Come to Flower Island, relax your soul

Amidst the vast waves of Nui Coc Lake, there is a small island like a poetic dot in the picturesque landscape of Thai Nguyen. That is Hoa Family Island, a peaceful space, where the footsteps come not to hastily “check-in”, but to inhale the scent of flowers and let the wind freely play with the hair, touching the inner self of each person.

Flower Island was not born like that! More than a decade ago, this place was a barren land, full of weeds and garbage left after the excursions of transient groups. The island was isolated in the middle of the vast waves, no electricity, no water, no houses... But a young couple, Mr. Nguyen Van Phong and Ms. Nguyen Thi Huong, boldly chose this place as the starting point for a journey to revive the deserted island.

With their diligent hands, they personally carried each stone, dug each piece of land, and brought each flower root from the mainland to the island. Sometimes they begged, sometimes they bought cheap discarded plants, and they patiently cared for them until each shy bud blossomed. And so, over the years, each chrysanthemum bed, row of wild sim, bush of hydrangea… took turns blooming. The island not only has the beauty of flowers but also exudes the vitality of the will and determination of the people who “make” even rocks and stones bloom.

Tourists leisurely enjoy tea on Flower Island.

Just about 10 minutes by boat from the lake shore, Hoa Island appears like another world with the sound of birds chirping, the sound of wind rustling through the leaves and the gentle fragrance from the blooming flower arches.

On the island, small stone paths wind around flower gardens leading to rustic wooden huts by the water. Visitors can sit and swing on hammocks under the shade of areca, Indian laurel, mango, jackfruit trees, etc., read a book, or simply relax and listen to their hearts.

Unlike other well-organized tourist areas, Hoa Island does not have any loud entertainment games, no big restaurants or high-rise resorts, everything is kept at the simplest level so as not to disturb the already very gentle space. That is also what keeps many tourists coming back - the feeling of "slow living" in the heart of nature.

Peaceful path on the island.

With more than 50 species of flowers planted and cared for in rotation according to the seasons, Flower Island is like a garden that never sleeps. In early spring, peach blossoms and dahlias bloom, dotted with yellow mustard plants gently swaying in the wind. In summer, bougainvillea covers the walkways, and orchid trellises release their fragrant scent. In autumn, purple myrtle, chrysanthemums, and aster compete to show off their beauty. And in winter, hydrangea bushes quietly bloom in the chilly weather, as a reminder that nature has never left humans.

Each flower season, each occasion to the island is a different emotional experience. Some tourists come to “heal” their souls after the scars of life. Some come to give themselves a day off, no work, no deadlines, no social networks. And there are also many couples who have chosen this place to start a relationship, where love is cherished among the flower canopy and the blue water.

Behind the gentle scenery of Hoa Island is the story of two ordinary people who dared to step out of the familiar routine to sow their dreams in a remote place. When they realized that Ms. Huong had health problems, they left the city, moved to the countryside, and chose a deserted island in the middle of a lake to live. That decision once made many people doubt, thinking that the couple had "problems", "not normal"... but then with love, patience and dedication, they made this island bloom both literally and figuratively.

What is special is that Hoa Island has never been operated as a professional tourist area, no price list, no service staff, no tour guides, everything is maintained with gentleness, friendliness, and impressive simplicity. Visitors are encouraged to bring food but must maintain general hygiene, and above all, cherish the inherent peace here.

“Coming to Flower Island, I felt like I was lost in a dream, where there were only blooming flowers, fragrance, and birdsong in the music of the wind. Watching the children play and admire the flowers they saw for the first time, such as sim flowers and mua flowers, I felt like I was back to my childhood. The scent of flowers, the sound of birds, the peace… all caressed my soul and body, making me want to stay for a long time.” - Ms. Ngo Thanh Ha, a tourist from Ba Dinh - Hanoi shared.

Many visitors find healing here after months of stress at work. Some come once, then return the following year with their families. There are groups of young people playing instruments and enjoying food together under the shade of trees. The island is not only a destination, but also a memory, a beautiful memory that people will remember forever.

“Coming to Hoa Island, touching peace” - is not an advertisement, but a very real feeling that anyone who has visited will understand. The island is not too big, not sophisticated, not flashy, but every step on the island is like being cherished by nature and people. In today's hustle and bustle, a place like Hoa Family Island is a gentle reminder that: peace is actually always there, just waiting for us to return.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/van-hoa/202507/den-dao-hoa-tha-hon-vao-binh-yen-d251f84/