Visitors to Thay Pagoda on Sai Son Mountain in Hanoi's rural Quoc Oai District can now admire the beauty of the Bombax Ceiba, or Hoa Gao, which means rice flower in English. This beautiful species of tree with gorgeous flowers is widely planted downtown and in Hanoi’s tourist attractions.  

Late Spring and early Summer are the bloom seasons of Hoa Gao in renowned Thay Pagoda.

The flowers bloom brilliantly, making the whole landscape look impressive.

All the leaves fall off, and the tree is left with only the flowers, which look like hundreds of tiny burning torches.

The poetic scenery of the centuries-old pagoda is enhanced by the bright red color of the blossoms.

The beauty of the Bombax Ceiba has captured the hearts of all visiting the Thay Pagoda.

Hoa Gao is also known by many other beautiful names in English, such as Malabar Silk Cotton Tree, Red Silk Cotton, Red Cotton Tree or Kapok.

The flowers have five large petals and bloom in March and April when it gets warmer with drizzle.

The lovely flowers accentuate the beautiful natural scene with the lush green trees in the background.

Bombax Ceiba Blossom season also marks the change of time in Hanoi. Summer is just around the corner.