Tet Festival Guide For First-Time Visitors

Vietnam’s grandest celebration of culture, family, and renewal! As your enthusiastic guide to the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, let me take you deep into the heart of Tet traditions, where ancient rituals blend with festive joy, and every street corner tells a story of hope, harmony, and homecoming. Let's explore Lunar New Year in Vietnam with Vietpower Travel in the post below!

1. The Tet Timeline: How Tet Unfolds Day by Day

To truly celebrate Tet like the locals, you need to understand its flow—each day has meaning, each ritual steeped in the essence of Vietnamese culture.

The 23rd Day of the Lunar December – Farewell to the Kitchen Gods

Vietnamese families begin by honoring the Kitchen Gods (Tết Táo Quân), believed to report the family’s behavior to Heaven. Families send them off with offerings of fruits, incense, and sometimes even carp fish.

New Year’s Eve – Giao Thừa: The Sacred Transition

The most spiritually powerful moment! At the stroke of midnight, family members gather around the family altar, light incense, and offer a feast to invite their ancestors home. Fireworks erupt. Prayers flow. Wishes are whispered for good luck and protection from bad luck in the year ahead.

The First Day – A Day of New Beginnings

A highly auspicious day. The first visitor to a home can influence the entire year, so Vietnamese people often select someone with success and good karma to do the honor of xông đất. Red envelopes filled with lucky money are handed to children and elders, spreading wealth, joy, and positivity.

The Second Day – Visiting Friends and Maternal Relatives

A day for visiting friends and loved ones on the mother's side. Streets burst with color and laughter as Tet traditions extend from house to house like ripples of joy.

The Third Day – Respect for Teachers

Teachers are cherished in Vietnam. Students pay visits to express gratitude, a shining example of how deeply Vietnamese culture honors knowledge and mentorship.

Post-Tet – Taking Down the Decorations and Enjoying Local Festivals

As the final rituals unfold, families remove the "cây nêu", burn offerings to ancestors, and attend vibrant festivals held in villages across the country. Tet might be winding down, but the spirit of reunion lingers in the air.

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2. Pre-Tet Preparations: What Locals Do Before the Big Day

Ah, the buzz of Tet preparations—it's a magical time when every household transforms into a flurry of excitement and anticipation!

Cleaning the House – Sweeping Away the Old

Vietnamese families thoroughly clean their homes not just to shine, but to sweep away bad luck from the old year. Brooms are then hidden, as sweeping during Tet might accidentally push away good luck.

Shopping for Tet: Flowers, Food, and Festive Flair

Markets brim with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and Tet rice cakes. Families search for the perfect ingredients and decorations to welcome prosperity.

New Clothes and Grooming

Wearing new clothes, especially in bright colors like red, is a symbolic fresh start. Haircuts are taken in advance; it’s taboo to cut anything during the New Year.

Taboos to Avoid

• Don’t say unlucky words or mention death.
• Don’t break objects—it’s seen as a bad omen.
• Absolutely no sweeping or trash disposal on the first day!

3. Tet Traditions Every Visitor Should Know

To truly experience Tet traditions, go beyond observation—embrace participation.

Honoring the Ancestors

Every home features a family altar, beautifully arranged with offerings and incense. It’s where respect and memory meet—reminding all generations of their roots.

Lucky Money in Red Envelopes

Called “lì xì”, these red envelopes are a central part of Tet traditions. They symbolize wishes for good luck, growth, and success—especially for children and elders.

First Footing – Who Enters First Matters

Known as “xông đất”, the first guest of the new year is chosen carefully. A respected or successful relative may be invited to ensure a lucky year ahead.

No Cleaning on Day One!

This cannot be stressed enough. Put down that broom. Let good fortune settle in.

Family Reunions and Visiting Rituals

Tet is the time of family reunions. Expect a carousel of visits between houses of relatives, friends, neighbors—each bringing wishes of peace and health.

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4. Traditional Tet Food Across Vietnam

You haven’t truly tasted Vietnam culture until you’ve had a bite of Tet food! Food isn’t just sustenance during Tet—it’s symbolic, spiritual, and regional.

Northern Delights

• Bánh chưng – square rice cake wrapped in banana leaves. Symbolizes the Earth.
• Xôi gấc – red sticky rice representing vitality and good luck.
• Giò lụa – pork roll, dense with family warmth.
• Canh măng khô – bamboo shoot soup passed through generations.

Central Vietnam Specialties

• Bánh tét – round glutinous rice cake with mung beans and pork.
• Củ kiệu – pickled scallion heads, paired with dried shrimp.
• Nem chua – fermented pork wrapped in banana leaves.
• Thịt ngâm mắm – meat soaked in fish sauce for preservation and flavor.

Southern Staples

• Thịt kho trứng – pork belly and boiled eggs simmered in coconut juice. A symbol of prosperity.
• Canh khổ qua – bitter melon soup to push away hardship.
• Lạp xưởng – sweet Chinese sausage found in every Tet feast.

Snacks and Sweets

• Mứt – candied fruit for guests.
• Hạt dưa – red watermelon seeds, popping with meaning.
• Kẹo mè xửng – nutty sesame brittle wrapped in rice paper. Best enjoyed with green tea.

Every dish carries the taste of Vietnamese culture, echoing generations of joy, gratitude, and togetherness.

5. Tet Decorations and Their Symbolism

Peach Blossoms – Northern Vietnam's Symbol of Growth and Good Luck

In Northern Vietnam, peach blossoms are a must-have during Tet celebrations. The pink hues represent growth and prosperity, and they are believed to bring good luck to all Vietnamese families. These blossoms are so much more than just a decoration — they are part of the Tet holiday traditions that tie Vietnamese people to their ancestors, encouraging hope and a fresh start for the year ahead.

Yellow Apricot Blossoms – Southern Vietnam's Flower of Wealth

Head south, and you’ll be welcomed by the vibrant yellow apricot blossoms. In the south, these flowers are considered a symbol of wealth, happiness, and good fortune. Vietnamese culture holds them in high esteem as the perfect flower to bring prosperity during Tet Vietnam.

Kumquat Trees and Prosperity Plants

One of the most charming aspects of Tet traditions is the decoration of homes with kumquat trees and money plants. These trees, adorned with bright fruits or lush greenery, symbolize abundance and prosperity. These plants aren’t just aesthetic — they are believed to help welcome good fortune and push away bad luck.

Red Decorations – Warding Off Evil Spirits

The color red is vital to Tet traditions, as it represents good luck and protection against negative energies. Red envelopes, couplets, lanterns, and other decorations fill homes, streets, and temples, spreading a sense of joy, safety, and prosperity. This vibrant color is integral to creating the joyful atmosphere of Tet, a festival rooted deeply in Vietnamese culture.

6. Spiritual Practices and Cultural Customs

New Year’s Eve Offerings – Cúng Giao Thừa

As the clock strikes midnight, families around Vietnam perform the sacred cúng giao thừa ceremony. This spiritual tradition involves setting up a family altar, presenting offerings to ancestors, and inviting them to join the celebrations. It’s a heartfelt way of honoring the past while welcoming a new year filled with hope.

Pagoda Visits for Health, Luck, and Love

One of the best cultural activities in Vietnam during Tet is the tradition of visiting pagodas. Locals seek blessings for their health, wealth, and love in the new year. Vietnamese families believe that the prayers made at this time will set the tone for the rest of the year.

Farewell Ritual – Lễ Hóa Vàng

As the Tet holiday traditions unfold, the farewell ceremony is another meaningful practice. Tet traditions call for burning symbolic gold and offerings as families bid farewell to the spirits of their ancestors, sending them back to the spiritual world until next year. It’s a beautiful, reflective moment that is both personal and communal.

Setting the Tet Feast – A Labor of Love

The Tet feast is a celebration of family and food. Preparing the Tet altar and offering trays is a process that reflects the love and care put into the holiday. Rice cakes like banh tet are made, and meals are carefully laid out, symbolizing gratitude, respect, and family reunions.

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7. How to Travel During Tet: What First-Time Visitors Must Know

Top Cities to Visit During Tet

• Hanoi – Immerse yourself in the rich history of Northern Tet traditions.
• Hue – Witness the beauty of ancient temples and royal Tet customs.
• Hoi An – Experience a charming Tet festival in the glow of colorful lanterns.
• Ho Chi Minh City – Experience the hustle and bustle of the Tet party in a modern metropolis.

Each city offers its own specialty in Vietnam, from the food to the Tet customs, creating unforgettable memories for every visitor.

Transportation Tips

Tet holiday traditions mean a large influx of travelers. Vietnamese people travel home to celebrate with family members, so expect crowded transport. Book flights and trains early, especially weeks before Tet.

Prepare for Closed Shops and Attractions

Many Vietnamese families take the opportunity to celebrate Tet without work or obligations, which means many businesses, shops, and tourist attractions will be closed. It’s essential to plan ahead!

Book Your Hotel in Advance

Hotels can fill up fast during Tet, so be sure to book your accommodations 2–4 weeks ahead of time. Staying in the heart of the celebrations will ensure you don’t miss a thing.

8. Immersive Experiences: What to Do During Tet

Want to dive deep into Vietnamese Tet traditions? Here’s how to fully immerse yourself in Tet holiday traditions and make your experience unforgettable.

Attend Spring Flower Festivals and Tet Markets

Walking through Tet markets filled with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and festive decorations is a must. It’s a chance to shop, interact with locals, and truly absorb the Tet spirit in the air.

Watch Lion and Dragon Dances

Catch a lion dance or dragon dance, a vital part of Tet celebrations. These traditional dances bring good luck and prosperity, filling the streets with energy, color, and fun.

Savor the Street Food and Tet Feasts

The Tet festival isn’t complete without trying banh tet, rice cakes, nem chua, and other delicious dishes. Don’t miss the street food stalls that offer the best Vietnamese cuisine during this festive time.

Join a Family Tet Celebration

If you’re lucky enough to be invited to a local’s home for Tet, you’re in for an authentic experience! You’ll be part of a family reunion, witness how Tet traditions are lived, and even have the opportunity to give and receive lucky money in red envelopes.

9. Common Tet Greetings You Can Use

Want to join in the Tet party? Here are some common Tet greetings to share during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year:

• Chúc Mừng Năm Mới – Happy New Year!
• An Khang Thịnh Vượng – Wishing you peace and prosperity!
• Vạn Sự Như Ý – May all your wishes come true!
• Sống Lâu Trăm Tuổi – Wishing you longevity (for elders)!
• Phát Tài Phát Lộc – May your business thrive!

Conclusion

The magic of Tet traditions lies in its blend of family, spirituality, and cultural activities in Vietnam. Tet is a time when Vietnamese people come together to honor the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the future. It’s a festival filled with joy, good luck, and new beginnings.

For first-time visitors, Tet offers you the chance to experience the Vietnamese Lunar New Year like never before — with family reunions, ancient rituals, and a sense of community. Celebrate Tet with an open heart, and you’ll carry the Tet spirit with you long after your journey ends.

Let’s continue exploring more about Vietnam and discover helpful travel tips to make your journey easier and more rewarding. Visit our Vietnam travel tips and review category for insights and advice, then plan your trip confidently by booking a Vietnam cultural tour with Vietpower Travel.