Experience Early Lunar New Year in the Highlands of Thanh Hoa with Peach and Plum Blossoms Bloom

Although there is nearly one month to go before the Lunar New Year (Tet), the highland hamlets of Son – Ba – Muoi in Co Lung commune, Thanh Hoa province, are already filled with early signs of spring.

These days, along the mountain slopes and the entrance to Son – Ba – Muoi, wild peach trees have burst into bloom early, tinting the surrounding forest landscape pink. In the characteristic cool weather of the highlands, the gentle pale pink of the blossoms stands out against the deep green of the ancient forest, signaling Lunar New Year’s arrival earlier than usual.

Located more than 1,000 meters above sea level, the three hamlets of Son – Ba – Muoi are surrounded year-round by towering mountain ranges. The cool climate and suitable soil have made this area known as a “land of wild peach trees” during spring.

According to local residents, this year is a leap year with weather conditions that alternate between warm sunny days and light cold spells. This pattern has helped the wild peach trees bloom early, bringing Lunar New Year atmosphere even while winter still lingers.

The wild peach blossoms in Co Lung are not brightly vivid but display a soft, delicate pink—simple and rustic—deeply tied to the lives of the highland people.

From stilt house porches and winding little paths to schoolyards and fields, the pale blossoms appear softly in the early mist. The image of Thai girls in traditional costume beside branches of wild peach blossoms adds even more life and cultural richness to the spring scenery.

Among the stretches of pink blossoms, wild plum flowers (white blossoms) are also in bloom across the hillsides. Small clusters of white plum blossoms cover gardens, stream edges, and mountainsides, creating a pristine contrast against the deep green of the forests.

In the drifting morning mist, the plum blossoms appear pure and tranquil, evoking a sense of clarity and peacefulness as spring touches the highlands.

Not only peaches and plums, but rows of rapeseed flowers planted by local people along paths and field edges are also in full bloom. The golden rapeseed blankets form small bright carpets that add more brilliance to the mountain landscape of Co Lung.

Interspersed among traditional peach gardens, some cherry blossom branches planted experimentally in the village center and along inter-village roads are also blooming, creating fresh highlights that harmonize with the local scenery.

Beyond the early spring blossoms, Son – Ba – Muoi also attracts visitors with a dreamy sea of clouds each early morning—white clouds spilling over mountain slopes, weaving between stilt house roofs and flower gardens, creating an ethereal landscape.

Amid modern life, the highlands of Co Lung still preserve their primitive, simple charm, so each spring, the forest flowers bloom quietly—awakening the purest feelings in both nature and people. The beauty of peach and plum blossoms has made Thanh Hoa a poetic landscape, attracting visitors to come and admire the scenery and take photos.