The Pink Trumpet Tree: A Majestic Spectacle in the Heart of the Mekong Delta

The magnificent mile-long Hoa Ken Hong flower road in the Mekong Delta is a sight to behold. Located on Hung Vuong Street in Chau Thanh District, the road is currently in full bloom with vibrant flowers. Hundreds of visitors from all over the Mekong Delta flock to this stunning location for a unique photo opportunity.

The first Hoa Ken Hong Flower Week, organized by the Soc Trang Province’s Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with the Chau Thanh District People’s Committee, took place from March 15 to 19.

In addition to admiring the flowers, visitors can also enjoy traditional activities such as Rom Vong dancing, com dep (young rice flakes) making, and folk games, celebrating the unique blend of Kinh, Chinese, and Khmer cultures in the region.

The flower road boasts nearly 300 Hoa Ken Hong trees, planted by the Chau Thanh People’s Committee in 2012 and supplemented over the years. These beautiful trees are spaced more than 5 meters apart, creating a stunning visual effect.

Native to the Americas, the Hoa Ken Hong, also known as the pink trumpet tree, bears a resemblance to cherry blossoms in color. Typically, the flowers bloom from February and can last until June.

With a bell-like shape, the Hoa Ken Hong flowers are a delicate shade of pink, growing in clusters with thin petals that create a uniform display of color.

Usually, the flowers reach their peak in April, but due to the unusually hot weather this year, they bloomed earlier, with full blooms appearing in early March.

Since 2019, when the trees first burst into full bloom, the Hoa Ken Hong road has become a famous attraction, especially among young travelers from the Mekong Delta. It is now a must-visit destination during the month of March.

For visitors coming from Can Tho, the flower road is conveniently located about 50 kilometers away via National Highway 1. The best times for photography are in the morning, from 7 to 9 am, and in the afternoon, from 4 to 5 pm, when the flowers are bathed in a golden glow.

For an even more memorable experience, consider donning an “ao dai,” the traditional Vietnamese long dress. Ms. Nguyen Lan Anh from Soc Trang Province shared that the Hoa Ken Hong flowers remind her of cherry blossoms in colder climates, both vibrant and delicate. “I look forward to the Hoa Ken Hong season every year to capture these beautiful moments,” she said.

Many visitors find that the Hoa Ken Hong flowers, bathed in the warm sunlight of March, create a serene atmosphere, resembling a soft pink silk ribbon. It is a perfect spot for young couples and friends to relax and enjoy each other’s company while admiring the natural beauty.

Photographers also flock to the flower road, taking advantage of the stunning backdrop to capture memorable moments for their clients. Mr. Nam, a photographer from Hau Giang Province, shared that he receives many requests for photo sessions at the Hoa Ken Hong road every March. “People of all ages are captivated by the beauty of these flowers,” he said.

Experience the beauty of the Hoa Ken Hong flower road in Chau Thanh, Soc Trang Province. Video: An Minh

The Hoa Ken Hong trees at the roundabout on Hung Vuong Street are in full bloom, surrounded by the district’s administrative offices, creating a picturesque scene.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van My, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Chau Thanh District, the early hot weather this year caused the flowers to bloom sooner than expected, attracting a large number of visitors eager to capture the beauty before the flowers wither.