Lotus—which has become Vietnam’s national flower since 2011—symbolizes beauty, serenity, purity and spiritual elevation. The flower can be found everywhere around the country, and used in religion, arts and architecture.
The lotuses in this photo essay are in Dien Ban District, Quang Nam Province. Some lotus farmers in the area have earned their livelihood with lotus since the late 1970s. Summer is the local lotus harvest season.
Local farmers start picking lotus-seed pods before dawn. Lotus seeds are used in Vietnamese cuisine, particularly hot dishes. They are also usually roasted and served as a tasty snack.
However, lotus is more popular as scented lotus tea. Some farmers put green tea inside lotus flowers when the latter begin to close, around 11 p.m., and they then pick up the flowers at 3 a.m. This way, growers may come up with the best flavor from the lotus flowers for their tea.
Like in many other places in the world, lotus is considered a sacred flower in Vietnam, which grows and blossoms in mud.
Farmers ready to harvest lotus-seed pods.
A woman harvesting lotus-seed pods.
The sun shines on both the lotuses and the farmer.
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A closeup of a lotus in full bloom.
Ponds covered by lotus leaves.
Farmers gathering lotus-seed pods they have picked.
This year's festival boasts an impressive array of new features, including exquisite culinary showcases, captivating art performances, and a host of playful activities. The highlights are the Beer Festival, Culinary Passport, and Cuisine on a Plate, offering a unique and entertaining experience for all attendees.
To transform Quoc Oai District into a must-visit destination, the local government has embarked on a journey to enhance service quality and forge strategic partnerships with travel agencies. By including the district's unique attractions in tour itineraries, they aim to create a captivating experience that will draw visitors from near and far.
For the very first time, the diverse and rare wildlife of Indochina is being showcased to the world. This region, encompassing Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, has an abundance of unique and endangered species that are now on full display for all to see. It is a celebration of nature's wonders and a chance to appreciate the beauty and fragility of our planet's biodiversity.
As the sun rises over Vietnam, a new day dawns for health and wellness enthusiasts. The bustling parks echo with the sounds of energetic workouts, while families across the nation quietly embrace cleaner, healthier meals. It is a subtle yet powerful shift towards a lifestyle centered on wellbeing, with Vietnam carving its own unique path to a healthier future.
The festive season is a highly anticipated time for locals, and Hanoi's Old Quarter is abuzz with excitement as Christmas preparations kick into full gear.
