Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is one of the most important holidays in Vietnamese culture. This is the time when people return to their homeland, reunite with family and friends, and remember their ancestors. Travelling in Vietnam during Tet not only gives you the opportunity to learn about unique customs but also a memorable experience with unique activities and events. In this article, Karst Plateau will share basic instructions when travelling in Vietnam during Tet.
1. What is Tet and when is it celebrated?
In 2025, Vietnamese Tet will be held on January 29
Tet, also known as Lunar New Year, is the biggest festival of the year in Vietnam, and it is held to celebrate the new year according to the lunar calendar. When starting to plan your trip travelling in Vietnam during Tet, it is important that you clearly understand when Tet takes place. Tet usually starts on the 1st day of the 1st lunar month and in 2025, Lunar New Year will be celebrated on the 29th day of the 1st Gregorian Calendar. Normally, Tet will take place in seven days, but Vietnamese people always prepare a month in advance. This preparation time is an opportunity for people to clean their houses, shop, and prepare traditional dishes to celebrate Tet.
The meaning of Tet lies not only in welcoming the new year but also in showing respect to ancestors and the deceased. In the Tet atmosphere, people will gather together to enjoy traditional dishes, creating a cozy and happy space. Customs such as giving lucky money to children and visiting relatives and friends are not only a way to wish Tet but also an opportunity to reconnect with family and social bonds.
Some main activities during the Tet:
- Clean the house: To dispel the bad luck of the old year and welcome the good things of the new year.
- Shopping: Popular items on this occasion include fruits, cakes, and home decorations.
- Enjoy cuisine: Traditional dishes such as banh chung, pickled onions, or Tet jam are indispensable during Tet.
The Tet atmosphere is also clearly shown through cultural activities, where each locality has its own festivals and customs.
2. Prepare before the trip
Practicing making Banh Chung is an extremely interesting experience
Before travelling to Vietnam during Tet, you need to prepare carefully to bring the best experience. First of all, plan your trip early. Tet is peak time, and tourists will flock to many places, so booking hotel rooms, air tickets or transportation is essential to avoid running out of seats or rising prices.
In addition, preparing your luggage is also very important. You should bring the necessary items such as comfortable clothes and shoes. Don’t forget to bring a camera or specialized phone to capture beautiful moments during the trip.
Tips for preparing luggage for a Tet trip:
- Book in advance: Most hotels are still open so you don’t need to worry about accommodation. However, some hotels may increase prices if you stay during Tet, so you should book in advance to avoid price increases.
- Airline tickets: Monitor ticket prices, and book in advance to keep reasonable prices.
- Lightweight luggage: Prepare essential items, and avoid bringing too many unnecessary items.
- Appropriate clothing: You should wear comfortable and discreet clothes so you can move freely
Careful preparation will help you fully enjoy your Travelling in Vietnam during Tet and participate in the rich activities in each locality in the most comfortable way.
3. Interesting activities
One of the great things about travelling in Vietnam during Tet is participating in festive activities.
Welcoming New Year’s Eve is one of the most sacred and memorable moments marking the transition between the old year and the new year
3.1 Participate in the Tet Market
Tet Market is not simply a place for shopping but also a space for cultural exchange. Look at smiling housewives while shopping for cakes and jams, or children happily eating sweet cakes. You will admire apricot and peach blossoms, along with specialty dishes only available during Tet. Don’t forget to capture memorable moments with colorful stalls, brilliant flowers, and delicious dishes to create precious memories during your trip travelling in Vietnam during Tet!
3.2 Celebrate New Year’s Eve and Street Festivals
Celebrating New Year’s Eve is one of the most sacred and memorable moments during the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, marking the transition between the old year and the new year. On New Year’s Eve, street festivals are more exciting than ever. From the Vietnamese Tet Festival in Ho Chi Minh City to fireworks displays that stir up the atmosphere in big cities. This is the time when everyone comes together to contemplate good things and pray for success, health, and prosperity in the new year.
New Year’s Eve festivals not only take place in big cities but are also held loudly in other localities. The combination of traditional culture and modern art performances has created a bustling and attractive atmosphere. Visitors will be immersed in the sound of drums, laughter, and unique performances. If you have the opportunity to travel to Vietnam during Tet, be sure to participate in these activities to fully feel the warm and meaningful atmosphere of the Tet season.
3.3 Enjoy cuisine during the Tet
Enjoying food during Tet is a wonderful and indispensable experience in the journey of travelling in Vietnam during Tet.
Enjoying cuisine during Tet is a wonderful and indispensable experience in the journey of travelling in Vietnam during Tet. Lunar New Year is not only a time for family reunions but also an opportunity to enjoy traditional dishes imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity. Enjoying cuisine during Tet is an extremely attractive experience for visitors. Each dish is not simply food but also a symbol of wishing prosperity and luck for the whole family in the new year.
Traditional dishes such as Banh Chung (Northern), Banh Tet (Southern), or pickled onions are popular choices. Square banh chung, symbolizes heaven and earth, gathering together with family; The long, strong banh tet of the South contains within itself hope for development and sustainability in life. Each locality also has its own unique dishes during Tet, making it interesting to not only enjoy but also learn the origin and meaning of each dish, bringing you memorable memories during your travelling in Vietnam during Tet.
4. Outstanding places to explore during Tet
Hoi An ancient town is decorated with lanterns, flowers and stalls selling Tet specialties
Vietnam is a country with many outstanding tourist destinations during Tet. Each city offers a different cultural nuance and activity, giving visitors a clear sense of the festive season. However, there are some outstanding destinations that you should not miss when travelling in Vietnam during Tet including:
Hanoi: When travelling in Vietnam during Tet, you can visit famous places such as Hoan Kiem Lake, where New Year’s welcome activities are often held, or old streets with historical architecture and cultural features. unique. Here, you will have the opportunity to explore the beauty of the capital in the bustling atmosphere of the festival season. During this time, Hanoi is splendidly decorated with fresh flowers, lanterns, and stalls selling Tet specialties, creating a joyful and warm atmosphere.
Ho Chi Minh City: A vibrant place with large Tet flower markets, combining modern and traditional cultural activities. Music and lion dance performances take place throughout the festival season, promising to bring visitors interesting experiences when Travelling in Vietnam during Tet.
Da Nang – Hoi An: Da Nang is famous for My Khe Beach and Dragon Bridge, while elegant Hoi An stands out with hundreds of brilliant lanterns, creating a sparkling feeling for Tet nights. In addition, Hoi An also organizes many cultural activities such as traditional art performances, helping you better understand the customs and habits of the people here. Traveling to Da Nang and Hoi An during Tet not only helps you discover natural and cultural beauty but also brings memorable memories in your journey travelling in Vietnam during Tet.
Nha Trang: Blue sea, white sand, and fresh air, an ideal place to relax and participate in water sports activities. This is an interesting destination for those who want to enjoy the new Tet atmosphere by the beach. Exploring these locations will certainly bring visitors not only beautiful photos but also memorable cultural experiences when travelling in Vietnam during Tet.
5. Important notes when travelling in Vietnam during Tet
Some note when travelling in Vietnam During Tet
When travelling in Vietnam during Tet, there are some important notes to help you have a smooth and enjoyable trip:
- Plan ahead: Tet is the peak time for tourism in Vietnam, so booking air tickets, hotels, and tours in advance is very important. Make sure you plan early to avoid running out of seats.
- Traffic: Traffic can be very crowded during Tet, especially in big cities. You should allow more time for travel and prepare for delays.
- Hotels and services: You should book hotel rooms early, because many places may be full during the holidays. Check out the dining and entertainment offerings around your accommodation, as some restaurants may be closed during Tet.
- Eating habits: You should try traditional dishes during Tet such as banh chung and Tet jam, but also need to pay attention to food hygiene and safety. Choose reputable and crowded places to enjoy.
- Weather: Depending on the region you visit, the weather can change significantly. Please check the weather forecast before going to prepare appropriate clothing.
- Respect culture: Tet is an important holiday and has many customs and traditions. Please respect the traditions of the locals and participate in activities if possible.
- Shopping: If you plan to shop for Tet gifts, be aware that prices may be higher than usual. Please agree on the price before buying.
- Be ready for change: During Tet, some locations may be closed or have unusual operating hours. Be flexible in your plans and be ready for changes.
In short, travelling in Vietnam during Tet can bring a lot of fun and interesting cultural experiences. If you pay attention to the above notes, your trip travelling in Vietnam during Tet will certainly become more memorable and enjoyable!
Travelling in Vietnam during Tet will bring you a wonderful experience with the intersection of traditional and modern culture. From festive activities to rich cuisine, every moment will be an unforgettable memory. Take time to explore the beauty of Vietnam during Tet to have a memorable and complete journey with Karst Plateau.