>> Hanoi\'s bus stations bustling before Tet

>> Peach blossoms need electricity to bloom in a cold Tet

>> Hanoi plans 29 firework sites for Lunar New Year’s Eve

As Tet nears, not only are the streets of the capital becoming more busy, but also decorated with flowers and bonsai trees.

Other decorative trees such as kumquat, and peach are being sold on Kim Nguu, Tam Trinh, Lang and Nhat Tan streets, creating an exciting atmosphere anticipation of the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture.

The cold weather has hampered the blooming of peach flowers, so the price for a good one has gone up between 30% and 50% this year. Even the price of a branch of a peach tree containing only buds can sell for VND1.2 million (USD60) and VND1.5 (USD75) million.

Still, the pavements of Tam Trinh, Kim Nguu, Lang and Nhat Tan streets are full colourful flowers

Pottery also plays an important role during the Tet season

Selecting pottery products

Peach branches on the banks of To Lich River

Cold slows the peach trees from blooming ‘on time’

Kumquat trees signal the holiday

Hanoi streets littered with flowers of every kind

Flower shopping

Twisted branches attract customers