Tet Holiday – Vietnam’s Lunar New Year: Your Ultimate Guide for International Tourists

Tet Holiday – Vietnam’s Lunar New Year is the most important and widely celebrated public holiday in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and ushering in good fortune for the year ahead. Unlike the Western New Year, the exact date of Tet varies each year, typically falling in late January or February. This is Vietnam's equivalent of Christmas and New Year rolled into one, a period of immense joy, feasting, and cultural significance. For travelers looking to truly immerse themselves in Vietnam New Year festivities, there's no better time to explore.

The origins of Tet Holiday are deeply rooted in Vietnam’s agricultural history. It was traditionally a time for farmers to rest after a year of hard work and prepare for a new planting season. The celebrations are influenced by Chinese Lunar New Year customs, yet Tet has developed its own distinct Vietnamese characteristics and traditions over centuries. Ancient legends speak of the Kitchen Gods returning to heaven on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month to report on the family's activities, a ritual that kicks off the Tet preparations. The holiday is also a time for remembering ancestors, believing their spirits return to celebrate with their living descendants, reinforcing the strong family bonds that are central to Vietnamese society.

As a lunar new year, the date of Tet Holiday shifts annually. It generally falls on the same day as the Chinese Lunar New Year. Planning your travel Vietnam Tet requires knowing these dates in advance.

• Tet Holiday 2025: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
• Tet Holiday 2026: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

The official public holiday typically spans 5-7 days, but the festive atmosphere and preparations can begin weeks in advance, and the celebrations often extend for several days after the official end. This extended period allows ample opportunity to soak in the festive ambiance and witness diverse Vietnamese traditions.

The period surrounding Tet Holiday is brimming with meaningful customs and activities, reflecting the deep cultural fabric of Vietnam.

Pre-Tet Preparations (Ông Công Ông Táo, Cleansing, Shopping)

• Ông Công Ông Táo (Kitchen God Day): Approximately one week before Tet, on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month, Vietnamese families observe "Kitchen God Day." Offerings are made to the Kitchen Gods (Ông Công and Ông Táo), who are believed to travel to Heaven to report on the family's affairs to the Jade Emperor. This day marks the beginning of intensive Tet preparations.
• House Cleansing: Before Lunar New Year Vietnam, homes undergo a thorough cleaning. This ritual is believed to sweep away any bad luck or misfortune from the previous year, making space for new blessings and good fortune to enter. Every nook and cranny is scrubbed, polished, and tidied.
• Shopping for Tet: Markets become exceptionally lively as families stock up on food, new clothes, and decorations. This is a chaotic but exhilarating experience, with streets overflowing with colorful flowers, traditional goods, and a palpable sense of excitement.

Tet Eve (Giao Thừa)

• Family Reunion Feast (Tất Niên): The evening before Tet is marked by a grand family feast called Tất Niên. It's a cherished moment where all family members gather, often traveling long distances to be together, sharing a meal and reflecting on the past year.
• New Year's Eve Offerings: At midnight, families make offerings to ancestors and deities, inviting them to join the celebrations and praying for health, prosperity, and peace.
• Fireworks Displays: Major cities across Vietnam illuminate the sky with spectacular fireworks displays, marking the official transition into the new year. Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City are popular spots for these dazzling shows.

The First Three Days of Tet

The first three days are considered the most important, each with specific customs and significances:

• Day 1 (Mùng Một): Xông Đất & Visiting Family: The first person to enter a house on New Year's Day is believed to determine the family's fortune for the entire year (xông đất). Families often carefully select someone with a good personality, successful life, or favorable zodiac sign for this important task. The day is primarily spent visiting paternal family members and close friends.
• Day 2 (Mùng Hai): Visiting Maternal Family: The second day is typically dedicated to visiting the maternal side of the family.
• Day 3 (Mùng Ba): Visiting Teachers and Temples: On the third day, people visit teachers, spiritual leaders, and go to pagodas and temples to pray for good luck, health, and happiness in the new year.

Lucky Money (Lì Xì)

One of the most anticipated Tet Festival traditions, especially for children, is receiving lì xì, or lucky money, in red envelopes. Elders give these envelopes to younger generations and unmarried adults, symbolizing wishes of good health, happiness, and prosperity. The red color itself signifies luck and good fortune.

The visual and culinary aspects of Tet Holiday are incredibly rich and vibrant.

Traditional Decorations

Homes and streets are transformed with an array of colorful decorations:

• Hoa Mai (Ochna integerrima): In Southern Vietnam, the yellow apricot blossom is the most iconic Tet flower, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
• Hoa Đào (Peach Blossom): In Northern Vietnam, pink peach blossoms are preferred, believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.
• Cây Quất (Kumquat Tree): Adorned with ripe fruits, kumquat trees symbolize fertility and abundance, representing a fruitful year ahead.
• Red and Gold: These colors dominate Tet decorations, signifying luck, happiness, and prosperity. You'll see red couplets, lanterns, and banners everywhere.

Festive Food

Tet Holiday is a culinary extravaganza, with many special dishes prepared only at this time of year.

• Bánh Chưng (Square Sticky Rice Cake) & Bánh Tét (Cylindrical Sticky Rice Cake): These are the quintessential Tet foods. Bánh Chưng (Northern style) and Bánh Tét (Southern style) are made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours. They symbolize the earth and sky, and the bounty of the land. Families often gather to make them, a cherished communal activity.
• Thịt Kho Tàu (Braised Pork with Eggs and Coconut Water): A popular Southern Vietnamese dish, this savory and slightly sweet stew represents richness and abundance.
• Dưa Hành (Pickled Onions) & Củ Kiệu (Pickled Small Leeks): These pickled vegetables are served to cut through the richness of the fatty Tet dishes and aid digestion.
• Mứt (Candied Fruits): A colorful array of candied fruits like coconut, ginger, kumquat, and lotus seeds are offered to guests and symbolize sweetness and good fortune for the new year.
• Hạt Dưa (Roasted Watermelon Seeds): A popular snack enjoyed while chatting with family and friends.

To show cultural respect and ensure a pleasant experience while traveling Vietnam Tet, it's helpful to be aware of certain traditional dos and don'ts.

Dos:

• Wear Bright Colors: Red, yellow, and other bright colors are highly encouraged as they symbolize good luck and happiness.
• Be Polite and Happy: Maintain a positive attitude, smile, and exchange New Year greetings ("Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" - Happy New Year).
• Give Lucky Money: If you are invited to a Vietnamese home, consider giving lì xì to children in red envelopes. Small, crisp new bills are preferred.
• Visit Pagodas/Temples: It's a wonderful opportunity to witness local spiritual practices and soak in the festive atmosphere.
• Try Traditional Foods: Embrace the opportunity to sample unique Tet delicacies.
• Be Prepared for Closures: Stock up on essentials as many local businesses, restaurants, and public services may close for several days.

Don’ts:

• Sweep the Floor: Avoid sweeping the floor on the first day of Tet, as it's believed to sweep away good luck and wealth.
• Break Things: Breaking objects like plates or glasses is considered bad luck.
• Argue or Use Negative Language: Avoid arguments, swearing, or talking about negative topics (death, debt, illness) as it's believed to bring misfortune.
• Wear Black or White: Traditionally, these colors are associated with funerals and mourning, so they are generally avoided during Tet.
• Give Certain Gifts: Avoid giving gifts like clocks (symbolizing time running out), medicine (symbolizing illness), or sharp objects (symbolizing cutting ties).
• Enter a House Uninvited (especially on Day 1): Unless you are specifically invited or designated as the "first foot" (xông đất), avoid spontaneous visits on the first day.
• Borrow or Lend Money: It's considered unlucky to borrow or lend money during Tet, as it suggests financial difficulties for the year.

While Tet Holiday brings some logistical challenges, the cultural immersion and festive atmosphere make it an incredibly rewarding time to travel Vietnam Tet.

• Unparalleled Cultural Immersion: Witnessing Vietnamese traditions firsthand, from family rituals to vibrant street decorations, offers a deep insight into the country's soul. For more on Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry, explore the official Vietnam National Administration of Tourism website.
• Festive Atmosphere: The entire country is adorned with flowers, lights, and a palpable sense of joy and optimism. The air is filled with the scent of traditional foods and the sounds of celebratory music.
• Unique Photo Opportunities: The colorful decorations, traditional costumes, and lively street scenes provide incredible opportunities for photography.
• Experience Local Hospitality: Vietnamese people are generally very welcoming, and during Tet, their hospitality is often heightened as they celebrate with family and friends. You might even be invited to share a meal with a local family!
• Witness Traditional Performances: Many localities organize traditional music, dance, and folk games during the holiday.

Travel Tips for Tet in Vietnam

• Book Flights and Accommodation in Advance: Tet is a peak travel period for domestic tourism. Flights, trains, and buses, especially those connecting major cities with rural areas, fill up quickly. Hotels in popular tourist destinations also see high occupancy. Book well in advance to secure your preferred options and avoid inflated prices.
• Be Prepared for Closures: Many local businesses, restaurants, shops, and some public services (banks, post offices, government offices) will be closed for a few days, especially on the first few days of Tet. Larger tourist-oriented businesses and some international chains usually remain open. Stock up on essentials like snacks, water, and any personal necessities.
• Transportation Challenges: Inter-city travel can be challenging due to high demand. Taxis and ride-sharing services might have surge pricing. If planning extensive travel, consider booking private transfers or being flexible with your schedule. For general Vietnam travel tips that apply year-round, check out our Vietnam Travel Guide for First-Timers (internal link placeholder).
• Higher Prices: Expect some price increases for flights, hotels, and certain services due to the holiday demand.
• Embrace the Spirit: Be patient, flexible, and open to unexpected changes. The joy and festive spirit of Tet are truly infectious.
• Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases: A simple "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year) goes a long way.
• Be Mindful of Crowds: Popular tourist spots, pagodas, and public spaces will be crowded, especially during the first few days.

While Tet Holiday is celebrated nationwide, certain cities and regions offer distinct experiences for international tourists.

Hanoi: The Traditional Heart

The capital city of Hanoi offers a deeply traditional Tet Festival experience.

• Hoan Kiem Lake: The heart of Hanoi, this area becomes a focal point for celebrations, with flower displays, traditional music, and spectacular fireworks on New Year's Eve.
• Old Quarter: Explore the vibrant Hang Ma Street, known for its festive decorations and traditional Tet goods. While some shops may close, the street retains its charm.
• Temples and Pagodas: Visit historic sites like Tran Quoc Pagoda or the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám) to observe locals offering prayers and experiencing the spiritual side of Tet. The city feels quieter and more reflective as many locals return to their hometowns.

Hue: Imperial Grandeur

Vietnam's former imperial capital, Hue, provides a more serene and historically rich Tet experience.

• Imperial Citadel: Witness traditional ceremonies and explore the beautifully decorated grounds.
• Pagodas and Temples: Hue is home to numerous ancient pagodas, offering a tranquil setting to observe local customs and prayers. The city's charm lies in its refined traditions and slower pace during the holiday.

Hoi An: Lantern-Lit Charm

The UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An is enchanting during Tet, with its ancient streets adorned with colorful lanterns.

• Ancient Town: Stroll through the lantern-lit streets, where the festive atmosphere is palpable. While some shops might close, the charm of the old town remains.
• Thu Bon River: Enjoy a boat ride and release a lantern onto the river for good luck.
• Local Festivals: Keep an eye out for smaller community events and traditional performances.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): Bustling and Modern

In the vibrant southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, Tet is celebrated with a blend of tradition and modern flair.

• Nguyen Hue Flower Street: This iconic street transforms into a magnificent floral display, drawing millions of visitors with elaborate flower arrangements and art installations. It's a must-see.
• Tao Dan Park: Hosts a large flower and ornamental plant exhibition.
• Chinatown (Cho Lon): Experience a lively atmosphere with bustling markets and traditional Chinese New Year celebrations.
• Fireworks: Spectacular displays light up the city's skyline.

Mekong Delta: Authentic Rural Experience

For a more tranquil and authentic Lunar New Year Vietnam experience, venture into the Mekong Delta.

• Floating Markets: While some may be less active during Tet, key markets like Cai Rang in Can Tho still offer a glimpse into local life.
• Local Homestays: Staying with a local family can offer an intimate insight into Tet preparations and celebrations in a rural setting. Many families are incredibly welcoming and might invite you to participate in cooking or decorating.

Understanding the operational changes during Tet Holiday is crucial for travelers.

• Closures: Many local businesses, especially small shops, street food stalls, and family-run restaurants, will close for several days to allow owners and employees to celebrate with their families. This typically lasts from New Year's Eve until the 3rd or 4th day of Tet.
• Banks and Government Offices: These are usually closed for the entire official public holiday period (5-7 days). Plan any necessary financial transactions or administrative tasks beforehand.
• Transportation: While domestic travel peaks, international airports remain open. Inter-city buses and trains operate but are often fully booked. Taxis and ride-sharing apps will be available but may have surge pricing.
• Hotels and Tourist Services: Hotels, major tourist attractions, and some larger restaurants catering to tourists generally remain open, though some might offer limited services or special Tet menus. Always check in advance.
• Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: Larger supermarkets and convenience store chains (e.g., Circle K, VinMart) may operate with reduced hours or close for a day or two, but generally reopen quickly.

It's advisable to complete major shopping, banking, and travel bookings before Tet begins.

To make your Tet Holiday – Vietnam’s Lunar New Year experience truly exceptional:

1. Plan Ahead, Book Early: This cannot be stressed enough. Secure your flights, trains, and accommodations months in advance.
2. Be Flexible and Patient: Things might not run as smoothly as usual. Embrace the slower pace and unexpected detours as part of the adventure.
3. Carry Enough Cash: With some businesses closed, ATMs might be hard to find or run out of cash.
4. Learn Basic Vietnamese Greetings: A simple "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year) and "Cảm ơn" (Thank you) will be greatly appreciated.
5. Respect Local Customs: Observe the dos and don'ts outlined above to show respect for the culture.
6. Pack Light but Smart: Include comfortable shoes for walking and layers for varying temperatures.
7. Stay Hydrated and Safe: Drink bottled water, be cautious with street food from vendors who are operating during Tet (though many reliable ones will be open), and always be aware of your belongings in crowded areas.
8. Consider a Tour: A guided tour can navigate the complexities of Tet travel, ensuring you experience the best of the festivities without the stress of logistics.
   

Here are some frequently asked questions about Tet Holiday – Vietnam’s Lunar New Year:

Experiencing Tet Holiday – Vietnam’s Lunar New Year is an extraordinary journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture. It's a time of immense joy, vibrant traditions, and deep family connections. While it presents some unique challenges for travelers, the rewards of witnessing this spectacular festival far outweigh them.

Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of Vietnam New Year. Let Friends Travel Vietnam be your guide to this unforgettable celebration. Our expertly crafted tours are designed to navigate the festive season seamlessly, ensuring you experience the very best of Tet Festival without the stress. From exploring the bustling flower markets to witnessing traditional rituals and enjoying delicious festive foods, we'll help you create cherished memories of your travel Vietnam Tet.

Book your Tet adventure with Friends Travel Vietnam today and embark on a cultural journey of a lifetime!