Along major roads in Vinh Phu and Vinh Hung wards, shops have stocked large volumes of orchids ahead of the Lunar New Year. Phalaenopsis remains the top choice, valued for its elegance, long-lasting blooms and symbolism of prosperity. Prices range from a few million dong to tens, or even hundreds of millions, depending on stem count, design and display materials.
Nguyen Quynh Trang, owner of the Hoa Co May shop in Vinh, said her family imported tens of thousands of phalaenopsis stems this year from reputable growers in Dalat. Many regular clients, including agencies, businesses and hotels, placed orders early.
“With VND 1-2 million (about USD 38-76), buyers can already get a beautiful Tet arrangement,” she said.
The seasonal rush has also created peak demand for orchid arrangers. Shop owners said they must book craftsmen early, sometimes hiring teams from other localities, including Hue, to keep up.
Duong Dang, an arranger from Hue with more than a decade of experience, said his team often travels across provinces and works through the night in the days leading up to Tet.
“Pay is based on the number of stems and the complexity. Skilled workers can earn several million dong a day. Over the Tet season, incomes can reach tens of millions, even more than VND 100 million,” he said.
The work requires precision and an eye for aesthetics, from selecting wooden frames to balancing colours and protecting buds, blooms and roots. Despite long hours and pressure, arrangers said Tet remains the most anticipated season, when craftsmanship is rewarded with steady, high income.
