By the fireplace in Sa Pa, tourists can experience the spirit of Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year).
In the days leading up to Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), Sa Pa attracts tourists not only with its misty mountain scenery but also with its simple and sincere Vietnamese Tet cultural experiences, recounted by the locals with a love for traditional culture.
In a small house nestled on a hillside, laughter and lively conversation echoed through the chilly weather. By the warm fire, Mrs. Cu Thi Dung, a Hmong woman deeply rooted in traditional culture, patiently guided international tourists in wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes), while also sharing stories about the origins of the Vietnamese Tet holiday.
"I'm here not just to guide tourists in wrapping a rice cake, but to tell them about Vietnamese culture. The square rice cake symbolizes the Earth and gratitude to our ancestors."
"The humpback sticky rice cake (Bánh chưng gù) depicts a highland woman carrying a basket on her back – a symbol of diligence and sacrifice. The Hmong sticky rice cake (Bánh dày) represents the soul of spring in the highlands, symbolizing the sky, the connection between yin and yang, and the wish for favorable weather."
Ms. Dung instructs foreign tourists on how to wrap banh chung (Vietnamese rice cakes).
The process of wrapping the rice cakes is demonstrated to tourists.
The activity of wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) is part of the Tet (Lunar New Year) experience program organized by Jungle Sa Pa Homestay, aiming to help tourists gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and create special memories during their visit to Sa Pa. Notably, all the banh chung wrapped during the program will be donated to disadvantaged households in the village, as a practical way of sharing during Tet.
Initially hesitant, visitors quickly blended into the festive atmosphere of Tet. Sitting by the fire, sipping hot tea, and dressed in the traditional attire of the highland people, everyone felt the warmth radiating not only from the fire but also from the connection between people.
It helps tourists gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and create special memories when visiting Sa Pa.
All the sticky rice cakes made during the program will be donated to disadvantaged households in the village, as a practical way of sharing during the Lunar New Year.
Also during the 2026 Lunar New Year, the Community Connection Cultural Cooperative (CCC) will launch the "Sa Pa - A New Spring Every Day" experience series, introducing the traditional rituals, culture, and cuisine of the five ethnic groups living in Sa Pa: Hmong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho. The program is designed according to the model of "one theme - one session - one ethnic group," with each tour lasting approximately 3.5 - 4 hours.
The French tourist dressed up as a Hmong ethnic boy.
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in excerpts of traditional rituals.
Visitors will have the opportunity to participate in traditional rituals, experience folk games, interact with local people, take photos, shop for local products, and enjoy local cuisine. A special feature is that all rituals are performed directly by local artisans and shamans, adapted for tourism while maintaining their solemnity and originality. The program is offered in multiple languages (Vietnamese, English, and Chinese) and is held in two time slots, morning and afternoon, suitable for both individual and group travelers.
Experience traditional folk games.
During the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Sa Pa is expected to welcome 250,000 - 300,000 visitors. The People's Committee of Sa Pa ward has issued a document to promote and encourage tourism establishments, restaurants, and accommodations not to increase service prices, to display and sell at the correct prices, in order to provide satisfying experiences for tourists.
The "Sa Pa - A New Spring Every Day" experience series introduces the traditional rituals, culture, and cuisine of the five ethnic groups living in Sa Pa: the Hmong, Red Dao, Tay, Giay, and Xa Pho.
In a place where "heaven and earth meet," Sa Pa during Tet (Lunar New Year) is not only a resort destination but also a space for international tourists to touch the depth of Vietnamese culture – where every cake, every ritual, and every smile tells a story of connection and sharing.
Source: https://vtv.vn/ben-bep-lua-sa-pa-du-khach-cham-vao-hon-tet-viet-100260211162601424.htm
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