Vietnam, with its captivating landscapes, ancient history, and rich cultural heritage, is a country that has long been a favorite destination for travelers. One of the most enchanting times to visit is the Vietnam holidays 2024, special during Tet when the nation comes alive with vibrant celebrations and age-old traditions.

The essence of Tet - A brief overview

Tet signifies the arrival of spring and the beginning of the lunar calendar year. Celebrated over several days, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year 2024 holds immense cultural significance, encompassing a blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities.

Rituals and customs - An intimate glimpse

Tet, a cherished celebration in Vietnam, is deeply rooted in cultural traditions. The festivities include intricate rituals, such as meticulous home cleaning to sweep away past bad luck, ushering in good fortune for the upcoming year. Vibrant flower markets adorn the streets, with blossoms symbolizing new beginnings and prosperity. Another beloved tradition involves exchanging "li xi" (lucky money envelopes) for luck and blessings in the coming year.

This Vietnam holiday 2024 holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese

Culinary delights - A feast for the senses

During Tet, dining tables showcase a variety of exquisite culinary delights. Traditional dishes like "banh chung", "gio lua" and "dua kieu" offer a flavorful tribute to Vietnam's gastronomic heritage. Beyond being a feast for the palate, these dishes embody a deep connection to cultural traditions and culinary legacy. Each bite tells a story of history and tradition, making Tet a truly immersive and unforgettable culinary experience.

Delicious dried candied fruits during Lunar New Year in Vietnamese

Vietnam holidays 2024: Regional tapestry of Tet celebrations across 3 regions

While Tet is a nationwide celebration, the regional differences add depth and diversity to the overall cultural tapestry of Vietnam during this auspicious time, showcasing the country's unity in diversity.

Northern celebrate Tet with elegance

As Tet approaches and spring unfolds, the entire northern region adorns itself with a new aura, characterized by the vibrant pink hues of cherry blossoms. Despite the chilly weather, the lively atmosphere of flower markets and the warm hustle and bustle of crowds create a truly enchanting experience. 

In the belief system, cherry blossoms symbolize good fortune, prompting everyone to carefully select a branch that resonates with their preferences. Their heartfelt wish is to bring peace and happiness to their families.

When Tet arrives, the North blossoms in vibrant cherry hues

Fat meat, pickled onions, red parallel sentences - New Year pole, strings of firecrackers, green Chung cake. These are all indispensable dishes on this special Vietnam holiday 2024 feast of the people in the Northern region. The soft and fatty square sticky rice cakes, filled with green mung beans and pork fat, paired with crunchy, sour, and slightly spicy pickled onions, create a perfectly balanced flavor. 

A diverse array of signature dishes on the Northern New Year table

Central embraces a bountiful Tet

In Central Vietnam, where storms and floods persist throughout the year. Despite these hardships, the people of Central Vietnam take meticulous care in preparing their Vietnamese New Year feasts, showcasing the unique dishes inherent to the region. 

One standout feature in the Tet spread of Central households is the tradition of enjoying various rolled dishes. Sometimes filled with boiled meat, other times with pig ears, these rolls are accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs and a flavorful homemade fish sauce, making them a delectable delicacy.

New Year dishes in Central are often characterized by a variety of distinctive rolled delicacies

During the Vietnam holidays 2024, Central Vietnamese Tet dishes showcase creativity while home decorations maintain an elegantly simple charm. As Tet approaches, the streets and villages burst into a riot of colors with chrysanthemums, marigolds, and paper flowers. 

Due to the cultural amalgamation between the North and South in Central Vietnam, the locals creatively incorporate both peach blossoms and apricot branches in their Tet decorations. Peach blossoms symbolize good fortune, while apricot branches gracefully frame the entrances of homes, creating a harmonious blend of cultural influences.

Central people opt for a simple New Year home decoration approach

Southern welcomes Tet with gentleness

The lush land of Southern generously bestows an abundance of produce, enriching the Tet feast with a variety of delicacies. From braised meats, root porridge salad, and shredded boiled chicken mixed with onions to the traditional cylindrical sticky rice cake (bánh tét) served with pickled vegetables, dried shrimp, and pickled radishes, the Southern Tet table is a culinary delight.

Notably, almost every household in the Southern region features a pot of meat stewed in coconut juice served with pickled vegetables and bitter melon soup. These dishes are essential in the offerings to ancestors on the 30th day of Tet Nguyen Dan, symbolizing the desire to overcome hardships for a better New Year.

The flavors of Vietnam holiday 2024 - Tet with the Southern table

Southern Vietnam welcomes Tet amidst warm weather, accompanied by golden apricot blossoms proudly basking in the spring sunlight. The people of the Southern region view apricot blossoms as symbols of longevity and good fortune. 

During these days, every household tries to get a large apricot tree to place in front of their house. They also buy a few small branches to decorate the walls and doors with paper flowers to create a Tet atmosphere.

Come the New Year, every Southern household adorns its entrance with a potted apricot blossom tree

As immersed in the festivities of holidays in Vietnam, the vibrant culture and traditions of the Lunar New Year unfold like a tapestry of joy and unity. Don't miss the chance to be part of this cultural extravaganza - book your tour to Vietnam now and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let's join in celebrating the Vietnam holidays 2024, a journey into the heart of Tet!