Beautiful Tung Trees – A Moment of White Blossoms in the Phia Den Mountains
Some photo stops need no sign or entrance ticket. A single tree standing quietly on a mountainside, dressed in clusters of snowy white blossoms each spring, is enough to make passersby pull over. In Thanh Cong Commune, amid the Phia Oac – Phia Den mountains, the beautiful tung tree makes just such a stop.
Where Is the Tung Tree?
The tree is in Thanh Cong Commune (formerly part of Nguyen Binh District), in the Phia Oac – Phia Den mountain area. In July 2025, the new Thanh Cong Commune was formed from Quang Thanh and Thanh Cong communes. Search for “Beautiful Tung Trees” on the map for directions.
[To be added: exact location – which road it is on, the nearest hamlet, and how far it is from central Phia Den]
The Tung Tree – A Familiar Sight in Cao Bang’s Mountains
Also known as mountain tung or tung oil tree, the tree is called may chau by the Tay people and grows widely in the northern mountainous provinces, including Cao Bang. It is a woody tree that can reach 8 meters or more, with smooth bark and a broad crown.
Tung trees have long been part of life in the highlands. Their oil-rich seeds are used to make tung oil, a moisture-resistant coating that stands up to harsh weather.
[To be added: what makes this tree distinctive – its shape, height, estimated age, and whether it stands alone or among the hills]
Tung Blossom Season – When the Mountains Turn White
The tung tree is at its most beautiful in bloom. It flowers in March and April, usually before its young leaves appear. Each blossom has five white petals with purple markings at the base, and the flowers grow in clusters. The tree may bloom again in September, while fruit from the earlier flowers ripens around October.
By March, the peach, plum, and pear blossoms have begun to fade, while many hillsides along the Nguyen Binh route turn white with tung flowers. The tree in Thanh Cong is just as striking: clusters of white blossoms cover its crown against the blue sky and mountain scenery, creating a pristine, picture-perfect view.
Photo Tips
- Best time: March and April, when the tree is in full bloom. Outside blossom season, it still makes a striking feature in the mountain scenery.
- Light: Soft morning mist or the angled light of late afternoon helps the white blossoms stand out.
- Angles: Shoot upward from the base to capture the canopy against the sky, or step back to frame the tree against the surrounding hills.
- What to wear: Red, yellow, and deep green stand out against the white blossoms.
Please Note
- Do not break branches or pick flowers, so the tree remains beautiful for future visitors.
- Do not eat the fruit or seeds: Tung leaves and seeds are toxic and should not be used as food.
- Park safely and do not stop in the road, especially on mountain passes.
- Respect private land if the tree is in someone’s garden or fields.
- Take your rubbish with you.
Add These Stops to Your Itinerary
The tung tree is in the Phia Oac – Phia Den area, making it easy to combine with:
- Phia Oac Peak (1,931 m): Go cloud hunting and see frost.
- Phia Den Red Villa and Vong Tien Cung Shrine: Explore French colonial-era remains and a legend about fairies.
- Ban Phuong Bamboo Forest: A green bamboo forest more than 1,000 meters above sea level.
- Phan Thanh Rock: A photo stop among grassy hills.
Final Thoughts
One tung tree, one season of blossoms, one moment to pause. Along the long journey through the mountains and forests of Phia Den, sometimes the simplest things are the most beautiful. If you visit Thanh Cong in March, be sure to stop by the tung tree and let its clusters of white flowers soothe away the weariness of the road.
