“Should I visit Vietnam during Tet?”
This is the most common question we receive every January. The internet is full of conflicting advice. Some say it’s the most beautiful time to visit; others warn of a “shutdown” where you’ll starve because every restaurant is closed.
As locals who love this holiday, here is the honest truth. Traveling to Vietnam during the Lunar New Year (Tet Nguyen Dan)—which falls in mid-February 2026 (Year of the Horse)—is a unique experience. It is not “business as usual.” It is chaotic, vibrant, spiritual, and yes, sometimes challenging.
Here is what you really need to know to decide if a Tet trip is right for you.
The “Challenges”: What You Must Prepare For
Let’s get the hard part out of the way first. Tet is the equivalent of Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Thanksgiving all rolled into one. The entire country pauses.
1. The Great Migration (Transport Chaos)
In the week leading up to Tet, millions of Vietnamese people travel from big cities (Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City) back to their hometowns.
- The Reality: Flights, trains, and buses are booked out months in advance. Prices can double or triple.
- The Advice: Do not attempt to “wing it.” If you haven’t booked your domestic travel yet, do it NOW. Avoid traveling on the last 2 days of the lunar year if possible.
2. The “Visa” Deadline
Government offices, including the Immigration Department, close for a 7-day national holiday.
- The Reality: If you don’t have your E-visa approved before the break starts, you cannot enter the country. There is no one working to process it.
- The Advice: Apply for your visa at least 2 weeks in advance. If you are late, contact our [Urgent Visa Assistance] service immediately. Do not risk your holiday.
3. The “Closed” Signs
From the afternoon of Lunar New Year’s Eve to the 3rd day of Tet, many family-run businesses, local restaurants, and shops close their doors.
- The Reality: You won’t find your favorite Banh Mi street vendor open on the first day of Tet. Museums and wet markets may also have limited hours.
- The Good News: In tourist hubs like Hoi An, Nha Trang, or the Old Quarter of Hanoi, most services for foreigners remain open. You will not starve, but your choices will be fewer.
The “Magic”: Why Tet is Worth It
If you can handle the logistics, Tet rewards you with cultural experiences that no other season can offer.
1. The Atmosphere is Unbeatable
Weeks before Tet, the streets transform into rivers of flowers. In the North, it’s the pink Peach Blossom (Hoa Đào); in the South, it’s the yellow Apricot Blossom (Hoa Mai). Kumquat trees laden with orange fruit are carried on the backs of motorbikes—a sight you have to see to believe.
2. The “Quiet” Cities (A Rare Phenomenon)
For photographers and peace-seekers, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City on the 1st Morning of Tet are paradise. The chaotic traffic vanishes. The constant honking stops. You can walk in the middle of the street, breathe fresh air, and see the city’s architecture without the noise. It is a surreal, peaceful moment before the energy returns.
3. Deep Cultural Immersion
Tet is when the spiritual life of Vietnam is most visible.
- Temples: Visiting a temple/pagoda during Tet is a must. You will see locals wearing their best Ao Dai (traditional dress), lighting incense, and praying for luck in the Year of the Horse.
- Decorations: Every house, hotel, and street corner is decorated in red and gold (colors of luck).
5 Responsible Travel Tips for Tet 2026
To be a “Responsible Traveler” during this sensitive time, keep these tips in mind:
- Be Patient: Service might be slower than usual because staff levels are lower (many go home). A smile goes a long way. Remember, the staff serving you are sacrificing their family time.
- Respect “Lucky Money” (Li Xi): You might see people giving red envelopes to children or elders. It’s a wish for luck/growth, not just money.
- Dress Respectfully: If you visit temples to soak in the atmosphere, please cover your shoulders and knees. It shows you respect our traditions.
- Expect Higher Prices: It is customary for services (haircuts, taxis, dining) to have a “Tet surcharge” (often 20-30%). This is accepted locally as a way to support workers during the holiday. Please don’t haggle aggressively during the first days of the New Year.
- Book Responsible Tours: Since logistics are tricky, booking a tour with a local operator ensures you have transportation and meals arranged, while supporting the local economy.
Verdict: To Go or Not To Go?
- SKIP IT IF: You want a cheap holiday, you hate crowds (at transport hubs), or you want to party hard at nightclubs (many will be closed or quiet).
- DO IT IF: You love culture, photography, and want to see Vietnam at its most traditional, spiritual, and colorful.
Tet is not just a holiday; it’s the soul of Vietnam. If you are ready to embrace the unexpected, the Year of the Horse 2026 welcomes you!
Stressed about planning your Tet trip? Let us handle the logistics so you can enjoy the culture. Check out our tour or contact us for Last Minute Visa Support.
