Discover Hanoi's oldest market, which opens once a year.

(VTC News) - In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), Hang Luoc flower market (Hoan Kiem ward, Hanoi) becomes bustling with activity, becoming a familiar meeting place for Hanoi residents and tourists.

For generations of Hanoi residents, Hang Luoc flower market has become a part of their memories. Many still remember the feeling of strolling through the market with their grandmothers and mothers in the days leading up to Tet, admiring peach blossoms, choosing kumquats, and blending into the bustling crowds on the small streets.

The Hang Luoc flower market, established in the early 20th century, is considered the oldest flower market in Hanoi. The market is held only once a year, usually from around the 15th to the 30th of the twelfth lunar month, and is notable for its vibrant peach blossoms, kumquats, and other traditional Tet decorations.

This year, the "Recreating Hang Luoc Flower Market" event takes place from January 31st, lasting 16 days, and spans many streets such as Hang Luoc, Hang Ma, Hang Ruoi, Hang Khoai, and the Phung Hung mural area.

One of the highlights that attracts many visitors is the "Old Street" area at the intersection of Hang Luoc and Hang Ma streets. This space has been recreated with old-fashioned stalls, handwritten signs, antique-style objects, etc., reminiscent of the bustling trading scene of old Hanoi.

Along the street, many items related to the Tet atmosphere and spiritual life are also on display, such as decorative vases, couplets, statues, and furniture sets, creating a spring scene rich in tradition.

This year, vendors are bringing many different models of horse mascot statues in a variety of materials such as bronze, ceramic, stone, and wood, adding a unique touch to the market space.

Many tourists enjoy admiring nostalgic items in the heart of the old town.

Traditional ornamental plants remain the "main characters" of the market. Kumquat bonsai trees from Tu Lien kumquat village are a popular choice due to their beautiful shape, making them suitable for display during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Meanwhile, peach blossom branches from Nhật Tân were transported in early, with a common price of around 300,000 VND per branch, depending on shape and size.

Mr. Hung (from Hanoi) said that for many people, going to Hang Luoc flower market has become an indispensable habit every year-end. "Sometimes we don't buy anything, we just walk around to admire the flowers, to feel the scent of incense and flowers, and to experience the atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) from the past. This year, the market is busier earlier, it's very lively," he said.

At the same time, Hang Ma Street is also ablaze with red and yellow colors, featuring hundreds of Tet decorations.

The crowds grew larger and larger, as people shopped and took photos to capture the final moments of the year.

Beyond just buying and selling, the 2026 Old Quarter Spring Flower Market is organized as a community cultural space, connecting the memories of the old quarter with the rhythm of modern life.

The Phung Hung mural street area has about 30 stalls showcasing handicrafts, traditional village crafts, folk paintings, and miniature landscape models.

People visit Hang Luoc flower market, stroll along Hang Ma street and Phung Hung mural street not only to buy flowers, ornamental plants, and decorations, but also to enjoy the Tet atmosphere of Hanoi, take photos, and better appreciate the traditional beauty of each spring.

Minh Duc - Vtcnews.vn

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/kham-pha-phien-cho-lau-doi-nhat-ha-noi-moi-nam-mo-ban-mot-lan-ar1002284.html