These days, the streets are covered in a bright red coat, the red of parallel sentences, lanterns, lucky money envelopes, and stalls selling all kinds of Tet jams and candies. All of these blend together to create an unmistakable festive atmosphere. Along the streets are traditional shops, where people often tell each other: "When Tet comes, just buy things on the street. Only a connoisseur knows these shops."
Tet in Hanoi is not only in the flower markets and shops, but also in every step and every figure. The girls and boys in the traditional long dresses gracefully walking in the streets add a poetic touch to the space already brilliant with spring colors. Under the gentle sunlight of the last winter days, they smile, they chat, they take pictures to preserve their youth. But somewhere, that beauty also carries the desire for a peaceful and happy new year.
Everyone has their own way of celebrating Tet. Young people take advantage of the last days of the year to take photos, walk around the streets, or travel for a change of pace. As Linh Dan, 24 years old, currently living in Hang Trong, shared: “Tet is a time for me to slow down and rest after a busy year. Just having a meal with my family, walking around and watching my favorite movie is enough to make me happy.” Students like Van Ha consider Tet a precious time to relax before the big exam: “I will take advantage of these days to rest, because next year is an important year.”
Meanwhile, for older people, Tet is not much different from a normal day. Perhaps the streets will be less crowded, life will slow down a bit. Although the way to celebrate Tet is different, everyone has the same wish: to regain balance, to recharge their energy to start a new year.
Everyone has their own "Tet"
But not everyone has that leisurely time. On the bustling streets, there are still different lives, quietly making a living among the bustling crowd. There is the motorbike taxi driver on the street corner still waiting for a few rides on the last day of the year; there is the street vendor with an old conical hat, weaving between the neighborhoods to offer each item. They are busy, in a hurry, but their eyes still shine with hope for a more fulfilling Tet for their family. For them, Tet is not only a joy but also a responsibility, a relentless effort to bring the simplest happiness to their loved ones.
Hanoi on the eve of Tet still carries within it a magical blend of old and new, tradition and modernity. The elderly often reminisce about the old Tet, when the streets were not as bustling as they are now, when people still sat together by the fire wrapping banh chung. As for the young, they celebrate Tet in a newer, more dynamic way – from taking check-in photos at Tet-decorated cafes to short trips. But no matter how it is expressed, the core values of Tet – reunion, connection and hope – are always present in every look and smile.
Hanoi in the days leading up to Tet is like that, both bustling and quiet; both new and familiar. Every street corner, every road has its own story, but all blend together to create a complete picture - a picture that is both beautiful and full of hope. The Ao Dai, the footsteps sometimes hurried, sometimes slow, the laughter, the scent of incense mixed with the scent of spring flowers wafting in the cool weather... All of it reminds us that Tet is not only the hustle and bustle outside but also a quiet moment for each person to look back, to listen to their own heartbeat.
Some other pictures of Hanoi streets near Tet:
The culture of iced tea on the sidewalk in the city, on weekdays or Tet holidays, is still the same!
The streets have also begun to welcome spring.
Hanoi in the days before Tet is like an unfinished painting, with each brush stroke being a different color.
The shops have been decorated for the upcoming Tet holiday.
The Tet painting is also very interesting, some people are leisurely...
...some people are busy
Near Tet is also the time when many people go to temples and pagodas to pray for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
In just about two weeks, Lunar New Year 2025 will be knocking on the door
