Streets in this city in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta bloom with lotus flowers, drawing delight from locals, tourists alike

In the city center, about 150km from Ho Chi Minh City, lotuses have been planted along major roads such as Nguyen Hue, Ly Thuong Kiet, and Pham Huu Lau, as well as in front of government offices, schools, and parks.

The flowers grow in water-filled basins nestled within the medians, interspersed with decorative plants.

When in bloom, the pink lotuses add a lively, colorful charm to the streetscape.

On Friday morning, a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporter visited Pham Huu Lau Street, a newly upgraded and widened road where rows of sturdy, planned lotus basins have been installed.

For the first time, the freshly planted lotuses are in full bloom, drawing the admiration of pedestrians and drivers alike.

Large, established trees planted previously have been retained, forming a natural green median that complements the new additions.

Nguyen Thuy Linh, a resident of Ward 4 in Cao Lanh, which is the capital of Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta, said she passes by Pham Huu Lau Street every day while taking her child to school.

"The road is more spacious and now features beautiful lotus flowers," she said.

"It's been in use since Tet, but the lotuses just started blooming a week ago, and they're lovely to look at.

"Living here, we're used to seeing lotus everywhere, but my friends from out of town are always surprised to see them blooming right in the middle of the city."

According to the Cao Lanh City Project Management and Land Development Board, the upgraded Pham Huu Lau Street was completed and opened to traffic in early March.

The finished roadway is 21 meters wide with four-meter sidewalks on each side, complete with lighting systems and new Lagerstroemia (crepe myrtle) trees.

The central median, which varies from one to seven meters wide, features grass, ornamental plants, and 23 lotus basins, each covering 14 square meters and accompanied by decorative light poles – creating a striking urban landscape that blends nature with modern infrastructure.