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The lotus flower in Vietnam has long been embraced as the national flower, a symbol representing the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people. In this episode of seasonal destination guides, you will be learning how to experience this stunning seasonal bloom during your Vietnam travel.
Lotus flower season in Vietnam typically falls between May and July, right in the heart of summer. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, ideal for short outdoor adventures and vibrant photography. The heat will be softened by lush greenery, as trees and plants thrive in the summer climate, covering the landscape in a refreshing and vivid green.
The beauty of lotus season in Vietnam
It’s a season when tropical nature is at its most alive, and lotus flowers bloom in their full glory, adding vibrant colors to an already picturesque scene. Therefore, make sure to add this to your Vietnam travel itinerary for a unique seasonal travel experience.
In the past, lotus flower season in Hanoi was synonymous with the ponds around West Lake. However, urban development has significantly reduced their size, making it harder to find scenic photo spots there. While West Lake is still known for its iconic Bach Diep lotus (a hundred-petal variety), the lack of diversity and limited space has led to the rise of new lotus ponds throughout the city and surrounding areas.
One such spot is Xuan Dinh Lotus Pond in Bac Tu Liem District, tucked away in Alley 408 of Xuan Dinh Street. Spanning nearly 3 hectares, this peaceful pond is far from the bustle of the city, offering a serene setting for visitors during lotus flower season.
Lotus flower vendors are a quintessential sight in Hanoi
Further out, in Bat Trang Ceramic Village (Gia Lam District), a spacious lotus pond lies just 1km from Thanh Tri Bridge. Surrounded by open space along the Red River, it features both pink and white lotus. Many visitors combine a visit here during lotus flower season with a photo shoot and a stroll through the village’s ancient pottery workshops.
Nearby, less than 3km away, the Vietnam National University of Agriculture houses a large pond featuring an impressive variety of lotus types, white, pink, pink-edged white, yellow, and even purple-tinged blossoms.
For those seeking rare lotus species, Ninh Xa Pond in Thuong Tin District is home to over 100 lotus varieties. And just 20km from the city center, in Tam Hung (Thanh Oai District), there’s a pristine all-white lotus pond that creates a stunning visual experience.
If you're visiting Vietnam between May and July, don’t miss the chance to experience the lotus flower season in Hang Mua (Mua Cave), Ninh Binh.
Located just over 7km from the city center in Khe Dau Ha Village, Mua Cave is famous for its majestic limestone mountains, peaceful landscapes, and breathtaking lotus ponds that bloom right at the foot of Ngoa Long Mountain, making it one of the best summer vacation destinations ever. The scenery here is both wild and romantic, with a natural charm that feels like something out of a painting.
The stunning beauty of Ninh Binh's lotus ponds
The lotus lake at Mua Cave stretches across more than a hectare of wetlands, where soft pink lotus blossoms rise gently under the summer sun. The best time to visit is early in the morning, between 5:00 and 7:30 AM, when the flowers are just beginning to open, and the air is still fresh and fragrant. You may even spot local women rowing boats through the lake, handpicking lotus to dry overnight for tea.
Entrance to the area costs about 4 USD (subject to change) and includes access to the lotus pond and boat rides for photoshoots. The mild and dry summer weather also makes it a great time to combine lotus viewing with a hike up Ngoa Long for panoramic views of the nearby Tam Coc - Bich Dong.
Nghe An Province is one of the best summer vacation destinations in Vietnam. In lotus flower season, the blooms can be seen across the peaceful countryside of Kim Lien Village, President Ho Chi Minh’s hometown. It’s easy to spot the iconic image of delicate lotus blossoms rising gracefully from muddy ponds, radiating purity despite their humble surroundings.
Lotus season in Nghe An Province
In recent years, Kim Lien has expanded its lotus cultivation significantly. Alongside traditional varieties, farmers now grow rare and beautiful species like Thap Muoi lotus, Hue lotus, Thousand-petal lotus, Beijing Red lotus, and Quan Am lotus, adding vibrant diversity to the area.
The growth of lotus farming has also boosted eco-tourism and seasonal travel in Kim Lien, turning it into a serene destination for travelers looking to explore nature and history during lotus flower season. Every May, just in time for President Ho Chi Minh’s birthday, the lotus fields reach full bloom, like a heartfelt gift from nature to the beloved leader's homeland.
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Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, Hue is one of the best summer vacation destinations for foreign travellers in Vietnam. This city is not only home to majestic imperial architecture but also to tranquil ponds and tree-lined paths that create a serene backdrop for lotus flower season.
From the days of the Nguyen Dynasty, lotus, especially the rare white lotus, was cultivated around the Imperial City to beautify the surroundings and reflect the nobility of Hue’s royal legacy. Though nearly lost over time, the tradition of planting white lotus has been revived in places like Tinh Tam Lake, Thai Dich Lake, and the eastern moat of the Citadel.
A gorgeous lotus pond in Hue City
During lotus flower season, hundreds of pure white buds bloom once again, while the western moat bursts with soft pink hybrids, creating a stunning contrast. You’ll find lotus blooms in nearly every corner of Hue, as the flower is not just a symbol, but rather a signature sight of the city.
Hue locals have long used lotus in daily life. The flower is harvested to decorate Buddhist altars and craft traditional dishes like lotus seed porridge, lotus rice, and lotus heart tea. Vendors line streets near Tinh Tam Lake and traditional markets like Dong Ba and An Cuu, selling fresh lotus seeds, now a prized delicacy priced at about 2.20 - 2.40 USD/kg.
In recent years, creative entrepreneurs in Hue have developed even more lotus-based products such as lotus leaf conical hats, paintings, tea blends, and even rice wine.
Beyond the Citadel, private lotus fields in Van Cu and Nam Thanh (Huong Tra Town) also welcome visitors for photoshoots and peaceful retreats during lotus flower season. Some farms even offer traditional lotus tea-making experiences.
Dong Thap's lotus ponds under the sun
As you drive through districts like Thap Muoi, Cao Lanh, Tam Nong, and Thanh Binh, you’ll spot glowing pink petals swaying under the sun, sometimes nestled between patches of water spinach. Many travelers can’t resist pulling over to snap photos or simply take in the calming scent of lotus drifting in the breeze.
Dong Thap is one of Vietnam’s largest lotus-growing regions, with fields not only serving as natural scenery but also as key sources of raw materials for lotus-based products.
If you want an immersive experience, head to My Hoa Commune in Thap Muoi District. Here, you can unwind in a thatched hut in the middle of the lotus fields, sip on cool lotus milk, and wait for rustic Mekong Delta dishes to be served. Local farmers have cleverly adapted their fields into eco-tourism spots, adding wooden bridges and shaded seating areas for visitors to get closer to the blossoms.
One of the most popular activities during lotus season is having your own photoshoot among the blossoms. Many lotus ponds across Vietnam now offer traditional Vietnamese outfits and accessories for rent, along with photo props and styled backdrops. Best of all, entry to most lotus ponds is very affordable, usually under 2 USD per person, making them nice stops in your Vietnam travel itinerary, especially during summer when the flowers are in full bloom.
Why not have a photoshoot in traditional Vietnamese clothing while you're here?
You can just do nothing else and unwind in rustic huts built right on the ponds and breathe in the subtle scent of lotus flowers. Some locations, like Mua Cave in Ninh Binh or Bat Trang Village near Hanoi, even combine lotus viewing with other experiences like climbing limestone peaks or visiting traditional craft villages.
Mua Cave is extremely vibrant during the summertime
Lotus isn't just beautiful, it’s delicious too! Many lotus ponds offer lotus tea served in shaded seating areas, along with regional specialties. In Hue, you can taste dishes once enjoyed by royalty, like lotus seed porridge, lotus rice, and lotus heart tea. If you travel to lotus ponds in the Mekong Delta, don’t miss out on grilled snakehead fish wrapped in lotus leaves and lotus stem salad. Many of these dishes are made fresh from ingredients harvested right in said lotus ponds.
Have a sip of the fragrant Vietnamese lotus tea
In Hue, you can even try out the traditional art of lotus tea infusion, which is a refined ritual once practiced by Vietnamese nobility. This experience allows you to learn how tea leaves are carefully scented by being wrapped inside lotus flowers overnight, creating a delicate, floral brew that captures the soul of Vietnamese tea culture.
Since lotus season in Vietnam falls right in the middle of summer (May to July), be sure to pack sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and light, breathable clothing. To avoid sunburn or heat exhaustion, try to visit lotus ponds in the early morning or late afternoon when the sunlight is gentler and the lighting is ideal for photos.
Lotus blooms under the brightest sunlight
Some Vietnam lotus flower spots, especially in rural areas or lesser-known provinces, can be a bit off the tourist radar. A local guide can make your trip smoother by helping you find the best locations, explaining the cultural background, or even assisting with photo-taking.
Many Vietnam lotus flower fields in smaller towns may not accept cards. Therefore, you should carry Vietnamese dong in cash, particularly small bills, to cover the fees. However, in recent years, QR code payments and mobile banking apps have become increasingly popular in Vietnam. If you have a Vietnamese bank account, you might be able to use QR pay at some locations.
Lotus season in Vietnam allows you to connect with the rhythm of nature and take in the summer air in a unique way. If you’re looking for a refreshing travel idea this summer, this could be the one. And don't forget that in case you’d like some guidance on your Vietnam travel itinerary or other seasonal destination guides, our team at Asia King Travel is always happy to help!
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