Celebrating Tet in Da Nang

Celebrating Tet in Da Nang: A Comprehensive Guide to Lunar New Year Festivities

Tet, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year and the most significant cultural celebration of the year. In Da Nang, a city known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning scenery, Lunar New Year is a time when tradition, festivity, and modernity come together. This guide will take you through the essential experiences during the Lunar New Year in Da Nang, from cultural customs to festive events and must-try local foods.

Pre-Tet Activities and Preparations

Tet celebrations begin long before the official New Year’s Day, with locals bustling to prepare for the holiday.

Flower Markets

Da Nang’s flower markets are a visual treat during Lunar New Year.

• Hoa Xuan Market: Known for peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and chrysanthemums—symbols of Tet that represent prosperity and happiness.
• Tran Hung Dao Street Market: A favorite for fresh flowers and decorations to adorn homes and businesses.

Traditional Tet Shopping

Local markets like Con Market and Han Market are crowded with shoppers buying food, new clothes, and festive items. Common purchases include bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes), bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cakes), and jars of pickled vegetables (dưa mắm).

Home Decoration

Da Nang homes are decorated with red banners, lanterns, and calligraphy inscribed with blessings like “Phúc” (Happiness) and “Lộc” (Prosperity). Cleaning the house thoroughly is a must-do ritual, symbolizing the removal of bad luck from the previous year.

Tet Festivities in Da Nang

During the Lunar New Year, the city comes alive with events and traditions that offer a glimpse into Vietnamese culture.

Fireworks Extravaganza

Da Nang’s Tet celebrations are incomplete without its iconic fireworks displays, held at major landmarks like Dragon Bridge and My Khe Beach. These shows light up the night sky, marking the transition to the new year.

Cultural Performances

Traditional lion dances, ao dai fashion shows, and folk music performances are held throughout the city. Popular venues include the Nguyen Van Troi Bridge and Asia Park.

Dragon Bridge Fire Show

Every weekend during the Lunar New Year, the Dragon Bridge features its spectacular fire and water show, a highlight for visitors and locals alike.

Tet Festivals at Sun World Ba Na Hills

This popular tourist destination celebrates Lunar New Year with traditional music, Vietnamese cuisine, and cultural activities in a festive setting surrounded by French-inspired architecture.

Key Tet Traditions in Da Nang

Visiting Pagodas

Pagodas are an integral part of Tet, and Da Nang is home to many spiritual sites.

• Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula): Offers stunning coastal views and a tranquil atmosphere.
• Tam Thai Pagoda (Marble Mountains): A historic pagoda known for its sacred significance and intricate architecture.
• Phap Lam Pagoda: Located in the city center, prayers and celebrations.

Locals pray for health, prosperity, and happiness while lighting incense and making offerings of fruits and flowers.

Ancestor Worship

Families honor their ancestors by arranging offerings on altars, including fruits, sticky rice cakes, and incense. This act of gratitude and remembrance is central to Tet.

Giving Lucky Money (Lì Xì)

Adults give red envelopes containing money to children and elderly family members, symbolizing good fortune and blessings for the new year.

Cuisine in Da Nang

The flavors of Tet reflect the cultural richness of Vietnam, and Da Nang offers a delectable array of dishes to enjoy during this festive season.

Essential Lunar New Year Foods

• Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét: Sticky rice cakes filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Thịt Kho Trứng: Braised pork belly and eggs in coconut water, a comforting Tet favorite.
• Dưa Món: Pickled vegetables that pair perfectly with sticky rice cakes.
• Xôi Gấc: Red sticky rice, symbolizing good luck.

Local Specialties

In addition to Lunar new year staples, Da Nang’s signature dishes add unique flavors to the holiday.

• Mì Quảng: Turmeric-infused noodles with pork, shrimp, and quail eggs.
• Bánh Xèo: Crispy pancakes filled with shrimp and bean sprouts.

Family Activities and Outdoor Fun

Da Nang’s natural beauty and family-friendly vibe make it an excellent holiday destination.

Beach Visits

With mild temperatures during holidays, beaches like My Khe Beach and Non Nuoc Beach are perfect for family outings. Enjoy picnics, and games, or simply relax by the sea.

Asia Park and Helio Center

These family-oriented attractions host special Lunar New Year events, including games, live performances, and festive decorations.

Da Nang’s Unique Tet Experience

Tet in Da Nang offers a harmonious blend of traditional Vietnamese customs and modern festivities. From the spiritual serenity of its pagodas to the vibrant street markets and dazzling fireworks, the city provides an enriching cultural experience.

Whether you’re sampling holiday delicacies, exploring flower markets, or joining in the city’s joyful celebrations, spending the holiday in Da Nang is an opportunity to connect with Vietnam’s heritage in a meaningful way.

Make Da Nang your destination for the Lunar New Year and create memories that capture the essence of Tet.