The purple Tibouchina trees are planted in Suoi Bon village (Van Ho commune), nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains and terraced rice fields. The location is about 25 km from Moc Chau town, situated at an altitude of 800-1,000 m above sea level, and enjoys a cool climate year-round.

From early September, thousands of Tibouchina trees bloom simultaneously, covering a vast area in purple. The vibrant purple hue offers a novel contrast to the white of plum blossoms or the bright yellow of wild sunflowers, attracting numerous visitors from neighboring provinces to admire and photograph the spectacle.

The photo captures a corner of the hill covered in blooming Tibouchina trees, standing out against the blue sky and the terraced rice paddies.

Purple Tibouchina typically blooms around September, as the weather transitions to autumn. This year, the flowers bloomed earlier, showcasing their vibrant colors from the beginning of the month.

The purple Tibouchina planted in Suoi Bon originates from Australia and is scientifically known as *Melastoma candidum* D.Don. Mature trees can grow over 3 m tall with a canopy spreading 3-5 m wide. The flowers are a deep purple, with thicker and larger petals than those of other Tibouchina species found in Vietnam.

According to locals, the flowers bloom once a year and last for about a month.

Quang Kien, a tourism professional in Moc Chau, observed that this year's bloom is more vibrant and uniform than in previous years. The farm is currently open to the public free of charge.

Purple Tibouchina flowers emerge from the light mist, adding a touch of color to the northwest landscape in early autumn.

The ideal time to visit the flower-covered hill is early morning, from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m., to catch the sunrise. With a bit of luck, visitors might witness clouds drifting across the mountain slopes. The late afternoon, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., is also a picturesque time as the sunset casts a golden glow over the area.

Nguyen Ha Phuong, a Moc Chau resident, visited the Tibouchina hill for the first time. The 25-year-old described it as a "novel" destination for local youth and tourists.

"I really enjoyed my visit; the scenery was even more beautiful than I expected," Phuong said.

Many locals choose to camp overnight on the hill to capture photos of both the sunset and the morning mist.

The road to Suoi Bon is about 3 km from National Highway 6. While generally accessible, it can become slippery after rain. Less experienced drivers are advised to park at the foot of the hill and walk up for safety. Besides admiring the Tibouchina flowers, visitors can also enjoy the golden rice paddies and stroll through the meadows in the cool autumn air. As this is a spontaneous attraction, visitors are reminded to secure their vehicles, maintain cleanliness, and avoid littering to preserve the landscape for others.

Currently, there are no food or accommodation services in Suoi Bon. Visitors are advised to stay in Moc Chau town and make a day trip to the area, combining it with other activities in the vicinity, such as visiting waterfalls and exploring the natural beauty of Van Ho commune.

Tuan Anh

*Photos: Quang Kien*