Tet, or Lunar New Year, is the most important and celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the Vietnamese calendar year and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating new beginnings. For locals, it’s a joyous and meaningful occasion, but for foreign tourists, it can be both fascinating and challenging. If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam during Tet, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of this vibrant holiday.
When is Tet?
Tet usually falls in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. The official holiday lasts a week, but the festive spirit often begins days before and extends for up to two weeks afterward. The exact dates vary each year, so check the lunar calendar in advance when planning your trip.
What Happens During Tet?
Tet is like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year all rolled into one. Families clean their homes, prepare traditional dishes, and decorate with kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and red envelopes (symbolizing good luck). It’s also a time for people to return to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones.
During Tet, locals engage in various customs:
- Offering to ancestors: Families set up altars with food, flowers, and incense to honor their ancestors.
- Red envelopes: Children and unmarried adults receive li xi (lucky money) from elders.
- Traditional food: Dishes like banh chung (square sticky rice cakes), pickled vegetables, and boiled chicken are staples on every Tet dining table
Challenges for Tourists
While Tet is a magical time to experience Vietnamese culture, it can be tricky for tourists. Here’s why:
Closed Businesses
Many shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions close for several days during Tet as people take time off to celebrate. This means your favorite café or museum might not be open. Larger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City might still have some options, but smaller towns can feel eerily quiet.
Crowded Transportation
As millions of Vietnamese return to their hometowns, buses, trains, and flights can be fully booked weeks in advance. If you’re planning to travel during Tet, make your reservations early to avoid last-minute stress.
Higher Prices
During Tet, prices for accommodation and transportation often increase due to higher demand. Expect to pay a premium, especially in tourist hotspots.
How to Enjoy Tet as a Tourist
Tet can be an unforgettable experience if you plan well and embrace the festive atmosphere. Here’s how to make the most of it:
1. Join the Festivities
Take a walk through the local streets to admire Tet decorations, markets, and parades. Many cities hold firework displays on Lunar New Year’s Eve. Don’t miss the chance to visit flower markets in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Da Nang, where you can see vibrant blossoms symbolizing prosperity.
2. Taste Traditional Food
If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a local’s home, enjoy the warm hospitality and sample Tet dishes. Or, try to find open restaurants serving specialties like banh tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake) and thit kho trung (braised pork and eggs).
3. Respect Local Customs
Be mindful of Tet traditions. For example:
- Avoid wearing black or white, as these are associated with funerals. Instead, choose bright, cheerful colors like red or yellow.
- Don’t bring up unlucky topics like death or bad luck in conversations.
- If you receive a red envelope, accept it graciously with both hands.
4. Escape to Less Crowded Destinations
If bustling cities aren’t your thing, Tet is a great time to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. Coastal towns and rural areas might offer a quieter escape while locals are celebrating at home.
What to Prepare for Your Trip
- Book Early: Reserve transportation and accommodation well in advance.
- Pack Snacks: Stock up on snacks and essentials in case shops are closed.
- Learn Basic Phrases: A simple “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) will earn you smiles from locals.
- Stay Flexible: Be ready to adapt to unexpected closures or schedule changes.
To sum up, Tet is an extraordinary time to visit Vietnam if you’re prepared for the unique challenges it brings. You’ll witness the country at its most vibrant, with streets full of flowers, laughter, and the spirit of togetherness. By planning ahead and embracing the cultural experience, your trip during Tet can be truly unforgettable.
True to our motto, “Your experience always comes first,” Next Continent will be working harder than ever through Tết to ensure your travel plans run smoothly. With 24/7 support, we’re committed to providing you with worry-free experience, whether you’re into chasing rare birds, snapping wildlife wonders or exploring Vietnam’s hidden gems.
So, pack your bags and bring your sense of adventure. The rest is on us!
Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!
