1. Get ready for Tet Holiday

As the most significant holiday of the year, preparations for Tet Holiday often begin weeks in advance. Families dive into thorough house cleaning and decorate their homes to welcome the new year with a fresh start.

The streets become lively with vibrant displays of goods, as people eagerly shop for new clothes, decorations, and food. Thus, walking through the streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City during this festive season is truly an uplifting experience. We recommend visiting the traditional markets, where you can even find a few Tet decorations to take home as souvenirs.

These are some shopping spots you should visit during Tet:

• Hanoi: Hang Luoc Street, Hang Ma Street, Hang Dao Street, Dong Xuan Market, and Hang Be Market.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, and Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Speaking of decorations, ornamental plants are a must-have for Tet Holiday. They’re also the most eye-catching items you’ll see for sale on the streets. In Northern Vietnam, the cold air makes kumquat trees and cherry blossoms popular, while in the South, the warm weather makes bright yellow apricot blossoms the perfect choice for every home.

2. Enjoy Vietnamese dishes during Tet Holiday

During Tet, food takes center stage, adding meaning and flavor to the celebrations. Meals are prepared to honor ancestors and bring families together, with dishes varying by region. In Northern Vietnam, you’ll often find Bánh Chưng (Square Sticky Rice Cake), Nem Rán (Fried Spring Rolls), and Gà Luộc (Boiled Chicken). Meanwhile, Southern Vietnam is known for its Bánh Tét (Cylindrical Sticky Rice Cake), Thịt Kho Hột Vịt (Caramelized Pork with Eggs), and Canh Khổ Qua (Bitter Melon Soup).

These traditional dishes are widely available in restaurants across Vietnam. But for the most authentic experience, why not join a local family’s Tet feast if you have Vietnamese friends?

Taking part in making Bánh Chưng or Bánh Tét is another wonderful way to celebrate Tet. This iconic dish symbolizes the connection between earth and heaven and is a heartfelt offering to ancestors during the Lunar New Year. The process of wrapping Bánh Chưng or Bánh Tét brings families together, with everyone contributing, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere filled with laughter, love, and tradition.

3. Participate in festive Tet activities

Visit pagodas and temples

In Vietnam, visiting temples and pagodas during the New Year is a cherished tradition, where people pray for happiness, health, and success. Many also come to embrace the festive spirit of Tet, soaking in the warm and inviting atmosphere. It’s common to see people picking up meaningful calligraphy or couplets to hang at home, hoping for prosperity in life and studies. For a bit of fun and excitement, some even have their fortunes told by picking random paper cards or bamboo sticks. These visits usually take place in the early days of the lunar New Year.

In Hanoi, must-visit temples include the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, and Tran Quoc Temple. Meanwhile, in Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Temple, Mariamman Temple, and Thien Hau Temple are popular stops.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks

In Hanoi, you can enjoy breathtaking fireworks shows at iconic spots like Hoan Kiem Lake, Ba Dinh Square, and Long Bien Bridge. Over in Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon River, April 30 Square, and Dam Sen Square light up the sky with spectacular displays, making the night unforgettable.

Bid farewell to the Kitchen Gods “Ong Cong, Ong Tao”

One week before Tet (on the 23rd of Lunar December), families prepare to say goodbye to the Kitchen Gods, known as “Ong Cong, Ong Tao,” who return to heaven to report on the year’s happenings. This is when families set up a small altar, offering sticky rice, fruits, and goldfish to show gratitude for the protection and safety the Kitchen Gods provided throughout the year.

Practice customs bringing good luck

Exchange Tet greetings: Typically, during the first two days of Tet, families and friends visit each other to share New Year’s greetings. These warm wishes bring hopes for health, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead. Some common phrase you might hear are: “Chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year), “An khang thịnh vượng” (Peace and Prosperity), “Vạn sự như ý” (Everything as you wish).

Give lucky money: A cherished tradition during Tet is giving red envelopes with money, known as “li xi,” to family members, friends, and even coworkers. This is a way to share good fortune and prosperity. When deciding on the amount, remember that even numbers are preferred, and it’s best to avoid the numbers 4 and 6, which are considered unlucky.

Be Mindful of Tet Taboos: To start the New Year with good fortune, avoid saying anything negative, having arguments, or doing anything that could be seen as unlucky. For example, breaking things or giving someone fire should be avoided.

4. Useful advice for travelers in Vietnam during Tet Holiday

As Tet approaches, expect heavy traffic as many people travel back to their hometowns to celebrate. To avoid overcrowding, it’s essential to book your trip and accommodations early.

Be aware that some services may close on certain days after Tet, which could impact your plans. Research the attractions you want to visit and consider preparing food in advance to avoid any inconveniences. Effective planning will help you enjoy a more enjoyable Tet holiday.

5. Weather conditions in Vietnam during Tet Holiday

Tet occurs during the winter season in Northern Vietnam, temperatures typically range from 15°C to 20°C in Hanoi and around 10°C in the mountainsides like Sapa and Ha Giang. Due to the potential for cooler evening temperatures, it is advisable to pack a light jacket or sweater.

In Central Vietnam, particularly in Da Nang and Hoi An, the climate is more moderate, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. This pleasant weather is conducive to sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Conversely, Southern Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City and Mekong Delta, generally experiences warmer temperatures, typically ranging from 25°C to 30°C. The sunny, dry conditions in this region are particularly favorable for engaging in various outdoor pursuits.

Conclusion

Tet is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich culture, traditions, and festive spirit. From exploring lively markets and enjoying delicious food to participating in local customs and visiting beautiful temples, there’s no better way to experience Vietnam at its most vibrant.

If you’re planning to go to Vietnam during Tet Holiday, Travel Sense Asia would be delighted to create a customized itinerary and make your Vietnam journey unforgettable. Simply share your preferences with us here, and we’ll take care of the rest.