The Lucky Charm: Snake Check-ins in Ben Tre

Tourists pose for photos in front of the snake mascot on the flower street on the morning of the 10th. Photo: Lam Thanh Loc

According to the organizers of the Cho Lach flower street, about a thousand visitors come to admire the displays every day. The snake mascot, in particular, attracts a large crowd from early morning to late afternoon.

The over-5-meter-tall snake sculpture is designed with a playful expression, donning a vest and a bow tie. It took two months for local artisans to complete the mascot, which is made from foam and composite materials to create a unique feature for the flower street.

Duong Tieu My, a 20-year-old local from Ben Tre Province, shared that she came to take pictures with the snake mascot on the morning of January 10th because it had gone viral on social media. “The snake has a mischievous expression with its tongue sticking out to one side, and its tail wrapped around a cute little bee. Even though this is a flower street, I’ve noticed that most people come here specifically to take photos with the snake,” she said.

“Snakes are dangerous in real life, but this sculpture portrays them in a charming way,” said Ngoc Huyen, a 30-year-old visitor from Ben Tre. She added that despite the mixed reviews and debates surrounding the snake mascot, it has undoubtedly created a buzz and attracted many visitors.

The organizers of the flower street explained that the snake symbolizes good luck and prosperity, making it a fitting choice for the festive season. They plan to keep the snake mascot up even after the Lunar New Year to extend the festive cheer and provide more photo opportunities for locals and tourists alike.

The Cho Lach flower street, themed “The Colors of Festivals,” is located at the Cho Lach Cultural Tourism Village. Visitors can not only take photos with the snake mascot and admire the flower displays but also learn about flower pot making, tree grafting, bonsai art, and the process of producing pesticide-free flowers.