The Pink Magic of Tet

Pink Magic of Tết: Witnessing Vietnam's Sacred Peach Blossom Season

If there is one perfect time to visit Vietnam in a burst of color and culture, it is during the arrival of Tết Nguyên Đán, the Lunar New Year. In the North, no symbol embodies the spirit of spring and hope like the delicate Peach Blossom, the sacred Hoa Đào.

When Vietnam Turns Pink

The peach bloom season follows the lunar calendar and the climate preceding Tết, generally concentrating between mid-January and the end of February. As winter gives way to cool spring, bare branches cover themselves in pink petals. Since Tết falls between late January and mid-February, the bloom peaks just before and after the holiday.

The Deep Meaning of the Flower

For Northern Vietnamese, the Hoa Đào is a powerful cultural talisman. Its vibrant pink symbolizes Fortune and Prosperity, inviting joy into the home for the new year. Blooming in the cold, it represents Harmony and Rebirth, and ancient beliefs say the branches offer Protection, warding off evil spirits. Families choose branches full of buds and open flowers to adorn their homes, hoping the bloom lasts throughout the celebrations.

Where to See the Best Blooms

The peach flowering is unique to Northern Vietnam.

• Hanoi (Nhat Tan Village): The capital’s famous Nhật Tân Village transforms into a sea of pink—the primary spot for buying branches. The pre-Tết flower markets are unmissable.

• Sa Pa and Hà Giang: In the mountainous regions, wild peach trees offer a more dramatic spectacle. The view of valleys painted pink, framed by terraced rice fields and morning mists, is pure magic.

If you plan a trip between January and February, prepare to immerse yourself in a landscape where nature and tradition blend in an unforgettable pink embrace.