From the coastal streets of Quy Nhon to the highland city of Pleiku in Gia Lai province, rows of peach blossoms, apricot trees and chrysanthemums have transformed public spaces into festive hubs. Traders say foot traffic has picked up since the 23rd day of the twelfth lunar month, though most buyers are still browsing rather than purchasing.
This year’s markets feature flowers sourced from across the country, including Nhat Tan and Moc Chau peach blossoms, Hoi An kumquat trees, bonsai yellow apricot, large chrysanthemums, marigolds, orchids, gerberas and decorative hanging plants.
On Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in Quy Nhon Ward, peach blossoms in shades of pink stand alongside golden apricot and purple chrysanthemum displays. Le Van Dung, who has brought Moc Chau peach blossoms to Quy Nhon for the fourth year, said favourable weather boosted output by about 20% compared with previous seasons.
Trees around two metres tall are priced between 1 million and 2 million VND ($40–$80), while smaller trees measuring 0.5 to 1 metre sell for 500,000 to 1 million VND ($20–$40). Despite steady visitor numbers, Dung said purchasing activity remains slow. “As Tet draws nearer, buying activity will pick up,” he said.
Tran Thi Mai Phuong, a local resident, said she was seeking a peach blossom tree priced between 500,000 and 1 million VND ($20–$40) for her living room. She noted that supply appears more abundant this year and prices more affordable than last Tet.
Nearby, bonsai apricot trees from An Nhon Dong Ward are drawing attention. However, vendor Le Van Phong said prolonged storms and a late cold spell caused many trees to bloom prematurely, cutting output by more than half. As a result, prices have risen by 20% to 30%.
Phong brought more than 50 bonsai apricot pots to the market, with trees over 10 years old priced between 5 million and 7 million VND ($200–$280). While sales remain subdued as of the 24th day of the lunar month, he said growers are hoping for stronger demand in the final days before Tet.
Chrysanthemum growers report similar challenges. Le Thi Tuong from the Bac Ha Thanh area said she planted more than 300 pots but selected just over 200 for sale. Large pots are priced at 3 million to 5 million VND ($120–$200), while smaller ones range from 500,000 to 700,000 VND ($20–$28), about 10% higher than last year.
At the Long Van Tet flower market in Quy Nhon Bac Ward, marigolds priced between 10,000 and 15,000 VND ($0.40–$0.60) are proving popular. Vendor Le Thi Thao said she has sold more than 500 pots since the 20th day of the lunar month, citing their symbolism of health and longevity.
In Pleiku, the Tet flower market is being held along Hoi Phu Stream, at the Exhibition Fair area on Hoang Dao Thuy Street and on Pham Van Dong Street. Apricot, peach, kumquat and chrysanthemum dominate displays.
Nguyen Tan Phat, a peach blossom vendor at the Exhibition Fair site, said early customers are mainly agencies, businesses and banks, with individual buyers typically arriving after the 25th day of the lunar month. Higher input costs and forecasts of weaker demand have prompted sellers to price cautiously.
On Pham Van Dong Street in Thong Nhat Ward, apricot trees from the Mekong Delta, including the “mai cuc” variety known for its abundant petals and long-lasting blooms, are attracting visitors. Mini tabletop apricots start at 200,000 VND ($8), while larger pots are priced from 2.2 million VND ($88) upwards.
Sato cymbidium orchids, with their lemon-yellow blooms, are also on display, priced between 650,000 and 700,000 VND per vase ($26–$28). Vendors say the variety is favoured for its durability and suitability as gifts.
Beyond commerce, the markets serve as cultural spaces. Visitors stroll among bonsai displays, including Japanese pine, Japanese cedar, mulberry and white apricot, and attend calligraphy exhibitions and painting displays.
Tran Ngoc Son, deputy head of the Pleiku Bonsai Club, said the combination of bonsai and calligraphy aims to bring traditional arts closer to the public and enhance the festive atmosphere in the Central Highlands.
Across the region, traders acknowledge that purchasing power remains weaker than expected. Harsh weather has weighed on both supply and consumer sentiment. Even so, most vendors remain optimistic that demand will strengthen in the final days leading up to Tet, as households prepare to welcome the Lunar New Year.
