Da Lat: Late-blooming gladiolus fields suddenly become a popular check-in spot.
Despite missing the Lunar New Year season due to cold weather, the vibrant gladiolus fields near Mimosa Pass still attract a large number of tourists thanks to their rustic beauty and unique, diverse color palette.
In the early days of spring, amidst the characteristic cool weather of Da Lat, a field of vibrant gladiolus flowers is becoming a favorite stop for many tourists. Located on the Mimosa Pass, the flower garden was originally planted to supply the Tet market, but due to the prolonged cold spell, the flowers bloomed late, unintentionally creating a unique new photo spot.
The appeal lies in its rustic beauty and diverse color palette.
Unlike tourist areas with elaborate landscaping, the appeal of this gladiolus field lies in its simplicity and naturalness. Amidst the expansive plateau, the upright, vibrant flower stalks basking in the gentle sunlight create an impressive backdrop for photography enthusiasts.
Located right next to the Keng Cafe, the garden stands out with its flowerbeds taller than a person's height, covering an area of nearly one sao (approximately 1,000 m²). Notably, instead of just the traditional red, the owner has experimented with many new varieties in a rich color palette such as pastel pink, peach orange, light purple, and creamy yellow. This combination creates a scene that is both serene and modern, attracting attention from afar.
Ms. Hong Tam (40 years old), a tourist living and working in Da Lat, shared that she was immediately captivated the first time she saw the flower garden. According to her, the flowers here are very fresh, with unique and uniform colors, creating the feeling of being lost in a vibrant spring painting.
The story of making a living behind the flowers.
However, behind the dazzling beauty that attracts tourists lies the heartbreaking story of the garden owners (Mr. and Mrs. Cúc - Phước). This year, the family invested over 100 million VND in gladiolus with the hope that the flowers would bloom in time for the Lunar New Year so they could cut and sell the branches. However, the prolonged cold weather slowed down the flowers' growth, preventing them from blooming as planned, resulting in missing the most important harvest time of the year.
Faced with the risk of not recovering their investment, instead of cutting down or selling off the flowers, the garden owner decided to leave them in the field for visitors to admire. This approach not only helps the locals preserve the beauty of the flower garden but also helps recoup some of their investment costs. After the flowers wither, the owner will harvest the bulbs to preserve them for the next season.
Information about sightseeing and experiences.
Currently, the gladiolus garden is at its most beautiful, and its vibrant colors are expected to last for about two weeks. The entrance fee is currently 50,000 VND per person. Many visitors consider this a reasonable price for the opportunity to take photos in a spacious and colorful setting.
Besides taking photos, visitors also have the opportunity to learn about the local people's flower care process. For those who want to find a quiet spring getaway, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, the gladiolus fields on Mimosa Pass are a worthwhile option.
It's clear that behind the glamorous images on social media lies the adaptability of mountain farmers to the changing weather. The shift from selling cut flowers to a tourism model has transformed a "failed" harvest into an interesting tourist highlight for Da Lat in the early days of the year.
