Tet Nguyen Dan, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, is the heart and soul of Vietnamese culture, a time when families reunite, spirits are renewed, and streets burst with festive energy. Celebrated in late January or early February, Tet is the country’s most significant holiday, steeped in centuries-old traditions that blend reverence for ancestors with joyous anticipation for the year ahead. From the aroma of banh chung steaming in kitchens to the vibrant blooms of flower markets, Tet transforms Vietnam into a kaleidoscope of color, sound, and flavor. This guide to the Vietnam Tet festival offers an in-depth look at its traditions, must-try foods, and tips for travelers eager to join the celebrations. With a festive yet respectful tone, let’s dive into the magic of Lunar New Year Vietnam and discover how to experience this cultural treasure.

The Significance of Tet

Tet marks the arrival of spring and the lunar new year, symbolizing renewal, hope, and gratitude. Rooted in Vietnam’s agrarian past, it’s a time to honor ancestors, pray for prosperity, and cleanse the home of past misfortunes. Families sweep their houses, settle debts, and decorate with peach blossoms (in the north) or apricot blossoms (in the south) to invite good fortune. The holiday’s spiritual core is evident in offerings at ancestral altars and visits to pagodas, where prayers for health and happiness echo. Tet also unites communities, with street fairs, lion dances, and firecrackers (now replaced by festive lights due to safety laws) creating an electric atmosphere. Recognized b y UNESCO Intangible Heritage  as a vital cultural practice, Tet embodies Vietnam’s deep respect for tradition and family.

Key Traditions of Tet

Tet is a tapestry of rituals and festivities, each with its own meaning and charm. Here are some highlights:

• Banh Chung and Banh Tet: These sticky rice cakes, wrapped in banana leaves, are Tet’s culinary centerpiece. Banh chung (square, symbolizing Earth) is filled with pork, mung beans, and rice, while banh tet (cylindrical, popular in the south) is similar but often sweeter. Families spend hours preparing these labor-intensive treats, sharing stories as they boil them overnight. Try banh chung at local markets or during homestay visits.

• Flower Markets: Tet’s vibrant flower markets, like Hanoi’s Quang Ba or Ho Chi Minh City’s Nguyen Hue, burst with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and chrysanthemums. These blooms symbolize prosperity and renewal. Stroll through these markets to soak in the festive buzz and snap colorful photos.

• Lucky Money (Li Xi): Elders give red envelopes filled with money to children and young adults, symbolizing blessings for the new year. The envelopes’ bright designs add to the celebratory spirit.

• First Visitor (Xong Dat): The first guest to enter a home after midnight on Tet is believed to influence the family’s luck. Hosts carefully choose this visitor to ensure good fortune.

• Lion Dances and Festivals: Colorful lion dances, accompanied by drums and cymbals, ward off evil spirits. Many towns host Tet festivals with games, music, and food stalls. For more, explore our Vietnam Festivals guide.

Tips for Travelers During Tet

Joining Tet festivities is a unique way to experience Vietnam, but planning is key:

• Timing: Tet typically falls between late January and mid-February (January 29, 2026, for the Year of the Snake). Arrive a week before to enjoy pre-Tet markets or stay through the first few days for family-oriented celebrations.

• Transportation: Book flights, trains, and buses early, as Tet is Vietnam’s busiest travel season. Many businesses close for 3-7 days, so check schedules first.

• Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting homes or pagodas (cover shoulders and knees). Learn basic greetings like “Chuc Mung Nam Moi” (Happy New Year) to show respect. Always ask permission before photographing rituals or private homes.

• Food Exploration: Sample Tet specialties like pickled onions, dried candied fruits, and thit kho (braised pork with eggs) at markets or restaurants. Our Traditional Vietnamese Foods guide has more recommendations.

• Accommodation: Reserve hotels or homestays well in advance, as demand spikes. Homestays in Hanoi or Hue offer immersive Tet experiences with family meals and rituals.

Join the Tet Celebration

Tet is more than a holiday—it’s a vibrant celebration of Vietnam’s heart, blending reverence, joy, and community spirit. From savoring banh chung to strolling through flower markets, every moment of Tet is a chance to connect with Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re watching lion dances or sharing lucky money, Tet offers a festive, unforgettable experience.

Ready to celebrate Lunar New Year Vietnam? Book a Tet cultural tour with Vietnamtourism - Hanoi to immerse yourself in traditions, flavors, and festivities with expert guides. Join the celebration today and make Tet 2026 your most memorable adventure yet!