Vietnamese New Year Flowers: The First Sign of Spring’s Arrival

Vietnamese New Year flowers are among the most vibrant symbols of Tet (Lunar New Year in Vietnam). Families use them to brighten their homes and invite good luck at the start of the year.

1. The Cultural Meaning of Vietnamese New Year Flowers

During Tet, flowers are more than decoration. They bring warmth to the home, welcome guests, and help maintain a positive mood during the holiday. You will also notice that Vietnamese New Year flowers can look different, especially between the North and the South.

1.1. Nature and Spiritual Life in the Vietnamese New Year

Tet comes when winter is ending, and spring is starting. That is why people buy Tet flowers after cleaning the house – to make the home look fresh and ready for visitors. Families choose Tet flowers carefully because they believe the flowers bring good energy and a spiritual connection for the New Year.

1.2. Respect for Ancestors and Family

Tet brings families back together to show care and respect for older generations and ancestors. Flowers are often placed in the living room or near the family altar, where family members gather and welcome guests. These flowers make the home feel respectful, warm, and ready for the new year.

      You might also like to know about Vietnamese culture:

• Non la: The Traditional Conical of Vietnam
• Tet Vietnam Lunar New Year and the Essence of Tradition
• Vietnamese Lucky Money: Meaning Behind a Beloved Tet Tradition

1.3. Flowers as symbols of hope for the year ahead

Flowers are a simple way to express hopes for the new year. Many visitors often wonder what the flower of Tet is. The answer depends on the region. In the North, peach blossoms are the most familiar symbol of Tet, while in the South, yellow apricot blossoms are the most iconic. Many other families also choose kumquat trees, chrysanthemums, and orchids. These flowers are believed to bring good fortune, harmony, and a positive feeling into the home for the new year

2. The Most Loved Vietnamese New Year Flowers

2.1. Peach Blossom – Spring in the North

In Northern Vietnam, peach blossoms are a classic symbol of Tet. In Hanoi, you will see peach branches in living rooms, cafes, and hotel lobbies as Tet gets closer. Many families choose branches with lots of buds, so the flowers can open during the holiday. People believe that when more buds bloom, the new year will bring more luck and joy.

2.2. Apricot Blossom – Sunshine of the South

In Southern Vietnam, yellow apricot blossoms are one of the most common Tet sights. Their bright yellow color is often seen as a sign of happiness and good luck. During Tet, you will spot hoa mai in front of homes, at offices, and in many public spaces around Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces.

2.3. Kumquat Trees – A Tree Full of Wishes

Kumquat trees are a beloved Tet decoration throughout Vietnam. Their bright orange fruits and glossy green leaves instantly brighten any home. Families often choose trees with plenty of fruit, a neat shape, and a mix of green and ripe oranges, as these are seen as a symbol of a full and prosperous year ahead.

2.4. Chrysanthemums, Orchids, and Other Tet Flowers

In addition to peach and yellow apricot blossoms and kumquat trees, families often bring in other Tet flowers to brighten their homes. Some prefer a traditional style, while others choose a cleaner, more modern aesthetic.

• Chrysanthemums are a common choice for Tet. You will often see them in vases in the living room or placed near the family altar because they look full and stay fresh for longer.
• Orchids are popular in modern homes and in hotels. They look neat and elegant, and they are easy to match with different interior styles.

These flower choices show how Vietnamese Tet flowers can change with trends, even though the main Tet symbols stay the same.

3. Tet Flower Markets Before Lunar New Year

Before the Lunar New Year, flower markets become busier every day. This is one of the easiest ways to enjoy Tet flowers and see how locals prepare for the Tet holiday in Vietnam.

3.1. Hanoi Tet flower market

• Hang Luoc Flower Market – a seasonal market in the Old Quarter, great for a simple Tet walk and photos.
• Quang Ba Flower Market (Cho hoa Quang Ba) – a late-night and early-morning wholesale market, busy, loud, and very local.
• Me Linh Night Flower Market – known for night trading, especially close to Tet when supply is at its peak.
• Tay Tuu Flower Market – a major flower area that brings in blooms from nearby growing villages.

3.2. Ho Chi Minh City flower market

• Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – a lively market with lots of fresh flowers and constant local activity.
• Binh Dong Wharf (Ben Binh Dong) Flower Market – a seasonal Tet spot where flowers arrive by boat from Mekong Delta provinces.
• Hau Giang Flower Market – a practical place to look for Tet plants and seasonal flowers, often at good prices.
• Phu My Hung Tet Flower Market – more open space, cleaner layout, and easier for photos.

3.3. Mekong Delta (flower villages)

If you want to see where many Tet plants come from, consider visiting flower villages before Tet:

• Sa Dec Flower Village (Dong Thap) – one of the best-known flower areas, with big gardens and many types of blooms.
• Cho Lach Flower Village (Ben Tre) – well known for ornamental plants and popular Tet trees, including kumquat.
• Cai Mon Flower Village (Ben Tre) – another important growing area, especially lively before Tet as plants are prepared for sale.

Tet flowers are one of the first things you will notice before the holiday. In Hanoi, peach blossoms fill homes and cafes, while in the South, yellow apricot blossoms are everywhere during Tet. A Vietnamese New Year flower arrangement is an easy way to make any space feel festive and ready for the new year.

To take a deeper step into Vietnamese culture. Enquire now, or become our partner today!