Hmong New Year in Vietnam: What Makes It So Special?

Unlike the Lunar New Year celebrated across Vietnam, the Hmong New Year offers a captivating glimpse into a culture deeply rooted in agricultural cycles. Held in the stunning northern mountains, this festive event showcases the vibrant heritage of the Hmong people (an ethnic minority in northern Vietnam) through colorful attire, traditional music, meaningful rituals, and distinctive cuisine.

Dive into the rich heritage and communal spirit of the Hmong people as you come and explore their New Year with us!

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 16-12-2024

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What Is the Hmong New Year?

Hmong New Year, or "Noj Peb Caug Xyoo Tshiab" in the Hmong language, is a major cultural event celebrated annually by the Hmong Miao community after their harvest season. Originating over a thousand years ago during the Song dynasty (China) (960–1279 A.D.), it remains deeply significant today.

In Northern Vietnam, Hmong New Year is celebrated about a month before the Lunar New Year observed by the Kinh people. This “early Tet” is a time for rest, gratitude to ancestors, and celebrating the harvest. Farming tools are ceremonially honored, with offerings like chicken, corn cakes, and beverages, symbolizing the transition from work to festivities.

How It Differs from Vietnam's Lunar New Year

Although Tet is meant to be a celebrated National New Year, it is observed as the Lunar New Year and marks the New Year's Lunar calendar. Hmong New Year, however, relates to the end of the harvest; it is closely tied to the agricultural traditions of Hmong peasantry.

In contrast to Tet, which features lion plays, fireworks, ceremonies, and offerings, Hmong New Year focuses on traditional games, singing, and farming rituals, making it more personal and intimate. It celebrates a distinct heritage, deeply touching the hearts of the community.

Hmong New Year in Vietnam: Date and Location?

When and How is Hmong New Year 2025 Celebrated?

In 2025, Hmong New Year starts on December 30, 2024 (the 30th day of the 11th lunar month) and lasts between 10 to 20 days. Event preparations usually start around December 25, with individuals taking time off work to clean the house, shop, and prepare for the ceremony.

Where is Hmong New Year celebrated? 

An annual celebration of the "Noj Peb Caug" New Year is held by Hmong people in the mountainous provinces of Northern Vietnam, namely Sapa, Bac Ha, Ha Giang, Son La, Cao Bang, and Mu Cang Chai. Variations may be evident across regions, but above all, the Hmong share the same customs during Tet, such as traditional music, dance, and rituals to honor ancestors and spirits.

Tourists are welcome to join the vibrant celebrations, enjoying folk games, festive meals, and the joyful spirit of a deeply rooted cultural tradition.

How Do the Hmong Prepare for Their New Year Celebrations?

Cleansing Rituals and Worship of the House God (Xyoo Kav)

The Hmong New Year, "Noj Peb Caug", is a time of gratitude, renewal, and ancestral worship. About a month before Tet, women stop fieldwork to prepare for their only holiday of the year, sewing traditional clothing, while families ready pigs, chickens, and firewood. Men focus on cleaning and building homes.

A significant tradition involves sweeping away misfortune with a green bamboo broom tied with colored threads. The ancestral altar, central to every home, is adorned with paper sticks, a chicken tail, and offerings like fruits, rice cakes, and wine. White papers are placed on tools and barns to symbolize rest, honoring these “best friends” of the household.

At the heart of the celebration is the Xu Ca altar, representing prosperity and guarding the family’s wealth, underscoring the Hmong's deep connection to their traditions and spiritual practices.

Making Bánh Dày: The Iconic Cake of the Hmong Tet Festival

If you happen to visit Hmong villages this month, you will surely feel the New Year spirit more and more, with rhythmic sounds of pounding rice cakes in every Hmong family: "The pig can be big or small, but it cannot be without this traditional rice cake", say the Hmong.

Early in the morning, men are busy with large mortars and mallets pounding the Banh Day, while women carefully select the best batch of glutinous rice and then cook it until it becomes sticky.

The New Year food of the Hmong people is the traditional dish "Banh Day." This round cake falls under the New Year harvest offerings among the Kinh people, in the same way as Chung cake being square and earth-slanted, while Banh Day is round and skyward-facing. However, the traditional Banh Day of the Hmong ethnic is round and symbolizes the two divine sources: the moon and the sun, which represent humanity and the earth. It is created to be offered to ancestors, allowing people to pray to them for fullness and abundance in the next year.

What Can Tourists Experience in Hmong New Year?

The celebrations traditionally begin on the night of December 30 and end in the early hours of January 1 on the lunar calendar. The first crowing of a rooster, considered both a natural alarm and a sacred indicator, marks the transition from the old year to the new year. This moment signals the start of community activities and calls for a year full of wealth, health, and harmony.

Traditional Hmong Games During Tet Celebrations

On the first three days of the New Year, the Hmong people will visit their relatives as well as neighbors' houses to wish them happiness and prosperity for the year ahead, sharing wine together. Meanwhile, young boys and girls will wear beautiful new traditional outfits and gather at the festival to play games such as seesaw, swing, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, pao throwing, and tu lu. This recreates the long-abiding games in the nation's history. These interesting traditional games each have their own meaning:

• Pao Throwing (Ném Pao): A symbolic game where tossing a cotton ball between men and women represents yin-yang harmony and offers young people a chance to find love.
• Traditional Games: Activities like seesawing, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, and tug-of-war showcase strength, skill, and the Hmong’s communal spirit. Tug-of-war, in particular, symbolizes teamwork and the collective effort needed for farming.
• Buffalo Fighting: A tribute to the buffalo’s essential role in agriculture, these contests honor strength, resilience, and bravery in Hmong culture.
• Horse Racing: Highlighting agility and courage, this event celebrates the historical role of horses in Hmong life, from farming to transportation in the mountains.

In particular, when talking about Tet of the Hmong people, it is impossible not to mention the Sai San or Gau Tao festival (good luck festival). 

Admire the Natural Beauty of Hmong Regions in Spring

With the first month of the year, January has awakened the vitality of the Hmong ethnic lands. No wonder Sapa, Moc Chau, Dien Bien, Son La etc., are called the "flower kingdom" of northwest Vietnam at this moment. Especially when the atmosphere of the Hmong New Year overflows in all parts of the region, tourists can admire the scenery of hundreds of flowers blooming, creating a view as beautiful as a fairy dream.

Moreover, the bauhinia, peach, and apricot groves even decorate the highways at the entrances of the villages. It seems as if only in January can tourists enjoy this happy, complete, and meaningful atmosphere.

Fashion Week Through the Lens of Traditional Costumes

The Hmong are popularly referred to as women embroidery artists in Vietnam; they are very careful and meticulous in every stitch. They would bury themselves in weaving, dyeing, and sewing indigo clothes for the entire family about three months before Tet. This way, on Hmong New Year, the whole family could wear brand-new, colorful, and completely fresh clothes.

Besides, jewelry is an indispensable part of Hmong women's attire. Silver jewelry is not just for beauty but also carries a deeper, more spiritual meaning. After they wear their new clothes and skirts, the silver jewelry is believed to ward off evil spirits and bring luck and peace.

Everyone here looks like they're dressed for fashion week (j4f :D), but more special. It is a lively and attractive image you will remember forever: Hmong women in bright dresses, sparkling jewelry, bustling in the festivities, merging with the blooming flowers in spring. 

Celebrating Traditional Arts Through Dance

The colorful clothes and blooming spring flowers have created a vibrant scene, but the Hmong New Year cannot be fully highlighted without music. Music is a special "spice," indispensable in the festival, this is a link between culture and emotions, making the atmosphere more lively than ever.

Along the central streets or festival grounds, you will be captivated by the magical and seductive sound of the Hmong panpipe. The panpipe's melody is deep and high, sometimes soulful, sometimes strong, imbued with the lyricism and fierce vitality of the mountains and forests. The panpipe-playing boys not only showcase their talents but also harmonize with graceful dances to express their love and win the hearts of the girls.

Meanwhile, the girls wear colorful costumes, skillfully twirl their vibrant cloth umbrellas, and rhythmically dance to the music, standing opposite the boy they choose. Under the chilly spring weather in the mountains, the scene becomes even more poetic, filled with the spirit of the festival and love.

Enjoy Traditional Dishes

Hmong's cuisine fascinates people by the rustic flavour of the northwest mountain scent. Don't miss the chance to enjoy these special dishes on this trip!

• Pork Grilled Over Charcoal: Whole pigs (4–5 kg) are grilled until the skin is crispy and golden while the meat remains tender and juicy. Best enjoyed with fragrant apple wine for a flavorful experience.
• Bánh Dày (Glutinous Rice Cake): A symbolic New Year dish made from pounded glutinous rice, representing unity and strength. Typically paired with sesame or boiled pork, this simple yet meaningful cake is an iconic part of Hmong culinary traditions.
• Corn Wine: A traditional drink made from locally grown corn and natural yeast, featuring a rich aroma and a smooth, slightly sweet taste. Perfectly complements dishes like Thắng Cố or grilled pork during festive gatherings.
• Thắng Cố: A flavorful stew made with horse meat, organs, and regional spices, slow-cooked to perfection. This signature dish reflects Hmong culture and is best enjoyed with corn wine at festivals.

Tips for Experiencing Hmong New Year Celebrations

The Hmong people are very hospitable; they think that a guest is a precious presence visiting their people during Tet, even if the guest is not of the same blood or ethnic group as they are. Therefore, if you want to travel to places where the Hmong community comes together or would like to experience how they live and celebrate Tet with them, you need to gather certain information to ensure the best experience.

• Dress Appropriately: Wear modest clothing such as long sleeves and pants, especially when visiting homes or participating in rituals.
• Learn Basic Greetings: Simple phrases like "Nyob Zoo" (Hello) or "Ua Tsaug" (Thank you) show respect and create meaningful connections.
• Photography Etiquette: Always ask for permission before taking photos, especially during rituals or family gatherings.
• Participate Respectfully: Join rituals like ancestral worship with humility and play traditional games such as Pao throwing thoughtfully.
• Enjoy Meals Graciously: When offered dishes like Thắng Cố or Bánh Dày, accept them warmly as a gesture of respect and hospitality.

Is It Worth Visiting Northern Vietnam to See the Hmong New Year?

100% YES! If you are traveling to Northern Vietnam during the Hmong New Year period, don’t miss the chance to explore the fascinating culture of the Hmong people. Traveling with a local guide or a travel agency can help you better understand both Vietnamese culture and the traditions of minority groups. Alongside enjoying the breathtaking spring scenery, immersing yourself in a unique and captivating culture will make your trip to Vietnam truly unforgettable.

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Image source: Internet