Should I visit Vietnam during Tet holiday?

20 Jan

Should I visit Vietnam during Tet holiday?

Vietnam’s Tet holiday is the most important and meaningful time of the year, but it also raises many questions for travelers. If you are wondering, “Should I visit Vietnam during Tet holiday?”, you are not alone. Many first-time visitors worry about closures, crowds, and travel disruptions during this festive period.

In this guide, Prime Travel will help you decide whether Vietnam during Tet is right for your travel style. We will cover what Tet holiday is like, the pros and cons, what stays open, and practical travel tips. By the end, you will know exactly how to plan your trip and enjoy Vietnam with confidence during Tet.

What Is Tet Holiday in Vietnam?

What Tet Means to Vietnamese People

Tet Holiday, also known as Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of a new lunar year and symbolizes renewal, hope, and fresh starts. For Vietnamese people, Tet is not just a holiday break. It is a deeply emotional time to honor family bonds, ancestors, and traditional values.

During Tet holiday in Vietnam, families return to their hometowns, often traveling long distances to reunite. Homes are carefully cleaned and decorated to welcome good luck and prosperity. Altars are prepared with offerings to ancestors as a sign of gratitude and respect.

Many people believe that how Tet begins will influence the entire year ahead. That is why everything is done with care and positive intention.

Tet also represents a time of forgiveness, kindness, and new beginnings. For travelers, understanding what Tet means helps explain why Vietnam slows down during this period. It also reveals the heart of Vietnamese culture in its most authentic form.

When Tet Holiday Usually Takes Place

Tet holiday in Vietnam usually takes place between late January and mid-February, depending on the lunar calendar. Unlike fixed Western holidays, Tet follows the Lunar New Year, so the exact date changes every year. It typically falls on the first new moon of the lunar year.

In 2026, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. For the official holiday period, the Tet holiday is scheduled to run from February 14 to February 22, 2026.

How Long Tet Celebrations Last

In most years, Tet officially lasts for three days, but the celebrations often extend much longer. Preparations begin one to two weeks before Tet, as families shop, decorate their homes, and travel back to hometowns.

The busiest travel period usually happens several days before New Year’s Eve. This is when airports, trains, and highways are at their peak. During this time, Vietnam during Tet feels festive but also crowded, especially in major cities.

New Year’s Eve and the first day of Tet are the most important moments. Many businesses close, families stay home, and cities become unusually quiet. Fireworks, countdown events, and traditional performances may still take place in big cities.

After the first three days, life gradually returns to normal. Shops reopen, tours resume, and transportation becomes easier. In total, Tet holiday activities can last up to ten days in some regions.

What Vietnam Is Like During Tet Holiday

Vietnam during the Tet holiday feels very different from any other time of year. Cities slow down as people return to their hometowns, creating a quieter, more peaceful atmosphere in major urban areas. Hanoi is even totally empty in the morning on the first day of the Lunar New Year. If you get a chance to visit, walking around the Old Quarter would be a totally different experience you’ll remember for life.

Streets are decorated with flowers, red banners, and festive lights, especially around markets, temples, and public squares. You will see peach blossoms in the north, apricot blossoms in the south, and kumquat trees everywhere, symbolizing luck and prosperity.

Families focus on reunions, home altars, and traditional meals, making Tet a deeply cultural experience for visitors. Fireworks, lion dances, and temple visits are common around New Year’s Eve and the first days of Tet. While daily routines pause, the festive spirit is visible everywhere you go.

Overall, Vietnam during Tet offers a rare chance to see the country at its most traditional and heartfelt. It is less about fast-paced sightseeing and more about observing daily life, local customs, and meaningful celebrations. This experience would be ideal for travelers who are interested in culture, photography, and slower travel.

Should I visit Vietnam during Tet holiday?

Quick answer: It’s your call. If you don’t mind the cost being higher than usual, services being limited, and you love experiencing Vietnamese culture, it will be worth visiting during this period. If budget is your priority, go before or after Tet holiday.

Pros of Visiting Vietnam During Tet Holiday

Visiting Vietnam during this period offers a special chance to experience the real Vietnamese culture. Tet is when you can watch traditions come alive through family gatherings, ancestor worship, and festive customs passed down for generations.

Travelers can witness colorful flower markets, traditional decorations, and meaningful rituals at temples and pagodas. In major cities, public spaces are beautifully decorated, creating a joyful and photogenic atmosphere. Besides, you can even sample homemade traditional dishes like: banh chung, nem ran, canh bong, xoi gac…

If you are interested in culture, Vietnam during Tet offers an authentic glimpse into local life that is rarely seen at other times. These moments make your trip feel more meaningful, not just a sightseeing experience.

Another major benefit is the calmer pace of travel in urban areas. During Tet holiday, many locals return to their hometowns, leaving big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City quieter than usual. Traffic is lighter, streets feel more relaxed, and famous landmarks are less crowded. This makes sightseeing more enjoyable, especially for travelers who prefer slow travel.

Cons of Traveling to Vietnam During Tet

One of the main drawbacks of traveling to Vietnam during Tet holiday is the limited availability of services in the first few days. Many local businesses, family-run restaurants, and small shops close so staff can celebrate with their families.

In smaller towns and rural areas, this can be more noticeable than in major cities. Some museums and attractions may operate on shorter hours or close temporarily. Tours might not operate during the first 2 days of New Year. Some tours might be back by the third day of Tet. So, planning ahead becomes essential to avoid inconvenience.

Higher travel costs are another factor to consider during Tet holiday. Many Vietnamese people travel home during this period so flights, hotels, and transportation often increase in price due to peak domestic travel demand. Public transport services may run less frequently or pause temporarily. Popular destinations may also have limited room availability. If budget is a key concern, Tet may not be the most economical time to visit Vietnam.

Transportation disruptions can also affect your experience. Roads leading to provinces may be crowded before Tet, while return trips after the holiday can be very busy. Some tour schedules may be reduced, especially on the first day of Tet.

Which Places Are Best to Visit During Tet Holiday?

Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the most amazing places to experience Vietnam during Tet holiday. The Old Quarter is beautifully decorated with flowers, red lanterns, and festive banners. Travelers can witness how locals celebrate Tet: visiting pagodas, offering incense, and welcoming the new year with traditional rituals.

Hoi An

Hoi An offers a charming and peaceful Tet atmosphere with fewer crowds than usual. The ancient town is lit up with colorful lanterns, and many houses display traditional Tet decorations. Travelers can enjoy quiet walks, temple visits, and festive performances in the evenings. Some cafés and restaurants remain open, making it comfortable for visitors.

Da Lat

Da Lat is a great choice for travelers seeking cool weather and nature during Tet. Flower gardens are in full bloom, and the city feels fresh and festive. Local markets are lively with Tet flowers and traditional food. Travelers can combine sightseeing with a calm holiday vibe. Come here during Tet holiday, and you’ll see even a more tranquil Da Lat compared to the usual.

Phu Quoc Island

Phu Quoc is ideal for those wanting a beach holiday during Tet. Resorts, restaurants, and tours are likely to operate normally throughout the holiday period. Travelers can relax on white-sand beaches while still enjoying Tet celebrations. Fireworks and festive dinners are often organized by resorts.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the most convenient destination during Tet holiday. However, the most convenient does not mean the least amazing destination. Travelers can enjoy both modern city life and traditional celebrations. It is a great option for travelers to Vietnam during Tet.

Travel Tips for Visiting Vietnam During Tet

Book Flights, Hotels, and Tours Early

Tet holiday is the busiest travel period in Vietnam, especially for flights and hotels. Domestic travel demand rises sharply as locals return home or go on holiday. Prices can increase, and popular accommodations sell out weeks in advance. Booking flights, hotels, and guided tours early helps secure better availability and stable prices.

Travel Dates to Avoid vs Best Days to Visit

The peak Tet period usually falls from New Year’s Eve to the third day of Tet. During these days, transportation is crowded, and some services are paused. If possible, arrive a few days before Tet or plan your trip after the third day. These days offer a better balance between festive atmosphere and travel convenience. You will still experience Tet vibes without major disruptions.

Cash, Payments, and Practical Tips

Many small shops, street vendors, and local eateries close during Tet or accept cash only. ATMs may run out of cash temporarily due to high demand. It is recommended to carry enough Vietnamese Dong before the holiday begins. Credit cards work well in hotels, malls, and resorts.

Cultural Etiquette During Tet

Tet is a meaningful family holiday, so respect local customs during your visit. Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas. Avoid loud behavior in residential areas during the first days of Tet. Greeting locals with a smile and saying “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (“Happy New Year”) is always appreciated.

Frequently Asked Questions About Traveling During Tet

– Is Tet a good time to visit Vietnam?

Yes, Tet can be a great time to visit Vietnam if you enjoy cultural experiences and festive atmospheres. Cities are beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and traditional displays. You can witness local customs, temple visits, and family celebrations that are rarely seen at other times.

– Are tours still operating during Tet?

Many tours still operate during Tet, especially private and customized tours. However, group tours may have limited departures on peak Tet days. Cruise tours, city tours, and resort-based experiences usually continue with adjusted schedules.

– Is Tet more expensive for tourists?

Travel costs during Tet are generally higher than usual. Flights, hotels, and transportation often increase in price due to high domestic demand. Some services also apply holiday surcharges. That said, prices vary by destination and travel dates. Booking early and choosing less crowded destinations can help manage costs when visiting Vietnam during Tet holiday.

– How many days should I avoid traveling?

The busiest period is usually from New Year’s Eve to the third day of Tet. During these days, transport is crowded and many local businesses close. If possible, avoid traveling on these peak days. Visiting a few days before Tet or after the third day offers a smoother experience.