A Cultural Journey During Lunar New Year

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important and vibrant holiday in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring and signifies a fresh start, with families coming together to honor ancestors, enjoy traditional foods, and celebrate cultural heritage. If you’re visiting Vietnam during Tet, it’s the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the local culture and traditions. Here’s your ultimate guide on what to expect and how to make the most of your experience during Tet in Vietnam.

1. What is Tet? Understanding the Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Tet, also known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is the Lunar New Year and holds immense cultural significance in Vietnam. It is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, usually falling in late January or early February. During Tet, Vietnamese families honor their ancestors, reunite with loved ones, and pray for prosperity and good health in the year ahead.

If you’re planning to visit Vietnam during Tet (Vietnam’s Lunar New Year), it’s important to understand the customs and rituals that make this time of year special. Tet is not only about celebrating the start of a new year but also about strengthening family bonds, reflecting on the past year, and seeking blessings for the future.

2. Visiting Tet Markets: The Heart of the Festival

A visit to the Tet markets (Chợ Tết) is an absolute must when experiencing Tet in Vietnam. These lively markets are filled with flowers, fruits, Tet foods, and decorations that symbolize good fortune and prosperity. Common Tet symbols include peach blossoms in the North, kumquat trees, and vibrant chrysanthemums. These markets offer a fantastic opportunity to purchase traditional gifts and immerse yourself in the colorful atmosphere of Tet preparations.

The Tet markets are also great places to pick up Tet foods like Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and Bánh Tét (cylindrical rice cakes), which are essential to the Vietnamese New Year feast.

3. Traditional Tet Foods You Can’t Miss

No trip to Vietnam during Tet is complete without indulging in traditional Vietnamese foods. Some of the most popular Tet dishes include:

• Bánh Chưng: A square-shaped sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Bánh Tét: The cylindrical version of Bánh Chưng, a specialty in the South.
• Pickled onions: A traditional accompaniment to Tet meals.
• Boiled chicken: A symbol of purity and respect for ancestors.

These foods are steeped in symbolism and tradition, representing various elements such as the Earth, the sky, and family unity. Be sure to savor them as you experience the true flavors of Vietnamese Tet cuisine.

4. The Importance of Ancestor Worship During Tet

In Vietnam, Tet is not just about celebrating the new year; it is also about honoring ancestors. Many families set up altars in their homes, offering incense and food as they pay respects to their forebears. This is a deeply spiritual and meaningful tradition that connects the past with the present.

If you’re invited to a Vietnamese home during Tet, it’s a great honor to be part of this ceremony. As a tourist in Vietnam, you’ll likely witness the beautiful practice of offering prayers and blessings at the family altar.

5. Lì Xì: The Red Envelope Tradition

Another popular Tet custom is Lì Xì, the giving of red envelopes filled with money. This tradition symbolizes the sharing of wealth and prosperity. Lì Xì is usually given to children and younger family members, but as a tourist, you might also be offered a red envelope as a gesture of goodwill and good luck for the upcoming year.

6. The First Visitor Tradition: Bring Good Luck for the Year Ahead

The first visitor to a home on New Year’s Day is believed to bring either good or bad fortune to the household for the entire year. If you’re in Vietnam during Tet, you might be lucky enough to become the first guest, and in return, you could be given a red envelope or a small gift.

It’s a fun and exciting part of Tet and one of the unique traditions that set this holiday apart from other celebrations around the world.

7. Tet Festivals, Parades, and Fireworks in Vietnam

Throughout Tet, the entire country is alive with festive energy. Major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang host Tet festivals, parades, and fireworks displays. Be sure to check the local schedules for events such as lion dances, cultural performances, and Tet festivities that showcase Vietnamese music, dance, and art.

These celebrations are an incredible way to immerse yourself in the culture of Vietnam during Tet. Don’t forget to capture the vibrant colors, sounds, and spirit of the Lunar New Year festivals.

8. Traveling During Tet: Plan Ahead for Crowds

Traveling in Vietnam during Tet can be a challenge as many locals return to their hometowns to spend time with family. Public transport can be crowded, and hotels might be booked up well in advance. Be sure to plan ahead for your transportation and accommodation.

Booking early for flights, trains, and buses will ensure that you secure a spot before travel becomes more difficult closer to the holiday.

9. Experience Tet in Vietnam’s Rural Villages

While the cities are busy with festive activities, visiting rural villages during Tet offers a more intimate look at traditional practices. Rural areas celebrate Tet with unique rituals such as the Kitchen God Farewell Ritual (Ông Công – Ông Táo), where families send off the Kitchen Gods by releasing live carps into rivers or lakes. This is a deeply symbolic act representing the gods’ return to Heaven.

Experiencing these Tet rituals in the countryside is a wonderful way to see the authentic side of Vietnamese culture.

10. Embrace the Spirit of Tet: A Time for Family and New Beginnings

Above all, Tet is a time for family and new beginnings. Whether you’re sharing a meal with a local family, participating in the Lì Xì tradition, or enjoying the festive atmosphere, this is a time to connect with the heart of Vietnamese culture.

Visiting Vietnam during Tet is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the country’s most important cultural celebration. From Tet markets to traditional foods, festivals, and family traditions, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the warmth, unity, and joy that defines this holiday.

Make sure to plan ahead, respect local customs, and embrace the excitement of Tet as you explore Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Happy Lunar New Year and Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Happy New Year)!