Lunar New Year in Vietnam 2026
Discover Tet Traditions and Culture
When the first whisper of spring brushes across Vietnam, the country brims with the festive spirit of Tet. In 2026, the Year of the Horse brings themes of new horizons, vitality, and forward momentum, making this Lunar New Year especially meaningful as families gather to welcome renewal, connection, and unity.
Though the spirit of Tet is felt across the nation, the central region is where age-old traditions thrive — from the poetic heritage of Hue to the tranquil shorelines of Lang Co. Here, cultural rituals unfold gently against a backdrop of mountains and sea. Watch Tet come to life in this serene coastal haven, and embrace the beauty of a tropical escape as you welcome the Year of the Horse.
What Is Tet (Lunar New Year)? A Short Explanation
Tet, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most treasured festival in Vietnamese culture. Its name means ‘Festival of the First Morning’ - an indication of the spiritual beginning of the lunar calendar. Beyond an annual holiday, it is a time for locals to honour ancestors and welcome good fortune into the home. The whole country pulses with excitement during joyful preparation, and settles into a slower cadence as the holiday unfurls.
Essential Lunar New Year Traditions You’ll See Across Vietnam
Vietnamese Lunar New Year customs are distinct to each region, but the essence remains as one
Family Reunions & Ancestral Worship
Reunions hold the spotlight, as Tet is the embodiment of a homecoming in Vietnam. However far they have ventured, Vietnamese people always try to return home for a proper honouring of their ancestors. The ancestral altars, often placed in a respected spot, are adorned with seasonal fruits, blooming flowers, tea, and incense. This ritual is an offering of gratitude to the spirits of loved ones, one of the most cherished celebrations that strengthens family ties.
House Refreshing & “Sweeping Away the Old Year”
As Tet approaches, every family member shoulders a task to renew the living spaces. These activities are symbolic: to sweep away the year’s misfortune to welcome good luck, which should only be carried out before the actual holiday, not during. Once the homes are as neat as a pin, fresh flowers and festive décor further brighten the space, representing new abundance.
Lucky Money (Lì Xì)
Vietnam New Year traditions revolve around joy, and the act of giving away lucky money (lì xì) is an iconic custom of Tet. These red envelopes are given to children by elders, embodying blessings for health, hope, and good fortune. The gesture goes above the money itself, as it is an expression of care and encouragement for a new year ahead.
Colours, Flowers & Festive Atmosphere of Tet
Colourful flowers and timeless traditions are what bring Tet to life. Each kind of blossom showcases the allure of a region, and every activity adds to the energy of this festival.
Peach, Apricot & Kumquat Trees
The types of flowers are a subtle display of each region’s climate. While pink-hued peach blossoms are the sign of Tet in the North, golden apricot flowers are found in every home in the Central and South areas. The kumquat trees are another Tet staple, as the emerald leaves and vibrant fruits symbolise warmth, growth, and prosperity. In alignment, these floral displays transform households into an optimistic space - a cosy backdrop for gatherings.
Tet Markets & Calligraphy Corners
Markets in Vietnam already buzz with energy, and they become even more dynamic near Tet. Locals join each other for last-minute shopping of candied fruits and other Tet treats while admiring the vibrant blossoms - an unmistakable ambience that is best felt in the bustling markets of Hue. A century-old practice that graces the scene every Tet is traditional calligraphy, where ông đồ dressed in black áo dài write wishes for good luck and longevity. All the activities burst with a sense of community during this important event for Vietnamese people.
Flavours of Tet — Meaningful Dishes
Tet will not be the same without its classic flavours, especially ones that have been standing for centuries in this rich culture.
Banh Chung & Banh Tet
These leaf-wrapped sticky rice cake treats anchor the soul of Tet. In the North, the square bánh chưng symbolises the earth, whereas the cylindrical bánh tét from the Central and Southern regions represents the sky. Transcending their forms, both cakes are rooted in family unity and ancestral respect, which is what this sacred holiday is all about.
Festive Sweets & Drinks
The perfect complements to the main dishes are food that reflect the local ingredients, namely candied fruits (mứt) that are made from ginger, coconut, plums, mango, and the like. These sweet treats are best enjoyed with a heartwarming cup of herbal tea - a classic pairing that showcases the rhythm of Tet in every household.
Tet in Central Vietnam — Hue & Lang Co Traditions
The Central region of Vietnam is where Tet flourishes with its timeless rituals, especially in the imperial city of Hue. Its unfiltered beauty unveils with every temple visit, ancestral ceremonies, and sparkling streets graced with vivid flowers.
Experience a slower side of this festival, where electric nightlife gives way to leisurely strolls along the lantern-lit path of the Perfume River, and beach parties are replaced by the authenticity of Lang Co fishing villages. Here, a more soulful Lunar New Year celebration awaits your arrival, including our signature Lunar New Year Party designed to honor local traditions in a refined coastal setting.
What Travellers Should Expect During Tet
- The streets are often quieter than usual, since families spend time together at home.
- Before Tet, the markets are bustling with life, but many shops may close temporarily during the holiday.
- The must-see experiences for visitors are blossom markets, lantern streets, and calligraphy.
- Have a taste of the traditional dishes such as bánh chưng or mứt alongside fragrant herbal teas.
- Practice simple gestures of respect like watching altars from a distance, giving out lucky money, and speaking quietly in sacred places.
Celebrate Tet at Banyan Tree Lang Co
Step into the Year of the Horse – Embrace the New Horizon at Banyan Tree Lang Co, where Tet unfolds within a tranquil coastal sanctuary. This year’s theme invites guests to welcome 2026 with clarity, optimism, and a renewed sense of movement and possibility.
The resort honours Tet through subtle, culturally inspired décor and symbolic floral arrangements that embrace Vietnamese heritage. A thoughtfully curated programme of traditional activities invites guests to participate in the spirit of the holiday:
- Chung Cake cooking and time-honoured culinary rituals
- Calligraphy writing for auspicious new-year wishes
- Nêu pole erecting, symbolising protection and good fortune
- Lucky envelope picking and blindfolded clay pot smashing
- To He figurine crafting
- Vietnamese folk singing and Bài Chòi games
To begin the year with balance, the resort also introduces The Five Basic Elements Yoga Series (Ngũ Hành), a wellbeing journey inspired by earth, water, fire, wood, and metal.
Guests may also explore Hue’s pre-Tet markets and temples, where local rituals and bustling energy offer deeper insight into Vietnam’s most cherished celebration.
FAQs About Lunar New Year in Vietnam
How does Vietnam celebrate the Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year is celebrated through lively Tet markets, temples, calligraphy corners, and flower streets. At home, families gather to honour ancestors, enjoy festive meals, and exchange lucky money among the vibrant decoration of seasonal blossoms.
How long is the Lunar New Year holiday in Vietnam?
Lunar New Year in Vietnam often lasts 7 to 9 days, with many businesses closing temporarily for around 3 to 4 days from the Tet Eve.
What not to do on Lunar New Year in Vietnam?
Avoid arguing, sweeping the house, or taking the trash out on New Year’s Day, lending money, and speaking negatively during the Lunar New Year in Vietnam. These behaviours are considered bad luck as the new year comes.
Additionally, refrain from wearing revealing clothing and speaking loudly while visiting temples to show respect.
Is Vietnam closed during the Lunar New Year?
No, Vietnam is not completely closed during the Lunar New Year. Although businesses, banks, and offices close for a few days during the main event, tourist attractions and restaurants remain open. The exact hours may vary, so be sure to check online or via phone before visiting.
What is the difference between Chinese and Vietnamese Lunar New Year?
The Vietnamese Lunar New Year is different from the Chinese New Year in several aspects. For instance, the Vietnamese replaced the Chinese ox and rabbit with buffalo and cat for the traditional zodiac animals. Regarding customs, Vietnamese people have their own traditions like releasing carp for the Kitchen God, eating bánh chưng and bánh tét, worshipping ancestors with distinct offerings (e.g., Mâm Ngũ Quả), and having traditional songs. Everything about Tet reflects the country’s cultural identity and family-centred values.