Ben Thanh Market is bustling during Tet, young people become 'muses' taking photos from morning to afternoon

With more than a month to go until the Lunar New Year, the shopping atmosphere at Ben Thanh Market has begun to bustle. Vendors are excited to welcome customers. Young people dress up as Miss Ba and Miss Tu of Saigon to "check-in".

Crowded visitors at Ben Thanh Market on weekends - Photo: NHAT XUAN

These days, large and small stalls at Ben Thanh Market (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City) are all bright with typical Tet products. From clothes, fabrics to traditional cakes and jams such as coconut jam, ginger jam, melon seeds, lotus seeds,... are all displayed eye-catchingly.

Many retailers are also quick to import "hot trend" products on the online market such as dried mango, or red apple candy with milk,... to meet the diverse needs of customers.

Ao dai and fabric items are prepared by traders for Tet season.

Ao dai and fabric items attract a large number of international visitors - Photo: NHAT XUAN

Speaking to Tuoi Tre Online, Ms. Le Huong, a vendor at the market, said that since the beginning of December, the number of customers, especially foreign tourists, has increased significantly. "Customers mainly come from Asian regions such as Korea, Taiwan, and India," Ms. Huong said.

According to Ms. Huong, revenue has increased by more than 50% compared to normal days. However, purchasing power this year is still not equal to the pre-pandemic period.

In addition to shopping, Ben Thanh market has also become a favorite place to take Tet photos in recent years.

Not only customers shop, but also people flock to the market to capture beautiful moments. Traditional ao dai are worn by young people, families and children, creating a scene of brilliant spring colors.

Young people dressed up as Saigon ladies to "check-in" for Tet early at Ben Thanh market - Photo: NHAT XUAN

Many young people invest in reflectors and high-end cameras to have a sparkling Tet photo album - Photo: NHAT XUAN

Sharing with Tuoi Tre, Vu Thi Thu Huong (living in District 3) said she decided to take Tet photos early to avoid the "1m2, 10 muses" scene near Tet - Photo: NHAT XUAN

Mr. Dang Tran Thanh, who has been driving a cyclo for more than 30 years in the central area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City, said that recently he has had an additional income from renting out cyclos for photography. With a price of about 50,000 VND for 30 minutes, each day Mr. Thanh earns an additional 200,000 to 300,000 VND.

"The peak time for taking photos usually occurs in two time frames: from 6am to 9am and after 4pm, when the sunlight is less intense. There are fewer visitors at noon when the sun is harsh," Mr. Thanh shared. He predicted that the number of visitors will increase sharply after New Year's Day, when the traditional Tet atmosphere is getting closer.

Ben Thanh Market has just been ranked as a city-level relic in the announcement ceremony in 2024. This is not only a source of pride for the traders attached to the market but also brings great expectations for local economic and tourism development.

Many traders expect this title to boost business and shopping activities at the market, especially at the end of this year, when the number of domestic and international tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City increases sharply, promising a prosperous Tet business season.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/cho-ben-thanh-chon-ron-vao-tet-gioi-tre-hoa-nang-tho-chup-anh-tu-sang-den-chieu-20241222165613276.htm