Buzz
There exists a delicate and fragrant flower, gently swaying in the breeze, exuding a subtle aroma and adorned in pure white with dewdrops glistening like morning dew. That enchanting flower is none other than the Sapa plum blossom, a precious gift bestowed upon the land of Sapa and the Northwest region by Mother Nature. Let's delve into the world of Sapa plums together.
1. Insights into Sapa Plums
Renowned for its lush landscapes and scenic beauty, Sapa is hailed as a sanctuary of nature's bounty. It's a land where birds sing melodies, and orchards flourish with an array of fruits: Sapa plums, Sapa peaches, Sapa crispy pears, and an assortment of other delectable fruits. Among these, the Sapa plum variety reigns supreme, capturing the hearts of countless travelers.
Sapa Plums are renowned for their distinctive deliciousness, large size, and early ripening. Typically, from May to June, the plum trees bear ripe fruits, attracting locals to harvest and sell them. This period also welcomes numerous tourists to visit and indulge in plum-picking adventures.
Apart from immersing oneself in an incredibly romantic and verdant environment, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary plums. However, consumption is limited to the orchard premises, and tourists must adhere to the rules set by the orchard owner during their visit.
2. The Most Beautiful Time for Sapa Plum Blossoms
If someone asks when is the best time to visit Sapa, we would gladly answer that it's during the blooming season of plum blossoms and the ripening season of rice. These are the two most picturesque times in Sapa and also the peak tourist seasons each year.
As the weather transitions into spring and sheds its chill, it heralds the blooming season of plum blossoms. Many tourists visiting here have undoubtedly marveled at and checked in to experience the graceful beauty of these flowers. Every year in February and March, Sapa is adorned in the pure white hue of plum blossoms.
Plum blossoms don't bloom singly but rather in abundance, blanketing both sides of the road, hillsides, villages, and throughout the town center. The Sapa plum trees are long-standing, each with old roots, thick trunks, multiple branches, and when they bloom, they burst into clusters of beautiful white flowers, magically captivating all who see them.
Plum blossoms exude a unique charm, pure white in color, and notably, the fragrance of plum blossoms carries its own distinct scent. This is perhaps nature's gift to this land.
Many tourists choose to visit here after Tet, precisely when the plum blossoms bloom. The majestic natural scenery, adorned with the pristine white of plum blossoms, beckons. In each Sapa plum orchard, visitors check in. Do you know what to wear for the best photos? Rent a traditional Hmong floral dress. Capture ethereal, gentle photos amidst the plum orchards. Surely, you will return with a list of stunning photos.
3. Most Delectable Varieties of Sapa Plums
When visiting Sapa, the specialty that locals proudly introduce to travelers far and wide is none other than the plum. Tasting Sapa plums confirms the exceptional taste and allure of plums here.
In addition to the late-season plum, Tả Van plum, Tả Lý plum, yellow plum, red plum, and Tam Hoa plum… Among them, the most delicious, offering a 'teeth-sinking' experience with just the right balance of sweetness and slight tartness, is the late-season plum. Due to its exquisite taste, early blooming, and fruiting, the late-season plum tends to be slightly pricier than others. Indeed, this particular variety of plum is best savored in Sapa.
The weather and climate here are favorable for the growth and development of this plum variety. Perhaps it's also due to the unique water source in this region that gives Sapa plums their delicious taste, making them ideal for pickling or creating specialty dishes. Many other regions attempt to cultivate this late-season plum, but they pale in comparison, with smaller fruits and a slightly bitter taste.
4. Pricing of Sapa Plums
Surely, this is something that you've always wondered about. Afraid of buying plums that aren't genuine Sapa plums, or worried about paying too much and being deceived. Because of that, many people hesitate to make direct purchases.
Typically, the price of Sapa plums ranges from 20,000 to 50,000 Vietnamese Dong per kilogram. The selling price of these plums also depends on their appearance and size. It also varies depending on when tourists buy these plums. If purchased early in the season, the price tends to be higher compared to mid-season and end-season prices. Usually, plums are cheaper in the middle of the season, and tourists can already enjoy a bag of delicious Sapa plums.
5. Specialties Made from Sapa Plums
Sapa plums aren't just about being a fragrant, delicious fruit. They're eaten fresh and can be transformed into various dishes, making them highly favored by many tourists. They're also among the top choices for special gifts.
The people of Sapa have devised many ways to turn them into snacks like plum syrup for refreshing drinks, candied plums, plum preserves, and plum wine, all of which are highly captivating. Especially, the two most renowned dishes made from Sapa plums, which are widely available, include:
Sapa Plum Candies
Whether as a sweet treat or a gift, plum candies are always delightful. To make plum candies, it's crucial to carefully select each fruit, avoiding ones that are too soft or overly ripe. Opt for naturally ripened plums on the tree, the best ones retaining their white powdery coating. After harvesting, the plums are washed and soaked in diluted salt water, then cleaned and drained. The next step involves removing the seeds. Removing the seeds enhances the flavor and aesthetic appeal of the plum candies.
The main ingredients of plum preserves are plums and sugar. Sapa plum preserves have a sweet taste. Plum preserves can be enjoyed in many different ways. It can be eaten as a snack, or paired with bread. The texture of plum preserves is chewy, with a mild sourness rather than overpowering sweetness. When in Sapa, you must try this Sapa plum preserves dish, it definitely won't disappoint you.
Sapa Plum Wine
A specialty of Sapa that both tourists and locals love. During meals, enjoying specialties like grilled suckling pig, rare beef, or stir-fried buffalo meat, along with fresh vegetables, and complementing them with a glass of plum wine enhances the dining experience. The strong, spicy flavor of the wine warms the body and brings people closer together.
Plums chosen to make the aromatic and delicious Sapa plum wine are typically Tả Van plums. To put it in perspective, this plum wine can rival fine wines. The longer the plum wine is aged, the better it tastes. When in Sapa, you must try or purchase this specialty plum wine.
6. Experience Visiting Sapa Plum Orchards
Visiting Sapa plum orchards is an essential part of traveling to Sapa during the plum season. This is a new form of tourism. Tourists increasingly want to visit and experience agricultural activities up close. Meanwhile, locals here are becoming more progressive, welcoming and accommodating to tourists. Consequently, revenue from tourism activities also contributes to improving life here.
Entering plum orchards, checking in, and eating plums right in the orchard always adds a delicious flavor and allure. Especially when you can pick the plums yourself to eat. The plums here are grown and nurtured naturally. Locals stop using pesticides two months before harvest time. So, there's no need to worry about hygiene.
Each plum orchard here is very large, sometimes spanning thousands of hectares. The plum trees are laden with fruit, and you can easily reach up to touch or pick them. One small note is that many plum orchards belong to different families adjacent to each other. When visiting, tourists should pay attention and avoid getting lost.
In Sapa, there are many renowned plum orchards located at O Quy Ho Pass, Tả Van Valley, and Bắc Hà... Amidst such stunning natural landscapes, we get to admire the essence of the land, the sky, and the pristine nature. Moreover, there are now many sightseeing spots for photo opportunities. Just rent a motorbike for self-traveling, and you'll surely have a fantastic journey in Sapa.
7. Some Addresses for Plum Season Travel in Sapa
We'd like to whisper to travelers about some charming addresses for plum season travel in Sapa, where nature's beauty intertwines harmoniously.
7.1. Sun World Fansipan Legend
Address: Southwest of Sapa town
Every time visitors come here, they are mesmerized by the unique beauty and joyous atmosphere. This area offers a range of high-end services for relaxation. Exploring this entire place may take nearly a day. Moreover, it's very convenient to move from here to visit the plum orchards.
7.2 O Quy Ho Pass
This is where the largest Sapa plum orchards are concentrated. Looking down from the pass, all you can see is a blanket of blooming plum flowers or a valley full of ripe plums hanging from the branches. This is also a spot for cloud hunting, witnessing the sunrise, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets in Sapa.
Along the mountain pass, you'll come across many wild fruit tree gardens by the roadside, and you can stop by to visit during your journey. For couples in love visiting Sapa, this address is a must on their itinerary.
7.3 Muong Hoa Valley
Address: Hausthao Commune, about 10km southeast from the center of Sapa town
Just hearing the name, tourists want to come here to admire and immerse themselves in the cool atmosphere. There are two main ways for tourists to get here: by private car along the mountain road or by train starting from Sapa town. Along the way, tourists can admire the Sapa landscape with fields on both sides, lush green mountains, and ripe fruit orchards.
Each fruit tree garden requires visitors to inquire with the garden owner beforehand and will require an entry ticket. Especially, tourists are allowed to eat free mành fruit in the garden, indulging freely but not allowed to take any away. If you want to buy some to take home, you'll need to purchase separately. Prices at the garden will also be more favorable.
The most beautiful place in the north is undoubtedly Sapa. In your youthful years, you must visit Sapa at least once.
Posted by: Han Tieu
Keywords: Sapa Mùa Mận Tourism - Highlighting the Northwestern Scent
