Do And Don't Tet Holiday: Top 15 Best Tips For 2026

Do And Don't Tet Holiday: Top 15 Best Tips For 2026

Vietnam’s Lunar New Year is a spectacular blend of color and emotion, however, its complex etiquette can often confuse international travelers. While the festival offers an unforgettable atmosphere, understanding the traditions without accidentally causing offense is important to having a truly authentic and respectful experience.

At Vietpower Travel, we want you to enjoy the festivities with confidence. Understanding the essential "dos and don'ts" of the Tet holiday ensures you avoid awkward mistakes and show deep respect to the locals. This guide covers everything from festive activities to crucial taboos, helping you turn strangers into friends during this sacred time.

1. Understanding The Significance Of Tet Holiday Customs

You might wonder why people are so careful during Tet. To locals, Tet isn’t just a holiday - it’s a spiritual fresh start. There is a deep belief that whatever happens during these first few days sets the tone for the rest of the year.

Every little thing you do has a big meaning: A smile brings joy into your future. A mistake can bring bad luck.

Because of this, following these New Year customs is the best way to ensure a year full of health, money, and happiness. As your travel partner, Vietpower Travel believes that respecting these traditions is a wonderful way to show you truly care about and understand Vietnamese culture.

You can find more useful information in our Vietnam travel tips and review category. Explore detailed guides, helpful advice, and authentic travel experiences to help you plan your trip with confidence.

2. What To Do on Tet: Top 7 Positive Habits For Good Luck

Immersing yourself in the local vibe is highly recommended. Here are the positive actions you should take to become a favorite guest.

2.1. Giving Lucky Money To Children And Elders

This is the most beloved tradition known as "Li Xi". It symbolizes sharing luck and wealth.

The meaning: Red envelopes represent protection against evil spirits.
The etiquette: If you visit a local home, prepare small red envelopes. Give them to children and the elderly.
Important note: Use new, crisp banknotes. Old or torn money is considered bad luck. The gesture matters more than the amount.

2.2. Wearing Bright Colors Like Red And Yellow

Fashion is a silent way to communicate during Tet. To make sure you’re sending the right message, focus on these lucky colors:

Red: This is the color of luck, fire, and love.
Yellow: This color symbolizes wealth and success.

Dressing in these bright, vibrant colors shows everyone that you are bringing positive energy with you. If you want to go the extra mile, wearing a traditional Ao Dai is a fantastic choice for the holiday. Not only will you look great, but you will also blend in perfectly with the local celebrations!

2.3. Visiting Pagodas With Modest Clothing

Spiritual life peaks during the New Year. Locals flock to temples to pray for peace and health.

Photo etiquette: Many tourists ask if they can take photos. The answer is yes, but be respectful. Do not use flash inside the main hall.
Dress code: Always cover your shoulders and knees. This is a non-negotiable rule of cultural etiquette in sacred places.

2.4. Exchanging New Year Greetings With Locals

The phrase "Chuc Mung Nam Moi" (Happy New Year) works magic. Greet everyone you meet with a big smile. It creates a friendly atmosphere. Vietnamese people believe that receiving a happy greeting early in the year brings joy. By doing this, you are actively spreading luck.

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2.5. Enjoying Traditional Tet Food And Drinks

Tet is a culinary feast. You will see Banh Chung (Sticky Rice Cake) everywhere.

Dining etiquette: If a host offers you food, accept it enthusiastically. Even a small bite shows respect.
Drinking rules: You might wonder if it is rude to refuse alcohol. Vietnamese people love to toast. However, if you cannot drink beer, politely ask for tea or a soft drink. The act of raising a glass together ("Do!") is what counts.

2.6. Buying Salt To Tighten Family Bonds

There is a famous saying: "Buy salt at the beginning of the year, buy lime at the end." Salt has a strong, bold taste. Buying a small bag of salt on New Year's morning is a wish for family relationships to remain "salty" (strong and warm). You will see vendors selling salt in beautiful small baskets. Buying one is a great way to support the local economy.

2.7. Bringing Suitable Gifts For Hosts

If invited to a home, never go empty-handed.

Good gifts: A box of premium tea, a bottle of wine, or a basket of colorful fruits.
Presentation: Wrap gifts in red or yellow paper. This adds to the festive spirit.

3. What To Avoid on Tet: 8 Critical Taboos You Must Know

Knowing what should be avoided is perhaps more important than knowing what to do. These taboos are deeply rooted in folklore.

3.1. Do Not Sweep The House On The First Day

This is the most important rule to remember during Tet. According to legend, the God of Wealth hides in the corners of the home during the holiday. If you sweep the floor, it means you are sweeping the God of Wealth right out the door! This would mean losing your luck and money for the whole year.

What to do instead:

Use your hands: If you see a bit of trash on the floor on the 1st day of Tet, simply pick it up with your hands.
Forget the broom: Leave the broom in the closet! Cleaning can wait until the 2nd or 3rd day.

3.2. Avoid Wearing Black Or White Mourning Colors

In Western fashion, wearing black is often seen as cool and stylish, and white is seen as minimalist. However, in Vietnam, these two colors are traditionally used for funerals.

Wearing an all-black or all-white outfit on Lunar New Year holiday is a big mistake. It makes people feel like you are bringing sadness or bad luck to their family. To keep the mood happy and positive, it’s best to wear bright, colorful clothes!

3.3. Never Argue Or Speak About Negative Topics

Tet is a time for absolute harmony. How do families celebrate? They ignore past conflicts to ensure a peaceful year.

Temper control: Keep your temper in check, even if traffic is bad.
Language: Avoid words like "death," "accident," or "loss." People believe that if you argue on the first day, you will suffer from discord all year round.

3.4. Do Not Break Glassware Or Ceramics

During Tet, the sound of something cracking or falling is a sound people try to avoid. This is because breaking a dish can symbolize a broken friendship or losing money in the new year.

Because of this, you should try to be extra careful when handling cups, bowls, or plates!

If an accident does happen, don't worry! Locals have a way to flip the bad luck into good luck. They quickly say one of these two things:

"Của đi thay người": This means "the lost object saved the person from bad luck."
"Lộc": This means "Good Luck."

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3.5. Avoid Entering Homes Without Invitation

This tip is about the "Xông Đất" (First Footing) custom. The very first person to step into a house after the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve sets the luck for that family for the entire year!

Because this is so important, hosts choose this person very carefully. They usually pick someone with a lucky Zodiac sign that matches well with the homeowner.

Never visit a Vietnamese home on the morning of the 1st day of Tet unless the family has specifically asked you to come. If you show up uninvited, you might accidentally become the "First Guest" and be blamed for any bad luck that year!

It is much safer to wait until the afternoon or even the 2nd day of the New Year to visit.

3.6. Do Not Ask For Fire Or Water

This is a "hidden" rule that many travelers don't know, but it is very important to local people.

The Meaning of Fire: Fire represents the spirit and warmth of the family. Because of this, giving away fire (like a lighter or a match) on the first day of the New Year is seen as giving away your own luck.
The Meaning of Water: In Vietnam, there is a saying that money should "flow in like water." This means water represents wealth and prosperity. Asking to borrow water is like asking to take the family's money away!

Never ask to borrow a lighter or a bottle of water from a local’s home on the 1st day of Tet. It might seem like a small thing, but to a local family, it feels like you are taking away their success for the coming year.

3.7. Do Not Eat Squids Or Duck Meat Early Year

In Vietnam, what you eat during the first few days of the New Year is very important. Some foods are seen as "lucky," while others are avoided because of their names or meanings.

Squid: Locals avoid eating squid at the start of the year. This is because the word for squid also means "black ink." In Vietnam, black ink represents darkness or bad luck, and nobody wants a "dark" start to their year!
Duck: Duck is avoided because it symbolizes scattering or separation. People worry that eating duck might cause their family to drift apart or their money to "fly away."

3.8. Avoid Refusing Lucky Money Or Gifts

If someone offers you a red envelope, always take it with both hands to show respect. Don't refuse it, even to be polite, because that can seem like you’re turning away the good luck they want to share with you. Remember, the meaning is much more important than the amount of money inside. Just say a warm "Thank you" and wish them a "Happy New Year!" in return.

4. How Vietnamese Families Celebrate Tet Holiday

To understand the do and don't Tet holiday context, you must understand the schedule.

4.1. The Preparation Phase (Tat Nien)

Weeks before Tet begins, the excitement in the air is electric! Families spend this time deep-cleaning their homes to "sweep away" any old bad luck from the past year.

Houses are decorated with beautiful blossoms: pink Peach Blossoms are the favorite in the North, while bright yellow Mai flowers are the stars of the South. This is the absolute best time to explore the local flower markets and see the cities at their most colorful.

4.2. The Three Main Days Of Tet

Tet follows a specific "schedule" for visiting family and mentors. Here is how it usually goes:

Day 1 (Father’s Tet): This day is for visiting the father’s side of the family. Because it is the very first day of the year, people are the most careful about following rules and taboos.
Day 2 (Mother’s Tet): This day is dedicated to the mother’s side of the family. By now, the mood usually feels a little more relaxed and casual.
Day 3 (Teacher’s Tet): Vietnamese people have a deep respect for education, so Day 3 is for visiting your teachers.

During these days, families get together to eat, drink tea, and play card games. It is a time focused entirely on bonding with loved ones and looking forward to a bright future.

Conclusion

Mastering the do and dont Tet holiday list opens the door to the local heart. It transforms you from a regular tourist into a welcomed guest.

Vietnam is an incredibly welcoming country. Locals appreciate it when foreigners try to follow their customs. Even if you make a small mistake, a sincere smile fixes everything. Embrace the New Year customs, avoid the taboos, and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

If you are looking for a seamless, culturally rich experience without worrying about logistics, Vietpower Travel is here to help. We specialize in crafting journeys that respect local traditions while offering you the adventure of a lifetime.