Famous Tet markets in each region of Vietnam

For the Vietnamese people, Tet Nguyen Dan – Lunar New Year holds a place of profound significance. It is a cherished time when families gather together, and when ancient traditions are honored and passed down across generations.

Woven into the very fabric of Tet are the vibrant Tet markets. They are not only a place of commerce but also embody many cultural values and reflect the beauty of the Vietnamese people. Some famous Tet markets are contributing factors to the unique culture of each locality and region. Join Ama Journey as we journey through the Tet markets of each region, discovering the stories they hold.

*****

Huoi Cuoi Spring Market

The Huoi Cuoi Spring Market is one of the largest and most famous markets in Son La province, located right in the center of Quynh Nhai district. The market opens every 5 days, but it is busiest during the Lunar New Year.

The Huoi Cuoi Market is not only a place for buying and selling, but also a convergence of the unique cultural characteristics of the ethnic minorities in the Northwest region. Visitors can admire the colorful traditional costumes of the Thai, Mong, Dao, and Tay people, mixed with the vibrant sounds of flutes, drums, and dances.

The items sold at the Huoi Cuoi Spring Market are very diverse, from agricultural products, household goods, and handicrafts to local specialties such as pigs, hill chickens, stream fish, sticky rice wine, etc. Besides socializing and exchanging goods, the market is also a destination for people to buy items for farming, livestock raising, and fishing. They believe that this will bring good luck in the new year, with favorable weather and abundant harvests.

Hang Luoc Flower Market

The Hang Luoc Flower Market is a traditional market in Hanoi. Established in the early 20th century, this market is considered one of the oldest in Hanoi. It opens once a year, in the last days of December, on the eve of the Lunar New Year.
The Hang Luoc Flower Market is located on Hang Luoc Street, extending to several neighboring streets such as Hang Cot, Phung Hung, Hang Ma, etc., in Hoan Kiem district. The market has a large area, with hundreds of stalls mainly selling ornamental plants, peach trees, and kumquat trees from Hanoi's famous flower villages. Furthermore, there are also certain types of Tet flowers, such as apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, dahlias, etc.

Many people come here not only to buy flowers but also to stroll around, admire the scenery, and take pictures. This creates an experience of "going out" instead of simply "shopping" for flowers, a beautiful aspect of the Hanoians' hobby of ornamental plants. There are also unique antique stalls, ranging from bronze vases and statues to decorative statues and figures of zodiac animals symbolizing each year. For many Hanoians, the Hang Luoc Flower Market is where they rediscover childhood memories of spending time with their families during Tet and spring.

Gia Lac Market

The Gia Lac Market (Thua Thien Hue) has a long history, taking place during the 3 days of Tet, with the meaning of "buying fortune" at the beginning of the year, "buying luck and sweetness." The Gia Lac Market is not only a typical cultural symbol of Hue but also brings a traditional Tet atmosphere. Although not large in scale, the market offers a variety of products, ranging from food, drinks, and household items to folk toys and Hue specialties.

People who come to the Gia Lac Spring Market at the beginning of the year don't think too much about the profits and losses of their business. They consider it a spring holiday at the beginning of the year to pray for good fortune. The name of the Gia Lac Market was chosen for this reason; it symbolizes a joyful and happy atmosphere. Many traditional cultural activities typical of Hue are also organized here.

Long Xuyen Floating Market

The Long Xuyen Floating Market (An Giang) is located in the Hau River area, near the Long Xuyen city center. On weekdays, the floating market is very lively, so on Tet day, the market is even busier. The market opens at dawn.

In addition to familiar items, in early spring, the vendors at the floating market also sell cakes, jams, and ornamental flowers. Each boat is uniquely decorated like a mobile home, with colored paper, flashing lights, potted plants, and displays of apricots and yellow marigolds.

Due to the vast space and the noise from the rowing boats and engines, the vendors at the floating market cannot shout out their wares as they would on land. Instead, they erect a long pole on their boat and hang the goods they are selling from it. Buyers know to look for these poles to find what they need. The items sold include vegetables, fruits, and other agricultural products.

Large boat owners often travel to the countryside, buy goods, fill their boats, and then anchor at the floating market. Smaller boats arrive at the market early each morning, buy the goods, and then transport them for retail sale.

During the Tet holiday, tourists may be invited by locals to board their boats, which serve as their homes on the river. Guests are offered cakes, jams, and fruits, invited to enjoy a few glasses of wine, and then treated to some traditional Vietnamese folk songs (Vong Co) to experience the hospitality of the people of the Southwest.

These are the most distinctive Tet markets from each region of Vietnam. Each market carries its own unique colors and flavors, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the cultural characteristics of each region, and a chance to experience the most authentic features of every place during the special occasion when Tet arrives and Spring returns to Vietnam.

Ama Journey hopes that travelers from near and far will come to witness these treasured traditions firsthand - to wander through the bustling markets, savor the festive atmosphere, and create their own memories of Vietnamese Tet. We invite you to become part of this timeless celebration and, afterward, to share your stories with us and with the world, keeping the spirit of Tet alive across borders and generations.