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Where Tet lives on: Rediscovering Vietnamese Lunar New Year in Hoi An

Translated by THƯ LÊ • Feb 10, 2026 17:28

DNO - As spring gently arrives and the atmosphere of renewal fills the air, Hoi An in Da Nang is once again immersed in the nostalgic charm of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) through the programme “The Space of Traditional Tet”.

tet-xua-6(1).jpg — Visitors experience wrapping banh tet at the “Traditional Tet Space.” Photo: Quoc Tuan

Taking place from February 9 to 13 at the Hoi An Museum, the event offers a vivid recreation of ancestral customs and festive practices, helping preserve and pass on cultural values amid the pace of modern life.

Visitors to the programme are invited to step into a recreated “Traditional Tet Market,” where they can experience hands-on activities such as lantern-making and mask painting, as well as take part in folk games including “bai choi” and pot smashing.

Each activity evokes simple joys and cherished memories associated with the traditional Vietnamese New Year.

tet-xua-2(1).jpg — Cooking “banh chung” at the “Traditional Tet Space.” Photo: Tan Chau

For local residents of Hoi An, Tet is more than a transition between the old and new year. It is a way of life, a family tradition, and a collection of images and emotions that remain deeply embedded throughout one’s lifetime.

These memories include the sight of a neu tree erected in front of communal houses, pagodas, and family courtyards; red parallel sentences pasted carefully on wooden doors; and fathers patiently wrapping “banh chung”, “banh tet”, tightening each bamboo tie with care.

tet-xua-8(1).jpg — The elegance of traditional chess on display. Photo: Tan Chau

The traditional flavours of Tet also take center stage, from “banh tet”, “banh to”, and “banh” in to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly prepared ginger jam, kumquat jam, and coconut jam simmering in small family kitchens.

Amid the fast-paced rhythm of contemporary life, a single call of “bai choi” singing or the faint curl of kitchen smoke drifting through the recreated space is enough to slow the heart and bring a sense of calm and peace.

tet-xua-1(1).jpg — Local vendors invite visitors to sample regional specialties. Photo: Quoc Tuan

The programme is designed to allow elderly residents to relive beloved memories, help younger generations and children better understand and appreciate traditional Tet, and offer visitors an authentic glimpse of Hoi An’s gentle, humane character.

Through OCOP products, handicrafts, and local cuisine rich in regional identity,

“The Space of Traditional Tet” presents not only a cultural experience, but also a living portrait of a heritage city that continues to honor its past while embracing the present.

tet-xua-5(1).jpg — Traditional "banh beo" draws strong interest from visitors at the event. Photo: Tan Chau

tet-xua-7(1).jpg — “Xi ma,” a well-known local specialty of Hoi An. Photo: Tan Chau

tet-xua-10(1).jpg — Artisans paint traditional masks at the programme. Photo: Quoc Tuan

tet-xua-9(1).jpg — Fresh local agricultural products showcased by residents at the event. Photo: Tan Chau

Translated by THƯ LÊ