Buzz
As summer descends upon Hanoi, it brings with it the warm golden sunshine that bathes the streets and lanes. Trees cast refreshing green shadows after a season of sprouting and blossoming in spring. The city streets are awash with a kaleidoscope of flowers, from delicate April lilies to the purple hues of Bauhinia variegata in May. And as June arrives, it heralds the time when the millennium-old capital adorns itself with the simple yet distinctive fragrance of lotus blossoms. The lotus embodies purity, grace, and the indomitable spirit of aspiration, as extolled in Vietnamese folklore:
Amidst the tranquil district of Mỹ Đức lies the enchanting Đầm Sen, a scenic gem nestled approximately 55km southwest of bustling Hanoi. Opting for the nimble maneuverability of motorbikes, we embarked on our journey. The optimal time to behold the lotus blooms is between 7 to 8 in the morning, prompting an early rise with a departure at 5 am. Rest assured, the endeavor proves worthwhile, ensuring no disappointment. Traversing the Ngọc Hồi and Thanh Trì route towards the southern gateway, we shed the burdens of everyday life, immersing ourselves in the unhurried rhythm of the suburbs. Fields preparing for the sowing season, verdant patches of orchards, and the tranquil flow of the Đáy River. Occasionally, encountering early morning exercise enthusiasts imbues anticipation for the impending exploration. Under the morning sun and the gentle misty atmosphere, our bikes gracefully glide through the four districts of Thanh Trì, Thường Tín, Phú Xuyên, and Ứng Hòa, ultimately reaching the Đầm Sen in Đức Dương hamlet, An Phú commune, Mỹ Đức district. Meandering through narrow village lanes, we're greeted by undulating mountains shrouded in wisps of clouds, akin to a miniature Hà Giang in the heart of the Red River Delta.
After traversing the lengthy route, we've arrived at our destination.
Exploring the Lotus Season in An Phú
The vast expanse of Đầm Sen awaits.
Dubbed as the largest lotus lake in Northern Vietnam, spanning nearly 200 hectares amidst intertwining limestone mountains, this lotus lake paints a unique natural landscape.
Looming limestone mountains in the backdrop.
Previously, the people of An Phú faced numerous challenges in agriculture, particularly in rice cultivation due to the characteristic terrain of basin depressions, leading to flooding, crop failures, and inefficiency. Overcoming these difficulties, locals capitalized on the advantages of these sunken fields by transitioning to lotus cultivation. Not only did this mitigate the disadvantages of the terrain, but it also yielded higher income compared to previous crops. Furthermore, the allure of lotus blossoms has transformed this rural area into a tourist hotspot every summer.
A fragrant bouquet of lotus in hand.
Lotus season in An Phú typically spans from June to September each year, with peak bloom occurring in June and July. As the early morning sunlight gently infiltrates every corner of the tranquil countryside, each lotus bud emerges from the water, proud, resilient, unfurling its petals, releasing a sweet fragrance. The pink hue of the petals, intertwined with the golden stamens amidst the green leaves, composes a harmonious symphony of colors.
The 'solitary' tree amidst the serene lotus lake.
There's plenty of charm to be found here.
The pure fragrance of lotus carried by the wind creates a soothing, immensely pleasant morning. We're captivated by the picturesque scenery and the morning aroma of the suburban countryside.
Posing with lotus flowers with teammates Part 1
Posing with lotus flowers with teammates Part 2
Posing with lotus flowers with teammates Part 3
The people of An Phú are also diligently exploring various lotus varieties for diversified cultivation. In addition to the traditional pink lotus, we also encountered white lotus and Avalokitesvara lotus, all showcasing their beauty.
Traditional pink lotus.
Avalokitesvara lotus with multiple petals.
Here, there are also stalls offering affordable ao dai rental for people to take photos.
Posing beside conical hats and cub motorbikes.
We had the opportunity to meet Ms. Dao Bien - a resident of Đức Dương village, who has been deeply involved with lotus cultivation for many years. She enthusiastically shared her expertise on caring for lotus flowers and ensuring their longevity and beauty when arranged. She kindly lent us sun hats and a cub motorbike for our photo session. We also purchased a bunch of lotus flowers from her at a fantastic price. Her phone number is 0367664406. If you ever visit the lotus season in Mỹ Đức, don't hesitate to call her and support her or other friendly farmers in the area.
Immersing ourselves in the gentle fragrance of lotus.
Some nearby attractions near Đầm Sen An Phú
If you have time, you can also consider visiting the following attractions along the way to Đầm Sen An Phú:
Quan Son Lake:
Quang Phu Cau Fragrance Village:
Things to note when visiting
Immersing ourselves in the cool, green nature, savoring the gentle fragrance of lotus, meeting the friendly villagers of An Phú, we will always cherish the lovely memories of that adorable summer morning. It's truly peaceful and refreshing.
Mytour Golocal is a blog program introducing beautiful destinations across Vietnam, part of the Mytour Go & Share program. This is a great opportunity to promote local tourism to everyone. For each qualifying article, you will receive 800,000 VND and the chance to become a contributor with Mytour. For more information about the program, visit: https://trv.lk/golocal
