Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet - Luxury hotel - Best things to do in Tet 2026

Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the perfect time to travel to Vietnam and immerse yourself in its vibrant traditions and festive atmosphere. This holiday marks the beginning of spring and is celebrated with colorful markets, lively street decorations, and heartfelt family gatherings. Hence, come and experience the best things to do in Tet holiday 2026.

What is Tet in Vietnamese culture?

Tet is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important holiday in Vietnam. It happens in early February, marking the start of spring according to the lunar calendar.

This is more than just celebrating a new year; it’s a time for family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and bringing in good luck. People start preparing weeks ahead by cleaning their homes and decorating with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and red envelopes for luck.

Traditional foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) and bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake) are a big part of the celebration. Furthermore, this holiday is full of joy, gratitude, and fresh beginnings, deeply connected to Vietnamese culture and traditions, making it truly special.

Top 5 best things to do in Tet holiday 2026

As the most important holiday in Vietnam, Tet is packed with meaningful activities that bring people together to welcome a prosperous new year. Here are the top 10 activities to experience during Tet 2026:

Visiting Ancestors’ Graves

First among the best things to do in Tet holiday 2026, paying respects to ancestors is a key tradition during Tet. Families visit the graves of their ancestors to clean the sites, offer incense, and pray for blessings in the new year. This tradition honors those who have passed and helps families reflect on their heritage. It’s also a way to show gratitude for the guidance and protection of past generations, keeping the family’s legacy alive and strong.

First Footing

Another important activity is “first footing”. The first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day is believed to affect the family’s luck for the year. Families often choose someone with good fortune and a compatible zodiac sign for this special role.

The person’s personality and energy are thought to set the tone for the year. Some families even plan the exact time of this visit to match lucky hours on the lunar calendar, ensuring a good start to the year. This tradition highlights the importance of positivity and careful planning in Vietnamese culture.

Giving and Receiving Red Envelope

During Tết, red envelopes with lucky money are given as a symbol of good luck and prosperity. This tradition, called lì xì, involves elders giving these envelopes to children and younger family members.

As they give the envelopes, elders share wishes for health, success, happiness, and a prosperous year. Giving and receiving lì xì is a way to pass on blessings, strengthen family bonds, and honor cultural traditions during the Lunar New Year.

Wearing Traditional Clothes & Cooking Tet Food

During Tet, wearing traditional clothes and preparing special dishes are important parts of the celebration. Many people wear the “Áo dài”, a beautiful Vietnamese outfit, to honor the occasion. Its flowing design and bright colors represent beauty, respect, and pride in culture.

Also, preparing Tet food is just as important, with each dish having its meaning. Foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and bánh tét (cylindrical rice cakes) are made to honor ancestors and bring good luck for the year ahead. The rich flavors of pickled onions, boiled chicken, and sweets fill homes with warmth.

Cooking and sharing these foods help bring families together and celebrate traditions. The clothes and food create a festive mood, connecting everyone to their cultural roots and the joy of the New Year.

Enjoy the New Year Fireworks And Lion Dance

Watch stunning fireworks displays light up the skies across Vietnam at midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve. These brilliant lights and loud sounds are thought to chase away bad luck from the previous year and bring peace and prosperity for the year ahead.

The next morning, colorful lion dance performances fill the streets and visit homes, spreading happiness and wishing everyone good fortune. These lively dances bring joy to families and are believed to welcome a new year full of blessings.

Tet Activities at Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet

Join your family in the vibrant atmosphere of the Lunar New Year with a series of culturally rich activities at Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet with Seafood BBQ Night on 19 February 2026. Experience bountiful seafood BBQ and vibrant cultural shows, including live music, lion dance, water drum performance, and a lucky draw to welcome the year of the horse

+84 252 247 9999 | hb6y9-re@movenpick.com

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Traveling and Relax at the Beachfront Hotel Movenpick Resort Phan Thiet

Vacay to the peaceful beauty of Phan Thiet and relax in a luxury pirate-themed Mövenpick Resort. With the soothing sounds of the ocean and a gentle breeze, our resort Tet offers 2026 the perfect setting for a relaxing getaway.

Located right near the beach, you can enjoy pristine sands and clear waters just steps from your room. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, sipping a cocktail on the beach, or enjoying a spa treatment, Mövenpick Resort is the ultimate place to unwind.

Furthermore, the stylish rooms offer stunning views of the ocean, making it an ideal retreat for couples, families, or anyone looking for peace. Enjoy the laid-back beach atmosphere, world-class dining, and exceptional service at Mövenpick Resort Phan Thiet, where every moment celebrates nature and relaxation.

With these best things to do in Tet Holiday 2026, it’s the perfect time to celebrate and make lasting memories. So, pack your bags, gather your loved ones, and let this Tet be the perfect time to travel, try new things, and enjoy the excitement that awaits!