Now here's a plain that's far from plain. Located 700m above sea level, Khai Trung plain is surrounded by ranges of high rocky mountains and primeval forests and is an ideal place for tourists.
The plain is about 20km from centre of Luc Yen district, Yen Bai province. After crossing Ben Lan Bridge, the concrete path to Khai Trung slants towards the sky, allowing the plain to gradually appear.
The gates of mountain villages in Khai Trung are arched like rainbows turned up at the top of slope. From here, a road slopes gently to the plain land and then is lost in the green of fields, trees, sky and mountains.
The first things visitors notice is the climate. The wind does not blow directly into Khai Trung as it mixes with the mountain air, giving the area cool climate.
According to Hoang Thi Toi, a Luc Yen district cultural worker, visiting Khai Trung which has a total area of 25ha, visiting in any season is fine, but tourists should come in spring or autumn as the weather and flowers are at their best. "There are more than 40 kinds of flowers in Khai Trung Plain such as rose, sunflower, cosmos flower amd daisy. Tourists will lose themselves in the scent and colours of various types of flowers," said Toi. A single ticket to visit the flower fields costs a mere VND30.000 (US$ 1.3).
Khai Trung Commune's People's Committee is working with Dai An Co-operative to built restaurants, aswimming pool and areas to take wedding photos and hold outdoor activities.
"In the future, I will build more entertainment places and food stalls to introduce local specialities to visitors," An added.
Khai Trung is not only beautiful and charming above ground, but is also known for its stunning caves hidden deep in the limestone mountains like Thien Cung, Doi, and Tac En caves.
Two kilometres from the flower valley, there is Thien Cung cave. It is known for its sparkling lights and hundreds of colourful blocks of stalactities which remind one of interesting shapes such as Buddha's hand, dragons and pillars to prop up the sky.
Besides visiting the flower valley and caves, visitors can see the daily life of the area's indigenous people thanks to cultural practices from the Tay and Dao ethnic groups. There are 20 homestays in Khai Trung now. If you are exhausted, you can stop at the stilt houses in the commune to enjoy the special regional dishes such as Lam Thuong duck, Bong fish, or simple dishes of wild vegetables and maize wine.
one thing's for sure, a trip to Khai Trung will create lasting memories for anyone lucky enough to visit.