Ho Chi Minh City’s Turtle Lake gets fresh look ahead of Tet

The renovation of Turtle Lake, located in Xuan Hoa Ward, began on January 21 and is now largely complete, with authorities preparing the site to welcome the public during the Lunar New Year holiday, or Tet, due in the middle of this month.

The project aims to improve the appearance and safety of one of the city’s most recognizable public spaces.

On Sunday morning, workers were dismantling scaffolding and cleaning the site to finish the final touches.

The central tower of the lake now stands out with a bright white coat of paint, while the raised walkways across the water have been repainted blue.

Stairways surrounding the lake have also been resurfaced in a gray tone, creating a more modern and harmonious look.

Construction crews also repainted nearby buildings, road markings, curbs, and tree planters.

These upgrades have significantly changed the overall appearance of the roundabout compared to its previous, time-worn condition.

Despite the fact that some finishing work is still underway, Turtle Lake has already become a lively destination.

Many residents, dressed in ao dai (Vietnam’s traditional long gown), have flocked to the site to take photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Ngoc Vy, a 21-year-old student at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology and Engineering, said, “The renovation has given Turtle Lake a fresh and appealing look.

“I especially like the peach blossom and apricot flower decorations around the lake, which create a perfect background for photos.”