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These days, the streets are covered in a vibrant red, the red of couplets, lanterns, red envelopes, and stalls selling all kinds of Tet jams and candies. Everything blends together to create an unmistakable festive atmosphere. Along the streets are traditional shops, where people often say, "When Tet comes, just buy things on the street. Only the most knowledgeable people know these shops."
Tet in Hanoi is not just about flower markets and food stalls; it's present in every step and every figure. Young men and women in flowing traditional ao dai dresses stroll through the streets, adding a touch of romance to the already vibrant spring atmosphere. Under the gentle sunlight of the last days of winter, they smile, chat, and take photos to preserve their youth. But somewhere within that beauty, there's also a yearning for a peaceful and happy new year.
Everyone has their own way of celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year). Young people take advantage of the last days of the year to take photos, stroll around the city, or travel to get a change of scenery. Linh Dan, 24, currently living in Hang Trong, shared: “Tet is a time to slow down and rest after a busy year. Just having a meal with family, taking a walk around, and watching my favorite movie is enough to make me happy.” Students like Van Ha see Tet as a precious time to relax before big exams: “I will use these days to rest, because next year is an important one.”
Meanwhile, for older people, Tet (Lunar New Year) may not be much different from any other day. Perhaps the streets will be less crowded, and life will slow down a bit. Regardless of how they celebrate Tet, they all share a common desire: to find balance and recharge their energy for the new year.
Each person has their own unique way of celebrating Tet (Vietnamese New Year).
But not everyone enjoys that leisurely pace. On the bustling streets, there are still different lives quietly eking out a living amidst the throngs of people. There's the motorbike taxi driver on the street corner waiting for a few rides on the last day of the year; there's the street vendor with her worn-out conical hat, weaving through the neighborhoods to offer her goods. They are busy and hurried, but their eyes still shine with hope for a more prosperous Tet holiday for their families. For them, Tet is not just a joy but also a responsibility, a relentless effort to bring the simplest happiness to their loved ones.
Hanoi in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) still holds a magical blend of old and new, tradition and modernity. Older generations often reminisce about Tet celebrations of the past, when the streets weren't as bustling as they are now, when people gathered around the fire to wrap banh chung (traditional rice cakes). Younger generations, however, celebrate Tet in a more modern and dynamic way – from taking photos at cafes decorated for Tet to short trips. But no matter the way it's expressed, the core values of Tet – reunion, togetherness, and hope – remain present in every glance and smile.
Hanoi in the days leading up to Tet is like this: bustling yet tranquil; both new and familiar. Every street corner, every road holds its own story, but all blend together to create a complete picture – a picture both beautiful and full of hope. The flowing ao dai dresses, the hurried and leisurely footsteps, the laughter and chatter, the scent of incense mingled with the fragrance of spring flowers in the cool air… All of this reminds us that Tet is not just about the hustle and bustle of the outside world, but also a moment of quiet reflection, a time for each person to look back and listen to the rhythm of their own heart.
Here are some more images of Hanoi streets in the days leading up to Tet:
The culture of drinking iced tea on the sidewalks of the city remains the same, whether on ordinary days or during Tet (Lunar New Year)!
The streets and neighborhoods have also begun to welcome the colors of spring.
Hanoi in the days leading up to Tet is like an unfinished painting, with each brushstroke a different shade of color.
The shops have decorated for the upcoming Lunar New Year.
The picture of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) is also interesting; some people are relaxing...
...some people are busy
The period leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) is also when many people visit temples and pagodas to pray for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
In just about two weeks, the Lunar New Year 2025 will be upon us.
