Long queues form for hydrangea photos by Hoan Kiem Lake

On the morning of 30/8, residents and tourists formed long queues along a hydrangea flower path by Hoan Kiem Lake, eager to capture photos despite the scorching sun.

Thu Hue, a student in Hanoi, spent over an hour taking photos with a friend at the hydrangea path. She noted that while social media videos showed many appealing angles, recreating them was challenging because "people were everywhere."

Starting around 9:00, visitors gathered in large numbers along the approximately 20-meter-long hydrangea path, situated opposite the Vietnam Post Office building. The majority of those taking photos were women, ranging from young adults to middle-aged individuals.

By around 11:00, despite the intense sun and temperatures soaring to about 35 degrees Celsius, many people continued to hold umbrellas, patiently waiting for their turn to capture photos at prime spots. In contrast, other areas around the walking street remained relatively deserted.

While hydrangeas typically boast a variety of colors, including pink, red, and purple, the flowers planted by Hoan Kiem Lake are exclusively green varieties. This choice, according to the managing authority, is due to their suitability for the local soil. Many visitors arrived early to capture their photos, concerned the blooms might wilt or be damaged by the large crowds later in the day.

Hoang Anh, a resident of Ha Dong ward, remarked, "One square meter, four muses posing for photos – I gave up." She decided against taking pictures there, concerned that the intense sun might adversely affect her young child's health.

Thuy Quynh, a Hanoi resident, shared that the flower path was "beyond expectations" and possessed a "clear, distinct summer charm." However, the sheer number of people meant she had to "endure the scorching sun" to get a few pleasing photos.

A specific chair proved to be the most coveted spot, offering a backdrop of the sprawling flower path. On average, each person spent 5 to 10 minutes posing. Some visitors even prepared their camera angles beforehand to optimize their time when it was their turn.

Both sides of the path, before and after the flower row, were crowded with tourists seeking spots to stand, sit, and pose for photos. According to a representative from the Hoan Kiem Ward Infrastructure Investment Project Management Board, hydrangeas had previously created a significant impact during the A80 event last year. Consequently, the board decided to plant these flowers again for the 2/9 occasion this year, and their popularity came as no surprise.