Lunar New Year Photography Locations: Tết in HCMC

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) explodes with colour and festivity during Lunar New Year (Tết). The city's energy is infectious, with parades, lion dances, and a palpable sense of excitement filling the air. For photographers, Tết is a goldmine, offering a chance to capture the essence of this vibrant celebration.

This guide pinpoints the most photogenic locations in HCMC, complete with insider tips to help you capture stunning images that truly encapsulate the magic of Tết. Read through and decide which locations you will visit over the next few weeks!

District 5, the vibrant Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City, transforms into a photographer's paradise during Lunar New Year (Tết). The festive spirit permeates every corner, offering a wealth of photo opportunities.

The heart of this visual feast lies within the bustling Binh Tay Market. Overflowing with vibrant colors, the market becomes a kaleidoscope of red lanterns, blooming flowers, and mountains of fresh produce. Capture the lively interactions between vendors and customers, the intricate details of local crafts, and the sheer energy of the market as locals prepare for the festivities. Other smaller markets include Chợ Phùng Hưng, a uniquely enclosed area of commerce and community, enveloped by many umbrellas.

Beyond the market, District 5 boasts a collection of ornate temples and pagodas that come alive during Tết. The Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, is a must-visit. Adorned with festive decorations, the pagoda offers a serene backdrop for capturing moments of reflection and the spiritual significance of the holiday. Note that during peak times, you may have restricted access to the temple as a photographer. Ong Bon Pagoda is another must-visit, with intricate design and decorations - you may even be fortunate to catch a glimpse of the Lion Dance festivities in the lead up to the Lunar New Year at these locations. Be sure to look out for the younger generations who may be wearing and modelling their stunning traditional outfits and ao dais as they ready themselves for the festive period.

Hải Thượng Lãn Ông, otherwise known as decoration street, provides ample opportunities to capture the festive colours and decorations of the Lunar New Year. Expect flowers, lanterns, ornaments and more to be displayed across the street as residents make purchases to decorate their homes.

Don't forget to explore the hidden corners of District 5. Wander through the narrow alleyways, observe the locals going about their daily routines, and capture the intimate moments that reveal the true spirit of Tết within this vibrant community.

District 8 Floating Market

For a truly unique experience, head to District 8 and explore the vibrant scene at the Binh Dong Wharf. While not a traditional floating market in the same sense as those in the Mekong Delta, this area comes alive during Tết with a lively display of floating flower stalls.

Colorful boats laden with fragrant blooms navigate the waterways, creating a picturesque and fragrant spectacle. Capture the vibrant colors of the flowers, the bustling activity of the vendors, and the reflections of the city skyline on the water. Remember to arrive early in the morning to witness the market at its peak and capture the best light.

The boats begin to arrive just over a week before the Lunar New Year. The accompanying flower market which appears alongside the canal is most bustling during the days before the Lunar New Year as residents flock to purchase the freshest flowers and trees. Note that several bridges dotted along the canal make excellent vantage points for capturing the arriving vessels, made even more viable with the use of a telephoto lens. Police and civil guards may be on patrol for drones - be careful not to get caught of you decide to use one.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Photographers will find a visual feast at Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in District 10. This sprawling market, a haven for flower enthusiasts, overflows with a vibrant array of blossoms.

From delicate peach blossoms to exotic orchids, the market offers an endless palette of colors and textures. The energy is infectious, with vendors vying for attention and the lively haggling adding to the market's dynamic atmosphere. This is the place to capture the true essence of Tết flower market fever. The narrow alleys and streets of this market area become a bustling space in the preceding days of the Lunar New Year festivities. You'll find crowds of local residents seeking beautiful flowers and ornaments for their homes. Visiting in the early morning is a must, if you wish to capture these exciting street scenes.

As the sun begins to set, Ho Thi Ky Market undergoes a captivating transformation. The vibrant hues of the flowers gradually fade, replaced by the warm glow of street food stalls that begin to emerge. The air fills with enticing aromas – sizzling skewers of grilled meats, fragrant bowls of pho, and the enticing scent of stir-fries. Again, the market provides ample opportunities for delicious treats and photography opportunities!

District 1

Nguyen Hue Walking Street transforms into a vibrant hub of activity during Tết, offering photographers unique opportunities to capture the festive spirit.

Adorned with colorful floral displays and vibrant decorations, Nguyen Hue Walking Street becomes a pedestrian paradise, filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the lively chatter of the crowds. Capture the street performers, the families enjoying the festivities, and the overall festive atmosphere. Much anticipation builds over the days before the holiday as workers produce a terrific floral display that spans almost the entire length of the walking street. Be sure to catch a glimpse of this early in the morning to avoid the vast crowds that will undoubtedly visit. Even passing by the day before the street officially opens may prove crucial if you are hoping for some uninterrupted shots. The flower street often lasts for the entire duration of the Lunar New Year.

Several parks in District 1 also host small but charming Tết flower markets. Look for these pop-up stalls around areas like Le Van Tam Park and 23/9 Park. These smaller markets offer a more intimate and local experience, allowing you to capture the interactions between vendors and customers, the smiles of those selecting flowers, and the vibrant colors of the blooms against the backdrop of the park's greenery.

Finally, witness the magic of Tết at Ben Thanh Market. Locals elegantly dressed in áo dài create a breathtaking scene. Capture their vibrant colors, the festive market atmosphere, and the spirit of the Vietnamese New Year. In the weekends and days close to the holiday, groups of old and young come to this central location to have their photos taken around the market, providing a perfect scene of the Lunar New Year.