Many young Vietnamese people dread Tet due to nosy parents and relatives or patronising neighbours asking intrusive questions about their careers or love lives.

Nguyen ThiHoa, 26 years old, in the central province of Ha Tinh said that "Tet is the longest holiday in a year and I know I’m going to get asked annoying questions. I often get questions about my personal life from my friends and relatives.

"Last year, on the first two days of the new year when I visited my relatives, many of them asked me whether I would get married. In rural areas, 26 is a bit late for getting married," Hoa said.

Meanwhile, her parents are also worried about her love life, so, they have nagged her to get married early as she and her boyfriend have been together for four years.

Hoa added, “My boyfriend and I have planned to get married in 2018 after we can be financially independent to have our own life. I’m being pressured heavily by my parents."

Pham Minh Phuong, 24 years old, in the northern province of Thai Binh who currently isn’t dating not yet had a boyfriend is continuously bothered by her parents. When she returns home on holidays, especially at Tet, some of her relatives try to act as matchmakers.

Meanwhile, Tran Minh Tu in Thai Nguyen Province faces questions about how much he earns. He studied at a big university in Hanoi, but due to lack of experience, he could only find a job at a small company.

During Tet when he comes to visit his relatives, many ask him about salary and patronise him with stories about other people of his age who make big money despite studied at college or undertaking vocational training.

Tet is a costly occasion for many Vietnamese people, even students. This year, Nguyen Hoang Nam at the Hanoi Transport University had to do a part time job for two weeks before Tet to earn money to buy gifts for his girlfriend and travel with his friends.