Flower markets make Ho Chi Minh City colourful

The Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere has taken over Ho Chi Minh City as 131 flower markets opened on January 23.

Various types of flowers and bonsai from different localities in the southern region, such as Ben Tre and Dong Thap, are showing off their beauty at the Binh Dien market in District 8.

With 700,000 to 1.5 million VND, flower lovers can get a satisfactory apricot tree in the market, although this year’s unfavourable weather conditions have made life difficult for growers.

In the Phu My Hung market in District 7 and the Tan Dinh market in Go Vap district, kumquat trees, which are pruned into the shapes of animals like horses, dragons and lions, attract the special attention of customers.

As this kind of tree takes much care and pain to grow, they are sold at a high price, ranging from 4 - 10 million VND a pair of tree.

This year, orchids of different types from the Central Highlands city of Da Lat were the focus at the flower markets with prices ranging from 1 million - 6 billion VND.

Apart from traditional flowers such as sunflowers, dahlias, cockscombs and roses, growers are also introducing popular fruits like chilli and pineapple as decorations during the Tet holiday.

Peach blossom from the capital city Hanoi are also colourful under the sunshine of the southern region, contributing to a warm Tet atmosphere here.-VNA

Preserving unique craft of making palm-leaf conical hats

Making palm-leaf conical hats is a traditional craft of the Tay ethnic people in Bac Ha district in northern mountainous Lao Cai province. Woven from wild palm leaves, the hats are dried and skilfully crafted into their distinctive conical shape. As well as protecting wearers from sun and rain, the hats are also part of the traditional outfit of local women.