Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a time of joy, renewal, and celebration. For tourists visiting Vietnam during this auspicious occasion, the Tet holiday could be challenging. The streets are empty, and restaurants and shops are closed. However, it could also offer a unique opportunity for culture enthusiasts. They could immerse themselves in the country’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditions. In this article, we will explore the myriad experiences available to tourists during Tet. Tourists can witness colorful festivities. They can indulge in delicious cuisine and partake in time-honored customs.
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The best time to stay during the Tet holiday
Even though it is the celebration of the new year, it is not January 1st. Vietnamese people celebrate Tet, which is their new year according to the lunar calendar, so it takes place around late January to mid-February depending on each year. The holiday would last usually for a week. Despite there being only 5 days of official holiday, everyone is in party mode for at least a week before and after.
So, the best moment to visit it is 3 days before or after Tet. This is when things are still open. You can see how things are built up to the holiday. You can see how Vietnamese prepare for it. You can also see how they normally celebrate it.
It would be completely overwhelming if you could see what happens before the Tet holiday and during it. Before the holiday, you would witness the hustle and bustle of daily life. Most shops are closed during the 1 week of the holiday, or more. People are in a panic to buy things to decorate their houses. They also need to cook for the feast and, of course, dress up for the new year.
In contrast to the crazy pace just a few days before the Tet holiday, when it comes, you would see streets are absolutely empty. Shops and restaurants are closed, mostly for 2 weeks. People leave the city to go back to their hometowns. The serenity kicks in, and you would not fall into a lost state, as it is such a big shock.
Interesting traditions and customs
The Tet holiday might sound like a nightmare for travelers when things are closed. Your sightseeing plan might be canceled. You can always turn it around if you are prepared for what is to come. Make sure to seize the opportunity to find out about the culture during this time. Various customs will surely capture your interest.
One of the most captivating aspects of the Tet holiday is the bustling energy. This energy permeates the streets and cities throughout Vietnam. Tourists can soak in the festive atmosphere by exploring local markets. Vendors sell an array of Tet decorations, traditional foods, and colorful flowers. Visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Flower Street or Hanoi’s Hang Ma Street offers a glimpse into Tet’s spirit. These streets are adorned with vibrant red and gold decorations. They also offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Tet is marked by a series of lively celebrations and parades across Vietnam. Tourists can join locals in attending street festivals featuring dragon dances, traditional music performances, and martial arts demonstrations. In Hanoi, the Tet Fireworks Display at Hoan Kiem Lake is a must-see event. The Tet Flower Festival at Quang Ba Flower Market is also a must-see. Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City hosts the Tet Festival on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Visitors can enjoy cultural performances. They can also enjoy culinary delights.
At the heart of Tet lies the tradition of family reunions. Vietnamese people return to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones. Tourists can experience the warmth and hospitality of Vietnamese families in two ways. They can participate in homestay programs. They can also join organized tours to rural villages. Sharing a meal with a local family, exchanging Tet greetings, and learning about their customs and traditions offers a genuine insight into Vietnamese culture.
Tet is steeped in customs and rituals that reflect Vietnamese beliefs and values. Tourists can partake in age-old traditions such as offering incense at pagodas, visiting ancestral gravesites to pay respects to deceased relatives, and receiving lucky money in red envelopes (Li Xi). Witnessing or participating in these rituals provides a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and spirituality.
Tet specialties that are impossible to miss
No visit to Vietnam during the Tet holiday is complete without sampling the delicious array of traditional Tet dishes. Tourists can explore local markets and street stalls to savor specialties like Banh Chung (sticky rice cake), Banh Tet (cylindrical rice cake), and Gio Lua (Vietnamese pork sausage). In addition, Tet is a time for indulging in festive sweets. These include Mut Tet (candied fruits) and Banh Tet La Cam (purple sticky rice cake), made with purple glutinous rice. Joining a cooking class or food tour provides an opportunity to learn about the significance of these dishes and how they are prepared.
Tet holiday is a time of joy, reflection, and renewal in Vietnam, offering tourists a unique opportunity to experience the country’s rich cultural traditions and vibrant festivities. Tourists can create unforgettable memories by immersing themselves in the festive atmosphere. They can attend celebrations and parades. Tourists can experience family reunions and indulge in Tet cuisine. They can participate in customs and rituals and explore cultural heritage sites. This allows tourists to gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration. Tourists can join locals in bustling city streets. They can escape to tranquil rural villages. Embracing Tet holiday promises an enriching and memorable experience for tourists visiting Vietnam during this auspicious occasion.
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