Dien Bien province in Vietnam has been named among five places to view cherry blossoms outside Japan, according to a list released by Travel Weekly, a UK's predominant title with an unrivalled portfolio of publications, websites and events.

It’s a little-known fact that Vietnam’s Hoa Island, located east of Dien Bien in the middle of Pa Khoang Lake, is a goldmine for those seeking cherry blossoms. Did you know that Vietnamese scientist Dr Tran Le wandered up and down the country for the perfect place to plant the seeds, a gift from a Japanese friend?

In 2018, the second Cherry Blossoms festival in Pa Khoang commune of Dien Bien province was held on a flower island in Pa Khoang lake. One thousand cherry trees on Pa Khoang island bloom brilliantly during spring. The festival features an array of activities, including Vietnamese and Japanese cultural and artistic performances

The event aims to help the northern province attract greater visitor numbers by promoting the potential of tourism in the area and showing off the beauty of the land and people in the province.

Meanwhile, you can see cherry blossoms in Hanoi. The 2019 Japan Cherry Blossom Festival will held once again in Ly Thai To Park by the side of Hoan Kiem Lake on March 29 - 31. The festival coincides with the blooming of Japanese cherry blossoms, and will feature various activities to introduce Japanese culture and enhance ties between Vietnam and Japan.

Visitors will enjoy Yosakoi (a unique flash mobstreet dance), Japanese cuisine, Shogi (Japanese chess) and Kendama (literally translated as sword and ball, a traditional toy with a ball on a string).

Vietnamese arts will also be part of the festival including ca tru and hat xam singings. Conferences on promoting investment and tourism as well as exchange programmes on education and health care will take place with the participation of 300 delegates from the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) and related agencies.

The organizing board will select a goodwill ambassador for the first time to enhance the Vietnam – Japan friendship.

Hanoitimes