To the land of pear blossoms

The pear blossom season in Hong Thai commune is as beautiful as a painting.

Thorough preparation for the festival.

Located at an altitude of over 1,200m above sea level, Hong Thai boasts a cool climate year-round. However, perhaps the most enchanting time to visit this region is from late February to mid-March. Across the hillsides, in gardens, and along the winding roads of villages such as Khau Trang, Na Kiem, Pac Khoang, Na Mu, Hong Ba, Khuoi Phay… the white blossoms of pear trees can be seen everywhere.

Comrade Le Van Tu, Chairman of the People's Committee of Hong Thai commune, said: Currently, there are 106 hectares of pear trees in the commune. In 2020, Hong Thai commune's pears were certified as a 3-star OCOP product. In recent years, Hong Thai commune has focused on developing tourism as the commune's main economic sector, with year-round tourism. In spring, the commune organizes the annual Pear Blossom Festival, attracting tourists from all over to enjoy the scenery. This is considered a unique and attractive tourism product of the commune, highly appreciated by tourists.

The Hong Thai Pear Blossom Festival is scheduled to take place from February 28th to March 10th on a commune-wide scale. A new feature this year is the merger of three communes – Hong Thai, Da Vi, and Son Phu – into Hong Thai commune, resulting in an increased scale, more stalls, cultural and sporting performances, and a wider variety of OCOP (One Commune One Product) products. The festival is an opportunity to celebrate the beauty of pear blossoms and the natural landscape of the highlands of Hong Thai commune, contributing to the preservation and promotion of the traditional cultural values of the ethnic minorities in the area. The activities of the 2026 Pear Blossom Festival will also be linked to the development of tourism, trade, and services, stimulating demand for products, especially agricultural products, OCOP products, and local goods.

According to the organizational plan, this year's festival is meticulously planned with a rich series of cultural and tourism activities, creating a vibrant spring scene that is both deeply rooted in traditional identity and infused with the spirit of modern community tourism. The highlight of the festival is the opening night, scheduled for 8 PM on February 28th, 2026 (Saturday), where the pear blossoms blend with light, music , and unique artistic performances themed "Hong Thai Spring Colors - 2026," including a traditional fire dance performance by the local Dao ethnic group. Within the framework of the Hong Thai Pear Blossom Festival 2026, there will be programs such as: the Hong Thai Highland Culinary Culture Festival 2026; exhibition and introduction of OCOP products, characteristic products, and tea-drinking spaces of Hong Thai commune; check-in at the ancient pear tree garden and the longest pear blossom road in Vietnam. Activities include: Visiting and experiencing the Khau Trang community tourism village in Hong Thai commune; Men's and women's Pickeball and Volleyball tournaments; the Hong Thai commune ethnic costume performance competition in 2026; Embroidery and beeswax dotting competition on traditional costumes…

The pear blossom road in Hong Thai commune.

Tourist highlights

Ms. Ban Thi Thuong, a member of the Dao Tien ethnic group and owner of the Mac Cop homestay in Khau Trang village, affirmed: "Pear blossoms are not only a gift of nature's beauty, but have now become a 'tourism attraction,' completely transforming the lives of our Dao people. Since tourists discovered the pear blossom season, this peaceful village has become more vibrant. We not only sell beautiful scenery, but also traditional culture, simple meals, and the hospitality of the highlanders."

According to Ms. Thuong, tourists who come to Hong Thai during the flower blooming season don't just come to take photos and leave. They choose to stay in traditional wooden houses, embroidering with the hosts and cooking local specialties. This connection has created a sustainable tourism brand for the highland commune of Hong Thai. Following the commune's directive, this year's homestays in the area are actively upgrading their facilities, preparing clean food, and maintaining good environmental hygiene to welcome guests and provide them with the best possible experience. Currently, Hong Thai has 11 homestays and 3 guesthouses, and during the festival, many local houses will be converted into short-term accommodation facilities.

These days at the Khau Trang Village Cultural Center, the embroidery and beeswax painting club of the Dao Tien ethnic group, whose members are all women from the village, are actively preparing for the pear blossom season. Ms. Trieu Thuy Hang, a skilled beeswax painter from the Dao Tien ethnic group, shared: "All the women are eager to showcase the traditional beauty of our homeland to tourists. Besides embroidery and beeswax painting, many women are also actively renting out traditional costumes for tourists to take photos with the pear blossoms. The interaction between locals and tourists enhances friendliness, openness, and hospitality."

The Hong Thai Pear Blossom Festival is fast approaching. With thorough and meticulous preparation, the festival is expected to become a highlight, kicking off the spring festival tourism season in Tuyen Quang.

Text and photos: Quang Hoa

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/van-hoa/du-lich/202601/ve-mien-hoa-le-5fb1a37/