Opening on the evening of January 13, the event showcases 26 model golden apricot trees, traditional stilt houses with red tile roofs, and other scenic setups representing the essence of Tet (Lunar New Year).
A vibrant homage to Tet traditions
The highlight of the festival is the golden apricot garden, featuring two rows of 26 trees, each standing 2–3 meters tall.
Nestled among the blooms is a stilt house with blue wooden panels and a red tile roof, reminiscent of peaceful rural homes in An Giang Province.
The house is adorned with vibrant yellow apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, and decorative items like calligraphy scrolls and ceramic jars from the Lai Thieu pottery village.
Visitors also find displays showcasing unique crafts from other traditional villages, such as My An weaving and Dinh Yen mat-making, further enriching the experience.
A hub for festive photo opportunities
From as early as January 12, visitors in traditional ao dai flocked to the venue to capture photos against the vibrant backdrops.
Ni Ni and her sister Ngoc Nhi, both dressed in elegant ao dai, shared their excitement about arriving early to secure picturesque shots before the venue becomes crowded closer to Tet.
A group of young friends danced and filmed videos amid the golden trees, with one visitor, Cao Huynh Bang Thao from Phu Nhuan District, praising the lively and colorful decorations.
Even international tourists enjoyed exploring the vibrant space, soaking in the cultural ambiance.
Traditional crafts and calligraphy
Outside the venue, along Pham Ngoc Thach and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets, the “Phố Ông Đồ” (Street of Calligraphy Masters) comes alive with over 50 calligraphy artists offering good luck messages on red paper.
This traditional practice attracts both locals and visitors, providing a cultural highlight of the festival.
The Vietnamese Tet Festival at the Youth Cultural House has been an annual event for 18 years, drawing thousands of visitors.
This year, the event runs until February 2 (the 5th day of Lunar New Year), offering plenty of time for people to enjoy the festive displays, experience traditional crafts, and celebrate the vibrant spirit of Tet.
Dao Phuong