Things to Do During Tet Holiday in Vietnam

Tet Holiday, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is the most significant and vibrant celebration in Vietnam. Marking the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, Tet is a time for honoring traditions, reuniting with family, and welcoming new beginnings. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about experiencing Tet, from cultural activities and preparations to must-visit destinations during this festive time.

1. Understanding Tet Holiday

✦ What is Tet?

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the country’s grandest festival. It typically lasts several days and is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. Similar to the Chinese New Year, Tet holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and the transition to a new year based on the lunar calendar.

✦ Importance of Tet in Vietnamese Culture

Tet is more than just a holiday; it’s a time for families to gather, honor their ancestors, and set intentions for the coming year. It’s a moment to reflect on the past year’s challenges and successes while wishing for good health, wealth, and happiness in the new year.

✦ When Does Tet Occur?

The date of Tet holiday varies yearly, falling between late January and mid-February. The festivities begin a week before Lunar New Year’s Eve and continue for a few days afterward, making it a long-anticipated celebration.

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2. Preparing for Tet Holiday

✦ Cleaning and Decorating Homes

In preparation for Tet, families clean their homes thoroughly to rid them of bad luck and make space for new blessings. This act symbolizes a fresh start and a welcoming environment for prosperity.

✦ Shopping for Tet Essentials

Tet preparations involve vibrant markets and bustling streets. Families shop for festive items, from red envelopes (li xi) and lucky charms to peach blossoms (hoa dao) and kumquat trees (cay quat), which are essential Tet holiday decorations.

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⟡ Traditional Tet Foods

Traditional dishes are a cornerstone of Tet. Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) and Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake) are must-haves, symbolizing gratitude and familial bonds. These delicacies are often prepared at home, bringing families together in the process.

⟡ Tet Decorations

Homes are adorned with red banners and lanterns to invite luck and prosperity. The iconic cay neu (Tet pole), decorated with traditional symbols, wards off evil spirits.

✦ Making Banh Chung and Banh Tet

The process of making Banh Chung and Banh Tet is an age-old tradition involving the entire family. Ingredients like sticky rice, pork, and mung beans are carefully wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for hours, filling homes with an inviting aroma.

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3. Cultural and Traditional Activities

✦ Visiting Ancestors’ Graves

Paying respects to ancestors is an essential Tet holiday tradition. Families visit graves, clean the area, and offer incense and food to honor their loved ones who have passed.

✦ Setting Up the Five-Fruit Tray

The Mam Ngu Qua (five-fruit tray) is a decorative offering placed on family altars. The fruits represent various wishes, such as happiness, wealth, and longevity, based on their symbolic meanings.

✦ Giving and Receiving Lucky Money (Li Xi)

Red envelopes containing money are exchanged as a token of good luck. Children and older are the main recipients, symbolizing blessings and generational bonds.

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4. Celebrating Tet Holiday in Vietnam

✦ Family Reunions and Feasts

Tet is synonymous with family. During this time, members gather to enjoy lavish meals, share stories, and strengthen familial bonds. Signature dishes include thit kho tau (braised pork) and mut tet (candied fruits).

✦ Watching Fireworks Displays

Fireworks light up the sky at midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve in major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. These spectacular shows mark the arrival of the new year with excitement and joy.

✦ Participating in Traditional Games and Festivals

Tet holiday celebrations also include cultural games and performances. Traditional games like tug-of-war and bamboo dancing are popular in rural areas, while dragon and lion dances take center stage in cities.

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5. Top Destinations to Visit During Tet

✦ Hanoi: A Blend of Tradition and Celebration

Hanoi’s Old Quarter comes alive during Tet with festive decorations, traditional markets, and cultural performances. A stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake offers a serene yet vibrant experience.

✦ Ho Chi Minh City: Vibrant Festivities

In Ho Chi Minh City, Tet holiday is a spectacle of lights and colors. Don’t miss the Nguyen Hue Flower Street, a vibrant display of floral arrangements, and the bustling Tet markets.

✦ Hue: Embracing Tet’s Cultural Essence

Known for its imperial heritage, Hue offers a more traditional Tet experience. The city’s ancient temples and citadels host ceremonies that reflect the Tet holiday’s deep cultural significance.

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6. Do’s and Don’ts During Tet Holiday

✦ Common Tet Superstitions

Superstitions play a big role during Tet. For example, avoid sweeping the floor on New Year’s Day as it’s believed to sweep away good fortune. Similarly, saying negative words or arguing is frowned upon.

✦ Respectful Etiquette

When visiting homes during Tet, it’s important to dress appropriately and bring a small gift, such as fruits or confectionery. Always greet elders first and wish them “Chuc Mung Nam Moi” (Happy New Year).

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7. Experiencing Tet as a Foreigner

✦ How Tourists Can Join in Tet Festivities

Tet holiday is a fantastic time for tourists to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture. You can visit flower markets, participate in public Tet celebrations, and enjoy traditional Tet cuisine.

✦ Tips for Navigating Tet in Vietnam

Planning is crucial as many businesses close for the Tet holiday. Book your accommodations and transportation early, and be prepared for some adjustments to your travel itinerary.

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8. FAQs

1. What are the must-try dishes during Tet?
   Dishes like Banh Chung, Banh Tet, Braised Pork, Tet Jam are staples of Tet feasts.
2. Can tourists participate in Tet celebrations?
   Absolutely! Tourists are welcome to join public events, visit Tet markets, and enjoy the cultural activities.
3. Is Tet the best time to visit Vietnam?
   Tet offers a unique cultural experience, but plan ahead as some businesses may close during the holiday.
4. What are common Tet decorations?
   Peach blossoms, kumquat trees, red banners, and lanterns are popular Tet decorations.
5. Why is Tet considered Vietnam’s most important holiday?
   Tet signifies family unity, cultural heritage, and a fresh start, making it the heart of Vietnamese traditions.

9. Conclusion

The Tet Holiday in Vietnam is a captivating blend of tradition, family, and festivity. Whether you’re celebrating with locals or exploring the bustling streets of Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Tet offers unforgettable experiences that highlight Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Dive into the festivities, savor the flavors, and embrace the warmth of this cherished holiday.

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