1. A few words about the kapok flower
Gazing in awe at the red cotton flowers in the sky (Photo source: Collected)
1.1. Origin of the kapok tree
The cotton tree, also known as the cotton tree or the cotton tree, belongs to the Bombacaceae family. In the Central Highlands, people often call this tree Po-lang. According to many documents, the cotton tree originated in India and then became popular in many countries such as Indonesia, China, and Taiwan. When introduced to Vietnam, the cotton tree quickly became a familiar image of the countryside, associated with rice fields and the simple life of the people. Up to now, this flower not only has aesthetic value but also becomes an indispensable part of the experience of viewing cotton trees every March.
Legend has it that the silk cotton flower is the incarnation of a faithful girl who longs for her lover to return from Heaven every day. Moved by her love, the Jade Emperor allowed her to transform into a brilliant flower as a symbol of waiting and loyalty. Therefore, the experience of admiring silk cotton flowers is not only a journey to enjoy nature but also carries a profound meaning of love and connection.
1.2. Meaning of the cotton tree
The Kapok tree is a medium-sized tree, 15-20 m high, with horizontal branches, the whole trunk and branches have thorns, bearing palmate compound leaves with 5 leaflets, deciduous in the dry season, the Kapok tree is commonly planted in parks, temples and some scenic spots with spiritual cultural works. Those who are faint-hearted and know many folk proverbs by heart, and pass by the Kapok tree at night, right when the Kapok flowers fall from the branches on the corrugated iron roof, tile roof or on the dry leaves on the roadside, will probably be shocked, thinking that they are being teased by ghosts.
- Medicine: In oriental medicine, the kapok tree is also used a lot, the bark of the kapok tree is neutral so it has the effect of clearing heat and eliminating dampness. The kapok flower is sweet and cool, has the effect of treating diarrhea, clearing heat, detoxifying, it is also used to make tea. Not only that, the roots and leaves of the kapok tree can also be used as medicine.
- Economic value: There are long-grown kapok tree roots, the diameter can be up to 50-100cm, such a large size many people think that if used for wood it is very good but not, kapok tree wood is quite soft so using it to make wooden objects is not effective.
1.3. Meaning
The cotton tree is a flower associated with Vietnamese villages. Whenever we hear the name of the flower, we immediately think of a peaceful village, where there are fields, dykes, sunny village roads and somewhere the fragrant scent of new rice. The cotton tree is also a flower associated with the Central Highlands mountains and forests. The cotton tree represents strong, loyal and steadfast girls. The bright red wild cotton trees are like girls entering their twenties.
1.4. Interesting facts about the kapok tree
The cotton tree is a tall tree with wide leaves. The flowers are red and usually grow in the spring. Every year around the third lunar month, the cotton tree produces bright red flowers that cover the entire sky, blooming and falling red to the base of the tree. That characteristic of the cotton tree has created the unique beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. The cotton tree only blooms for about 2 weeks in the third lunar month and then falls. Although short-lived, it still leaves the deepest impression on the children of the countryside. In addition to the red cotton tree, there are also white cotton trees. Because they are much rarer than the red cotton tree, the white-flowered cotton tree is less well-known.
Winter comes, the time when the kapok tree sheds its leaves. The kapok tree stands tall and tall, reaching over the roof, silently enduring the cold. It is also the time when the kapok tree accumulates and waits to prepare for the flowering season.
The kapok tree is very old. It can be said that the kapok tree is associated with the lives of many generations of Vietnamese people. There are trees that live for over 700 years and still bloom and are green. The kapok tree is truly an admirable ancient tree.
2. When do the cotton trees bloom?
When the weather is still humid with the late spring drizzle, it is also the season of Northern cotton flowers blooming. On the bare branches are the buds blooming with bright red color, adding to the captivating scenery of Ha Giang mountains and forests, making you ecstatic when you see them.
Come to Ha Giang in March when the cotton flowers bloom, to see the vibrant red flames standing out in the peaceful setting.
3. The most impressive places to see cotton flowers
3.1. Vietnam Museum of History
Located right in the heart of Hanoi , the kapok tree in the National History Museum on Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem, is one of the most beautiful ancient kapok trees. When the kapok flower season comes, the brilliant red color covers the tree canopy, creating a poetic, nostalgic scene in the middle of the bustling streets. This is definitely a place not to be missed for those who love the experience of admiring kapok flowers in a historical space.
3.2. Thay Pagoda, Hanoi
Admiring the bright red cotton flowers blooming inside a thousand-year-old pagoda in Hanoi (Photo source: Collected)
Thay Pagoda, located at the foot of a limestone mountain range in Sai Son Commune, Quoc Oai District, is not only famous for the legend of Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh but also attracts visitors with its charming scenery. When March comes, the red cotton flowers bloom against the deep blue sky, blending with the ancient beauty of the pagoda, creating a peaceful natural picture. This is an ideal destination for those who want to combine a spiritual journey with the experience of admiring the poetic red cotton flowers.
3.3. Doan Nu Village
Located in An My commune, My Duc district, Doan Nu village is known as "the most beautiful red cotton tree road in Hanoi". Two rows of ancient red cotton trees on both sides of the road create a poetic scene every season from March to April. This place attracts many photographers and tourists who love to experience watching cotton trees, enjoying the magical beauty when the dry branches suddenly bloom with intense vitality.
3.4. Perfume Pagoda
Huong Pagoda with red cotton flowers reflecting on Yen stream (Photo source: Collected)
Huong Pagoda - one of the most famous scenic spots in Vietnam, is also a great destination to enjoy the season of red cotton flowers. Along both banks of Yen stream, red cotton flowers bloom like small flames, decorating the majestic mountain scenery. What could be more wonderful than sitting on a light boat drifting along the stream, enjoying the peaceful space and experiencing the brilliant red cotton flowers in the middle of poetic nature?
3.5. Ha Giang
Not only famous for its winding roads between the mountains and forests of the Northwest, Ha Giang is also an ideal stop to enjoy the season of cotton flowers. From Yen Minh to the Dong Van stone plateau, cotton flowers bloom brightly, dotting the wild landscape, creating a majestic natural picture. In particular, along the road from Meo Vac, the red color of cotton flowers shines brightly among the mountains, bringing an impressive cotton flower viewing experience that anyone should explore at least once.
The experience of viewing the red cotton flowers is not only an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature but also a journey to capture emotional moments in each blooming season. If you love the simple yet charming beauty of this flower, do not miss the wonderful destinations above!
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/trai-nghiem-ngam-hoa-gao-mien-bac-v16726.aspx
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