THE HANOI TIMES — Beneath the historic Long Bien Bridge, vast fields of golden mustard flowers burst into life, painting the Red River’s winter banks with a vibrant seasonal spectacle.
These luminous yellow blooms signal a familiar transition: Hanoi is gently stepping into spring’s embrace.
Along the riverbank, a timeless scene unfolds: women in elegant ao dai, expansive mustard fields, and the steel silhouette of the century-old bridge spanning the waters. Photos: Huy Pham/The Hanoi Times
In the heart of winter, when temperatures hover around 10°C, the mustard fields stand in striking contrast to Hanoi’s muted grays. Their radiant yellow hues offer a visual warmth, hinting at winter’s impending retreat.
By early 2026, Phuc Xa flower wharf in Hong Ha Ward emerged as a breathtaking highlight of Hanoi’s urban landscape.
Here, mustard flowers bloom alongside delicate purple butterfly blooms and rich red peonies, creating a harmonious symphony of color that redefines the riverbank as a seasonal masterpiece.
Once wild along the Red River, nourished by fertile alluvial soil, these flowers captured the hearts of local farmers who transformed the area into a cultivated floral haven.
The wharf has since become a cherished destination, particularly for photographers during peak bloom.
For visitors like Nguyen Thu Ha from Cau Giay Ward, the journey is an annual tradition. Each year, she and her friends return to capture the mustard flowers, preserving memories of the passing year.
“The mustard flowers may appear simple, but they are a defining symbol of Hanoi’s winter,” she reflects. “They are among the 12 flowers representing each month, making this visit truly special.”
Though compact, Phuc Xa flower wharf feels abundant, with dense mustard fields in full bloom.
Traditionally linked to December, the mustard flower symbolizes both closure and renewal.
A vast sea of yellow frames the weathered arches of Long Bien Bridge along the Red River.
Nourished by rich alluvial soil, the mustard stalks tower taller than a child’s head.
Farmers arrange the flowers in neat rows, leaving narrow paths that invite visitors to stroll through the fields.
The vibrant blooms and relaxed visitors soften the crisp chill of Hanoi’s winter days.
Rows of flowers stretch across the riverbank, forming a dazzling “sea of yellow” in the city’s heart.
Cosmos and peonies bloom alongside mustard flowers, layering the riverside with vibrant color.
Amid the golden fields, visitors pause, savoring moments along the Red River.
The delicate blossoms offer a brief escape from Hanoi’s bustling urban rhythm.
Today, it stands as a harmonious meeting place of people and nature, quietly marking the Red River’s seasonal rhythm.
Hanoi’s Old Quarter: A Global Magnet for Street Food Tourism
THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi is rapidly becoming a global culinary destination, celebrated not only for its rich history and stunning architecture but also for its vibrant food scene. According to Booking.com’s latest “Taste of Home” report, the Vietnamese capital is emerging as a key player in Asia’s culinary tourism. Travelers are increasingly prioritizing food […]
Tet’s Radiant Reds Transform Hanoi’s Hang Ma Street
THE HANOI TIMES — Hang Ma Street is already aglow with the vibrant reds of Tet, as vendors showcase 2026 Lunar New Year decorations nearly two months in advance. The street, bathed in a sea of crimson and gold, exudes a festive spirit, transforming this central Hanoi thoroughfare into a seasonal spectacle. Nestled in Hoan […]
Hanoi Welcomes 2026 Holiday’s End with Smooth, Orderly Traffic Flow
THE HANOI TIMES — On the final day of the 2026 New Year holiday, tens of thousands of residents returned to Hanoi, with traffic volume increasing yet remaining congestion-free. Hanoi welcomed back tens of thousands of residents on the afternoon of January 4. Photos: Pham Cong/The Hanoi Times The four-day holiday, spanning January 1 to […]
Hanoi to Plant Over 400,000 Trees by 2026, Boosting Urban Greenery
THE HANOI TIMES — In a bold move towards sustainable urban development, Hanoi has announced plans to plant over 400,000 new trees by 2026. This initiative is part of the city’s broader strategy to enhance urban greening, protect forests, and achieve environmental goals, ultimately transforming the capital into a greener, more livable metropolis. The project […]
Hanoi Allocates $3 Million for Tet 2026 Gifts to Support Needy Residents
THE HANOI TIMES — The Hanoi chapter of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) has proposed a budget of nearly VND80 billion (US$3 million) to distribute approximately 90,000 gifts to near-poor and disadvantaged households across the city in celebration of the 2026 Tet holiday. Of this total, VND5.28 billion (US$201,000) from the municipal “For the Poor” […]
