Tet Vietnam Lunar New Year and the Essence of Tradition
Tet Vietnam is the most significant holiday in the country, shaping traditions, family life, and cultural identity. In this guide, we’ll explore what Tet in Vietnam is, when it takes place, and the key elements that make it such a defining celebration.
1. What is Tet in Vietnam
Tet Nguyen Dan, or simply Tet, is Vietnam’s most significant and widely celebrated holiday. Marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar, Tet Vietnam is much more than just a New Year’s celebration; it is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and embracing traditions that have been passed down for generations. From colorful decorations to sumptuous feasts, Vietnam Tet offers a rich cultural experience that captures the heart of Vietnamese identity.
2. When is Tet in Vietnam
Tet Vietnam follows the lunar calendar, so its date changes each year, typically falling between late January and mid-February. The celebration begins on the first day of the Lunar New Year, though preparations start weeks earlier as families clean their homes, decorate, shop for gifts, and prepare traditional foods.
Tet Vietnam 2026 will fall on February 17, 2026, which marks the first day of the Year of the Horse. Vietnamese people will enjoy an extended national holiday, expected to run from February 14 to February 22. This period is also filled with major cultural events and vibrant celebrations, making it an ideal time for visitors to experience Vietnam’s rich heritage and festive spirit.
>>> You may like our collection about Vietnamese culture:
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3. What people do in Tet
3.1. Preparation for Tet
Weeks before the arrival of Tet Nguyen Dan, Vietnamese families embark on thorough preparations to welcome the new year with a fresh start. Homes are meticulously cleaned to sweep away any lingering bad luck and make space for good fortune. This cleaning ritual, known as “Tat nien,” symbolizes purification and renewal.
Apricot Blossoms and Peach Blossoms blooming in Tet
Decorations play a vital role in setting the festive mood for Vietnam Tet. Kumquat trees, representing prosperity and fertility, and flowering plants such as Peach Blossoms (in the North) and Apricot Blossoms (in the South) are displayed prominently in homes and public spaces. Red banners with auspicious phrases, such as “Chuc Mung Nam Moi” (Happy New Year), adorn walls and doorways, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
3.2. Ancestral Worship and Family Bonds
At the core of Tet holiday Vietnam is the practice of ancestral worship, a tradition deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture. Families set up altars with offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense to honor their forebears and invite their spirits to join in the celebration. It is believed that showing respect to ancestors brings blessings and protection for the coming year.
Ancestral worship – A traditional ritual of Vietnam
Tet Vietnam is also a time for family reunions. Loved ones gather from far and wide to share meals, exchange stories, and strengthen familial bonds. This sense of togetherness underscores the importance of family in Vietnamese society.
A feast with traditional dishes on Tet holiday
3.3. The Feast of Tet Vietnam
Food is central to the Tet Vietnam experience, and traditional dishes are prepared with great care to symbolize Luck, Health, and Happiness. One of the most iconic Tet foods is Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) in the North and Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake) in the South. These cakes, made of glutinous rice, pork, and mung beans, are wrapped in banana leaves and steamed for 12 hours, representing the Earth and Sky.
Banh Tet – An iconic Tet food in the South of Vietnam
Other festive delicacies include Gio (Vietnamese Pork Sausage), Dua Hanh (Pickled Onions), and Candied Fruits like Coconut and Dry Seeds. These dishes are often enjoyed during reunion meals, fostering a spirit of warmth and gratitude.
3.4. Rituals and Customs
The days of Vietnam Tet are filled with meaningful rituals and customs. On New Year’s Eve, families hold a ceremony to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one. At the stroke of midnight, fireworks light up the sky, accompanied by the sound of firecrackers, which are believed to scare away evil spirits.
Watching fireworks on New Year’s Eve is an unforgettable experience.
Children eagerly anticipate receiving Li Xi (Red Envelopes) filled with money from elders. These envelopes symbolize blessings of Health, Happiness, and Prosperity. In return, children offer well-wishes to their elders.
Children are excited to receive red envelopes in Tet
3.5. Festivities and Community Spirit
Tet Vietnam is not only a family affair but also a community celebration. Streets come alive with markets selling festive goods, traditional games, and cultural performances such as lion dances. Pagodas and temples are crowded with devotees praying for health and success in the coming year.
There are some festival occurs in this time of the year that you should try if planning to celebrate Tet holiday in Vietnam like Huong Temple Festive (Le hoi Chua Huong) in Hanoi, Yen Tu Spring Festival (Le hoi Yen Tu) in Quang Ninh, Ba Den Mountain Festival (Le hoi Nui Ba Den) in Tay Ninh…
*Travel tips: Tet festivals are vibrant and joyfully crowded. If you prefer a calmer experience, visit and book services early or choose less-touristed areas for more room options and special offers while still enjoying the festive spirit.
A corner of Hang Ma Street – Hanoi during Tet
>>> Start to plan your Vietnam holiday trip with some of our suggestions:
- 5-Day Adventure Through Ha Giang
- 8-Day Essence of Vietnam North to South
- 9-Day Custom Cultural Adventure in Vietnam
- 14-Day Highlights of Vietnam
4. Conclusion
Tet Nguyen Dan is more than a New Year celebration; it’s a vibrant showcase of Vietnam’s rich culture and cherished traditions. From the warmth of family gatherings to the lively community festivities, Tet Vietnam offers an unforgettable experience. Visit Vietnam during this special time to immerse yourself in its joyous spirit and discover the beauty of its traditions firsthand. As the Vietnamese say, “Nam moi, khoi đau moi” (New year, new beginnings).
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