Foreign ambassadors reflect on the charm of Vietnamese Tet

Despite being in Vietnam for less than two months, Cuban Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes has been deeply charmed by the country, especially Hanoi. In a Tet greeting video filmed at Hoan Kiem Lake, considered the "heart of Hanoi," the ambassador sent warm wishes and a message of solidarity to the Vietnamese people. He expressed his hope that this holiday, marked by unity and friendship, would bring new energy and usher in an era of prosperity, happiness, and sustainable growth for Vietnam.

“The glorious history of Vietnam, its rich culture, and the kindness of its people are invaluable treasures to be preserved. We hope for peace to be restored, just as the legendary sword was returned to the lake, allowing us to enjoy life in this beautiful country," said the Cuban diplomat.

2025 is the “Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Year,” marking 65 years of diplomatic ties between the two nations. Over the decades, the Vietnam-Cuba relationship has been continuously advance across multiple fields.

Celebrating his second Tet in Vietnam, French Ambassador Olivier Brochet purchased a traditional áo dài (long dress) and personally decorated a peach blossom branch and dahlia bouquet, symbolizing good fortune and luck. Recalling his Tet shopping experience, he was impressed by how Vietnamese people manage to transport large peach and kumquat trees on motorbikes. “These everyday scenes give me a deeper understanding of Hanoi and Vietnam,” he shared.

“I’m also fascinated by Hanoi’s vibrant cultural life, with its cinemas and theaters. I hope the city can further promote its culture internationally. Vietnam has consistently set ambitious goals over its 40 years of renewal and has successfully achieved them. France, as one of the first Western partners to support Vietnam’s development, remains committed to accompanying the country into this new era,” Ambassador Brochet added.

For British Ambassador Iain Frew, this is his third Tet in Vietnam. Regarding his two-and-a-half years in the country, he said Tet is different every year. In his first year, he returned to the UK for Tet, but last year he stayed in Vietnam throughout the holiday. It’s fascinating to see how bustling Hanoi becomes, only to transform into a tranquil city during Tet. It’s truly a special time, he continued.

The ambassador also expressed his love for Vietnamese traditions, such as making banh chung and the Kitchen Gods’ offerings, adding that these traditions, the unique dishes, and their connections to the holiday make Tet a wonderful experience for him.

Ambassador Frew noted the strong development of UK-Vietnam relations in recent years, spanning areas such as trade, energy transition, education, and security. He remains optimistic about the partnership’s bright future.

Swiss Ambassador Thomas Gass, celebrating his third Tet in Vietnam, shared his excitement for the holiday. “I love the bustling atmosphere before Tet, the colorful flower markets, and the sight of people bringing trees as gifts to their loved ones. It’s wonderful,” he said. His favorite Tet dishes include banh chung, bamboo shoot soup, and chè lam, a sweet treat made from sticky rice and ginger.

Similarly, Dutch Ambassador Kees van Baar has been captivated by Vietnam, its people, and its culture. “Vietnam feels like home to me. I love the vibrant culinary culture, the friendly people, and the lush greenery that reminds me of the Netherlands. But, of course, the food here is distinct, and I enjoy every dish,” he said.

The Dutch diplomat highlighted his love for the energetic days leading up to Tet, with the streets transforming into vibrant parks filled with kumquat and peach trees. He fondly recalled watching fireworks by West Lake on New Year’s Eve and enjoying the first day of the year with friends over coffee and shared meals.

Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Solbakken and her family have also embraced life in Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi. “We love the bustling street life and are deeply impressed by the hardworking nature of the Vietnamese people. We feel so at home here,” she said.

This year, the ambassador plans to enjoy a quiet Tet in Hanoi, wandering around the Old Quarter, decorating a peach blossom tree, and visiting beautiful pagodas in the city. “We will write our wishes and hang them on the tree, hoping for a peaceful and happy year ahead,” she shared.