How can foreigners show respect for Chinese New Year in Vietnam?

sanderenter

Member

Member since 18 September 2016

Hoi An, Quang Nam

sanderenter

21 January 2017 06:23:32

sanderenter

21 January 2017 06:23:32

Hoi An, Quang Nam

With next week being Lunar New Year (TET), I'm wondering the best way acknowledge it to my Vietnamese friends, or even strangers. Do you give gifts, or special words? Are there particular things I should, or shouldn't do during this time of celebration?

Thanks in advance.

garyww

Contributor

Member since 09 September 2011

Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm, Ninh Thua

garyww

21 January 2017 06:31:09

182

garyww

21 January 2017 06:31:09

182

Phan Rang-Tháp Chàm, Ninh Thua

Well, first it is not Chinese New Year
It is Tet, lunar new year. They do not like Chinese.

Da_nang

Active member

Member since 06 July 2012

Da_nang

21 January 2017 07:17:22

Da_nang

21 January 2017 07:17:22

I used to bring with me some red envelopes with a NEW 2 dollar bill or 1 dollar special gold/silver coin.
In US they are in general not in circulation but you can get those from any bank before you travel.
I gave them to young people or my friend's kids.

And yes, never mention "Chinese " word (otherwise you may be considered ignorant). It's TẾT (google this word) or Lunar New Year.

DN

Guest2023

21 January 2017 15:39:55

Guest2023

21 January 2017 15:39:55

Greet locals at Tet with "Chức Mùng Năm Mới",which basically means Happy New Year.

Fred

Indonesia Expert

Member since 02 August 2009

West Java

A smile is the universal welcome.
Max Eastman

Fred

22 January 2017 03:11:51

27465

Fred

22 January 2017 03:11:51

27465

West Java

The above might very well be true and accurate, but no one seems to have mentioned "Get stuck in and party".
Seems to me there's no finer way to honour a tradition than joining in where possible.

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