Lao and Cambodian students show off their Banh Tet wrapping skills ahead of Lunar New Year

(NLDO) – Lao and Cambodian students studying in Ho Chi Minh City had memorable experiences when immersing themselves in the traditional Vietnamese New Year atmosphere.

On January 4 and 5, The Lao Student Dormitory in collaboration with the Vietnamese Student Association of Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports , Cao Thang Technical College, and Ho Chi Minh City Central Pedagogical College organized activities to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2025 for Lao and Cambodian students studying in Ho Chi Minh City.

Lao and Cambodian students experience Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Beautiful moments of Vietnamese, Lao and Cambodian students before Lunar New Year

The program took place with many meaningful activities such as: organizing the wrapping and cooking of banh tet, making Tet decorations, performing the play "The Legend of Banh Chung and Banh Giay", performing arts with the participation of students from 3 countries: Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Showing off a newly wrapped banh tet, Chang Sreypech, a first-year student at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, excitedly said that this was the first time he had wrapped banh tet with banana leaves, and also the first time he had experienced celebrating Tet in Vietnam.

"In Cambodia, the traditional Chol Jnam Thmey takes place in April and is associated with the water festival, bringing a joyful, vibrant atmosphere with many outdoor activities. Meanwhile, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is more cozy, clearly showing family reunion. Members clean the house together, wrap cakes, welcome the Kitchen God, make New Year's Eve offerings, and especially receive lucky money at the beginning of the year" - Sreypech excitedly said.

Coming from Laos, Phommakone Dalavanh, a second-year student at Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, clearly feels the warmth of the Vietnamese people these days. Tet is not only a time for fun and relaxation, but also a reminder for the younger generation to always remember their family and roots.

The first time experiencing making banh tet, international students were quite bewildered.

Students from three countries gathered together to wrap banh tet.

The activity attracted more than 100 students to participate, including about 30 international students from Laos and Cambodia.

Dalavanh commented that Vietnam is a country with a modern education system, both preserving the traditional culture of the nation and having outstanding highlights in technological development.

"I believe that studying in Vietnam will help me improve my professional knowledge. After graduating, I hope to contribute to the community, especially continuing the tradition of solidarity between Laos and Vietnam, contributing to building an increasingly stronger relationship in the future" - Dalavanh expressed.

More than just a fun activity, the program aims to create a warm common home where international students can fully experience the beauty of traditional Vietnamese New Year culture. Thereby, strengthening the solidarity and friendship between the three countries of Vietnam - Laos - Cambodia, fostering an increasingly sustainable good neighborly relationship.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/tp-hcm-sinh-vien-lao-campuchia-tro-tai-goi-banh-tet-truoc-them-tet-nguyen-dan-196250105173913752.htm