Hanoi’s Old Quarter bursts into spring colors with flower market

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi’s center takes on renewed vibrancy this Lunar New Year as the 2026 Old Quarter Spring Flower Market breathes life into its historic streets, turning them into a living cultural stage where tradition, creativity and community converge.

The market offers not only flowers but it has become a place with a multi-layered cultural experience, offering a rare chance to slow down and feel the rhythm of Tet (the Lunar New Year) in the heart of the capital.

Running from January 30 to February 16, the event builds on the legacy of the traditional Hang Luoc flower market while expanding in both scale and ambition.

This year, the Hoan Kiem Ward People’s Committee has extended the market across Hang Luoc, Hang Khoai, Hang Ruoi, Hang Ma and the Phung Hung mural street, creating a continuous spring landscape through the Old Quarter.

Among these spaces, Phung Hung mural street is the market’s most striking highlight that brightly decorated with handcrafted installations, bamboo-and-rattan stalls and folk-inspired models such as a giant ca ngua (traditional Vietnamese board game), the area reflects a dialogue between memory and modern expression.

Around 30 booths there showcase traditional handicrafts, village products and folk paintings, offering visitors a glimpse into the cultural layers of ancient Thang Long.

The space is designed for interaction while inviting people to pause, explore and engage.

Throughout the market, cultural experiences are placed at the center. There, visitors can watch or join in activities such as xam singing, calligraphy writing, banh chung (glutinous rice cake) wrapping, to he (figurine) making and Dong Ho folk painting, turning a casual walk into a hands-on journey through Hanoi’s Tet traditions.

To improve comfort and flow, organizers have kept main streets free of stalls, allowing the Old Quarter to breathe during peak days.

The market is clearly divided into zones, including Tet flower areas, traditional craft spaces and folk art sections, making it easier for visitors to navigate and enjoy the experience.

Meanwhile, Hang Luoc Street remains the heart of the flower market, where hundreds of varieties of flowers, ornamental plants and bonsai create a vibrant display of spring colors.

At the Hang Luoc-Hang Ma intersection, “old street” clusters recreate scenes of traditional trading, evoking a nostalgic image of Hanoi’s past.

A notable addition this year is a dedicated area for Da Lat orchids at the Hang Luoc–Hang Khoai junction, introduced for the first time to meet growing interest among flower enthusiasts.

Nearby, visitors can explore the “old objects” zone, where antique-style items are displayed in spaces inspired by traditional houses and where artisans interact directly with the public.

In such a landscape, careful attention has also been paid to decoration and lighting. Floral installations, welcome gates and artistic models are placed at key intersections, heritage sites and along Phung Hung mural street, creating a cohesive visual identity that feels festive yet rooted in tradition.

In the early days of operation, the market has already attracted large crowds.

To ensure safety and order, local authorities have implemented traffic restrictions and diversions in the market area, with designated parking zones on Phung Hung Street and nearby roads.

Inter-agency teams are also monitoring business activities, food safety, environmental hygiene and public security throughout the event.

The official opening ceremony will take place at 7:30 PM on February 6 at the Hang Luoc-Hang Cot-Phung Hung intersection, featuring traditional performances and cultural experiences.

The Old Quarter Spring Flower Market is designed to preserve Hanoi’s cultural identity while nurturing community life and expected to welcome between 25,000 and 35,000 visitors.

It also lays the groundwork for developing Phung Hung Street as a cultural, commercial and tourism corridor linked to the Old Quarter’s pedestrian spaces and annual Tet festivities.