The Tet Festival, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is more than just a public holiday , it’s a time when life slows down, families reunite, and the streets shimmer with red and gold. For travelers, Tet offers a rare window into Vietnamese culture at its most heartfelt. From traditional customs to lively community celebrations, here are the most beautiful and meaningful Tet festival activities in Vietnam that you can experience firsthand.

Visiting Family and Paying Respects to Ancestors

Tet begins with the most sacred tradition: returning home. In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, millions of Vietnamese travel from cities to their hometowns to reunite with family. The first day of Tet is reserved for paying respects to ancestors, offering fruits, flowers, and food on home altars. Incense smoke fills the air as families pray for health, happiness, and good fortune.

For visitors, being invited to a family’s Tet celebration is a rare and precious experience. You’ll see how households decorate their homes with kumquat trees and peach blossoms, cook special dishes like banh chung (square sticky rice cake), and welcome guests with warm hospitality.

Giving and Receiving Lucky Money

One of the most joyful Tet customs is “li xi” , the giving of red envelopes containing lucky money. Elders give these envelopes to children or younger relatives, wishing them prosperity and success in the coming year. The red color symbolizes luck and happiness, and even a small amount of money carries deep meaning.

As a traveler, you might receive a red envelope as a welcome gesture , it’s a beautiful sign of inclusion. If you’d like to reciprocate, prepare small envelopes to give back with both hands and a big smile.

Joining Street Festivals and Fireworks

During Tet, Vietnam’s cities burst into color and sound. In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, streets are lined with flower markets and lantern displays. On New Year’s Eve, the night sky lights up with dazzling fireworks, accompanied by laughter, music, and the crackle of firecrackers that once chased away bad spirits.

In the days that follow, public performances fill the streets , lion dances, folk singing, and calligraphy markets. The Nguyen Hue Flower Street in Ho Chi Minh City and the Hoan Kiem Lake area in Hanoi are among the most festive spots to soak up the energy. If you’re lucky, you might also witness traditional games like bamboo dancing or tug-of-war in local villages.

Experiencing Traditional Food and Cultural Practices

Food is the soul of Tet, and each dish tells a story of heritage. Northern families often prepare banh chung, while the South favors banh tet , both made from glutinous rice, mung bean, and pork, wrapped in green leaves. Pickled vegetables, boiled chicken, and candied fruits fill tables, representing abundance and balance.

Visiting markets before Tet is an unforgettable experience. Locals shop for flowers, fruits, and gifts, creating a buzzing yet heartwarming atmosphere. During the holiday itself, some restaurants may close, but homestays and local tours often organize Tet dinners where you can join cooking sessions and enjoy homemade festive meals.

Tet is also a spiritual time. Many people visit pagodas or temples to pray for good fortune, light incense, and make small donations. For travelers, it’s an opportunity to observe Vietnamese spirituality and mindfulness in action , calm, respectful, and deeply rooted in gratitude.

Traveling during Tet can be magical but also confusing for first-timers since many services close and transportation becomes crowded. The best way to experience authentic Tet activities is to have someone local guide you through it. Consider booking a Local Buddy on Tubudd , your personal guide who can show you the best spots to enjoy street festivals, introduce you to Tet traditions, and help you navigate the joyful chaos of Vietnam’s most important holiday.