In recent months, Dau Thanh Tung, a resident of Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, has been crafting snake sculptures for his coconut bonsai collection to celebrate the upcoming Lunar Year of the Snake.

Passionate about combining coconut and bonsai, every year Tung has put effort into creating collections representing the zodiac animals for the past five years.

Coconut bonsai pots are decorated with sculptures of different zodiac animals. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News

This year, he has crafted sculptures of snakes holding a pearl, which he hopes can symbolize prosperity.

Tung revealed it requires eight to 12 months to nurture and shape the plants to produce eye-catching bonsai products.

Tung poses with a coconut bonsai pot decorated with a snake sculpture. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News

First, Tung must select beautiful coconut trees before planting them in a sturdy pot.

Next, he begins crafting the snake-shaped ornaments using dried coconut shells before attaching them to the trees.

A glossy finish, unique paint patterns, and finally a pearl in each snake finish the process.

The snake are crafted using dried coconut shells. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News

On average, Tung crafts five to seven snake-shaped bonsai pots daily.

He believes “handicrafts require a high level of artistry, meticulous attention to detail, and dedication."

"If a product isn’t perfect, I’ll patiently rework it to make it as visually appealing as possible," Tung said.

According to Tung, his coconut bonsai tree are easy to care for as the trees only require watering and sunbathing, and customers receive care instructions and a QR code for detailed guidance.

Dau Thanh Tung, 44, waters coconut bonsai in his garden in Binh Chanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News

The plants can thrive for three to five years with the proper care and dedication, he said.

Tung sells his bonsai wholesale at his garden Dừa bonsai Thanh Tùng at 833 Truong Van Da, Hamlet 2, Binh Loi Commune, Binh Chanh District, and by live streams on online platforms.

They retail for VND250,000 to VND2.5 million (US$9.85 to $98.49) depending on the size and design.

He plans to showcase his creations at two venues near Tet holiday, including the flower market at the Binh Loi Apricot Blossom Village and the OCOP Product Club in Binh Chanh District.

A coconut bonsai pot is decorated with a monkey sculpture crafted by Tung. Photo: Ngoc Phuong / Tuoi Tre News

Tung said his customers also send the pots abroad as gifts, so he aims to enhance his designs further to showcase the quality of Vietnamese craftsmanship on the international stage.

For this coming Tet which falls on January 29, he has also introduced bonsai creations featuring the words "Father" and "Mother" representing filial piety, as well as hydroponic bonsai with roots up to 90cm long.

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