In March, when it gets warmer with drizzle, ‘Hoa Gao’ (known as Moc Mien or Po Lang in Vietnamese), whose scientific name is Bombax ceiba, is in full bloom. Bombax ceiba flowers are clearly visible from distance of 500m. All the old leaves fall down, leaving the trees with only flowers. The ‘red silk cotton’ trees look like burning torches with hundreds of red fires. These charming flowers always bring an endless source of inspiration to photographers, musicians and poets across VIet Nam thanks to its allures.

Let's explore the beauty of this type of flowers grown in the capital city of Ha Noi through amazing photos captured by our freelancer Vu Anh Dung.

The red colour of Bombax ceiba flowers stands out against the green background of the rice paddy field, creating a peaceful picture of the rural area in Chua Dau, Thuong Tin District, Ha Noi.

The charming red flowers with 5 petals appear in spring before the new foliage, lighting up and creating a wonderful natural setting in rural areas. The bright red blossoms on high bare branches offer postcard scenes.

Bombax ceiba are available in all parts of the country, from mountainous areas to plains, but perhaps, most thrive impressively in Northern Viet Nam, associated with the tranquil landscape of the Vietnamese rural area

The image of ‘red silk cotton’ tree in harmony with the shape of a woman stowing away at sunset create a beautiful water-colour painting.

Bombax ceiba trees which are reminders of prosperity and tranquility become the landmarks of the entrance to rural villages or rice paddy fields

By VU ANH DUNG- Translated by A.T