Vietnam During Tet: A Complete Guide to Traveling During Vietnamese New Year

Ever wondered what it's like to visit Vietnam during its biggest holiday? After experiencing Tet firsthand, I'm here to share everything you need to know about traveling during Vietnamese New Year. This guide will help you navigate this unique time and make the most of your trip!

What is Tet?

Tet (or Tết Nguyên Đán) is Vietnam's Lunar New Year celebration. Think of it as Christmas, New Year's, and a family reunion all rolled into one massive holiday. It usually falls between late January and mid-February, with the whole country celebrating for about a week.

The Good, The Bad, and The Empty Streets

Let's start with something that surprised me most - the empty streets! After weeks of crazy pre-holiday rush, cities suddenly become eerily quiet. It's probably the only time you'll see Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City without the usual sea of motorbikes.

What to Expect:

The Amazing Parts:

• Stunning decorations everywhere (look for kumquat trees and peach blossoms!)
• Cultural experiences you won't get any other time of year
• Incredible photo opportunities in normally packed places
• Chance to see how locals celebrate their biggest holiday

The Tricky Parts:

• Many restaurants and shops close for several days
• Transport prices go up (sometimes way up)
• You'll need to plan ahead more than usual
• Some tourist attractions shut down

Essential Tips for Traveling During Tet

Transportation

Book early - and I mean really early! Buses and trains fill up fast as locals head home for the holiday. I'd recommend booking at least two weeks ahead, though a month is even better. Expect to pay more than usual, but don't worry - it's still manageable.

Accommodation

Here's some good news - hotels actually stay open and are often less crowded. Many travelers avoid Vietnam during Tet, so you might even score some deals. Just double-check that your chosen place will be open, especially if it's a family-run guesthouse.

Food

This requires some planning:

• Stock up on snacks and water before the holiday starts
• Find out which restaurants stay open (usually in tourist areas)
• Be flexible with your food choices - your first-choice restaurant might be closed
• Try Banh Chung (traditional Tet cake) if you can find it!

Making the Most of Your Visit

DO:

• Learn to say "Chúc mừng năm mới" (Happy New Year)
• Visit temples to see local celebrations
• Take photos of the unusually quiet streets
• Join in if locals invite you to celebrate
• Explore markets in the days leading up to Tet

DON'T:

• Try to haggle during the holiday (it's considered bad luck)
• Plan to visit museums or government buildings
• Expect to stick to a rigid schedule
• Forget to book transport in advance

‍

Is Visiting During Tet Worth It?

Honestly? If you're flexible and plan ahead, absolutely! While it comes with some challenges, experiencing Tet gives you a unique window into Vietnamese culture that most tourists never see. Just remember to pack some patience and go with the flow.

Think of it this way - when else can you see Vietnam's biggest cities completely transformed, experience age-old traditions firsthand, and walk down normally packed streets in perfect peace?

Have you traveled in Vietnam during Tet? I'd love to hear about your experience in the comments below!

‍