Tet Nguyen Dan is not only the most important holiday for Vietnamese people but also an opportunity for international friends to discover and experience a rich and unique culture. Witnessing the intersection of tradition and modernity, many international students have had memorable experiences during the Lunar New Year in Vietnam.
Somboun Liensakoun, a student from Laos majoring in International Business at Foreign Trade University, shared that Tet in Vietnam brings a warm atmosphere, different from the traditional Bunpimay Tet of Laos.
Lunar New Year through the eyes of international students
For Somboun Liensakoun, Tet At Ty 2025 is the second year he has experienced the atmosphere of Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam. What impressed this Lao student the most is the custom of preparing the five-fruit tray, where each type of fruit carries a riêng meaning, symbolizing the five elements and wishes for a new year of peace and prosperity.
Unlike Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam, the traditional New Year of Laos, Bunpimay, takes place in April. During this occasion, Lao people often go to temples, perform wrist-tying ceremonies, and splash water to pray for good luck and wash away bad luck. Somboun Liensakoun said that Foreign Trade University also creates conditions for Lao students to organize Bunpimay Tet celebrations right at the school, introducing Lao culture to international friends.
Danyl Reda Benmokhtar, a French student who came to Vietnam on a student exchange program, also had memorable experiences of Tet Nguyen Dan. He shared: “I haven’t been in Vietnam for long, but I find Vietnamese people very friendly and kind. They always smile and try to help me.”
International students eagerly participate in activities to experience the traditional Tet atmosphere of Vietnam at Foreign Trade University (photo: T. Duong)
Benmokhtar said that in France there is no Lunar New Year, people only celebrate the Gregorian New Year. He plans to travel to many localities in Vietnam during the Tet holiday to explore more unique customs and activities.
Discovering unique customs
Jakob Christoph Winkler, a student from Germany, also has deep impressions of Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam. He recounted that his older sister had visited Vietnam and praised the friendliness of Vietnamese people and the diversity of traditional culture.
Jakob Christoph Winkler, a German exchange student studying at Foreign Trade University (photo: Nguyen Lien)
Winkler was impressed by the fact that Tet Nguyen Dan lasts for many days and has many unique customs and traditions. He personally wrapped Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake), participated in traditional games, and wore Ao Dai, the traditional costume of Vietnam.
These experiences have helped international students better understand Vietnamese culture, while creating memorable memories during their time studying here.
Opportunities for cultural exchange at universities
Foreign Trade University is one of the universities with a large number of international students in Vietnam. The university has proactively developed plans and implemented enrollment activities, and developed short-term exchange programs to create opportunities for international students to explore Vietnamese culture.
Thanks to this, Tet Nguyen Dan is not only a traditional holiday of Vietnamese people but also an opportunity for international friends to exchange cultures, enhance understanding and connection between countries. These experiences will be valuable baggage on each individual’s path of integration and development.
Conclusion
Experiencing Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam is not only an opportunity to discover a unique culture but also a journey of connecting hearts between friends from all over the world. Memories of the warm spring days, unique customs, and friendliness of Vietnamese people will forever be unforgettable imprints in the hearts of each international student. Tet Nguyen Dan, therefore, has become an important part of the journey of exploring the world for young people.