien River to Tung Vai commune, turning off from Quyet Tien, where there are some old plum trees, before reaching Quan Ba ​​Heaven's Gate.

Although not one of the highest places in Ha Giang, its unique topography means it's frequently shrouded in clouds, creating fog, especially in the early morning. Even when the sun is shining brightly in Can Ty, the entire Quan Ba ​​Heaven's Gate appears completely enveloped in clouds when viewed from there. Perhaps that's why it's called Heaven's Gate?

Lost in thought, I soon reached the Cán Tỷ slope. From here, there were two options: take the shorter path directly to Lao and Chải if time was a priority, or follow the old route. Although more difficult, this path, almost forgotten since the shortcut was built, would lead us through windswept pine hills and lush green meadows like small prairies, offering expansive views. The scattered peach blossoms by the old houses stirred my emotions.

The journey continues along National Highway 4C, where the majestic peaks surrounding the Tham Ma slope appear before us. This marks the turnoff to Van Chai commune, where Sao Ha village stands like an oasis in a valley surrounded by mountains. The mountains retain moisture and cool air, resulting in lush vegetation. A cool, green bamboo forest leads to the residential area where traditional tiled-roof houses are interspersed with blossoming peach trees.

Crossing the Tham Ma pass leads to the area considered the "capital" of peach blossoms in Ha Giang. Along both sides of the National Highway, rows of peach trees are planted continuously, starting from the center of Pho Cao commune to the center of Sung La commune. This area is also an ideal stopover point, because if you take this as your starting point, within a radius of just a few kilometers there are many places to "hunt" for flowers. There's Pho Bang with its bustling life as a town near the national border gate, Lao Xa with its vibrant colors of peach, plum, and mustard flowers, and Sang Tung, peaceful and hidden behind endless mountain ranges.

The winding road led us to Sa Phin commune, passing by rows of pristine white plum blossoms in the valley, to the turnoff to Lung Cu. Although not as abundant as before, peach and plum blossoms still peek through the small villages of Lung Tao, Ma Le, etc., when viewed from above.

And that vibrant color becomes even more prominent when Lung Cu is reached. Here, flowers no longer grow on rocks, but right in front of doors or in gardens in Lo Lo Chai, Then Pa, or Ta Gia Khau. The local government and people are actively preserving these local attractions, including protecting the peach trees and planting more peach blossoms – the characteristic flower of spring in Ha Giang.

Heritage Magazine