Tet Nguyen Dan: The Vibrant Celebration of Vietnamese Lunar New Year
- MASX
- Mar 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 21
Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of the new lunar year, filled with cultural traditions, family reunions, and festive activities. If you're planning to experience Tet, here's everything you need to know about what it is, what to expect, how to travel, and where to go.
What is Tet Nguyen Dan?
Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, based on the lunar calendar. It usually falls between late January and mid-February. The holiday is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and symbolizes renewal, gratitude, and prosperity for the coming year. Traditionally, families prepare by cleaning their homes, offering ancestral worship, and preparing special foods.
What to Expect During Tet
Tet is a time of joy and celebration, but it also comes with certain customs and traditions:
Festive Atmosphere: Cities and villages are adorned with colorful decorations, especially peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and red banners with calligraphy.
Family Reunions: Tet is the time when families come together, honor their ancestors, and exchange gifts.
Special Foods: Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) and Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake) are traditional Tet foods, along with pickled vegetables and candied fruits.
Lucky Money (Li Xi): Elders give children red envelopes filled with money as a symbol of good fortune.
Fireworks and Lion Dances: Major cities hold dazzling fireworks displays, dragon dances, and music performances to welcome the new year.
Temples and Pagodas: Many people visit temples to pray for prosperity and good health in the coming year.
How to Travel to Vietnam for Tet
Traveling to Vietnam during Tet can be a memorable experience, but it requires some planning:
Book Early: Flights, trains, and buses fill up quickly, and prices tend to rise as Tet approaches.
Plan for Closures: Many businesses close for several days during Tet, so research ahead to ensure access to restaurants and attractions.
Embrace Local Customs: Be respectful of Vietnamese traditions, such as greeting with "Chuc Mung Nam Moi" (Happy New Year).
Enjoy Local Hospitality: If invited to a Vietnamese home during Tet, bring a small gift such as tea, fruit, or wine as a token of appreciation.
Best Places to Experience Tet in Vietnam
Hanoi: The capital city comes alive with Tet decorations, street performances, and firework shows around Hoan Kiem Lake.
Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyen Hue Flower Street and the city's lively night markets offer a vibrant Tet experience.
Hoi An: The lantern-lit streets of Hoi An become even more magical during Tet, with cultural performances and traditional food stalls.
Hue: Known for its imperial heritage, Hue celebrates Tet with traditional rituals and dragon dances.
Sapa: Experience a unique Tet celebration with the ethnic communities in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam.
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