A glimpse of old Tet in Tra Su

Some Tet seasons touch memory gently, through things that are simple and unassuming. Tra Su in spring is one such place—where Tet arrives slowly and quietly, evoking the “Tet of old” in the southern countryside, pure and serene, like the breath of the earth and sky.

Surrounded by vast stretches of deep-green cajeput forest, Tra Su during Tet takes on a distinctive calm. Spring here does not announce itself with crowds or noise. Instead, it lingers in the warmth of new sunlight, in gentle breezes brushing the treetops, and in the unhurried flow of water along narrow canals. Each step visitors take feels like a quiet journey back in time—to the Tet of earlier days, when joy was simple, hearts were open, and life felt untroubled.

One of the most evocative highlights of Tra Su in spring is the “pigeon city,” where hundreds of white wings fill the green space. In the first sunlight of the year, flocks of pigeons circle and settle on wooden roofs and steps, creating a scene that is at once lively and tranquil. It recalls the Tet of the past—a Tet of harmony and peaceful wishes, where people and nature shared the same gentle rhythm.

Leaving the pigeon city behind, visitors are easily drawn into the orchid garden—a refined spring corner within Tra Su. Carefully tended orchid clusters bloom at just the right moment, revealing a beauty that is understated yet enduring. The orchids here are not showy or flamboyant; they are gentle and restrained, much like the character traditionally associated with people of the Mekong Delta: sincere, deep-rooted, and faithful. In spring, watching orchids bloom becomes a quiet lesson in slowing down and appreciating each passing moment.

Tet at Tra Su also lives on in spaces rich with the spirit of village life from the past: palm-leaf roofs, bamboo fences, simple wooden tables and chairs, and everyday objects that seem drawn from memory. Against this backdrop, visitors may encounter young women in traditional áo dài, moving softly through the green spring scenery. The image creates a gentle harmony between past and present. “Tet is not just a moment in time, but a feeling”—and Tra Su tells that story through such unadorned details.

A spring visit to Tra Su is not just about sightseeing, but about rediscovering the spirit of Tet as it once was—complete without excess. A quiet boat ride winding through the cajeput forest, an afternoon walk beneath shaded trees, or simply sitting still to listen to birdsong and watch sunlight filter through the leaves is enough to calm the mind and leave behind the worries of the old year.

As modern life grows increasingly hurried, Tra Su chooses a different path—one of preserving memory, protecting nature, and cherishing traditional values. It is this choice that gives the place its distinctive appeal each spring. A fleeting sense of the old Tet—neither loud nor showy, yet deep enough to stir memories in those who cherish rural Tet and the quiet purity of the Mekong Delta’s waterways.

Tra Su, therefore, is not merely a springtime destination. It is a place where people can rediscover Tet within themselves.