Western Quang Tri’s sweetgum forests begin their leaf-change period in early December, with the canopies of Khe Sanh and Huong Phung glowing across the Truong Son Mountain Range.
Sweetgum stands line the Rao Quan hydropower reservoir, where the still, high water mirrors the foliage to create a serene, postcard-like scene.
The leaves shift from green to yellow, orange and red as the season turns, their fiery canopies illuminating the cool morning mist.
The sweetgum, or Liquidambar formosana, is a fragrant hardwood native to Southeast Asia. The long-lived tree grows 2 to 10 metres tall and is often planted for shade.
Each November and December, visitors come to watch the forests change colour, trekking along glowing hillsides or taking boats across the reservoir for broader views.
Towards year-end, the colours intensify, washing the hills and the still lake in red, considered the best time for photography.
Tourist interest has risen in recent years, with many saying the forests are most beautiful at sunrise or sunset. “Deeper inside are lush meadows and streams feeding the lake, ideal spots for overnight camping,” said Nguyen Bon, 35, from Khe Sanh Commune.
From the reservoir, visitors can also see vast wind-farm fields stretching along the Huong Phung ridges, adding a dramatic, modern backdrop to the rugged landscape.
With unspoilt scenery and vivid seasonal colours, western Quang Tri is welcoming more travellers seeking an autumn-like experience in tropical Vietnam.
