Tet festival, or Vietnamese New Year, is the most important holiday celebrated in Vietnam. It takes place at the beginning of the lunar year and marks a time for families to gather together, honor their ancestors with offerings, and enjoy traditional foods and activities. If you travel Vietnam during Tet holiday, let's save tips for travelling Vietnam during Tet. While Tet festival varies from region to region in Vietnam, its essence remains unchanged: it’s a time for families to come together, celebrate the past year’s accomplishments, and look forward to a prosperous future.

How is Tet celebrated?

Before Tet: Cleaning and Shopping

During Tet, many Vietnamese people clean their homes, wear new clothes and exchange gifts as symbols of luck and prosperity. Traditional foods such as Banh Chung (sticky rice cakes wrapped in banana leaves) are prepared during Tet and eaten as part of the celebration. Tet is also a time for people to reconnect with friends and family, pay respects to their ancestors, and wish each other good luck in the coming year. With its vibrant colors, traditional cuisine, and festive atmosphere, Tet holiday is an important event celebrated throughout Vietnam that’s sure to bring joy and happiness to all.

The Lunar New Year's Day - Tet

On the Lunar New Year’s Day, many Vietnamese people get up early to prepare offerings for their ancestors and make traditional foods. Children might receive lucky money from adults as a symbol of good fortune. Red is seen everywhere during Tet holiday, as it's believed to bring luck and happiness. Many people visit temples and pagodas to pay their respects and pray for a successful year. At night, families gather together to enjoy traditional dishes while watching fireworks or taking part in a lion dance.

During Tet holiday, many Vietnamese people go on long trips to celebrate the new year with friends and family, or travel to places of historical and cultural importance. For many Vietnamese people, Tet hoiday is a time for renewal and hope for the future.

Read more: Best time to visit Vietnam

Decoration of the house for good luck during Tet in Vietnam

Decorating the home is an important tradition during Tet holiday. People believe that decorations placed around the house bring luck, prosperity, and good health for the new year. Red banners are hung from windows and doorways to ward off bad spirits and encourage good luck. The Vietnamese also display vibrant paper lanterns throughout their home to bring in more light and positive energy. Other decorations, such as peach blossoms and kumquat trees (which are symbols of good luck), can be found adorning houses during Tet holiday. All these beautiful decorations help to create an inviting atmosphere that welcomes the new year with joy and optimism. The decorations also remind people to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future with hope. Together, these decorations help to set the festive mood of Tet holiday and bring families closer together.

Additionally, many people also hang calligraphy on the walls of their homes during Tet. Writing special wishes for prosperity, good health and fortune are believed to bring good luck in the coming year. With its bright colors and cheery decorations, the home is ready to celebrate Tet holiday in the best way possible. By decorating their homes, Vietnamese people welcome the new year with optimism and hope for a prosperous future. With its vibrant colors and traditional decorations, Tet holiday is sure to bring joy and happiness to all who take part in it.

How to say Happy New Year in Vietnam

Happy New Year in Vietnam is expressed as Chúc mừng năm mới or Chuc Mung Nam Moi. This phrase translates to “wishing you a happy and prosperous new year” and is used widely during the Tet holiday. This greeting is often accompanied with other words of blessing and good luck, such as “Nam moi khoe manh” or "Nam moi an khang, thinh vuong", which translates to “may you have a healthy and happy new year.”
These expressions are used among friends, family members and even strangers during Tet, as a way to show respect and appreciation for one another. Saying “Chuc Mung Nam Moi” is also a way to express hope for a bright and prosperous future. So during Tet holiday, don't forget to wish your loved ones  “Chúc mừng năm mới” as a way of sending good luck and happiness in the coming year.

Read more: Best places to visit in Vietnam with family

The traditional food for Tet festival

Banh Chung

Banh Chung is a traditional dish, prepared and enjoyed during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year celebrations. This steamed glutinous rice cake filled with pork and green beans is a symbolic food, representing the balance between yin and yang energy. It’s an essential dish during Tet and is often served as a treat to guests who arrive during the celebration.

Bun thang

Bun thang is a delicate traditional dish from Hanoi, known for its subtle flavors and meticulous preparation. The dish consists of fresh rice noodles, shredded chicken, thinly sliced egg, Vietnamese pork sausage and dried shrimp, all harmoniously arranged in a bowl. The broth is made from chicken bones, dried shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms, creating a light, sweet taste. A key ingredient that elevates the flavor of bún thang is fermented shrimp paste, an essential addition. With its refined combination of ingredients and flavors, bún thang is an unforgettable dish in Hanoi's cuisine.

Xoi

Xoi is a type of sticky rice dish that is often served during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The rice is cooked with different ingredients such as sticky rice, coconut milk, or corn, and is often topped with fried onions for extra flavor. Xoi is a traditional dish that can be served as a breakfast food, snack, or even a side dish for lunch and dinner. It’s a favorite among Vietnamese families during Tet and is considered to be a symbol of wealth and prosperity.  Xoi is one of the most popular dishes served during Tet and is an essential part of the celebration.

Traveling in Vietnam during Tet

What to Expect when travel during Tet in Vietnam

During the Tet holiday, most shops and restaurants close down as people take time to spend with their families. Tourists who are traveling in Vietnam during Tet holiday should expect to find it a bit more difficult to get around, as public transportation may be limited. Additionally, certain attractions such as museums and galleries may be closed for the duration of the holiday.

Despite the lack of transportation and certain places being closed, there are still plenty of activities to do in Vietnam during Tet. Tourists can explore the streets of the town, which are often filled with vibrant decorations and festivities. There are also plenty of traditional food stalls and markets open, where visitors can sample some local dishes and take in the lively atmosphere. Additionally, there are many cultural festivals and performances taking place throughout the country, which are well worth seeing.

Overall, visitors should expect to have an exciting and unique experience while traveling in Vietnam during Tet. From the rich cultural displays to the delicious local food, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do.

Tips for Visiting Vietnam during Tet

During Tet holiday in Vietnam, especially from the 1st to the 3rd day of the lunar calendar, these initial three days of the year hold immense significance for the Vietnamese people. It's a time when most individuals prioritize spending time with family and self-reflection. We recommend that you take advantage of these days to unwind and relax at hotels, resorts, or on cruises in prominent cities such as Hanoi, Halong Bay, Danang, Hoian, Hue, Nha Trang, Saigon, and more. These accommodations are designed to provide you with all the amenities you need, coupled with excellent dining services.

• Respect local customs: When traveling around Vietnam during Tet holiday, it’s important to respect local traditions and customs. Many people will be celebrating with their families, so it’s important to show respect for those who are observing the holiday.
• Bring cash: Many businesses close during the Tet holiday, so it’s important to carry enough cash for your travels. ATMs may be difficult to find, so it’s best to have some cash on hand.
• Book transportation in advance: Public transportation may be limited during Tet, so it’s important to book your transportation in advance. You can also look into hiring a car or motorbike rental for the duration of your stay.
• Explore local food stalls: Many local food stalls will be open during Tet, and it’s a great chance to sample some delicious local dishes. Be sure to try some of the traditional Tet dishes, such as Banh Chung and Xoi.
• Take part in cultural activities: There are many events and festivals taking place throughout the country during Tet holiday, so be sure to take part in some of the cultural activities. From parades to fireworks displays, there are plenty of fun and exciting things to do.

Finally, for an exceptional travel experience to Vietnam, consider the timing of your visit in relation to the Tet holiday. If your trip falls before Tet, embark on your journey from the North to the South. The rationale behind this lies in the work dynamics of Vietnam, where a significant number of labor opportunities are concentrated in the southern regions, offering better career prospects than the northern counterparts. During Tet, a festive period when people flock to their hometowns for family reunions, traveling from the North to the South before the holiday ensures a smoother and more manageable expedition. It allows for easier coordination of transportation and often comes with more economical pricing.

Conversely, if your travel plans extend beyond Tet, opt for a journey from the South to the North. Post-Tet, individuals return to their work routines, causing a surge in travel from the North and Central regions to the South. Choosing to move from the South to the North during this time can result in significantly higher costs and logistical challenges, making transportation arrangements more cumbersome. Consider these nuances in travel dynamics to enhance the overall quality of your exploration in Vietnam.

Time-honored Lunar New Year Celebrations

Tet, the Lunar New Year, is more than just a family gathering; it's also a time for a wide range of vibrant and traditional festivals across the country. Here are some of the highlights:

Take part in the traditional spring flower festival

Location: Primarily in large cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang.

Large parks and squares transform into vibrant floral displays during the spring flower festival. Visitors can wander through the colorful blooms, capture memorable photos, and immerse themselves in cultural activities such as lion dances and traditional performances while indulging in local street food.

The festive atmosphere of every Tet market festival.

Tet markets are a must-visit during the Lunar New Year, usually lasting for days leading up to the holiday. Stalls overflow with traditional treats like chung cakes, jams, and fruits, along with festive decorations. The vibrant atmosphere, filled with laughter and the hustle and bustle of bargaining, makes Tet markets a hub of activity. It's a place to discover unique Tet dishes and immerse oneself in Vietnamese food culture.

An immersive experience at the Hung King Temple Festival

Location: Phu Tho

Experience the Hung King Temple Festival, a vibrant celebration held annually on the 10th day of the third lunar month to honor the nation's founders. Join locals as they pay their respects at the ancestral altar, participate in traditional rituals, and enjoy cultural performances. Immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere and discover the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam.

Become part of traditional village festivals.

The traditional festivals in rural villages during Tet are always a lively affair. Locals spend days preparing, cleaning their homes, and setting up elaborate altars for ancestral worship. The festive atmosphere is filled with the aroma of traditional dishes and the sounds of laughter and celebration.

During Tet, rural villages come alive with traditional games and cultural performances. From exciting competitions like tug-of-war and boat racing to captivating lion dances and folk songs, there is something for everyone. These festivities not only provide entertainment but also serve as a way to preserve and promote local customs and traditions.

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