"Hunting" for early spring photos

"Specialty" check-in at the reclaimed land urban area.

In Rach Gia ward and surrounding areas, from modern buildings to relaxing cafes with Tet-themed designs and ancient temple architecture, people are bustling about taking Tet photos. Unlike the spring photo trends of previous years, this year in Rach Gia ward, groups of young people and families have been preparing props for their spring photo shoots since early morning. The highlight of spring 2026 in the coastal city is the combination of the modern features of Western architecture in the reclaimed land urban areas and the traditional ao dai dress. Ms. Vo Minh Thu, residing on Ngo Si Lien street, happily said: “I'm taking advantage of the time to take photos now because the space is still open, the small scenes in Phu Cuong square, especially the house with its modern architecture and design, are beautiful. The weather is beautiful at this time, perfect for taking souvenir photos!”

Thanh Thảo in a spring photoshoot at a cafe on Lâm Quang Ky Street, Rạch Giá Ward. Photo: MỘC TRÀ

With its unique charm, the Tam Quan gate this year attracted many young people who chose it as a photo spot, often wearing traditional ao dai dresses. Le Phan Thanh Thao, a passionate outdoor photography enthusiast from Long Xuyen, traveled to Rach Gia and was ready to wake up at 5 am to prepare her ao dai and makeup. Thanh Thao shared that she took photos at more than 10 outdoor locations for her spring photoshoot, with her friends and she planning to shoot on weekends.

This year, in addition to studios and outdoor locations in the Phu Cuong urban area, several new locations have become popular choices for Tet photoshoots, including Phu Quoc ferry terminal, the Northwest sunset, and some temples and memorials dedicated to heroic martyrs and meritorious individuals in Kien Giang . These locations attract many visitors daily, even though some charge a fee for professional photography teams.

Traditional Tet trends

This year, the trend of traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) with a 90s style is dominant. Many cafes have capitalized on this sentiment by decorating with bamboo screens, yellow apricot blossoms, and old sewing machines and radios. Ms. My, owner of Rieng Cafe in Hamlet 3, Giong Rieng Commune, shared: “The name Rieng comes from the word Giong Rieng, making it easy to remember. The cafe has been open for over a month, but thanks to the 10 photo corners for Tet and the diverse menu, it has attracted many people to come and enjoy the early spring atmosphere. The most popular spots are the 'Traditional Tet' corner and the 'Incense Village' corner.”

With almost a month left until Tet (Lunar New Year), Ms. Dao Kim Ngan has already taken some early spring photos at three locations in Giong Rieng. Ms. Ngan shared: “There’s no need to go far; this year, the general trend in Giong Rieng is to design beautiful photo spots at various cafes. I like taking photos in ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), so I chose to shoot at Phap Hoa Pagoda, Rieng Cafe, and Thang 9 Cafe.”

According to Ms. Ngan, the trend of taking early spring photos is not just about "showing off" on social media, but also reflects a desire to preserve traditional beauty and cherish moments of family reunion. "Amidst the modern pace of life, the image of flowing ao dai dresses in the wind is a confirmation: Tet (Lunar New Year) is very near in this beautiful homeland," Ms. Ngan said.

The vibrant colors of spring

Instead of choosing secluded spaces, many people proactively seek out historical sites, scenic spots, and places closely associated with the daily lives of local people to capture moments in preparation for welcoming the new spring. These locations not only provide beautiful photo opportunities but also contribute to telling the story of the history, culture, and land where they live.

Having just finished a spring photoshoot with her friend and daughter at the Memorial Temple for Heroes, Martyrs, and Meritorious People of Kien Giang in Rach Gia ward, Ms. Duong Huynh Mai said: “For many young people, the Memorial Temple for Heroes, Martyrs, and Meritorious People is a destination that is both familiar and new. These days, it's even more bustling with young people coming to visit and take Tet (Lunar New Year) photos. Amidst the vibrant atmosphere of the seaside city, the elegant beauty of the traditional ao dai (Vietnamese dress) stands out even more, highlighting the solemnity and respectful spirit when taking photos here.”

“Taking advantage of the cool weather at the end of the year, we went to take a commemorative photo shoot together to mark the end of 2025 and the beginning of the new year 2026,” said Thanh Thao, a resident of Lam Quang Ky Street, Rach Gia Ward. Thanh Thao and Thanh Quyen didn't go far, choosing a small corner of their neighbor's garden cafe to create a nostalgic Tet (Lunar New Year) photo shoot right on the road from their house to the cafe. This is the same road Thao and Quyen used to walk every afternoon after school when they were children.

Through spring-themed photo shoots taken at familiar locations, many people not only preserve memories and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the traditional Lunar New Year but also contribute to spreading cultural beauty, arousing pride, and fostering a sense of preserving the traditional values of their homeland in modern life.

MOC TRA

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/-san-anh-xuan-som-a473895.html