Song Mai Tan Phu

Over the years, during each Lunar New Year, four apricot blossom trees in Dong Nai province have become "shining stars" on social media. Two of these four "branded figures" are a pair of twin apricot blossom trees in the former Phu Xuan commune, now Tan Phu commune (the other two yellow apricot blossom trees are in Xuan Loc and Phu Loi communes).

In previous years, an ancient apricot blossom tree, approximately 70 years old, in Tan Phu commune bloomed profusely with vibrant yellow flowers during Tet.

Besides their exceptionally rare size, the fact that the homeowner always welcomes visitors to admire and take photos is what makes this pair of "twin apricot blossom trees" so attractive.

2 "Golden Globes" for Tet

These two yellow apricot blossom trees belong to the Tran Liem family in Phuong Mai hamlet, Tan Phu commune. Mr. Liem shared: “My mother meticulously cares for these trees every day. According to my mother, when we settled here in 1957, our family planted some apricot trees in their current location from saplings that grew wild in the garden. To this day, only the two oldest trees remain. These are also mementos from my parents' time together when they first got married.”

Currently, the "mai anh" tree has a trunk circumference of 1.48m, a canopy width of nearly 7m, and a height from base to top of over 7m. The "mai em" tree is slightly smaller with a trunk circumference of about 0.94m, a canopy width of over 5m, and a height from base to top of over 5m.

People take souvenir photos next to the small apricot blossom tree in Tan Phu during Tet in 2025.

Each year, the two apricot blossom trees bloom sporadically starting a month before Tet (Lunar New Year). Around the 15th day of the 12th lunar month, Mr. Liem's ​​family sets up scaffolding and everyone pitches in to remove the leaves. Relatives and neighbors also come to help. By New Year's Eve, the two trees are in full bloom, creating two "golden spheres" that illuminate the entire courtyard.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Xuan (residing in Tan Phu commune) said: “Our family had the opportunity to visit the yellow apricot blossom trees in Xuan Loc and Phu Loi. Both of those trees were very large, beautifully shaped, and had abundant blooms. Mr. Liem's ​​two apricot blossom trees are even more special because they are both enormous and grow on the same plot of land. This is very rare, because besides the care required, the space for the trees to grow is crucial. Many families also have apricot blossom trees that are decades old, but due to limited space and pruning, even with large trunks, the canopies are modest, which is a great waste.”

To date, the two apricot blossom trees in Mr. Liem's ​​house are 70 years old, 10-20 years older than the other two massive apricot blossom trees. This further enhances the appeal of this pair of golden apricot blossom trees.

Mr. Tran Liem shared: "Our family's wish is for these two apricot blossom trees to thrive so that, with human care, they will bring joy to the community during the Lunar New Year."

Everyone's spring destination

Along with the beautiful sight of the two apricot blossom trees in full bloom, the homeowner's always welcoming attitude towards visitors who come to take photos during Tet also creates a joyful start to the year for everyone who comes here.

Mr. Tran Liem said: "Except when the whole family is at work, the gate is closed. But when someone is home and guests come to see the apricot blossom tree, my family is always ready to welcome them. Especially during the period leading up to Tet, when the apricot blossom tree starts to bloom sporadically, many young men and women dress up and ask to come in to take pictures. Therefore, before Tet, the family always keeps the gate open for everyone to come in and take photos. On the first day of Tet, the gate is always open from 4 am to welcome relatives and friends to take pictures."

Mr. Tran Liem next to a large apricot blossom tree.

That's why, every year on the first day of Tet, Mr. Liem's ​​family receives the largest number of visitors in the commune, creating a joyful and bustling atmosphere. His whole family considers it a great joy at the beginning of the year.

Ms. Dang Thi Phuong (residing in Ta Lai commune) said: "For about five Tet holidays now, my family has never missed being by the two Tan Phu yellow apricot blossom trees to capture memorable images of the spring season. It's a joyful spring outing for the whole family, because we don't have to travel too far, and the scenery is very beautiful."

To prevent people from accidentally breaking the branches of the apricot blossom tree, and to provide support for the branches to bear the heavier weight of the blossoms, Mr. Liem's ​​family built a low railing, about 1 meter high, around the tree last year. This was welcomed by the neighbors because, although the homeowner is happy to let everyone have fun, they still need to protect the "health" of the pair of golden apricot blossom trees.

Currently, Mr. Liem's ​​family is carefully tending to their "Tan Phu twin apricot blossoms" so that this spring of the Year of the Horse 2026, they can continue to bring joy to everyone.

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Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202602/song-mai-tan-phu-14e6674/