The group gathered at a restaurant on Monday to sample Tet specialties like sticky rice cakes banh chung and banh tet braised pork, and pickled onions while learning about Vietnamese customs.
Wojciech Pawelec, 36, said this was his second visit to Vietnam during Tet occasion and expressed his love for Vietnamese cuisine.
“I really enjoy banh chung and braised pork. I plan to return next year with my family to explore more traditional dishes,” he said.
Marta Sarzynska, 35, appreciated the warm weather in HCMC during Tetdescribing it as ideal for walking around and enjoying the festive ambiance.
“The festive decorations everywhere are beautiful,” she said.
Marta Sarzynska poses for photos in a Tet-themed decorative space at a restaurant in HCMC. Photo by Minh Anh |
Sarzynska also contrasted Vietnam’s weather with Poland’s cold and snowy winters, which often restrict outdoor activities.
The tourists embraced the Vietnamese tradition of giving and receiving lucky money in red envelopes, known as lixi in Vietnamese.
Ana Sanchez, 40, said, “I love the red envelopes. This small gift makes Vietnamese Tet feel truly special and emotional.”
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A group of Polish tourists receive lucky money in red envelopes, a long-standing tradition in Vietnam during Tet. Photo by Minh Anh |
Several travel agencies in HCMC have introduced special Tet-themed tours to give international visitors a glimpse into Vietnamese traditions.
Tran The Dung, general director of Vietluxtour, explained that the Polish group is taking a 15-day itinerary spanning Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand.
During their journey in Vietnam, they would celebrate early Tet atmosphere in HCMC before exploring the Mekong Delta, and visiting Phan Thiet.
Dung said Polish tourists often travel to Vietnam between October and December, joining tours that last 8 to 12 days and cover the country’s three regions and neighboring Indochina destinations. These visitors typically prefer accommodations rated three stars or higher, with a focus on cultural and comfortable experiences.
Poland has emerged as a key market for Vietnam’s tourism industry.
From March 1 to Dec. 31, 2025, Vietnamese authorities will grant visa exemptions for Polish citizens, allowing stays of up to 45 days for organized tourism purposes.
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