{"id":258466,"date":"2023-01-17T20:52:19","date_gmt":"2023-01-17T12:52:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/?p=258466"},"modified":"2023-01-17T20:53:23","modified_gmt":"2023-01-17T12:53:23","slug":"hanoi-tet-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thesmartlocal.com\/vietnam\/hanoi-tet-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Things To Do In Hanoi For T\u1ebft 2023 – Fireworks, Flower Shopping, And Traditional Festivals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Things to do in Hanoi for T\u1ebft 2023<\/h2>\n
\n

T\u1ebft <\/b>\u2013 <\/span>the Lunar New Year<\/b> \u2013 is just around the corner, and as soon as the festival arrives, Hanoi will be quite different from its usual self. Most restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues will close as people take a break from work to spend time with friends and family.<\/span><\/p>\n

Still, if you know where to look, there are many places to go and things to do in Hanoi during T\u1ebft to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Below we\u2019ve summed up <\/span>9 signature activities we Hanoians like to do for this occasion<\/b>. Let\u2019s take a look:<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

New year activities in Hanoi<\/h3>\n
\n

1. Visit flower markets to bring home peach flowers<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @ticstawcs<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

A traditional T\u1ebft custom in northern Vietnamese provinces is to display blooming peach flowers in our houses to repel evil and bring luck and prosperity. As such, on the days leading up to T\u1ebft, hundreds of Hanoians <\/span>flock to flower markets<\/b> around the city to shop for a peach branch that suits their liking.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"woman
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @truongnguyen22061995<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Visit these markets to see the verdant flowers in full bloom, watch people haggling and bantering with huge smiles, and just immerse in the festive atmosphere. The vibrant scene also provides plenty of opportunities for artistic pictures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, feel free to browse for your own peach branch to bring home. You\u2019ll also see plenty of kumquat trees for sale \u2013 another common plant to use as T\u1ebft decorations.<\/span><\/p>\n

A famous T\u1ebft flower market in Hanoi is:<\/span><\/p>\n

Qu\u1ea3ng An Flower Market<\/b>
\n<\/b><\/span>Address:<\/b><\/span> 236 \u00c2u C\u01a1 Street, T\u00e2y H\u1ed3 District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> 24 hours, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

2. Watch fireworks to usher in the new year<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> Vietnamplus<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Welcoming the new year with a literal bang \u2013 that is, <\/span>fireworks<\/b> \u2013 is common in many cities around the world, and Hanoi is no exception. As the clock strikes midnight on the first day of the lunar year, there will be firework shows at multiple locations around the city, drawing crowds of spectators.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"lunar
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> Thanh Ni\u00ean<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

As with any other public gathering in Hanoi, the Ho\u00e0n Ki\u1ebfm Lake is the most popular venue to see this event. From young couples hand-in-hand in the evening\u2019s cold, fascinated children perched atop their parents\u2019 shoulders, to groups of friends laughing and chatting, everyone flocks here in their best attire and brightest smiles, wishing strangers a happy new year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Don\u2019t miss out on the chance to share the joy with locals on this special occasion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

3. Take a stroll around the Old Quarter<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @ticstawcs<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

T\u1ebft is a chance to see Hanoi in a different light. As most shops are closed and many people leave the city to return to their hometowns and celebrate the occasion with their families, the usually bustling streets take on a rarely seen quiet look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @hanoi.oldquarter<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Simply <\/span>take a stroll around the city\u2019s Old Quarter<\/b> during this time to appreciate the archaic beauty it truly holds. You might catch intricate colonial-style engravings on balconies normally hidden behind fancy shop signs, or timeworn house fa\u00e7ades you might have not noticed before as you were too busy rushing through the everyday traffic.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @hanoi.oldquarter<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The smell of incense hanging in the air, the vibrant peach blossoms many houses display as decorations, and the occasional pedestrians walking the streets in traditional Vietnamese <\/span>\u00e1o d\u00e0i<\/span><\/i> or formal suits further add to the peaceful, relaxing vibe.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

4. Visit friends and families<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>T\u1ebft is a time to visit your loved ones.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @phuong_anh0208<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The true meaning of T\u1ebft is spending quality time with our loved ones. On the first days of the lunar year, people are expected to <\/span>visit each other<\/b>, simply to exchange good wishes and catch up over tea and <\/span>m\u1ee9t<\/span><\/i> \u2013 Vietnamese sweet snacks made from dried fruits.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can opt to visit someone right at the turn of the year and perhaps earn the honor of doing <\/span>\u201cx\u00f4ng \u0111\u1ea5t\u201d<\/span><\/i> for them \u2013 meaning to become the first person to enter their house in the new year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Giving red envelopes with money to children serves as a good wish.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @pham.vukhoa<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

It\u2019s believed that having someone with the matching Eastern Zodiac sign performing <\/span>x\u00f4ng \u0111\u1ea5t <\/span><\/i>can bring great fortune to the entire household for the year. You might or might not be that someone, so wait until you\u2019re invited first before coming in.<\/span><\/p>\n

Also remember to prepare red envelopes with money to gift to the children of the houses you\u2019re visiting. The amount can be as little as <\/span>VND10,000 (~USD0.43)<\/b> or as much as <\/span>VND500,000 (~USD21.33)<\/b> \u2013 anything you want. It\u2019s simply a gesture of good will, a wish that the children will grow up healthy and successful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Religious sites to visit in Hanoi during T\u1ebft<\/h3>\n
\n

For many Vietnamese people, visiting temples and pagodas during T\u1ebft to pray for a prosperous year is simply a must. Check out these religious sites in Hanoi to share the joy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

5. Pray at the Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @ochoaibz<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

At over 1,500 years old, the <\/span>Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda<\/b> is considered the oldest pagoda in Hanoi. Its rich history, prime location at Hanoi\u2019s West Lake, and well-maintained space make it a major center for Buddhist activities in the capital city.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"tran
\n<\/span><\/i>Many people come here during the Lunar New Year to pray.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> H\u00e0 N\u1ed9i M\u1edbi<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The pagoda boasts magnificent architecture, the centerpiece of which is an 11-storey tower surrounded by smaller <\/span>stupas<\/span><\/i>. There are also spacious courtyards decorated by Bodhi trees, golden Buddha statues, and antique-looking shrines.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"people
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> B\u00e1o Lao \u0110\u1ed9ng<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Come T\u1ebft, expect the entire venue to be filled with the scent of incense and burning votive paper as hundreds of believers flock here to pray. It\u2019s basically a cultural event in its own right, so if you\u2019re excited to see more of the local religious activities, Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda is well worth a visit.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> Thanh Ni\u00ean Street, T\u00e2y H\u1ed3 District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b><\/span> Tue-Sun 8am-11.30am & 1.30pm-4pm | Closed on Mondays<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

6. Visit Ph\u1ee7 T\u00e2y H\u1ed3 to learn more about traditional Vietnamese beliefs<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>The main yard of Ph\u1ee7 T\u00e2y H\u1ed3.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @nguyengiahuy90<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Like the Tr\u1ea5n Qu\u1ed1c Pagoda, <\/span>Ph\u1ee7 T\u00e2y H\u1ed3<\/b> is another notable worship site next to the West Lake, but it serves a very different purpose. While there are still shrines paying tribute to Buddha, the main altar is dedicated to the Mother Goddess \u2013 one of the four Immortal Saints in Vietnamese folklore.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"mother
\n<\/span><\/i>The altar of the Mother Goddess.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit: @fourpalaces.mothergoddess<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The Goddess is the central worship figure of <\/span>\u0110\u1ea1o M\u1eabu <\/span><\/i>\u2013 a folk belief system in Vietnam characterized by shamanic rituals where priests would invite the Goddess and other deities to ceremonially inhabit their bodies and give out blessings to spectators.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Ph\u1ee7 T\u00e2y H\u1ed3 is teeming with visitors during T\u1ebft.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @brojeann<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

These summoning rituals won\u2019t be held during T\u1ebft and people simply come here to light incense and pray, but nonetheless, Ph\u1ee7 T\u00e2y H\u1ed3 offers a glimpse into the traditional spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b> <\/span>52 \u0110\u1eb7ng Thai Mai Street, T\u00e2y H\u1ed3 District, Hanoi<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

7. Ask for calligraphy pieces at the Temple of Literature<\/h4>\n
\n

\"students
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @thedreamingyou<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

At a millennium old, the <\/span>Temple of Literature<\/b><\/a> is known as Vietnam\u2019s first university, an esteemed place where brilliant minds throughout history dedicated themselves to scholarly pursuits. Today, it stands as a major historical attraction and place of worship in Hanoi.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @luu_hien<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

During T\u1ebft, many people like to come here to pray for academic or career success. It is also the custom for visitors to ask for a piece of calligraphic writing from the calligraphers who\u2019ll set up shop here for the occasion.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\nImage credit:<\/span><\/i> @missyhien<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

The writings are of auspicious phrases such as <\/span>L\u1ed9c<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>\u797f<\/span>, or Fortune), <\/span>Th\u1ecd<\/span><\/i> (<\/span>\u58fd<\/span>, or Longevity), or <\/span>T\u00e0i (<\/span><\/i>\u624d<\/span><\/i>, <\/span><\/i>or<\/span> Talent<\/span>)<\/span><\/i>, written in either Vietnamese or Sino-Vietnamese characters on bright red paper. They are to be displayed in one\u2019s house for good luck.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b><\/span> 58 Qu\u1ed1c T\u1eed Gi\u00e1m Street, \u0110\u1ed1ng \u0110a District, Hanoi<\/span>
\n<\/span>Opening hours:<\/b> <\/span>8am-5pm, Daily<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Events in and around Hanoi during T\u1ebft<\/h3>\n
\n

8. Embark on a pilgrimage amidst natural scenery at the Perfume Pagoda<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @trangavocado<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Ch\u00f9a H\u01b0\u01a1ng<\/i><\/b>, or the <\/span>Perfume Pagoda<\/b>, is another Buddhist site you can visit from Hanoi, but this one also doubles as a travel destination and sightseeing spot. Located 60km from Hanoi\u2019s center, amidst beautiful landscapes, it\u2019s in just the right spot for a one-day trip from the city.<\/span><\/p>\n

Though we call it a pagoda, <\/span>Ch\u00f9a H\u01b0\u01a1ng<\/span><\/i> is actually a huge complex of several shrines and temples built around the <\/span>H\u01b0\u01a1ng T\u00edch<\/span><\/i> Mountains \u2013 a limestone mountain cluster with a charming river winding its way in between.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> @bestpricevn<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have to take a ferry ride through the river to appreciate the rustic scenery and visit shrines dedicated to historical figures and folk heroes, before arriving at the base of the main mountain, at the top of which is the <\/span>H\u01b0\u01a1ng T\u00edch<\/span><\/i> Cave \u2013 a massive cave with Buddhist altars that serves as the complex\u2019s centerpiece.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>The <\/span><\/i>H\u01b0\u01a1ng T\u00edch<\/span> Cave attracts huge crowds during T\u1ebft.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image adapted from<\/span><\/i> @milivista<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Dedicated worshipers can scale the hundreds of stairs leading up to the cave to show their faith, while casual visitors can opt to ride a cable car to the top for a more relaxing trip.<\/span><\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, <\/span>Ch\u00f9a H\u01b0\u01a1ng <\/span><\/i>receives a substantial number of visitors on the first days of the lunar year, to the point where simply visiting it during this period is considered attending a T\u1ebft festival.<\/span><\/p>\n

GPS coordinates:<\/b><\/span> 20\u00b037\u201908.3\u2033N 105\u00b044\u201952.3\u2033E<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\n

9. \u0110\u1ed1ng \u0110a<\/i> Festival \u2013 a tribute to a great Vietnamese emperor<\/h4>\n
\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> C\u00f4ng An Nh\u00e2n D\u00e2n<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re in Hanoi during T\u1ebft, consider dropping by the <\/span>\u0110\u1ed1ng \u0110a<\/span><\/i> Mound on the 5th day of the new year to attend the <\/span>\u0110\u1ed1ng \u0110a<\/i><\/b> Festival<\/b>. It commemorates Emperor Quang Trung, who lived in the 18th century and played a crucial role in defending Vietnam\u2019s sovereignty against foreign invaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"hanoi
\n<\/span><\/i>Performers portraying Emperor Quang Trung and his attendants.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> C\u00f4ng An Nh\u00e2n D\u00e2n<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

For the main ceremonies, respected elders dress up as feudal government officials carrying palanquins of offerings to Emperor Quang Trung\u2019s temple at the venue to make their tribute. Performers in colorful attires then take the stage to recreate the emperor\u2019s great victories.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"
\n<\/span><\/i>The festival features traditional folk dances.<\/span><\/i>
\n<\/span><\/i>Image credit:<\/span><\/i> Lao \u0110\u1ed9ng<\/span><\/i><\/a><\/p>\n

Visitors will also get to watch folk dances, lion and dragon dances, and music performances, as well as participate in traditional group games such as tug-of-war.<\/span><\/p>\n

Address:<\/b> <\/span>T\u00e2y S\u01a1n Street, \u0110\u1ed1ng \u0110a District, Hanoi<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Celebrate T\u1ebft in Hanoi<\/h3>\n
\n

Most locals take T\u1ebft as an opportunity to relax after a long year, and if you happen to visit Hanoi during this period, drop by these places to share in the jubilant atmosphere and see how we celebrate this most important event of the year.<\/span><\/p>\n

For more things to do in Hanoi, check out:<\/span><\/p>\n