Ho Chi Minh City lantern vendors report slow sales despite festive crowds

Vendors on the lantern streets of Ho Chi Minh City, specifically on Phu Dinh and Hai Thuong Lan Ong streets in Cho Lon Ward, are reporting slow sales despite a lively atmosphere during the Mid-Autumn Festival preparations.

Local merchants note that while the streets are crowded with visitors, purchasing power has significantly declined. One vendor, Dang Thi Ngoc Cam, stated that current buying power is only approximately 40 percent of pre-pandemic levels. The demographic of visitors has shifted, with a high proportion of young people visiting primarily to take photographs rather than to shop.

As a result, small, affordable lanterns priced between 10,000 and 20,000 VND (approximately $0.40 to $0.80 USD) are selling better as souvenirs. Conversely, demand for larger decorative lanterns used by cafes and restaurants has also seen a decline.