Where Vietnamese Tet Is Seen Through the Eyes of International Guests

Each year, as Vietnamese Tet arrives, Phu Quoc becomes a remarkable destination where international travelers can immerse themselves in local traditions during the country’s most celebrated holiday. Surrounded by the tranquil seascape of the Pearl Island, a festive getaway becomes more than a vacation — it transforms into a meaningful cultural journey.

At WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, the spirit of traditional Tet is thoughtfully recreated through curated experiences, allowing guests from around the world not only to observe but to actively participate, explore, and enjoy Vietnamese culture in a refined and relaxing resort setting.

Representing the resort, Mr. Subash Basnet – General Manager of WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc – shared: “We have prepared a wide range of activities for guests to explore, learn about, and experience Vietnamese culture, with a special focus on Lunar New Year – what we call Tet in Vietnam. We emphasize traditional games, local cuisine, and cultural experiences so that guests can truly feel the spirit of Vietnamese traditions right here at the resort. Spring in Phu Quoc is truly a season of festivals.”

A Vibrant Spring Welcome in the Main Lobby

From the moment guests arrive, they are greeted by a main lobby glowing with Tet colors. Traditional decorative details are harmoniously arranged within the resort’s modern, elegant architecture, creating an atmosphere that feels both warm and refined. A standout highlight is the display of yellow apricot blossoms, a signature symbol of Southern Vietnamese spring, complemented by vivid red accents throughout the space, a festive New Year greeting from the resort to guests from around the world.

The main lobby blooms with spring: yellow apricot blossoms and lucky red hues set the tone for a Vietnamese Tet journey at WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc.

Traditional Tet Experiences for Guests

WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc is designed as an immersive experience space that brings vivid stories of Vietnamese people, culture, and traditions to life. For that reason, guests staying here not only enjoy the spring atmosphere sweeping across the Pearl Island, but also have the opportunity to take part in hands-on Tet experiences from wrapping traditional banh chung and watching lion dances, to joining folk games, exploring Tet activities, and enjoying festive Vietnamese cuisine. Each experience contributes to a complete cultural journey, where spring is not only seen in the setting, but truly felt through every moment.

Hands-on banh chung wrapping invites guests to connect more deeply with the spirit of Vietnamese Tet, opening a festive day filled with joy and excitement.

The atmosphere becomes even more vibrant at GEMY Kids Zone, where families join a full day of spring activities. From spring calligraphy and lucky ring toss, to “lucky hunt” moments and familiar Vietnamese folk games such as bau cua tom ca (gourd–crab–shrimp–fish), hopscotch, and bamboo jacks, each moment sparks laughter and togetherness. Creative activities like spring-themed balloon painting, along with lively family aerobic and Zumba sessions, add to an ambience that is both energetic and heartwarming.

These highly interactive experiences leave a strong impression on international guests. Many express genuine surprise and delight when trying Vietnamese traditional games for the first time and become even more excited as they learn that each activity carries cultural meanings tied to wishes of good fortune, peace, and a promising start to the new year.

First Day of Tet – A Festive Celebration

On the first day of Tet, the resort becomes lively from early morning with a lion dance performance welcoming the New Year – a traditional ritual that carries auspicious meaning in Vietnamese culture. For many international visitors, this is their first time witnessing the ceremony in person. The rhythmic drumbeats, vibrant colors, and dynamic movements create one of the most memorable highlights of their spring journey on the Pearl Island.

A guest staying at WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc during Tet, Ms. Adila from Kazakhstan, shared: “In our country, we often associate New Year with Christmas trees, Santa Claus, and mandarins. In Vietnam, everything is decorated in a more national style, more vibrant and more beautiful. I even noticed that people here use more environmentally friendly products for decoration. Everything is very beautiful. I really like it.”

The energetic drumbeats and vivid colors of the New Year lion dance deliver wishes of good fortune and prosperity – a vibrant start to the year on the Pearl Island.

Tet Cuisine – When Flavors Tell Cultural Stories

Cuisine is always an essential part of Tet, and at WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, it is elevated into a complete culinary story. Restaurant spaces are dressed in festive spring décor and introduce a special seasonal menu titled “Tet on the Table,” where the spirit of Vietnamese Tet is expressed through refined creations by the culinary team.

Golden kumquat and spring peach blossoms, paired with warm ambient lighting, create a festive restaurant setting filled with Tet spirit.

Each dish reflects authentic local flavors, from sesbania flower salad with river shrimp and palm heart salad with seafood to lotus leaf grilled chicken, clay-pot goby fish, and traditional braised pork with duck egg, all evoking the comforting imagery of a Vietnamese Tet family meal. Rustic dishes such as stuffed bitter melon soup and sweet-and-sour catfish soup further complete the festive culinary picture through a harmonious balance of flavor and cultural nostalgia.

The experience concludes with a special treat from the chef: Che Ba Ba sweet soup, a beloved Southern Vietnamese dessert that leaves a gentle, comforting aftertaste of the holiday season.

Spring flavors are brought to life through traditional dishes often found on Vietnamese New Year tables, where each taste tells a cultural story with elegance and inspiration.

Alongside the festive menu, the seasonal beverage collection “A Sip of Spring” offers another dimension of cultural discovery through thoughtfully crafted drinks. From delicate teas to inventive cocktails inspired by traditional ingredients, each selection becomes a different interpretation of Vietnamese Tet – refined, layered, and full of character.

Regional spring notes are thoughtfully paired with local ingredients, so each sip becomes a story of a full and abundant Tet.

Tet Atmosphere Throughout the Resort

The festive spirit at WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc extends beyond the lobby, reaching every corner of the property: from restaurants and leisure areas to the spa and children’s facilities, all thoughtfully adorned with elegant seasonal touches. This harmony creates a seamless holiday environment where guests can relax while naturally engaging with local traditions.

Spring comes alive in every moment at WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc from joyful family experiences at GEMY Kids Zone to serene relaxation at PearlSense Spa.

Where Tradition Meets International Standards

The Tet celebration program reflects the resort’s brand philosophy: a seamless harmony between international service standards and local cultural beauty.

At WorldHotels Long Beach Resort Phu Quoc, global hospitality excellence serves as a foundation for elevating local experiences, allowing Vietnamese traditions to be presented in a refined, contemporary, and accessible way for travelers worldwide. This balance defines the resort’s distinctive identity – a destination that is luxurious yet authentic, sophisticated yet deeply experiential.