The Binh Dong Spring Flower Market, also known as 'Tren Ben Duoi Thuyen' (On the Wharf, Aboard the Boats) spring flower market, in District 8 will officially kick off on Friday evening.

An important annual cultural and artistic event in Ho Chi Minh City to welcome Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), the 2025 flower market at Binh Dong Wharf promises unique experiences infused with the essence of southern Vietnam for visitors.

In addition to ornamental plants from 689 gardens across the country, the market offers stalls selling handcrafted items and regional specialties. 

Notably, the event’s main stage is set afloat on the Tau Hu Canal, illuminated by artistic lighting which adds a vibrant and colorful scene.

Traditional southern folk music performances, known as đờn ca tài tử, also enhance the market's cultural ambiance.

Furthermore, the market provides hands-on activities such as wrapping and cooking bánh tét (traditional Tet food made of sticky rice, mung bean paste and pork), a songwriting competition, and a decoration contest using recycled materials to spread the message of a green, clean, and beautiful Tet.

The 2025 Binh Dong Flower Market has seen visitors flocking for shopping and sightseeing during the past days even before the official opening.

My Linh, a resident of District 5, purchased a kumquat tree for nearly VND5 million (US$199), along with two large marigold pots for about VND150,000 ($6) each. 

Shopping early ensured fresher flowers and a sense of more considerate Tet preparation, she said. 

Meanwhile, Vietnamese-American Marry Le, who is visiting her family in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet, strolled through the market for the first time with her husband, admired flowers, and snapped nice photos.

According to your correspondents’ observations, by Thursday afternoon, the market grew busier as more shoppers arrived.

Kumquat trees, laden with fruit and over one meter tall, were especially popular and fetched from VND3 million ($119) to VND7 million ($279).

Meanwhile, more affordable kumquat options were priced between VND350,000 ($14) and VND1 million ($40).

Some gardeners expressed concern over slow sales, despite being present early.

The 2025 Binh Dong Spring Flower Market will run through January 28 and is expected to draw large crowds during the peak days leading up to and during the Tet, which falls on January 29.

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