Guides & Tips

Vietnamese New Year Rituals: A Local Guide for Your 2026 Trip

HoangAn

3 min. to read

Do you worry that visiting Vietnam during Tet will leave you hungry or stuck with closed shops? Many travelers feel lost when facing the complex Vietnam New Year traditions, but these customs actually offer the most colorful experiences of the year. This guide will reveal the most essential Vietnamese New Year Rituals so you can plan a perfect cultural journey with Sun Getaways Travel.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, involves important rituals like the Kitchen Gods’ Departure Ceremony and family reunions.
Travelers should understand Vietnamese New Year traditions, including giving red envelopes and visiting pagodas for blessings.
Booking flights or accommodations in advance is essential during Tet due to high demand and potential price surges.
Experiencing Vietnamese New Year rituals offers deep insights into the culture and traditions of Vietnam.

1. What Are the Most Important Vietnamese New Year Rituals?

The Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most sacred time for every Vietnamese family. You will see people cleaning houses, buying flowers, and preparing special food to welcome good luck.

1.1 The Kitchen Gods’ Departure Ceremony

The Kitchen God’s Ceremony marks the official start of the holiday season on the 23rd day of the last lunar month. Locals believe three deities live in their kitchen and report the family’s behavior to the Jade Emperor.

Releasing Golden Carp: Families buy live carp and release them into rivers or lakes after the prayer. This act provides transport for the gods to fly to heaven and also shows kindness toward nature.
Preparing Offerings: People cook a small feast with sticky rice, boiled chicken, and fruit to honor the deities. This tradition ensures the gods speak well of the family to bring future blessings.
Cleaning the Hearth: Locals scrub their kitchens and altars until they shine brightly before the ceremony starts. A clean kitchen represents a fresh start and a peaceful home for the upcoming year.

1.2 The New Year’s Eve Prayer and Reunion

New Year’s Eve is the most emotional time when all generations gather for a massive family dinner. This is one of the most vital Vietnamese New Year Rituals because it connects the living with their ancestors.

Outdoor Offerings: Families set up a table in the yard to welcome the new Year Deity. They offer a boiled rooster, incense, and wine under the midnight stars to ask for protection.
The Reunion Feast: Everyone enjoys traditional dishes like Banh Chung or Banh Tet while sharing stories of the past year. This meal strengthens family bonds and creates a sense of belonging for everyone.
Watching Fireworks: Groups of friends and families head to city centers like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City for displays. You can easily join this atmosphere by booking a Vietnam Classic Tour to see the city lights.

“To truly feel the soul of Tet, try to visit a local market just two days before the new year starts. The energy, the smells of incense, and the sea of peach blossoms will give you a memory that no museum can provide.”
– Mrs. Emma Nguyen – Tour Operator Manager with over 12 years of experience at Sun Getaways Travel

2. Essential Vietnam New Year Traditions for Travelers

Understanding local customs helps you avoid taboos and interact better with the friendly locals. These Vietnam New Year traditions dictate what people wear, what they say, and even how they walk.

2.1 Xong Dat: The First Footer Custom

The first person to enter a house after midnight determines the family’s luck for the entire year. This is why many locals invite a “lucky” guest with a good zodiac sign to visit first.

If you are staying at a homestay in the Mekong Delta, your host might ask you to be their first footer. This is a huge honor that signifies you bring positive energy to their household. You can experience this authentic hospitality through our Mekong Delta Tour packages during the spring.

2.2 Li Xi: The Art of Giving Red Envelopes

Giving red envelopes with “lucky money” is one of the most favorite Vietnam New Year traditions for children and the older people. The red color symbolizes luck and protection against evil spirits or bad vibes.

When you visit a local home, prepare some small, crisp bills in red envelopes to give to the kids. It is a polite way to show your appreciation for their culture and hospitality.

2.3 Visiting Pagodas for Peace

Many Vietnamese people head to pagodas right after the New Year’s Eve countdown to pray for health. They often bring home a small branch of leaves to symbolize “picking luck” from the gods.

Burning Incense: Visitors light incense sticks to send their prayers up to the heavens. The smoke creates a mystical atmosphere that you will find very calming and spiritual.
Getting Horoscopes: Many people ask monks for a yearly prediction or choose a random wooden stick for a fortune. This is a fun way to engage with the spiritual side of Vietnamese New Year Rituals.
Giving Charity: People often donate to the underprivileged people or help the monks as a way to earn “merit.” This kindness is believed to bring back double the luck during the new year.

📌 Need help planning your Tet itinerary? Contact Sun Getaways Travel today for a personalized consultation!

3. How to Enjoy Vietnamese New Year Rituals Across the Regions

Each part of Vietnam celebrates Tet with a slightly different flavor and specific local flowers. You will notice that the weather and geography change the way people practice Vietnamese New Year Rituals.

3.1 Peach Blossoms and Cold Air in the North

In Hanoi, the cold winter air makes the pink peach blossoms look incredibly vibrant and romantic. People in the North prefer Banh Chung, a square-shaped sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork.

You should definitely walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to see the calligraphy masters writing lucky characters on red paper. To see the best of the capital’s spring, consider joining a Northern Vietnam Tour. Including Hanoi in your trip during Tet allows you to see the most traditional version of the holiday.

3.2 Apricot Blossoms and Sunshine in the South

The South enjoys warm weather, so people decorate their homes with bright yellow apricot blossoms instead. Beside the square cake, Southerners make Banh Tet, which is cylindrical and often includes diverse fillings.

Ho Chi Minh City transforms into a floral paradise with massive flower streets like Nguyen Hue. You can include this vibrant city in your Vietnam Luxury Tour to enjoy high-end rooftop views of the festivities. The sunny weather makes it perfect for exploring the streets and taking photos of people in their traditional Ao Dai.

Feature	Northern Vietnam (Hanoi)	Southern Vietnam (Saigon)
Traditional Flower	Pink Peach Blossom (Hoa Dao)	Yellow Apricot Blossom (Hoa Mai)
Signature Dish	Square Banh Chung	Cylindrical Banh Tet
Typical Weather	Cold and Drizzly	Warm and Sunny
Vibe	Traditional and Solemn	Lively and Modern

4. Budgeting for Your Trip During Tet

Traveling during the New Year can be more expensive due to high demand for transport and hotels. However, the unique cultural value of Vietnamese New Year Rituals makes every penny worth it.

Transportation: Flights and train tickets usually double in price, so you must book at least 3 months in advance. Planning early helps you avoid the “sold out” signs and saves you from paying last-minute premiums.
Dining Out: Some local restaurants may charge a 10% to 20% surcharge during the first three days of Tet. This extra fee covers the higher wages for staff who work during their holiday time.
Accommodation: Hotels in tourist hubs like Da Nang or Hoi An usually maintain stable rates but fill up fast. We recommend a Vietnam North to South Tour to bundle your costs and get the best group deals.

5. FAQs about Vietnamese New Year Rituals

1. Is everything closed during the Vietnamese New Year?

Most museums and local shops close for the first three days, but big malls and tourist restaurants stay open.

2. What should I wear when visiting temples during Tet?

You should wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect for the sacred space. Many locals wear the traditional Ao Dai, which is a great option for beautiful photos.

3. Can I still find food easily during the holidays?

Yes, while some small stalls close, many cafes and restaurants in tourist areas remain active to serve travelers.

4. Is it polite to take photos of people performing rituals?

You should always ask for permission before taking close-up shots of people praying at altars or pagodas. Most people are happy to share their culture if you ask politely and smile.

5. Should I tip more during the Lunar New Year?

Tipping is not mandatory, but a small extra amount is highly appreciated as a “lucky gift” for service workers. It follows the spirit of the Vietnam New Year traditions of sharing wealth and happiness.

6. Final Thoughts on Vietnamese New Year Rituals

Experiencing Vietnamese New Year Rituals is the best way to understand the heart and soul of our beautiful country. From the smell of incense in old pagodas to the taste of traditional rice cakes, Tet offers a sensory journey like no other. We hope this guide helps you feel confident about Vietnam New Year traditions and excited about joining our most important celebration.

Ready to witness the magic of the Lunar New Year for yourself? Contact Sun Getaways Travel now to book your dream Vietnam tour and let our experts handle every detail of your spring adventure!