Traveling Vietnam during Tet 2027? Learn about Tet dates, transport, hotels, restaurant closures, cash, weather, cultural etiquette and what to prepare.

 

Vietnam During Tet: What Should Travelers Prepare?

Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is one of the most special times to experience Vietnam.

Cities are decorated with peach blossoms, yellow apricot flowers, kumquat trees, red decorations and colorful Tet markets.

But if this is your first time traveling in Vietnam during Tet, you should prepare more carefully than for a normal trip.

Millions of Vietnamese people travel home to reunite with family, domestic transport demand rises, some businesses close and the operating schedules of restaurants, tours and transport services may change.

Tet 2027 is especially important to note because the first day of Tet falls on February 6, 2027.

The official Tet holiday for government employees and public servants runs from February 4 through February 10, 2027.

However, the Tet atmosphere begins several days, and sometimes even weeks, before the first day of the new year.

With the right preparation, Tet can become one of the most memorable cultural experiences of your Vietnam trip.

When Is Tet in Vietnam in 2027?

The first day of Tet 2027 falls on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

For government employees, public servants and civil servants, the official Tet holiday lasts seven consecutive days:

• From February 4, 2027.
• Through February 10, 2027.

For travelers, however, the period that requires extra planning is usually longer than the official holiday itself.

In the days before Tet, major cities can become extremely busy around:

• Airports.
• Train stations.
• Bus stations.
• Roads leaving major cities.

During the first days of the new year, the situation changes.

Some parts of major cities may feel quieter than usual because many residents have already returned to their hometowns.

Is Tet a Good Time to Visit Vietnam?

Yes, especially if you want a cultural experience.

However, it is not necessarily the most convenient period if your priority is having every business and service operate exactly as usual.

Tet can be a great choice if you want to:

• Experience Vietnamese culture.
• See flower markets and decorated streets.
• Try traditional Tet food.
• Take photos of the festive atmosphere.
• See Vietnamese cities moving at a very different rhythm.

Tet may be less suitable if you:

• Want an extremely flexible itinerary.
• Prefer booking transport at the last minute.
• Expect every restaurant and shop to be open.
• Do not like planning ahead.

1. Book Flights and Transport Early

This is one of the most important things to prepare when visiting Vietnam during Tet.

Before Tet, many people leave Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other major cities to return home.

After Tet, the travel flow moves in the opposite direction.

As a result, demand for:

• Domestic flights.
• Trains.
• Long-distance buses.
• Limousine vans.

can become much higher than usual.

If your itinerary is already fixed, do not wait until you arrive in Vietnam to book every major transport segment.

For important journeys during the holiday period, book early and recheck your reservation before departure.

2. Avoid Too Many Travel Days Around Tet

A common mistake is trying to move between too many cities during the busiest days.

For example, an itinerary including:

• Hanoi.
• Sapa.
• Ha Long Bay.
• Da Nang.
• Ho Chi Minh City.

in a very short period can become more stressful if it overlaps with the busiest days before or after Tet.

If possible, stay in one region a little longer during the peak holiday period.

3. Book Hotels in Advance

Not every hotel in Vietnam sells out during Tet.

However, popular destinations may experience stronger demand, especially when Vietnamese travelers begin taking domestic trips during the holiday.

Booking ahead can help you:

• Have more room choices.
• Choose a more convenient location.
• Avoid changing hotels unnecessarily.
• Control your budget more easily.

Also check cancellation and date-change policies carefully.

4. Expect Some Restaurants and Shops to Close

This is one of the things that can surprise international visitors most.

Tet is primarily a family holiday.

As a result, some:

• Restaurants.
• Cafés.
• Small shops.
• Local services.

may close during the first days of the new year.

This does not mean the entire city shuts down.

In major tourist areas, hotels, convenience stores, restaurants and other services are often still available.

But you may have fewer choices than usual.

If there is a restaurant you really want to visit, check its Tet schedule before going.

5. Carry Some Cash

Bank cards and electronic payments are widely used at many hotels, restaurants and shopping centers.

However, cash remains useful, especially when:

• Eating at small local restaurants.
• Shopping at markets.
• Buying souvenirs.
• Paying for smaller local services.

During Tet, it is better not to leave all your cash needs until the last minute.

At the same time, there is no need to carry a large amount of cash.

Splitting your money and keeping a backup card can be more practical.

6. Prepare a SIM or eSIM and Internet Access

Mobile Internet can be especially useful during Tet because you may need to:

• Check opening hours.
• Contact your hotel.
• Check transport tickets.
• Book Grab.
• Use maps.
• Monitor itinerary changes.

If you use an eSIM, prepare or activate it before you need it.

If buying a physical SIM, it is better to arrange it early rather than waiting until the main Tet holiday.

7. Do Not Assume Grab and Taxis Operate Exactly as Usual

Grab and taxis may still operate in major cities.

However, driver availability and passenger demand can change during the holiday.

If you have:

• A flight.
• A train.
• A bus.
• A tour with a fixed check-in time.

leave extra time instead of planning a very tight schedule.

8. Confirm Tours Before Booking

Not every tour operates on the same schedule during Tet.

Some tours continue normally.

Others may:

• Change departure schedules.
• Limit availability.
• Use different pickup points.
• Apply holiday surcharges.

If you plan to visit:

• Ha Long Bay.
• Ninh Binh.
• Sapa.
• Ha Giang.
• The Mekong Delta.

confirm the operating schedule and final total price before paying.

9. Pack for Different Weather Across Vietnam

Vietnam stretches from north to south, so Tet weather is not the same everywhere.

Northern Vietnam

Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, Sapa and Ha Giang can be quite cool or cold around February.

Consider packing:

• A jacket.
• Long-sleeved tops.
• Long trousers.
• Warmer layers for mountain destinations.

Central Vietnam

Da Nang, Hoi An and Hue often have different conditions from northern Vietnam, but you should still check the forecast close to your trip.

Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta and Phu Quoc are generally much warmer.

If traveling across Vietnam, do not pack based on the weather in just one city.

Read more: Vietnam in Winter: Where Should You Go?

10. Visit Flower Markets Before Tet

If you want to experience the strongest Tet atmosphere, the days before the first day of the new year can be especially interesting.

In Hanoi, you may see:

• Peach blossoms.
• Kumquat trees.
• Red and gold decorations.
• Families shopping for Tet.

Hanoi Old Quarter and flower markets can feel completely different from an ordinary day.

In Ho Chi Minh City, yellow apricot blossoms are one of the iconic symbols of southern Tet.

11. Learn a Simple Tet Greeting

One phrase you will hear frequently is:

“Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!”

It means “Happy New Year” in Vietnamese.

International visitors do not need to understand every Tet tradition to enjoy the celebration.

A simple greeting, a smile and respectful behavior are usually enough to participate politely.

12. Do Not Visit a Vietnamese Home on the First Morning Without an Invitation

One important Tet tradition is called xông đất.

The first person to enter a home after the new year begins may be deliberately chosen because the family hopes that person will bring good luck.

For this reason, if you have not been invited, avoid unexpectedly visiting a Vietnamese family's home on the morning of the first day of Tet.

If you are invited to celebrate Tet with a Vietnamese family, however, it can be a very special experience.

13. Understand Lucky Money

Lì xì is the tradition of giving money in red envelopes during the new year.

Adults commonly give it to children, while families may also have their own traditions involving younger and older relatives.

International visitors are not expected to give lucky money to strangers.

If you are invited to celebrate with a Vietnamese family, you can ask your host about appropriate etiquette.

14. Is Hanoi Worth Visiting During Tet?

Yes, especially if you are interested in culture.

Before Tet, Hanoi becomes particularly lively with:

• Peach blossoms.
• Kumquat trees.
• Hang Ma Street.
• Tet markets.
• End-of-year shopping.

During the first days of Tet, some parts of Hanoi can feel quieter than usual.

This gives travelers a chance to experience a very different side of the city.

15. Is Ho Chi Minh City Worth Visiting During Tet?

Yes.

Ho Chi Minh City has a different Tet atmosphere from northern Vietnam.

Yellow apricot blossoms, street decorations and spring flower displays create a distinctive southern celebration.

Some streets may also feel less crowded than usual during the first days of the new year.

Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City During Tet?

Choose Hanoi if you want:

• A northern Vietnamese Tet atmosphere.
• Peach blossoms.
• Cooler weather.
• Hanoi Old Quarter and traditional flower markets.

Choose Ho Chi Minh City if you want:

• Warmer weather.
• Yellow apricot blossoms.
• A southern Vietnamese Tet atmosphere.
• Easy combinations with the Mekong Delta or southern beaches.

Read more: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City: Which Is Better for First-Time Visitors?

Is Ha Long Bay Worth Visiting During Tet?

It can be.

However, you should confirm cruise operating schedules before booking.

Northern Vietnam can be cool or cold around February.

If taking an overnight cruise, check:

• Whether the cruise operates on your dates.
• Any Tet surcharge.
• Hanoi–Ha Long transfers.
• Cancellation policies.
• Cabin comfort in cooler weather.

Should You Visit Sapa or Ha Giang During Tet?

You can, if you are prepared for cold weather and long-distance travel.

Sapa may be easier if you prefer lighter trekking, hotel stays and a more flexible itinerary.

Ha Giang may be better if a mountain road trip is the main experience you want.

However, in winter, wind, mist and lower temperatures can significantly affect outdoor travel.

Is Vietnam More Expensive During Tet?

It can be.

Prices do not increase in the same way for every service or every destination.

But during periods of high demand, you may encounter:

• Higher transport fares.
• Fewer low-cost ticket options.
• Holiday surcharges on some tours.
• Holiday surcharges at some hotels or services.

If budget matters, compare the final total price rather than only the first advertised rate.

Should You Change Your Entire Itinerary to Avoid Tet?

Not necessarily.

Tet is not a period that travelers must avoid completely.

If you want to experience Vietnamese culture, it can actually be one of the most memorable times to visit.

The important thing is understanding that travel operates differently from normal days.

Instead of avoiding Tet entirely, you can:

• Reduce the number of travel days.
• Book essential services early.
• Keep the itinerary flexible.
• Accept that some businesses will close.
• Spend time enjoying the Tet atmosphere.

What if Your First Trip to Vietnam Falls During Tet?

You can still visit.

But you should prepare more carefully than for a normal first trip.

Important priorities include:

• Visa and passport.
• International flights.
• Hotels.
• Domestic transport.
• SIM or eSIM.
• Backup cash.
• Travel insurance.
• Weather.

Read more: First Time in Vietnam: What Should You Prepare?

How Should You Plan 10 Days in Vietnam During Tet?

Avoid trying to visit too many regions if the busiest Tet days fall in the middle of your itinerary.

You may prefer to focus on:

• One northern Vietnam cluster.
• One central Vietnam cluster.
• One southern Vietnam cluster.

Or use only one major domestic flight instead of changing cities continuously.

Read more: Vietnam 10-Day Itinerary

Vietnam Tet Travel Checklist

• Check the exact Tet dates.
• Book international flights.
• Book domestic flights if needed.
• Book trains or long-distance buses.
• Reserve accommodation.
• Confirm whether tours operate during Tet.
• Check holiday surcharges.
• Prepare a SIM or eSIM.
• Carry some cash.
• Check weather for each region.
• Bring personal medication.
• Check opening hours for important restaurants.
• Leave extra time for airports and bus stations.
• Keep your itinerary flexible during the first days of Tet.

Common Mistakes When Traveling in Vietnam During Tet

Booking Transport Too Late

This is one of the biggest risks because domestic travel demand increases significantly around Tet.

Planning an Overly Tight Itinerary

Constantly moving between cities gives you less flexibility if something changes.

Assuming Everything Is Closed

That is not correct.

Many services remain open, especially in tourist areas.

But there may be fewer options than usual.

Assuming Everything Operates Normally

This is also a mistake.

Smaller businesses may close for several days so employees can return home.

Forgetting to Check Holiday Surcharges

Some tours and services may apply Tet surcharges.

Confirm the final price before making payment.

Not Packing Warm Clothes for Northern Vietnam

Tet 2027 falls in early February.

If you are visiting Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Sapa or Ha Giang, prepare for the possibility of cold weather.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is Tet in Vietnam in 2027?

The first day of Tet 2027 falls on February 6, 2027.

How long is the Tet holiday in Vietnam in 2027?

The official holiday for government employees and public servants lasts seven days, from February 4 through February 10, 2027.

Private businesses may follow different schedules.

Should tourists visit Vietnam during Tet?

Yes, particularly if you want to experience Vietnamese culture, flower markets and the Lunar New Year atmosphere.

However, book major transport, hotels and important services early.

Do restaurants close during Tet in Vietnam?

Some restaurants and small businesses close during the first days of Tet.

However, not every restaurant closes.

Is it difficult to buy train and bus tickets during Tet?

It can be more difficult because travel demand is much higher.

If your itinerary is fixed, booking in advance is recommended.

Do you need cash in Vietnam during Tet?

It is useful to carry some cash for small restaurants, markets and local payments, while keeping a bank card as a backup.

Is Hanoi worth visiting during Tet?

Yes. Hanoi is one of the best places to experience northern Vietnamese Tet traditions, especially in the days before Lunar New Year's Eve.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Prepare for Vietnam During Tet?

Traveling in Vietnam during Tet can be an unforgettable experience.

It is a time when you can see a different side of Vietnam:

• More flowers.
• More festive colors.
• A stronger family atmosphere.
• Traditional customs appearing throughout daily life.

In return, you need to prepare more carefully.

The most important things are:

• Book transport early.
• Reserve accommodation in advance.
• Check tour schedules and surcharges.
• Carry a reasonable amount of cash.
• Check opening hours.
• Pack according to each region's weather.
• Avoid an overly tight travel schedule.

For Tet 2027, the first day falls on February 6, 2027.

If your trip is scheduled for early February, check carefully where the busiest Tet days fall within your itinerary.

If you prepare in advance and accept that daily life will operate differently from normal, Tet is not necessarily a period to avoid.

Instead, it can be one of the most interesting times to understand more about Vietnamese culture, family and everyday life.

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