The trees, called hoa gao in Vietnamese, are usually seen standing next to an ornamental roof temple in the middle of paddy fields.

If you're hoping your north Vietnam experience goes beyond the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and the touristy Ha Long Bay, venture to the countryside in Vietnam’s Red River Delta this time of the year, when red cotton trees are in full bloom.

Hoa gao's bold red blossoms brighten up the green landscape.

This spectacular red cotton tree outside Mieu Ba Co in the northern province of Bac Giang is so famous it's been listed on Google Maps.

In March, the trees leave a shower of flowers resembling a burning torch.

The sight of these cup-shaped 5-petal flowers signals the start of summer.

Thay Temple, or Chua Thay in Quoc Oai District, is situated 30km (19 miles) from Hanoi.