The assam apple forest in Ngoc Chien Commune, Muong La District in the northern province of Son La has been recognized as the largest in Vietnam by Vietnam Record Association (Vietkings).

According to Vietkings, the commune has a total of 2,565 hectares of assam apple trees, with over 1,400 hectares in bloom and fruit-bearing.

Located about 1,800 metres above sea level, Ngọc Chiến enjoys a cool climate throughout the year and has magnificent natural scenery. The locality is home to four ethnic groups living together with long-standing cultural traditions and unique cultural identity.

The commune includes a vast area of ancient assam apple trees. Every spring, their blossoms showcase a pure white beauty, spreading across the mountain slopes and the surrounding villages, creating a picturesque and enchanting scene.

An annual festival celebrating the beauty of the flowers and creating a new attractive tourism product has been launched in Ngọc Chiến Commune last year, featuring a wide range of cultural activities of the local ethnic peoples like art performances, folk games, traditional food cooking contests, and photo and painting exhibitions. This year’s assam apple blossom festival took place on March 9-10.

“The festival allows visitors to appreciate the enchanting beauty of the assam apple flowers and experience the rich traditional cultural heritage of the local communities,” said Phùng Mạnh Hiệp, Chairman of the People's Committee of Mường La District and Head of the Festival Organising Committee.

The recognition of the commune as having the largest assam apple forest in Việt Nam is expected to leave a strong impression on tourists, thereby creating sustainable livelihoods and providing additional income for the local community through tourism, he added. — VNS