After a twenty-minute scooter ride, my tour guide Linh and I made it to Nhat Tan flower village, only 7km from Hanoi. I was looking forward to this, getting away from Capital’s constant honking.
It’s a sweltering day in Hanoi, and I’m sitting under a bush of tall wispy plants hoping to relieve the sweating. As my eyes squint, I glance over to my left and see two Vietnamese women dressed in traditional Ao Dai, posing elegantly amidst the fluffy delicate green leaves that wave and flutter in the breeze.
Nhat Tan village, a flower forest, located in the Tay Ho District, on the edge of Ha Noi’s West Lake is known for the cultivation of peach flowers. Located near Nhat Tan, lies the Red River flower village, a popular attraction for wedding photography.
Before and during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, locals flock here admiring the flowers, and have a photo session. Regardless of the holidays, Red Flower garden is a hit among young students.
From romantic wooden bridges, abundant flowers, dreamy swings, and a windmill create the ideal romantic atmosphere together with a Vietnamese traditional theme.
Like in most flower villages in Vietnam, there’s a studio where you can rent traditional clothing and even hire a photographer for the day.
After trying on more than fifty Ao Dai, I came to realize, I’m not as small as I thought. Squeezing into a delicate white one required three women’s help: my tour guide and the other two ladies in the same cubicle.
None of the shoes offered had the honor of covering my feet. Actually, they were all too small, a problem too common for me living in Asia. The Japanese Geta, the wooden sandals were the only option!As a first timer to wear the Ao Dai, posing gracefully like a Vietnamese woman was quite a challenge. I had literally no makeup on as I didn’t expect to take any pictures!
My tour guide Linh and also my personal photographer!
Besides the romantic, but contrived landscapes, you can catch a glimpse of fishermen along the shores of the Red River Delta.
As the largest river in Northern Vietnam, the Red River Delta is an integral part of the local community, spanning some 150 km in width, covering parts of China and Vietnam.
A peaceful retreat away from the noise of Hanoi City.
A couple having their pre-wedding photography taken.
If you’re spending some time in Hanoi and want to do something different, the Red River Flower garden is the perfect place to connect with locals closely and makes the perfect day trip.
If you’d like a tour, check out Madam Linhs Travel.
Location: End of 264 Au Co rd
Photography trip/ 60,000 – VND100,000/person.
You might like to read about my Viet Trip Farm tour where I was a farmer for the day!
Also, check out Good Morning Hanoi Tour.
