Tet, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most significant festival in Vietnam, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Nowhere is this grand celebration more vibrant than in Hanoi, the heart of Vietnamese culture and history. Hanoi during Tet transforms into a spectacle of color, tradition, and festivity, where both locals and visitors immerse themselves in the rich customs of the Vietnamese New Year.
Preparations for Tet in Hanoi: A City Transformed
Festive Decorations and Markets
In the weeks leading up to Tet, Hanoi’s streets, markets, and homes undergo an extraordinary transformation. The famous Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake area burst with activity as locals prepare for the festival. Hang Ma Streetis particularly famous for its dazzling display of red and gold decorations, lucky money envelopes, and lanterns. These colors symbolize prosperity and happiness, setting the perfect tone for the coming year.
Tet Shopping Frenzy
The city’s major Tet markets such as Dong Xuan Market and Quang Ba Flower Market see a surge in activity as families shop for peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and ornamental plants—symbols of good luck and prosperity. Traditional Tet foods like banh chung (square sticky rice cake) and mut tet (candied fruits) are in high demand as they hold deep cultural significance.
Tet Traditions and Customs in Hanoi
Family Reunions and Ancestor Worship
Tet is a time for family in Vietnam, and Hanoians honor their ancestors by cleaning altars, offering food, and burning incense. Families come together to pay respects and ensure good fortune for the new year. Homes are cleaned meticulously to sweep away bad luck, and debts are settled to start the year fresh.
The Exchange of Lucky Money (Li Xi)
One of the most cherished traditions is the giving of li xi, or lucky money. Elders present red envelopes containing crisp banknotes to children and younger family members as a gesture of good fortune and blessings.
Celebratory Events and Public Festivities
Fireworks and Countdown Celebrations
Hanoi welcomes the Lunar New Year with spectacular fireworks displays at major landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake, Thong Nhat Park, and My Dinh Stadium. The capital city erupts in cheers, music, and joy, making it an unforgettable experience for locals and tourists alike.
The Sacred First Visit of the Year (Xong Dat)
Vietnamese believe that the first person to enter a home in the new year influences its fortune. Families carefully choose someone who embodies success, kindness, and good energy to be their first guest.
Temple Visits and Spiritual Reflection
Hanoians flock to famous temples and pagodas such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and the Temple of Literature to pray for health, success, and prosperity in the new year. The tranquil yet festive atmosphere offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s deep-rooted spiritual traditions.
Tet Gastronomy: Traditional Foods in Hanoi
Banh Chung and Banh Tet
A quintessential Tet dish, banh chung (square sticky rice cake) is made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in dong leaves and boiled for hours. This dish represents gratitude to ancestors and is often prepared by families together.
Gio Cha (Vietnamese Sausage)
Served alongside banh chung, gio cha is a traditional delicacy made from pounded pork and fish sauce, wrapped in banana leaves and steamed to perfection.
Mut Tet (Candied Fruits and Seeds)
Tet celebrations in Hanoi aren’t complete without a plate of mut tet—a selection of candied lotus seeds, ginger, coconut, and kumquats, symbolizing sweetness and prosperity for the new year.
Experiencing Tet in Hanoi as a Visitor
Best Places to Visit During Tet
For visitors, Hanoi during Tet is a mesmerizing experience. Here are some top spots to explore:
- Hoan Kiem Lake – The center of public festivities, street performances, and fireworks.
- The Old Quarter – Bustling markets, Tet shopping, and local delicacies.
- West Lake – A peaceful retreat to witness locals making offerings at temples.
- Ngoc Son Temple & Tran Quoc Pagoda – Important spiritual sites for New Year prayers.
Things to Keep in Mind
While Tet is a wonderful time to visit, travelers should note that many businesses close for the first few days of the holiday. Public transport and flights can also be booked out early, so planning ahead is essential.
Conclusion: The Magic of Tet in Hanoi
Hanoi’s Tet festival is an unmissable cultural experience that immerses visitors in Vietnam’s rich traditions, culinary delights, and joyful celebrations. The blend of ancient customs and modern festivities makes it a unique time to explore the capital and witness its most vibrant transformation of the year.