Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet)

Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, typically lasts for 7 days. However, the preparations for Tet can last for several weeks and the holiday spirit can be felt even longer. Many people take time off work to spend with their families and friends, so the holiday period can feel quite extended. The official dates of Tet are determined by the lunar calendar and are based on the sighting of the new moon, so it can fall on different days each year.

It's worth noting that The duration of the Tet holiday can vary depending on the region, company, and individual family traditions, some people might take more days off for the celebration than others.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.