Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant and vibrant celebration in Vietnam. Marking the start of the lunar calendar, Tet 2025 begins on Thursday, January 29, 2025, and the festivities extend for several days. For travelers planning a trip to Vietnam during Tet, this guide provides essential insights into the traditions, customs, and practical tips for making the most of this special time.
What Is Tet?
Tet (Tết Nguyên Đán) is Vietnam’s equivalent of the Chinese New Year, celebrating renewal, family reunions, and honoring ancestors. It’s a time of joy, preparation, and cultural significance, with traditions deeply rooted in Vietnamese history. Families clean their homes, prepare special dishes, and exchange good wishes for prosperity and health in the year ahead.
Tet 2025 Key Dates
- January 25-28, 2025: Preparations, including cleaning homes, shopping, and decorating with kumquat trees and peach blossoms.
- January 29, 2025: Tet Eve (Giao Thừa) – Families gather for a feast and to welcome the Lunar New Year.
- January 29-February 2, 2025: Main Tet celebrations, including visiting relatives, giving lucky money (“Lì xì”), and participating in festivals.
Tet Traditions and Customs
- Cleaning and Decorating Homes In the days leading up to Tet, Vietnamese families clean their homes thoroughly to sweep away bad luck from the past year and welcome good fortune. Homes are decorated with kumquat trees, peach blossoms (in the north), apricot blossoms (in the south), and red banners with auspicious phrases. These decorations symbolize prosperity, happiness, and longevity.
- Ancestor Worship Vietnamese people honor their ancestors by preparing altars with fruits, flowers, and traditional foods. Special offerings are made to invite ancestors to join the family during Tet, reflecting deep respect for familial bonds.
- Tet Feasts Food plays a central role during Tet. Families prepare traditional dishes like Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cake), Bánh Tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake), Giò Lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage), and Thịt Kho Tàu (braised pork and eggs). These dishes are rich in symbolism, representing unity, prosperity, and gratitude.
- Visiting Relatives and Friends During Tet, it’s customary to visit family, friends, and neighbors to exchange New Year’s greetings. Children receive red envelopes (“Lì xì”) containing lucky money as a symbol of good fortune.
- New Year’s Wishes and Auspicious Beginnings The first visitor to a household (“xông đất”) is carefully chosen, as they are believed to bring luck for the entire year. Families also avoid conflicts, breaking objects, or using negative language to ensure a positive start to the year.
- Visiting Temples and Pagodas Many Vietnamese visit temples and pagodas to pray for health, happiness, and success in the coming year. These spiritual visits are an integral part of Tet traditions.
What Can Foreigners Explore During Tet?
- Experience Tet Markets Visit bustling Tet markets, such as Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, to shop for Tet decorations, specialty foods, and unique souvenirs. The vibrant atmosphere and colorful displays are a feast for the senses.
- Join Local Festivities Many towns and cities host public celebrations, including lion dances, firework displays, and cultural performances. Foreigners are welcome to join in and experience the festive spirit.
- Taste Traditional Tet Foods Don’t miss the chance to try iconic Tet dishes like Bánh Chưng, Bánh Tét, and Mứt Tết (candied fruits). Many restaurants and homestays offer traditional meals during Tet.
- Learn About Tet Customs Engage with locals to learn about Tet traditions, such as giving lucky money, preparing offerings, or creating calligraphy. Many families are happy to share their customs with curious travelers.
- Explore a Quieter Vietnam While major cities might feel quieter during Tet, rural areas offer an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese traditions. Villages come alive with community gatherings, traditional games, and rituals.
Travel Tips for Tet 2025
- Plan Your Visa Early The Vietnam Immigration Department will be closed for the holiday from January 25 to February 2, 2025. To avoid delays, apply for your Vietnam E-Visa well in advance. With our fast processing options, including 4-hour urgent visas, you can ensure smooth travel even during this busy period.
- Book Everything in Advance Transportation and accommodations fill up quickly during Tet. Secure your flights, trains, and hotels early to avoid inconvenience.
- Be Flexible Expect changes to schedules, limited services, and crowded transportation hubs. Patience and adaptability will enhance your experience.
- Respect Traditions
- Avoid wearing black or white, as these colors are associated with mourning.
- Be mindful of giving gifts: items like knives or clocks are considered bad luck. Instead, opt for fruits, sweets, or lucky money in red envelopes.
Why Visit Vietnam During Tet?
Tet offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural soul. From the warmth of family reunions to the bustling Tet markets and vibrant celebrations, this holiday encapsulates the heart of Vietnamese life. Travelers who embrace the spirit of Tet will leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper connection to the culture.
Apply for Your Vietnam Visa Today
Planning to visit Vietnam during Tet 2025? Ensure your trip goes smoothly by securing your visa in advance. With Vietnam Visa Express, you can choose from:
- 4-Hour Urgent E-Visa Processing
- 1-Day and 2-Day E-Visa Options
- Visa on Arrival Services
📩 Contact Us Today:
🌐 Website: vietnamvisaexpress.com
📱 WhatsApp/Viber: (+84) 86 686 5000
📧 Email: support@vietnamvisaexpress.com
Celebrate Tet 2025 with ease and experience the magic of Vietnam’s most cherished holiday. Let us take care of your visa while you enjoy the festivities!
