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The flow of festivals in the heart of Cho Lon.
Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street is located in the heart of District 5, stretching from Vo Van Kiet to Hoc Lac, nestled within Cho Lon – the largest Chinese quarter in Ho Chi Minh City. This street has a history dating back to the French colonial era, undergoing numerous urban changes before officially being named Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street after 1975. Over time, it has not only served as an important commercial route but has also become an integral part of urban memory, closely linked to the daily life and culture of the local community.
In July 2010, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street was recognized by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism as one of the city's oldest streets, thanks to its relatively intact preservation of architecture, commercial spaces, and the distinctive cultural life of the Cholon community.
Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street still preserves many architectural features and traditional cultural aspects of the Cholon community.
On ordinary days, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street retains the tranquil atmosphere of an old street. But during holidays, especially as Tet (Lunar New Year) approaches, the atmosphere transforms. The entire street seems to be adorned with a new coat of red and yellow – colors that herald the new year, good fortune, and family reunion. Lanterns hang densely, red couplets stretch across shop fronts, and red envelopes, New Year mascots, and artificial apricot and peach blossoms cover the sidewalks and storefronts.
No longer just a shopping destination, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street has become a place for people to "celebrate Tet early." Many come not necessarily to buy things, but to stroll along the street, admire the festive atmosphere, and feel the Tet spirit gradually spreading through the heart of the city.
Similar to Hang Ma Street in Hanoi, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street is where people come to shop for decorations and enjoy the early Tet atmosphere.
The festive atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) was palpable from early on.
According to observations, about a month before the Lunar New Year, shops on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street began displaying decorations. From the early days with only a few scattered stalls, the street gradually transformed into a vibrant and bustling place. As Tet approached, especially in the evenings, the entire street was brightly lit, attracting the attention of passersby and drawing increasingly large crowds.
The large crowds on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street on the evening of February 8th led to minor traffic congestion.
From last weekend, February 7th and 8th, the streets were not only beautifully decorated but also bustling with people. Tet decorations of all sizes and styles were on display, from traditional lanterns, couplets, and decorative fans, to flashing lights, paper firecrackers, and this year's mascot – red and gold horses. The shops were completely covered in the familiar red and gold colors of Tet, arranged in a continuous strip, making the atmosphere even more vibrant and lively than in the city center.
The brightly colored red shops, lined up side-by-side, formed a strip of light running along the street.
The crowds on the street were diverse. Some were shopping, some just stopped by to take a few photos, and some families were strolling with their young children. Ms. Thuy, taking advantage of the weekend to take her child to the park, stopped by Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street to experience the Tet atmosphere. She recounted that she had taken her child to Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street during the Mid-Autumn Festival, but the area became deserted during Tet. Closer to home, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street became her next stop, where she chose to buy decorative fans, imitation banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), apricot blossom branches, and a red horse figurine symbolizing good luck.
Many people have started buying things to decorate their homes, preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year).
Small stalls and the rhythm of making a living.
Besides the large shops, many mobile stalls also line the street. On the sidewalk, lanterns and string lights of various colors and shapes are hung and arranged in eye-catching clusters. Mr. An, the owner of a lantern stall, arranges his goods while introducing them to customers. He says he has been selling here for over two weeks, and the crowds only start to increase in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year). Many people stop by to buy small strings of lights to wrap around apricot and peach branches, decorating balconies and windows. String lights sell well, but lanterns remain the most attractive item for both children and adults.
Another section of Hai Thuong Lan Ong street features many shops selling decorative lanterns for Tet (Lunar New Year).
Alongside those vibrant stalls, there are also shops with a more subdued atmosphere: shops that tailor clothing for worshipping the Goddess, shops selling lion dance heads, and shops selling traditional Chinese offerings. Without ostentatious displays, these shops quietly exist as a cultural backdrop, reminding us that this street is not just about festivals, but also a place that preserves traditional values alongside modern life.
The tailor shop specializing in clothing for worshipping the Goddess is located in District 5, next to Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street.
The shop selling lion dance heads is near Luong Nhu Hoc lantern street.
Walking along Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, one can do more than just shop or admire the street. From here, it's easy to connect to the distinctive cultural spaces of Cho Lon such as the Thien Hau Pagoda, the ancient Chinese assembly halls: Nghia An, Tue Thanh, and Phuc Kien; or the alleys and streets bearing the mark of old architecture along Nguyen Trai, Tran Hung Dao, and Chau Van Liem streets. Further afield are Binh Tay Market and An Dong Market – trading centers closely linked to the history of the area.
The streets of District 5, bearing the marks of time, are gradually being painted in the vibrant red of Tet.
In that flow, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street is not just a street, but part of a larger festive space, where Tet doesn't arrive in a fleeting moment, but spreads, lingers, and gradually permeates the rhythm of daily life. When the streets are covered in red, when people slow down to admire, shop, and chat, that's when Tet has truly arrived in Cho Lon.
