Celebrating Vietnamese New Year: History, Customs, and Travel Tips
Vietnamese New Year, commonly known as Tết, marks the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. Families across the country gather to honor their ancestors and clean their homes to welcome good fortune. This multi-day festival stands as the most important cultural holiday in Vietnam.
History of Tết
Tết has ancient roots tied to agricultural cycles and the lunar calendar, originating thousands of years ago in Southeast Asia. Historically, it served as a crucial transitional period between the harvest and the planting season. Communities used this time to pay respects to deities and ancestors, praying for favorable weather and bountiful crops in the coming year.
Traditions and Culinary Customs
Central traditions include cleaning houses to sweep away bad luck and decorating with peach blossoms or kumquat trees. Families prepare special foods, most notably bánh chưng, a square sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung bean, wrapped in leaves. Elders give red envelopes containing lucky money, known as lì xì, to children and seniors to wish them health and prosperity.
Business Closures and Travel Impact
During Tết, nearly all local businesses, restaurants, and markets close for several days as workers return to their hometowns. Public transportation networks experience extreme congestion and higher ticket prices in the weeks surrounding the holiday. Travelers should book transport and accommodations months in advance and expect limited services during the core celebration days.
Questions about Vietnamese New Year
When does Vietnamese New Year take place?
Tết occurs annually between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar cycle.
Are shops open during Tết in Vietnam?
Most traditional shops and restaurants close for the first few days of the lunar new year, though major hotels and chain supermarkets remain open.