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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...

On the third day of the Lunar New Year, known as the Year of the Snake (At Ty), Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam in Hanoi buzzed with excitement as crowds gathered to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere and partake in a beloved tradition: calligraphy. A long queue of visitors eagerly waiting at Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam. Photo: Duy Minh/ Kinh te & Do thi Newspaper People from all over Vietnam, along with international tourists, converged at this historic site to seek blessings for a successful, prosperous, and wise year ahead. Many arrived early, eager to explore the ancient architecture and soak in the vibrant energy of Tet, the most significant holiday in Vietnamese culture. Beyond the festive atmosphere, visitors sought the expertise of calligraphers, asking for the word of the year to be inscribed as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. A highlight of the day was the traditional calligraphy display, where skilled “ong do” (calligraphy masters) sh...

International students in Vietnam shared their experiences of celebrating Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, away from their home countries. Despite the distance, they felt immersed in the unique cultural atmosphere and warmth of Vietnamese hospitality. At the ‘Explore the Vietnamese Tet – Connect and Share’ event held at the University of Science and Education dormitory in Da Nang, Vilasan Sommixay, a student from Laos, enthusiastically participated in a group learning to wrap banh chung , traditional square-shaped sticky rice cakes, and also explored Vietnamese calligraphy. Sommixay expressed his excitement, saying he felt as though he were celebrating Tet in his own country. International students eagerly waiting for their turn to experience Vietnamese calligraphy. Sommixay, who has been studying in Da Nang for almost a year, shared that this year would be his first time celebrating Tet in Vietnam. He felt a sense of community as he joined the festive activities, shed...

Sa Pa – A Mountainous Escape For those seeking a mountainous retreat, Sa Pa Town in Lao Cai Province is an excellent choice, and the best part? It’s just a short distance from Hanoi. With affordable sleeper bus or train tickets ranging from VND250,000-400,000 ($9.9-15.8), travelers can easily embark on their journey to this captivating destination. To make the most of your budget, consider booking a combo deal that includes round-trip bus tickets and cozy accommodation at homestays or three-star hotels for as little as VND1.5-2 million ($59.2-79) each. Witness breathtaking views from the Fansipan peak in Lao Cai Province. Photo : SG If you’re craving spectacular vistas and luxurious four-to-five-star services, be prepared to spend around VND900,000-2.8 million ($35.5-110.5) per night for an unforgettable experience. During Tet , a visit to the Fansipan peak is a must. Many consider it lucky to stand at the “Roof of Indochina” on the first day of the new lunar year, takin...

The upcoming project’s centerpiece, a flower and light park, will be opened to the public during Tet, as shared by the provincial Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. As part of Da Lat’s strategy to stimulate economic growth after dark, the area surrounding the lake and the adjacent 39-hectare pine forest will be transformed into a vibrant light park at night, while daytime activities will remain unchanged. Pham Tuan Anh, Delight Park Da Lat’s marketing director, introduced a night tour that seamlessly blends cutting-edge lighting technology with the natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings. With a careful combination of lighting, the flowers, pine forests, and the lake will come alive, offering visitors a truly enchanting and magical experience. According to Pham Tuan Anh, the park is set to become Vietnam’s largest light park, presenting a unique fusion of natural beauty and modern technology. Than Tho Lake, a famous landmark in Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province...

The Vietnamese Village Tet event, a beloved annual tradition, invites guests to immerse themselves in the vibrant customs and rituals of Vietnamese culture’s most celebrated holiday. Banh chung , a seasonal delicacy, is an integral part of the traditional Tet holiday in Vietnam. Photo: VietArt Scheduled for January 18, this festive celebration takes place in the enchanting Duong Lam Ancient Village. Organized by the Son Tay Town People’s Committee and the Hanoi Promotion Agency (HPA), the event promises a unique cultural experience, showcasing the warmth and joy of the Lunar New Year. Foreign guests are encouraged to join in the festivities, donning traditional ao dai attire. The program offers a captivating array of activities that highlight the timeless beauty of Vietnamese Tet traditions, with something for everyone to enjoy. A highlight of the event is the vibrant Tet Market, where visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of a Vietnamese New Yea...

The Lunar New Year celebrations for 2025 are almost upon us, and the youth of Vietnam are eager to embrace the festivities. With the upcoming nine-day break from work, spanning from January 25 to February 2, many are flocking to renowned and captivating sites, such as the ancient Nam Son Pagoda, to capture memorable moments with their loved ones. Nam Son Pagoda, located in Hoa Chau Commune, Hoa Vang District, in the heart of Da Nang City, has become a hotspot for visitors during this festive season. Its ancient architecture and dream-like atmosphere create a unique and enchanting backdrop for photographs. Nam Son Pagoda attracts crowds of tourists and locals alike. The stunning architecture and festive atmosphere make it a popular destination for Lunar New Year celebrations. Photo by Thanh Nguyen The pagoda’s red-tiled roofs and exquisite carvings on its enchanting towers are a sight to behold. Young people, donning colorful traditional Vietnamese attire, known as ao dai ...

Hanoi invites locals and tourists alike to immerse themselves in the vibrant Spring Flower Markets, offering a unique blend of shopping, cultural exploration, and entertainment from January 8 to 28, 2025. It’s a joyous celebration not to be missed! Hanoians and visitors flock to the Spring Flower Market, not just for the diverse flora and unique decorations but also to immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere that comes only once a year. Capture the essence of Hanoi’s cultural heritage through this vibrant market experience. Photo: Rosie Nguyen The Hanoi People’s Committee has planned a colorful spectacle with flower markets sprouting across the capital, showcasing an array of vibrant flowers, traditional crafts, and more. It’s a celebration of nature and Vietnamese culture rolled into one, and it’s all taking place in the heart of this historic city. Stroll along the charming streets of Hang Luoc, Hang Ma, Hang Khoai, Hang Ruoi, and Phung Hung Mural Street in the ...