More than 1,000 “do quyen” (Rhododendron) flower trees, many of which are rare species, are awaiting visitors at a festival that opened in Sa Pa, the northwestern province of Lao Cai, on March 31.

The festival, held at the tourism site of Fansipan Legend, is the biggest of its kind dedicated to Rhododendron flowers, which are typical for the northwestern region of Vietnam.

It also forms part of activities during the National Tourism Year 2017 themed “Colours of the Northwest”.

Dubbed as the “kingdom of Rhododendron flowers”, Hoang Lien forest in Lao Cai is home to the widest range of Rhododendron species in the country, with nearly 40 species. The trees blossom almost all year round, but they are most beautiful in late spring and early summer.

Visitors to the festival can enjoy pots of Rhododendron blossoms at Fansipan Legend or old Rhododendron trees growing on rocks while standing on the summit of Mount Fansipan, the highest mountain in Vietnam, at an altitude of 3,143 metres.

The festival is scheduled to last until April 9, during which a diversity of entertainment activities are also taking place.

VNA