Hanoi embraces the blossoming season of Wild Sunflowers
In early December, the mountainous region of Ba Vi on the outskirts district of Hanoi, is painted in the bright yellow hue of Da Quy- wild sunflowers- creating a breathtakingly poetic landscape.
Located about 60 kilometers west of Hanoi, Ba Vi National Park in Ba Vi District is a place of natural beauty, home to majestic landscapes and a variety of rare species of flora and fauna.
The wild sunflowers bloom for just over a month, so visitors are encouraged to visit Ba Vi Mountain before the season ends. The entrance fee to the wild sunflower garden is VND60,000 or around US$2 for adults, VND20,000 ($1) for students, and VND10,000 ($0.5) for schoolchildren.
While at Ba Vi Mountain, visitors also have the opportunity to explore other attractions such as Thuong Temple, dedicated to Tan Vien Son Thanh, the Ba Vi pine forest, and Son Tinh Camp, among others.
When the northeast monsoon winds sweep into Hanoi, bringing cold, biting air, it signals the arrival of the wild sunflower season, when these flowers burst into brilliant bloom.
This year, the wild sunflower season began in late November and early December, with thousands of tiny yellow-orange blooms covering the park in a vibrant blanket.
The flowers stretch along a 12.5-kilometer stretch of road leading up to the summit of Ba Vi Mountain.
As visitors pass through the entrance gate and head into the pine forest, they catch a glimpse of the wild sunflowers, which seem to form golden carpets on the mountain slopes.
One of the highlights of the park is a hill of wild sunflowers that covers more than 10 hectares at an altitude of 400 meters.
Located just 200 meters from the pine forest, this stunning patch of blooms invites visitors to stroll along the paths and enjoy the panoramic views of the forest in full bloom.
Interestingly, wild sunflowers are not native to Ba Vi Mountain. They were introduced by the French and planted extensively from 1930 to 1945.
Over time, the flowers have flourished in the fertile soil, becoming a beloved feature of the landscape that now attracts countless tourists.
Thanks to the region’s favorable climate, wild sunflowers, along with elms, grow naturally without requiring much maintenance, yet they continue to thrive and define the area’s unique beauty.
Within the confines of Hanoi can be found a haven of peace and tranquility with a spectacular backdrop of mountains and water. The waves lapped lightly against our boat as streaks of sunlight shyly peeked through a morning curtain of cloud. Fresh, breezy air whispered in my ears as a vast green carpet unfolded magically before […]
