Ah, Tet holiday in Vietnam – where the streets are a whirlwind of colors, food, and traditions that’ll leave your heart (and stomach) fuller than you ever thought possible. Think of it as New Year’s Eve, Christmas, Thanksgiving, and a family reunion all rolled into one—on steroids. It’s the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, and it’s an unmissable experience if you want to dive headfirst into culture, chaos, and comedy. Let’s explore why you should pack your bags, book a ticket, and celebrate Tet with us!
The Great Tet Cleaning Olympics
Before the fireworks, feasts, and fun, there’s work. Every household turns into a cleaning battleground. It’s tradition to sweep away the “bad luck” of the past year, which somehow also means scrubbing windows, reorganizing closets, and dusting shelves that no one has touched since the last Tet. If Marie Kondo were Vietnamese, she’d be living her best life during this season.
The Tet Shopping Spree
The pre-Tet market is an event in itself. You’ll find vibrant kumquat trees (symbolizing prosperity), bonsai peach blossoms (symbolizing love), and the obligatory “grandma bargain-off” at the local market. Every vendor has their “best deal” of the year (read: only slightly better than usual). Bonus points if you can haggle in Vietnamese – locals will probably give you a good deal just for the effort.
Food That’ll Ruin Your Diet Plans (And Your Jeans)
You’ll never forget your first bite of bánh chưng or bánh tét—glutinous rice cakes filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves. They’re made with love (and by “love,” I mean hours of wrapping, steaming, and family debates over who does it best).
Then there’s mứt tết, candied fruits so sweet your dentist might shed a tear. Wash it down with a cup of green tea or some rượu nếp (sticky rice wine) if you’re feeling adventurous—or just want to embarrass yourself in front of your host family.
Red Envelopes, Green Faces
One of the highlights of Tet is the lì xì tradition—giving and receiving red envelopes filled with lucky money. If you’re a kid, congratulations: this is basically your payday. If you’re single, expect aunties and uncles to remind you of it before handing over a red envelope. Married? Prepare your wallet—you’re now on the giving end.
Lion Dances & Firework Frenzies
What’s Tet without a good lion dance? Energetic performers prance through the streets, bringing good luck and scaring away evil spirits (and probably your dog). And the fireworks? Oh, the fireworks. Every major city, from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, lights up the sky in a dazzling display. Pro tip: find a rooftop café for the best views and fewer crowds.
Time to Slow Down
After all the excitement, Tet is also about reconnecting with family and reflecting on the year ahead. Villages quiet down, big cities take a breather, and even the motorbikes seem to pause (temporarily). It’s a rare chance to experience Vietnam at a slower, more intimate pace.
Ready to Experience Tet?
If you’re itching to join the Tet madness (and trust me, you are), now’s the time to plan your trip! From feasting on festive treats to mingling with locals, Tet is a memory you’ll cherish forever—just don’t forget to pack stretchy pants.
👉 Book your Tet adventure now at Vietnam Packages Tour and let us help you experience the best of Vietnam’s most iconic holiday.
Hurry, because Tet waits for no one! (Seriously, it’s based on the lunar calendar, so don’t procrastinate.)
