Vietnam's most beautiful "lonely tree" is centuries old, with a trunk five people can't wrap their arms around
The "lonely tree" draws countless admiring eyes from visitors to Hà Giang (a former province in Vietnam's far north, now part of Tuyên Quang province). Stop here and you will see the lonely tree standing in solitary, quiet stillness amid the mountains and forests of the north.
The lonely tree stands beside National Highway 4C where it passes through Cán Tỷ commune, in the former Quản Bạ district of the former Hà Giang province. About 40 m tall and up to 5 m wide, its lush, green canopy delights many visitors.
The lonely tree leans slightly toward the edge of the ravine.
The lonely tree of Hà Giang has been called one of the most beautiful lonely trees in Vietnam, and it is a favorite spot among young travelers. In Hà Giang's high mountains, the tree offers a dreamlike sight; set among majestic peaks and jagged "cat's-ear" limestone cliffs, it is sure to be an appealing destination.
On closer inspection, the lonely tree leans slightly toward the edge of the ravine. At the base of the trunk is a small hollow that formed naturally. Many vendors who sell goods here use it to store items they are not using.
The lonely tree, along with dozens of others in the ancient ironwood forest of Cán Tỷ commune, is a red ironwood (nghiến đỏ), an extremely rare tree, about 250 years old. For many years, despite their hardships, local people have preserved this centuries-old ironwood forest.
This is an extremely rare red ironwood tree.
In the past, the stretch of road past the lonely tree was so narrow that cars could not get through. To support tourism, however, local authorities upgraded it into one of the main routes from Quản Bạ to Đồng Văn and Mèo Vạc (all former districts of Hà Giang).
With its striking shape and height, the lonely tree has increasingly drawn curiosity and delight from people across the country. During festivals and the buckwheat flower season, about 1,000-2,000 people a day stop to take photos with the lonely ironwood tree.
The lonely tree has increasingly drawn curiosity and delight from people across the country.
Standing at the foot of the 250-year-old tree, Đỗ Diệp, a visitor from Hà Nội, was thrilled: "I never expected that in Hà Giang's steep, rocky land there would be such a tall, lush green tree. I think the lonely tree is a symbol of the strength, resilience and will to survive of the people of Hà Giang.".
For the best photos with the lonely tree, visit around midday or early afternoon. At that time the weather is usually sunny and the tree is not shrouded in fog. If you pass by at sunset, you can capture truly romantic shots.
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