Lunar New Year, locally called Tet, is the biggest festival of the year with the whole country preparing for family reunions. It’s a fascinating time to visit Vietnam and you’ll certainly find locals lighting fireworks, visiting temples with their families, and the interesting sight of many flower stalls set up as decorating with customary flowers during Tet. Tet is celebrated throughout Vietnam, but it’s best to be in the larger cities. Hanoi is the best place to enjoy this festivity. Quan Su Pagoda or Ngoc Son Temple is where you can see locals lighting incenses and praying to their ancestors in the morning while Hanoi Opera House often organise vibrant parties and fireworks displays. Hue Festival is a biannual celebration that takes place in Hue City, where you can enjoy an array of cultural events, games, and performances held over a week. Founded in 2000, the festival was held to preserve traditional customs that were practised during the Nguyen Dynasty. If you’re revisiting Hue in April, May or June, expect unique showcases such as the Hue Poetry Festival, Dialogue of Drums and Percussions, and Ao Dai Fashion Shows, sporting activities like kite flying, boat racing, and human chess, as well as street performances, film screenings and art exhibitions. Hoi An Lantern Festival is a monthly event that transforms the UNESCO World Heritage Site into a spectacular display of paper lanterns. On the 14th day of each lunar month, every shop, restaurant, bar and businesses in the Ancient Town switches off all electricity and relies on hundreds of candles and lanterns. Meanwhile, entrance to all temples is free of charge, where you can see monks and locals holding candlelit ceremonies. Being help until late, the streets are also filled with musicians playing traditional instruments, Chinese chess, poetry readings, and lantern-making classes. 1. Which of the following is a tradition of Tet? A. People visit art exhibitions and shows. B. People buy flowers for their homes C. People go to vibrant parties. 2. Why do most Hanoi people go to Quan Su Pagoda or Ngoc Son Temple? A. They like to light incense B. They want to pray to their ancestors C. They want to enjoy the festivity 3. Which of the following is true about Hue Festival? A. It is a traditional festival B. It includes many activities and events C. It is held during spring time 4. Why do people in Hoi An ancient town turn off their lights on the 14th of every Lunar month? A. They want to save money on electricity B. They have to turn off the lights for the monks to perform ceremonies C. They want to showcase the paper lanterns. 5. If tourists want to experience all three festivals, in which months should they visit Vietnam? A. late January – June B. June – November C. November – late January