Tối 29 tháng Chạp, the Tet holiday atmosphere for 2025 was palpable across the country. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Can Tho, and many other regions, people flocked to central areas to celebrate, pray, and await the arrival of the lunar new year.
Tet Celebrations in Hanoi
At 8 PM on the last night of the lunar year, temperatures in Hanoi ranged from 14-17 degrees Celsius, making it quite chilly. The area around Hoan Kiem Lake, one of the city’s hotspots during Tet, was relatively quiet compared to previous years. Many families still visited to light incense at the Ly Thai To statue or take commemorative photos.
Although Den Ngoc Son was closed, it still drew attention from visitors who paid their respects from afar or took pictures as souvenirs. The area along Hoan Kiem Lake opposite the Thê Húc Bridge became an ideal spot for photography enthusiasts, offering views of fireworks displays from two high-altitude locations.
Bustling Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
In contrast to the calm atmosphere in Hanoi, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street in Ho Chi Minh City was bustling with thousands of people arriving early. The cool weather provided perfect conditions for activities like taking photos against the backdrop of vibrant flower decorations. International tourists expressed their delight at experiencing traditional Vietnamese Tet celebrations.
Festive Celebrations in Da Nang and Can Tho
The riverside park in Da Nang stood out with its dazzling lights and attractive decorations. Sister Muoi, a resident from Quang Nam, shared her joy while visiting with her boyfriend to admire the dragon sculpture at Dragon Bridge, a symbol of the coastal city.
In Can Tho, the Spring Flower Street in Ninh Kieu District attracted large crowds. This year, the street featured over 30,000 flower baskets and potted plants, creating a stunning scene for visitors to enjoy and photograph.
Heartwarming Stories of Tet Night
Beyond family reunions, Tet night also brought meaningful moments. At the Cancer Hospital in Can Tho, the City Labor Union organized visits and gift distributions for the medical staff working through the holiday. Each gift pack valued at 500,000 VND included essential supplies to boost morale among those contributing to public health.
In Nam Dinh, former footballer Xuan Son, despite his mobility challenges, enthusiastically interacted with neighbors during the sacred moment of the new year. In Khanh Hoa, members of Fisheries Inspection Team No. 4 gathered to prepare banh chung (square glutinous rice cake) for a warm farewell dinner.
Conclusion
The Year of the Snake 2025 brings hope and aspirations for a brighter future. While each region has its unique way of celebrating, all share a unified spirit of love, unity, and optimism. Let’s preserve and promote these cultural values to ensure Tet remains a special occasion for every Vietnamese person.
Source: Dan Tri
