Lotus flowers blossom fragrantly

 Lotus flowers blossom in Xuan Dinh lotus ponds in Tu Liem district, Hanoi.

 Planters wake up very early to harvest the lotus flowers for sale.

 Lotus flowers are picked between 3-4a.m when dew still remains on the flowers’ calyx.

 The aroma, in line with the charming pink and green leaves, attract bees.

 Green leaves, pink petals in the middle of yellow pistils create a uniquely natural picture.

Flower buds hide under green leaves.

 Mr. Dat, a owner of Xuan Dinh lotus pond, says that although each day he harvests over 1,000 flowers, it isn’t enough to meet customers’ demand.

 Flowers blossom and spread their aroma.

 Flowers are tied in bundles of ten.

 Sellers bring flowers to markets very early. “It only takes me 1-2 hours to sell out 200 flowers,” said Ms Thu, an experienced lotus flower seller.

 Each 10-flower bouquet is sold at VND50,000-100,000. Its pure aroma and colour make summer more graceful.

 Bicycles full of lotus flowers make people feel peaceful and gentle.