A market for ‘lucky charms’

The 500-meter stretch of Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street is packed with stalls showcasing a variety of Tet decorations, including red couplets, artificial peach and apricot blossoms, red envelopes, lanterns, fans, and calendars.

Typically home to traditional medicine shops, the street morphs into a hub of Tet merchandise each year. With hundreds of stores lining both sides, locals affectionately dub it a "luck market."

Shops display their wares prominently, often hanging eye-catching items, like oversized lanterns and fans, from balconies or trees to attract customers.

Peak sales days

The market buzzes with activity from morning to night, with sales peaking in the final days before Tet. Many shops hire additional staff to manage the surge in visitors.

Thanh Thuy, a shop owner, shared: "This year, the pre-Tet rush coincides with the weekend, boosting sales significantly. Our bestsellers are bobblehead God of Wealth figurines and red paper fans, priced between 200,000 and 800,000 VND ($8–$33)."

As the day progresses, crowds grow, with customers choosing ready-made decorations or seeking advice to find the perfect items for their homes.

Bringing luck home

For some, this is their first time shopping at the "luck market."

Anh Thanh, a 41-year-old visitor, typically decorates his home with fresh flowers and traditional sweets. However, this year, he was drawn to the vibrant Tet decorations and purchased red fans adorned with "Phúc, Lộc, Thọ" (Happiness, Prosperity, Longevity) symbols.

"These decorations radiate joy and symbolize luck and prosperity. I hope they bring good fortune to my family in the new year," Thanh said.

Meanwhile, Thảo, a 35-year-old customer, made her annual trip to the market despite a late start due to work commitments.

"I always shop here for Tet decorations. This year, the designs are even more beautiful and diverse. I bought small red couplets with festive wishes for my apricot tree and stickers with intricate patterns to adorn our five-fruit tray and walls," she shared.

A festive photo destination

Beyond shopping, Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street has become a popular spot for visitors and photographers. The vibrant decorations provide the perfect backdrop for Tet-themed photoshoots.

"Every year, this street gets a colorful makeover for Tet. I love the red hues and the lively atmosphere, so I decided to take some memorable photos here," a young visitor shared.