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1. What makes Tet in Saigon special?
Unlike the central and northern regions, Saigon maintains its hot and dry weather during Tet just like any other day. With such weather, Saigonese opt for peach blossoms instead of cherry blossoms like other regions. Peach blossoms are beautiful flowers, symbolizing luck and prosperity. The peach tree is known for its story related to a beautiful girl who wholeheartedly loves her parents and family.
The traditional Tet feast in the South typically consists of three main dishes: banh tet (sticky rice cake), banh trang (rice paper), and thit kho tau (braised pork belly). For Southerners, banh tet represents the warmth and abundance passed down through generations. Alongside banh tet is thit kho tau, with delicious pork selected from the thigh and belly, simmered with coconut water. Thit kho tau is often served with various vegetables wrapped in rice paper.
Furthermore, Saigonese attach great significance to the meaning of the five-fruit tray. The Southern tray never includes bananas, as this fruit shares a similar sound with 'suffering,' symbolizing hardship. Oranges are also absent from the Tet tray because of the saying 'oranges produce, tangerines bear.' Nowadays, Southerners are less rigid about the 'five fruits' and may opt for a 'bowl, nine, ten fruits' instead.
Tet in the South starts later compared to other regions. Southerners are not overly meticulous about preparing for Tet, so they don't start Tet preparations too early. Tet for Southerners only begins around three days before the 1st day of the lunar new year, and lasts until the 15th day of the lunar January. A distinctive feature of Southerners is that the first day of Tet is reserved for family, in the truest sense of 'the first day of Tet, fathers.' On this day, family members gather to pay respects to grandparents, then enjoy time with friends, participate in festivals, or visit entertainment venues.
The Chinese New Year culture within Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City is home to over 500,000 ethnic Chinese Vietnamese scattered across various districts and wards, with the highest concentration in District 5, District 6, and District 11.
In the month of Chạp, the Chinese select auspicious days for cleaning and tidying their homes, offering thanks to the gods and ancestors for a year of peace. After the offerings, they share the offerings with relatives and friends, a gesture of goodwill. Each household exchanges offerings with others, fostering stronger bonds of kinship.
Following that is the ceremony of bidding farewell to Ông Táo (the Kitchen Gods). Unlike Vietnamese households, who bid farewell on the evening of the 23rd day of Chạp, the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City typically sees off Ông Táo on the morning of the 24th day of Chạp. Offerings for Ông Táo often include sweet treats like sticky candy and oranges.
2. Where to Go for Tet in Saigon?
During Tet in Saigon, where should one go to experience the festive atmosphere?
Experience Tet in Saigon with a stroll down Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
Located in the heart of District 1, opposite the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Headquarters, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street offers a spacious and refreshing ambiance, perfect for enjoying the Tet festivities with friends and loved ones.
With every step, you'll feel the pulse of Saigon emanating from the glittering lights of skyscrapers on both sides. There are also plenty of cafes around for people to sit down, chat, or take photos for social media check-ins.
Exploring the Spring Flower Market
Flowers are indispensable on Tet. Saigon during Tet is adorned with a multitude of colorful blooms. Here are some spring flower markets you can explore:
Nguyen Hue Flower Street: Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street hosts a vibrant flower market with various captivating performances. Highlights include flower offerings, ornamental vegetable arrangements, and flower arranging art.
Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival: Held at Tao Dan Park, featuring a variety of artistic flowers that attract people for photography and enjoyment, along with numerous unique artistic performances. The spring flower festival runs from the 25th day to the 6th day of the lunar new year.
Phu My Hung Spring Flower Fair: The fair takes place in a spacious 7-hectare area from the 23rd to the 5th day of the lunar new year.
Natural hot springs resort in Binh Chau
After a year of hard work, people need relaxation, soaking in hot water to relieve stress. This resort is located on National Highway 55, Binh Chau commune, Xuyen Moc district, Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. Not only does it offer beautiful views, but guests can also enjoy services such as hot mineral baths, relaxing foot soaks, boiled eggs, and mud baths for skin beauty.
Ong Do Street
During Tet, families enjoy decorating with red couplets. Additionally, getting the first letters of the year is also a beautiful cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people to wish their children a successful academic year.
Here, Vntrip has just provided readers with some unique aspects of Tet in Saigon and places to visit during the festive season.
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