As the Lunar New Year (Tet) draws near, a spectacular lily field located just 70km from Hanoi is coming into full bloom, painting the landscape in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and white. The picturesque setting has quickly become a hotspot for flower lovers and photographers from cities like Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh.

Nestled on the fertile alluvial banks of the Kinh Thay River, the lily field stretches across Vinh Tru Islet in Le Dai Hanh Ward, Hai Phong (formerly Dong Lac Ward, Chi Linh City, Hai Duong Province).

Locals shared that in previous seasons, they mostly grew fragrant pink lilies. This year, however, they’ve expanded their crops to include a variety of high-yield lilies in different hues - yellow, orange, white, red, and even purple - offering a stunning and diverse floral display.

Neatly arranged plots of lilies span dozens of hectares, with footpaths in between for easy maintenance - and for visitors to stroll and explore.

Thanks to favorable weather and nutrient-rich soil, flower farming here has flourished, with lilies becoming the standout crop this spring.

Nguyen Trong Cung, a traditional medicine practitioner and freelance photographer from Hung Yen (formerly part of Thai Binh Province), was deeply impressed by the sheer scale and vibrant beauty of the lily field during a recent visit.

“I drove about 50 kilometers to get here around 8 a.m.,” he said. “The fields are beautifully cultivated and the lilies are blooming evenly. You can see the care and passion of the local growers in every row.”

Aerial views reveal the visual impact of this vast bloom - rows of lilies lining the riverside in radiant patterns.

Lily flowers (also known as hoa bach hop in Vietnamese) are herbaceous plants that grow from bulbs, typically reaching 30–120cm in height when mature. Their oval-shaped leaves spiral along the stems in graceful patterns.

According to Cung, the ideal time to photograph the field is between 8–10 a.m. or 2–4 p.m.

Early morning fog can reduce visibility, and the light fades quickly in late afternoon. Visitors are advised to check the weather forecast and choose clear, sunny days for optimal photo opportunities.

Best of all, the location welcomes visitors free of charge.

Locals grow these lilies for harvest, not for tourism, so while no entry fee is collected, visitors are reminded to be respectful: avoid stepping on plants or picking flowers without permission.

To stand out amid the vivid blooms, visitors are encouraged to wear dark or soft-toned outfits.

It’s also wise to take care while moving between rows, as lily pollen can cling to clothing or cause irritation for those with allergies.

Nguyen Khanh Vy, who traveled from Hanoi to Le Dai Hanh Ward after seeing photos online, described the visit as “worth waking up at 5 a.m.”

“Being surrounded by all those blossoms, I felt like Tet was just around the corner,” she said.

Although she has visited many flower fields in northern Vietnam, the lily fields in Hai Phong left a lasting impression.

“There’s no entrance fee, and we bought a few bouquets to support the locals,” she added. “Lily stems are delicate and easily broken, so we were careful not to damage any while taking pictures.”

Thao Trinh