Travel

Cherry Blossom Season in Dien Bien: A Spectacular Sight for Tet 2024

Look no further than the upcoming Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival, right here in Dao Hoa, this Tet 2024. Experience the beauty of these delicate flowers without having to travel to distant Japan.

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Did you know that Vietnam will soon be hosting a Cherry Blossom Festival in Dien Bien? What a wonderful opportunity to admire the iconic flowers of Japan without having to travel far. Embrace the warm spring weather, enjoy the slightly chilly breeze, and capture some adorable photos. Join us as we explore more about the Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival!

1 When and Where will the Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival Take Place?

The Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival is scheduled to take place from January 12 to 14, 2024, at Dao Hoa, Pa Khoang Ward, Dien Bien Phu City, Dien Bien Province. This ecotourism site is located about 10 km from the center of Dien Bien Phu City. Here, you’ll find over 1,000 cherry blossom trees imported directly from Japan, blooming beautifully around January every year. It’s a spectacular sight that attracts both domestic and international visitors.

The opening ceremony of the cherry blossom festival is expected to be held at 7/5 Square in Dien Bien Phu City on the evening of January 12, 2024.

The Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival is expected to take place from January 12 to 14, 2024, at Dao Hoa, Pa Khoang Ward, Dien Bien Phu City

2 How to Get to Dien Bien for the Cherry Blossom Festival?

There are three main ways to travel to Dien Bien: by plane, by bus, or by driving from Hanoi:

By Plane

Vietnam Airlines offers flights from Hanoi to Dien Bien, with a travel time of about one hour.

Ticket Price: Approximately 900,000 VND per person. (If you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll need to purchase a flight to Hanoi first.) For those traveling from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi, ticket prices are around 2,000,000 VND per person, depending on the time of purchase. These prices are for one-way tickets only.

By Motorbike

The distance from Hanoi to Dien Bien is about 500 km, and it will take you approximately 10 to 12 hours to travel by motorbike. (Again, if you’re coming from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll first need to fly to Hanoi.)

You’ll pass through many beautiful places along the way, such as Moc Chau, Mai Chau, and Son La. It’s a fun and scenic ride, but make sure you’re a confident rider!

Ensure your motorbike is in good condition for this long journey. If your bike is older, consider renting a motorbike in Hanoi specifically for this trip.

There are three ways to get to Dien Bien: by plane, bus, or driving from Hanoi.

Here are the two most popular motorbike routes to Dien Bien:

Route 1: From the center of Hanoi, head to Nguyen Trai Street and then to Khuat Duy Tien → Follow the 08 Highway to Yen Bai → Take the Hoa Lac-Hoa Binh road to QL6 at Trung Minh → Continue on QL6 and QL279 to Him Lam, Dien Bien Phu City.

Route 2: From the center of Hanoi, go to Nguyen Trai Street and then to Khuat Duy Tien → Follow the 08 Highway to Yen Bai → Take Yen Bai, TL87A, and DT317 to QL32/DT316 at Thanh Son Town → Continue on QL32, then QL37, QL6, and QL279 to Him Lam, Dien Bien Phu City → Drive to the left bank of the Da River

By Bus

You can find buses to Dien Bien at My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi. The journey takes approximately 12 to 13 hours by sleeper bus. One advantage of traveling by bus is that you can also send your motorbike along with you.

Ticket prices range from 350,000 to 450,000 VND, depending on the bus company and the quality of service and time of booking.

How to Get to Dien Bien for the Cherry Blossom Festival?

3 What to Do at the Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival?

The Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival is a significant cultural event that fosters exchange and cooperation between Vietnam and Japan. It also provides an opportunity for visitors to admire the beauty of cherry blossoms and discover the unique culture of Dien Bien.

Admire the Blooming Cherry Blossoms and Have a Picnic with Loved Ones

This time of the year is perfect for visitors to enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom. The vibrant pink flowers against the blue sky create a truly romantic atmosphere.

Beyond flower gazing, visitors can also participate in various engaging activities. One of the most popular choices is having a picnic under the cherry trees. You can bring your own food or purchase local specialties such as buffalo meat, pork, chicken, “thang co” (a traditional Vietnamese stew), “banh day” (a sticky rice cake), and “ruou can” (a type of rice wine).

Admire the Blooming Cherry Blossoms and Have a Picnic with Loved Ones

Here are some of the other exciting activities you can experience at the Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival:

Vietnamese-Japanese cultural exchange and art performances
“Sa Ke – Mong Pe” wine party and “Thang Co – Oden” hot pot feast
“Huong Sac Dien Bien” culinary contest
Farmer’s market featuring local produce and an exhibition of high-quality agricultural products
“Dien Bien Phu Marathon 2024” running event
Kayak racing competition
Experiencing traditional folk games of Vietnam and Japan
Exploring Japanese cultural spaces, trying on Kimonos, participating in tea ceremonies, and making Japanese mochi cakes
Playing Vietnamese folk games like “tung con,” “day gay,” “keo co,” and walking on stilts

What to Do at the Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival?

With its diverse and captivating offerings, the Dien Bien Cherry Blossom Festival is an ideal destination for travelers during the New Year. Don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Frequently asked questions

The cherry blossom season in Dien Bien usually occurs from mid-January to mid-February, with the peak bloom happening around the Tet holiday in 2024. This year, the cherry blossoms are expected to be in full bloom from January 20 to February 5, making it a spectacular sight for the Lunar New Year celebrations.

The cherry blossoms in Dien Bien are known for their vibrant pink color and delicate petals. They belong to the Prunus cerasoides species, which is native to the Himalayas and has been naturally growing in Dien Bien for centuries. These cherry blossoms differ from other sites in Vietnam, such as Hanoi’s Ba Vi and Nhat Tan gardens, as they grow wild and cover the mountainsides, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. Compared to famous cherry blossom destinations worldwide, such as Japan and South Korea, Dien Bien offers a unique experience with its high-altitude blossoms and the cultural blend of Vietnamese ethnic minorities.

Yes, the local authorities and communities organize cultural events and festivals to celebrate the cherry blossom season. These events usually include cultural performances, folk games, food stalls featuring local specialties, and art exhibitions. Visitors can participate by attending these festivals, immersing themselves in the local culture, and enjoying the cherry blossoms through organized tours or self-guided hikes. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and experience the warmth of the local communities.

Visitors can enjoy a range of activities during the cherry blossom season in Dien Bien. Here are some recommendations: hiking or trekking to cherry blossom viewing spots, such as Pa Khoang Lake, Him Lam Hill, and A1 Hill; exploring local villages and interacting with ethnic minority groups like the Thai and Hmong people; visiting historical sites like the Dien Bien Phu Museum and the Dien Bien Phu Victory Monument; and participating in cultural exchanges and community-based tourism initiatives. Combining nature, culture, and history will provide a holistic experience of this unique destination.

Visitors can reach Dien Bien by bus, car, or plane. There are direct flights from Hanoi to Dien Bien Phu Airport, and from there, visitors can take buses or taxis to the city center. For accommodation, there are hotels, guesthouses, and homestays available, with options to suit different budgets. When planning their trip, visitors should consider the potential for cold and rainy weather, and they should book accommodations and transportation in advance to secure availability during this popular season. It is also advisable to follow local guidelines and stay informed about any COVID-19-related restrictions or requirements.