Ancient ban (bauhinia) forest of Nặm Cứm invites travelers

ĐBP - In March, as the spring breezes still carry a hint of the highland chill across the hillsides, Nặm Cứm village in Nà Tấu commune glows brilliantly in the pure white hues of ban (bauhinia) flowers.

According to local residents, the bauhinia forest has existed in Nặm Cứm since the village was founded in the 1990s. Through decades of growth and development, these ancient trees have become an intimate part of the daily life and habits of the people.

The pure white beauty of bauhinia flowers in Nặm Cứm village, Nà Tấu commune.

The ancient bauhinia trees grow interspersed among rice fields, vegetable gardens, and along the paths, blanketing the hills and mountains surrounding the village in white. Delicate, pure white branches reach out over the traditional stilt houses of the Mông ethnic community.

Bauhinia flowers in full bloom during the early days of March in Nặm Cứm.

Under the canopy of these flowers, adults rest after a morning in the fields, while children play and gather around warm early spring fires. It is there that stories of life and long-standing customs are gradually passed down through the generations of the Mông people living here.

Mông ethnic people living under the canopy of ancient bauhinia trees.

The bauhinia flower season in Nặm Cứm typically begins in March, a time when the trees shed almost all their leaves, leaving only clusters of white blossoms in full bloom across the village. When the spring wind blows through, the thin, white petals drift gently in the breeze, creating a pristine and poetic landscape characteristic of the Northwestern highlands.

Blossoms surrounding the entire village.

Over the past few years, thanks to the attention of local authorities in preserving the landscape and promoting tourism, alongside the reach of communication channels, the Nặm Cứm bauhinia forest has gradually become well-known. The image of the forest blooming white every March has spread widely, turning Nặm Cứm into a memorable stop for travelers on their journey to discover Điện Biên during the blossom season.

The primitive and poetic landscape beside the low-roofed houses of the Mông people.

Nặm Cứm village consists of over 70 households, all of whom are members of the Mông ethnic group. With their economy primarily based on cultivation and livestock, life remains challenging. However, as the village becomes more recognized by visitors from all over, the people are step-by-step leveraging their natural advantages by opening homestays and providing dining and lodging services for tourists exploring the forest. It can be said that the ancient Ban forest has opened a new direction for economic development for the local population.

Tourists taking photos in the bauhinia season.

The first Nà Tấu commune Cultural Festival of 2026 is scheduled to be held on March 7 and 8 at Nặm Cứm village, specifically focused on the conservation of these ancient trees. The festival will feature various vibrant activities such as local product showcases, art performances, traditional folk games, and cultural exchanges. Every cultural and sporting activity taking place amidst the pure white blossoms promises to leave a lasting impression on the hearts of residents and tourists alike.

Decorated stalls displaying local products for the Nà Tấu Cultural Festival in Nặm Cứm.

Amidst the vast wilderness, the ancient bauhinia forest of Nặm Cứm continues to bloom on schedule every March. Each petal drifting in the wind acts as an invitation for travelers to find their way back and immerse themselves in a world of pure, primitive, and peaceful beauty.

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