Hanoi

Top Things to Do During Tet in Hanoi

Friday, 17/01/2025, 21:01 GMT+7

Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnam, and Hanoi comes alive with its unique blend of tradition, culture, and festivity. This article will guide you through the most captivating experiences of Tet in Hanoi, ensuring your visit during this special time is unforgettable.

Things to do in Hanoi before Tet

1. Watch the Tet Eve preparations

In the days near Tet, Hanoi transforms into a lively city of activity. The streets are filled with people shopping for decorations like kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and red envelopes, all symbols of prosperity and good fortune.

Every corner of the city exudes the festive spirit, especially in places like Hang Ma Street, where colorful Tet items fill the stalls.

Peach flowers

Vietnam families also prepare their homes with great care. Cleaning is an essential part of Tet customs, symbolizing a fresh start and sweeping away bad luck from the previous year. Decorations such as Hanoi Tet markets' traditional crafts and lucky charms further enhance the celebratory atmosphere.

Walking through these markets is an unforgettable way to experience the city's unique Tet vibe, making it a highlight of Tet in Hanoi.

2. Participate in religious rituals

The spiritual essence of Tet can be felt in Hanoi’s majestic temples and pagodas. Many families start the new year by visiting places of worship to offer prayers, light incense, and pay respects to their ancestors.

This act of ancestor worship is a cornerstone of Tet customs in Hanoi, reflecting the gratitude and reverence deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

Prominent locations such as Tran Quoc Pagoda and Perfume Pagoda see a surge of visitors during Tet. These sacred sites become focal points for spiritual reflection and renewal.

For visitors, participating in these rituals is a serene and meaningful way to connect with the traditions of the Hanoi Tet celebrations.

Tran Quoc pagoda

3. See fireworks display

30 fireworks shows will be held in Hanoi across the city, lighting the night sky in brilliant hues and cheerful energy. These sites promise unique Tet celebration memories.

For the best views, consider visiting one of these five iconic locations: Hoan Kiem Lake, Thong Nhat Park, Lac Long Quan floral garden, Van Quan Lake, or My Dinh National Stadium.

Tet holiday fireworks in Ha Noi

4. Wander through markets

The days before Tet in Hanoi are when these markets, including Hang Ma Street and Quang Ba Flower Market are busiest. Traditional Vietnamese crafts, Tet decorations, and gourmet cuisine spill forth from stalls.

From handcrafted lanterns to scarlet envelopes for lucky money, Hang Ma Street boasts everything.

For those looking for peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and other iconic flowers adorns every Vietnamese house during Tet, Quang Ba Flower Market is best choice. Discovering these busy markets not only transports you to the Hanoi Tet holiday mood but also presents special chances for gift shopping.

5. Admire Hanoi decorations

Hanoi during Tet is a visual feast with parks, streets, and monuments festively decorated. Surrounded by brilliant lights, peach blooms, and creative exhibits, Hoan Kiem Lake is among the most intriguing places.

For Tet celebrations, this famous site becomes the center point attracting both residents and visitors.

Additionally exhibiting amazing Tet-themed installations are the Hanoi Opera House and main streets like Trang Tien and Hang Dao. Reflecting the core of the Tet in Hanoi, lanterns, light displays, and floral arrangements produce a magnificent environment.

As you meander around the city savoring the splendor of the Hanoi Tet celebrations, remember to photograph these magical events.

Vibrant Dragon Dance Performance in Hanoi

Things to do in Hanoi during Tet

1. Enjoy traditional performances

Hanoi's celebrations revolve mostly on cultural events during Tet. Featuring theater, dance, and traditional music, these events accentuate the city's rich legacy.

One must-see event is the water puppet show, a Vietnam-specific artistic medium usually presented at places like the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre.

Tet festivities often feature public outdoor performances of Vietnamese traditional music, lion dances, and even opera. These cultural exhibits provide guests with a better knowledge of the Tet customs in Hanoi.

Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre

2. Savor traditional Tet dishes

Tet in Hanoi celebrates both taste and history, hence missing its famous cuisine would not be complete. A square sticky rice cake stuffed with pork and mung beans, bánh chưng (wrapped in banana leaves) is fundamental to the Tet feast.

Anyone visiting over the festive season should definitely eat this meal since it represents thanksfulness to the ancestors.

Xôi gấc, or sticky rice with gac fruit, is another necessary meal, its vivid red hue stands for luck and wealth. Perfectly complementing savory foods like giò lụa (Vietnamese pork sausage) and thịt đông (jellied meat), main items on every Tet dining table.

bánh chưng

Bánh Chưng

3. Visit the temples & pagodas

Many residents of Tet attend temples and pagodas to respect their ancestors and pray for a great new year. Worshippers at holy sites include the Perfume Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, and Tran Quoc Pagoda abound in incense and ceremonial performance.

Tet decorations, lamps, and flowers cover these spiritual sites to produce a calm yet joyous environment. Seeing these sites during Tet in Hanoi is a approach to engage with the spiritual traditions of Hanoi.

Although Tet in Hanoi is a time for colorful celebrations, negotiating the crowded streets can prove difficult. Vietnam Budget Car Rental provides dependable, reasonably priced Hanoi private car ranging from small sedans to 7-seaters.

It is perfect for family travel or city exploration Our professional drivers and flexible booking choices let you easily visit tourist attractions including Hoan Kiem Lake, Tet markets, or enjoy the fireworks. Book our car today for a convient journey during the holiday!