Sense of Tet 2019
Xin Chào...! Wishing you a very warm welcome on behalf of all the Hosts at Six Senses Con Dao. We are delighted to host you during this very special time, as we enter the season of celebrating the Lunar New Year, or as it is known in Vietnam – Tết. Our Tết program is filled with fun activities, excursions and dining options to ensure that you make the most of this most auspicious time in Vietnam. Besides featuring the daily program, this brochure is intended to guide you through the cultural aspects of Tết, the history and the meaning behind all the symbolism and traditions. The period of Tết is the most important event on the Vietnamese calendar and we are delighted to wish you “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” as we welcome the Year of The Pig together in 2019.
Be inspired, be kind, be blessed!
Christoph Holzapfel General Manager
Nora Feranecz Resort Manager
What is Tết? The History Tết ([Tết˧˥] or [tɜːt˧˥]), or Vietnamese New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. The word is a shortened form of Tết Nguyên Đán, which is Sino-Vietnamese for “Feast of the First Morning of the First Day”. Tết celebrates the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese calendar, which usually has the date falling in January or February. Vietnamese people celebrate the Lunar New Year annually, which is based on a lunisolar calendar (calculating both the earth’s movement around the sun and the moon around the earth). It takes place from the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese calendar (around late January or early February) until at least the third day. Tết is also an occasion for pilgrims and family reunions. Tết in the three Vietnamese regions can be divided into three periods, known as Tết Niên (penultimate New Year’s Eve), Giao Thừa (New Year’s Eve), and Tân Niên (the New Year), representing the preparation before Tết, the eve of Tết, and the days of and following Tết, respectively. Along with many other Asian countries, Vietnamese recognize the Lunar calendar as part of their cultural tradition. It’s a calendar that incorporates a zodiac of twelve animals in rotation. As a new Lunar Year begins, the “Year” of a new animal also begins. On February 05th 2019, we start the Year of the Pig.
The Present Tết Nguyên Đán or more commonly known as Tết, is the first day of the first month of the Vietnamese Lunar calendar until the third day of the Lunar calendar. It is the most important holiday and festival in Viet Nam. It marks a time for the family gather; even those who are far away to return home, that the whole family can celebrate Tết together. Tết is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture, almost like New Year’s Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas all rolled into one. It’s a holiday that is based on and in history but has also evolved into a modern celebration that incorporates new elements to produce new traditions. Even though many Vietnamese traditions are based on old cultural beliefs that may strike some as a little superstitious, families believe that their activities during Tết must involve happiness, joy, and good luck. That’s why even before the beginning of Tết, its customary for families to prepare by cleaning and even painting their home in anticipation of spring, old debts should be settled along with any disputes. People pledge to behave nicely and work hard in the New Year. Many will also buy new clothes to usher in the New Year.
Friday, February 01st 2019 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:00 am - 10:00 am
Con Dao town tour by bicycle [R][$]
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow [R][$]
09:00 am - 10:00 am
Feed the Fish Golf [R][$]
09:00 am - 10:00 am
Horse chess
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Making paper for New Lunar Year
12:30 pm - 01:15 pm
Singing bowl workshop [R]
01:00 pm – 02:00 pm
Sand painting
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Mini water filter workshop [R]
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Con Dao historical and prison tour [R][$]
03:00 pm - 03:45 pm
Kids Yoga @ Spa
04:00 pm - 04:45 pm
Beach critter hunting
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Mocktail making class [$] [R]
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Seafood night [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “Pao’s Story” [R] @ Jungle Cinema
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
What is Lì Xì? Lì Xì or Lucky Money is given by adults to younger people and children in red envelopes. Lucky Money is always given in even denominations since odd numbers are considered bad luck. Not too surprisingly, this is typically a favorite part of Tết for most children.
Why red and yellow are lucky colours? The Vietnamese use vibrant reds and yellows to decorate their homes. These colours will remove bad feelings and substance from their households. This will provide good luck during the transition from the old to the New Year. Yellow represents the soil and is associated with earthliness and centeredness. It is also associated with gold, wealth, and royalty. Red represents prosperity, goodness, happiness. In addition it contains links to strength, power and vitality. It is known to have the power to push evil and bad things away.
Saturday, February 02nd 2019 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:00 am - 09:00 am
Feed the Fish Golf [R][$]
09:00 am - 01:00 pm
Hiking to Bang beach [R][$]
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Table tennis
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Cut and paste yellow blossom
12:30 pm - 01:15 pm
Coconut oil making class [R]
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Balloon decoration
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Vietnamese Tet and Chung cake making
@ Market place
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Con Dao local life tour [R][$]
04:00 am - 05:00 pm
How to make a mocktail class [R] [$]
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
The dart challenge with beer & shooter [$]
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Hot pot night [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “The Stepford Wives” [R] @ Jungle Cinema
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
Traditional activities during Tết? Families also participate in some of the following: • Family parties: Enjoying Tất Niên (the last meal of the old year) together to share all the sadness, happiness and experiences gained throughout the year. Families take time to review traditions, show respect to elders and strengthen the relationships between family members. • New Year’s Greetings: people wish each other prosperity and luck in New Year with traditional greetings are: 1. Chúc mừng năm mới – Happy New Year 2. Cung chúc tân xuân – Gracious wishes of the new spring 3. An khang thịnh vượng - Security, peace, good health, wealth and prosperity 4. Vạn sự như ý - May your wishes come true 5. Sức khỏe dồi dào – Plenty of health 6. Cung hỷ phát tài – Literally “Happy money come to you” 7. Tiền vô như nước – Money keep coming like water Traditionally, everyone is one year older. In Vietnamese culture you are 1 year old when you are born and everybody ages by 1 year at Tết. Children would wish their grandparents health and longevity with the greeting Sống lâu trăm tuổi – “Long life over 100 years’’.
Sunday, February 03rd 2019 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:00 am - 09:00 am
Clam collecting [R]
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow[R][$]
09:00 am - 10:00 am
Jenga time
09:00 am - 12:00 am
Into Tet’s Custom: Fearturing “Di Cho Tet” [R][$]
Visiting Local Tet Market – Con Dao Flower Street
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Basket weaving with paper
12:30 pm - 01:10 pm
Meditation [R]
02:00 pm – 03:00 pm
Twister game
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Into Tet’s Custom: Fearturing “Di Cho Tet” [R][$]
by scooter Visiting Local Tet Market – Con Dao Flower Street 03:00 pm - 03:45 pm
Kids Yoga @Spa
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Pizza making class [R] [$]
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
So you think you can dance ?
04:30 pm - 06:30 pm
Wine & Cheese tasting at by the Cellar [$]
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:00 pm - 07:30 pm
Kids movie @ Kids Club
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Steak Night [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “Catch me if you can [R]” @ Jungle Cinema
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
What does a Lion dance represent? During Tết, Vietnamese will watch and enjoy a Lion Dance performance. It is said that the dance resembles good luck, prosperity and health. In South-East Asia, a Lion can be compared to the European Unicorn, but in reality is more of a cross between a Lion and a Dragon. According to legend, it is believed that the Lion’s strength represents a powerful figure that protects villagers from evil or devil spirits and helps to usher these bad things out. A Lion Dance is accompanied with at least one Laughing Buddha (Jester), who will help to bring more entertainment and fun to the show. The purpose is to make people happy by keeping them smiling and laughing. This helps to make people optimistic and signifies happiness for the New Year.
Monday, February 04th 2019 Lunar New Year Eve 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:00 am - 11:00 am
Into Tet’s Custom: Fearturing “Di Cho Tet” by bicycle [R][$]
Visiting Local Tet Market – Con Dao Flower Street
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow [R][$]
09:00 am - 12:00 pm
Hiking to Bang beach [R] [$]
09:00 am – 10:00 am
Drawing and colouring
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Rabbit invasion game
12:30 pm - 01:15 pm
Singing bowl class
01:00 pm - 02:00 pm
New Year coconut leaf hat decoration
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Into Tet’s Custom: Fearturing “Di Cho Tet” [R][$]
Visiting Local Tet Market – Con Dao Flower Street
02:30 pm - 03:30 pm
Planting seeds [R]
04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Create your cocktail with Vietnamese liquor [$]
04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Water filling game on the beach
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Lunar New Year Eve Buffet [R] [$]
11:30 pm - 12:30 am
Join the locals for a New Year count-down
and firework celebration [R]
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
Traditional Foods during Tết During Tết it is a special occasion for the family to gather together so that they can cook special foods for the coming holiday. Normally, there are 3 dishes that can’t be missed: 1. Bánh Chưng and Bánh Dầy (in the North) or Bánh Tét (in the South): tightly packed sticky rice with meat and a green bean filling wrapped in banana leaves. •Bánh Chưng is rectangular – symbolises the Earth while Bánh Dầy or Bánh Tét is circular - symbolises the Sky 2. Dưa hành - pickled onions and pickled green cabbage 3. Củ Kiệu - pickled small leeks
Tuesday, February 05th 2019 Happy Lunar New Year! 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow [R][$]
09:00 am - 12:00 noon
Into Tet’s Custom:
Fearturing “Di Le Chua Dau Nam” [R][$]
Visiting Van Son Pagoda – Phi Yen Temple –
Con Dao Flower Street
09:00 am - 09:30 am
Lion Dance show @ By the Beach restaurant
10:00 am – 11:00 am
Bingo game
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Sand painting
12:30 pm - 01:15pm
Little facial class
01:00 pm – 02:00 pm
New Year postcard making
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Traditional Game: “Bit Mat Dap Heo Dat” [R]
Have fun with the game: Breaking the
earthenware pigs 03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
New Year cookie decoration [R] [$]
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Puzzle time
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Slipper lobster & Champagne [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “The Scent of Green Papaya” [R]
@ Jungle Cinema
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
Why do Vietnamese people visit the cemetery before Tết Paying homage to one’s ancestors is another important component of Tết, as families pray at temples, churches, and pagodas. They will also visit the grave sites of their deceased family and construct altars in their homes containing photographs of their ancestors, then offering them symbolic gifts in the form of food, flowers, and incense. The night before the New Year, families perform a ritual where incense sticks are burned, inviting the spirits of their ancestors to join them in celebration. This is also a time to bid farewell to the family’s Kitchen God (Ong Tao), who then returns to heaven to report on the family’s behaviour in the past year to the Jade Emperor.
Why do Vietnamese people visit a pagoda on Tết? Đi Lễ Chùa – Đi (to go), Lễ (means visiting but also showing respect and sincerity to Buddha and all Deities), Chùa (Temple or Pagoda). No matter how busy Vietnamese people are during Tết: shopping, cleaning, decorating house, cooking, visiting together and so on, everyone attempts to burn incense to wish for the best wishes for the New Year at a Pagoda or Temple. Typical wishes are for health, happiness, success and wealth.
Wednesday, February 06th 2019 7:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:00 am - 09:00 am
Clam Collecting [R]
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow [R][$]
09:00 am - 01:00 pm
Hiking to Bang beach [R][$]
09:30 am – 10:30 am
Table tennis
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Face mask workshop
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
So you think you can dance ?
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Into Tet’s Custom:
Fearturing “Di Le Chua Dau Nam” by scooter [R][$]
Visiting Van Son Pagoda – Phi Yen Temple –
Con Dao Flower Street
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Lucky money hunting [R]
03:00 pm - 03:45 pm
Kids Yoga
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Making wind chime for a New Year wish
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Japanese Market & Sake [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “Pao’s Story” [R] @ Jungle Cinema
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
Bịt mắt đập heo There is a traditional game name “Bit Mat Dap Heo Dat” (Breaking the clay pig with eyes blindfolded). The name says it all. Players stand behind the starting line with eyes blindfolded and a wooden stick in their hands. Then their partners will guide them to where the clay pigs are hanging by verbal instruction Game finishes only when a player breaks a clay pig. It symbolises prosperity and happiness for the New Year.
Thursday, February 07th 2019 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:00 am - 10:00 am
Con Dao Town tour by bicycle [R][$]
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow [R][$]
09:30 am – 10:30 am
Feed the Fish Golf [R][$]
09:30 am – 10:30 am
Rabbit invasion game
12:30 pm - 01:15 pm
Singing bowl workshop
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
T-shirt painting
02:00 pm - 03:00 pm
Sand castle on the beach
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Making Vietnamese hand roll [R] [$]
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Con Dao historical and prison tour [R][$]
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Badminton on the beach
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Con Dao crabs prawns & local craft beer [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “Departures” [R] @ Jungle Cinema
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
What are the different flowers and fruits used during Tết? On Tết, Vietnamese decorate their house with Chrysanthemums, Marigolds, “Mào Gà” or Cockscomb flowers. The most important flower groups during this time are Peach flower, Ochna Integerrima, and Marumi. Kumquats are also used in different regions of Vietnam. 1. Hoa đào – Peach flower (cherry blossom) – in the northern part of Viet Nam 2. Hoa mai – Ochna flower (yellow blossom) – in the central and southern parts of Viet Nam 3. Marumi kumquat – a symbol for wealth and happiness for the New Year Vietnamese usually offer flowers and fruits on their ancestor’s altar, especially on Tết. There is the “Mâm Ngũ Qủa” or five-fruit tray. This is essential during Tết. The five-fruit tray symbolises the admiration and gratitude of Heaven and Earth and the ancestors, and demonstrates their aspiration for a plentiful life. The five fruits should show five different colours and are symbolic of the five basic elements of oriental philosophy: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire and Clay. In the South of Viet Nam, the five-fruit tray includes custard-apple, coconut, papaya, mango, and cluster figs. In the North fruits are typically Green Banana, Grapefruit, Capsicum (red) or Oranges, Rose-apple (white), and Plums.
Friday, February 08th 2019 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow [R][$]
09:00 am - 10:00 am
Twister game
09:00 am - 01:00 pm
Hiking to Bang beach [R] [$]
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Face mask workshop
12:30 pm - 01:15 pm
Meditation @ Yoga pavillion
01:00 pm - 02:00 pm
Sand painting
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Con Dao local life tour [R][$]
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Visit garden and mushroom hut [R]
04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Beer Pong @ the Table Tennis [$]
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Sand dollar collecting
05:00 pm - 06:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elepahnt Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
BBQ by the pool with live cocktails [R] [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “The vertical ray of the sun” [R]
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
Saturday, February 09th 2019 07:30 am - 08:15 am
Hatha Yoga (Beginner Level) [R]
08:30 am - 09:15 am
Vinyasa Yoga Flow[$] [R]
09:00 am – 01:00 pm
Hiking to Bang beach [R] [$]
10:00 am – 11:00 am
So you think you can dance?
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Balloon decoration
12:30 pm - 01:15 pm
Coconut oil making class
01:00 pm - 02:00 pm
T-shirt painting
02:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Con Dao historical and prison tour [R] [$]
03:00 pm - 03:45 pm
Little facial class
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
Musical chairs at the beach
03:00 pm - 04:00 pm
How to make a mocktail [R] [$]
04:00 pm – 05:00 pm
Bingo game
04:00 pm - 05:00 pm
Happy TET Hour [$] @ Elephant Bar
06:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Dinner: Italian Live [$]
08:00 pm
Movie - “Four Weddings and A Funeral” [R]
($) = Chargeable (R) = Reservation required = Activities for Children Note: Outdoor experiences are subject to weather conditions.
Happy New Year 2019
Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, Vietnam T: +84 254 3831 222 E: reservations-condao@sixsenses.com