A vibrant Tet tradition on the water

In the days leading up to Tet, dozens of boats carrying flowers and ornamental trees from the Mekong Delta provinces have arrived at Binh Dong Wharf in District 8, ready to serve customers. The "floating flower market" officially opens tonight, January 24 (the 25th day of the lunar calendar).

According to vendors, each boat is rented from local gardeners at prices ranging from 15 to 30 million VND (approximately $630–$1,260) for a 10-day period to transport flowers to Ho Chi Minh City.

Once docked, flower pots and ornamental plants are unloaded and displayed along the 1-kilometer stretch of Binh Dong Wharf, creating a lively market scene.

Locals have already started visiting the market in large numbers to select beautiful flowers for their Tet decorations.

This year, Nguyen Thi My Thanh’s family from Ben Tre brought over 1,000 flower pots, including marigolds, chrysanthemums, and apricot blossoms, priced from 15,000 VND per pot (around $0.60) depending on size. Thanh shared her excitement over the brisk sales.

“I’ve been selling for three days now, and the favorable weather has helped the flowers bloom beautifully. They’re sure to be in full bloom by Tet,” she said.

Diverse offerings and strong sales

Some vendors, like Nguyen Van Hoang, opted to transport flowers by truck instead of boats. Hoang brought about 60 bougainvillea plants, priced between 300,000 and 500,000 VND ($13–$21) each. He reported that sales have been strong, with more than half of his inventory sold in just three days.

Unique items such as bonsai trees shaped like the Year of the Snake mascot are also being sold, with prices starting at 350,000 VND ($15).

Apricot blossoms, a Tet staple, remain the most popular item at the market. Medium-sized apricot trees are priced from 300,000 to 2 million VND ($13–$84), while older, more elaborate trees can sell for as much as 7 million VND ($294). Miniature apricot trees, perfect for smaller spaces, are priced at 100,000 VND ($4).

Many customers are shopping early to secure the best selections. Truong Van Tot, a vendor from Ben Tre, brought 1,000 apricot trees this year, up from 600 last year, when he completely sold out. To make shopping easier, all prices are clearly displayed.

Pham Thanh Kinh, a customer from Binh Tan District, was delighted after purchasing a bougainvillea pot for 130,000 VND ($5.50). He noted that prices for ornamental plants and flowers this year are stable, and in some cases, even cheaper than last year. He plans to return in the coming days to buy more flowers.

A cultural and festive experience

In addition to the bustling flower market, the Binh Dong Wharf area features elaborate decorations, including floral arrangements and a Year of the Snake mascot wearing a traditional conical hat and scarf. The setup provides a picturesque backdrop for visitors and photographers.

On the afternoon of January 23, Khiet Nhi from District 8 and her younger sister dressed in ao dai to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take Tet-themed photos along the wharf.

The floating flower market at Binh Dong Wharf will run until

January 28 (the 29th day of the lunar calendar), offering a blend of shopping, entertainment, and cultural experiences for visitors. From January 25 to 27, cultural and artistic performances will take place at the main stage of the "floating flower market" area along Tau Hu Canal, adding to the festive spirit.

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Bustling trading activities are taking place along the more than 1-kilometer stretch of Ben Binh Dong Street (District 8).
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This year, Ms. Nguyen Thi My Thanh’s family from Ben Tre brought over 1,000 flower pots of various types, including marigolds, raspberries, and apricot blossoms, with prices starting at 15,000 VND (approximately $0.62) per pot, depending on the size.
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This year, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang did not rent a boat but instead used a truck to transport bougainvillea flowers.
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In addition, many unique items are being sold here, such as bonsai trees shaped like the Year of the Snake zodiac animal, priced at 350,000 VND (approximately $14.35) per tree.
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Apricot blossoms remain the most commonly sold item at the flower market.
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Last year, Mr. Truong Van Tot (from Ben Tre) brought 600 apricot trees to sell at Binh Dong Wharf and sold out completely. This year, he brought 1,000 trees, all with clearly listed prices to make it easier for customers to choose.
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Mr. Pham Thanh Kinh (from Binh Tan District) was delighted after finalizing the purchase of a bougainvillea flower pot for 130,000 VND (approximately $5.33).
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In addition to the Tet flower stalls, the riverside area this year is decorated with various flowers and features images of the snake zodiac mascot wearing a conical hat and a checkered scarf, creating an enjoyable space for sightseeing and photo opportunities for visitors.
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Khiet Nhi (from District 8) and her younger sister wore traditional ao dai and strolled along Binh Dong Wharf, taking Tet photos on the afternoon of January 23.
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The "Waterfront Spring Flower Market" along Ben Binh Dong Street will run until January 28 (the 29th day of the lunar calendar), catering to the public's Tet shopping, recreation, and entertainment needs. From the nights of January 25 to 27, cultural and artistic activities will take place at the main stage of the "Waterfront Spring" miniature scene on Tau Hu Canal.

Nguyen Hue