Tết, or Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture and a major holiday across the country. Although the New Year date is February 12, the days leading up to Tết as well as the days following it are considered national holidays. Vietnamese prepare for Tết by cooking specific New Year foods, cleaning out their homes, buying new clothing, and paying respects to their ancestors. Flowering trees are placed outside every home and office, and a feeling of excitement and cheer envelops the entire country. On the very first day of Tết, children will receive a red envelope containing lucky money from elders in a tradition known as mừng tuổi in the north and lì xì in the south.

Read more: A traveller's guide to Tết Holiday