Let's discover Cu Lao Cham - Scarlet Sterculia Blossom Festival 2026

The fiery scarlet sterculia on Cu Lao Cham Island is a rare endemic species named after its vibrant red blossoms. Photo: Do Huan

The upcoming event will offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience nature, culture and island life at their most vibrant.

The festival celebrates the blooming season of the scarlet sterculia, a native tree that paints Cu Lao Cham's rocky hillsides in brilliant shades of red from mid-July through August.

tree and local life. For generations, island residents have used its bark to weave hammocks, preserving the traditional hammock weaving craft, which has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam.

The festival offers visitors a chance to discover not only the beauty of the blossoms but also the cultural traditions that have flourished alongside them.

Throughout the two-week celebration, travellers can immerse themselves in authentic island experiences.

Sunrise and sunset over the sea, snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, wandering through centuries-old fishing villages, sampling fresh seafood and local specialties, and browsing exhibitions of OCOP products all provide a glimpse into the rhythm of life on the island.

Cultural performances, sporting activities and community events further showcase the unique identity of Cu Lao Cham.

One of this year's most photogenic attractions is the Scarlet Sterculia Road, a picturesque 350-meter stretch running from the entrance gate of Bai Lang Village to the intersection with Quyet Thang Road. Lined with mature trees, the route becomes a breathtaking natural tunnel of scarlet blossoms and is expected to be one of the festival's most sought-after photography locations.

An elderly women weaves a hammock from sterculia bark fibers on Cu Lao Cham. Photo: https://nhandan.vn/

Beyond its visual appeal, the festival reflects a broader commitment to sustainable tourism. By celebrating local heritage while encouraging environmental stewardship, the event highlights how tourism can help protect both fragile ecosystems and living cultural traditions.

For travellers seeking experiences beyond Vietnam's well-known beaches, the festival offers something refreshingly different: a destination where spectacular seasonal beauty, community heritage and pristine nature come together.
 

• Located about 15km from Hoi An, Cu Lao Cham in Tan Hiep island commune in the central city of Da Nang clusters eight small islands into a lush green arc.
• More than a simple tourist spot, this pristine gem snagged UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve status back in 2009 thanks to its rich biodiversity and strikingly untouched environment.
• By 2030, the island aims to welcome 350,000-400,000 visitors each year. Tan Hiep is poised to flourish with a sustainable eco-cultural tourism model, making it a unique and quality destination that preserves its natural charm while protecting national sovereignty.