To be honest I found out after I booked my plane ticket that I was traveling to Vietnam during the busiest festivity of the year TET, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. I always escape the winter in the Netherlands in the period January to February. And exactly in this period this TET holiday offers a rich and immersive cultural experience unlike any other. As a seasoned traveler I found it very interesting traveling during the TET holidays. The vibrant energy, traditions and colors of TET gave me a unique opportunity do see and experience the cultural highlight of Vietnam. In this blog I write my experience on TET, what TET is, its history, customs, and the pros and cons of visiting Vietnam during this festive period. And the answer of traveling during Vietnamese TET; Yes or No?
What is TET?
TET Nguyen Dan, mainly shorted to TET, is the most important celebration in Vietnam. Guides explained it to me to see it as the combination of Christmas and New Year in Western cultures. It means the arrival of spring according to the Vietnamese lunar calendar, typically falling between late January and mid-February. The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon instead of looking at the solar cycles; like the seasons.
History of TET
TET has its roots in ancient agricultural practices, celebrating a new cycle of rice cultivation and the spring harvest. TET combines spiritual and familial elements; where the Vietnamese honor their ancestors, welcome the new year and reunite with family from all over the country or world.
Customs of TET
TET is full of traditions and customs like:
Cleaning and Decorating: Houses are cleaned and often adorned with peach blossoms in the north and yellow apricot flowers in the south, along with kumquat trees, to symbolize renewal and prosperity. Many roads are decorated with the national Vietnamese flags, seen thousands of them.
Family Gatherings: Families come together, often traveling great distances to be with loved ones. It’s a time to pay homage to ancestors with offerings and rituals.
Did you know that next to the family people also visit their teachers, as an appreciation of knowledge. That is an nice gesture, my sister is a teacher!
Traditional Foods: Special dishes are prepared and enjoyed, such as square sticky rice cake often filled with mung beans and pork. Vietnamese eat a lot of pork!
New Year’s Eve Celebrations: Festivities starts with firecrackers and fireworks and lion dances. I saw them all during my trip, not only on the night before but during the days before and after. They also burn paperwork symbolizing the things their ancestor needs in the afterlife, like cartons horses and hats.
Gifting: Red envelopes containing fake money are given to children and elders, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. You will see all of these items when visiting the local markets too!
Pros of Traveling During TET
Cultural Experience: There is no better time to experience Vietnamese culture and traditions than during TET, with all its of festivals, performances, and ceremonies in every city and countryside town.
Festive Atmosphere: The entire country pulses with energy and color, offering a lively and joyous backdrop for visitors. Everything is so colorful with lanterns, flags, trees and flowers! Love it!!
Unique Experiences: Visiting local markets, witnessing traditional dances, and nice if you can join a family gathering which will provide you a deeper insight into Vietnamese life and culture.
Cons of Traveling During TET
Travel Restrictions: Many locals travel during this time because everybody goes back to their family homes. This could lead to crowded buses, trains, and flights. So book your tickets well in advance, I booked all my transport months in advance via 12GoAsia, especially the flights could get sold out easily during TET season.
Closed Businesses: Many shops, restaurants and tourist attractions may close for several days as families celebrate TET. My Easy Rider from Hue to Hoi An was so friendly to ride on “New Year’s Day,” that was lucky due to my early booking. In Hue where I was with Lunar New Year, many restaurants were closed, but still hotels, massages and restaurants are still open for tourists. So I didn’t experience setbacks due to this TET.
Higher Prices: Due to the holiday demand, prices for accommodations and transportation can increase significantly. The NhàHàng Chan Restaurant in Hue charged me 15% more on the bill for the meal. Just to give you an indication.
Tips for Travelers during TET
Plan Ahead: Make all travel and accommodation reservations early to avoid the holiday rush. This is just to be sure and not worry during your stay in this lovely country Vietnam!
Embrace the Festivities: Participate in local events and embrace the festive spirit but be respectful of customs and traditions. I loved the scenery around the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, all the couples dressed at their best and took the best pictures and selfies! All done very professionally.
Explore the Countryside: While cities may be bustling, the countryside can offer a more serene escape during the holiday. I experienced that in Phong Nha, every house was cleaned and flags set in front of the houses, great to see!
TET Dates
Since the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is based on the lunar calendar, the dates vary each year. You should plan your travel and consider these dates when organizing your itinerary to experience the festivities of TET in Vietnam. Here are the TET dates for the coming years, for planning your next Vietnam trip:
2026: TET begins on February 17th
2027: TET begins on February 7th
2028: TET begins on January 26th
2029: TET begins on February 13th
2030: TET begins on February 3rd
Take into account two weeks around these dates, the celebrations will take place for a longer period of time.
Travel during TET: YES!!
Traveling to Vietnam during TET is a journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture and tradition. It’s a time when the family all comes together to honor their ancestors. Whether you are joining a TET meal, watch the fireworks or watch a drone show like in Hanoi. For me it were all pro’s so a definitely a big YES to the question Travel During Vietnamese TET; Yes or No? Happy New Year!
