Traveling in Vietnam During Tet Holiday: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

Tet, also known as the Lunar New Year in Vietnam, is the country’s most significant and cherished celebration. But for international travelers, experiencing Tet firsthand comes with both charm and challenges. If you’re planning to visit during this magical yet unpredictable period, this in-depth Vietnam Tet holiday guide will help you navigate everything from weather patterns and flight bookings to cultural do’s and don’ts.

What Is Tet and Why Is It So Important?

Tet Nguyên Đán, or simply Tet, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year. It is a time when Vietnamese families reunite, honor their ancestors, and celebrate new beginnings with food, fireworks, and rituals. Tet is more than a holiday—it’s a deeply emotional period for Vietnamese people. Think of it as a combination of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year rolled into one.

1. Tet holiday dates 2026: February 16, 2026 (officially), but festive activities and travel disruptions typically begin as early as February 10 and can last until February 22.
2. During Tet, Vietnam transforms. Streets are adorned with vibrant peach blossoms in the north and yellow apricot blossoms in the south. Markets buzz with last-minute shoppers. People clean their homes, buy new clothes, and prepare traditional foods like bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake) or bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake).
3. It’s a time when family takes center stage, debts are paid off, and people express wishes for health, prosperity, and happiness in the new year.

Traveling During Tet: What to Expect

Traveling during Tet requires a shift in expectations. While it’s a culturally rich experience, travelers often face logistical hiccups.

Expect:

1. A near-total shutdown of small businesses, restaurants, and government offices for 3–5 days.
2. An overwhelming demand for transportation, especially trains and flights.
3. Skyrocketing prices on accommodations and travel services.
4. Domestic travel surges as millions return to their hometowns.
5. Quiet, empty cities on the first days of Tet, then a gradual return to normalcy.

However, if you plan well, this period can offer a deeper understanding of how to celebrate Tet in Vietnam from a local perspective and even an opportunity to take part in centuries-old traditions.

Is Vietnam Busy During Tet?

Yes, Vietnam is busy during Tet in multiple ways:

1. Before Tet (7–10 days ahead): Bustling crowds, festive markets, flower streets, and heavy traffic as people buy gifts, stock food, and clean homes. Urban transport is packed. Domestic flight and train stations are chaotic.
2. During Tet (especially first 3 days): Urban centers like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang fall eerily silent. Most shops, cafes, and services close. Streets are empty in the daytime but may come alive with fireworks, lion dances, and spiritual visits.
3. After Tet (Day 4 onward): Life slowly returns. Shops reopen, some workers return from their hometowns, and traffic resumes. By the 7th day, life is mostly back to normal.

Insider Tip: For a peaceful exploration of urban areas, travel during the first 3 days. For cultural immersion, spend time in smaller towns or villages. For a complete overview, don’t miss our master guide on best time to visit Vietnam.

Best Places to Be During Tet Holiday

While it’s true that some areas shut down, there are still fantastic places to enjoy the magic of Tet.

Hanoi

1. The capital is a cultural treasure during Tet. You’ll see locals offering incense at temples, families visiting lakes and pagodas, and flower markets filled with kumquat trees.
2. Fireworks explode at midnight on New Year’s Eve at Hoan Kiem Lake.
3. Wondering what is open in Hanoi during Tet? Some museums and cultural sites remain open, and major hotels and luxury restaurants operate normally. Many street vendors return by the 3rd or 4th day.

Hue

1. The former imperial city is especially atmospheric during Tet.
2. Locals in ao dài (Vietnamese traditional dress) visit the Royal Citadel and pray at temples.
3. Try special Hue-style Tet dishes like nem lui and banh khoai.

Hoi An

1. Tet makes the lantern-lit Ancient Town even more magical.
2. Streets are quieter, perfect for photography.
3. Cultural shows and folk games often appear in the evenings of the Tet week.

Ho Chi Minh City

1. Before Tet, Nguyen Hue Walking Street becomes a massive flower street, showcasing elaborate displays.
2. Tao Dan Park hosts cultural performances, bonsai shows, and Tet food stalls.
3. Many cafes and Western restaurants stay open for tourists.

Mekong Delta

1. In rural towns, Tet is celebrated with genuine warmth.
2. Participate in community events like boat racing or lion dancing.
3. Join locals in preparing Tet offerings and sampling homemade sweets.

What Is Open in Hanoi During Tet?

Despite widespread closures, Hanoi doesn’t come to a complete stop. Here’s a snapshot:

Typically Open:

1. High-end hotels and international restaurants.
2. Tourist attractions: Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (though hours may vary).
3. Convenience stores (Circle K, Vinmart) and select pharmacies.

Typically Closed:

1. Small local eateries.
2. Boutique stores and family-run cafes.
3. Government offices and local tour operators (reopen by Day 4 or 5).

Tip: Make reservations ahead of time and have snacks on hand.

Booking Flights During Tet

Booking flights during Tet can be stressful. With millions of Vietnamese traveling to and from their hometowns, ticket prices soar and availability drops fast.

Plan like this:

1. International travelers should book flights at least 3–4 months in advance.
2. Domestic flights should be reserved 6–8 weeks ahead, especially routes to/from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, or Hue.
3. Consider flying in before February 10 and leaving after February 22 to avoid traffic bottlenecks.

Insider Tip: Choose early morning or late-night flights to avoid delays.

What to Pack for Tet Travel

Packing wisely can make your Tet holiday travel guide experience smoother:

1. Lightweight, bright clothing (red and yellow are considered lucky).
2. A formal outfit (for family dinners or visiting pagodas).
3. Comfortable walking shoes.
4. Umbrella or light jacket (for cooler nights in the north).
5. Small envelopes with lucky money (lì xì) if you’re invited to a Tet gathering.
6. Cash: Many ATMs run out of money, and card services may be unavailable.

Tip: Don’t wear black or white when visiting homes or temples during Tet—it’s associated with mourning.

How to Celebrate Tet in Vietnam as a Foreigner

Want to know how to celebrate Tet in Vietnam authentically? Here’s how you can respectfully join the fun:

1. New Year’s Eve: Go to a fireworks event in major cities.
2. Day 1 (Mùng 1 Tết): Visit a temple early morning. Locals believe the first visitor sets the tone for the year—be polite and cheerful!
3. Day 2–3: Attend public events or folk performances. Try bánh chưng, spring rolls, candied lotus seeds, and herbal tea.
4. Join a family gathering (if invited): Bring a small gift, dress nicely, and say “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year!).

Pros and Cons of Traveling During Tet

Pros:

1. Rich cultural immersion and festive atmosphere.
2. Fewer foreign tourists.
3. Beautiful traditional decorations and street performances.

Cons:

1. Limited food and service availability.
2. High prices on flights and hotels.
3. Unexpected closures can disrupt plans.

Still unsure? While visiting Vietnam during Tet is special, you should compare it with other seasons too. Discover our comprehensive guide: The ultimate guide to when to visit Vietnam, for expert insights on seasonal planning.

Tet Survival Tips: Local Wisdom

1. Arrive Early: Get to your destination at least 3 days before Tet to enjoy pre-holiday buzz.
2. Stay Central: Choose accommodations in main districts or near tourist hotspots.
3. Avoid Last-Minute Plans: Book everything in advance—from hotels to intercity transfers.
4. Be Flexible: Understand some places won’t open, and that’s okay.
5. Respect Traditions: Be kind, dress appropriately, and show genuine interest in local customs.

Conclusion: Should You Travel During Tet?

The Vietnam Tet holiday is unlike any travel experience you’ll find elsewhere. It’s spiritual, loud, warm, quiet, and emotional—all at once. If you’re looking for cultural richness and are willing to plan ahead and go with the flow, Tet is an unforgettable time to be in Vietnam.

So is traveling during Tet right for you? If you crave authenticity and cultural immersion, absolutely. Just be patient, prepared, and open-hearted.

Ready to experience the magic of Tet? Let our Vietnam travel experts at Sun Getaways help you craft the perfect itinerary for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Or if you’re still comparing travel times, don’t miss our guide on the best time to visit Vietnam year-round.

Author Bio & Why Trust Us

Written by Emma Nguyen, Senior Travel Consultant at Sun Getaways Travel. With over 12 years of guiding international travelers through Vietnam’s most iconic and off-the-beaten-path experiences, Emma specializes in cultural tourism and seasonal travel planning.

At Sun Getaways Travel, we don’t just plan tours—we curate meaningful experiences rooted in local knowledge and trust. Our team of experts lives and breathes Vietnam. That’s why thousands of travelers rely on us each year for seamless, memorable adventures.

Let us help you make Tet a trip you’ll never forget.