Tet Vietnam is a captivating celebration brimming with traditions and customs. Ever wondered what to do and what not to do during Tet in Vietnam? Join us at Asia Legend Travel as we explore the Tet Vietnam cultural dos and don’ts.
Understanding Tet Vietnam: Exploring Vietnam’s Lunar New Year
Tet Vietnam, or Tet Vietnamese New Year, is the most significant holiday in Vietnam. Typically occurring in late January or early February, it marks the beginning of spring and the new lunar year. The festivities span several days, with the first day of the lunar year (which falls on January 29th in 2025) being the most important.
During Tet, the whole country buzzes with excitement as people dive into age-old traditions. Weeks before, families start prepping by giving their homes a deep clean to shoo away any bad luck. They deck out their places with flowers and trees that symbolize good luck, such as peach blossoms and kumquat trees, and whip up special treats like chung cake – a square sticky rice cake that’s packed with meaning, symbolizing both the earth and sky.
In terms of Tet traditions Vietnam, Vietnamese folks pay respects to their ancestors, setting up altars with offerings. They believe the spirits of their loved ones come back to join in the festivities. There’s a lot of importance placed on who first steps into your house on New Year’s Day – this person is thought to set the tone for your luck in the coming year.
Particularly, Tet Vietnam is the time when everyone’s out and about, catching up with family and friends, and wishing each other good health and success. Kids love it because they get ‘li xi’ – little red envelopes stuffed with “lucky money.” The streets come alive with the sounds of traditional music, the sight of colorful lion dances, and the crackle of fireworks.
At its heart, Tet is all about honoring Vietnam’s rich heritage, family ties, and sense of community. It’s a time for new beginnings and embracing what’s to come, giving both locals and visitors a real taste of Vietnam’s vibrant culture.
Dos for a Joyful Tet Experience
If you’re planning a Vietnam trip during Tet Vietnam, there are several Tet customs for foreigners you should be aware of to ensure an enjoyable and memorable experience. Here are some key things of what to do during Tet in Vietnam:
- Dress in bright colors: Red, yellow, and gold are considered auspicious colors that symbolize luck and prosperity. Vietnamese people often wear these colors during Tet, believing they’ll bring good fortune for the year.
- Give lucky money: Hand out “lucky money” in red envelopes (called “li xi”) to children and elders. This long-standing tradition is believed to bestow good fortune on those who receive it.
- Offer greetings and well wishes: Learn to say “Chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year) and wish people health, happiness, and success. Trust me, locals will appreciate the effort!
- Visit temples and pagodas: During Tet Vietnam, locals flock to temples and pagodas to pray for good fortune in the coming year. It’s a great chance to experience Vietnam’s rich spiritual traditions firsthand. Don’t miss out on this cultural highlight!
- Participate in traditional activities: Don’t miss out on the lion dances, dragon parades, and temple visits. It’s the perfect way to soak up the Tet atmosphere.
- Try traditional Tet foods: Dive into traditional Tet treats like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), bánh tét (another type of rice cake), and xôi gấc (red sticky rice). Your stomach will thank you!
- Respect elders: When talking to older folks, use polite language and avoid criticism. It’s all about keeping things positive during Tet.
- Collect calligraphic “lucky letters”: Gathering ‘lucky letters’ from calligraphy artists during Tet has been a cherished tradition in Vietnam for generations. It’s believed to bring good fortune for the year ahead and also reflects the Vietnamese people’s deep respect for learning.
- Buy salt: Purchase small bags of salt, as it’s considered a symbol of strong relationships. This tradition signifies a desire to maintain harmonious family bonds and foster strong connections between family members.
- Mind your table manners: When invited to a local family’s meal, wait for the eldest to start eating, try all dishes, and finish your plate. These gestures show respect and appreciation.
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Don’ts to Respect Vietnamese Traditions
While there are many things to enjoy an authentic Tet, visitors should also be aware of some common cultural faux pas. Here are a few things to avoid when celebrating Tet Vietnam:
- Sweep the house on the first day of Tet: Locals believe this sweeps away good fortune. Make sure to finish all your cleaning before the first day of the new year begins.
- Wear black or white: These colors are associated with funerals and considered unlucky.
- Visit a Vietnamese home early on the first day of Tet: Vietnamese families carefully choose their first guest of the year, believing it can impact their luck. If you want to visit a Vietnamese home, wait for an invitation or hold off until the second day of Tet.
- Engage in arguments or conflicts: Avoid arguments or conflicts to keep the festive spirit.
- Take photos or videos without permission: Get permission before taking pictures, especially of people or sacred sites.
- Speak loudly or use profanity: Keep your voice down and avoid cursing to maintain the festive and peaceful atmosphere during Tet.
- Eat the “unlucky” foods: Avoid eating things like dog meat or squid, which are considered unlucky during Tet.
- Break utensils: Handle objects with care, as breaking items is considered unlucky.
- Bargaining excessively: While haggling is common, don’t push too hard with vendors during Tet when prices might be higher.
- Expecting Strict Schedules: During Tet Vietnam, things often run on “holiday time.” Schedules can be pretty loose, and plans might change at the last minute. It’s best to go with the flow and embrace the relaxed atmosphere of the holiday.
Tet Holiday Travel Tips for Foreigners
Traveling during the Tet Vietnam holiday might be pricier than other times of the year, but it’s an excellent opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture. Here are some Tet holiday travel tips for foreigners.
- Plan ahead: Accommodation and transportation costs tend to spike during Tet, and many businesses close for the holiday. It’s crucial to book your lodging and travel arrangements well in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Prepare food and drinks: As mentioned earlier, few businesses are open during the Tet holiday, and even supermarkets and shopping malls may be closed. To avoid running out of food and drinks, it’s important to stock up for several days if you plan to explore Vietnam during Tet.
- Check travel dates to avoid crowds: Try to avoid traveling at the beginning or end of the Tet vacation, as many Vietnamese people travel between provinces to return home or go back to work. This can lead to heavy traffic on highways and significantly longer travel times.
- Follow traffic rules: Local beliefs believe that experiencing something negative, like a traffic ticket, at the beginning of the year can be a bad omen for the entire year. By obeying traffic rules, you not only ensure your safety but also avoid potentially jinxing your luck.
Overall, it’s important to understand Tet do’s and don’ts for tourists visiting Vietnam during this special time. If you love exploring different cultures, you’ll love it! Tet Vietnam is packed with unique experiences and traditions. Want to join in? Great idea! Just pack your bags and get ready for an exciting trip to Vietnam during Tet with our Vietnam 14 day tour. You’re in for a real treat!
