Hang Luoc Flower Market, a place that only convenes once a year in the capital city.

As is customary every year, Hang Luoc Street begins its Tet flower market. Considered one of Hanoi's oldest flower markets, it opens only once a year, in the last days of the twelfth lunar month. During the period leading up to Tet, the demand for flowers and ornamental plants increases, making the Hang Luoc flower market very lively and bustling. After the Lunar New Year ends, the flower market closes and remains inactive until the following year's Tet.

Hang Luoc Flower Market opens to sell decorative items for the Lunar New Year, especially peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, orchids, kumquat trees, etc. Many small, beautifully shaped kumquat trees suitable for decorating small living spaces are also sold here. In addition, peach blossoms are also sold throughout the neighborhood, with vendors coming from the suburbs.

This year, the traditional flower market in Hanoi's Old Quarter is being held on Hang Luoc, Hang Khoai, Hang Ruoi, and Hang Ma streets, as well as in the mural-filled space on Phung Hung street.

Appearing in the early 20th century, Hang Luoc Flower Market is considered the oldest flower market in Hanoi. It's called Hang Luoc Flower Market because it's located on Hang Luoc Street and its surrounding alleys. Every Tet (Lunar New Year) season, Hang Luoc Street becomes bustling with people shopping for the festivities.

Although it is no longer as crowded as it once was due to the emergence of many other flower markets in the city, it is still considered one of Hanoi's most culturally significant markets, deeply ingrained in the consciousness of Hanoians as a traditional flower market.

Strolling around Hang Luoc flower market during the Lunar New Year has become a cultural tradition and a refined pastime for Hanoians. Pots of apricot blossoms, kumquat bonsai, orchids, and miniature peach blossoms are displayed along both sides of the street in a variety of styles. Besides fresh flowers, the market also sells artistic artificial flowers in a full range of colors.

Lan Anh, a tourist from Saigon who had the opportunity to visit Hang Luoc flower market in the days leading up to Tet, said: "Coming to Hanoi at this time, I not only enjoyed the cold weather of the North, but also the full Tet atmosphere that permeated every street. Hang Luoc flower market has countless types of ornamental plants, especially peach blossoms that fill both sides of the street, making the place more vibrant and colorful than ever."

Hang Luoc Flower Market is not only a place to buy flowers to decorate homes, but also a destination to admire and feel the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year). This creates a lively atmosphere, attracting many tourists to visit and take photos.

This unique and oldest market in the city is still considered an indispensable destination for sightseeing and spring outings, due to its traditional cultural features and as a place that preserves memories for many generations of Hanoians.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Text and photos: Phuong Thao