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The Tet atmosphere is spreading through the streets.
Walking along the embankment through the old District 1 and District 3, one can clearly feel the changes on each street. Free photo spots appear more frequently as Tet approaches. These small displays are created by residents in the neighborhood, utilizing the space in front of their houses and in the alleys for decoration.
Free Tet holiday photo spots have been set up along the Nhieu Loc embankment.
In Nhieu Loc ward, several residential areas have invested in decorating entire streets, setting up miniature landscapes along both sides for people to take photos for free. Particularly noteworthy is Alley 115 Nguyen Cong Hoan, where numerous photo spots have been arranged with flowers, flags, lanterns, banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), couplets, etc. Every wall and every empty space has been utilized to create diverse styles. For many, this has become a free spot for taking photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses amidst the increasingly heated "2026 ao dai photoshoot" leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).
People excitedly check in amidst the festive Tet atmosphere at alley 115 Nguyen Cong Hoan.
Nearby, alley 56 Nguyen Thong was also decorated by residents with folk themes. Some familiar stories such as Saint Giong, Tam Cam, or banh chung and banh giay (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) were recreated in simple models, combined with flower pots arranged along both sides of the walkway, creating an additional highlight to welcome Tet in the residential area.
Residents decorate miniature landscapes in alley 56 Nguyen Thong.
Not only in Nhieu Loc ward, but many streets near the embankment area are also bustling with similar decorations. Small corners are meticulously cared for, and spaces are refreshed with familiar materials of Tet, noticeably changing the appearance of the neighborhood.
The miniature landscapes are usually set up in easily visible locations, where cars can easily stop, and are convenient for passersby. Some places are completed two weeks before Tet, while others only begin to be adjusted, with lights added and flowers replaced closer to Tet.
The check-in points are set up along the open road so that everyone can easily check in and enjoy the view.
The city center is ablaze with colorful flowers.
While residential areas celebrate Tet spontaneously and intimately, the routes leading to the city center take on a more organized appearance. Newly opened parks like the April 30th Park on Pasteur Street are covered in flowers, and familiar check-in spots like Diamond Plaza are gradually becoming crowded.
People come to have fun and take photos at the newly opened April 30th Park.
A familiar check-in spot - Diamond Plaza shopping mall.
This year, Nguyen Hue Flower Street opened later than usual on February 15th, which is the 28th day of the lunar calendar. With the theme "Motivational start to the new year," the flower street is decorated with large artistic models depicting horses – symbols of prosperity and longevity.
Amidst the daily hustle and bustle of a crowded city, the simultaneous transformation of numerous alleyways and streets creates a more unified cityscape leading up to the New Year. The festive atmosphere isn't limited to major avenues; it spreads to every residential area, where people create their own unique spaces to celebrate the New Year.
The festive atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) fills the streets.
People enthusiastically participate in the "traditional Vietnamese dress race" before Tet.
The period leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) is the final stretch of the "2026 Ao Dai Race" - a playful term for the trend of wearing Ao Dai for photoshoots every spring. From students and office workers to young families, everyone wants to have a set of spring photos before the new year begins.
The Saigon Zoo – a place of lush greenery, combined with the ancient architecture of the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum and the nearby Hung King Temple – creates a traditional yet elegant backdrop for photos marking the end of the old year. Groups of young people line up to take pictures under the large trees, their traditional ao dai dresses standing out against the soothing green.
The Saigon Zoo is a popular choice for many people to take photos in traditional Vietnamese ao dai dresses at the end of the year.
This year, Ben Thanh Market became the focal point as the area in front of the main entrance was given a new look. The courtyard was painted a sea-blue color, combined with artificial peach blossoms, apricot blossoms, and even real flowers like chrysanthemums and cockscomb. Decorative details such as straw bundles and wooden boats created an atmosphere reminiscent of the Mekong Delta, with images of boats carrying flowers to Saigon during Tet. As a result, the area in front of the market was always crowded, with women in traditional ao dai dresses appearing from midday until late afternoon.
The new look of the area in front of Ben Thanh Market is attracting many people to come and take photos.
The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office and the book street continue to be popular destinations. Spiritual sites such as the Thien Hau Pagoda and Nghia An Assembly Hall also attract large crowds of visitors who come to take photos in the days leading up to Tet.
The most sought-after photo spot in Ben Thanh Market.
Another popular photo spot is the Central Post Office.
From small alleyways along the embankment to familiar spots in the city center, the Tet atmosphere is clearly evident in how people actively participate in beautifying the space and capturing the first moments of the year. Free photo spots and vibrant ao dai dresses amidst the bustling streets have created a lively and colorful picture of Saigon in the days leading up to Tet.
