As the calendar turns a new leaf, there is a world of festivities waiting to be explored. For Indian tourists, Vietnam offers a unique and culturally rich experience during its New Year celebration, known as Tet. New Year in Vietnam marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is the most important and widely celebrated festival. Let’s embark on a journey to discover the charm and traditions that make Tet a truly enchanting experience for Indian travellers.

Overview of Lunar New Year in Vietnam

Lunar New Year, or Tet Nguyen Dan as it is called in Vietnam, is the most important and celebrated festival of the year. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. Tet festival in Vietnam is a time to honour the ancestors, reunite with family, exchange gifts and wishes, and enjoy traditional food and activities.

When is the New Year in Vietnam? 

Lunar New Year in Vietnam usually falls in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. It is different from the Solar New Year that is celebrated in India and other countries. The Lunar New Year or Tet lasts for about a week, during which most businesses are closed and people enjoy various activities and traditions.

You can expect to see fireworks, music, dance, and other entertainment programs around popular landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake or Nguyen Hue Street. Immerse yourself in the crowds of locals and tourists who gather to count down to midnight and welcome the new year with joy and excitement. On the other hand, Tet is also a great opportunity to witness authentic Vietnamese culture and traditions. You can visit temples and pagodas to see how people pray for good luck and fortune in the new year.

How is the New Year Celebrated?

Preparation

Before Tet, people cleaned their houses, decorated them with flowers and lucky symbols, bought new clothes, and prepared special foods such as “Banh Chung” (sticky rice cake), “Mut” (candied fruits), and braised pork.

Foods and drinks

During Tet, people feast on delicious dishes such as “Pho” (noodle soup), “Nem” (spring rolls), cha gio (fried rolls), “Banh Chung” (sticky rice cake), “Banh Giay”(sticky rice cake), and che (sweet soup). They also drink fresh beer, rice wine, tea, and ca phe sua da (iced coffee with milk).

Decorations

During Tet, you will see many colourful and festive decorations such as yellow apricot blossom, peach blossom, kumquat tree, Li xi (red envelopes with money), calligraphy couplets, and cau doi (parallel sentences).

Activities

During Tet, people visit temples and pagodas, pray for good luck, burn incense and paper offerings, watch lion dances and fireworks, and play traditional games such as “Bau cua ca cop” (hoo hey how) and “O an quan” (board game), and exchange greetings and wishes.
Customs and traditions:

On these days, people follow some customs and traditions such as giving “Li Xi” (lucky money) to children and elders, avoiding sweeping or throwing away garbage, wearing red or bright colours, avoiding taboo words or actions, and visiting relatives and friends in a certain order. New Year in Vietnamese culture, Lions dance is often associated with warding off evil spirits and bringing prosperity. The lion, animated by skilled performers, is a symbol of power and positive energy.

Everyone, young and old, wears “Ao dai” – Vietnam’s national dress to enjoy some Vietnamese festivals.

Best destinations for the New Year holiday in Vietnam 

If you want to experience the best of New Year in Vietnam, here are some of the best destinations for your Tet holiday:

Hanoi

The capital city of Vietnam is a great place to enjoy the old and new aspects of Tet. You can visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, the Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the Dong Xuan Market. You can also watch the flag-raising ceremony at Ba Dinh Square, the fireworks display at Hoan Kiem Lake, and the flower festival at Ly Thai To Square.

Ho Chi Minh City

The largest city in Vietnam is a vibrant and modern place to celebrate Tet festival in Vietnam. You can visit the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Ben Thanh Market, and the Bitexco Tower. You can also watch the Nguyen Hue Flower Street, the Tao Dan Flower Festival, the fireworks show at Thu Thiem Bridge, and the water puppet show at Rong Vang Theater.

Hoi An 

The ancient town of Hoi An is a charming and romantic place to spend Tet. You can visit the Japanese Bridge, the Tan Ky House, the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, the Quan Cong Temple, and the Hoi An Museum. You can also watch the lantern festival, the boat race, the bai choi singing contest, and the folk games at An Hoi Square.

Nha Trang 

The coastal city of Nha Trang is a perfect place to enjoy some sun and sea during Tet. You can visit the Po Nagar Cham Towers, the Long Son Pagoda, the Nha Trang Cathedral, the Vinpearl Land amusement park, and the Hon Mun Marine Park. You can also watch the whale festival, the sea festival, and the sand sculpture exhibition at Tran Phu Beach.

Tips for foreigners 

For Indian tourists who want to experience the unique culture and traditions of Vietnam festivals during Tet, there are some things to keep in mind.

• Tet festival in Vietnam is a very busy and crowded time, so it is advisable to book your travel and accommodation well in advance because they tend to be fully booked or more expensive during Tet
• Refer to our tour packages to enjoy Tet holiday in Vietnam
• Respect the customs and traditions of Tet by dressing appropriately, greeting politely, avoiding conflicts or complaints
• You should also greet people with a smile and say “Chuc Mung Nam Moi”, which means “Happy New Year” in Vietnamese.

Conclusion

No matter where you go or what you do in Vietnam for the new year, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience. Vietnam is a country that will surprise you with its diversity, beauty, and hospitality. So don’t hesitate to book your tour package now and get ready to celebrate the New Year in Vietnam like never before.