Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet)

The zodiac animal for 2026 is the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse. This sign will be celebrated starting with the Lunar New Year on February 17, 2026, and will continue until February 5, 2027.

Tet 2026, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, will commence on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This celebration marks the first day of the lunar calendar and welcomes the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength and luck in Vietnamese culture.

Tet 2025 will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 29th, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. The official holiday period will last for 7 days, from January 28th to February 3rd, 2025. This is a time for family reunions, traditional festivities, and honoring ancestors in Vietnamese culture.

Traditionally, the amount of lucky money given has changed over the years. Currently, it typically ranges from 50,000 to 200,000 VND for acquaintances, while amounts for closer relationships can be between 200,000 and 1,000,000 VND. The exact amount often depends on personal circumstances and local customs.

During festival seasons, prices for consumer goods and services such as transportation, accommodation, tour packages, gifts, and entertainment may rise due to heightened demand and specific factors related to the celebration. Nevertheless, these price increases are generally modest and not significantly different from regular times.

While there is no formal dress code, it's considerate to dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting temples or joining family gatherings. Traditional Vietnamese attire such as the “ao dai,” as well as smart suits and long dresses, are ideal for the occasion. Given the current chilly weather, don’t forget to wear warm jackets and comfortable shoes or boots to stay cozy.

The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tết, falls between late January and mid-February, celebrating the arrival of spring. The weather across the country during this time is generally pleasant, making it perfect for outdoor activities and cultural festivities.

In northern Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi and the surrounding mountainous regions, temperatures typically range from 15 to 20°C and the climate is cool and dry. Central Vietnam, including Hue, Danang, and Hoi An, experiences milder conditions with temperatures around 20°C to 25°C. In the south, it is warmer and more humid, with temperatures often exceeding 25°C, accompanied by occasional brief showers.

Red envelopes, known as “li xi,” are not mandatory but are a meaningful tradition symbolizing good luck and prosperity. It's customary to give them to close Vietnamese friends, elders, and children during festive occasions. This gesture reflects warmth and good wishes for the upcoming year.

While the official duration for the holiday is 7 days, actual business reopening times vary by store and company. Many offices and larger businesses typically resume operations promptly, whereas small shops may choose to open earlier or later based on their own traditions and preferences for attracting good fortune in the new year.

When greeting Vietnamese people, you can say "Chúc Mừng Năm Mới" (Happy New Year) or "Chúc bạn một mùa xuân hạnh phúc" (Wishing you a joyful spring). These phrases convey warm wishes and celebrate the new year, especially during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which is a significant holiday in Vietnam.

Expect heightened traffic and crowded public transport around the holiday. Many businesses, shops, and government offices often close, which may delay services. Additionally, due to high demand, public transport options like buses, trains, and flights may be limited. To avoid inconveniences, it's best to book your accommodations and other services well in advance.

When celebrating, remember that giving lucky money is a valued tradition, albeit not mandatory. It's also important to respect cultural customs such as greetings, honoring elders, and dressing modestly by covering your legs and shoulders at religious sites. Be mindful of potential changes, like temporary business closures and slower service, as you experience the nation's most significant festival.

Additionally, steer clear of discussing negative topics like death and using profanity. Engaging in arguments or raising your voice is believed to attract bad luck, so approach conversations with care.

Yes, foreign visitors are warmly invited to participate! You can immerse yourself in local traditions and customs, such as visiting temples, exchanging lucky money, and savoring traditional specialties. To fully enjoy the festivities, please respect the local culture by dressing modestly, paying your respects at temples and pagodas, and practicing customs like giving and receiving red envelopes. Don’t forget to greet others with “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) to share in the joy of the celebration!

Before Tet 

The 23rd of the lunar December marks Kitchen God Day, or Tet Ong Cong - Ong Tao, honoring the kitchen gods who oversee family matters. On this day, Vietnamese families clean their altars, prepare fresh offerings, cook traditional dishes, and release carp into rivers as a farewell ritual to guide these gods back to heaven.

From the 24th to the 30th of lunar December, families come together to clean and decorate their homes, make Chung cake, gather ingredients for traditional meals, prepare five-fruit trays, and visit ancestors' graves. Shopping for new clothes, decorations, and gifts is also common.

During Tet

On New Year's Eve (30th lunar December), families offer prayers at their ancestors' altars and perform "xong dat," the first visit to their home in the new year. Throughout the five-day holiday, Vietnamese people visit relatives, exchange lucky money, and visit pagodas and temples.

After Tet

As life returns to normal, many continue to enjoy the festive atmosphere by participating in spring festivals and celebrating Tet Nguyen Tieu on the 15th of lunar January.

Tet, or Vietnamese New Year, typically lasts for 7 to 9 days, with preparations beginning weeks in advance to create a festive atmosphere that extends even longer. The official dates are based on the lunar calendar, so they vary each year.

- 2018: 7 days

- 2019: 9 days

- 2020: 7 days

- 2021: 7 days

- 2022: 9 days

- 2023: 9 days

- 2024: 7 days

- 2025: 9 days

The reopening day for Vietnamese small businesses after the New Year varies by owner, as many believe it's essential for ensuring a lucky and prosperous year. They often consult fortune tellers or use the lunar calendar to select a date that aligns with their zodiac. Some may resume operations on the first day of the year, while others might wait until the tenth day or even the First Full Moon Festival (Tet Nguyen Tieu).

Many grocery stores, like Aeon Mall, may close briefly on New Year's Day morning but usually reopen by noon and stay open late. Vinmart stores often close on the first day of the New Year and resume service on the second day. To avoid crowds, it's best to steer clear of shopping malls and grocery stores 2-3 days before the Tết holiday, as they tend to be extremely busy with last-minute shoppers.