Tet Holiday in Vietnam is the most special day of the year. All Vietnamese people take a break from work to reunite with their families, organize parties together, exchange well wishes, give meaningful gifts, and participate in many activities that strengthen solidarity. If you are unsure about where to go during January and February, consider traveling during Lunar New Year in Vietnam.
1. General Introduction to Tet Holiday in Vietnam
1.1. Definition and significance of Tet holiday in Vietnam
Tet holiday in Vietnam is celebrated on the 1st day of the lunar new year each year. It is the most important holiday in Vietnam, marking the transition between the old year and the new. The Vietnamese view Tet as a spiritual meal that nourishes them throughout the year.
Tet is considered the most special day because no matter where people are, they always want to return to their families, offer incense to their ancestors, gather around the pot of bánh chưng on New Year’s Eve, and exchange well wishes on the first morning of the new year. The traditional Tet of the Vietnamese people reflects the significance of an agricultural civilization, strengthens the national spirit, and fosters unity between families, communities, and the natural world.
1.2. The Importance of Tet in Vietnamese Culture
Tet holiday in Vietnam holds great importance as it symbolizes the moment when heaven and earth come together, when descendants remember their ancestors when good fortune is welcomed, when families reunite, and when the new age is celebrated.
Harmony between Nature, Humans, and Spirituality: For the Vietnamese, the Lunar New Year is not only the time for the transition between the old and new year but also carries profound meaning about the connection between humans, nature, and deities. In Eastern philosophy, Tet symbolizes the cyclical movement of the universe through the four seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. In the agricultural society, this is when farmers express gratitude to gods like the Earth God, Rain God, Sun God, and others who have blessed them with bountiful harvests and prosperous lives. Tet not only marks a new beginning but is also a time to pay respects to nature and the unseen forces that grant blessings.
Honoring Ancestors: The Tet holiday in Vietnam also holds significant spiritual meaning, serving as an opportunity for descendants to show respect and gratitude to their ancestors. Before the Lunar New Year’s Eve, families prepare traditional meals and offer incense to invite their ancestors to return and celebrate Tet, wishing for a peaceful and prosperous year. The ancestral altar during Tet is meticulously arranged with five fruit trays, and incense smoke, creating a sacred atmosphere where the present connects with the past.
A New Beginning and the Welcoming of Good Fortune: For the Vietnamese, Tet symbolizes a hopeful new beginning. It is a time to leave behind the bad luck of the past year and embrace the good fortune of the new year. Many people visit temples to pray for blessings and luck. Tet not only brings the promise of new opportunities but also helps refresh the spirit. Before Tet, people clean and decorate their homes to welcome the Spring and wear new clothes, symbolizing a wish for a bright future.
Family Reunions: Tet holiday in Vietnam is a precious occasion for family members to reunite after a year of hard work. For those who live far from home, it is a time to return to the warmth and love of the family, to share the traditional New Year’s meal, and to enjoy the laughter and stories. The image of the warm hearth, the steam rising from the bánh chưng pot, and the laughter around the dinner table are unforgettable memories that reflect the Vietnamese spirit of togetherness.
Welcoming the New Year and the Joy of Lì Xì: In Vietnamese culture, the Lunar new year is also considered a collective birthday, marking the arrival of a new age. The tradition of giving Lì Xì (red envelopes) carries well wishes: children are wished to grow up quickly and study well; elders are wished good health and longevity. The red envelope is not just a gift, but also a symbol of good luck and familial affection.
1.3. Why should you travel to Vietnam during the traditional Tet festival?
Tet holiday in Vietnam is not just a major holiday but also a symbol of Vietnamese culture and spirit. It represents a fusion of beliefs, traditions, and family ties, offering a fresh start full of hope, trust, and love. Tet is not just a celebration but also a moment to slow down, connect with core values and welcome a new year in its entirety.
Opportunity to Experience a Major Holiday: This is a unique opportunity to experience the rich, distinctive culture of Vietnam, such as participating in rituals like housewarming visits, giving Lì Xì (red envelopes), ancestor worship, and enjoying fireworks.
Vibrant and Festive Atmosphere: The streets of Vietnam are beautifully decorated with lanterns, flags, peach blossoms, apricot trees, and national flags. Traditional markets bustle with people buying peach trees, kumquat trees, and orchids to decorate their homes for the holiday season.
Delicious and Rich Cuisine: If you travel to Vietnam during the Lunar New Year, you will have the chance to savor many traditional dishes such as bánh chưng, bánh tét, pickled onions, Tet sweets, fried spring rolls, Vietnamese spring rolls, and banana blossom salad.
Diverse Traditional Festivals: There are various traditional festivals to enjoy, including lion dances, fireworks, folk games, tug-of-war, swings, temple visits for good luck, swimming contests, boat races, and palanquin processions.
Tet holiday in Vietnam is a holiday that showcases the most distinctive cultural features, making it an experience worth exploring. Many travelers have said that if you miss Vietnam during these two special seasons, you are missing out on life itself. The first is during football season, and the second is during the festive season.
2. Time and historical origins of Tet holiday in Vietnam
2.1. When Tet takes place
Lunar New Year in Vietnam follows the lunar calendar of the East. In the Gregorian calendar, it typically falls at the end of January and the beginning of February. The general time frame for Tet is from January 21st to February 19th. In 2025, the Tet holiday in Vietnam will be celebrated from January 28th to February 5th. One week before Tet, Vietnamese people begin to prepare for the festivities, filling the streets with lively activities.
2.2. Historical origins and spiritual significance of Tet
According to historical folklore, particularly the story of Bánh Chưng and Bánh Dày, the Lunar New Year dates back to the time of the Hung Kings. Ancient texts mention that Tet was a major festival for the Vietnamese, where people would dance, drink, and celebrate joyously. On this day, people often wear traditional clothing with intricate designs and distinctive patterns, reflecting the strong cultural identity and spirit of the nation.
3. Activities and Festivals during the Tet holiday in Vietnam
The activities before and during Tet include cleaning, displaying peach blossom trees, shopping at the market, making bánh chưng, visiting ancestors’ graves, performing the New Year’s Eve ritual, giving lucky money (lì xì), visiting relatives, enjoying traditional food, and participating in folk festivals. Let’s explore:
3.1. Pre-Tet Activities
Traditional Tet preparations in Vietnam typically last about one or two weeks, depending on the region. Here are some activities that take place:
- 23rd of the Lunar Month: People release carp into lakes or rivers. According to Vietnamese belief, this is the day the Kitchen Gods (Ông Công, Ông Táo) return to heaven to report on the family’s affairs. Therefore, releasing the carp symbolizes sending the Kitchen Gods back to the heavens.
- Decorating Homes: During the Tet holiday in Vietnam, despite being busy, people take time to clean and decorate their homes. They also display peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and apricot trees to bring prosperity and good luck for the coming year.
- Shopping: In rural areas, people visit traditional markets to buy household goods, food for reserves, and new clothes. In urban centers, many people go to shopping malls to buy new clothes, Tet gifts, and sweets.
- Making Bánh Chưng: The act of making Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cakes) symbolizes gratitude to the Earth for providing a bountiful harvest and sustenance.
- Visiting Ancestral Graves: The day before the Tet holiday in Vietnam, people traditionally visit the graves of their ancestors, offering incense and chrysanthemums as a gesture to invite their ancestors to join in the Tet celebrations. They pray for good luck and prosperity in the coming year.
3.2. Traditional customs during Tet
- New Year’s Eve (30th of the Lunar Month): People stay awake until midnight to perform the New Year’s Eve ritual, welcoming the ancestors for Tet. They enjoy fireworks, eat sweets, and sip rice wine to celebrate in a joyful, warm atmosphere.
- The First Day of Tet (Mùng 1): According to tradition, during the Tet holiday in Vietnam, people visit each other’s homes to wish each other a Happy New Year, perform the “xông đất” (first visitor ritual), and give and receive lucky money (lì xì in red envelopes). Everyone exchanges good wishes for the year ahead.
- The Second and Third Days of Tet (Mùng 2 – Mùng 3): On these days, people visit former teachers, old classmates, and relatives. Many also visit temples to pray for good fortune and ask calligraphers to write blessings for them, hoping for a prosperous year.
- Other Days: In different regions, there are various traditional festivals, such as swing games, tug-of-war, boat races, and craft village competitions like rice cooking contests or quan họ singing competitions.
- Tet Taboo: There are certain superstitions to avoid bad luck during the Tet holiday in Vietnam. For example, sweeping the house, breaking objects, or having arguments are all considered to bring misfortune.
3.3. Traditional Tet foods
Vietnamese Tet cuisine is diverse and offers unique dishes you can only experience in Vietnam during this time:
- Bánh Chưng, Bánh Tét (Square and Cylindrical Rice Cakes): Symbolizing the Earth and Heaven, these rice cakes are a traditional food during the Tet holiday in Vietnam.
- Canh Măng Kho Thịt (Bamboo Shoot Soup with Pork): A popular dish made from bamboo shoots and pork.
- Thịt Heo Chân Giò Ngâm Mắm (Pickled Pork Leg): A delicacy made from pork leg marinated in fish sauce.
- Củ Kiệu Tôm Khô (Pickled Scallions with Dried Shrimp): A flavorful side dish during Tet.
- Thịt Đông (Jellied Pork): A traditional gelatinous pork dish.
- Thủ Giò, Giò Lụa (Vietnamese Pork Sausages): Sliced pork sausages served during Tet.
- Dưa Muối Chua (Pickled Vegetables): A sour, salted vegetable dish.
- Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls): A favorite snack or appetizer during Tet.
- Canh Mướp Đắng Dồn Thịt (Bitter Melon Soup with Stuffed Pork): A soup made with bitter melon stuffed with pork.
- Xôi (Sticky Rice): A common accompaniment to Tet meals.
- Thịt Gà Luộc Chấm Muối Tiêu Chanh (Boiled Chicken with Salt, Pepper, and Lime): A simple, refreshing dish often enjoyed during Tet.
These dishes represent a vibrant and rich food culture that can only be fully appreciated during the Tet celebrations in Vietnam.
4. How to travel during Vietnam’s traditional Tet festival
4.1. Must-visit destinations during Tet
If you’re planning to travel during January and February, the Tet holiday in Vietnam is undoubtedly a great time to experience. Here are some top travel destinations for the Tet holiday:
- Hà Nội: Hà Nội retains the traditional charm of Tet with iconic locations such as the Old Quarter, Hàng Lược Flower Market, and the Văn Miếu National University. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful and reverent atmosphere by visiting places like the Trấn Quốc Pagoda or the Ngọc Sơn Temple. Don’t miss out on traditional foods at famous restaurants, such as bánh chưng, giò chả, and xôi gấc, which are a must-try during Tet.
- Hội An (Đà Nẵng): The streets of Hội An are beautifully adorned with lanterns, especially during New Year’s Eve and the first days of the new year. You can participate in the lantern floating festival on the Hoài River, which symbolizes good luck. Enjoy the fireworks on the Hàn River, and visit the Ngũ Hành Sơn Pagoda, and the Linh Ứng Pagoda for a cultural experience.
- Ho Chi Minh City (TP.HCM): During the Tet holiday in Vietnam, the Nguyen Hue Flower Street is a must-see, with thousands of flowers displayed in vibrant arrangements. You can also visit the Tet Flower Markets at Hồ Thị Kỷ and Bình Đông to immerse yourself in the bustling Tet atmosphere. For a unique experience, head to Chinatown, where the streets are painted with bright red decorations.
4.2. Things to keep in mind
Although the Tet holiday in Vietnam offers a variety of exciting and traditional activities, there are some important things to consider:
- Restaurant Closures: Many restaurants will be closed on the 30th and 1st of the lunar month, so it’s important to plan accordingly. However, you can always contact a tour company for guidance and support during this period.
- Book Your Tickets and Hotel in Advance: Tet is the peak travel season in Vietnam, so it’s advisable to book your flight, train tickets, and hotel accommodations 1-2 weeks or even a month in advance to ensure availability and a smooth experience.
- Cash: Many banks or ATMs may be unavailable during the holiday, so it’s a good idea to carry cash or exchange currency at the airport or through local travel services.
- Weather: The weather during Tet is typically cooler or misty. Be sure to bring warm clothing, appropriate attire, an umbrella, and some cold medicine just in case your health is affected by the change in temperature.
Conclusion
Tet is the biggest holiday in Vietnam, full of meaningful traditional activities and exciting experiences. With hundreds of delicious foods to try, countless folk games to explore, and millions of warm and friendly locals ready to welcome you, it’s an unforgettable time to visit. Book your trip now to enjoy the Tet holiday in Vietnam!
Follow us:
- Website: DNG
- Fanpage: DNG news
- Dịch vụ Marketing từ A-Z: Marketingseotop
- Travel: +84968 585 775 (whatsapp)