The group arrived in Thoi Son Ward in Dong Thap Province on Thursday, days ahead of the Lunar New Year, to take part in activities ranging from making ‘banh tet’ (traditional cylindrical sticky rice cake) to cooking candied coconut, receiving calligraphy blessings, and exchanging ‘li xi,’ or lucky money.

For many of the European visitors, it was their first time handling banana leaves, sticky rice, and mung bean fillings, or squatting over a stove to stir coconut jam, a customary Tet treat in southern Vietnam. 

Organizers said the program was designed to let tourists temporarily step into the role of local residents rather than observe celebrations from a distance.

Travel company Vietluxtour, which organized the trip, said the tour combined ecological travel in the Mekong Delta with hands-on cultural experiences, aiming to help visitors understand the traditions and stories behind Vietnam's Lunar New Year food and rituals.

One participant, Miroslaw Borek, said learning to wrap ‘banh tet’ required patience and skill, adding that the experience helped explain why the dish is valued for its texture and flavor during Tet.

Vietluxtour chief executive Tran The Dung said European travelers are a key market for the company, accounting for more than 35 percent of its inbound business. 

He said arrivals from Poland rose by more than 45 percent in 2025, alongside steady demand from Britain, France, Germany, and Russia.

Similar ‘celebrate Tet like a local’ tours have been offered by Vietnamese travel firms in recent years, mostly centered in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Organizers said bringing international visitors to the Mekong Delta this year allowed them to engage more deeply with southern Vietnamese traditions.

Tourism businesses said the Lunar New Year period marks a peak season for inbound travel, and that culture-rich products focused on local customs are helping Vietnam differentiate its tourism offerings and attract long-haul visitors.