1. Overview Tet Holiday? (Vietnamese Lunar New Year)
Tet Holiday, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, symbolizing new beginnings, prosperity, and family reunions. Unlike the Western New Year, which is celebrated on January 1st, Tet follows the lunar calendar, meaning its dates change each year.
During Tet, Vietnamese families honor their ancestors, clean their homes to welcome good luck, prepare traditional foods, and exchange gifts. It’s a time of joy, reflection, and reconnecting with loved ones.
2. How long is Tet Holiday in Vietnam?
While the official Vietnamese Tet holiday is typically celebrated for about 5–7 days, the preparations and post-celebrations often stretch for up to two weeks. The lead-up to Tet begins in early January, with many families cleaning, decorating, and preparing Vietnamese tet holiday food.
When is Tet in Vietnam in 2026?
Tet in Vietnam in 2026 began on February 17th, marking the start of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
When is Tet in Vietnam in 2027?
Tet in Vietnam in 2027 began on February 6th, marking the start of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
3. Why is Tet important in Vietnamese culture?
Tet holds immense cultural and spiritual significance in Vietnamese society. Here are a few key reasons why Tet is so vital:
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Honouring Ancestors: One of the central tenets of Tet is honouring ancestors and deceased loved ones. During Tet, families set up elaborate altars in their homes, offering Vietnamese tet holiday food, incense, and prayers.
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Renewal and Prosperity: Tet symbolizes new beginnings. People clean their homes and settle old debts to ensure they start the year without carrying any negative energy from the previous year.
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Family and Unity: Tet is above all a family celebration. During the Vietnamese Tet holiday, family members return home from different parts of the country to reunite with loved ones. It’s a time for strengthening family bonds, reconnecting, and spending time with those you may not have seen in a while.
4. How do Vietnamese people prepare for Tet Holiday?
The preparation for Tet is a deeply ritualistic process that involves several stages, each filled with meaning and symbolism.
Before Tet: The first step in preparation is cleaning the house and business establishments. People believe that cleaning the house removes bad luck, making room for good fortune in the upcoming year. Homes are decorated with red banners, peach blossoms, and kumquat trees, all symbols of prosperity, good health, and happiness. Tet preparations also involve purchasing new clothes, a way to start fresh for the new year and to leave behind any negative energy from the past.
During Tet: On New Year’s Eve, families perform an essential ritual, ancestor worship. An altar is set up with offerings of food, incense, and fruit, as people pay homage to their ancestors, praying for their protection and guidance in the coming year. At midnight, many families gather to share a Tet feast, where the traditional foods are enjoyed, and the new year is welcomed with joy and positivity.
After Tet: Once the first day of Tet has passed, families continue to celebrate with family visits, exchanges of lucky money, and attending temple festivals. The days following Tet are filled with more gatherings, prayers at pagodas, and additional Vietnamese tet holiday traditions, such as the famous dragon dances and fireworks in the larger cities.
>>> Read more: Vietnam Travel Guide
5. What should and shouldn't do at Vietnamese Tet holiday
If you're celebrating Tet in Vietnam, there are several important do’s and don’ts to follow.
Do’s:
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Wear bright colors, especially red, which is associated with luck.
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Give lucky money to children and elders in red envelopes to wish them prosperity.
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Visit temples and pagodas to pray for blessings for the new year.
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Stay positive and avoid arguments to ensure a peaceful year ahead.
Don’ts:
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Don’t sweep the floor on the first day of Tet, as it’s believed to sweep away your good luck.
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Avoid borrowing or lending money, as it’s seen as a bad omen for financial health.
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Don’t break objects, as it symbolizes misfortune.
6. Some tips for visitors
Planning to visit Vietnam during Tet? Here’s what you need to know:
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Book accommodation early, as many hotels and services will be fully booked or closed during Tet.
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Expect crowded streets as locals travel to their hometowns or gather for celebrations.
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Be patient with transport, trains, buses, and flights may experience delays.
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Participate in Tet customs, enjoy traditional foods, give lucky money, and visit temples to experience the full spirit of Tet.
Overall, the Vietnamese Tet holiday is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. It’s a time when families come together, Vietnamese Lunar New Year traditions are honored, and the community unites to celebrate the coming year. Follow Go Viet trip for more information!
