Tet holidays Vietnam: A travel guide for visitors
The Tet holiday, the Vietnamese New Year, is one of the most important celebrations in Vietnam. It offers travelers a unique opportunity to experience the country's culture and traditions up close. In this article, you will learn how to plan your Tet experience, including important information on which stores and attractions are closed during the Tet holidays and where you can best enjoy the festive atmosphere.
What are the Tet holidays in Vietnam?
The Tet holidays, the Vietnamese New Year, are a particularly important time of celebration, tradition and family in Vietnam. They mark the beginning of the lunar calendar and usually run from January to February (although the exact dates may vary from year to year). During this time, it is common for many Vietnamese to return to their hometowns to spend more time with their families.
The Tet festival is an important event for the Vietnamese and is traditionally celebrated with centuries-old customs and religious rites. It is an important part of Vietnamese culture and a time to reflect on one's values and traditions. The festival is also an opportunity to share joy and happiness and to support and help each other.
In many parts of the country, there are colorful parades and fireworks, special foods and drinks, and a general atmosphere of joy and celebration. Some of the most famous traditional dishes prepared and enjoyed during the Tet festival are: Banh Chung (a type of sticky rice cake), Mut (candied fruit) and Xoi Gac (a type of sticky rice colored with Gac, a Vietnamese fruit).
When are the Tet holidays in Vietnam in 2026?
Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese New Year) begins on February 17, 2026 and lasts for several days. This time marks the beginning of a new year in the traditional Vietnamese calendar. The celebrations are characterized by numerous festivals, traditional dances and rituals.
The official holiday date for Tet usually lasts about a week, but the exact dates may vary slightly as they depend on the lunar calendar. It is common for most Vietnamese to have a few days off before and after the official holidays to enjoy the festivities. During this time, they often visit their families and friends to celebrate together and enjoy traditional dishes.
Tips for travelers:
Discover the beauty of Vietnam during the Tet holidays: This is the perfect opportunity for travelers to immerse themselves in Vietnam's unique culture.
Visit traditional temples during the Tet holidays: The temples are an important part of Vietnamese culture and offer travelers the opportunity to learn more about the local religion and traditions.
During this time, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the festive atmosphere and discover local customs.
Try traditional Vietnamese dishes: During the Tet holidays, there are a variety of dishes and specialties that are only available at this time of year. Don't miss the chance to try these delicacies!
Go on a journey of discovery and visit lively folk festivals where you will find traditional dances, music and delicious local specialties.
Celebrate the New Year with the locals: The Vietnamese are known for their hospitality and are often happy to invite visitors to their family celebrations. Take this opportunity to celebrate the New Year with the local people.
The street markets also offer a wealth of festive goods and unique souvenirs.
Experience the traditional fireworks display: During the Tet holidays, there are spectacular fireworks displays in many cities in Vietnam. Get ready to experience an unforgettable spectacle!
Take the opportunity to accept invitations from locals to experience the local culture first-hand and connect with the people.
Plan in advance to ensure a smooth Trip:During the Tet holidays, some stores, restaurants, banks and tourist attractions may be closed.
Find out about local customs and traditions: Vietnam has a rich culture and many local customs and traditions that may be unfamiliar to visitors. Read about them in advance to avoid any misunderstandings or faux pas.
You should therefore check the opening hours of your chosen locations in advance.
Try to learn Vietnamese: An easy way to impress the locals and better understand their culture is to learn some Vietnamese words and phrases. Take this opportunity to improve your language skills!
Also remember to have enough cash on hand and plan ahead for public transportation, as it may be limited during the holidays.
Don't forget to bring your camera: The Tet holidays offer countless beautiful and unforgettable moments. Make sure you have your camera ready to capture these memories for eternity!
Book a local guide for additional assistance and to make unforgettable memories.
Make the most of your visit to Vietnam: Celebrate the New Year in a unique and unforgettable way, experience Vietnamese culture and bring home wonderful memories.
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We hope you will enjoy your visit to Vietnam during the Tet holidays!
Immerse yourself in the culture: Tet - An unforgettable experience
Ritual cleansing: House cleaning begins before Tet. Families clean their homes thoroughly to bring the old year to a close and welcome the new one. It is believed that this brings good luck and drives away evil spirits.
Traditional decoration: Bright red and yellow decorations can be seen everywhere. Kumquat trees and blossoming peach branches symbolize prosperity and happiness.
The power of the red envelope: During Tet, red envelopes (Li Xi) are presented with gifts of money to share prosperity and blessings. Older people give them to younger people as a sign of respect.
Visits to the ancestors: Family is of great importance in Vietnam. During Tet, people visit the graves of their ancestors and hold rituals to honor their ancestors.
Delicious food: Special dishes such as bánh chưng (pressed rice cake) and bánh tét (cylindrical rice cake) are prepared and shared with family and friends. These dishes are not only delicious, but also have symbolic meaning.
Dragon dance: Parades and dragon dances are an exciting part of the festival. The dragon symbolizes luck, strength and prosperity and drives away evil spirits.
Culture and community: Tet is not only a festival, but also a time of community and respect for each other. People visit each other, share stories and enjoy each other's company.
The celebrations last for several days and there is a festive atmosphere during the Tet holidays in Vietnam. It is a great opportunity to experience the rich culture and warmth of the country.
