Amidst the vibrant floral displays at Ho Thi Ky Market (Vườn Lài Ward, Ho Chi Minh City), renowned as the city’s largest flower hub, the atmosphere leading up to October 20th this year is unusually quiet. Gone are the bustling crowds, the lively calls, and the streams of motorbikes laden with flowers, a stark contrast to previous years.
Vendors report a modest 10-15% price increase compared to regular days, significantly lower than previous holiday seasons.
Stable Prices, Declining Demand
According to Pham Thanh Doanh, a wholesale flower trader with over 17 years of experience at the market, this year’s market is unusually slow.
“Compared to last year, pre-orders have dropped by about 20%. Economic challenges have led to tighter budgets. Wholesale prices are up only 10-15% from regular days, much lower than previous years,” Doanh shares.
He adds that while most flowers still come from Da Lat, natural disasters in the North have reduced shipments to that region. “With less demand from Hanoi, there’s a surplus here, keeping prices from rising sharply. That’s why prices haven’t surged like last year,” he explains.
Pre-orders this year have also decreased.
From a retailer’s perspective, Phuong, a stall owner, describes the market as “stable yet sluggish.” “Roses this year are 200,000-300,000 VND for 50 stems, compared to 400,000 VND last year. Prices are stable, but demand is weaker. Orders are just slightly above regular days,” she notes.
Phuong lists prices: “Imported carnations are 100,000 VND, 20 sunflowers for 50,000-80,000 VND, sunflowers at 10,000 VND each (usually 5,000-6,000 VND). Red roses are the most expensive at 300,000 VND per bunch, other colors at 250,000-270,000 VND.”
Pre-arranged bouquets range from 200,000 to 500,000 VND.
Despite ample supplies from Da Lat, imported flowers remain popular, especially among middle-class customers seeking premium gifts.
“Most imports come from Kunming, China, where the high-altitude, cold climate produces superior quality. Import prices have risen due to higher shipping costs. Adding imported flowers to a bouquet significantly increases the price,” Doanh explains.
“A pure Da Lat bouquet might cost 500,000-600,000 VND, but adding imported flowers can push it to 800,000 VND,” he adds.
Dried and wax flowers are displayed with prices ranging from 300,000 to 1,000,000 VND.
Beyond fresh flowers, stalls featuring wax flowers, dried flowers, and handcrafted arrangements are increasingly common at Ho Thi Ky Market. “These wax and dried flower arrangements cost 300,000-500,000 VND, up to 1,000,000 VND depending on size. People browse and take photos, but few buy. We prepare them in advance since they last long and sell closer to the holiday,” Lan explains.
Lan highlights the advantages of wax flowers: “They’re durable, don’t wilt, and have stable prices. Customers prefer long-lasting gifts that can be displayed.”
A young vendor, Huong, reveals: “Sofia roses, or ‘sister roses,’ are trending this year after a beauty queen posed with them in Da Lat. Mid-sized bouquets are 300,000 VND, smaller ones 200,000-250,000 VND. We customize orders without fixed prices.”
Sofia roses are popular this October 20th.
Last-Minute Hopes
Despite the variety, the market remains quiet. Vendors pass time by meticulously wrapping bouquets, rearranging shelves, and trimming leaves, occasionally chatting to fill the silence.
Doanh observes: “The October 20th flower market hasn’t ‘peaked’ yet. It might surge closer to the date, but it’s hard to predict. In my 17 years, some years see sudden rushes on the day, while others remain quiet throughout.”
Shops prepare flowers for customers, but pre-orders are low this year.
Many vendors believe this year’s turnout will be lower on October 20th, with shifting consumer habits. People buy flowers to convey messages, opting for smaller, more elegant bouquets instead of large ones.
Unlike previous years, when October 20th was a hectic rush, vendors now proceed cautiously.
“We’ve reduced imports, stored fewer flowers, and cut labor. Fresh flowers spoil after the holiday, so we can’t risk overstocking,” Phuong shares.
Succulents and dried flowers are increasingly popular for economical, long-lasting gifts.
The flower market has shifted from explosive growth to cautious pacing. A 10-15% price increase barely covers costs, far from creating a frenzy. Some vendors turn to dried flowers, wax flowers, mini bouquets, or gift combinations to attract buyers.
With low demand and a subdued atmosphere ahead of Vietnamese Women’s Day, many vendors still prepare thoroughly for both wholesale and retail customers.
“Sometimes, the last-minute rush on the 19th and 20th brings crowds. We often sell until 2-3 AM. So, we must be prepared—no room for complacency,” Doanh concludes.
Flower growers in Tien Giang are frustrated by low prices and overflowing stock.
This year’s traditional Tet flower affair in Tien Giang has left many Tet flower growers feeling less than joyful due to low prices and slow sales. As of the 27th day of Tet, many flower fields still haven’t found buyers, forcing growers to resort to retail and clearance sales.
