Vietnam's largest bitter tea tree has been spotted in the northern mountainous province of Lang Son.

The tree measures 2 metres in diameter and nearly 30 metres in height, so the owner of the tree has to use a trunk ladder to pick up its buds.

There is another big bitter tea tree in northern Vietnam, but it is only 0.7 metres in diameter said Dr Tran Van Gia, Vice President of the Vietnam Tea Association.

Bitter tea is efficacious in losing weight, improving sleep and digestion, reducing cholesterol, and stabilising blood pressure, according to oriental medicine.