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Unlike the bustling Vung Tau during the summer months, the early days of the new year bring a more tranquil atmosphere. The sky seems higher and clearer, the apricot blossom trees are shyly budding, the dry grass is a golden yellow, and the Tet atmosphere begins to subtly permeate every corner of the shops through the pots of chrysanthemums with their delicate buds.
Gone are the familiar crowds of summer; Vung Tau now presents a stable atmosphere, light and clear air, high skies, gentle sunshine, and a steady sea breeze. The late ferry from Can Gio to Vung Tau took me there at the end of the day. The sunset poured a golden hue over the sea, stretching along each wave. The sea breeze grew stronger as the ferry left the dock, bringing a noticeable chill even though the sun was still visible on the horizon. Inside the boat, the coolness gradually took over, while outside the window, the sea remained bright, flat, and radiant with golden light.
As the ferry docked, the sunset was fading. Out at sea, the light was still bright, but upon reaching land, it quickly softened, leaving only thin streaks of pink against the deep blue sky before disappearing completely. On the beach, the fishing boats began to light up. While the fishermen of Phuoc Hai fishing village untangled their nets, preparing for their midnight fishing trip, a few locals sat on the embankment chatting and gazing at the sea. Life in the early days of the new year was therefore slower and more peaceful.
The next morning, I went up Pig Hill early. The sun spread evenly across the hillside, illuminating patches of pale yellow dry grass and gray rocks. On the hillside, the crape myrtle trees were beginning to bloom. Although the flowers weren't dense and the colors weren't vibrant, they were enough to signal the change of season. The flowers were small, pale pink or white, and grew in clusters. Seeing them up close in the early morning sun, the colors stood out clearly against the dry hillside and strong wind.
Plum blossoms, also known as cherry blossoms, pink plum blossoms, or peach blossoms, are a species of legume that typically blooms from late December to early February, coinciding with the period from the Gregorian New Year to the Lunar New Year. Therefore, in Vung Tau, the appearance of plum blossoms is often considered a familiar sign of the new year.
Because it tolerates sun, wind, and dry soil, the crape myrtle is widely grown in coastal areas and on mountain slopes. In Vung Tau, the tree can be found along Tran Phu Street, the Nghinh Phong Cape area, the roads around Mount Large and Mount Small, and in some parks. Specifically on Con Heo Hill, due to its open terrain and wind exposure, the crape myrtle usually blooms earlier than in other places.
From halfway up Con Heo Hill, I could see Hon Ba Temple situated on a small island in the middle of the sea. The stone path leading to the temple only became visible when the tide receded. In the opposite direction, I could see the entire city from above, with red and blue roofs, and patches of white and yellow walls neatly interspersed between the sea and the mountains.
Following the small paths at the foot of the mountain, turning onto a slope, a small souvenir shop is hidden behind a row of yellow honeysuckle flowers. Owned by an elderly man, the shop sells souvenirs such as bracelets, necklaces, keychains, mirrors, and combs, all decorated with small seashells. Everything is simply displayed, but when these charming little items are arranged together, the place has recently become famous on social media as a shop straight out of a painting.
The souvenir shop has been attracting tourists to check in at Vung Tau recently.
In the opposite direction, the road up Mount Nho in the early days of the year is cooler than usual. The trees provide dense cover, and sunlight filters through the foliage, creating alternating patches of light and shadow. The small paths leading deep into the forest offer a sense of tranquility, completely separate from the atmosphere of the city. Along the roadside, besides the green of the foliage, there are patches of dry grass and a few early-blooming red flame trees, appearing alone in a season that isn't yet their usual season.
The atmosphere of the Lunar New Year is gradually appearing on the streets and in the corners of cafes. In front of houses and shops, pots of chrysanthemums are placed, their buds still closed, their yellow color already evident. Red wish papers hang scattered around, swaying in the sea breeze. In the distance, the blue sea remains calm, creating the familiar backdrop of the city. Colorful bougainvillea, scattered white sunset flowers, and vibrant bougainvillea add layers of color to Vung Tau in the early days of the new year.
This season, Vung Tau reveals itself as it truly is: a seaside city slowing down after Tet, with gentle sunshine, cool breezes, quiet streets, and flowers blooming at just the right time.
