Vietnam's Tet holiday, also known as Lunar New Year, marks the most important annual celebration across the country. While many local businesses observe a break for family gatherings, visitors still have opportunities to witness and participate in distinct cultural practices. This period offers a unique perspective on Vietnamese traditions, from vibrant street decorations to special culinary experiences and spiritual observances.
Observing Festive Street Decorations and Markets
Approximately one month before the Lunar New Year, streets throughout Vietnam, particularly in major urban centers like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, become notably more crowded. Residents begin preparing for the holiday by decorating and selling New Year-themed items. Consequently, many thoroughfares, especially in city centers, display buildings and shops adorned with colorful holiday embellishments.
In Asian belief, the colors red and gold are associated with good fortune and prosperity. Streets where decorations are sold often exhibit a striking display of these colors, with various shapes and styles of ornaments prominently featured. Many of these decorations are exclusively available during the Lunar New Year period. For travelers seeking special souvenirs from Vietnam, this time presents an ideal opportunity to acquire unique items for personal use or as gifts for family and friends.
Flower markets are considered essential destinations for Vietnamese people leading up to Tet. While these markets exist year-round, they experience a significant increase in activity and size during the holiday period, earning them the moniker 'Tet flower markets'. Some of the most frequented markets transform into expansive trading hubs, attracting numerous vendors and buyers from across the city.
The period immediately preceding Tet showcases these flower markets at their most appealing. To meet the demand for flowers used in dedications and home decorations, a wide array of blossoms is available, ranging from common varieties like daisies and roses to more exclusive options such as orchids and peonies. Additionally, symbolic plants for the Vietnamese Tet holiday, including cherry blossoms, apricot blossoms, and kumquat trees, are widely sold, representing wishes for a prosperous and lucky new year. As flower markets are typically not part of standard tour itineraries, individuals wishing to visit them may need to discuss arrangements with their tour provider in advance or explore them independently via taxis or public transport during their free time.
Visiting Temples and Pagodas for New Year Blessings
According to Vietnamese tradition, visiting temples and pagodas at the start of the new year to offer prayers and wishes to Buddha and other deities is believed to bring good fortune. Many individuals seek blessings for their family's health, while younger people might wish for love, students for academic success, and business owners for favorable ventures. Although not all wishes may materialize, this practice serves as a source of spiritual and mental encouragement for the year ahead.
Furthermore, local communities view these visits as a means to educate younger generations about Vietnamese cultural values and to uphold national customs. Travelers interested in experiencing local religious life and observing these traditions can often book city tours in Hanoi. Many such itineraries include visits to prominent temples and pagodas in the area, such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, One-pillar Pagoda, and the Temple of Literature. At the Temple of Literature, for instance, people gather to receive calligraphic 'words' from scholars, symbolizing wishes for academic achievement for themselves or their children.
Exploring Regional Tet Cuisine
Like many nations, Vietnam features its own distinct culinary traditions for the New Year period. Given the country's division into Northern, Central, and Southern regions, the holiday recipes vary, reflecting the unique gastronomic heritage of each area. The Northern region, home to the ancient capital of Thang Long (present-day Hanoi), typically presents the most elaborate traditional Tet menu. Residents, particularly in the Northern Delta, often consume the same traditional dishes for the first three days of the Lunar New Year.
These traditional Northern dishes commonly include Banh Chung (a square sticky rice cake), Gio lua (Vietnamese pork sausage), Nem (fried spring rolls), Ga Luoc (boiled chicken), Dua Hanh (pickled onions), and Canh mang (dried bamboo shoot soup, often prepared with chicken or pork ribs). Historically, the intricate preparation of these dishes was considered a measure of a Northern woman's culinary skill before marriage.
In contrast, the Tet menus in the Southern and Central regions tend to be simpler. Common dishes include Banh Tet (a cylindrical version of the traditional sticky rice cake, similar to Banh Chung), Gio Bo (Vietnamese beef sausage with black pepper), Thit Kho Hot Vit (braised pork with duck eggs, influenced by Chinese cuisine), and Canh Kho Qua (pork-stuffed bitter melon soup). These dishes generally require less time to prepare, and some can be purchased pre-made from markets and supermarkets before the holiday.
Travelers wishing to sample traditional Tet cuisine during their visit can arrange this through a travel agent. Agents can help organize a local Tet meal, either at a traditional restaurant or as part of a homestay experience, offering an authentic taste of the holiday.
| Region | Typical Dishes | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Vietnam | Banh Chung, Gio lua, Nem, Ga Luoc, Dua Hanh, Canh mang | Complex preparation, deeply traditional, often eaten for first three days |
| Southern & Central Vietnam | Banh Tet, Gio Bo, Thit Kho Hot Vit, Canh Kho Qua | Simpler to prepare, some items available pre-made |
Participating in the Lucky Money Tradition
Influenced by Chinese customs, the practice of giving lucky money, known as 'li xi', is an ancient Vietnamese tradition. Historically, lucky money was exclusively given to children, as it was believed to bring them good fortune and protect them from negative influences. However, contemporary practice extends this tradition beyond children to include elders, relatives, friends, and colleagues. It serves as a gesture of goodwill, conveying wishes for luck throughout the entire new year.
Visitors to Vietnam during Tet may consider participating in this custom by offering lucky money to individuals who have provided assistance, such as a local guide who has worked diligently during their trip, or an enthusiastic Vietnamese acquaintance. In return, it is common for locals to present a small red envelope containing lucky money as a reciprocal wish for good fortune and an expression of gratitude.
Practical Advice for Traveling During Tet
Traveling in Vietnam during the Tet holiday requires some advance planning due to the national observance. As many local businesses and services operate on reduced hours or close entirely for family celebrations, securing accommodations, transportation, and dining options well in advance is highly advisable. This foresight helps ensure a smoother and more enjoyable experience during this significant cultural period.
For those planning to explore major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, understanding local services, including banking services in Hanoi, can be beneficial for managing finances during your stay. While independent exploration of markets and cultural sites is possible, booking tours specifically designed for the Tet period can provide structured opportunities to experience traditions that might otherwise be challenging to access due to holiday closures or altered schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tet holiday in Vietnam?
Tet holiday, or Lunar New Year, is Vietnam's most important annual celebration. It marks the arrival of spring based on the lunisolar calendar and is a time for family reunions, traditional rituals, and wishes for good fortune in the coming year.
Is it a good idea to visit Vietnam during Tet?
Visiting Vietnam during Tet offers a unique cultural experience, allowing travelers to witness special traditions, decorations, and festive atmospheres. However, it requires careful planning as many businesses close, and transportation can be busy. Those seeking quiet travel might prefer other times of the year.
What are the main challenges for travelers during Tet?
Key challenges during Tet include limited availability and higher prices for accommodation and transportation due to increased local travel. Many restaurants, shops, and services may also be closed for several days, requiring travelers to plan meals and activities in advance.
Can I still find food during Tet?
Yes, while many local eateries may close, some restaurants, especially those catering to tourists or in larger hotels, typically remain open. Additionally, tour operators can often arrange traditional Tet meals for visitors. It is advisable to confirm dining options ahead of time.
How can I participate in local Tet traditions?
Travelers can participate in Tet traditions by visiting festive flower markets, observing street decorations, and visiting temples or pagodas to witness local customs. Offering lucky money (li xi) as a gesture of goodwill is also a way to engage with the tradition, and some tour providers can arrange authentic cultural experiences like traditional Tet meals.
