Tet in Vietnam is more than just a holiday , it’s a heartfelt symphony of colors, sounds, and traditions. As the Lunar New Year arrives, every street glows with red decorations, families reunite around steaming pots of food, and prayers fill the air with hope. To truly experience Vietnam’s soul, you need to witness the Tet celebration activities that turn this time of year into something magical.

1. Preparing for Tet: Cleaning, Decorating, and Inviting Luck

In the weeks before Tet, every household buzzes with activity. Vietnamese families clean their homes thoroughly , not just to welcome guests, but also to sweep away bad luck from the old year. After cleaning comes decorating: kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and red scrolls of calligraphy fill the house with festive energy. Shops line their entrances with lanterns and lucky banners that read Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Happy New Year).

It’s also common to prepare special offerings for ancestors, showing respect and gratitude. This stage of preparation is as symbolic as it is practical , it marks the transition from old to new, from struggle to renewal.

2. Family Reunions and Traditional Feasts

Tet is above all a time for family. Many Vietnamese who live far from home travel great distances just to share the first meal of the year with their loved ones. On New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa), families gather around the table for a warm reunion dinner.

The feast is a highlight of Tet celebration activities , filled with dishes that carry deep meanings. Bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) represents the Earth and gratitude to ancestors; boiled chicken, pickled onions, and caramelized pork symbolize prosperity and togetherness. It’s a meal wrapped in both flavor and emotion, connecting generations through shared traditions.

3. Visiting Pagodas and Paying New Year’s Visits

Once the New Year dawns, Vietnamese people dress in their finest áo dài and head to pagodas or temples. The air is scented with incense and filled with the sound of bells as people pray for peace, health, and luck. This ritual , called lễ chùa đầu năm , is among the most spiritual Tet celebration activities, offering a moment of calm amid the festive excitement.

Another beloved custom is visiting relatives, friends, and teachers. The first visitor of the year, known as xông đất, is chosen carefully because their luck and personality are believed to influence the household’s fortune. During visits, people exchange red envelopes (lì xì) filled with “lucky money,” a gesture that spreads blessings for the year ahead.

4. Public Festivities and Local Traditions

Beyond family homes and temples, Tet celebrations spill out into streets and parks across Vietnam. Major cities like Hanoi, Hue, and Ho Chi Minh City host flower markets, lion dances, fireworks displays, and cultural performances. Children chase dragon dancers through crowds, vendors sell snacks and toys, and the atmosphere is electric with excitement.

In rural areas, traditional games like bamboo swings, cockfighting, and tug-of-war bring communities together. Each region adds its unique flavor , from the folk singing of the North to the water puppet shows of the South. No matter where you go, Tet celebration activities capture the joy of renewal and the pride of heritage.

5. Experiencing Tet as a Traveler

For visitors, joining in Tet celebration activities offers a rare chance to see Vietnam at its most authentic. While some shops close for the holidays, cultural attractions and local gatherings open their doors to curious travelers. You might be invited to share tea with a local family, receive a red envelope as a sign of welcome, or simply wander through streets shimmering with lanterns and laughter.

To make the most of it, slow down and let the rhythms of the season guide you , take part in temple prayers, try traditional food, and soak in the festive spirit that connects millions of hearts.

Want to experience Tet like a local? Book a Local Buddy on Tubudd to join family celebrations, explore hidden temples, and feel the real heartbeat of Vietnam’s Lunar New Year.