The Tet Holiday usually falls in mid-January or February. Dry, bright weather is expected across Vietnam. Temperatures in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) will be relatively cool (17°C) but higher in central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, etc) and South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) (25-28 °C).
So what is Tet?
Tet, the Lunar New Year Holiday, is as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year combined in one. It is the biggest public holiday of Vietnam, which may only run for one week, but in reality, Tet celebrations last much longer. And it is always a fabulous experience to visit Vietnam during this time.
Some interesting Tet traditions and customs
Before Tet, people clean their homes to get rid of bad luck, make sure they’ve paid off all of their debts and resolve any outstanding arguments. People, especially children, will get new clothes to wear on the first day of the year and homes and streets are brightly decorated.
Kumquat trees and peach blossoms, both with important symbolic meaning in Vietnamese culture, are put in homes and businesses, again with the hope of bringing good wishes for the year to come. You’ll see them all over the country either being displayed or being bought and sold from markets.
You’ll also see plenty of trays containing 5 fruits being taken to shrines and temples. The fruits vary regionally but all symbolise elements for a positive year. Many people wear red, similar to other Asian countries, as it’s believed the colour brings good luck.
One of our favourite aspects of Tet is Banh chung, or Tet cake. A green leaf-wrapped square that you’re sure to see being bought and sold everywhere. It’s traditionally made together by the family and contains glutinous rice, beans and pork. To all you veggie travellers, Hanoi is a surprisingly good place for vegans and in many veggie restaurants or shops it’s possible to buy a meat-free alternative which is absolutely delicious!
People from all over the country will return to their hometowns for the Tet holiday, creating heavy demand for bus, train and plane tickets, as well as hotel rooms. With many staff gone home to their families, businesses and restaurants typically shut for at least the first few days of Tet. Expect cities to be quiet during this time, as well as limited dining and shopping options.
You can request a Chauffeur Service from Enterprise-Vietnam, who can guide you during your journey and help you experience the best things during Vietnamese Tet Holiday.
The Tet Holiday usually falls in mid-January or February. Dry, bright weather is expected across Vietnam. Temperatures in the north (Hanoi, Ha Long Bay) will be relatively cool (17°C) but higher in central Vietnam (Hoi An, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang, etc) and South Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta) (25-28 °C).
So what is Tet?
Tet, the Lunar New Year Holiday, is as well as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year combined in one. It is the biggest public holiday of Vietnam, which may only run for one week, but in reality, Tet celebrations last much longer. And it is always a fabulous experience to visit Vietnam during this time.
Some interesting Tet traditions and customs
Before Tet, people clean their homes to get rid of bad luck, make sure they’ve paid off all of their debts and resolve any outstanding arguments. People, especially children, will get new clothes to wear on the first day of the year and homes and streets are brightly decorated.
Kumquat trees and peach blossoms, both with important symbolic meaning in Vietnamese culture, are put in homes and businesses, again with the hope of bringing good wishes for the year to come. You’ll see them all over the country either being displayed or being bought and sold from markets.
You’ll also see plenty of trays containing 5 fruits being taken to shrines and temples. The fruits vary regionally but all symbolise elements for a positive year. Many people wear red, similar to other Asian countries, as it’s believed the colour brings good luck.
One of our favourite aspects of Tet is Banh chung, or Tet cake. A green leaf-wrapped square that you’re sure to see being bought and sold everywhere. It’s traditionally made together by the family and contains glutinous rice, beans and pork. To all you veggie travellers, Hanoi is a surprisingly good place for vegans and in many veggie restaurants or shops it’s possible to buy a meat-free alternative which is absolutely delicious!
People from all over the country will return to their hometowns for the Tet holiday, creating heavy demand for bus, train and plane tickets, as well as hotel rooms. With many staff gone home to their families, businesses and restaurants typically shut for at least the first few days of Tet. Expect cities to be quiet during this time, as well as limited dining and shopping options.
You can request a Chauffeur Service from Enterprise-Vietnam, who can guide you during your journey and help you experience the best things during Vietnamese Tet Holiday.
