Blooming buckwheat fields are a cult picture in Ha Giang, one of the northern mountainous provinces of Vietnam. The festivities to celebrate buckwheat, one of the staples in the diet of the ethnic minorities of this region, will start on November, 23 and run till the end of the year.
Buckwheat is a pseudocereal, neither wheat nor grass. It has grain-like seeds rich in complex carbohydrates and proteins; it is also glutein free. As a rule, buckwheat is planted in September and between November and December fields which cover the province's hill and mountains turn white and pink, with small fragile flowers everywhere.
Besides buchwheat fields, there will be a variety of activities on offer during the whole month of the festival. Some of them are a photo exhibition on the Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark, a re-enactment of the old market in Dong Van town, demonstrations on the production of the local honey specialty, and a flower road in Dong Van ancient town.
This year will see the fifth edition of the festival, and the organizers promise it will be the largest version of the event. The aim of the festival is to draw more tourists to the province and let them appreciate the natural attractions of Ha Giang.
Ever Seen Buckwheat Blooming? Come to Vietnam!
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If you've seen enough of green rice paddies in Thailand or cherry blossoms in Japan, then there is something for you in Vietnam, too. Calling all 'something in full bloom' lovers: buckwheat flower festival should be high on your travel itinerary.