The city is a buzz with lights, shopping and smiling faces. As Asia winds down for the 7 day break period, bank are already closed and so is the post office. Most international associations work uptill the Tet holiday on the 3rd, but many traditional establishments are already closed.
IF you ever come to Vietnam for Tet is important to understand how special this holiday is and how your business associates will expect you to act. You will be invited to all kinds of parties and celebrations, when you go to these you are expected to have little red envelops of money for the children and friends to pass on good-luck. Lucky Money is very common during the Tet season and children are as gitty as many western children are on Christmas morning.
Even though the east is regularly recognizing the Christmas holiday, it’s nothing like Tet. Huge money goes into gifts, parties and decorations. When you come during this time prepare to participate and roll with the flow. P.s. There are some very special foods during this time, so of my favorites are the pork and eggs and head cheese.