Seasonal leaf change turns Mang Den Pass forest in central Vietnam into brief natural draw

Each year, a hidden grove of giant crape myrtle trees along the Mang Den mountain pass in Vietnam transforms into a vibrant mosaic of autumn colors. This brief seasonal change, which lasts a few weeks, captivates travelers, providing a tranquil escape and a striking visual experience amid the untouched landscape.

Along the winding Mang Den mountain pass in central Vietnam, a small forest of giant crape myrtle trees beneath Dak Rve Bridge undergoes a brief yet striking transformation each year, inviting travellers to slow down and take notice.

Located in Dak Rve Commune, Quang Ngai Province, the nearly one-hectare grove has no signage, services, or official designation as a tourist site. Yet during its short leaf-changing season, it becomes a quiet focal point within the vast highland landscape. Thousands of giant crape myrtle trees shed their leaves in staggered rhythms, turning the mountainside into a shifting mosaic of pale green, gold, amber, and deep red.

Because the colour change does not occur all at once, the forest appears to transform with every change in light and perspective. From above, the trees trace a stream flowing beneath the bridge, their tall, straight trunks mirrored in the clear water below. At the heart of the grove, a small waterfall spills over rock, its white current cutting through the stillness and contrasting softly with the warm tones of the foliage.

In the morning, sunlight filters through the canopy, illuminating patches of colour with clarity and depth. Many travellers say the sight comes as a surprise along Mang Den Pass, a route better known for its cool climate, winding roads, and largely untouched scenery.

“I’ve been to Mang Den many times, but this is the first time I’ve seen the giant crape myrtle forest change colour so vividly,” said Nguyen Minh Thuan, a visitor from Da Nang who stopped on the bridge to take photographs. “Looking down from above, it feels more like a film scene than real life.”

By afternoon, softer light settles over the forest, muting the colours and lending the scene a quiet, contemplative mood. Drivers passing through often pull over briefly to watch, take photos, or launch drones, even if only for a short pause in an otherwise continuous journey.

According to local residents, the leaf-changing season occurs just once a year, lasts only a few weeks, and is highly dependent on weather conditions. When the reds and yellows fade, the forest quietly returns to its familiar green, blending once more into the mountainside beneath the bridge.

Unmarked and uncrowded, the giant crape myrtle forest’s fleeting transformation has become an unexpected highlight for nature-loving travellers, offering a moment of stillness and wonder along the Mang Den route.