This guide tells you the truth. What closes. What stays open. Where to go. How to avoid getting stranded during Vietnam's biggest holiday.
What is Tet Nguyen Dan and why does it matter for your trip
Tet Nguyen Dan means "Festival of the First Day." It marks the Lunar New Year and is Vietnam's most important holiday. For Vietnamese people, Tet means family reunions, ancestral worship, paying off debts, and starting the new year fresh.
This is not a tourist festival. It is a family holiday. Think of it like Christmas in the West but with more travel chaos. The entire country shifts its rhythm for at least a week.
About 80 million Vietnamese travel during Tet. That is more than the entire population of France moving at once. Workers return to their hometowns. Cities empty out. Rural areas fill up.
For travelers, Tet presents a paradox. The cities become quiet and peaceful. Traffic drops dramatically. But many services shut down. You cannot rely on your usual routines. Plan around Tet or risk a frustrating trip.
Tet 2026 exact dates and the Year of the Horse
Tet 2026 arrives on February 17. The public holiday period runs from February 15 to February 20. But closures start earlier and end later depending on the business.
Here is the full calendar for Tet 2026:
| Date | Day of week | What happens | Impact on travelers |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 12-14 | Thu-Sat | People begin traveling home | Transport getting busy |
| February 15 | Sunday | Tet Eve (Tat Nien) | Many businesses close early |
| February 16 | Monday | Giao Thua (Midnight) | Most things closed by evening |
| February 17 | Tuesday | New Year's Day (Mung 1) | Almost everything closed |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Mung 2 | Limited services resume |
| February 19 | Thursday | Mung 3 | More services return |
| February 20 | Friday | Mung 4 | Most services back to normal |
| February 21-23 | Sat-Mon | Return travel peak | Transport crowded again |
2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Vietnamese zodiac. The Horse represents speed, freedom, and energy. It follows the Year of the Snake. Symbolically, this year is considered good for travel and new beginnings.
For forward planning, here are upcoming Tet dates:
- 2027: February 6 (Year of the Goat)
- 2028: January 26 (Year of the Monkey)
- 2029: February 13 (Year of the Rooster)
- 2030: February 3 (Year of the Dog)
The three phases of Tet and what each means for travelers
Tet splits into three distinct phases. Each one affects your trip differently.
Phase 1: Before Tet (February 10-15)
This is peak energy. Markets overflow with shoppers buying flowers, food, and new clothes. Streets are chaotic. Traffic jams are worse than usual. But this is also the best time to see Tet decorations, try traditional foods, and feel the holiday excitement.
Restaurants and street stalls operate normally. Museums stay open. Transport is available but getting crowded.
Phase 2: During Tet (February 16-19)
The quiet phase. Most Vietnamese are at home with family. Streets empty. Traffic disappears. Many restaurants, markets, and attractions close. Hotels and international restaurants remain open. Grab operates but with surge pricing.
This phase offers a unique experience if you prepare for it. The cities are calm. You can walk freely. But you need to know where to eat and how to get around.
Phase 3: After Tet (February 20-25)
Gradual reopening. Services return to normal. But this is also when everyone travels back to the cities. Transport is crowded. Roads get busy. Book return tickets before Tet starts.
What closes during Tet and what stays open
This is the most practical section in this guide. Here is exactly what closes, for how long, and where.
| Business type | Closes | Reopens | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street food stalls | Feb 15 | Feb 19-21 | Most family-run stalls close |
| Local markets (cho) | Feb 15 | Feb 19-20 | Major markets like Ben Thanh stay open |
| Small family restaurants | Feb 15 | Feb 19-22 | Depends on the family |
| International restaurants | Feb 16-17 | Feb 18 | Hotels and chains stay open |
| Museums | Feb 16-17 | Feb 18-19 | Major ones reopen faster |
| Banks | Feb 15 | Feb 20-21 | ATMs still work (until cash runs out) |
| Post offices | Feb 15 | Feb 20 | Government offices close longer |
| Government offices | Feb 14 | Feb 22 | No visa services during this period |
| Convenience stores | Open | Open | Circle K, Family Mart, GS25 stay open |
| Tourist hotels | Open | Open | Reduced staff but fully operational |
| Major attractions | Feb 16-17 | Feb 18 | Reopens with reduced hours |
| Public transport (buses) | Feb 15-16 | Feb 18 | Reduced schedules |
Regional differences matter.
In Ho Chi Minh City District 1 and Hanoi's Old Quarter, more stays open. International restaurants, hotel restaurants, and convenience stores operate normally. Street food is harder to find but not impossible.
In smaller towns like Hoi An, Ninh Binh, or Da Lat, closures are more extensive. Fewer international restaurants exist. Local markets close completely. Plan accordingly.
In remote areas like Cao Bang, Ha Giang, or Phong Nha, nearly everything closes. Homestay hosts may be unavailable. Restaurants shut. Have backup plans.
The ATM problem.
ATMs remain operational but run out of cash. This happens most often on the second and third day of Tet. Smaller cities run out faster than major ones.
Withdraw enough cash for 5-7 days before Tet starts. Keep smaller denominations. Many shops cannot break 500,000 VND notes during Tet.
What to eat during Tet: traditional dishes and where to find them
Tet has its own cuisine. These dishes appear only during this period. Try them at hotel restaurants, specialty shops, or street markets before Tet.
Banh chung and banh tet are the essential Tet foods. Banh chung is a square sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung bean, wrapped in dong leaves. Banh tet is the cylindrical southern version. Both symbolize the earth and gratitude to ancestors.
Thit kho tau is caramelized pork belly with eggs. It cooks for hours in coconut juice. The result is sweet, savory, and rich. This dish is served throughout Tet.
Gio cha are Vietnamese sausages. Gio lua (lean pork sausage) and cha (fried sausage) are sliced and served with pickles. They appear on every Tet table.
Mut Tet is candied fruit. Coconut, ginger, lotus seeds, and sweet potato are candied and served in decorative boxes. These sweets are offered to guests during Tet visits.
Pickled onions and carrots (dua hanh) cut through the richness of Tet meats. They add acidity and crunch.
Where to eat these dishes:
Hotel restaurants are the most reliable option during Tet. They serve traditional Tet menus. Expect to pay 200,000-400,000 VND ($8-16) per person.
Specialty shops in cities sell banh chung and banh tet before Tet. Buy them on February 12-14. Street markets like Ben Thanh in HCMC or Dong Xuan in Hanoi have Tet food stalls until February 15.
For a deeper dive into Vietnamese food without getting sick, read our guide on what to eat in Vietnam to not get sick.
Where to go in Vietnam during Tet
Some destinations work better than others during Tet. Here is where to go and why.
Ho Chi Minh City is the best city for Tet travel. District 1 and District 3 have many international restaurants that stay open. Nguyen Hue Flower Street is a major Tet attraction with elaborate displays. The streets are quiet and walkable. Grab works well.
Hanoi offers a traditional Tet atmosphere. The Old Quarter decorates heavily. Temples and pagodas are active with locals praying for good luck. Hotel restaurants serve Tet menus. The city feels calm and festive.
Hoi An is beautiful during Tet. The lantern-lit streets look magical. Many hotels and resorts operate normally. The Ancient Town stays open with reduced hours. It is less crowded than usual.
Phu Quoc is ideal if you want a resort holiday. Resorts operate normally. Beaches are uncrowded. International restaurants stay open. This is the easiest option for stress-free Tet travel.
Da Nang balances city access with beach relaxation. The city has enough international restaurants to keep you fed. My Khe Beach is quiet. The Marble Mountains and Son Tra Peninsula remain open.
Where NOT to go during Tet
Some destinations cause real problems during Tet. Avoid these or approach with caution.
Rural homestays in Mai Chau or Pu Luong. Your hosts may be unavailable. They travel to their hometowns for Tet. Restaurants in these villages close. You could end up stranded with no food options.
Small islands with limited ferry schedules. Cat Ba Island and Con Dao have reduced ferry services during Tet. If you get stuck, you may not leave for days. Check our Cat Ba transport guide for details.
National parks with reduced ranger services. Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park has limited staff during Tet. Some caves close. Tours may not run. Check our Phong Nha guide for updates.
Border crossings with reduced staffing. Land border crossings to Cambodia, Laos, and China have fewer officers during Tet. Wait times increase. Some crossings close entirely on February 16-17.
Last-minute travel between cities. Do not try to buy train or bus tickets a few days before Tet. They sell out weeks in advance. You will be stuck.
How to get around during Tet: transport realities
Transport during Tet requires advance planning. Here is what you need to know.
| Mode | Booking deadline | Availability during Tet | Cost trend | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights | 8-12 weeks before | Limited, mostly full | 50-100% higher | Long distances |
| Trains | 6-8 weeks before | Very limited | 30-50% higher | Scenic routes |
| Buses | 4 weeks before | Reduced schedules | 20-40% higher | Budget travel |
| Grab | No booking needed | Available, surge pricing | 1.5-3x normal | Short city trips |
| Rental motorbike | 2 weeks before | Available | Normal | Flexible travel |
| Walking | Always | Best option | Free | City exploration |
Domestic flights sell out first. Book by November 2025 for Tet 2026. Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways all operate reduced schedules on Tet day itself. Check our Vietnam Airlines price guide for booking tips.
Trains on the Reunification Express sell out quickly. The Hanoi to HCMC route is especially busy. Book soft sleeper cabins 6-8 weeks ahead. The scenic train ride from Hanoi to Hue is worth booking even during Tet.
Buses have reduced schedules on February 15-17. Sleeper buses between major cities run but less frequently. Book through your hotel or online platforms. Our sleeper bus guide has details.
Grab works throughout Tet in major cities. Wait times increase. Surge pricing applies, especially on February 16-17. Availability is better in HCMC and Hanoi than in smaller towns. See our Grab in Vietnam guide for more.
Walking becomes the best option in cities during Tet. Streets are quiet. Traffic is minimal. You can cover ground quickly on foot.
Tet dos and don'ts for travelers
A few simple rules will keep you welcome during Tet.
Do greet people correctly. Say "Chuc Mung Nam Moi" (Happy New Year). This is appreciated everywhere. Add "An khang thinh vuong" (peace and prosperity) for extra points.
Don't drop by uninvited. Vietnamese families spend Tet at home with relatives. Showing up unannounced is intrusive. If invited, accept. It is a great honor.
Do give lucky money to children. If you visit a Vietnamese home and children are present, give li xi (lucky money) in red envelopes. Amounts of 10,000-50,000 VND ($0.40-2) are appropriate. The envelope matters more than the money.
Don't wear black or white. These colors are associated with mourning. Red and yellow are festive and lucky. For temple visits, cover shoulders and knees.
Don't bargain aggressively. Bargaining is considered bad luck during Tet. Vendors are more likely to hold firm on prices. Accept the price or walk away politely.
Do ask before taking photos. Tet is a family occasion. Many people do not want their family gatherings photographed. Be respectful.
Don't break things. Breaking dishes, glasses, or other items during Tet is considered bad luck for the year. Be careful.
Budget considerations for Tet travel
Tet affects costs in unexpected ways.
Hotels vary. Some raise prices due to demand. Others offer discounts because occupancy drops. Book early for the best rates. Mid-range hotels in HCMC and Hanoi cost 800,000-1,500,000 VND ($32-60) per night during Tet.
Flights are expensive if booked late. A Hanoi to HCMC flight that normally costs 1,500,000 VND ($60) can reach 3,000,000 VND ($120) or more. Book early.
Food costs more if you rely on hotel restaurants. A Tet set menu at a hotel costs 300,000-600,000 VND ($12-24) per person. Street food is cheaper but limited.
Transport costs more due to surge pricing. Grab rides cost 1.5-3 times normal rates on Tet day.
Here is a rough daily budget for Tet travel:
| Category | Low budget | Mid budget | High budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 400,000 VND ($16) | 1,000,000 VND ($40) | 2,500,000 VND ($100) |
| Food | 200,000 VND ($8) | 500,000 VND ($20) | 1,000,000 VND ($40) |
| Transport | 100,000 VND ($4) | 300,000 VND ($12) | 800,000 VND ($32) |
| Activities | 50,000 VND ($2) | 200,000 VND ($8) | 500,000 VND ($20) |
| Total | 750,000 VND ($30) | 2,000,000 VND ($80) | 4,800,000 VND ($192) |
Carry enough cash for 5-7 days. ATMs run out. Currency exchange services close. Get your Vietnamese dong before February 14.
Safety and health during Tet
Tet is generally safe, but some risks increase.
Medical services are reduced. Small clinics close. Pharmacies may have limited hours. Major hospitals in cities remain open but with reduced staff. Carry basic medications and a first-aid kit.
Traffic patterns change. Fewer vehicles are on the road, but those that remain drive differently. Drunk driving increases during Tet celebrations. Be careful crossing streets, especially at night.
Food safety at temporary Tet markets can be questionable. Street vendors set up makeshift stalls. Stick to established restaurants and hotel dining.
Crowd safety at fireworks displays is a concern. Major cities host fireworks at midnight on February 16. Arrive early for a good spot. Leave before the crowd disperses to avoid getting stuck.
Emergency communication is harder during Tet. Fewer English speakers are available. Save your hotel's address in Vietnamese on your phone. Download offline maps.
For more on health preparation, read our vaccinations guide for Vietnam.
Sample Tet itineraries for 2026
3-day city stay: Tet in Ho Chi Minh City
Arrive February 14. Spend February 15 exploring Nguyen Hue Flower Street and Ben Thanh Market before they close. On February 16-17, walk around District 1. Visit the War Remnants Museum (open February 17). Eat at hotel restaurants. Use Grab for transport. Depart February 18.
5-day city and beach: HCMC plus Phu Quoc
Arrive February 13 in HCMC. Enjoy the Tet buildup on February 14-15. Fly to Phu Quoc on February 16. Stay at a resort for February 16-19. Resorts operate normally. Beaches are empty. Fly home from Phu Quoc on February 19.
7-day multi-region: Hanoi, Hoi An, and HCMC
Arrive in Hanoi on February 12. Experience the Tet preparations. Visit the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem Lake. Fly to Hoi An on February 15. Enjoy the lantern-lit streets during Tet. Fly to HCMC on February 18. Explore the city as it reopens. Depart February 20.
FAQ
Q: Is Tet a good time to visit Vietnam? A: It depends on your travel style. Tet offers unique cultural experiences and quieter cities, but many businesses close and transport is heavily booked. Prepared travelers enjoy it. Spontaneous travelers struggle.
Q: What is closed during Tet in Vietnam? A: Most small family-run restaurants, street food stalls, local markets, museums, banks, post offices, and government offices close for 3-7 days. Tourist hotels, international restaurants, convenience stores, and major attractions typically remain open with reduced hours.
Q: Can I use Grab during Tet? A: Yes, Grab operates throughout Tet, especially in major cities. Wait times may be longer and surge pricing applies. Availability is better in HCMC and Hanoi than in smaller towns.
Q: Do ATMs work during Tet? A: ATMs remain operational but may run out of cash, especially in smaller cities and on the second or third day of Tet. Withdraw enough cash before Tet begins, ideally enough for 5-7 days.
Q: What should I eat during Tet in Vietnam? A: Traditional Tet foods include banh chung (square sticky rice cake), banh tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake), thit kho tau (caramelized pork and eggs), gio cha (Vietnamese sausage), and mut Tet (candied fruits). Hotel restaurants and specialty shops are the most reliable places to try these.
Q: When should I book flights for Tet 2026? A: Book domestic flights at least 8-12 weeks before Tet (by November-December 2025). International flights should be booked even earlier. Last-minute tickets are expensive or unavailable.
Q: Is it safe to travel in Vietnam during Tet? A: Yes, but with caveats. Cities are quieter and safer due to reduced traffic. However, medical services may be limited, pharmacies may close, and emergency assistance may be harder to find. Carry basic medications and travel insurance.
Q: What should I wear during Tet? A: Casual clothing is fine for most places. For temple visits, cover shoulders and knees. Red and yellow are festive colors. Avoid wearing black or white, which are associated with mourning.