Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the country’s most important holiday, celebrated with family gatherings, traditional foods, and vibrant cultural events. During this period, many local businesses close to spend time with their families, but travelers can still find numerous stores, restaurants, and attractions open to explore and enjoy.
1. What is Tet Nguyen Dan? An Introduction to Vietnam’s Traditional Lunar New Year
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year, Tet Ta, or Vietnam’s traditional Tet) is the most important and meaningful holiday for the Vietnamese people, celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. It marks the transition from the old year to the new year.
For Vietnamese people, Tet is considered an indispensable “spiritual feast” at the end of the year. No matter where they are, everyone desires to return home to be with family and ancestors, gathering around the bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) on New Year’s Eve. Beyond family reunions, Tet also carries profound cultural and humanitarian significance rooted in Vietnam’s agricultural civilization. It strengthens national spirit, fosters family and community bonds, and nurtures a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
2. How the Date of Tet Nguyen Dan is Calculated
Tet Nguyen Dan is celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar. In Vietnam, this holiday period usually lasts from the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month to the 7th day of the 1st lunar month.
People typically start preparing for Tet during the last seven days of the old year, while the first seven days of the new year are reserved for rest, celebration, and visiting family and friends. According to ancient tradition, this period also coincides with a time when farmers have a break before the new crop season begins, allowing them to enjoy the festive spirit and make up for the hard work of the past year.
3. The Origin of Tết Nguyên Đán
The origin of Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) is still a subject of debate. According to many sources, Tết originated in China and was introduced into Vietnam during the 1,000 years of Chinese domination. However, according to the historical folktale “Bánh chưng bánh dày,” Tết existed during the time of the Hùng Kings, before the period of Northern rule. At the same time, in the Book of Rites (Kinh Lễ), Confucius wrote: “I do not know what Tết is; I only heard that it is the name of a great festival of the southern barbarians - they dance wildly, drink alcohol, and feast during those days.” Thus, it can be seen that Tết Nguyên Đán may have originated in Vietnam.
However, regardless of which country it began in, Tết remains the most important holiday of the year for people in both Vietnam and China. Each country has its own customs, identity, and unique characteristics that clearly express its cultural spirit.
4. Top Spring Outing Destinations in Hanoi During Lunar New Year
4.1 Spring Visit and First-Visit Calligraphy at Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám
Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám (Temple of Literature) is always a cultural hotspot attracting numerous visitors during the early days of the Lunar New Year. Among its highlights, the Spring Calligraphy Festival is particularly popular, offering visitors the chance to experience the traditional Vietnamese custom of requesting lucky calligraphy at the start of the year.
In addition to calligraphy, Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám hosts a variety of cultural activities for spring visitors, including: heritage experience spaces, reading culture corners, introductions to traditional craft villages and handmade products from Hanoi, as well as performances of Ca Trù, Quan Họ, Hát Chèo, Hát Xẩm, traditional ceremonies, and lion and dragon dances.
4.2 Reliving Traditions at Phung Hung Street
Visiting the pedestrian street and exploring Hanoi’s Old Quarter is a fascinating experience during the Lunar New Year. A special highlight is the traditional Tet cultural space on Phung Hung Street. At the intersections of Phung Hung–Hang Luoc and Phung Hung–Le Van Linh, three-arched gates have been erected, elegantly decorated with patterns inspired by Dong Ho folk paintings.
Notably, Hoan Kiem, the birthplace of this famous painting style, has been chosen as the ideal space to showcase the unique beauty and cultural significance of Dong Ho folk art during Tet celebrations.
4.3 Exploring the Traditional Imperial Tet at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
At the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, to highlight the significance of typical imperial Tet rituals as well as traditional folk Tet customs, the Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Conservation Center organizes a series of activities. Many of these rituals are being reconstructed for the first time.
Visitors can experience the space “Old Tet – Tet in the Subsidy Era”, which recreates traditional Vietnamese Tet celebrations from the 1970s and 1980s. This era is showcased through three exhibition spaces: a state-owned trading booth, a Tet-themed space with paintings, flowers, and fireworks, and a worship space.
The exhibition space “Imperial Tet Rituals in Spring” presents traditional ceremonies, including three particularly important rituals: Lễ Tiến Lịch (Calendar Offering Ceremony), Lễ Tiến Xuân Ngưu (Spring Ox Offering Ceremony), and Lễ Chính Đán (Main Tet Ceremony). These rituals are displayed through documents, illustrated reconstructions, and scale models, allowing visitors to imagine the political, cultural, and historical life of the golden era of the royal court.
In addition to recreating traditional imperial Tet rituals, during the Lunar New Year, the Thang Long Heritage Conservation Center also organizes special puppet shows for visitors to enjoy.
4.5 Discover History and Culture at Museums
Museums are also attractive destinations for visitors to enjoy during the Lunar New Year, offering opportunities to explore and experience Vietnamese culture. In addition to regular exhibitions, the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is hosting the “Dong Son Art” exhibition, presenting 36 representative artifacts from the Dong Son period, including three bronze drums recognized as National Treasures.
The Dong Son drums are a magnificent symphony of Vietnam’s history, culture, and civilization. Viewing the Dong Son drums from the Kinh Hoa collection allows visitors to vividly witness the most lively and authentic images of ancient civilization, with intricate and detailed artistry that brings the past to life.
5. Which Stores in Hanoi Remain Open During Lunar New Year (Tet)?
To meet the shopping needs of locals and tourists, some supermarket chains remain open throughout Tet.
5.1 Go! and Big C
Go! and Big C (under Central Retail) close only on the first day of the Lunar New Year, so you can shop at these supermarkets before and after that day.
5.2 WinMart, WinMart+, and Vincom
These supermarket chains will operate until noon on Lunar New Year’s Eve, then reopen on the fourth day of Tet. Plan your shopping accordingly!
5.3 AEON Supermarkets
AEON stores will be open every day during the 2025 Lunar New Year holiday. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, they will close early at 8:00 PM, and on the first day of Tet, they will open at 11:00 AM.
6. Travel Tips for Lunar New Year in Hanoi
- Book hotels in advance: When visiting Hanoi during the Tet holiday, make sure to reserve accommodations early.
- Check attractions’ opening hours: Research which attractions and tourist spots remain open during Tet to plan your trip effectively.
- Carry minimal cash: Avoid carrying too much money; using a bank card is safer.
- Protect your belongings: Be cautious with your personal items to prevent theft.
- Stay alert in crowded areas: Tet is a busy time, and pickpockets are more active, so always safeguard your valuables.
The Tet holiday in Vietnam offers travelers a unique cultural experience, combining festive celebrations, traditional cuisine, and stunning tourist attractions. While some businesses may close for the holiday, major malls, restaurants, markets, and cultural sites remain accessible, allowing you to enjoy a rich and unforgettable Lunar New Year experience. Proper planning ensures that your Tet trip is smooth, enjoyable, and filled with memorable moments.
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