Markets brace for strong pre-Tet demand Fresh meat at Binh Dien market Huge volumes of foods and foodstuffs have been stockpiled at HCMC wholesale markets in the lead up to Tet, the country’s traditional Lunar New Year holiday, to prepare for a strong rise in consumption. Vietnamese households have a tradition of storing foods before Tet so they can use over the holiday without having to do the shopping. At Tam Binh farm produce wholesale market in Thu Duc District and Binh Dien commercial center in District 8, people can find a lot of rice, fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, processed foods, beverages and eggs, among others. The Saigon Times Daily’s photojournalist Kinh Luan captures some activities at the two markets. … [Read more...] about Markets brace for strong pre-Tet demand
Tet
Air Mekong to increase 25,000 seats for next Tet festival
PANO – The budget carrier, Air Mekong, will add more 270 domestic flights with 25,000 seats to meet passengers’ growing demand during the Lunar New Year (Tet) holidays. Particularly, the airline will provide 17,000 more seats on routes of Ho Chi Minh City-Buon Ma Thuat/ Quy Nhon/ Pleiku and Buon Ma Thuot-Vinh, and other 8,000 seats for flights between Ho Chi Minh City/ Hanoi and Con Dao/ Phu Quoc from February 10th and 20th, 2013. … [Read more...] about Air Mekong to increase 25,000 seats for next Tet festival
Tet gifts head for archipelago
Three naval ships carrying 300 tonnes of Tet gifts are heading to Truong Sa Archipelagoes District of central Khanh Hoa province. The gifts, destined for the district's residents and soldiers, include dried food, vegetables, fruit and sports equipment. Khanh Hoa's Military Command will also give soldiers and local households money for the Tet (Lunar New Year) festival./. … [Read more...] about Tet gifts head for archipelago
Catholic delegations pay Tet visit to Hanoi’s leaders
Archbishop Nguyen Van Nhon, President of the Vietnam Episcopal Council and Archbishop of Hanoi Archdiocese paid a Tet visit to Hanoi 's People Committee on Jan. 27. The People's Committee Chairman Nguyen The Thao informed his guest of the city's achievements in politics, economy, culture, society, security and social orders in 2010. The city's GDP estimated to post a year-on-year increase of 11 percent, higher than the set target by the People's Council and 1.64 fold the country's growth rate. As a result, the average GDP growth rate of the city between the 2006-2010 period reached 10.7 percent, resulting in a per capita GDP of 37 million VND per year (roughly 1,950 USD). On behalf of the city's leadership, Chairman Thao expressed thanks to Archbishop Nguyen Van Nhon as well as Catholic dignitaries and followers for their contributions to the city's achievements, and particularly to the celebration of the Thang Long-Hanoi millennium anniversary. On the occasion of Tet … [Read more...] about Catholic delegations pay Tet visit to Hanoi’s leaders
Tet spirit alive and visible on Hanoi’s streets
Roads in Hanoi are more crowded and people a little more rushed to prepare for Tet. Peach blossoms, mai, kumquat trees and bonsais are everywhere while streets such as Hang Ma, Hang Ngang, Hang Dao, and Dong Xuan display lanterns and ornaments. "I am so excited for Tet! I spent my slot time buying things, it will be too crowded if I go shopping at the weekend or near Tet," said Ngoc, living in Ba Dinh District. Below are some snapshots of the Tet spirit in Hanoi: … [Read more...] about Tet spirit alive and visible on Hanoi’s streets