All of the Best Things To Do During Vietnam’s Tet Celebrations
Welcome the Lunar New Year like a local with traditional festivities throughout Vietnam
Everyone in Vietnam looks forward to Tet - the feeling of excitement is palpable. Visitors might reconsider travelling to Vietnam during this holiday period, which lasts around two weeks, as most businesses, attractions, restaurants and transport are out of action while people celebrate at home. But we’ll let you in on a secret: Tet is one of the best times to visit Vietnam to experience an authentic slice of local culture.
Tourists will notice some differences in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and other towns and cities in Vietnam in the week leading up to Tet. Look out for stalls selling red envelopes, Year of the Snake-themed foodstuff and beautiful decorations throughout the streets. As in other places that celebrate the Lunar New Year, such as Hong Kong, Vietnam sees flower markets appear, which sell bright red and yellow flowers and kumquat trees to signify good luck.
Credit: Christian Berg
Tet will officially take place this year on January 29, with people preparing for the holiday up to a week before and most people closing up shop and enjoying time with loved ones in the week or two afterwards. However, there is still a range of unique places to stay, dine and ring in the new year, with many luxury hotels in Vietnam showcasing special menus and celebrations for guests during Tet.
Lunar New Year Gastronomy
As with most celebrations in Southeast Asia, food is a big part of the festivities. In Vietnam, look out for banh chung, which are cakes made from pork, mung beans and glutinous rice, often wrapped in a banana leaf. In Hanoi, one of the best places to find this traditional treat is at Quoc Huong on Hàng Bông street, which has been making them for more than 200 years. Other commonly found dishes during Lunar New Year include kho, which is a style of cooking that simmers beef or pork in a sweet sauce; cha lua (pork rolls) and brightly coloured xoi gac (red sticky rice).
Credit: Christian Berg
Explore The Flower Markets
The kaleidoscope of coloured flowers that pop up for sale during Tet aren’t just beautiful; they also have their own hidden meanings. Red and yellow are traditionally the colours representing the new year, and flowers are given as gifts or decorate homes to symbolise luck, prosperity and happiness.
Pink peach flowers are popular, representing love and joy, while kumquat trees, sold in abundance at the markets, bestow both wealth and luck upon their owner. Hanoi features some of Vietnam’s prettiest flower markets, including Quang Bá Flower Market close to West Lake, and in Ho Chi Minh, Nguyen Hue Street is famous for its large, vibrant flower show.
Watch The Fireworks
Join the crowds if you’re in any major Vietnamese city in the run-up to the Lunar New Year, and watch the fireworks shows that are usually put on in the evening before Tet officially begins. In Hanoi, multiple fireworks displays are set to be held in Hoan Kiem, Tay Ho, Ha Dong and Nam Tu Liem districts. You can watch from afar, but the best spots are at the capital’s many rooftop cafes and bars - just remember to book in advance. Just like Western New Year celebrations, fireworks displays usually take place at midnight, and once the new year kicks off, make sure to wish locals ‘chúc mừng năm mới’ (Happy New Year).
Celebrate in Luxury
Experiencing an authentic Tet is an opportunity to see Vietnam’s traditions and culture, however, tourists can find visiting during this time tricky, thanks to transport, restaurants and more being out of action. Fortunately, the country’s varied selection of luxury hotels still welcome visitors over the holiday period, putting on parties, speciality dining experiences and more.
Alma Resort in Cam Ranh, a five-star, family-friendly property with expansive accommodation and luxury amenities, has an entire six-day programme this year featuring live entertainment, traditional games and champagne floating breakfasts for guests.
In the capital, the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will be bringing back its popular annual Tet market and a five-course set menu at their restaurant, Spice Garden, which includes traditional celebratory dishes. And on the central coast in Mui Ne, luxury hotel The Anam has announced a roster of celebrations including lion dances, live music and a fire show.
