The Tet Festival Which Vietnamese people refer to as Vietnam New Year represents the most vital festive occasion which Vietnamese people celebrate throughout their entire existence. The new year marks a new beginning for all people because it brings together families while people conduct spiritual ceremonies and follow their cultural practices and participate in nationwide festivities.
Experiencing Tet during your 2026 Vietnam visit will provide you with authentic knowledge about the country’s traditional customs and its culinary dishes and its festive celebrations and its everyday local customs. Vietnamese people celebrate Tet through their various activities which range from lantern and flower market displays to temple excursions and their family dining traditions.
The complete guide provides all the essential information needed to understand Vietnam New Year 2026 which includes Tet dates and customs and traditions and travel tips and Vietnam tourist visa application processes for the upcoming journey.
What Is Vietnam New Year (Tet Festival)?
- The Vietnamese New Year celebration occurs during Tết Nguyên Đán which people commonly refer to as Tet Festival. This festival observes the lunar calendar because it celebrates the arrival of spring and new beginnings.
- Tet represents a sacred time for Vietnamese people which shows their respect for:
- New beginnings
- Family bonding
- Respect for ancestors
- Prosperity and good fortune
- Spiritual purification
- People maintain their homes by cleaning them and they settle their debts because this practice helps them prepare for incoming good fortune.
- Vietnam New Year 2026 Date and Duration
- Vietnam New Year 2026 Date
- The Tet Festival will begin on Tuesday February 17 2026 in the year 2026.
- What is Tet's duration of celebration?
- Official celebrations: 3–5 days
- Cultural festivities: Up to 10–15 days
- Preparations begin: 1–2 weeks before Tet
- Post-Tet celebrations continue for several days
Vietnam New Year Traditions and Rituals
Home Cleaning and Decoration
Families clean their homes before Tet to eliminate negative energy which brings bad luck into their homes while they welcome positive energy into their spaces. The home decorations include:
• Peach blossoms which represent North Vietnam
• Yellow apricot flowers which represent South Vietnam
• Red banners which display lucky symbols and decorative elements
• Lanterns and lights
Ancestor Worship
At home altars families perform food offerings and incense burning while they pray to their ancestors for blessings during the new year.
Giving Lucky Money (Li Xi)
Red envelopes which contain money are given to children and elders as a symbol of good fortune and happiness and prosperity.
Tet Special Foods
Traditional dishes include:
- Banh Chung (sticky rice cake)
- Banh Tet
- Pickled vegetables
- Candied fruits
- Boiled chicken
- Traditional sweets and desserts
How Vietnam Celebrates Tet Festival
Public Celebrations
- Fireworks show
- Dragon dances
- Cultural performances
- Street festivals
- Flower markets
- Traditional music events
Family-Centered Celebrations
Unlike many festivals, Tet is mostly family-oriented. People travel back to their hometowns, making it the biggest migration period in Vietnam.
Best Places to Experience Vietnam New Year 2026
Hanoi
- Traditional Tet rituals
- Old Quarter celebrations
- Temple ceremonies
- Cultural performances
Ho Chi Minh City
- Fireworks
- Street festivals
- Flower streets
- Modern Tet celebrations
Hoi An
- Lantern festivals
- Peaceful old town atmosphere
- Cultural rituals
Hue
- Royal traditions
- Temple ceremonies
- Historical celebrations
The following travel recommendations exist for tourists who visit Vietnam during the New Year holidays Vietnam New Year Travel Tips for Tourists.
The travel industry requires you to book your flights and accommodations and transportation needs before your planned travel date.
The Tet holiday period causes quick sellouts of flights to hotels and bus services.
Shops and offices plus small business operations will experience two to four days of closure.
Customers should prepare to make their purchases using cash because ATMs will have restricted service during Tet holiday period.
Visitors should dress in appropriate clothing for temples and family events because of traditional customs.
The Tet Travel Period requires visitors to Vietnam to obtain their tourist visas before entering the country.
International travelers must apply for a Vietnam tourist visa before entering the country (unless visa-free for your nationality).
The official online e-visa system allows you to apply for a Vietnam tourist visa through its simple application process.
Basic steps:
- Fill online application
- Upload passport and photo
- Pay visa fee
- Receive e-visa by email
- Print and travel
Applying early is recommended, especially during peak seasons like Tet Festival.
Why Visit Vietnam During New Year?
- Experience authentic Vietnamese culture
- Witness the country’s biggest festival
- Enjoy traditional food and rituals
- Capture stunning festival visuals
- Feel the warmth of Vietnamese hospitality
- Unique spiritual and cultural journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Vietnam Tourist Visa – Frequently Asked Questions help travelers understand tour types, activities, timings, safety tips, booking process, and best travel experiences.
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