How to Travel in Vietnam During Tet — What to Expect

Thinking of visiting Vietnam during Tet but unsure how the holiday might affect your travel plans? As the country’s biggest and most meaningful holiday, Tet brings a festive spirit along with noticeable changes in travel routines and daily life. This guide walks you through what to expect when traveling in Vietnam during Tet, from crowds and closures to cultural highlights and practical tips.

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What is Tet Holiday? When is Tet in Vietnam?

The Vietnamese New Year, known as Tet holiday, follows the Lunar Calendar and stands as the most significant festival in all of Vietnam, among other Vietnamese holidays

Tet holiday dates change annually but typically fall between mid-January and late February. In 2026, it will arrive on February 17, and last for 6 days, will usher in the Year of the Horse.

Family bonding over Bánh Chưng during a joyful Vietnamese Tet celebration.

What should you know about local customs during Tet in Vietnam?

Tet is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, with traditions that shape how people live and interact during the holiday.

Family reunions: Tet is centered on returning home and spending time with family, relatives.
Ancestral worship: Families honor their ancestors at home altars and temples
“First visitor” belief (Xông đất): The first guest of the year is believed to influence good fortune
Red envelopes (Lì xì): Symbolic money is given to share luck and prosperity
Holiday pause: Almost all businesses take time off to observe Tet traditions

Understanding these customs provides cultural context and helps visitors better appreciate the meaning of Tet beyond the celebrations.

Should You Travel to Vietnam During Tet?

Whether Tet is a good time to visit Vietnam depends on your travel preferences and expectations.

Pros

A rare opportunity to experience Vietnam’s most important cultural holiday
Authentic insight into local traditions and values
Festive surroundings combined with a calmer pace of life
A unique travel experience that differs from peak tourist seasons

Cons

Reduced convenience compared to normal travel periods
Limited service availability during the first days of Tet
Higher travel demand around the holiday dates
More costly services, surcharge during Tet.

Verdict

Tet is a great time to visit Vietnam if you value cultural immersion and are comfortable with flexibility. Travelers who prioritize convenience, full services, and fast-paced itineraries may prefer to visit before or after the holiday.

What to Expect in Vietnam During Tet?

Traveling in Vietnam during Tet feels noticeably different from other times of the year. The country slows down, and the atmosphere becomes both festive and calm.

Streets are decorated with significant flowers, lights, and traditional Tet symbols
Flower markets and seasonal displays appear across cities
Daily routines slow down, especially during the first days of the holiday
Major cities feel quieter, while public spaces remain lively
Fireworks and public celebrations mark the Lunar New Year

Best Places to Visit in Vietnam During Tet

Ha Noi – Traditional Tet Atmosphere

First on the list of the best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet is Hanoi. It is ideal for travelers who want to experience Vietnamese traditions in a quieter, more reflective setting.

Tet atmosphere at Hang Ma Street, Hanoi

The rare quietness allows visitors to appreciate Hanoi’s charm differently, from its historic streets to its festive decorations. Walking around the city during Tet, you’ll often see locals wearing traditional outfits, visiting temples, and taking photos to welcome the Lunar New Year.

Explore the Old Quarter to experience the authentic Tet atmosphere, with streets decorated in red and gold and a noticeably slower pace of life.
Stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy seasonal flower displays and observe locals welcoming the New Year in a relaxed, communal setting.
Visit the Temple of Literature during its calligraphy festival, a Tet-only cultural highlight where visitors can see traditional scholars and New Year wishes written in calligraphy.

Ho Chi Minh City – Festive and Lively

Ho Chi Minh City is suitable for travelers who prefer energy and excitement during the Tet holiday. Unlike many other destinations, the city remains vibrant throughout Tet, with large-scale decorations, public events, and a lively urban atmosphere.

Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where Tet decorations, flower displays, and cultural performances create one of the most festive spots in the city.

Visit Tao Dan Park or District 1 flower streets to experience traditional Tet flower markets and seasonal installations popular with locals.
Enjoy the city’s food scene, as many cafés, international restaurants, and shopping centers remain open throughout the holiday.
Watch New Year fireworks, often organized in central locations, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year with a vibrant celebration.

Nguyen Hue Flower Street given a Tet makeover

Hoi An – Peaceful and Photogenic

If you are looking for a slower, more nostalgic Tet experience, Hoi An is an ideal destination. It offers a gentle blend of tradition, visual charm, making it perfect for travelers seeking meaningful moments rather than bustling celebrations.

Wander through Hoi An Ancient Town, where lantern-lined streets and historic houses are beautifully decorated for Tet.

Visit the Japanese Covered Bridge, one of the town’s most iconic landmarks, adorned with seasonal ornaments during the holiday.
Release lanterns along the Thu Bon River, a symbolic Tet activity believed to bring good luck and wishes for the new year.
Explore local temples and assembly halls, where residents gather to pray for health, prosperity, and peace at the start of the year.

Release lanterns along the Thu Bon River

Ninh Binh – Nature and Tranquility

Ninh Binh during Tet is perfect for those seeking a peaceful escape into nature to begin the Lunar New Year. Towering limestone karsts, quiet rivers, and spiritual sites come together to create a tranquil setting ideal for reflection and relaxation.

Take a boat ride in Trang An or Tam Coc, where calm waters and dramatic karst formations provide a soothing start to the new year.
Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest Buddhist complexes in Southeast Asia, where pilgrims gather to pray for good fortune and peace during Tet.
Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, gaining insight into Vietnam’s early history while enjoying the quiet, uncrowded surroundings.
Cycle through rural villages and rice fields, capturing the simple beauty of countryside life as locals prepare for the new year.

Ninh Binh Tet travel experience

Hue – Heritage and Spiritual Calm

As Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue takes on a deeply reflective and spiritual atmosphere during Tet. The city allows visitors to experience its royal heritage, sacred sites, and poetic landscapes without the usual crowds.

Visit the Imperial Citadel, where the quiet surroundings enhance the grandeur of Nguyen Dynasty architecture.
Explore royal tombs along the Perfume River, such as Minh Mang or Khai Dinh, offering a peaceful and contemplative experience.
Attend Tet rituals at Thien Mu Pagoda, where locals pray for peace, health, and prosperity in the new year.
Enjoy traditional Hue cuisine, as families and local eateries prepare special dishes unique to the Tet season.

Traditional Tet feast of Hue

Da Nang – Modern Comfort Meets Festive Spirit

Da Nang offers a balanced Tet experience, combining modern infrastructure with festive traditions and natural beauty.

Walk along the Han River, where Tet decorations, flower displays, and evening lights create a lively yet relaxed atmosphere.
Visit pagodas and temples, such as Linh Ung Pagoda, where locals gather to welcome good fortune.
Enjoy beaches like My Khe, which remain peaceful and uncrowded during the holiday period.
Take short trips to nearby attractions, including Ba Na Hills or Marble Mountains, many of which operate throughout Tet.

Golden Bridge, Ba Na Hills

Mekong Delta – Authentic Local Life

For a more immersive cultural experience, the Mekong Delta reveals the heart of southern Vietnam during Tet. Life here revolves around family, rivers, and traditions, offering visitors a glimpse into authentic local celebrations away from major tourist hubs.

Visit riverside towns and villages, where homes are decorated, and families prepare traditional Tet foods together.
Explore floating markets before Tet, when activity peaks as locals shop for holiday ingredients.

Experience temple visits and ancestral rituals, reflecting the strong spiritual values of the region.
Enjoy homestay experiences, providing meaningful interactions with local families during the New Year period.

Explore floating markets before Tet

Sapa – Mountains and New Year Traditions

Nestled in the northern highlands, Sapa offers a unique Tet experience shaped by ethnic minority cultures and dramatic mountain scenery. While travel may require extra planning, the reward is a rare opportunity to witness traditional New Year customs in a breathtaking setting.

Experience ethnic minority Tet celebrations, which may differ in timing and rituals from mainstream Vietnamese Tet.
Explore villages such as Cat Cat or Ta Van, where local communities celebrate the New Year with traditional music, clothing, and games.
Enjoy misty mountain landscapes, adding a mystical and photogenic quality to the holiday season.
Shop at local markets, where handmade crafts and regional specialties reflect highland culture.

Sapa’s traditional festivals and celebrations

What to Do in Vietnam During Tet?

During Tet, visitors can still enjoy many unique and tourist-friendly activities across Vietnam.

Visit flower markets to see locals shopping for peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and New Year decorations
Watch fireworks on New Year’s Eve in major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang
Attend temple and pagoda ceremonies, where people pray for health, luck, and prosperity
Take a Tet-themed photography walk, capturing decorated streets, traditional outfits, and festive colors
Try traditional Tet foods like bánh chưng, bánh tét, pickled vegetables, and candied fruits
Join public celebrations and cultural events, especially in city centers and tourist areas
Explore rural villages or smaller towns, where Tet traditions feel more intimate and authentic

Tet Travel Tips for Foreign Travelers

Planning is essential for a smooth trip during Vietnam’s biggest holiday.

Book flights, trains, and buses early, as transportation sells out quickly before Tet
Carry enough cash, since some ATMs and banks may be unavailable during the holiday
Expect higher prices for flights, taxis, and last-minute services
Dress modestly for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees
Learn simple Tet greetings, such as “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year)
Be patient with holiday delays, reduced business hours, and slower service

FAQ – Vietnam Travel During Tet

Q1. Is Vietnam good to visit during Tet?
Yes, Vietnam can be a great destination during Tet if you enjoy cultural experiences and don’t mind some travel limitations. The festive atmosphere and traditions are unique.

Q2. Do restaurants close during Tet?
Many local restaurants close for a few days, especially on the first days of Tet. However, tourist-oriented restaurants and hotels usually remain open.

Q3. Are tourist attractions open during Tet?
Major attractions often stay open, but some may operate on reduced hours. Museums and small local sites may close briefly.

Q4. What should tourists avoid doing during Tet?
Avoid applying for a Vietnam visa at the last minute, book tours or accommodation too late, since flights, trains, and hotels often sell out and prices rise. Also, you shouldn’t ignore local customs, and underestimating holiday price increases.

Q5. How busy is Vietnam during Tet?
Transportation hubs are very busy before Tet, while city centers can feel quieter during the main holiday days as locals return home.

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With rich traditions, festive street scenes, and uniquely local experiences, traveling in Vietnam during Tet offers a memorable way to welcome the Lunar New Year – whether you’re drawn to cultural immersion in historic cities or peaceful moments in nature.

Ready to plan your Tet holiday in Vietnam? Let Vietimpressiontravel handle the details and create a journey that fits your travel style and timing.

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