Hanoi: Tet Cake Making and Parade

Hanoi: Tet Cake Making and Parade — An Authentic Dive into Vietnam’s Most Celebrated Festival

If you’re visiting Hanoi during Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, you’ll find many tours highlighting the festivities. This particular experience, offered by AADASIA GROUP TRAVEL, promises a more intimate look at Tet traditions through hands-on activities and lively parades. While we haven’t taken this tour ourselves, the detailed itinerary and reviews suggest it’s a well-rounded, culturally rich experience that appeals to anyone eager to grasp Vietnam’s festive soul.

What we love about this tour? First, the opportunity to make traditional Tet cakes, Banh Chung and Banh Tet, with pre-prepared ingredients, meaning you get to participate without the hassle of sourcing supplies. Second, the colorful parade in Ao Dai—a highlight for visual storytelling and capturing authentic moments. Third, the chance to explore the Hang Luoc Flower Market, where you’ll see locals preparing decorations and offering a vibrant tapestry of blooms.

One potential consideration? The tour involves a fair amount of walking and participation in outdoor activities, so comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate attire are essential. It’s also worth noting that this experience is best suited for those interested in cultural practices rather than luxury or leisurely sightseeing.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want an immersive, hands-on understanding of Vietnam’s Tet traditions, especially if they’re drawn to traditional crafts, colorful parades, and lively markets.

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Hands-on cake-making and traditional parade in Ao Dai
Cultural Depth: Learn about past and present Tet traditions at the Heritage House
Vibrant Settings: Explore the Hang Luoc Flower Market and walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Flexible Schedule: Join activities at your own pace, from making cakes to parade participation
Value for Money: At $71, includes guide, lunch, and taxes—an accessible culture
Weather Considerations: Prepare for outdoor walking with comfortable clothes and sunscreen

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Hanoi’s Tet Traditions in Detail

The Itinerary Breakdown and What It Means for You

The tour starts early at No. 4 Hang Chieu Street, a central spot that makes it easy to reach and convenient for beginning your day in Hanoi. Meeting here, your guide will lead you to the Heritage House, a hub for cultural storytelling and a perfect setting to soak in the Tet atmosphere.

Making Traditional Tet Cakes — From 9:00 AM to around 11:30 AM, you’ll have the chance to participate in wrapping and preparing Banh Chung and Banh Tet, Vietnam’s iconic sticky rice cakes. What sets this apart is the use of ready-made ingredients, simplifying the process so even beginners can enjoy creating these culinary staples. This activity isn’t just about cooking but about understanding their significance—Banh Chung symbolizes the Earth, while Banh Tet represents the Sky, both vital symbols of Tet. Multiple reviews mention how engaging and fun this part is, with some noting the joy of sharing in a tradition that dates back centuries.

Boiling and Tasting — Post-preparation, you can join the boiling process at any time from 12:30 to 23:30, giving flexibility. Afterward, a local restaurant provides a traditional lunch, allowing you to relax and savor authentic flavors. Many describe the meal as “heartwarming” and a perfect complement to the morning activities.

Afternoon Parade and Market Exploration — From 14:00 to 16:30, the group will walk through Hanoi’s Old Quarter with the Heritage House serving as the starting point. Participants are encouraged to don Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese dress that adds to the festive spirit and makes for fantastic photos. The parade through the streets, alongside the Hang Luoc Flower Market, offers a vibrant display of local life, decorated blossoms, and cultural pride. Reviewers highlight how this parade feels both joyful and personal, capturing the essence of Tet.

The Experience of the Heritage House

The Heritage House acts as a cultural anchor, offering insights into both the history and modern-day celebrations of Tet. You’ll learn about the evolution of customs, see traditional decorations, and explore how families prepare for the New Year. This part of the tour is appreciated by travelers for its educational value—it’s not just about the visuals but understanding the deeper meaning behind each tradition.

Parading in Ao Dai — A Memorable Highlight

One of the most popular elements, according to reviews, is the parade where participants wear Ao Dai, creating a stunning visual tableau of Vietnam’s traditional elegance. Many guests mention that joining the parade elevated their experience, making it more than just sightseeing but a moment of cultural participation. It’s a chance to connect with local customs and capture photographs that tell a story of Vietnam’s vibrant heritage—something that travelers often cherish long after the trip.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Hang Luoc Flower Market

This lively market scene allows you to see how locals prepare for Tet, filling the streets with blossoms and decorative plants. It’s an authentic peek into everyday life during festival season, with vendors showcasing colorful arrangements. Visitors note that walking through the market is an energetic and sensory experience, providing perfect photo opportunities and a sense of community celebration.

Timing and Group Dynamics

The schedule is well-paced, with clear activities and enough flexibility to join certain parts at your leisure. For example, you can participate in the boiling of the cakes anytime between noon and late evening, which helps manage your energy and avoid rushing. The group size appears moderate, fostering a more intimate experience, and the guide is described as friendly and knowledgeable, often sharing interesting anecdotes beyond the scheduled itinerary.

Practical Considerations and Tips

• Weather prep: Hanoi in winter can be cool or damp, so bring a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.
• Footwear: Since there’s considerable walking, comfortable shoes are essential.
• Cultural respect: Participants are encouraged to wear Ao Dai for the parade, which adds to the culture.
• Dietary needs: The tour includes a traditional lunch, but drinks and personal expenses are not covered, so plan accordingly.

The Value and Who It’s Best For

At $71 per person, this tour offers a meaningful peek into Vietnamese Tet traditions with activities that combine learning, participation, and celebration. The inclusion of a guide, lunch, and taxes makes it straightforward and avoids hidden costs, which is good value considering the cultural depth.

This experience suits travelers who crave authentic cultural interactions—those interested in traditional crafts, colorful parades, and lively markets. It’s particularly ideal if you enjoy hands-on activities and participating in local customs rather than just observing them from a distance.

However, those with mobility issues should note that the tour involves walking and outdoor activities, making it less suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility.

FAQs

Is it necessary to wear Ao Dai for the parade?
While it’s encouraged to wear Ao Dai to enhance the experience and participate fully, it’s not mandatory. However, many guests find it adds a special touch to the parade.

How flexible is the schedule for activities like boiling the cakes?
You can join the boiling process at any time between 12:30 and 23:30, offering flexibility based on your preferences or energy levels.

What should I bring for this tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes to handle walking and outdoor activities comfortably.

Are drinks and additional meals included?
No, drinks and other meals apart from the provided lunch are not included, so plan to carry some cash or purchase extra as needed.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour is focused on cultural activities and involves walking, so it’s best suited for older children or teens comfortable with outdoor exploration and participation in traditional activities.

What if I want to join the parade but don’t have an Ao Dai?
While wearing Ao Dai is recommended and adds to the experience, it is not explicitly required. You can still enjoy the parade from the sidelines if you prefer not to dress in traditional attire.

Can I cancel this tour easily?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility if your plans change.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour fee covers an English/Vietnamese guide, one traditional lunch, and government tax (8%).

Will I learn about the history behind Tet traditions?
Yes, part of the afternoon program at the Heritage House focuses on explaining how Tet customs have evolved and their significance today.

To sum it up, this Hanoi Tet Cake Making and Parade tour offers a genuine, hands-on way to experience Vietnam’s most colorful holiday. It’s perfect for culture enthusiasts, food lovers, and anyone wanting to participate actively in local traditions. If you’re after an authentic and memorable way to celebrate Tet, this tour is likely to leave you with lasting impressions—and perhaps even a new appreciation for Vietnam’s festive spirit.

You can check availability for your dates here: