In the early days of November, yellow tree marigolds or Mexican sunflowers surrounding the Chư Đăng Ya Volcano in the Central Highlands start to bloom, making it a magnet for young trekkers and photographers.

Chư Đăng Ya Volcano, meaning “wild ginger” in the local language, has been inactive for millions of years. It is located in Ia Gri Village, Chư Đăng Ya Commune, Chư Păh District in Gia Lai Province, about 30km north of Pleiku City.

On the way to the scenic landscape, the visitors will pass through T’nưng or Biển Hồ Lake, another famous tourist attraction in Gia Lai Province that has been an inspiration for many works of art like the iconic song Đoi Mắt Pleiku (Eyes of Pleiku).  

Arriving in the region, visitors might be stunned by the vast carpet of yellow tree marigolds that brighten the whole area, from the foot of the mountain, the path to the top of its crater, with their brilliant colour.

According to a trekker, it takes about 20 minutes to climb to Chư Đăng Ya crater, but it’s worth it as you will be awarded with the breathtaking scenery of patches of mountains and forests that are decorated with tree marigolds blooming brilliantly below.

Tree marigold is a plant in the daisy family. It grows wild and is commonly found in the Central Highlands region, where the climate is cool. — VNS