The Allure of Vietnamese Tet: Foreigners Captivated by Lucky Money, ‘Banh Chung,’ and More

For many foreigners living in Vietnam, the country’s traditional Lunar New Year, or Tet, can be a bewildering but fascinating experience. This is certainly the case for British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, Alexandra Smith, who is celebrating her first Tet this year, which falls on January 29.

To embrace the festive spirit, Smith and her team donned the elegant ‘ao dai’, the traditional Vietnamese outfit. They joined the latest trend among young people, taking photos in their festive attire at the metro station.

Smith remarked on the unique New Year atmosphere in Vietnam, which differs from what she experienced in the UK. “As a foreigner, I have felt the New Year atmosphere since January, but in Vietnam, that feeling is especially palpable as Tet draws near,” she said.

One of the most intriguing differences she noted between Christmas in the UK and Tet in Vietnam is the custom of giving lucky money. She was intrigued to learn that the age of receiving lucky money is not set in stone, varying depending on individual circumstances.

Chris Jeffery, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the British University Vietnam, celebrates Tet with his Vietnamese family and friends. Source: Supplied

Chris Jeffery, Pro-Vice Chancellor of the British University Vietnam, is no stranger to Tet, having celebrated it 14 times during his time in Hanoi. He shared his surprise at the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people, who welcomed him, a Westerner, into their homes during this special time.

Contrary to the advice he received upon his arrival in Vietnam, Jeffery chose to stay in the city during Tet. He recalls the vibrant scenes of peach and kumquat blossoms, delivery riders with trees tied to their motorbikes, and people dressed in ‘ao dai’, capturing the beauty of the season.

Scott Green, a young British entrepreneur, and his fiancée in Vietnam. Source: Supplied

Scott Green, a young British entrepreneur, has called Vietnam home for over 13 years. He reminisced about his early years in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet, which were quieter as his friends returned to their hometowns. However, as he dated a Vietnamese woman, he began to feel a deeper connection to the celebrations.

Mads Werner, a young Danish businessman, has also embraced Tet during his 11 years in Vietnam, celebrating it eight times. Werner leads a financial technology company, Ekko, and several other businesses across various industries in the country.

For Werner, Vietnam has become a place of personal and professional growth. His immersion in the local culture has led to his friends in Denmark jokingly calling him Vietnamese, and even his colleagues in Vietnam referring to him as a ‘true Hanoian.’

Mads Werner, a young Danish businessman, celebrates Tet in Hanoi, Vietnam. Source: Supplied

‘When in Vietnam, do as the Vietnamese do’

Green shared his initial confusion about certain Tet customs, such as making ‘banh chung’ (a traditional sticky rice cake), visiting and giving lucky money. However, over time, he grew to love and appreciate these traditions, understanding their significance.

He also reflected on the meaning behind the red envelopes used for lucky money, seeing them as a way to express love and gratitude. The joy and surprise on the recipients’ faces, even the trusted parking lot security guards, made it all worthwhile for him.

So much so, that he is considering introducing this tradition to British culture, believing it could spread happiness.

One of Green’s favorite Tet activities is lighting a campfire and watching fireworks in his girlfriend’s hometown, creating magical memories. He also enjoys the lively interactions with the neighborhood children, who excitedly practice their English with him.

While Western countries return to work after Christmas, Vietnam is in full swing celebrating Tet. For Jeffery, this means a blend of work and cultural immersion. He takes the time to go out, connect with people, and contemplate the opportunities and challenges that the new year brings.

Jeffery observed a noticeable change in Hanoi during Tet. “It no longer feels like a rural village,” he said, noting the increased number of cars and bustling streets, especially near temples.

Despite the busier atmosphere, he looks forward to preparing for the new year, including a thorough house cleaning with the help of a maid to ensure a neat and organized space.

A Time for Relaxation and Celebration

This Tet, Green, the CEO of Vive (Vietnam) Company Limited, and his family will take a well-deserved break as they prepare for their upcoming wedding. He shared his unique plan to serve vegetarian food at the wedding, a challenge given the large scale of traditional Vietnamese weddings.

Green also mentioned the importance his fiancée’s parents place on selecting an auspicious wedding date, consulting feng shui masters. He respects their wisdom and decades of marital bliss.

Werner, too, is opting for a peaceful holiday in Hanoi. He will use this time to focus on personal projects, relax, and perhaps organize small gatherings. For him, Tet is a time for introspection and savoring life’s simple pleasures, like driving through the quiet streets of Hanoi in search of a pho restaurant.

Pho is a beloved Vietnamese dish, featuring fresh rice noodles and a flavorful broth, typically served with beef or chicken.