To day flowers, also known as pang to day, are considered forest peach blossoms by the Hmong people and symbolize winter in the highlands. These flowers typically bloom during the Hmong New Year, about one month before the Lunar New Year. According to Thu Uyen, a local tourism professional, this year's blooming season is expected to last from mid-December until close to the Lunar New Year. The most vibrant blooms are anticipated in the first two weeks of January.

"The colder the weather, the deeper pink the flowers become. The most beautiful period lasts about 10 days from when they first start to bloom," Uyen said.

Currently, visitors can find these flowers in Mi Hang village (Mo De commune), Trong Tong village (La Pan Tan commune), or along the central district roads. Travel blogger Bui Ngoc Cong (Blog cua Rot), who recently visited Mu Cang Chai, stated that late December is an ideal time to admire the flowers.

Flowers sparsely blooming in Mo De commune on 10/12. *Photo: M&N*

Cong advised visitors to thoroughly research before traveling to avoid misinformation about bloom locations and timings. "Social media today mixes truth and falsehood, so verifying information is crucial. Many people focus only on images and forget to read post details, leading to unsatisfactory experiences," Cong explained.

Additionally, researching the terrain, weather, culture, and harvesting seasons is essential for a smooth and well-timed trip. Cong noted that sometimes a group of visitors traveling in the same week might find the reality differs significantly from photos because the weather isn't consistent daily. A night rain can cause all the flowers to fall the next day.

For those with limited time, staying in one location, such as La Pan Tan, is sufficient. This area boasts numerous flowers, blooming vibrantly and stretching across many hills. "Just two days of exploring will be satisfying," Cong said, advising visitors to seek more information from Mu Cang Chai travel groups.

The journey from Hanoi to Mu Cang Chai takes about 8-9 hours. If traveling by bus, choose a reputable company to avoid overcrowding during peak season. Traveling in a group or renting a private car is considered more convenient. When visiting flower viewing spots, hiring a local to drive a motorbike is recommended for easier navigation and access to scenic photo opportunities.

Cong stayed at a homestay in the Nga Ba Kim area (located between Khau Pha Pass and the center of Mu Cang Chai commune), finding it very convenient for travel to La Pan Tan, with beautiful yet slightly steep roads leading into the village. Visitors can also stay at homestays directly within the villages, offering convenience for sightseeing and photography without extensive travel.

A corner of La Pan Tan. *Photo: Blog cua Rot*

Flowers blooming vibrantly on the hills. *Photo: Blog cua Rot*

Flowers in full bloom earlier this year. *Photo: Blog cua Rot*

A close-up of a to day flower. *Photo: Blog cua Rot*

Towards the end of the year, the weather is cold, with temperatures potentially dropping to 2-3 degrees Celsius, especially in high mountainous areas. Visitors should bring appropriate clothing, including thermal shirts, gloves, and thick jackets. The Mu Cang Chai Tourism Forum continuously updates information on bloom schedules for visitors worldwide to track easily.

Besides to day flowers, Mu Cang Chai also has many areas cultivating buckwheat flowers, which are currently in full bloom.

Tam Anh