>> Can Tho ornamental trees symbolise Tet

Craftsmen in Can Tho had been busy making their meticulous handcrafts at a fair to welcome the Tet festival.

The “Orchard Colours” trade fair took place in the Mekong Delta from January 22-26. It was a chance to see with thatched houses and all the normal daily activities of life there.

Two pavilions in particular were of special interest to visitors. Each one resembles household items, a knitted mat and basket.

Visitors could also try out traditional specialties from the southwestern region, including banh xeo (cake made from rice, shrimp, meat and sprouts), banh in (cake made from green beans and sugar), and banh tet (cake made from sticky rice, green beans and meat). Han scripts and abundant fruits add more colours to the festival.

Plaiting artificial flowers

Making toys from coconut leaves

The making of banh in

Waiting for banh trang

Knitted mats for Tet

Knitted baskets

Han scripts make good gifts