Hanoi brightens up to celebrate Tet

Lanterns, decorative stickers and lucky money envelopes are popular items for sale on Hàng Mã street in the build-up to Tet.

One can really feel the festive atmosphere while driving through the city.

A small garden of peach blossom trees blooming with pink flowers has been planted near Hoan Kiem Lake. It attracts both local and foreigners for beautiful photo opportunities. Hang Ma street in the old quarter is also becoming busier than ever as locals buy votive papers and decorative items for their homes.

Thousands of banners and decorative lights have been hung on streets in central districts of Hanoi to prepare for Tet.

The city will also organise a light festival and entertainment activities and host several art performances during the holidays.

Firework displays will take place at 30 locations in Hanoi on the eve of the Lunar New Year, which falls on Thursday.

City streets are brightly lit at night.

A small garden of peach blossom trees have been planted near Hoàn Kiếm Lake.

Hàng Mã street in the old quarter is becoming busier with people coming to buy decorative items for Tết celebrations.

Peach blossom-themed LED lights are hung up on main streets in Hanoi.

The Vietnamese New Year falls on Friday. The city will organise a light festival and entertainment activities and host several art performances during the holidays.

Peach blossom is considered an icon of the Vietnamese New Year. Almost every family and shop in the north of Việt Nam has a tree or small branch in their house. People in the south use mai (apricot flower) instead as peach blossom is only suitable for cold weather.