Embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry with our exploration of Vietnamese New Year celebrations in Hanoi vs HCM City. Uncover the unique traditions, vibrant festivities, and essential travel insights to make the most of your Vietnam vacation package during the enchanting Lunar New Year period. Join us as we compare the two dynamic cities, offering a glimpse into the heart of Tet and guiding you on an unforgettable cultural experience.

1. Tet In Hanoi vs HCM City: Your Ultimate Vietnam Vacation Package
Guide
Embark on a captivating journey through Vietnam's rich cultural tapestry with our exploration
of Vietnamese New Year celebrations in Hanoi vs HCM City. Uncover the unique traditions,
vibrant festivities, and essential travel insights to make the most of your Vietnam vacation
package during the enchanting Lunar New Year period. Join us as we compare the two dynamic
cities, offering a glimpse into the heart of Tet and guiding you on an unforgettable cultural
experience.
Tet is one of the most special events in Vietnam
New Year In Hanoi

2. For an immersive holiday experience, Vietnam's capitalstands out as a topdestination. Hanoi's
streets come alive with vibrant floral displays and festive artworks, fostering a joyful ambiance.
As night falls, enchanting lantern arrangements illuminate city corners. Exploring local temples
and flower markets is a beloved tradition embraced by both visitors and locals alike during this
celebratory season. The enchanting mural street- Phung Hung is an unmissable gem in your
Vietnam vacation package during Tet in this city. Recently restored, the downtown street
boasts numerous mural paintings depicting "old Hanoi," drawing crowds on weekends and
holidays.
In addition, visitors can dive into the traditional Tet ambiance at the Ma May ancient house,
where you can witness reenacted scenes, from the making and tasting of "Banh Chung" to
kitchen god worship and the preparation of festive dishes—a captivating journey into
Vietnamese customs and culture.
New Year In HCM City
While Tet in Vietnam's most significant city shares similarities with others, the experience here
is marked by a heightened dynamism and vibrancy. Visitors can explore the city's festive spirit
with a stroll around Flower Street - Nguyen Hue in District 1, a focal point of the holiday
celebrations. Here, you can witness a spectacular event where diverse flowers from across the
nation are creatively arranged, reflecting the annual theme inspired by the zodiac animal (2024
being the Wood Dragon).
As New Year graces every doorstep, Cho Lon dons its most vibrant and crowded attire. As the
city's bustling trade center and hub for decoration materials, this market is the epicenter for
experiencing the holiday atmosphere. Home to the Hoa people, who preserve traditional
customs and embrace Vietnamese practices, New Year here becomes a lively and captivating
spectacle. Never miss a tour of this festive haven by pedicabs to witness the rich tapestry of

3. customs and traditions that make Tet in this market a genuinely engaging and visually
stunning experience.
Differences Between Hanoi's Tet and Saigon's Tet
Tet Flowers
Peach Flowers are the symbol of Tet in North Vietnam
In Hanoi, Tet is adorned with peach flowers, cherished for their symbolic peace and elegance.
Meanwhile, in HCM City, the holiday is synonymous with apricot blossoms, representing
wealth, happiness, and longevity. Southerners prefer trees with numerous buds, placing them
inside or outside homes to usher in good luck and prosperity, creating a vibrant and auspicious
ambiance throughout the festive season.
Five-fruit Tray Decoration

4. Throughout Vietnam, the fruit tray holds deep symbolism, embodying five elements: fire,
wood, water, earth, and metal. In Hanoi, this tray consistently features a bunch of green
bananas, believed to be essential for invoking the Buddha's protective and blessing presence.
The Northern Vietnamese emphasize freshness and vibrancy, opting for a diverse selection
such as dragon fruit, watermelon, tangerines, finger citron, and peppers. This arrangement not
only pleases the eye but also carries profound spiritual meaning during the festive season.
The fruit tray in HCM city diverges from its northern counterpart. Southerners refrain from
including bananas due to their homophonic resemblance to the word "chúi," signifying a year
of unhappiness and lack of success. Similarly, oranges and tangerines are avoided, believed to
bring ill fortune to the household.
Traditional Food
Traditional Food during Tet holiday
The culinary traditions during this special occasion in Northern and Southern Vietnam
showcase both regional specialties and shared elements. While there is a common thread of

5. traditional dishes throughout the country, there are some notable differences in the types of
foods and regional specialties that people may choose to include in their Tet feasts.
In Hanoi, New Year celebrations are incomplete without sticky rice cakes. Banh Chung's square
shape symbolizes the earth, while Banh Giay's round form represents the sky, signifying a
desire for balance in the upcoming year. These cakes are a communal creation, with families
gathering to craft them on the eve of New Year.
While Banh Chung is more common in the north, people often prepare Banh Tet in the south.
This is a cylindrical version of the sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork. In addition,
fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli noodles are a popular Tet dish.
They are light and refreshing, contrasting with some of the heavier traditional Tet foods.
Travel in Vietnam During Tet
Traveling in Vietnam during Tet can be a unique and culturally rich experience as Tet is the
most significant holiday in Vietnam, and being there during this time allows travelers to
witness and participate in traditional customs and celebrations. The entire country is in a
festive mood, with colorful decorations, parades, and cultural events taking place. It can be an
exciting time to explore local traditions and festivities. However, it is crucial to consider some
drawbacks before planning your Vietnam vacation package to ensure a truly memorable
experience:
 Transportation challenges: Transportation can be challenging as many travel to be with
their families. Trains and buses may be crowded, and flights may be limited or more
expensive.

6.  Limited availability: Some services, such as banking and government offices, may be
closed or have reduced hours during this time. This can impact travelers needing
certain services.
 Accommodation costs: Especially in popular tourist destinations, accommodation
prices may increase during this event. It's advisable to book accommodations well in
advance to secure reasonable rates.
Summary
As the Tet festivities in Hanoi and HCM City come to a close, your Vietnam vacation package
becomes a cherished collection of cultural memories. Embrace the vibrant traditions, savor the
unique flavors, and relish the warmth of the locals. Whether in the historic charm of Hanoi or
the bustling energy of HCM City, your journey through Tet illuminates the essence of Vietnam.
Plan your next Lunar New Year adventure with our travel guide, ensuring an immersive
experience that resonates long after the lanterns have dimmed and the fireworks have faded.
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