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FTV MKT • January 18, 2025

How to Celebrate Tet Like a Local in Vietnam

Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant holiday in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring and offers a time for families to reunite, reflect, and welcome prosperity. Experiencing Tet like a local is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in Vietnam’s rich culture. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare for, celebrate, and fully enjoy Tet like a true local.

What is Tet?

Tet is deeply rooted in Vietnamese traditions, symbolizing renewal and hope. The holiday usually falls between late January and mid-February, aligning with the lunar calendar. Learn more about the origins and significance of Tet.

Key traditions include paying respects to ancestors, cleaning the home, and celebrating with loved ones. Tết is also a time for forgiveness and setting positive intentions for the year ahead.

Preparing for Tet Like a Local

Cleaning and Decorating

Before Tet, households undergo a thorough cleaning to sweep away bad luck. Families then decorate their homes with vibrant peach blossoms in the North or kumquat trees in the South, along with red and gold ornaments symbolizing wealth and happiness.

Shopping and Cooking

Markets bustle with shoppers buying new clothes, traditional foods, and gifts for family and friends. Some must-try dishes include:

  • Banh chung (square sticky rice cake)
  • Thit kho tau (braised pork with eggs)
  • Canh mang (bamboo shoot soup)

Learn how to make banh chung or banh tet to join in the culinary fun.

Key Tet Traditions to Experience

New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa)

On Tết Eve, families gather to welcome the new year with rituals, prayers, and communal meals. Many also enjoy firework displays in major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

Xong Đat (First Visitor)

The first visitor to a household on New Year’s Day is believed to set the tone for the year. Locals carefully select this person for their compatibility and positive traits.

Giving and Receiving Li Xi

Red envelopes containing money are exchanged during Tet. Known as "lì xì," they symbolize blessings of luck and prosperity. Learn the etiquette for giving and receiving li xi.

How to Celebrate During Tet

Family Time and Meals

Tet is a time for bonding. Families share traditional meals, tell stories, and express gratitude for the past year. Respectful behavior as a guest is highly valued during these gatherings.

Visiting Pagodas and Temples

Many locals visit pagodas to pray for health, wealth, and happiness in the new year. Explore popular temples to fully engage in this spiritual tradition.

Entertainment and Games

From traditional games like "bầu cua cá tôm" to vibrant lion dance performances, there’s no shortage of fun during Tết. These activities foster community spirit and celebration.

Regional Variations in Tet Celebrations

  • Northern Vietnam: Peach blossoms, bánh chưng, and strong ancestral traditions dominate.
  • Central Vietnam: Families focus on offerings to ancestors and enjoy unique dishes like "bánh tét".
  • Southern Vietnam: Kumquat trees and "thịt kho tàu" take center stage, along with lively urban celebrations.

Discover regional customs and differences to see how Tet is celebrated across Vietnam.

Tet Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

Do’s

  • Wear bright, festive colors—red and gold are especially lucky.
  • Use polite language and express gratitude.

Don’ts

  • Avoid sweeping the house during Tet to prevent "sweeping away" good luck.
  • Refrain from arguing or bringing up sensitive topics.



Tips for Foreigners Joining Tet Celebrations

  • Participate Meaningfully: Join a Vietnamese family to experience authentic traditions.
  • Learn Basic Vietnamese Phrases: For example, “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) and “Vạn Sự Như Ý” (May all your wishes come true).
  • Respect Local Customs: Observe rituals and follow local etiquette when giving or receiving gifts.



Post-Tet Reflections and Activities

As Tet winds down, locals focus on their resolutions for the year and participate in community festivals. This is a great time to reflect on your own experiences and goals.



Celebrating Tet like a local is an enriching cultural experience that fosters deeper connections with Vietnam’s traditions and people. Whether it’s savoring traditional foods, visiting pagodas, or participating in family rituals, Tết offers something memorable for everyone. Ready to plan your Tet adventure? Start by exploring these top traditions and customs!

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