When the rubber forest changes its colors

Following in the children's footsteps, I walked along the long, misty red dirt road, golden leaves glistening in the wind as they drifted down the branches. The children's clear laughter shattered the quiet atmosphere of the vast rubber forest, which was in the season of changing leaves. The golden leaves carpeted the ground beneath my feet, making me feel as if I had wandered into a dreamy realm of trees and foliage, a place only found in stories from some faraway land.

Binh Phuoc province is famous for its vast rubber plantations. The red basalt soil and suitable climate have contributed to Binh Phuoc's title as the "rubber capital".

Located more than 100km from Ho Chi Minh City, the rubber forest in Binh Long town offered me a novel experience of the changing colors of nature. Dating back to the early 20th century, besides planting, harvesting, supplying raw materials, and providing services related to the rubber industry, this forest of over 10,000 hectares also plays a crucial role in purifying the air and filtering dust from the surrounding major cities.

Every year, the leaves of the rubber trees turn yellow and then change color from around December until the end of March, when the forest is once again covered in green. During this time, the air in Binh Phuoc is cool, and early morning mist hangs in the air.

The rubber trees are planted in neat rows. Especially noteworthy are the trails within the forest, which facilitate the harvesting and transportation of rubber, making movement here very easy.

Along these paths, one can encounter workers hurrying to their jobs, children excitedly heading to school, or locals carrying goods to the market early in the morning to earn a living. Especially during the season when the rubber tree leaves turn yellow and red, the atmosphere becomes even more vibrant with the footsteps of tourists and photographers.

To capture stunning photos, tourists often choose the time of dawn with its misty mornings or the sunset with its radiant light. The winding roads look even more beautiful in pictures, resembling oil paintings with their captivating colors. Some groups of young people choose to camp in the rubber forest to relax amidst this romantic scenery with their loved ones.

Another interesting aspect is that when visiting the rubber forest, tourists can sample honey produced in the natural conditions of the forest. During the honey harvesting season, each cluster of bee farms typically has dozens of workers carrying equipment to avoid bee stings, smoke machines, and hundreds of plastic containers to hold the honey as it is transported to the factory.

The vast rubber plantations are the ideal destination for bee colonies. These bees feed on the sap of the rubber trees, producing honey that is pale amber in color, subtly sweet, and has a delicate aroma.

Visitors should enjoy the romantic scenery, the fresh natural environment, and savor the local produce, and don't forget to buy this unique souvenir as a gift.

Heritage Magazine