Dutch-German expat sees Vietnam’s Tet as favorite time of year

So far, I have spent four Lunar New Year holidays in Vietnam, mostly in Hanoi, where I am based.

The festive spirit before and during Tet is easily perceptible, even for foreigners who are only visiting for a short time.

As a nature lover, I can't get enough of looking at beautiful flowers such as poinsettias, peach blossoms, and plum blossoms.

One year, I spent Tet in southern Vietnam, where I noticed that apricot blossoms are more popular.

I was surprised by the little kumquat trees, which are typical of Tet.

They reminded me of the Christmas tree that my family puts up in December back home.

Their bright orange fruits resemble the red baubles we hang on the fir tree at Christmas.

Seeing that our traditions are not so different gave me a feeling of connection to the Lunar New Year celebration.

When I spend Tet in Hanoi, one activity I cannot miss is visiting the Hang Ma area, which is known for selling decorative items.

The shops on the street are filled with red and yellow Tet-themed decorations such as envelopes of different colours and shapes for lucky money, New Year banners to hang on doorframes or inside the house, woven baskets and trays, and flowers, of course.

Each year, the theme changes according to the zodiac animal that will host the Lunar New Year.

I also buy a small decoration for my home each year, and now my house is inhabited by a buffalo, a tiger, a cat, a dragon and a snake, and soon a horse.

The most impressive year for me so far was the Year of the Dragon, when the decorations seemed more diverse, ostentatious and almost lavish.

However, my judgement may be biased, as I was born in the Year of the Dragon and therefore remember that year most vividly.

Embracing Hanoi’s Tet festivities

I am a big fan of the candied fruits traditionally served during Tet, especially candied ginger, which tingles on your tongue with its spiciness and warms you up inside.

Nibbling on candied ginger while drinking a cup of hot green tea is simply blissful.

When Tet finally arrives, Hanoi becomes an extraordinarily quiet city for a few days.

Since most people have left the city to spend the holiday with their families in their hometowns, or are busy cooking and celebrating at home, there is hardly any traffic.

One year, some Vietnamese friends invited me to join their spring trip which took place after the Lunar New Year.

We explored a hilly, rural area on the outskirts of Hanoi.

As we passed by pagodas, we could hear the bustle inside.

In Vietnam, pagodas and temples are particularly busy around Tet, and it is great that anyone can visit to offer new year prayers or simply observe these unique traditions.

Returning to the office after Tet is also a special experience.

As the door is sealed at the end of the previous year, it is ceremoniously reopened on the first day of business.

Whoever first enters the door determines the fortune of everyone inside. A big responsibility!

Fortunately, my colleagues are knowledgeable enough to calculate and select the most auspicious person according to the zodiac and birth year.

So far, I have experienced very lucky years in Vietnam.

If this is your first Lunar New Year in Vietnam, I would advise you to stock up on groceries, since supermarkets are closed for at least three days and local shops may be closed for up to a week.

Fortunately, some foreign restaurants in large cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City may remain open.

However, since ride-hailing services may also be scarce, you should either have your own transport or ensure that there are restaurants within walking distance.

Other than that, it’s a great time to be in Vietnam, and I'm sure you'll enjoy Tet as much as I do!