White Ban or Bauhinia flower, a famous icon of the Northwest region, is blossoming all across the mountains and forests in northwestern Vietnam, drawing numerous tourists.

These days, this scented flower species are in full bloom in every nook and cranny of the mountains and along all rivers, signalling the start of a new spring.

According to ethnic minority people, Ban flowers symbolise a faithful and eternal love.

The Ban Flower Festival 2017 is scheduled to begin in March in the northern province of Dien Bien, together with the fifth Culture, Sports and Tourism Festival, according to the provincial People’s Committee.

The events will include exhibitions of ethnic groups culture, traditional musical performances, the Miss Ban Flower contest, traditional rituals and sports challenges.

Thai girls are relaxing beside the river bank, near a Ban flower field.

VNF/VOV