For many international travelers, visiting Vietnam during the Lunar New Year or Tet (January – February) can feel like a gamble. Guidebooks often warn of “ghost towns” in big cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where shops shutter, streets empty out, and cultural moments happen behind closed doors, reserved for family reunions. You might find yourself observing the holiday from the outside, rather than being part of it.
But the Mekong Delta tells a different story. Here, the “Rice Bowl” of Vietnam offers a version of Tet that is refreshingly open, incredibly welcoming, and deeply connected to its unique water-based identity. For a traveler seeking connection during Tet, the Mekong Delta is the perfect answer. In this article, let’s find out why the Mekong Delta is worth visiting during the Lunar New Year.
Why should you visit the Mekong Delta during the Lunar New Year?
Every year, as the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and other urban hubs grow unusually quiet. Millions of migrants pack up to return to their hometowns, leaving the cities dormant. However, in the Mekong Delta, this homecoming creates an explosion of energy that makes Tet more joyful and special.
Floating markets become gardens of colorful blossoms
The Mekong Delta is known as the land of rivers, and its floating markets are among the region’s most unique cultural treasures. While these markets operate year-round, they become especially lively in the days leading up to Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year).
The Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho is the largest and most famous. Hundreds of boats gather before dawn and vendors hang samples of their goods on tall bamboo poles so buyers can spot what’s for sale from a distance.
And during Tet it feels like a true New Year festival, the river transforms into a moving mosaic of colors, sounds, and scents. Boats of all sizes, from small sampans to larger trading vessels, are packed to the brim with flowers, fruits, and holiday essentials. Marigolds, chrysanthemums, kumquat trees, and apricot blossoms spill over the decks, turning the river into a floating garden.
The Mekong family feast: A taste of tradition and reunion
In Western cultures, holidays are often focused on the present moment. In Vietnam, Tet is a bridge connecting the past and the present, a time to honor family roots and ancestors with deep gratitude.
As you see families bustling to decorate their homes, they are preparing for the most meaningful part of the holiday: the family reunion dinner. Before anyone raises their chopsticks, a portion of the lavish meal is respectfully placed on the family altar to pay tribute to previous generations.
Central to this altar is the Five-Fruit Tray (Mam Ngu Qua). Locals carefully select five specific fruits whose names, when spoken together in the Southern dialect, sound like a wish: “Cau (Soursop) – Dua (Coconut) – Du (Papaya) – Xoai (Mango)”, which translates roughly to “Praying for just enough to spend” (implying a life of contentment without want).
The joy of Lunar New Year: Li xi and the karaoke show
The atmosphere of Tet in the Delta is auditory as much as it is visual. This is where the “openness” of the culture shines. You will see red envelopes being exchanged. This is Li Xi. Elders give it to children for wisdom, and working adults give it to parents for longevity. It is not about the amount of money, but the red envelope itself, which represents warding off evil spirits and delivering good luck.
Besides, the most unique (and loudest) cultural shock for a foreigner is the karaoke show. In the countryside, joy is expressed at high volume. Every household seems to have a portable speaker. From pop ballads to traditional Bolero music, families sing their hearts out to welcome the new year.
Experience Tet in the Mekong Delta like a local
Boat rides at dawn
One of the most magical moments comes before sunrise, when wooden boats glide through rivers that burst with Tet energy. Vendors balance on narrow decks, passing baskets of dragon fruit, marigolds, and sugarcane from boat to boat. The smell of strong Vietnamese coffee brewed on floating stoves mingles with the fresh scent of blossoms. As the sun rises, casting golden light across the water, the scene transforms into a living festival of color, sound, and movement.
Homestays with local families
A riverside homestay turns Tet into a personal, heartfelt experience. You’ll be welcomed into family rituals, preparing the feast, decorating homes with kumquat trees and apricot blossoms, and watching incense being lit on ancestral altars. Around the dinner table, over home-cooked meals and shared stories, you’ll feel the warmth of togetherness that defines Tet.
Cycling through riverside villages
Beyond the river, Tet breathes life into quiet villages. Cycling paths take you through rice paddies and coconut groves, where children proudly wear their new holiday clothes and neighbors exchange greetings across doorsteps. Markets overflow with festive goods, and roadside stalls invite you to pause for fresh sugarcane juice. Every turn of the wheel brings you closer to the intimate spirit of rural Tet.
Best places to stay in the Mekong Delta
One of the biggest questions for travelers is where to stay when exploring the Mekong Delta. While Ho Chi Minh City has countless hotels, spending a night (or several) in the Delta itself will enrich your journey. Here are some recommended places to stay:
Homestay – Ut Trinh Homestay, Vinh Long
If you want authenticity, a family-run homestay like Út Trinh is the way to go. You’ll stay in a traditional stilt house, share meals cooked over a wood fire, and join your hosts in preparing holiday dishes. It’s not just accommodation, but it’s also a cultural exchange where you become part of the family’s celebration.
Boutique Lodge – Can Tho Ecolodge
For travelers seeking comfort without losing the local feel, Can Tho Ecolodge is a wonderful choice. Surrounded by lush gardens and winding canals, it offers spacious rooms with eco-friendly design. From here, you can hop on a bike to explore village paths, join a cooking class featuring Tet specialties, or take early morning boat rides to the famous Cai Rang Floating Market. The lodge also often organizes cultural activities, giving you a blend of relaxation and immersion.
Luxury – Legacy Mekong, Can Tho
Legacy Mekong is a riverside resort in the centre of Can Tho that blends refined comfort with authentic local experiences. Guests stay in stylish rooms and private villas with river views, enjoy gourmet meals, and can join curated excursions to nearby villages and floating markets. In the evenings you can relax on the terrace with a glass of wine while lanterns and fireworks light up the riverbanks. It’s one of Vietnam’s best places to stay if you want indulgence paired with cultural discovery.
Ut Trinh Homestay
Can Tho Ecolodge
Legacy Mekong, Autograph Collection
Practical tips for travelers during Tet Holiday in Vietnam
Book early: Tet is Vietnam’s busiest travel season. Floating market tours and accommodations fill up quickly, so reserve months in advance.
Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting temples or joining family celebrations. Ask before taking photos of rituals.
Weather: The Mekong Delta is warm year-round, but Tet usually falls in late January or February when the climate is dry and pleasant.
Book your journey in Vietnam during the Lunar New Year
To make the most of your trip, consider booking with Travel Sense Asia. They specialize in designing itineraries that combine comfort with authentic cultural experiences. Whether you’re looking for the best places to stay in Vietnam, guided tours of the floating markets, or add-ons like Phu Quoc island escapes, their team ensures smooth planning and meaningful encounters. With expert guides, curated activities, and trusted accommodations, you’ll experience the Mekong Delta’s Tet celebration in the most memorable way possible.
