Explore Traditional Tet in Vietnam with Daisy Land Travel – A Journey Back to Reunion

As the chilly late-year breeze gently sweeps through the streets, as vibrant flower markets stretch across the country, and as families eagerly prepare for the New Year, it is a sign that Tet Nguyen Dan (Tet)—the most important holiday in Vietnam—is fast approaching.

Tet is not only a time of transition from the old year to the new but also a sacred occasion celebrating family bonds, reunion, and cherished traditions. Join Daisy Land Travel as we explore the customs and vibrant atmosphere of traditional Tet in Vietnam.

1. Tet – The Homecoming Journey of Those Away from Home

Tet is synonymous with reunion. For many who live and work far from home, the final days of the year are the most anticipated—because it is the time to return, reunite with loved ones, and immerse in the warmth of family.

• Train stations, bus terminals, and airports are bustling with people returning home, carrying gifts and Tet specialties but, most importantly, a heart full of excitement.
• Tight embraces, cheerful conversations throughout the journey, and joyful year-end family meals make Tet truly meaningful.

Tet is also a time for children to express gratitude to their parents and grandparents, honor their ancestors, and share heartfelt wishes for the new year.

2. Cleaning and Decorating the House – Welcoming the New Year

One of the most essential Tet traditions is cleaning and decorating the home. Vietnamese people believe that a neat and tidy house clears away misfortune from the past year and welcomes new blessings.

• Families clean the ancestral altar, rearrange furniture, and decorate their homes to bring in a fresh start.
• Peach blossoms, apricot flowers, and kumquat trees symbolize prosperity, luck, and happiness
  • In the North, pink peach blossoms represent growth and good fortune
  • In the Central and Southern regions, bright yellow apricot flowers symbolize wealth and success
  • Kumquat trees, heavy with fruit, signify prosperity and abundance for the coming year

This tradition is not just about tidying up, it is a time when the whole family comes together, excitedly preparing for a new and hopeful beginning.

3. Wrapping Banh Chung and Banh Tet – The Taste of Tet

Tet would not be complete without Banh Chung and Banh Tet, two traditional dishes deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

• Banh Chung, with its square shape, represents the Earth and is a Northern specialty, symbolizing gratitude to ancestors
• Banh Tet, a cylindrical version found in Central and Southern Vietnam, signifies longevity and prosperity

Before Tet, families gather to wrap and cook Banh Chung, creating a warm and joyful atmosphere.

• Elders teach the younger generations how to fold the leaves, layer the fillings, and tie the cakes carefully
• The large pots of Banh Chung are left to simmer overnight, filling the house with a delightful aroma of sticky rice and green leaves
• The moment when everyone gathers around the fire, sharing stories and laughter, makes this tradition more meaningful than just preparing food

Banh Chung and Banh Tet symbolize family togetherness and the passing down of traditions through generations.

4. Tet Traditions – Keeping Cultural Values Alive

Xong Dat – First Visitor of the New Year

Vietnamese people believe that the first person to enter the house after midnight on New Year’s Eve will affect the family’s luck for the entire year.

Li Xi – Giving Lucky Money for Prosperity

The red envelopes containing lucky money are given to children and the elderly, symbolizing wishes for good health, happiness, and prosperity.

Visiting Relatives and Friends – Sharing Good Wishes

• On the first day of Tet, family members visit grandparents, parents, and elders to pay their respects and offer New Year’s wishes
• The cheerful greetings of Chuc mung nam moi Happy New Year and An khang thinh vuong Wishing you peace and prosperity fill the air, bringing warmth and joy

5. How Cities Change During Tet – A Rare Moment of Tranquility

Empty Streets – A Peaceful and Unique Sight

• Unlike the usual hustle and bustle, major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang suddenly become calm and serene
• The absence of traffic noise and crowded streets allows visitors to see a rare, peaceful side of the cities

Flower Markets and Tet Atmosphere

• Despite the quietness, Tet flower markets remain the most vibrant spots before the New Year
• Hanoi’s Hang Luoc Flower Market is covered in pink peach blossoms, while Binh Dong Wharf in Saigon is filled with golden apricot flowers from the Mekong Delta
• Kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and apricot flowers line the streets, filling the air with the scent of spring

Closed Shops – A City Taking a Break

• From New Year’s Eve, most businesses and restaurants close temporarily so owners and staff can return home for Tet
• Only a few coffee shops and eateries remain open, serving locals and tourists enjoying the unique Tet atmosphere

All these changes create a distinctive Tet experience, where Vietnam’s normally bustling cities embrace a rare and magical stillness.

6. Tet Then and Now – A Holiday That Evolves with Time

Tet in the Past – A Festival of Anticipation

• In the old days, Tet was the most awaited time of the year, when children received new clothes and enjoyed special food
• Families gathered to prepare Tet meals, wrap Banh Chung, and make Tet jams in a warm and festive atmosphere

Modern Tet – Adaptation to a Changing World

• Today, many families buy pre-made Tet food, making preparations easier
• Technology allows people to send New Year’s wishes via text, social media, and video calls instead of visiting in person

The Rise of Tet Tourism – New Ways to Celebrate

• Many people now choose to travel during Tet instead of staying at home
• Popular destinations like Sapa, Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Hoi An attract thousands of travelers looking for a unique way to welcome the New Year

Despite these changes, Tet remains a time for family reunions, reflection, and embracing cultural traditions.

7. Celebrate Tet in Vietnam with Daisy Land Travel

Experience Authentic Tet Traditions

If you want to truly understand Vietnamese Tet culture, join Daisy Land Travel and

• Wrap and cook Banh Chung with local families
• Stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An or Hanoi on the first day of Tet, experiencing the rare tranquility of these bustling cities
• Visit the spring flower festivals in Ho Chi Minh City and admire the golden apricot blossoms in the South

A Journey of Reunion – Come Home for Tet

• Whether you are a Vietnamese returning home or an international traveler experiencing Tet for the first time, this holiday is a time to reconnect with family and traditions
• The joy of sitting together, sharing a meal, exchanging lucky money, and wishing for a bright future, is what makes Tet a timeless celebration

Let Daisy Land Travel guide you through an unforgettable Tet journey, where every moment becomes a cherished memory

Chuc mung nam moi – Happy New Year

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Daisy Land Travel Viet Nam (DLT)

• 🏢 Head Office: No. 11, Alley 55, Linh Quang Alley, Van Chuong Ward, Dong Da District, Hanoi, Vietnam
• 📞 Phone/ Whatsapp/ Viber: (+84)368020960 / (+84)931307887
• 📧 Email: booking.daisylandtravelvietnam@gmail.com