Located in the northwest region of Vietnam, the Hoang Lien Son Mountain Range stretches over 180 kilometers across the provinces of Lao Cai, Lai Chau, and Yen Bai. This mountain range lies between the Red River and the Da River, the two major rivers in Vietnam. It is the highest and largest mountain range in the country, with many of Vietnam’s mountains surpassing 2,800 meters in height. One of the notable peaks is Mount Fansipan, which stands at 3,143 meters and is often referred to as the “Roof of Indochina”.
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| Rhododendron (also known as Do Quyen) is a specific flower that grows in high mountains in Vietnam, such as Hoang Lien Son, Bach Ma, and Tam Dao. Photo: Daidoanket |
The Hoang Lien Son Vietnam terrain is characterized by its towering and vast nature, with steep slopes, sharp peaks, and narrow, deep valleys. The geology of the region includes various types of rocks, such as metamorphic rocks, crystalline schists, and granite.
According to statistics, the mountain peaks in the Hoang Lien Son range are home to up to 40 different species of Rhododendron, each boasting its own unique beauty that adorns the Northwest mountains and forests.
This valuable asset not only contributes to the biosphere and environmental stability, but also holds great potential for tourism development. This special flower can bring economic and cultural value, actively promoting the image of Vietnam’s mountains and forests.
Among the mountain peaks adorned with Rhododendron flowers, Putaleng Peak in Lai Chau province is often mentioned. It is considered the capital of Hoang Lien Son Rhododendron in the Northwest region, boasting a dense population of tall trees and ancient Rhododendron flowers.
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| The mountain peaks in the Hoang Lien Son range are home to up to 40 different species of Rhododendron, each boasting its own unique beauty that adorns the Northwest mountains and forests. Photo: Daidoanket |
Rhododendron (also known as Do Quyen) is a specific flower that grows in high mountains in Vietnam, such as Hoang Lien Son, Bach Ma, and Tam Dao. It comes in two colors, red and white, and blooms year-round, with April being the most notable time. Fansipan Mount (Lao Cai Province) is also known as the “Kingdom of Rhododendron”.
In Lai Chau Province, a 2,619-meter-high mountain peak was recently surveyed by a tourism unit, which proposed naming it “Do Quyen Peak” to develop local tourism that showcases this special flower.
In the past, to admire the blooming rhododendron flowers in Hoang Lien Son forest, one had to climb and traverse dangerous forest routes to reach the higher areas and witness the colorful carpets of rhododendrons amidst the green slopes below. Nowadays, with the cable car system to Fansipan, visitors can soar above and admire the beauty of the rhododendrons.
The rhododendron forest spans from nearly 2,000 meters up to Fansipan at 3,143 meters in height. When the flowers bloom, visitors in the cable car cabins can enjoy the sight of golden or bright red blossoms spread throughout.
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| When the flowers bloom, visitors in the cable car cabins can see various beautiful golden or bright red blossoms. Photo: Daidoanket |
Thousands of aged rhododendron roots, spanning from around 2,000 meters to Fansipan, have been collected and cultivated at the Sun World Fansipan Legend tourist complex.
To help visitors fully immerse themselves in the beauty of these precious flowers at Fansipan, a rhododendron festival is held featuring various cultural activities from the Northwest region.
To explore Hoang Lien National Park and conquer Fansipan, the “rooftop of Indochina,” tourists can choose between climbing or using cable cars. For trekkers, there are three routes to climb Fansipan: Cat Cat Route, Sin Chai Route, and Tram Ton Route. Among them, Tram Ton Route is the most popular and easiest, taking approximately 2 days and 1 night to reach the summit. Cat Cat Route takes 3 days and 2 nights, while Sin Chai Route is considered the most challenging and treacherous, requiring 4 days and 3 nights. It is advised that tourists choose the most suitable route for their trekking adventure.
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| To explore Hoang Lien National Park and conquer Fansipan – the rooftop of Indochina, tourists can choose either climbing or using cable cars. Photo: Daidoanket |
The H’Mong ethnic minority group is the most prominent group in Hoang Lien National Park. However, travelers may also come across people from other ethnic tribes, such as Dao and Day. Starting a conversation with them is easy, as most of them are proficient in English. They have learned different languages from the tourists they meet daily or at school. By getting to know them, tourists can listen to their stories and even share a meal and laughter when invited into their homes. It will be a brand new experience to live with them, even if just for a day.
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