As the Lunar New Year approaches, Tet 2025 is the perfect time to plan a trip to Vietnam. Tet or Tet Nguyen Dan, is not just a holiday—it’s a vibrant display of culture, family traditions, and national pride. Beyond the festive atmosphere, Tet opens up incredible opportunities to explore Vietnam’s rich history and breathtaking destinations. If you’re planning to visit, here are ten essential things to know about Tet 2025 in Vietnam.
1. What is Tet 2025?
Tet 2025 in Vietnam officially falls on January 29, but the celebrations typically last for at least seven days, often longer in rural areas. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new lunar calendar year.
In the system of sexagenary cycles used to number the lunar year, the year 2025 is the year of At Ty. “Ty” corresponds to the zodiac sign of the Snake. Therefore, in this “Year of the Snake”, you will easily see stylized snake decorations everywhere, especially on Tet holiday.
Tet is more than just a new year’s celebration—it is deeply rooted in Vietnamese beliefs about family, luck, and renewal. During this period, people return to their hometowns to reunite with loved ones, honor their ancestors and exchange good wishes for the coming year. For travelers, Tet offers a unique chance to experience Vietnam’s cultural depth, where modern and traditional celebrations blend seamlessly.
2. Best time to visit Vietnam during Tet
The Tet period can be divided into three phases:
- Before Tet (Tat Nien): A week before Tet, the atmosphere is electric. Streets bustle with families shopping for decorations, food, and flowers. This is the best time to witness bustling traditions and vibrant street scenes.
Tet decorations in Hanoi
- During Tet: On the first three days of Tet, the streets may feel quieter as families gather indoors for celebrations. However, temples and pagodas remain lively with people praying for blessings. Some areas especially larger cities, host fireworks and cultural performances.
- After Tet: Life begins to return to normal after the first few days, but the festive mood lingers. Post-Tet is an excellent time to visit destinations with fewer crowds and mild weather.
For the full Tet experience, you can arrive early and stay through the first week of February.
3. Unique Traditions of Tet
Tet is steeped in meaningful customs, each reflecting Vietnamese values and hopes for the future.
- Flower Markets: The vibrant colors of hoa đào (peach blossoms) in the north and hoa mai (apricot blossoms) in the south are synonymous with Tet. These flowers are believed to bring luck and prosperity. Visiting Tet flower markets like Quang Ba in Hanoi or Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City is a joyful experience for locals and visitors alike.
- House Cleaning: Before Tet, families clean their homes to symbolically sweep away bad luck and welcome good fortune. This is an essential part of Tet preparations.
- Offerings to Ancestors: Families prepare altars with fruits, incense, and traditional dishes to honor their ancestors. This act reflects gratitude and reverence for familial roots.
- New Year’s Wishes and Red Envelopes: One of Tet’s most endearing traditions, elders give red envelopes filled with money to children and younger family members as a gesture of luck and blessings.
Grandparents Giving Lucky Money Envelopes
These customs give travelers a chance to witness the essence of Vietnamese culture and its deep respect for family and heritage.
Read more: Calligraphy Vietnam: Essential custom of Tet
4. Destinations to Visit During Tet
Vietnam offers diverse experiences during Tet as each region offers its own celebration:
Northern Vietnam
- Hanoi: The capital is a hub of activity before Tet, with colorful decorations, bustling markets, and traditional performances. You can visit Ngoc Son Temple or Hoan Kiem Lake to experience a serene yet festive ambiance.
- Sapa: For a quieter Tet experience, head to the mountains. Sapa is not only a winter wonderland but also a place to learn about ethnic minority groups and their unique Tet customs.
Central Vietnam
- Hue: The former imperial capital celebrates Tet with royal ceremonies and traditional music performances. Explore the Perfume River and historic sites like the Citadel.
- Hoi An: This UNESCO World Heritage site is magical during Tet, with lantern-lit streets and cultural events showcasing the region’s history and traditions.
Hoi An lights up lantern during Tet
Southern Vietnam
- Ho Chi Minh City: The city comes alive during Tet with vibrant flower streets, dazzling fireworks, and bustling Tet fairs. Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street is a must-visit for its elaborate displays.
- Mekong Delta: Experience a rural Tet by visiting floating markets, where locals sell Tet specialties amidst a picturesque river setting.
5. Festivals and Cultural Highlights
Tet serves as the gateway to Vietnam’s spring festival season, where traditions and celebrations thrive:
- Perfume Pagoda Festival: Held after Tet, this pilgrimage involves scenic boat rides and treks through limestone mountains to reach the sacred Perfume Pagoda.
- Bái Đính Pagoda Festival: Taking place in Ninh Binh, this event celebrates Buddhism through prayers, cultural performances, and temple tours in one of Vietnam’s largest temple complexes.
- Local Games: Traditional games such as bamboo swinging and human chess add a playful element to Tet celebrations.
6. Culinary Delights to Savor
Tet is a celebration of food, and each dish holds symbolic meaning:
- Banh Chung & Banh Tet: Square and cylindrical rice cakes. These are staples of Tet, symbolizing gratitude and the harmony of heaven and earth.
Banh Chung, the most important food during Tet in Vietnam
- Pickled vegetables: Tangy pickled onions and radishes balance out the rich flavors of Tet meals.
- Thit dong: A chilled pork and jelly dish popular in northern Vietnam.
- Candied fruits and seeds: Sweet treats like candied kumquat and coconut are thought to bring sweetness and joy to the year ahead.
Travelers can join local cooking classes to learn how to prepare these traditional dishes.
Read more: Tet Holiday – Traditional Dishes and Customs of the Vietnamese
7. Tips for Traveling During Tet 2025 in Vietnam
Tet 2025 in Vietnam will be a peak travel period, so traveling during this time requires some preparation to make the most of your visit:
- Book Early: Flights, trains, and accommodations fill up quickly during Tet. Reserve your spot months in advance.
- Plan for Closures: Many businesses close during the first few days of Tet, so check ahead. Plan your itinerary around cultural sites and public festivals that remain open.
- Transportation: Public transport may be busier than usual as locals return to their hometowns for the holiday
Read more: Booking Guide for Vietnamese New Year
8. Immerse Yourself in Local Customs
Participating in Tet traditions is a meaningful way to connect with Vietnamese people and their culture. When celebrating Tet in Vietnam, respect for local customs is appreciated.
- Avoid wearing black or white, as these colors are associated with mourning. Instead, wear vibrant colors like red or yellow will symbolize luck and happiness
- Offer Tet greetings such as Chuc Mung Nam Moi (Happy New Year) or An Khang Thinh Vuong (Health and Prosperity).
- Respect local taboos, such as avoiding criticizing or arguing, as the first days of the new year set the tone for the entire year.
9. Tet in Modern Vietnam
While steeped in tradition, Tet in urban areas has taken on a modern twist. Urban areas like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer a mix of traditional and modern Tet celebrations. Expect dazzling fireworks displays in major cities to light up the night sky. Shopping malls host Tet-themed events, blending traditional and contemporary elements. On the contrary, younger generations in Vietnam often use Tet as an opportunity to travel, leaving cities slightly less crowded.
Fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet
10. Extend Your Journey Beyond Tet
The post-Tet period is an excellent time to explore Vietnam’s serene landscapes:
- Northern Terraces: Enjoy the lush, peaceful scenery of terraced rice fields and quiet villages.
- Beaches in the South: Phu Quoc and Nha Trang offer tranquil post-Tet retreats with pristine beaches and warm weather.
- Cultural Tours: Visit ethnic minority villages for unique insights into their way of life and traditions.
Celebrate Tet 2025 in Vietnam
Tet 2025 in Viẻtnam offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime chance to experience the country’s most festive season. From bustling markets and sacred traditions to stunning destinations and delectable cuisine, Tet is a sensory feast that celebrates renewal, family, and culture.
Start planning your Tet adventure now to witness the heart of Vietnam’s heritage. With preparation and an open heart, Tet 2025 could become your most unforgettable travel experience yet!
Happy travels and Chuc Mung Nam Moi!
