Across cities and provinces, horse mascots blend tradition, technology, and storytelling in visually stunning fashion.
As the Year of the Horse approaches, cities and provinces across Vietnam are unveiling a spectacular range of horse-themed mascots - each brimming with artistic flair and cultural depth. More than mere decorations, these mascots are now seen as cultural landmarks that embody creativity, local identity, and the spirit of progress.
In parks, squares, and floral streets, the horse figures - symbols of resilience and the Vietnamese wish for “mã đáo thành công” (success upon return) - are presented in styles as diverse as the regions themselves. Some locations chose muscular, galloping stallions to express power and motion. Others opted for charming, playful designs that invite warmth and smiles in the first days of spring.
What’s striking this year is the rise of contemporary interpretations. Many localities have boldly incorporated modern elements - installation art, new materials, and sophisticated lighting technology - giving the mascots a luminous edge, especially after sunset.
Each horse figure tells a story. Some symbolize bold aspirations and breakthroughs. Others express wishes for peace, prosperity, and health in the new year. This attention to detail and expression has won over audiences, making the Tet mascots a favorite seasonal attraction.
Among the standouts:
A 4-meter-tall iron horse by the Han River in Da Nang features a body made of engraved iron plates representing all 94 wards, communes, and special districts of the city. The name “Da Nang” stands out in bold lettering, making the sculpture a beacon of local pride. Photo: Ha NamAlso in Da Nang, the “Kim Ma 4.0” blends equine form with tech motifs, equipped with LED lighting, giving it a cutting-edge look that’s drawn wide acclaim. Photo: Ha NamAt Da Nang International Airport, a golden horse rising mid-stride - covered with more than 150,000 hand-cut alu panels - stands 5 meters tall, reflecting light in a shimmering display of strength and elegance. Photo: Ha NamA trio of golden steeds named “Tam Ma Phi Thien” at March 24 Square represents Vietnam’s three regions - North, Central, and South - galloping together in unity and ambition. Photo: Ha NamIn Quang Ngai’s Ba To Park, a 10-meter-tall foam-and-steel horse cloaked in gold leaf draws gasps with its sheer scale and dramatic form. Photo: Ha Nam
In Hue, the horse mascot takes on royal court colors: imperial gold, crimson, jade green, and wood brown. Along the Perfume River, the steed’s uplifted pose suggests it’s galloping among clouds, adding a poetic flair. Photo: Dang TuyenIn front of the People’s Committee building in Hue, a pair of galloping horses adorned with traditional patterns come alive at night under decorative lighting. Photo: Tran Nhat BinhAt Lao Bao in Quang Tri, eight vibrant horses form the “Bat Ma Truy Phong” display, inspired by classic paintings of galloping horses symbolizing unity and progress. The entire installation spans 17 meters in length and over 6 meters in width. Photo: Huy Vo
Photo: Huy VoIn Gia Lai, the mascot collection features a powerful warrior horse bursting into view against the open sky. Other designs lean whimsical and youthful, sparking viral attention online. The standout: a plump-faced horse holding a smartphone with curly blonde hair - eliciting laughter and endless selfies. Photo: Le Thanh HaiPhoto: Le Thanh HaiAlso in Gia Lai is the astronaut horse, a symbol of the province’s science-forward vision and connection to the famed Quy Nhon Science Discovery Center. Photo: Le Thanh HaiThe quirky horse mascot with a flat face and curly blonde hair holding a smartphone has drawn special attention for its round, playful design - prompting laughter and countless photo stops. Photo: Le Thanh Hai
In Dak Lak, the Tuy Hoa Flower Street shines with the theme “Tet for all". The “Van Mua Xuan” horse pair at the entrance embodies wishes for abundance, peace, and prosperity. Photo: Tuy Hoa YoungNearby, the “Song Ma Tuong Phung” (Reunion Carriage) features twin horses pulling a floral chariot - conveying joy and luck across the land. Photo: Tuy Hoa YoungThe centerpiece: the “Xich Ma Thang Long” (Red Horse of Thang Long), representing not only the zodiac of Binh Ngo but also the historical essence of Hanoi, conveying explosive energy and renewal for 2026. Photo: Tuy Hoa YoungIn Lang Son, two golden horses gallop triumphantly at the Peach Blossom Festival - crafted from composite resin, each 3 meters tall and spanning 11 meters in width. Photo: Pham CongIn Ho Chi Minh City, at the Youth Cultural House, a horse emerges as if leaping from a sea of apricot blossoms. The image, fusing floral beauty with symbolic momentum, speaks directly to the hopes of younger generations. Photo: Tuan HungOn Nguyen Hue Flower Street, a 7-meter-tall horse inspired by Saint Giong’s legendary steed becomes the pride of the season - its posture and power evoking unshakable determination. Photo: Tuan Hung
In Bac Ninh, young artisan Bui Van Quan created “The Beloved Horse", a nearly 5-meter-tall, 10-ton gentle-looking figure that sold for over 222 million VND (8,800 USD) to raise funds for those in need. Its expression of innocence and optimism has deeply touched the public.
Each of these Tet mascots - traditional, humorous, symbolic, or avant-garde - marks the convergence of heritage and innovation. In every province, they stand not just as ornaments, but as powerful icons of how Vietnam is welcoming the new year: with joy, bold ideas, and a galloping heart.
Vietnamnet.vn
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