Vietnamese Tet 2026: Things to Know Before Your Trip

The Vietnamese Tet, or Lunar New Year in Vietnam, is the year's most important celebration. This singular moment turns the entire country into a vibrant explosion of colors, scents, traditions, and heartfelt family gatherings.

However, for international travelers, this festive period can come with some surprises: elevated prices, limited services, deserted cities—or, conversely, crowded streets and bustling activity. Here's a clear, honest guide to help you understand what to expect when visiting Vietnam during the Lunar New Year.

Tet in Vietnam: A journey to Vietnamese culture

Visitors can anticipate experiencing Vietnamese culture at its most authentic when they visit the country during Tet, as this sacred time of year highlights the Vietnamese's strong connections to family, ancestral worship, and spiritual beliefs.

>> Read more: Learn about Tet: the Vietnamese New Year

An atmosphere like no other

The 2026 Lunar New Year will fall on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse. But this isn’t a holiday you simply observe from the sidelines. Tet is a special festival, for it requires only the heart to celebrate. You feel Tet and you live it. Even when you are not familiar with its etiquette and traditions, your heart will guide you. From the smallest hamlets to the busiest cities, warmth and generosity await curious and respectful visitors. Sometimes, all it takes is a smile, the clumsiest Vietnamese words, or a simple respectful gesture for a door to open (literally) and welcome you in the most random, yet heartwarming way.

Tet reflects the essence of the Vietnamese spirit, revealing the long-lived values of the nation: gratitude to ancestors, filial piety, the pursuit of harmony, and hopes for good fortune in the year to come. Every gesture carries weight and meaning. Decorating homes and streets with symbolic flowers, burning incense, sharing Chung cake, and exchanging New Year's wishes—all of these actions tell the stories of a resilient people.

Vietnam appears to breathe to a different rhythm during the celebration of the Lunar New Year. Streets are adorned in gold and crimson, temples resonate with quiet reverence, and faces shine with a blend of anticipation and nostalgia. It's a time when past and future converge, not in silence, but in shared celebration.

A lifetime experience

By taking the time to immerse yourself during your trip to Vietnam during the Lunar New Year, you will discover sincere hospitality, pride in tradition, and a strong attachment to community values.

Crowded flower markets, temples filled with worshippers in traditional dress, intergenerational meals, fireworks in the mist... all combine to create a strong sensory atmosphere, at once joyful and contemplative.

It's the ideal time to observe ancestral traditions, discover forgotten gestures, and be moved by simple details: calligraphy hanging on a door, an offering discreetly placed on an altar.

For enthusiasts of culture, human encounters, and genuine emotions, Tet in Vietnam is more than a highlight: it's an initiation.

Is Tet the Right Time for You?

When it comes to the biggest celebration of the year, it’s important to plan your trip to Vietnam with realistic expectations. If you're seeking a perfectly smooth trip, with daily guided tours and consistent five-star service, this might not be the ideal time. But if you're open to slowing down, embracing the unexpected, and experiencing Vietnam as locals do, Tet will reward you with rare insights and unforgettable encounters. For photographers, culture lovers, contemplative travelers, or families in search of meaningful moments, this is a profoundly enriching time to be in Vietnam.

Tet in Vietnam and Realities you shouldn't ignore

Traveling to Vietnam during Tet requires flexible schedules and thoughtful preparation. Here is what you should expect if you are traveling in Vietnam during the Lunar New Year: 

• Increased prices during Vietnamese Tet: Accommodation, flights, and transportation often apply seasonal rates, rising by 20% to 40%. Therefore, it is advisable to book all services at least two months in advance.
   
• Partial closures:  Many shops, restaurants, and museums close for 2 to 4 days. In rural areas and small villages, closures can extend to a week or more.
   
• Inconsistent service quality:  Tourism staff often return to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year with family, which leads to a lack of hotel staff, slower restaurant service, and limited transport assistance. Minor delays should be expected.
   
• Overcrowded transport: Vietnamese travel massively before and after Tet, meaning train stations and airports can be overcrowded. If possible, avoid traveling 2–3 days before and after February 17.

Top 5 things to experience during the Lunar New Year in Vietnam

Tet is magical, yet it isn’t a typical time to explore Vietnam. Due to temporary closures, rising prices, and infrastructure strains, we often recommend adjusting your trip by a month for smoother travel conditions. However, if you're a curious traveler open to cultural immersion and authentic human connections, Tet can offer rare and deeply moving moments. Here are five must-try experiences if you find yourself inVietnam during the Lunar New Year:

Wander through the blooming Tet flower markets

In the days leading up to Tet, cities in Vietnam transform into vibrant open-air gardens. In Hanoi, the Quang Ba Flower Market bursts into life before dawn, while in Saigon, the floating market at Ben Binh Dong attracts crowds with boats overflowing with beautiful blossoms.

From peach blossoms and kumquat trees to orchids and marigolds, every flower bursts with meaning—symbolizing prosperity, joy, and renewal. The atmosphere is electric and festive, alive with brilliant colors, radiant smiles, and countless photo opportunities that capture the magic of the moment. Prepare to be dazzled as you immerse yourself in this vibrant celebration of nature!

>> Read more: 4 traditional Hanoi flower markets to see when Tet approaches

Observe an ancestral worship ritual

Taking part in a ceremony is probably one of the most authentic things to do in Vietnam. When in Vietnam, you will find a family altar in almost every house, often decorated with offerings, incense sticks, and framed portraits. Softly spoken wishes rise with the incense smoke in honor of past generations. This is a precious chance to observe the Vietnamese practice of filial piety, which is a key part of their heritage and identity.

Enjoy fireworks and vibrant street celebrations

On New Year's Eve (February 16, 2026), several major Vietnamese cities come alive with dazzling fireworks and festive street performances. In Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang, central squares fill with families, musicians, dancers, and traditional firecrackers.

Though the crowds can be dense, the atmosphere is cheerful, warm, and full of spontaneous joy—an ideal setting for unexpected encounters and unforgettable memories.

Savor the Culinary Delights of Tet

Tet is just as much a celebration of flavor as it is of tradition. Each region of Vietnam brings its own signature dishes to the table. Among the most beloved are:

• Bánh chưng – a square-shaped glutinous rice cake filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in dong leaves
   
• Nem rán (crispy spring rolls), pickled vegetables, and candied fruits
   
• Fragrant teas, roasted watermelon seeds, and fortune-inspired sweets
   
• Some families may invite you to share a meal at their table—an act of generosity and connection. Otherwise, you can join a traditional cooking class to discover the secrets behind these festive dishes and experience the joy of Tet cuisine firsthand.

Take a Springtime Stroll

During Tet, a simple walk becomes a symbolic ritual: leaving behind the old to welcome the new. Whether it's visiting a pagoda, making a wish, or simply admiring the beauty of nature’s rebirth, the spirit of Tet lives in every step.

Some ideal places for a Tet walk include:

• The Perfume Pagoda, nestled in the hills outside Hanoi

• The Ancient village of Duong Lam, with its timeless charm

• The fragrant riverbanks of imperial Hue

These serene, meaningful outings allow you to connect with Vietnamese traditions while soaking in the gentle energy of spring.

Authentik Vietnam – The local travel agency that redefines your trip on the Tet occasion

Traveling during Tet is a one-of-a-kind experience, but it requires careful planning and deep local knowledge. To enjoy this magical time with peace of mind, it’s essential to be guided by a true local expert, fully rooted in Vietnam.

What a trustworthy local agency brings you

• A practical understanding of Tet-related challenges (closures, transport overload, last-minute changes)

• Secured accommodations booked well in advance

• Tailor-made itineraries aligned with the country’s rhythms and your personal travel style

• On-the-ground assistance and responsive support—even during the holiday itself

What Authentik Vietnam can do better than the rest

At Authentik Vietnam, we’re not just a local travel agency—we’re passionate insiders, rooted in the culture we invite you to discover. Here’s what makes us truly unique:

• We live and breathe Tet from the inside. We know the little things no guidebook can tell you.

• We design 100% bespoke journeys based on your budget and preference.

• We keep you accompanied and assisted, even on national holidays.

• We promote ethical, authentic, and heartfelt travel—far from the crowds and clichés.

CONTACT US NOW and let’s plan your dream Tet journey together!

Related articles:

>> Tet Feast - Vietnamese Culinary Elite

>> What Vietnamese do and don't do during the celebration of Lunar New Year