HO CHI MINH CITY — When it comes to the world’s favourite pink blooms, here’s another destination to consider holidays at: the central highlands city of Da Lat, Vietnam.
The cherry blossoms, known as Mai Anh Dao (Prunus Cesacoides) are found only in altitudes above 1,000m, and are currently in full bloom across the city and along mountainside streets.
The wild Himalayan cherry trees produce flowers that look like a cross between peach and ochna blossoms, and Da Lat is the only place in Vietnam with these beautiful blooms – and thus the tourist allure.
In fall when October arrives, the trees turn yellow and then become bare through winter. Now that spring is arriving, flowers start to bloom, its cherry blossoms lasting for about half a month.
Mai Anh Dao trees can be found also in southern China, Myanmar, the Himalayan ranges and in north Thailand.