Music, color, books delight foreign visitors at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tet Book Street Festival

At around 7:00 pm on Monday, hours before Lunar New Year's Eve, the festival was bustling with visitors strolling under glowing lights and colorful spring displays.

Foreign guests described the atmosphere as lively yet welcoming, with traditional Tet decorations, cultural exhibits, and reading spaces creating a festive setting in the heart of the city.

Mark Wilson, an Australian visitor, said he was particularly impressed by the book displays and the Ho Chi Minh cultural space.

"I can feel a warm festival atmosphere, and people are very friendly," he said. "I especially like the Ho Chi Minh cultural space because it reflects a distinctive part of Vietnam's culture and history."

Ayaka Tanaka, a Japanese tourist, expressed similar enthusiasm after taking part in hands-on cultural activities.

"I like how Vietnamese people welcome the new year through cultural experiences," she said. "The colorful setting, with music and books everywhere, makes it especially enjoyable."

Visitors wandered through themed book stalls decorated with apricot blossoms, red couplets, and a rearing horse mascot – a popular photo spot.

Many also explored children's reading areas and interactive exhibits highlighting traditional Tet customs.

As the evening progressed, crowds continued to grow, with families and tourists capturing early spring moments among the elaborate displays.

For local residents, the festival has become a familiar holiday outing.

Minh Tuan, from Phu Nhuan Ward, said his family visits every year to enjoy the pleasant evening atmosphere and introduce his children to books while celebrating the season.

Thuy Trang, a woman from Xuan Hoa Ward, said this year's festival features more elaborate displays and interactive activities, blending tradition with modern design and creating a strong sense of Tet.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, the festival includes a giveaway program offering 1,500 free books to festival-goers on Tuesday.

As in previous years, the Tet Book Street Festival continues to draw both residents and international visitors eager to experience Vietnam's New Year traditions in a lively cultural setting.