Le Van Hien, a 29-year-old resident of Hoc Mon District in Ho Chi Minh City, has gained attention for his unique seasonal business: decorating coconuts for Tet. Combining his artistic talent with a passion for fitness, Hien earns between 18 and 24 million VND ($750–$1,000) in just one week leading up to Tet.
From art instructor to Tet coconut decorator
Hien’s journey into Tet coconut decoration began in 2021, when a casual scroll through social media introduced him to the idea. With a background in art and experience teaching children ages 5–14, Hien decided to experiment by decorating a few coconuts as gifts for friends and family.
The vibrant designs – featuring traditional symbols like apricot blossoms, peach flowers, roses, and calligraphy – quickly attracted admiration and demand. Encouraged by friends and customers, Hien turned his newfound skill into a business, selling his decorated coconuts for 250,000–300,000 VND ($10–$12) per pair in his first year.
Over the years, Hien has refined his craft, introducing new designs annually and improving his techniques to meet growing customer expectations.
Introducing clay flower embellishments for Tet 2025
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For Tet 2025, Hien has introduced a new technique: decorating coconuts with clay flowers. After a month of experimenting, he perfected the method, which involves creating intricate floral designs using specialized clay imported from China.
This type of clay is safe for health and does not affect the quality of the coconut water inside, though most customers use the decorated coconuts purely for display.
The process of crafting a coconut with clay flowers is meticulous. Hien begins by selecting high-quality, mature coconuts with firm husks, as younger coconuts are prone to stem breakage. The coconuts are then sprayed with a base coat of paint to match the customer’s preferences.
Next, he adds calligraphy and pre-painted dragon motifs before applying the clay flowers. The flowers are shaped using tools similar to those used for piping buttercream on cakes, ensuring a lifelike appearance. To prevent deformation, the flowers are dried thoroughly before being attached.
A pair of clay flower-adorned coconuts sells for 600,000 VND ($25) and can retain their beauty for up to three months.
A labor of love amid the Tet rush
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Hien typically begins decorating coconuts around the 20th or 23rd day of the lunar month before Tet, completing all orders in 5–7 days. In addition to the clay flower designs, he continues to offer painted coconuts, priced at 500,000–600,000 VND ($20–$25) per pair.
Though the work is demanding, often requiring sleepless nights to meet deadlines, Hien finds joy in the positive feedback from his customers. “The satisfaction and encouragement from my clients make all the effort worthwhile,” he shared.
Beyond his artistic talents, Hien is also passionate about bodybuilding, a hobby he has pursued for six years. His muscular physique often contrasts humorously with the delicate artistry of his work, earning him admiration and surprise from his followers.
Hien frequently shares photos of himself flexing his muscles alongside his elaborately decorated coconuts, delighting viewers with his unique combination of strength and creativity.
Ngoc Lai
