Tet in the Northern Highlands: Discover Unique Cultural Traditions

Tet in the Northern Highlands carries a mysterious and captivating charm, where the unique cultures of ethnic minorities converge. This is not only a chance to admire majestic nature but also an opportunity to immerse yourself in a deeply traditional New Year atmosphere. If you’re looking to experience a different kind of Tet, join us on a unique journey to the Northwest during the New Year.

1. Overview of Tet in the Northern Highlands

Tet in the Northern Highlands is painted with the colors of terraced rice fields, villages nestled in early morning mist, and especially the sounds of panpipes and flutes echoing through the mountains. The atmosphere is both cozy and bustling as ethnic communities prepare for festivals and perform traditional customs.

Every time peach blossoms bloom in the Northern Highlands, we know another Tet season has arrived.

There are countless reasons to love the Northwest and just as many reasons to put aside your busy schedule to celebrate a truly meaningful Tet in the Northern Highlands.

Discover unique culture: Ethnic groups such as the Hmong, Dao, Thai, and Nung all have distinctive customs and festivals not found anywhere else.
Enjoy regional delicacies: Dishes like black sticky rice cakes, five-colored sticky rice, and smoked meat leave unforgettable impressions.
Immerse yourself in nature: The Northwest in spring is adorned with peach and plum blossoms, creating a picturesque landscape.

2. Unique Cultural Aspects of Tet in the Northern Highlands

Visiting the Northwest during the early days of the New Year gives travelers the opportunity to fully experience the customs and lifestyle of local ethnic people, helping us appreciate and cherish the rich cultural diversity of Vietnam.

2.1 Traditional Festivals and Customs

2.1.1 Sapa Tet Market

The Tet market is held in the center of Sapa town, Lao Cai province, usually from the 28th of the last lunar month to the 5th day of the lunar New Year.

Each Tet market in Sapa is not just a place for trading goods but also an occasion for people to meet and connect. The Tet market in the Northwest is vibrant with handmade crafts, traditional costumes, and local specialties. Visitors can join in folk games and enjoy unique local dishes right at the market.

The Sapa Tet Market bursts with color, where locals bustle about shopping, exchanging goods, and enjoying the unique highland New Year atmosphere.

See more: What’s beautiful in Ta Phin Village, Sapa – Full A-Z travel guide

2.1.2 Gau Tao Festival – Hmong New Year Celebration

Held in Hmong villages across Lao Cai, Yen Bai, and Ha Giang, the Gau Tao Festival usually takes place from the 3rd to the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, depending on the region.

Hmong children joyfully play beneath blooming white plum blossoms that cover the Northern Highlands during Tet.

The Gau Tao Festival is held to pray for blessings, fortune, and favorable weather. The Hmong people erect a tall bamboo pole (called a neu tree) on solid ground to announce the festival location. This pole symbolizes the resilience and strength of the Hmong people on their rugged homeland.

Highlights of the event include traditional khene dances, crossbow shooting contests, and ethnic costume shows. Visitors can immerse themselves in this unique cultural atmosphere.

2.1.3 Pao Throwing Festival of the Hmong People

Common in Hmong villages in Dien Bien and Son La, the pao throwing festival (called po po in the Hmong language) takes place throughout Tet, starting from the 1st day of the Lunar New Year.

Pao-throwing is a symbol of love and connection. Typically held in community yards or playing fields, players form two teams (male and female), each with 3–10 members, facing each other about 5–8 meters apart. The skill lies in not letting the pao ball fall to the ground. As the pao flies back and forth, it carries glances and smiles between young men and women. If a young man takes a liking to a girl, he may hold on to the pao as an excuse to visit her or confess his feelings.

The festival draws many young men and women, creating a joyful and romantic atmosphere.

2.1.4 Tet Dance Festival of the Dao People

Typically held from the 1st to the 10th day of the Lunar New Year in Dao villages across Tuyen Quang and Lao Cai.

This Tet Dance Festival is held to thank the ancestors and pray for a peaceful new year.

The festival is often hosted at the clan leader’s house, where the entire family gathers. Ceremonies are carried out in sequence. From the dragon hour to the rooster hour (roughly 5:00 AM), is considered the most auspicious time to conduct the Tet dance rituals. Traditional dances and vibrant ethnic costumes offer visitors a truly engaging cultural experience.

2.1.5 Lucky Money Tradition of the Nung People

Practiced in Nung villages in Lang Son, this tradition begins on the morning of the 1st day of Tet and continues throughout the early days of the year.

In this tradition, children receive red envelopes with lucky money for good fortune. Adults exchange blessings of health and prosperity. This is similar to the "mừng tuổi" tradition of the Kinh people, carrying wishes of luck and happiness for the new year.

2.2 Unique Culinary Culture

Tet in the Northern Highlands is rich in culinary traditions, featuring unforgettable local specialties. This New Year, why not try celebrating Tet in the highlands?

Black sticky rice cake (bánh chưng đen) is a symbol of the Thai people, with a soft outer layer and flavorful mung bean filling.
Five-colored sticky rice is made using natural forest leaves and symbolizes unity and prosperity.

Five-colored sticky rice from Vietnam's highlands stands out with its five vibrant natural colors, symbolizing the five elements. It's not only delicious but also carries the meaning of wishing for luck and harmony during Tet.

Grilled fish is a common dish during festivals, richly seasoned with mountain spices.
Smoked pork or buffalo meat is marinated and dried over a red wood stove for months, delivering a distinct and unforgettable flavor.

Smoked meat from the Vietnamese highlands, rich in flavor and aromatic with wood smoke and spices, is a traditional dish deeply tied to ethnic culture during Tet celebrations.

Tube wine (ruou can) and corn wine are two traditional types of alcohol from the Northwest, often used to welcome honored guests.

3. Travel Tips for Experiencing Tet in the Northern Highlands

3.1 Transportation Guide

If you’re planning to experience Tet in the Northern Highlands and wondering how to get there, check out the options below!

By Vietjet Air

If you're traveling from Southern provinces of Vietnam, you can choose to fly with Vietjet to Dien Bien Airport or Noi Bai Airport, with extremely affordable ticket prices.

Flight tickets to Dien Bien start from just 390,000 VND, and tickets to Hanoi start from 90,000 VND. Especially during the golden hours from 12 PM to 2 PM daily, you can grab 0 VND tickets to explore the Northwest without worrying about travel costs.

Join Vietjet in exploring Tet in the Northern Highlands at the beginning of 2025!

By personal vehicle

If you're traveling from nearby provinces or after landing at Noi Bai Airport, you can continue your Tet journey in the Northern Highlands using a personal vehicle. This option is suitable for those who enjoy freedom, exploration, and especially want to admire the beautiful roads in the region. However, make sure you have enough stamina and supporting equipment before hitting the road.

By coach bus

If you don't choose to travel by personal vehicle, you can consider direct bus routes from Hanoi to Northwestern provinces with fares starting from 250,000 VND/ticket/one-way.

3.2 Clothing and Essentials

Wear warm clothing and anti-slip shoes for easier movement in cold weather.
Prepare essentials such as cold medicine, backup batteries, and light snacks.

3.3 Cultural Notes

Respect the customs and traditions of local people; do not take photos without permission.Travelers can learn a few basic greetings to better connect with the locals.

Tet in the Northern Highlands is not only an opportunity to discover unique cultural features but also a chance to enjoy a peaceful space close to nature. Let Vietjet accompany you in exploring the full beauty of spring in the majestic Northwestern region of Vietnam!

Vietjet has officially opened 2.6 million early Tet 2025 tickets with attractive prices starting from 890,000 VND, meeting travel demands during the holiday season. Book your tickets today to not miss out on special offers.

See more: Summary of Countries Celebrating Lunar New Year – Where Should You Go?Discover more attractive offers and useful travel information at: