Plum Blossom Season in Vietnam 2026

In Bac Ha, Vietnam, plum blossoms, or “hoa mận,” bloom as winter fades, blanketing the landscape in delicate white petals. The contrast between green hills and traditional wooden houses creates a picturesque scene, marking the start of a new agricultural cycle. This season also brings local festivals and cultural gatherings, offering visitors a glimpse into Bac Ha’s rich heritage.

Blooming Season

Bac Ha and nearby provinces are safe to visit from late January to early March when the blooming time has stabilized, and the plum blossoms are at their fullest. The blooming period may vary according to weather patterns each year.

Key Locations

Vietnam’s northern highlands offer some of the most breathtaking plum blossom displays, with Bac Ha in Lao Cai Province standing out as a prime destination. From late January to early March, villages such as Ban Pho, Na Hoi, and Thai Giang Pho are blanketed in delicate white flowers, creating a mesmerizing landscape. Moc Chau in Son La Province is another renowned location, often called the "land of white flowers." The rolling hills of Pa Phach and Long Luong villages become a sea of blossoms, attracting photographers and nature lovers. Mu Cang Chai in Yen Bai Province, known for its terraced rice fields, also offers stunning views of plum blossoms during the spring season.

Other notable locations include Sapa in Lao Cai Province, where villages like Ta Van and Lao Chai provide misty, picturesque backdrops for the blooming trees. Ha Giang Province, famous for its rugged mountains, features plum blossoms in districts like Dong Van and Meo Vac, where ethnic minority communities celebrate the arrival of spring. These regions typically experience plum blossom season between late January and March, making it an ideal time to explore Vietnam’s natural beauty while immersing in the cultural traditions of the northern highlands.

Vietnamese Activities

During the plum blossom season in Bac Ha and nearby provinces, visitors can admire the stunning white flowers while witnessing local farmers preparing rice paddies and tending to agricultural tasks. The scenic mountain backdrop and lush vegetation enhance the region's natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers. Tourists can explore traditional markets, take cooking classes, go trekking or hiking, and stay in homestays to experience local culture firsthand. Activities like biking and boat rides offer a peaceful way to enjoy the landscape. While Bac Ha does not host exclusive festivals during this time, visitors can still participate in Vietnam’s cultural events, such as Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), local parades, and visits to traditional temples and pagodas to learn about the country’s customs and religious heritage.