Discover Vietnamese Tết (Lunar New Year): A Celebration of Family and Tradition

Tết, or Lunar New Year, is the most important and cherished holiday in Vietnam. Falling between late January and early February, it marks the start of the lunar calendar year and is a time for family reunions, gratitude, and fresh beginnings. Let’s dive into the unique traditions that make Tết so special.

1. Preparing the Home for the New Year

Before Tết, families dedicate time to cleaning and decorating their homes. This act symbolizes sweeping away the misfortunes of the past year and welcoming good luck for the year ahead. Decorations include vibrant hoa mai (yellow apricot flowers), hoa đào (peach blossoms), and cây quất (kumquat trees), which represent prosperity and happiness.

2. Cooking Traditional Dishes

Food is an essential part of Tết celebrations. Families gather to prepare traditional dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake), made from sticky rice, pork, and mung beans. These dishes symbolize gratitude to ancestors and the balance of the earth and sky. Other festive foods include boiled chicken, pickled vegetables, and sweet candied fruits.

3. Dressing in New Clothes

During Tết, wearing new and brightly colored clothing is a must! Red and gold are especially popular as they signify good fortune and happiness. Many people choose to wear traditional áo dài, adding a touch of elegance to the celebration.

4. Giving and Receiving Red Envelopes

One of the most beloved customs is the exchange of lì xì, or red envelopes containing money. These are given by elders to children and younger family members as a way to share blessings and good wishes for health, success, and happiness in the new year.

5. Visiting Family and Friends

Tết is a time for strengthening relationships. Families visit their relatives, friends, and neighbors to offer greetings like “Chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year) and exchange small gifts. It’s also an opportunity to honor ancestors by lighting incense and making offerings at the family altar.

6. Enjoying Festive Activities

The festive atmosphere of Tết is brought to life with vibrant lion dances, colorful parades, and dazzling fireworks. These activities are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good luck. Markets and streets are also filled with music, traditional games, and people enjoying the holiday spirit.

A Celebration of Joy and Togetherness

Tết is more than just a holiday; it’s a time to reflect on the past, cherish loved ones, and embrace the future with hope and positivity. If you’re lucky enough to experience Tết in Vietnam, you’ll be captivated by the rich traditions, delicious food, and the warm, festive atmosphere that defines this beautiful celebration.

Explore the beauty of Vietnam's traditional Tết (Lunar New Year) through Jeep and Vespa Tết tours

Tết is a very special time for the Vietnamese people, so don’t miss the opportunity to discover the unique charm of Saigon’s Tết through Viup Travel’s Vespa and Jeep Tours. You’ll have the chance to explore the floating flower market, where traders from the Mekong Delta bring Tết flowers on boats to sell in Saigon. Visiting Tết flower markets and admiring the lively streets at the beginning of the new year is an unmissable experience when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City during the Tết season.