The way Vietnam celebrates Tet, the Lunar New Year, is undergoing a significant transformation as families opt for travel over traditional domestic rituals. This shift reflects a broader societal change where modern pressures are reshaping cultural practices. Amidst festive elements like family gatherings, traditional foods such as banh chung and banh tet, and cleaning ceremonies, many Vietnamese are now prioritizing vacations to rejuvenate after a taxing year. People like Mrs. Nguyen Hong Anh from Rach Gia now consider travel an essential aspect of their Tet experience, seeking relaxation and memorable adventures instead of the usual familial obligations.
This new travel trend reveals deeper motivations driven by the accelerated pace of contemporary life. As urban areas become increasingly frenetic, families desire to escape the stress of daily routines and maintain the essence of familial bonding in a more leisurely context. As Mr. Tran Duy, also from Rach Gia, aptly summarized, “Tet is about fun, and if you want to have fun, you travel.” His desire to indulge in leisure during Tet illustrates the growing preference for less stressful celebrations that still encapsulate the spirit of family unity.
Domestic Tourism Emerges as a Prime Choice
Destinations like Phu Quoc, Nam Du, and Ha Tien are thriving as low-traffic tourist hotspots ahead of the Lunar New Year of the Horse (2026). The pronounced uptick in hotel bookings signals that domestic tourism remains a front-runner among vacationers. Nguyen Vu Khac Huy, the provincial tourism association president, noted a rising trend towards last-minute bookings, emphasizing the spontaneity and convenience sought by travelers.
The rising culture of short getaways allows families to reconnect without the burden of extensive planning or crowded roads, offering a serene environment ideal for relaxation. The thriving hospitality industry has responded by offering all-inclusive services aimed at enhancing the Tet experience without the usual domestic pressures. As families choose quieter destinations, this shift is vital for both tourism revenue and the evolving celebration of traditional festivals.
| Stakeholder | Before | After |
|---|---|---|
| Families | Traditional celebrations focused on home | Preference for travel and experiences |
| Tourism Industry | Seasonally limited demand for local travel | Increased domestic travel bookings and experiences |
| Local Economies | Dependent on traditional Tet rituals | Diverse income from tourism-related activities |
Shifting Trends in International Travel
At the same time, a noticeable trend towards international vacations is emerging. Young families are increasingly exploring destinations like Thailand, Japan, Korea, and China during Tet. These places are favored not only for their proximity but also for their cultural resonance with Vietnamese traditions. For instance, Mrs. Phan Thi Ly from Long Xuyen took her family to Japan, eager for them to experience Tet outside their homeland.
This dual focus on domestic and international travel requires travel agencies to adapt swiftly, creating more flexible and family-oriented packages that blend leisure with cultural experiences. Hotels and resorts are now embedding Tet-themed activities into their offerings, enabling travelers to appreciate traditional customs even while abroad.
Projected Outcomes
- Increased Demand for Eco-Tourism: The eco-tourism trend is likely to grow, with families prioritizing experiences that align with their values of sustainability while enjoying nature and culture.
- Enhanced Tour Packages: Travel agencies will continue to diversify their offerings, integrating cultural experiences with modern conveniences to cater to evolving traveler preferences.
- Stronger Family Bonding Activities: As travel becomes synonymous with celebration, there will be a rise in family-centric events and programs designed to enhance familial connections even amidst the globalized backdrop of Tet celebrations.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve globally, these changes in Vietnamese travel rituals during Tet ripple across other markets, including the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Stakeholders in those regions may find lessons in adapting traditional values to modern lifestyles, revealing a shared global journey toward balancing heritage with contemporary life.
