Tet Festival in Vietnam 2026

The Tet Festival of Vietnam, also known as Tết Nguyên Đán, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important celebration in the country. Rooted in centuries of tradition, Tet is a time when families reunite, pay respect to ancestors, and welcome the arrival of spring. It is based on the lunar calendar, marking the first day of the new year, usually in late January or early February. The festival combines spiritual rituals, symbolic foods, and cultural customs such as red envelopes, dragon dances, and offerings at altars. For Vietnamese people, Tet represents renewal, prosperity, and gratitude, making it the most cherished holiday of the year.

The Tet Festival in Vietnam does not have a fixed date, as it follows the lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. It usually falls between late January and mid-February, depending on the appearance of the new moon. For example, Tet in 2025 begins on January 29, while in 2026 it will fall on February 17. Traditionally, preparations for Tet begin weeks earlier, and the celebrations extend beyond the official start date. Because the festival coincides with the Lunar New Year in other Asian countries, it is a vibrant time of shared cultural heritage. Travellers should check dates in advance when planning visits.

Officially, the Tet Festival lasts for about seven days, though sometimes the government announces longer public holidays depending on the calendar year. However, in reality, preparations begin at least two weeks in advance, and the celebratory atmosphere can extend for more than a month. Before Tet, families clean and decorate their homes, while markets overflow with flowers and festive goods. The first three days are considered the most sacred, with family reunions, ancestor offerings, and lucky customs taking place. Even after the official days, many people continue visiting relatives, temples, and friends, keeping the Tet spirit alive well into spring.

The Tet Festival is important because it goes beyond being just a New Year celebration. It reflects the country’s cultural soul. It is a time to honour ancestors through offerings and prayers, while also celebrating family unity. The festival is deeply rooted in Vietnam’s agricultural history, symbolising a fresh start and expressing gratitude for the harvest. Families believe the way Tet is celebrated sets the tone for the year ahead, making rituals such as cleaning homes and wearing new clothes highly symbolic. For Vietnamese people, Tet represents happiness, prosperity, and renewal, while also preserving traditions that connect generations and strengthen cultural identity.

Food plays a central role in the Tet Festival of Vietnam, with each dish carrying symbolic meaning. In the North, families make bánh chưng, a square sticky rice cake wrapped in green leaves that represents the Earth. In the South, people enjoy bánh tét, a cylindrical version symbolising the sky. Other traditional foods include boiled chicken, pickled vegetables, candied fruits, and xôi gấc (red sticky rice), believed to bring luck. These dishes are often prepared days in advance and shared among family members during Tet meals. For visitors, sampling Tet foods offers a delicious way to connect with Vietnamese culture and traditions.

During the Tet Festival of Vietnam, many businesses, local shops, and government offices close, especially during the first three days when families gather for celebrations. Street food vendors and small restaurants often pause operations, and traditional markets may shut down temporarily. However, in big cities like Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, many hotels, international restaurants, and popular tourist attractions remain open to serve visitors. Some museums and cultural sites also resume operations after the initial days. Travellers are advised to check opening hours in advance and prepare snacks or essentials, especially if visiting smaller towns where closures are more common.

Transportation is one of the biggest challenges during the Tet Festival in Vietnam, as millions of Vietnamese people travel back to their hometowns to be with family. Trains, buses, and domestic flights often sell out weeks in advance, and prices can rise significantly due to high demand. Roads and airports become extremely crowded, especially in the days leading up to Tet and right after the holiday. For tourists, this means booking tickets early is essential, and it’s wise to avoid travelling on peak days if possible. While the streets may seem quieter during Tet itself, the before-and-after rush can be overwhelming.

Visiting during the Tet Festival can be a unique and rewarding cultural experience. Tourists get the chance to witness vibrant street decorations, attend lively celebrations, and try special holiday foods that are not available at other times of the year. It’s also a great opportunity to see how Vietnamese families honour traditions and welcome the new year. However, travellers should be prepared for closures of restaurants, markets, and tourist attractions during the first few days. Transportation may also be challenging due to the nationwide rush. With good planning and flexibility, Tet offers visitors an unforgettable cultural immersion.

When visiting during the Tet Festival of Vietnam, tourists should plan ahead and pack thoughtfully. Cash is essential, as many small vendors and local markets only accept it, and ATMs may run out of money during the holiday rush. Modest clothing is recommended for temple visits, and carrying small gifts such as fruit, tea, or sweets is polite if invited into a local’s home. Since closures are common, travellers should also keep snacks and bottled water handy. A phrasebook or simple greetings like “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) will help connect with locals and enhance the holiday experience.

The Tet Festival of Vietnam is full of meaningful customs that symbolise luck, prosperity, and renewal. Families thoroughly clean their homes before the new year to remove bad luck and welcome good fortune. On the first day, children receive red envelopes (li xi) containing money as a blessing for success and happiness. Visiting relatives, paying respects to ancestors, and offering food at family altars are important rituals. Many people also avoid negative words or arguments, as they believe the year’s fortune depends on Tet’s first days. These traditions preserve cultural values while making Tet a deeply spiritual and family-centred celebration.

During Tet Festival, Vietnamese homes come alive with symbolic decorations. Families display peach blossoms in the north and yellow apricot blossoms in the south, representing renewal and prosperity. Kumquat trees, laden with small orange fruits, are popular as they symbolise fertility and wealth. Red and gold decorations are everywhere, as these colours are believed to bring luck and ward off evil spirits. Altars are refreshed with offerings of fruits, flowers, and incense to honour ancestors. Many also hang calligraphy writings with wishes for health, happiness, and success. These vibrant decorations reflect the hope and positivity Tet brings to every household.

Public festivities are a highlight of the Tet Festival, with cities and towns buzzing with energy. Major urban centres like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City host spectacular firework shows at midnight, drawing huge crowds. Streets are adorned with colourful lanterns, lights, and flower markets that remain open late into the night. Dragon dances and lion dances are performed in public squares, believed to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck. Visitors can also explore Tet markets selling traditional foods, lucky charms, and decorations. These events offer tourists a vibrant atmosphere where tradition and modern festivity come together beautifully.

Ancestral worship is one of the most sacred elements of the Tet Festival in Vietnam. Families prepare special offerings of food, fruits, tea, and incense at home altars to invite their ancestors to join the celebrations. It is believed that by honouring ancestors, blessings of health, prosperity, and happiness will be bestowed on the family for the new year. On New Year’s Eve, many households perform rituals of gratitude and remembrance, while temples and pagodas also fill with worshippers. This practice highlights the deep respect Vietnamese culture places on family heritage and ensures that Tet remains a time of connection across generations.

Yes, fireworks are a signature feature of the Tet Festival in Vietnam, lighting up the skies as the new year begins. At the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Hue organise grand firework displays. These shows attract thousands of locals and tourists, creating a festive and exciting atmosphere. Fireworks are symbolic, believed to drive away evil spirits and welcome good fortune for the year ahead. Smaller towns may also host their own modest displays. For visitors, watching fireworks during Tet offers an unforgettable way to join the national celebrations.

Tourists are warmly welcomed to join in the Tet Festival celebrations, though it’s important to be respectful. Many families may invite visitors to share a meal, try traditional foods, or participate in rituals such as ancestor offerings. Tourists can enjoy Tet markets, flower displays, and street performances like dragon dances. It’s also common for locals to teach visitors greetings like “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới.” Travellers should dress modestly when visiting temples and avoid intrusive photography during family ceremonies. By participating with an open mind and respect, tourists can experience Tet in an authentic and meaningful way.

While joining in the celebrations of the Tet Festival in Vietnam is encouraged, tourists should be mindful of cultural taboos. Avoid giving black or white gifts, as these colours are associated with funerals. Refrain from speaking negative words about death, sickness, or bad luck, especially during the first days. Breaking items like mirrors or dishes is also considered unlucky. When visiting temples, dress modestly and avoid loud or disrespectful behaviour. It’s also polite to remove shoes before entering someone’s home. By respecting these customs, travellers can show cultural sensitivity and fully enjoy the warm hospitality Tet is known for.