Alongside China, South Korea, and other Asian countries celebrating the Lunar New Year, the Vietnamese are preparing to welcome a new spring. For about two weeks, economic activities come to a halt, allowing for rest and the celebration of the new year.

These days, wherever you go in Vietnam, you’ll be surprised by the rapid changes happening every moment. From bustling cities to tranquil villages, everyone is busy decorating and finalizing their work to prepare for the most significant time of the year.

With the arrival of Tết, every alley and street across Vietnam is adorned with the vibrant red of the national flag, a symbol of unity and pride

Tet – Vietnam's Largest Cultural Festival

Vietnam's traditional Lunar New Year, or Tết, is celebrated according to the lunar calendar. While the Gregorian calendar is officially used, the lunar calendar has deep roots in the culture of Eastern societies, including Vietnam.

Depending on the year, the lunar calendar may align with or differ from the solar calendar. From the 20th day of the last lunar month, Vietnam undergoes a complete transformation to focus on Tết celebrations.

Traditional festivals come alive, and young men and women proudly wear Vietnam’s iconic attire – the elegant áo dài and the classic áo ngũ thân.

Economic and social activities pause as government offices, schools, and businesses close, allowing workers to return home for Tết. For Vietnamese people, the reunion during the transition from the old year to the new year is the most cherished time. No matter how far away they are, everyone longs to return home for this occasion.

The core of Tết celebrations spans five days: the 29th and 30th days of the old year and the 1st to 4th days of the new year. During this time, streets grow quiet as people rest, feast, reunite, and exchange New Year’s wishes for peace and prosperity.

In flower villages, farmers work tirelessly from dawn to dusk, ensuring their blooms are ready to blossom at the perfect time for Tết.

A standout feature of Vietnam’s Tết is the vibrant display of spring flowers and fruits. As if nature prepares itself for the occasion, northern Vietnam bursts with pink and red peach blossoms. In central Vietnam, yellow chrysanthemums and kumquat trees dominate, while in southern regions like Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, golden apricot blossoms fill every corner. Families proudly display peach or apricot trees in their homes to welcome the spring.

Across the country, people search for the finest blossoms, handpicking radiant branches to decorate their homes, celebrating the new year with nature's splendor and their heritage’s timeless grace.

Visiting Vietnam During Tet: A Warm Welcome Awaits

Vietnamese people are renowned for their generosity, hospitality, and friendliness. During Tết, having guests is considered a blessing and a sign of good fortune.

For many years, tourists, particularly those from Western countries, have chosen to experience Vietnam’s traditional Tết. Visitors to Vietnamese homes during Tết are treated as honored guests, offered traditional dishes such as pickled vegetables, square sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng), cylindrical sticky rice cakes (bánh tét), candied fruits, fatty pork, and pickled onions.

A Tết tray of special dishes

Tết in Vietnam has gained international recognition through its cultural festivals, attracting tourists from around the world. The Vietnamese diaspora of over 5 million people also celebrates Tết wherever they are, preserving traditions and spreading Vietnamese culture globally.

A unique Tết tradition is lì xì, or lucky money. Small denominations of money are placed in red envelopes and given to others as a wish for a prosperous and fortunate new year.

For Vietnamese people, Tết is not just about celebration but also enjoying homemade culinary specialties, including bánh chưng, bánh tét, and candied fruits. These dishes are rooted in the nation’s agricultural heritage and carry historical and cultural significance.

Visit Vietnam during Tết to immerse yourself in a rich cultural experience that showcases the profound strength and beauty of the Vietnamese people.

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