All-night buzz at Quang An Flower Market ahead of Tet
In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, Quang An Flower Market in Hong Ha Ward, Hanoi, becomes a vibrant portrait of spring in the capital. From late evening until dawn, crowds of residents pack the market, bustling to buy flowers for Tet celebrations.
In the days just before Tet, Quang An Flower Market in Hong Ha Ward, Hanoi, becomes a familiar gathering spot for thousands of city residents. From late afternoon until dawn, a steady stream of people and vehicles stretches along the streets, creating a rare scene of vibrant trading. Photos: Duy Minh/The Hanoi Times
Quang An Flower Market is the largest wholesale fresh flower market in the capital, playing a key role in supplying flowers and ornamental plants to traditional markets and shops across the inner city and surrounding areas. During Tet, the market operates almost around the clock to meet the surge in shopping demand.
The area around the market is packed with motorbikes, cars and delivery trucks at almost all hours. The sharp rise in traffic often leads to prolonged congestion, making travel difficult. Inside, flower trucks move in and out nonstop, loaded with vibrant bouquets and colorful potted plants.
At the stalls, trading unfolds at a lively pace. Many booths are crowded with customers, with buyers lining up to wait their turn. The sounds of bargaining, vendors calling out and forklifts moving goods blend together, forming the distinctive “symphony” of the flower market on Tet nights.
According to vendors, although flower prices have risen, they remain in line with market conditions. However, with crowds swelling, many shoppers have little time to choose carefully. Some opt to make quick purchases to avoid the crush.
Head-high magnolia branches with graceful shapes and evenly spaced buds are priced at VND1.7–2 million (US$68–80) per stem. Well-shaped ornamental trees and branches can cost several million dong. Meanwhile, peach blossom prices are generally stable this year and at times even lower than last year. Smaller branches for altar decoration sell for around VND100,000–120,000 (US$4–4.80) per stem, while shaped and weeping peach branches range from VND600,000 to 2 million (US$24–80) per stem.
As demand surges, prices for many flowers have been adjusted upward. Gladiolus has risen from VND30,000–40,000 (US$1.20–1.60) per 10 stems to VND100,000–140,000 (US$4–5.60). Multi-colored lilies are commonly sold at VND400,000–900,000 (US$16–36) per 10 stems, nearly double the usual price. Snow apricot branches have increased from VND70,000–90,000 (US$2.80–3.60) per bunch to VND150,000–200,000 (US$6–8) per bunch.
This year, the market features a wider selection of new and unusual flowers, many flown from Da Lat to Hanoi. However, the best-selling items remain familiar favorites such as lilies, gladiolus, peach blossoms, magnolias and snow apricot branches.
Nguyen Thu Ha, a resident of Vinh Hung Ward in Hanoi, said she visits the market every year as Tet approaches. “There is a wide variety of flowers here, from affordable to high-end. I can comfortably browse and compare prices between stalls. Prices are higher than on normal days but still acceptable. What matters is that the flowers are fresh and there are many beautiful options, so I feel confident buying them. It is very crowded and lively at night, a bit packed at times, but that makes the Tet atmosphere even clearer and more joyful,” Ha said.
Many vendors predict that as Lunar New Year’s Eve draws closer, flower prices could continue to climb sharply, even doubling or tripling compared to normal days. Even so, the shopping atmosphere remains lively, as buyers are eager to bring home the most beautiful blooms to welcome the new year.
Bustling trading under the glow of night lights.
As dawn approaches, trading at the market grows even more vibrant. Convoys of flower-laden vehicles leave for streets across the city, carrying the colors of spring throughout the capital. Many shoppers head home with radiant smiles, satisfied with the bouquets they have chosen for the Tet reunion.
