It is said each month in Hanoi is marked by the appearance of its own flower– peach blossom, pomelo flower, ban flower, gạo (red silk cotton tree) flower, loa kèn (lily) flower, lotus, sữa (milkwood), cúc họa mi (white daisy) or phượng (flamboyant).

In these days of early March, when the cold is swept away and the sun light has come, pink violet ban (bauhinia variegata) and white sưa flowers are in full bloom.

Coming to Hà Nội at this time, one can notice the lộc vừng (barringtonia acutangula) changing its leaves in the bank of Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

The signature aroma of pomelo flower will also linger in one’s mind when passing by the pomelo flower baskets of the vendors.

Early March is also the time ban flower is in its full bloom. The streets like Thanh Niên, Hoàng Diệu or Phan Chu Trinh are covered with the pink violet carpet of flowers.

This is also an ideal time for locals to take photos with the blooming flowers as the seasons transition. 

A basket of pomelo flower carries its aroma across the city.

Though it is still spring, some types of trees have started changing their leaves.

White sưa flower is popular in Hàng Dầu, Phan Chu Trinh street.

Pink violet ban flower which are found in the northern mountainous province of Điện Biên is also blooming in Hà Nội.

Lộc vừng (barringtonia acutangula) changes its leaves in March.

VNS