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Traditional colors blend seamlessly with modern life.
Stretching nearly 200 meters, Luong Nhu Hoc street transforms into a "silk ribbon of light" when night falls. Star-shaped lanterns, carp-shaped lanterns, and jade rabbit lanterns evoke childhood memories, while modern designs with dazzling LED lights, or trendy styles like Labubu and Baby Three, all combine to create a street that blends tradition and modernity, simultaneously evoking childhood nostalgia and catering to the tastes of the younger generation.
The stalls are brightly colored and the Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere fills Luong Nhu Hoc Street.
The stalls were packed together, overflowing with color and the sounds of laughter and conversation. It was observed that the busiest time was in the evening, from around 7 PM to 10 PM. On weekends, the street was almost completely full. On the evening of September 21st, the entire stretch of road, only about 200 meters long, was teeming with people. Amidst the shimmering lights, the sounds of strolling footsteps mingled with the drums, the calls of vendors, and the laughter of children, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.
Luong Nhu Hoc Street was packed with people on the evening of September 21st, half a month before the Mid-Autumn Festival.
A meeting place for many generations.
As one of the streets with over half a century of association with Saigon's Mid-Autumn Festival, Luong Nhu Hoc is not simply a lantern market, but also a place that connects many generations.
On the evening of September 21st, Ms. Hang (32 years old, Thu Duc City) brought her young child to choose lanterns. Holding her child's hand and pointing to a jade rabbit lantern, she shared: "My child loves star lanterns and rabbit lanterns the most. Every year I bring her here so she can experience the true spirit of the Mid-Autumn Festival." For many parents, buying a lantern is not just about buying a toy, but also a way for children to feel and preserve traditional culture.
Parents bring their young children to play and buy lanterns to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Not only young children, but also teenagers see this place as a meeting point. Amidst the bustling crowds, Luong Thu Thao (24 years old) said: “This is the second time I’ve come to this street during the Mid-Autumn Festival since moving to Ho Chi Minh City two years ago. The traditional charm and lively atmosphere here remind me somewhat of Hang Ma Street in Hanoi.”
The street has become a popular spot for young people to take photos and celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The vibrancy of the stalls
Amidst the bustling crowds, Mrs. Ha's stall is always packed with customers. Having been involved in the lantern selling business for many years, she smiled brightly and said, "On weekends, this street is almost completely crowded. Sometimes, customers come to buy, and I can't even keep up with the demand." Mrs. Ha's shop is always bustling with visitors taking photos of the lanterns of all sizes, from large to small, hanging all over the space.
Lanterns of all sizes hung throughout the stalls, creating a vibrant scene.
The shop offers a wide variety of products, from small star-shaped lanterns priced at just 20,000-30,000 VND to larger ones ranging from 100,000-200,000 VND. In particular, traditional cellophane paper lanterns remain a popular choice for many families, alongside colorful LED designs for children who love novelty.
On the other side, a shop owner held a small drum, shaking it continuously to attract attention. The "thump-thump" sounds added to the lively atmosphere. The alley next to it, adorned with lanterns, also became a popular spot for people to take photos on this bustling street.
Another shop owner said that initially, they were worried about importing goods from the end of June in the lunar calendar, but there were no buyers and the market was sluggish. However, from about a month before the Mid-Autumn Festival, business picked up significantly, especially when the weather was clear and the rain was favorable.
A festive scene in the heart of Cholon.
Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street, home to a large Chinese community, is renowned for its traditional handcrafted lantern making. Every Mid-Autumn Festival, it transforms into an open-air stage, where hundreds of lanterns hanging along the street illuminate the area, evoking childhood memories for the older generation and offering a fresh experience for the younger generation.
Traditional toys like clay figurines, gourd-shaped carts, masks, and "princess" headbands further enliven the atmosphere. Some young people choose the lantern-hanging area near the Lantern Street entrance as a backdrop for their photos, while many families take advantage of the opportunity to capture memorable moments with their children.
Families take advantage of the weekend to capture joyful moments of outings with their children.
Although the Mid-Autumn Festival is still nearly half a month away, Luong Nhu Hoc is already bustling like a grand festival. Amidst the dazzling light of thousands of lanterns, everyone finds their own joy – from the excitement of childhood, the joy of family reunion, to a touch of nostalgia for a traditional Mid-Autumn Festival that never fades.
