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What Do Vietnamese People Do Before Tet ?

At the beginning of this year, I had the chance to live a truly special experience, traveling before Tet festival in Vietnam. I chose a private all-inclusive tour in Vietnam before Tet, a perfect formula for traveling without stress, with a personal guide, comfortable accommodations, and all meals included. This 14-day trip allowed me to discover the unique atmosphere of the days preceding the Tet festival in Vietnam, without the large crowds of the festival day itself. My stay took place from January 14 to 28, 2025, just before the start of the festivities scheduled for January 29. Let me tell you about this adventure day by day, filled with cultural discoveries, beautiful landscapes, and unforgettable flavors.

1. Days 1-3: pre-Tet immersion in Hanoi (January 14-16)

I landed in Hanoi just as the capital was buzzing with energy ahead of Tet. The air felt full of excitement, and the streets were dressed in red and gold decorations. As part of my private all-inclusive tour before the Tet festival in Vietnam, I began by exploring the Old Quarter, where markets were overflowing with flowers, fruits, and lucky items for family altars. I then visited Tran Quoc Pagoda on the shores of West Lake, a peaceful place where locals were already coming to pray for a prosperous new year. Streets like Hang Ma looked like a sparkling red ribbon, lined with lanterns, li xi envelopes, and golden ornaments, making me feel as if I were walking through a small enchanted town.

In the evening, I attended a traditional water puppet show and enjoyed fresh street food such as pho and banh mi, all filled with the festive mood before Tet. Later, I walked through the Quang An flower market, where trucks loaded with pink peach trees and kumquat trees arrived in the cold mist. Vendors called out their prices, creating a lively atmosphere that truly surprised me. A cyclo ride through streets decorated for Tet then gave me a genuine look at everyday local life.

2. Day 4: Tam Coc - Ninh Binh (January 17)

I left Hanoi for a day trip to Tam Coc, in the heart of beautiful karst landscapes often called the “Halong Bay on land.” After a boat ride between rice fields and mountains, I had the chance to prepare banh chung with local people. Folding the leaves, adding the rice and filling, and shaping everything with care was a simple but very moving experience. It was a special moment for me in Vietnam, warm and genuine, and it helped me feel the true spirit of Tet up close.

3. Day 5: Return to Hanoi – Tet Preparations in the Capital (January 18)

Back in Hanoi, I entered the heart of Tet preparations in Vietnam. Families were cleaning their homes, the streets were busy with last-minute shopping, and the atmosphere was becoming more and more festive. Around Hoan Kiem Lake, decorations and small stands were being set up for the celebrations. At the end of the day, I visited Ngoc Son Temple and watched people prepare their prayers. My guide also explained important customs, such as wishing for good luck and the tradition of the “first footing” (xong dat).

The atmosphere was lively but without the chaos of Lunar New Year in Vietnam. I saw preparations for a large drone show planned at My Dinh Stadium, as well as the traditional fireworks at Hoan Kiem Lake. On Hang Ma Street, red and gold lanterns created a real visual celebration. Near the Temple of Literature, I visited the calligraphy fair and then enjoyed a quiet moment at Kim Ngan Communal House, before ending the day with modern shows at Grand World.

4. Days 6-7: Cruise in Halong Bay – Pre-Tet Serenity (January 19-20)

After the busy days in Hanoi, I escaped to Halong Bay for a peaceful cruise. I sailed on emerald waters aboard a private boat included in my private all-inclusive tour in Vietnam before Tet. I explored hidden lagoons by kayak and admired thousands of karst islands rising from the sea. Just before Tet, the bay was still calm and free from the usual crowds. I enjoyed a special meal inspired by Tet dishes, such as banh chung, while taking in the beautiful scenery.

Traveling before the Tet festival in Vietnam was perfect for avoiding crowds. I chose a cruise in Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, which are less crowded than the main Halong Bay but just as stunning. Along with kayaking, the trip included hikes on Cat Ba Island, swimming on quiet beaches, and even short climbing activities.

5. Days 8-11: Evening Flight to Hoi An - Magic of the Lanterns (January 21-23)

As Tet preparations in Vietnam were in full swing, I returned to Hanoi to catch a flight to Da Nang, in central Vietnam. Travel was easy, as it was still before the busy period of family journeys. When I arrived, I immediately felt a change in atmosphere: the weather was warmer, and Tet preparations in the central region felt more relaxed.

Hoi An quickly enchanted me with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, which lit up every evening with colorful lanterns ahead of Tet. I joined a cooking class to learn how to prepare pre-Tet dishes such as nem and fruit salads. A bike ride to An Bang Beach gave me time to relax in the sun, and I also visited the My Son Sanctuary, an ancient Cham site with a calm and mystical feeling before the holidays. Local Tet traditions, like hanging lanterns to bring good luck, added a magical touch to my stay.

6. Days 12: Hue – Imperial Tet (January 24-25)

Then I headed to Hue, the former imperial capital. I visited the Citadel, a true historical treasure, as well as Thien Mu Pagoda on the banks of the Perfume River. A short cruise, included in my private all-inclusive tour in Vietnam before Tet, allowed me to admire the nearby hills and villages. In Hue, Tet preparations felt more royal, with decorations inspired by the city’s imperial past. While in Hanoi people mainly sell fresh flowers for Tet, here I noticed many paper flowers used to decorate homes and family altars. The atmosphere was elegant and truly special, even before the official holiday began.

7. Days 13-15: Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta (January 26-28)

I then flew to Ho Chi Minh City, the lively major city of the south. From the moment I arrived, I felt a special energy in the days before the Tet festival in Vietnam. Markets were full of fruits and flowers prepared for family offerings. I was especially impressed by the branches of yellow apricot trees, shining with a golden color and very different from the pink peach trees of the north.

At Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, the bright colors and strong scents made me feel like I was walking through a real flower carnival. I also visited the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. The contrast between the north, which feels calmer and more traditional, and the south, which feels warmer and more joyful, was truly striking. For a first introduction to Asian culture, it was fascinating to feel so much happiness in the air.

To end my trip, I took an excursion to the Mekong Delta. I explored lively floating markets, visited fruit orchards where families were preparing for Tet, and traveled through narrow canals by boat. I tasted southern specialties such as fresh fruits and fish dishes, and I even visited a local family to see how they prepared their altar for the holiday. Back in Ho Chi Minh City, I did some last-minute shopping for lucky souvenirs before my departure. The journey ended just before Tet, leaving me with clear and beautiful memories of this festive period, without the stress that often comes with the holiday.

This private all-inclusive tour before Tet festival in Vietnam was a real discovery for me. I saw the country preparing for its most important celebration in a very authentic way. Thanks to Autour Asia, a travel agency in Vietnam, everything was easy, well organized, and adapted to my wishes. If you are looking for an immersive experience without the stress of crowded holidays, I truly recommend this type of trip. Traveling to Vietnam before Tet is magical: a mix of colors, flavors, and traditions that deeply touched me. If you have any questions or need advice to plan your own journey, feel free to leave a comment. See you soon for new adventures!