Lunar New Year ala Saigon

Arrived back in Saigon on the 5th day of the lunar new year which is know as ‘Tet’ here. The city was most lavishly decorated for the occasion to the point of gaudy in some cases but then again it’s the season where red and gold are fashion statements. Besides the typical Chinese style red décor, a unique twist here is the incorporation of yellow peach blossoms as Vietnam’s answer to the pink/white cherry blossoms of Japan/China. These bonsai looking peach trees which are covered with resplendently brilliant yellow blooms and were in almost every other house porch and all around town as well… like here inside the ornate post office:-
And in front of the town hall:-
The peach blossoms were joined by other yellow flowers like marigold and chrysanthemums.
Carrying on with the yellow theme were these street-lining swift shaped décor.
And of course Vietnamese lanterns were hung on many major streets.

Besides the lanterns, there were also less traditional but still fascinating lighting decorating the streets at night.

And of course rats were infesting the city but in a welcome way for a change.
Despite this not being a four season country in the strict sense, the lunar new year does coincide with blossoming of many flowers giving the place an air of spring. Thus part of the festivities was this flower fest held in the biggest park in the city centre.

There were rats at the flower fest too....like this one made of hay

...and another 2 made of orange gourds

Of course what's the lunar new year without going to the temple and praying for a better year ahead... which is why all these temples in Saigon's chinatown that i visited on the 6th day of CNY were full of devotees :-


Finally “Chuc Mung Nam Moi!!!!” which is Vietnamese for happy new year of course.