The whole country celebrates by gathering with loved ones to feast and make offerings to ring in the new year. If you’re on a short holiday, travelling in Vietnam during Tết might not be ideal as the event does affect tourism. But, if you’re travelling long term and aren’t in a rush, celebrating Tet in the country is a great experience!
Tết… what is it, when is it and where is it celebrated
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Tết, shortened from Tết Nguyên Đán, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It marks the arrival of spring, falling in the months of January and February. It is a time to forget about past troubles and hope for a better upcoming year. Since many people return home for the holiday, busy cities can become almost like ghost towns during the main day of celebration.
In short Tết is the Vietnamese welcoming of the new year celebrated throughout the country
Traditionally it was a time to show respect for family and ancestors, past and present, and also to have a break between agricultural seasons. It’s a very spiritual holiday, when people finish the current year’s business and start the new year with good fortune and happiness.
This New Year ain’t January 1st though…
It changes every year and goes by the lunar calendar but is generally from mid-January to mid-February. This year (2024) it’s on February 10th and the official national holiday runs for about a week afterwards.
And, although Tết is officially the first day of the lunar year, the word Tết is also used to describe the whole celebratory period.
How is Tết in Vietnam celebrated?
Across the country, the Vietnamese take a long break to celebrate the holiday. A typical Tet sees schools, businesses and hotels closed for at least a week but in some cases for a fortnight or even a whole month.
Vietnamese travel to their home cities and villages to celebrate with loved ones and family. There, they will enjoy feasts in their homes which have been thoroughly cleaned in advance. Like a spring clean, essentially! Traditionally food specific to Tết is created, such as bánh chưng (sticky rice cake), giò lụa (Vietnamese sausage) and dưa hành (pickled onion). Eating is a major part of the Tet celebration, so foodies will love the festively-foodie atmosphere.
Meanwhile, homes are prepared with flowers traditionally associated with Tết in Vietnam, such as peach blossoms and yellow chrysanthemums. Many will purchase kumquat trees which flower a small, delicious fruit that looks and tastes like an orange.
Whilst the build up to Tết can be very manic, the days following are blissfully serene.
When the holiday begins cities empty and families return to hometowns to spend time with relatives, friends and neighbours, feasting and celebrating together. The streets will be empty and in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City that’s really saying something. You can walk the city in peace though they have a very different feel without all of the beeping horns and scooter dodging.
What is it like to be in Vietnam for Tết holiday
You can in southern Vietnam two weeks before Tết if you have a lot of free time. Businesses are still open, markets are still very busy as everyone is doing their shopping, and flower markets are just opening. In Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City you can watch as the first festivities begin. People are already making the pilgrimage home and this has an impact on visiting the floating market of Cai Rang.
In Hoi An and Hue you can see chrysanthemums everywhere. There are so many flowers for sale. It was during this time, one week before Tet, that you can begin to see many more Tet decorations, red envelopes, and flowers for sale.
Then we can go to Hanoi for Tết. You can arrive by plane from Hue several days before Tết, giving you a few days to do some sightseeing before the city closes down. The four of you walk the streets of the Old Quarter, favourite sight being the shops lining the roads selling decorations for Tết. It feels like the few days right before Christmas when people are out buying last minute Christmas gifts. People are happy and smiling and Hanoi really feels alive.
Some interesting Tết traditions and customs
Whilst Christmas and New Year may have moved away from their religious roots in the West, Tết has kept true to its history and the holiday period is filled with culture and tradition. There’s a very obvious emphasis on tying up all loose ends from the previous year and starting the new year in the best way possible. It’s quite a magical time filled with superstition, fortune and history.
Before Tết people clean their homes to get rid of bad luck, make sure they’ve paid off all of their debts and resolve any outstanding arguments. People, especially children, will get new clothes to wear on the first day of the year and homes and streets are brightly decorated.
Kumquat trees and peach blossoms, both with important symbolic meaning in Vietnamese culture, are put in homes and businesses, again with the hope of bringing good wishes for the year to come. You’ll see them all over the country either being displayed or being bought and sold from markets.
You’ll also see plenty of trays containing 5 fruits being taken to shrines and temples. The fruits vary regionally but all symbolise elements for a positive year. Many people wear red, similar to other Asian countries, as it’s believed the colour brings good luck.
One of our favourite aspects of Tết is Banh chung, or Tet cake
A green leaf-wrapped square that you’re sure to see being bought and sold everywhere. It’s traditionally made together by the family and contains glutinous rice, mung beans and pork. To all you veggie travellers, Hanoi is a surprisingly good place for vegans and in many veggie restaurants or shops it’s possible to buy a meat-free alternative which is absolutely delicious!
What to expect travelling in Vietnam during Tết
Travelling at this time of year will have a huge impact on your travels, so you need to plan accordingly. It’s huge and happens across the whole country. Businesses will shut, attractions will close and everyone will be on the move either to their hometowns or on holiday. Whilst Tết is not necessarily a bad time of year to visit Vietnam, it’s important to know what you’re going up against.
Transport during Tết
There will be a mass exodus of people leaving cities just before Tết so roads will be like clogged arteries. Short journeys can take all day and longer journeys should perhaps be avoided unless you like sleeping on the road. Routes coming away from big cities like HCMC or Hanoi will be particularly rammed.
Many Vietnamese will use public transport so it means you’ll need to book all transport tickets far in advance.
Buses, planes and trains will be booked long before the holiday so make sure you’re organised and book your tickets early.
Being so busy, expect delays on all forms of transport and big price increases. If you have a flight to catch then make an ample time to get to the airport because there will be traffic!
Once Tết arrives, transport will be available but limited. It won’t be busy as most Vietnamese are tucked up at home with their families but expect high prices and unreliable times and schedules (if they’re running at all). Contact companies before and don’t be surprised if they make up the price in front of you.
After Tết traffic is not so bad as people will return to the cities gradually rather than the whole country at once. Smaller transport companies will slowly get back to regular schedules. But it will take at least a week before it’s completely back to normal.
Transport tips during Tết
- Try to avoid long-distance travel in the week building up to Tết
- If you do travel at this point make sure you book your tickets at least 1 month in advance
- Bring a book to pass the time
- If you’re travelling to the airport give yourself a lot of time
- Be prepared for delays and increased prices
- Make sure you contact the travel company before travel
=> Compass Tourist always welcomes you to book a tour whenever you want to go. Booking tour here: https://compasstourist.com/en/category/tour/
Accommodation during Tết
Many tourists are put off travelling to Vietnam during Tết which means for mid-range accommodation you’ll have plenty of options. You won’t need to book in advance and we’ve even heard of some hotels dropping prices as they’ve had so few customers. Other hotels increase their prices due to the holiday so it’s best to take a look online and see what the best deals are.
In smaller, rural locations it may be difficult to find accommodation during the holiday period. Family-run guest houses will quite likely close so make sure you check online to see. If you do find a small guest house which is still open there’s a good chance you’ll be invited to the family’s celebrations which will be an incredible experience.
Accommodation tips during Tết
- Aim to stay in more developed areas for a wide variety of accommodation options
- Family-run hostels and guesthouses are less likely to stay open during Tết
- Hotel prices can vary but will generally be under booked and easy to find
- Find somewhere with self catering so you can cook for yourself and avoid hunting for restaurants
- If you can stay in smaller guest houses it will be a good way of experiencing cultural celebrations
Shopping during Tết
In the week leading up to Tết shops and markets are swarming with people trying to get their shopping before the holiday. In touristy areas some shops stay open however it’s few and far between. If you’re staying outside of cities or well travelled spots then you may struggle.
Although markets and shops used to be closed for almost a week now it’s only likely to be the first few days of the new year.
A word of warning – haggling should be avoided during this period. The Vietnamese believe it’s a bad way to start the year. So if you don’t like the price of something it’s better to walk away than trying to negotiate a cheaper price.
Shopping tips during Tết
- Shops will be busy building up to Tết
- Shops may shut or have little stock
- Stock up on water and necessities if you’re going to be in more rural locations
- DON’T HAGGLE, it’s seen as disrespectful
- Be prepared to walk to find an open shop
Eating and drinking during Tết
If you’re wanting a culinary tour of Vietnam this may not be the ideal time. Outside of cities and touristy areas most restaurants will close over the holiday as families will eat together at home.
In the last few years, you could almost forget it’s a holiday in areas of Hanoi and HCMC, with still quite a lively atmosphere in places like Beer Street, Hanoi. Some bars, restaurants and cafes will remain open. And this can be a good time to meet some locals and learn a bit about the drinking culture. 
Eating and drinking tips during Tết
- Expect higher prices, limited options and fewer places open
- If places are open they’ll be in holiday mode so go with a relaxed attitude
- Embrace the holiday and if you see locals drinking and eating ask if you can join them
- Be respectful of the local culture if you’re drinking
- If you do find a good place to eat then fill up cos you might not find another
Sightseeing during Tết
Museums, galleries and mausoleums will be closed for the national holiday so they’re out of the question. This can be a great time of year to explore the free activities in Vietnam and marvel at the empty streets.
Temples will be the only part of cities that remain busy as most locals visit them throughout the holiday. If you’re looking for a relaxed, meditative atmosphere then this is not the time to come. If you want to see real Vietnamese culture and families paying their respects to gods and ancestors then you could temple hop for days.
Most National Parks will still be open (or just not physically able to close) but it’s a good idea to call and check before. Popular destinations like Hoi An will be filled with local families, as will popular beaches close to cities.
Sightseeing tips during Tết
- Definitely go to visit temples to see local culture
- ATMs will be working but banks will be closed for the national holiday
- Take advantage of the quiet streets and explore the city or go for a run/cycle
- Have an adventure in empty national parks
- Save museums, galleries and mausoleums for after the holidays
Our Most Important Tip
Learn this phrase and say it when you meet or say goodbye to people: chúc mừng năm mới
It’s the Vietnamese phrase to say ‘happy new year’ and it’s sure to put a smile on any locals face. We were still saying it a month after the new year…
That being said, travelling in Vietnam during Tết can also cause a big headache if you don’t plan ahead. Our words of advice are to go with an open mind and a lot of patience. Respect that this is the most important time of year for the Vietnamese and if you get the opportunity, definitely celebrate with them and embrace the holiday! Contact with Compass Tourist, we will arrange for you a great tour so that you don’t need to prepare anything for meals, accommodations .