Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, is the most important moment in Vietnam’s calendar. It marks the start of a new lunar year and a brief period when the country turns inward. Families travel home, businesses pause, and daily routines give way to rituals that only happen once a year. For travelers, Tet often feels quieter than expected, not empty, but deliberately still.
When is the Vietnamese New Year?
Vietnamese New Year follows the lunar calendar and falls in mid-February. While Tet centers on New Year’s Day, its effects stretch well beyond a single date.
In practice:
- Tet celebrations traditionally last up to 15 days
- Public holidays usually run for about a week
- Travel disruption begins before Tet and lingers afterward
Flights, buses, and trains often sell out early as people return home. Even after the official holiday ends, normal schedules take time to return. For travelers, this gap matters more than the date itself.
What Tet Means in Vietnam
Tet, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, marks renewal, family, and continuity. Homes are cleaned, ancestral altars are prepared, and people make long journeys back to where they grew up. The focus is not on public celebration, but on being present with family.
For visitors, this explains why Tet feels private. Vietnamese New Year traditions mostly happen indoors, behind closed doors. Streets are quieter because people are not out celebrating, they are home.
Tet and Chinese New Year often fall on the same day because both follow the lunar calendar, but they are not the same holiday.
In Vietnam, Tet has its own customs, foods, and rituals. It places stronger emphasis on ancestors and family time, and far less on public spectacle. For travelers, the difference is noticeable. Tet feels residential rather than festive, especially in the first days of the new year.
How Tet Changes Travel in Vietnam
During Tet, Vietnam continues to function, but at a different pace. Travel becomes less spontaneous and more dependent on preparation.
Travelers often notice:
- Large cities are thinning out as residents return home
- Local shops and restaurants are closing for several days
- Reduced or irregular transport schedules
- Tour services are operating inconsistently
This shift is not chaotic. It is intentional. Tet is one of the few times of year when work is expected to stop.
Where Travelers Tend to Feel Most Comfortable During Tet
Some places adapt more smoothly to Tet than others.
If predictability matters, Ho Chi Minh City is often easier to manage during the Vietnamese New Year. Major hotels, transport hubs, and some larger restaurants continue operating, particularly in central areas. Confirm bookings in advance, as options are fewer even when services remain open.
For travelers who value calm over convenience, Hoi An becomes noticeably quieter during Tet. The old town slows down, evenings are subdued, and daily life feels inward-facing. This suits travelers who are comfortable with limited dining choices and slower days. Planning meals ahead helps.
For those preferring a self-contained stay, destinations like Phu Quoc continue to function because daily routines revolve around resorts and pre-arranged services. Expect fewer local businesses to be open, but a more predictable experience overall.
What Travelers Should Avoid During Tet
Understanding local customs helps avoid frustration.
During Tet in Vietnam, it is best to avoid:
- Expecting normal business hours
- Arriving without pre-booked transport or accommodation
- Relying on spontaneous plans
- Treating Tet like a public festival
Tet is not organized for visitors. Travelers who accept that usually have a better experience.
Seeing Vietnam at Rest
Tet offers travelers a rarely seen version of Vietnam. Streets quiet down, families turn inward, and time slows without apology. For visitors willing to adjust expectations, Tet is less about activities and more about understanding how the country lives when nothing is being performed for outsiders.
It is not the easiest time to travel. It is one of the most honest.
When routines disappear, staying connected becomes more important. Transport changes, navigation, and last-minute updates often depend on mobile access, especially when local shops are closed.
Eskimo Vietnam eSIM helps you to stay connected without needing a physical SIM in Vietnam. New users can also test a free Global eSIM with 500MB, useful for transit or short stays when local options are limited.
FAQs
What does Tet mean in Vietnam?
Tet is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, centered on family reunions, ancestral respect, and renewal. It is the most important cultural event of the year.
How long does Tet last in Vietnam?
Tet traditionally lasts up to 15 days, though public holidays usually span about a week. Travel disruptions often extend beyond that.
Is Tet the same as the Chinese New Year?
No. While the dates often align, Tet has distinct Vietnamese traditions and a stronger focus on family life.
What should you avoid doing during Tet?
Avoid relying on spontaneous plans, expecting normal business hours, or assuming tourist areas operate as usual.
