What Is Vietnam Lunar New Year (Tet)?
Vietnam Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet Nguyen Dan or simply Tet, is the most important and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year and usually takes place between late January and mid-February.
Tet is much more than a New Year celebration. It is a deeply meaningful cultural event centered around family reunions, honoring ancestors, expressing gratitude, and welcoming a fresh start. For many Vietnamese people, Tet is the most anticipated time of the year.
For international travelers, Vietnam Lunar New Year offers a unique opportunity to witness the country’s traditions, spirituality, and family values in their most authentic form.
When Is Tet in 2026?
In 2026, Vietnam Lunar New Year falls on February 17th.
The official public holiday typically lasts around five to seven days. However, the festive atmosphere begins one to two weeks before the actual New Year’s Day, as families prepare their homes, shop for decorations, and travel back to their hometowns.
If you are planning a trip to Vietnam in February 2026, understanding the Tet schedule is essential for organizing transportation, accommodation, and tours.
If you’re planning your trip in February, it’s important to understand how Tet affects travel conditions. You can also read our detailed guide on the best time to visit Vietnam to compare different seasons before finalizing your plans.
How Vietnamese People Prepare for Tet
Preparation is an essential part of Tet. In fact, the days leading up to the holiday are often more vibrant than the holiday itself.
Cleaning and Renewal
Before Tet, families thoroughly clean and reorganize their homes. This tradition symbolizes sweeping away bad luck from the previous year and making space for good fortune in the new one. Many families also repaint walls, fix broken items, or buy new furniture.
Flower Markets and Decorations
Flowers are central to Tet celebrations.
In northern Vietnam, especially in Hanoi, peach blossoms are the symbol of spring. In southern Vietnam, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, yellow apricot blossoms are more common. Kumquat trees, heavy with fruit, represent prosperity and success.
Temporary flower markets appear across cities, creating colorful and photogenic scenes that are especially attractive to travelers interested in local culture and street life.
Shopping for Tet
Markets and supermarkets become extremely busy as families stock up on food, gifts, and decorations. Red and gold decorations symbolizing luck and happiness are everywhere.
The atmosphere during these days is energetic and festive, making it one of the best times for visitors to observe authentic daily life in Vietnam.
Traditional Tet Food in Vietnam
Food plays a central role during Vietnam Lunar New Year. Many dishes are prepared only once a year, specifically for Tet.
Banh Chung and Banh Tet
Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) is popular in northern Vietnam, while Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake) is common in the south. Both are made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in banana leaves and boiled for many hours.
These cakes symbolize the earth and are deeply connected to Vietnamese origin legends.
Braised Pork with Eggs (Thit Kho)
A classic southern dish, braised pork cooked in coconut juice with boiled eggs is served during family gatherings. It represents warmth and abundance.
Pickled Vegetables
Pickled carrots, onions, and other vegetables are served to balance heavier dishes. They also symbolize harmony and balance in the coming year.
For travelers who enjoy food culture, Tet offers insight into Vietnamese culinary traditions beyond everyday street food.
What Happens During Tet?
Lunar New Year’s Eve
On New Year’s Eve, families gather for a reunion dinner. At midnight, fireworks light up major cities such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang.
Many people visit temples right after midnight to pray for health, prosperity, and success in the new year.
Visiting Family and Friends
The first days of Tet are reserved for visiting close family members. The order of visits is traditionally important. The first visitor of the year is believed to influence the family’s luck for the entire year.
Lucky Money
Children and elderly family members receive red envelopes containing money, known as “li xi.” This symbolizes good wishes and prosperity.
Temple and Pagoda Visits
Throughout the holiday, temples and pagodas are filled with people offering incense and prayers. These spiritual activities are open to visitors, provided they dress respectfully and behave appropriately.
Is Vietnam Open During Tet?
One of the most common questions travelers ask is whether Vietnam shuts down during Tet.
The answer is both yes and no.
What May Close
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Small local restaurants
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Family-run shops
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Local markets
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Some museums and government offices
Many businesses close for two to four days, especially during the first days of the New Year.
What Remains Open
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International hotels
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Large restaurants in tourist areas
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Airports and major transportation services
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Some tour operators
Tourist-focused services typically remain available, but it is important to book in advance.
Pros and Cons of Traveling to Vietnam During Tet
Advantages
Traveling during Vietnam Lunar New Year allows you to witness authentic cultural traditions. Streets are decorated beautifully, flower markets are lively, and the festive spirit is everywhere.
In some tourist areas, there may even be fewer international visitors, offering a different experience compared to peak travel months.
Disadvantages
Domestic travel demand increases significantly. Flights, trains, and buses often sell out weeks in advance. Prices may rise during peak holiday days.
Certain attractions may operate on reduced schedules, and spontaneous travel becomes more difficult.
Planning ahead is essential if you choose to travel during Tet.
Best Places to Experience Tet in Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi offers one of the most traditional Tet atmospheres in the country. The Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and temple areas are beautifully decorated. Flower markets create vibrant scenes ideal for photography.
Ho Chi Minh City
The southern metropolis hosts large-scale fireworks and modern celebrations. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is typically decorated with elaborate flower displays.
Hoi An
Hoi An combines lantern-lit streets with festive decorations, creating a charming and romantic holiday setting.
Mekong Delta
If you are looking for a more authentic family-oriented Tet experience, the Mekong Delta provides insight into southern Vietnamese traditions in smaller towns and villages.
For a deeper cultural experience, our Vietnam 10-day itinerary allows you to explore multiple regions while experiencing the festive atmosphere of Vietnam Lunar New Year.
Essential Travel Tips for Tet 2026
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Book flights and accommodation at least one to two months in advance.
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Confirm tour schedules before arrival.
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Expect limited services during the first three days of the New Year.
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Carry some cash, as smaller shops may not accept cards.
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Dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas.
If you prefer a stress-free experience, arranging a private tour during Tet ensures transportation, guides, and meals are carefully organized despite holiday closures.
Cultural Etiquette During Vietnam Lunar New Year
If you are invited to a Vietnamese home during Tet, bring a small gift such as fruit, tea, or sweets.
Avoid wearing all black or white, as these colors are associated with funerals. Conversations should remain positive, especially during the first day of the year, as words are believed to influence fortune.
Showing respect for traditions will always be appreciated by local families.
Should You Travel to Vietnam During Tet?
Vietnam Lunar New Year is not the best time for travelers who prefer spontaneous itineraries and fully open attractions.
However, if your goal is cultural immersion, photography, meaningful local experiences, and understanding Vietnamese traditions, Tet can be one of the most fascinating times to visit the country.
With proper planning, traveling during Tet 2026 can become a memorable and culturally rich journey.
If you only have a short vacation, our carefully designed Vietnam 7-day itinerary can be adjusted to fit the Tet holiday schedule while still covering the country’s highlights.