Foreigners excited at Vietnam’s traditional New Year

Sofia Kukkonen, 30, from Finland told the Vietnam News Agency’s reporter that she is surprised and excited at colourful streets when Tet is drawing near.

Sofia, who has been in Vietnam since August 2017 and is now working at the Vin Space Art Studio in Ho Chi Minh City, said this is the first time she has welcomed Vietnam’s traditional New Year.

Sofia said she and her friends took a stroll around streets which are now decorated with peach flowers, kumquat and home decorations to capture the Tet holiday in Vietnam, adding that the atmosphere reminds her of the New Year in her homeland.

She said she will also visit her Vietnamese friend in the northern province of Thai Binh during the festival.

“I want to fully experience Vietnam’s Lunar New Year to get inspirations for my art works”, she said.

32-year-old Luke Basford from the UK said he will travel to Phu Quoc Island in the southern province of Kien Giang to experience the Tet holiday of local islanders.

Luke, a teacher of the Vietnam-Australia School, said he had opportunities to enjoy the Tet festivals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

He said the atmosphere of preparing for Tet in Vietnam is wonderful. He tried traditional Tet dishes in Hanoi and HCM City, which have unique tastes. This year, he hopes to see Vietnam’s stunning beaches and taste special Vietnamese food in Phu Quoc.

“I have chances to taste Vietnam’s traditional dishes during Tet, especially Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake). I am offered this dish when visiting any Vietnamese family during the festival. I like the legend behind the cake”, said Booby Webber, an Australian teacher.

Booby, who had spent two Tet festivals in Vietnam, said he will visit some of his Vietnamese friends during this year’s Tet holiday and he has prepared lucky money for the elderly and children in their families.

“This is a nice custom of Vietnamese people, demonstrating the respect for the elderly and love for children. You should preserve it”, he said.