Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

By Thanh Hang   January 27, 2021 | 07:16 pm PT
Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in Saigon's District 5 is attracting scores of visitors eager to splurge on Lunar New Year merchandise.
Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

The street, boasting plenty of stores selling decorative Lunar New Year (Tet) items, is typically packed at this time.

Tet, Vietnam's biggest holiday, peaks on Feb. 12 this year.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

It is also a favored destination among photographers.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

Nam, who lives in Nha Be District, said this was his first time visiting the street to take pictures, and that shop owners were very welcoming.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

Zeni Vuova (in red), a Czech visitor, and Aleksandra Praszczak Vel Tracz (in pink) from Poland said they were really excited to take photos in Vietnam’s traditional ao dai.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street starts pushing Lunar New Year decorations right after Christmas. It sells mainly wedding items during non-holiday periods.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

The street offers a great backdrop for even professional camerapersons.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

Quang (in red), a shop owner on Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, said most people do not really mind photos being taken in front of their stores, as long as it does not affect other customers.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

Dat (in black), a shop assistant, said film crews also came here to shoot music videos.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

Lanterns, garlands, faux flowers and li xi (lucky money) envelopes can all be found on the street.

Saigonese descend on Tet merch street

Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street becomes especially crowded during rush hour. Visitors can park their motorbikes at nearby Kim Bien Market for VND7,000 ($0.30).

 
 
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