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The annual most prominent holiday in Vietnam – Tet Holiday – will happen from the 10th-16th of February 2021. Due to the current situation of the pandemic, celebrating the Vietnamese New Year will never be the same as safety becomes the top priority. This article will cover how the year of Ox will be welcomed in Vietnam with the most fun and careful precautions.
Traveling in Vietnam during 2021 Tet Holiday in Vietnam
International travel is still greatly limited in Vietnam, especially for international tourists, and only professionals, diplomats, and skilled workers are allowed to enter the country. It is also mandatory to complete a 14-day quarantine and at least three times of testing when you arrive in Vietnam from abroad.
Find out more about International Flights Update in Vietnam
On the other hand, domestic trips in Vietnam are highly recommended. Similar to Christmas, Tet is when many people look forward to coming home with their families. Every corner of the streets is vibrantly decorated with colorful flowers and ornaments, while many festive activities take place before and during the holiday. Needless to say, there is no better time to experience the beauty of Vietnam’s blossoming nature and its impressive culture.
However, since Tet is the peak traveling season in Vietnam, make sure to book your travel tickets and hotels well in advance.
Basic Safety Guidelines to Celebrate 2021 Tet Holiday in Vietnam Safely
Fortunately, the pandemic situation in Vietnam has been successfully put under control and it is safe enough for major public gatherings and celebrations. Having said that, it is still strongly advised to practice safety every now and then to protect yourself and loved ones from contracting the virus as well as preventing community infections:
- Complete the quarantine and testing requirements if you’re traveling to Vietnam from abroad.
- Maintain social distancing as much as you can. Many celebrations such as the firework shows on Lunar
- New Year’s Eve, flower festivals or live concerts undoubtedly attract massive crowds, so consider carefully before joining these events.
- Wear face masks whenever you’re in public.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Other Health and Accident Risks during the Vietnamese Tet Holiday
Traffic accidents:
Domestic traveling is in high demand, especially leading up to the holiday, which causes intense travel jams in certain areas, as well as a higher risk of traffic accidents. We’d recommend avoiding traveling on the 11th (Lunar New Year’s Eve) and the 16th (last day of Tet) to avoid heavy traffic.
Alcohol-related accidents:
It is a known fact that Vietnamese loves drinking, especially on joyful occasions. The downside is that drunk driving is a burning issue during the Vietnamese Tet. Do be mindful of your drinking limit, and prioritize using a taxi or ride-hailing services after drinking.
Food poisoning:
Although sticky rice cakes are probable the staple of Tet dishes, each region in Vietnam has its signature takes on Lunar New Year meals. Therefore, Vietnamese Tet is the golden opportunity to enjoy the diverse variety of traditional local dishes. Food poisoning is the ultimately undesirable accident that can ruin your holiday mood, so make sure to eat in moderation and be prepared with How to Prevent Food Poisoning in Vietnam.
What to Expect in 2021 Tet Holiday in Vietnam
Firework shows on New Year’s Eve
Similar to the Western New Year’s Eve, Vietnamese people also enjoy welcoming the lunar new year with a bang. It is expected that almost every province will have a firework show at midnight, and if you’re celebrating Tet in Ho Chi Minh, see How Ho Chi Minh Celebrates Tet 2021 for the spectacular firework observation spots.
Vietnamese Tet Dishes
Sticky rice cakes are indispensable in Vietnamese Tet. They can come in all shapes and sizes, such as Banh Chung (square sticky rice cakes), Banh Day (a sweet and round type of sticky rice cakes, often paired with Vietnamese cold cuts), or Banh Tet (a Southern take on sticky rice cakes, which is a cylindrical-shaped cake)
Other Festive Activities during Tet
- The flower festival at Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City is among the most awaited event during Tet in the city
- Pagodas and temples are decorated brightly for Tet with various shades of red and yellow
- Locals would visit temples and pagodas on the first day of Tet to burn joss papers for the deceased relatives and pray for good luck
- Vietnamese calligraphy arts are popular decorations and gifts during Tet
Final Words on How to Celebrate 2021 Tet Holiday in Vietnam Safely
Despite the ongoing pandemic, life in Vietnam has returned to somewhat normal and people are able to celebrate the new year with absolute delight. The 2021 Tet holiday should not be taken for granted given the current circumstance, and it is crucial to have fun with caution and keep high hopes for the new year.
If you have any questions about Vietnamese Tet and Vietnamese culture in general, feel free to let us know in the comments.
