Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet)
2024 - Year Of The Dragon
Vietnamese Tet, also known as Tet Nguyen Dan or simply Tet, is the most important festival in Vietnamese culture. It is the Vietnamese New Year, and it marks the beginning of the lunar calendar. Tet Holiday carries love and hope; signifies family and friend kinship; and promises a better year ahead. If you are interested in learning about local life in Vietnam, there could not be a better time than Tet.
Visiting Vietnam During Tet: The 5 Best Destinations
More often than not, in foreigner’s eyes, Tet is often written off as a time to travel to Vietnam. It's better to think again.
Year Of The Pig - 2019, 2031, 2043
According to Vietnamese belief, they are the embodiment of wealth, good luck and prosperity with their chubby faces, big ears and all-day full stomach. And that is also the dream of all Vietnamese people in this upcoming 2019 year.
Year Of The Dragon - 2012, 2024, 2036
In Asian culture, Dragon and Tiger are the most desirable born years of people, since the two creatures are believed to bring luck, strength, nobility, royalty, wisdom and promising future.
Folk Games During Tet Holidays
In the country area, Tet is often a holiday to celebrate with games, folk singing and village feasts. Get to know some of the most popular communal games during Tet holiday.
Tet Flowers & Plants
Tet holidays are the days of relaxation, happiness and joy. And similar to pine tree for Christmas holiday in the West, Vietnamese also use many kinds of flowers and plants to decorate their house in this special period.
New Year Wishes
Tet holidays are the moments of happiness and family enjoy, therefore Vietnamese often dedicate the most beautiful words to their family and friends on this occasion.
Year Of The Rat - 2020, 2032, 2044
2020 is the year of the rat, the first animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle starting from January 25th until 11th February 2021.
Year Of The Buffalo - 2021, 2033, 2045
Considered the most valuable possession of Vietnamese local farmers, from hilly mountainous terrain to flat grassy fields, buffaloes can be caught sight of in almost all corners across the country.
Year Of The Dog - 2018, 2030, 2042
Dog is a symbol of caring, honesty, loyalty, and the creature that can bring luck, joy, and auspiciousness.
Year Of The Rooster - 2017, 2029, 2041
Rooster is the 10th out of the 12 zodiacs and people who are born in this year are said to have 5 valuable characteristics: Literal (Van) – Martial (Vo) – Brave (Dung) – Humane (Nhan) – Trustworthy (Tin).
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tet often last in Vietnam?
Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, usually lasts for 7-9 days. However, the preparations for Tet can last for several weeks and the holiday spirit can be felt even longer. The official dates of Tet are determined by the lunar calendar, so it can fall on different days each year.
- 2018: 7 days
- 2019: 9 days
- 2020: 7 days
- 2021: 7 days
- 2022: 9 days
When is Vietnamese Tet 2024?
Vietnamese New Year, or Tet, for the year 2024 is expected to begin on Saturday, Feb 10, 2024 and end on Monday, Feb 19, 2024 (9 consecutive days off). Tet is based on the lunar calendar and is generally set by the government office one month prior to the holiday. However, due to its lunar nature, the exact dates may still vary slightly.
What are interesting facts about Vietnamese new year holiday?
Vietnamese New Year, also known as Tet, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and wishing for good luck in the new year. Some fun facts about Tet include:
- Tet usually falls in late January or early February and lasts for several days.
- People in Vietnam clean their homes and decorate with flowers, especially the yellow apricot blossom, to welcome the new year.
- Red envelopes filled with money are given to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of good luck.
- Traditional foods are prepared, such as banh chung (sticky rice cakes), and savory meat dishes.
- It is traditional to visit relatives and friends during Tet, and many people take time off work to do so.
- Many traditional games and activities are played, such as lion dancing and kite flying.
How many days are stores closed during Tet?
It really depends on the store owners. Vietnamese small businesses are very strict about their reopening day during the new year, wishing for a lucky and prosperous year ahead. They may visit a fortune teller or check the lunar calendar book and pick the date that best match their zodiac. Some may open on the first day of the year, others will wait until the tenth or even after the First Full Moon Festival (Tet Nguyen Tieu).
Are grocery stores open during Tet Holiday?
Some grocery stores such as Aeon Mall only close briefly on the New Year Day's morning and open from noon until late at night. Vinmart store chains often close on the first day and open on the second day of the new year. It is better you avoid visiting the shopping mall or grocery stores within 2-3 days before Tet holiday as they will be jam-packed with locals making their last minute holiday shopping.
When is Tet 2023?
In 2023, the lunar new year eve will fall on January 21 and new year day on January 22. The actual public holiday is from January 19 to January 26. Expect banks, schools and other public institutions to close during this time.
Very nice
YOU HAVE THE WRONG DATES FOR TET 2022!!!!!!
Hi there, the date has been updated. Thanks for your information!
Chuc Mung Nam Moi from France!
Do you know where I can get all ingredients for Banh Chung in California?
This restaurant sells all kinds of Vietnamese food: Kim Huong - 8860 Bolsa Ave, Ste C, Westminster, CA 92683. Cheers
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