People in Hanoi and other northern provinces have recently appeared to prefer wild peach branches to decorate their homes during Tet instead of the usual cultivated ones from Nhat Tan Village.

 Wild peach blossom

The roads to several districts in Son La Province, to Yen Chau and Moc Chau, for example, have become busy with traders this last weekend.

According to Toan, a trader in Yen Chau District, a wild peach branch costs about VND500,000 (USD24). However, because the trees have seen fewer blossoms this year, prices may increase in the next few days.

One Hanoi resident, Nguyen Hoang Anh, commented, "Nine of us traveled to Moc Chau for last two days to search for wild peach branches, but they don't seem as attractive as in previous years."

Wild peach blossoms often have a lighter pink than the peach flowers in Nhat Tan Village, and are more expensive because they are considered more natural. The larger and older the branch is, the higher the price.

However, the popularity also threatens the wild peach trees themselves. In 2012, many traders went to mountainous provinces in search of wild trees for Tet. According to Nguoi Dua Tin News, it is easier to find wild peach trees in Hanoi than in the mountainous areas.

"If it goes on like this, I might have to change my business, because the number of trees is sharply decreasing," a veteran trader said with Nguoi Dua Tin News.

Make-shift market selling wild peach branches in Moc Chau

Traders display the branches on the road

Early blooming flowers

Wild bulbs

 Blossoms transported to cities

Some old trees can fetch a price as high as VND10 million