Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) – one of the most important and sacred holidays of the year for Vietnamese people. This is the time for families to reunite, remember their ancestors and welcome a new year full of hope and luck. Not only that, Tet is also an opportunity to experience unique customs, enjoy delicious dishes and immerse yourself in the vibrant festival atmosphere. If you are planning to travel during this Tet holiday, please refer to the tips and suggestions below to have a great trip!
When will the Lunar New Year 2025 take place?
The traditional Vietnamese New Year is a very holy time for all Vietnamese people in Vietnam and the Vietnamese community around the world. This is a time for family reunion and share experiences about work and life from the past year.
The traditional Vietnamese New Year holiday is expected to take place from January 27 (the 28th of lunar month) to February 2, 2025 (the 5th day of the Lunar New Year), lasting 6 days.
For private entities, the holiday can start from January 25, 2025 (the 26th of lunar month) to February 2, 2025 (the 5th day of the Lunar New Year).
1. What to Prepare When Traveling During Tet Holidays?
Plan Early:
One of the most important things when traveling during Tet is to plan early. This is the time when travel services such as airline tickets, hotel rooms, and tours are easily sold out or increase in price. If you want to secure your trip and avoid last-minute surprises, book tickets early to both save costs and avoid missing out due to sold-out rooms or tickets. Not to mention, if you travel during peak days, service prices will also sky rocket, so planning as early as possible will help you have a relaxing vacation without worrying about financial problems.
You can contact Muine Express Travel & Transport to book a hotel/resort, Transfer Car and Tours to travel during this Tet holiday, which is Safe – Fast – Reasonable. Contact via hotlines +84 982 163 468 (VIE/ENG/RUS) / +84 987 657 369 (RUS) now to book services for your trip.
Choose a destination:
Tet is a great opportunity for you to explore domestic tourist destinations, from big cities to peaceful tourist areas. Some suggestions below may interest you:
- North: Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh are always attractive destinations during Tet. You will be immersed in the cold spring air, watching cherry blossoms in Hanoi or going to Sapa, Ninh Binh to enjoy the fresh air and wonderful scenery.
- Central: Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang bring ancient, gentle beauty, with streets lined with yellow apricot trees and colorful Tet festivals. Hoi An is especially prominent with a space imbued with the traditional Tet atmosphere, where you can feel the Tet atmosphere in every corner of the street.
- South: If you want to enjoy a vibrant, warm Tet, Ho Chi Minh City, Phu Quoc, Vung Tau and Nha Trang will be ideal choices. Here, you will easily find street festivals, bustling Tet markets and fun Tet parties.
2. Experience Tet Cuisine:
Tet cannot be without typical dishes, each dish has its own meaning. First of all, we have to mention banh chung and banh tet – indispensable dishes in every family. “Banh chung” (sticky rice cake) symbolizes the earth, while “Banh tet” represents the sky, a perfect combination of culture and folk beliefs. In addition, dishes such as braised meat, pickled onions, and Tet jam are also irreplaceable dishes on the Tet tray. Try to learn about and enjoy these dishes, you will feel the full flavor of Tet.
3. Cultural and Festival Experiences:
- Tet Celebration Customs of Regions:
Each region of Vietnam has its own way of celebrating Tet. In the North, Tet is an occasion to worship ancestors and go to pagodas to pray for peace. Meanwhile, the South has a more vibrant Tet atmosphere, with festivals, events and unique lion dances. The Central region, with cities like Hue and Hoi An, brings a more solemn and peaceful Tet atmosphere.
- Spring Flower Festival:
The most wonderful thing about Tet is the spring flower festival. Hanoi stands out with its cherry blossom festival, while Da Lat attracts tourists with its colorful spring flower festival. These festivals are not only an opportunity to see flowers but also an opportunity for you to learn about the unique culture of each locality.
- Tet Market:
Tet Market is a must-visit destination during Tet, where the festive atmosphere can be clearly seen through colorful stalls. This is a bustling space where you can find all the meaningful Tet gifts such as apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, kumquat trees, or special decorative items. The Tet market also sells traditional dishes such as banh chung, banh tet, and mut (jam). Cultural activities and folk games at the Tet market make the space more lively and attractive, giving visitors an unforgettable experience during Tet.
- Lion and Dragon Dance:
Lion and Dragon Dance is an indispensable part of the Tet atmosphere, symbolizing luck and fortune for the new year. Lion dance is not only a unique artistic dance but also has deep spiritual meaning, with the belief that lions and unicorns can ward off evil spirits and bring peace to every family. During Tet, you will see lion dance teams appearing everywhere: from Tet markets, walking streets, to street festivals. The lively lion dance performances, with graceful and powerful steps, always attract the attention of locals and tourists.
4. Things to Note When Traveling During Tet:
- Travel time and traffic congestion:
Tet is a time when people travel a lot, so you need to plan your travel properly to avoid traffic jams. If you travel by plane, pay attention to book tickets early and choose non-peak hours. If you travel by bus or train, be prepared for crowded roads and longer-waiting.
- Check the weather conditions:
The weather forecast during Tet is very important. The North will be cold, there may even be drizzle, so remember to bring warm clothes. The Central and Southern regions, although warmer, may also have showers. Prepare suitable items for the weather to make your trip more comfortable.
- Bring cash when traveling during Tet:
Although payment by card and e-wallet is becoming more popular, when traveling during Tet, bringing a little cash is still necessary. During Tet, you may not always find places that accept cashless payments, especially in rural areas or places where traditional festivals are held. In addition, shops, Tet markets or small restaurants sometimes only accept cash payments. However, you should divide your cash into small amounts and keep it carefully to avoid the risk of losing it while traveling.
With the above suggestions, are you ready for a complete Tet trip? Wishing you a wonderful holiday, enjoying the warm Tet atmosphere with family and friends, as well as discovering the unique cultural and culinary beauty of the country. Happy New Year!
