Tet, or Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. The holiday celebrates the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar and is a time for family, food, and fun. If you’re lucky enough to be in Vietnam during Tet, there are a few things you should know about how to celebrate the holiday.
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Preparing for Tet
Tet is a time for families to be together, so many people travel from all over the country to be with their loved ones. This means that train and plane tickets book up fast, so it’s important to plan your travel well in advance. If you’re staying in Vietnam during Tet, make sure you have your accommodation sorted out ahead of time as well. Hotels fill up quickly and prices go up during this busy period.
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Another important part of preparing for Tet is cleaning your house from top to bottom. This is believed to sweep away any bad luck from the previous year and make way for good fortune in the new year. Many people also decorate their homes with red banners and lanterns, as red is considered an auspicious color in Vietnamese culture.
Celebrating Tet
Tet is celebrated over a period of several days, typically from February 5-7. On the first day of Tet, people usually wake up early and dress in their best clothes. Families then offer incense and pray to their ancestors at an altar set up in the home. It’s also traditional to visit your grandparents or elders on this day to pay your respects.
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Food plays an important role in Tet celebrations. Feasts are prepared with many traditional dishes such as bánh chÆ°ng (a sticky rice cake filled with mung beans), bánh Ãt (a coconut milk pudding), giò lụa (a pork sausage), and more. Sweet treats such as fruit platters and candied fruits are also often served. Throughout the holiday period, people catch up with friends and family members over meals and drinks.
On the last day of Tet, people traditionally visit a pagoda or temple to pray for good luck in the new year. It’s also customary to release birds or fish back into the wild on this day as an act of compassion.
Tet is one of the most special times of the year in Vietnam. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during this festive period, make sure you’re prepared by booking your travel early and sorting out your accommodation in advance. During Tet, take part in traditional activities such as praying at altars, eating feasts with family and friends, and releasing birds or fish back into the wild. By following these tips, you’ll have a wonderful time celebrating Tet in Vietnam!
You will have a new experience
Tet, also known as Lunar New Year, is an inspiring celebration in Vietnam that truly captures the spirit of happiness, family, and mouthwatering food. Immerse yourself in the energetic street parades and mesmerizing firework displays, which showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage and create an atmosphere that will leave you amazed. Make sure to embrace the tradition of exchanging red envelopes, known as lucky money, with children and younger family members to wish them good fortune and success for the year ahead. It’s an experience you won’t want to overlook!
Tet in Vietnam is all about family, tasty food, and positive vibes. Don’t forget to try the classic dishes and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere. Enjoy!
Tet in Vietnam is an exhilarating must-experience! The streets burst with vivid colors, lively parades, and the contagious energy of celebration. Don’t be surprised if you receive lucky money envelopes, known as li xi, from locals, as it’s a heartwarming gesture symbolizing good fortune for the new year. Join in the festivities and immerse yourself in the vibrant traditions of Tet for an unforgettable experience!
It’s a fun way to spend Tet and enjoy the country’s beautiful scenery!
This sounds like such a beautiful and special holiday! I’m so happy that you get to experience it. I’m definitely adding this to my list of things to do when I travel to Vietnam!
I absolutely love how vibrant and meaningful Tet is for the Vietnamese culture! It really brings families and friends together to celebrate and exchange gifts. It’s amazing to see how people adorn their homes with traditional decorations and prepare special dishes to make this holiday even more memorable. Celebrating Tet in Vietnam is definitely a unique experience that’s full of joy and tradition, similar to celebrating the Lunar New Year in other Asian countries.
I couldn’t have said it better myself! The beauty of Tet in Vietnam truly lies in the way it brings people together. The vibrant decorations and mouthwatering dishes create an atmosphere of joy and togetherness that is hard to match. And let’s not forget the tradition of exchanging gifts, it’s a wonderful way to show appreciation for our loved ones. But what I personally find most fascinating is the visit to the pagoda or temple on the last day of Tet to seek blessings for the new year. It’s a meaningful gesture that adds a spiritual touch to the festivities. Overall, Tet in Vietnam is an unforgettable celebration that truly encompasses the essence of family, culture, and gratitude.
I couldn’t have said it more authentic myself! Tet in Vietnam is truly a remarkable time when everyone comes together to celebrate. The decorations are so lively and the food is incredibly delectable. It’s like a grand, joyous family reunion! By the way, did you hear the one about the Tet decorations that were so vivid, they made the sun envious? It’s true, they’re a spectacle to behold! So, let’s relish this remarkable time of togetherness and indulge in all the mouthwatering dishes Tet has to offer!
What better way to start the new year than to shop ’til you drop at an open-air market in Vietnam!
I love learning about different cultures and how they celebrate holidays! It sounds like there are many ways to celebrate Tet in Vietnam. I’m interested in learning more about it. Do you have any recommendations? Thanks for sharing!
What area is best for those wanting to travel this year or next to celebrate it?Â
I never actually asked this here and I have been wondering it for sometime.Â
@photastic It really isn’t location specific, it is an all day celebration with family and friends. No matter where you go, you will be a part of the celebration in some fashion or form.
I never knew or looked much into the celebration of the Vietnam New Year. This sounds like so much fun! Don’t some other Asian countries also celebrate the New Year at a different time?
Tet is something I never considered being a part of until I saw some of the celebrations last year on Instagram. I really wanted to go this year but I could not afford it. Maybe next year!
@HaiTay I wonder if there are any traditional Tet dishes that are vegetarian-friendly, as I would love to experience the holiday’s cuisine without compromising my dietary choices.
Tet is a great time to visit Vietnam. It’s an incredible cultural experience, and the people are so welcoming.
We loved the traditional music performances we saw while we were there, and the food was incredible!