Tet 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City: Daily Life for Foreigners

Tet Nguyen Dan – or the Lunar New Year – is not only the biggest holiday of the year but also a time when life in Ho Chi Minh City undergoes significant changes. If you are a foreigner living here, you’ll notice the city becoming quieter, more serene, yet still filled with vibrant colors and joy. So, what will daily life during Tet be like for you? Let’s find out!

1.  Pre-Tet atmosphere

About 1-2 weeks before Tet, Ho Chi Minh City becomes lively with Tet markets, and households bustle with cleaning, shopping, and decorating.

Bustling Tet markets:
At places like Ben Thanh Market, Tan Dinh Market, or Binh Tay Market, you'll see people buying apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, square sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng), and traditional sweets. If you're looking for flowers or ornamental plants to decorate your home, this is the perfect time to pick some out.

Cleaning and decorating homes:
Vietnamese people believe that cleaning their homes before Tet helps to sweep away bad luck. You can join in by hanging a few red lanterns or decorating with kumquat trees or small apricot trees to bring good fortune.

Grocery shopping:
Keep in mind that many supermarkets and stores will be closed during Tet, so make sure to stock up on essentials like food, drinks, and other necessities for the holiday break.

2. Tet Holiday: An Unusually Peaceful City

When Tet officially begins, many residents of Ho Chi Minh City return to their hometowns or spend time at home with their families. You’ll notice the city takes on a completely different vibe:

Quiet streets: If you’re used to the bustling motorbike traffic and the usual chaos, you’ll be surprised by the calm and peaceful atmosphere during Tet. It’s a rare opportunity to stroll or cycle around the city center without encountering traffic jams.

Closed shops and restaurants: Most small eateries and shops shut down for 3 to 5 days during Tet. However, you can still find some international restaurants, fast-food chains like McDonald’s or KFC, and convenience stores such as Circle K open for business.

3. Enjoying Tet in Your Own Way

Even if you don’t have family in Vietnam, there are plenty of ways to make your Tet holiday enjoyable:

Visit Vietnamese friends: If you have Vietnamese friends, accept their invitations to visit their homes. You’ll get to experience the warm family atmosphere and enjoy traditional dishes like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake), caramelized pork with eggs, or bitter melon soup. Don’t forget to greet the hosts with the traditional phrase: “Chúc mừng năm mới!” (Happy New Year!).

Join Tet festivals: Events such as the Nguyen Hue Flower Street or cultural performances in the city center are fantastic options. These are great opportunities to delve deeper into Vietnamese traditions and culture.

Relax at home: If you prefer peace and quiet, this is the perfect time to read, watch movies, or simply enjoy the rare tranquility of the city.

4. Important Notes During Tet Holiday

• Prepare Cash: ATMs often run out of money during Tet, and many stores only accept cash. Make sure to withdraw enough cash before the holiday.
• Transportation Before and After Tet: If you plan to travel, book your tickets early, as public transportation tends to be fully booked during these days.
• Customs and Etiquette: Avoid wearing black when visiting Vietnamese families, and always carry some small money for lucky money (lì xì) if you encounter children during Tet.

5. Tet and Opportunities for Cultural Connection

Spending time talking and participating in activities with Vietnamese people will help you better understand their culture and traditional values. Tet is not only a time for relaxation but also an opportunity to build closer relationships, both in work and personal life.

Conclusion

Tet 2025 in Ho Chi Minh City is an opportunity for you to experience a different side of the city – tranquil yet deeply meaningful. Take this time to relax, explore the culture, and connect with the local community.

Wishing you a New Year filled with happiness and good fortune!
"Happy New Year!"