Hanoi: Tet Cake Making and Parade

If you’re looking to celebrate Vietnamese Tet beyond touristy festivals, this tour offers a rare chance to really get close to tradition. For $71 per person, you’ll spend a full day exploring Hanoi’s heritage-rich neighborhoods, learning how to make Banh Chung and Banh Tet—the iconic traditional cakes of Tet—and joining a colorful parade dressed in Ao Dai, Vietnam’s elegant national dress. Led by friendly guides, this experience promises both cultural insight and memorable moments.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is how it balances hands-on activities with culture. Making Tet cakes with ready-made ingredients means you can focus on the craft and symbolism rather than hunting down obscure ingredients. And the parade through Old Quarter and Hang Luoc Flower Market is a lively, authentic glimpse into the Tet atmosphere. However, keep in mind that the tour involves walking and some early mornings, so comfortable shoes and weather prep are essential.

This experience suits travelers eager to go beyond sightseeing and dive into Vietnam’s festive traditions. If you’re curious about how Vietnamese families celebrate or want a meaningful cultural souvenir, this tour is a charming choice. It’s especially ideal for those who enjoy interactive, local experiences rather than passive sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic hands-on activity: Make traditional Tet cakes using easy-to-prepare ingredients.
• Cultural immersion: Join a vibrant parade dressed in Ao Dai and explore traditional markets.
• Historical insights: Learn about past and present Tet customs at the Heritage House.
• Flexible timing: Enjoy opportunities to join boiling and eating your cakes at your own pace.
• Local flavor: Lunch at a Hanoi restaurant adds a taste of real Vietnamese cuisine.
• Weather preparedness: Pack comfortable clothes, a hat, and sunscreen for the walking portions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Hanoi Tet Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins at No. 4 Hang Chieu Street at 7:45 am, where a guide greets you and sets the tone for a lively day of cultural discovery. From there, your group will walk to the Heritage House, a charming spot that acts as a hub for understanding Vietnamese Tet traditions. Arriving early in the morning allows you to soak in the festive atmosphere, which is often filled with the scent of incense and the sounds of traditional music.

At the Heritage House, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, you’ll join a hands-on workshop making Banh Chung and Banh Tet. These are not just cakes but symbols of prosperity and family unity, traditionally prepared and enjoyed during Tet. The activity uses ready-made ingredients, making the process accessible even to beginners. As you fold, wrap, and prepare the cakes, your guide will share stories about their significance, adding depth to the experience.

Post-making, the cakes are boiled, which you can join at any time from 12:30 pm onwards. This flexible timing means you can relax, explore a bit, or simply wait for your cakes to finish cooking. A local lunch—included in the tour—further immerses you in Hanoi’s culinary scene, often featuring classic dishes like pho or bun cha, giving you a taste of what locals enjoy during Tet.

In the afternoon, from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, the focus shifts. You’ll don Ao Dai—Vietnam’s traditional long dress—and join the parade that winds through Old Quarter and the Hang Luoc Flower Market. This parade is a genuine celebration, where locals and travelers alike dress in vibrant attire, symbolizing good luck and prosperity for the new year. Walking through the bustling markets, you’ll see traditional flowers, kumquat trees, and red banners, all essential elements of Tet décor.

The day wraps up around 5:00 pm, with your guide escorting you back to the starting point. The experience leaves you with a deep appreciation for Vietnam’s Tet customs, and perhaps a new respect for the effort involved in preparing for this special time.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

One of the best aspects is how it combines educational and participatory elements. Making Banh Chung and Banh Tet isn’t just about the process but about understanding the symbolism behind these traditional foods. You learn that Banh Chung represents the Earth, while Banh Tet symbolizes the Sky, tying the food directly into cosmology and family values.

The parade and market walk add a lively, visual component that’s hard to replicate in a guidebook. You get to see real Hanoi residents celebrating, not just a staged performance. The Ao Dai dress code for the parade encourages participation, making the experience more than just observation.

Practical Details & Value

For $71, this tour offers excellent value—especially considering it includes a full day of immersive activities, a local lunch, and the cultural experience of the parade. The price covers the guide, tax, and all the materials for cake-making. You’ll want to budget extra for drinks, personal souvenirs, or additional snacks, which are not included.

The tour’s timing—starting early and ending in the late afternoon—fits well with most travel schedules. It’s a full day but not an overwhelming one. The small group size (implied by the tour setup) fosters an intimate setting, encouraging questions and personal interactions.

More Great Tours Nearby

Accessibility & Preparation

Since the tour involves walking through Hanoi’s busy streets and markets, comfortable shoes are a must. The weather can vary, so pack a hat, sunscreen, and an umbrella if needed. The activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, due to walking and standing on uneven surfaces.

Final Thoughts

This tour is perfect for travelers who want to experience Hanoi’s Tet celebrations firsthand—not just watch but participate. It’s ideal for those interested in Vietnamese culture, food, and traditions, especially if you enjoy interactive activities. Beginners will appreciate the ready-made ingredients that make cake-making accessible, while history buffs will enjoy the insights at the Heritage House.

If your goal is to understand the spirit of Tet and create a lasting memory of Vietnam’s most important holiday, this experience offers a meaningful, colorful, and authentic window into Vietnamese life during the Lunar New Year.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, children who enjoy hands-on activities and walking will find this experience engaging, but keep in mind the early start and walking involved.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, especially for walking through markets and streets. Hats, sunscreen, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Can I participate in the parade if I don’t wear an Ao Dai?
While wearing an Ao Dai is encouraged for the parade, you can participate in the walk and enjoy the sights even if you don’t dress in traditional attire.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring your camera, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Everything else needed for the cake-making is provided.

What time does the tour start and end?
It begins at 7:45 am and wraps up around 5:00 pm, providing a full, immersive day.

Is the tour suitable for non-Vietnamese speakers?
Yes, guides speak both English and Vietnamese, ensuring clear explanations and cultural insights.

What is included in the price?
The tour fee covers the guide, materials for cake-making, a Vietnamese lunch, and taxes.

Are there any activities I can skip?
You can choose to join or skip the boiling and eating of the cakes, depending on your interest.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This tour balances fun, education, and cultural insight in a way that connects you directly with Vietnam’s most cherished traditions during Tet. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, it’s a chance to experience Hanoi’s festive spirit in an authentic, memorable way.

You can check availability for your dates here: