Looking for luck at Vieng Market Festival

Although the festival officially opens on midnight of the eighth day of the first lunar month, which was on February 15, thousands of visitors flocked to the market one day in advance.

"The venue would be overcrowded, so many people visit the market earlier and choose for themselves their favourite goods that bring luck to them all year-round," said Thai.

People believe that buying goods at the annual Vieng Market Festival, which takes place in Vu Ban district in Nam Dinh, will bring them luck. Visiting the market has become a tradition for many people during the Lunar New Year holiday.

All kinds of goods are bought and sold without bargaining. People come to the market not only to buy things, but also to wish for a prosperous and lucky new year.

The spring market features handicrafts, antiques (both genuine and fake), household utensils, agricultural tools and many kinds of ornamental plants. Special foods sold at the market include barbecued beef and banh giay (sticky rice cakes).

The least expensive items on sale at Vieng Market are flowers and plants, which are believed to bring both the buyer and seller happiness and luck. Deals are made by candlelight or flashlight.

Phung Thi Huong from Haiphong city selected an orchid plant to bring home. She once bought a jasmine plant at the market, and it grew well and blooms this year.

"I expect that the new plant I buy will beautify the small garden of my house and, at the same time, bring good fortune to my family," said Huong. 

Shoppers can also visit pagodas and temples nearby to worship Mother Goddesses and pray for prosperity.