Tet, the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, is the most important holiday of the year. For me it is also the prettiest. There are displays of blossoms throughout the city, along with fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve. In Ho Chi Minh City the crowning glory of events is the Tet Flower Festival right in the center of town.
Every year during Tet, Nguyen Hue, the main street in the central business district is transformed for one week into Nguyen Hue Flower Street. During this time traffic is banned on the wide boulevard and the central islands are decorated with magnificent floral displays. Throughout the week Vietnamese of all ages stroll through the impromptu park snapping photos and having fun.
“Eternal Spring” was the theme of the festival for 2012, also the Year of the Dragon. All along Nguyen Hue the eponymous dragon was displayed, in both floral and paper mache versions.
At the head of Nguyen Flower Street the statue of a benevolent “Uncle Ho” floating among lotus blossoms presides over the festival.
Family photos are a popular souvenir with the beautiful floral displays as a background. Here one of the official event photographers organizes a family for their portrait by the dragons.
Hotels enter a competition for best flower arrangement, interpreting the theme of “Eternal Spring”. This entry from the New World Saigon Hotel features anthuriums, pussy willow, orchids, roses, lilies and an unusual accent of winter cabbage.
Notice how the dad in this family is wearing a “Florida” shirt while his family mugs for the camera. . .
Of course, a big event like this brings out all the celebrities, including this uber-chic little miss in her sassy pink dress!
For 2013 the Nguyen Hue Flower Street Festival will run from February 11-16, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Anyone who will be in Vietnam on those dates should plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City to see this beautiful exhibit. And as the Vietnamese say:
Chúc mừng năm mới! (Happy New Year)
With Little Rocky's help, Larissa stops traffic in Saigon.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
I’ve been to Vietnam a couple of times but never for Tet…. it looks wonderful! So many bright yellow flowers.!
Bethaney recently posted..Travel Hacking New Zealand: Finding Cheap Flights in New Zealand
It’s really beautiful, and also fun to see people of all ages out enjoying it.
Larissa recently posted..From the Smithsonian: Traveling with the Rocky statue in North Korea
wow. we’ll be there day after tomorrow for half a day. if we’re not dead from the night bus, i think you’ve helped plan our day. by the way, i adore the little girl in the fuchsia matching dress and glasses. adorable.
gabi recently posted..The Time I Almost Died In Las Vegas- The Nomadic Family Budget World Travel Blog
Definitely go if you can, it’s really pretty. Since it runs along the main street and is totally open and free, you can go for as long or short as you wish. Have a great time in HCMC!
Larissa recently posted..Free things to do in Florence
Oh, that looks lovely! Just one more reason to visit Vietnam.
Micki recently posted..Six Quick Steps to Nailing the Cheapest Flight
Yep, it’s definitely worth seeing
Larissa recently posted..Free things to do in Belgrade: One of Europe’s oldest cities
I’ve seen both fire and ice festivals, but never flowers! Beautiful!
Cat of Sunshine and Siestas recently posted..Tapas Thursday: Eating Italy
Wow, I can’t believe it’s that colorful there during Tet. My VN friends have always invited me to go but I never found the time. Too bad, I miss Saigon!
Aleah | SolitaryWanderer.com recently posted..The Most Romantic Places in Europe
Beautiful shots…I had never heard of this festival…
D.J. – The World of Deej recently posted..Driftwood Beach on Jekyll Island – Picture of the Week
Yes, it’s a giant outdoor Flower Show!
Larissa recently posted..How to travel: 14 travel myths debunked (Part 1)
I have been in Ho Chi Minh on 7-9 Peb, I was enjoying te festival. The flower looks very nice. I stay untill night just to see how everything looks. It was wonderfull
Yes, it’s very pretty.
Larissa recently posted..How to travel: 14 travel myths debunked (Part 1)
How colourful, what a wonderful time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh, thanks for sharing.
For anyone thinking of visiting Ho Chi Minh City this time of year, it’s definitely worth it to time your stay so you can see this wonderful exhibit.
Thanks for checking in, Helen.
Larissa recently posted..The 11 best sandwiches in the world, which one costs only 35 cents?
Great shots!
There’s gonna be a nicer Tet Flower Festival on next Tet, the Year of Horse if you plan to go back.
There will be some more Flower Streets like this (Nguyen Hue) at the other places, 40km away from Saigon.
Welcome back to Vietnam!
Quang
Thanks Quang. Vietnam was one of our favorite countries to visit so we would love to go back some day.