What Is Tết?

Tết Nguyên Đán — commonly shortened to Tết — is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most significant celebration in the Vietnamese calendar. It marks the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new lunar year, typically falling between late January and mid-February. Tết is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude, and setting intentions for the year ahead.

More than a single holiday, Tết is an entire season. Preparations begin weeks in advance, the official holiday lasts several days, and the festive atmosphere lingers for weeks afterward.

When Does Tết Happen?

Tết follows the lunisolar calendar, so the date shifts each year on the Gregorian calendar. The first day of Tết is the same as Chinese New Year in most years, though occasional calendar differences can separate them by one day. The public holiday in Vietnam officially spans several days, but many businesses close for a full week or more as families travel back to their hometowns.

Key Traditions and Customs

Cleaning the House

In the days before Tết, Vietnamese families thoroughly clean their homes from top to bottom. This is both a practical and symbolic act: sweeping away the dust and misfortunes of the old year to make space for good luck in the new one. Notably, sweeping is avoided on the first day of Tết itself, as doing so might sweep away the good fortune that has just arrived.

Decorating with Flowers

Flowers are central to Tết decoration. In the north, the hoa đào (peach blossom) is the flower of choice, its pink blooms symbolizing good luck and prosperity. In the south, the vibrant yellow hoa mai (ochna blossom) takes center stage. Kumquat trees, laden with bright orange fruit, are also popular displays in homes and businesses nationwide.

Visiting Family

Tết is first and foremost about family. The holiday triggers one of the world's largest annual human migrations, as millions of Vietnamese return to their family homes, regardless of how far they have traveled. It is considered deeply important to spend Tết with parents and grandparents.

Lì Xì — Lucky Money

One of the most beloved Tết customs, especially for children, is receiving lì xì: small red envelopes containing money. The color red symbolizes luck and joy. Elders give lì xì to children and younger family members as a wish for health, success, and good fortune. The amount matters less than the gesture and the well-wishes that accompany it.

Ancestor Worship

Vietnamese families set up elaborate offerings on their ancestral altars: fruit, flowers, incense, special foods, and sometimes symbolic paper items. Prayers are offered asking ancestors to protect and bless the family in the coming year. The spiritual dimension of Tết is deeply meaningful and widely practiced across religious backgrounds.

Traditional Tết Foods

Every region has its own Tết specialties, but a few dishes are nearly universal:

  • Bánh chưng (north) / Bánh tét (south): Sticky rice cakes filled with mung bean paste and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for many hours. These iconic cakes carry deep cultural symbolism.
  • Dưa hành: Pickled onions or shallots, eaten to cut through the richness of the festive food.
  • Thịt kho tàu: Braised pork belly with hard-boiled eggs in a caramel-coconut water sauce, a southern Tết staple.
  • Giò chả: Vietnamese pork sausages, sliced and served throughout the holiday.

What to Expect as a Visitor During Tết

Visiting Vietnam during Tết offers a unique and memorable experience, but requires some preparation:

  • Many restaurants, shops, and attractions close during the first few days of Tết.
  • Transportation is extremely busy in the week before and after the holiday — book flights and trains well in advance.
  • You may be invited to join family celebrations — accepting is a wonderful cultural experience.
  • Flower markets, temple visits, and street fireworks (in some areas) are highlights for travelers.

A Celebration of Renewal

At its heart, Tết is about hope. It is a collective pause — a moment for an entire nation to reflect on the past, honor those who came before, and look forward to what the new year might bring. Whether you experience it as a local or as a visitor, Tết leaves an impression that is difficult to forget.