Tet is Vietnam’s most important festival: a week or more when the whole country goes home to family. For travellers it is both wonderful and tricky. The days before are full of colour and energy; the first days of the new year are quiet, with many businesses closed and transport fully booked. With the right plan, Tet becomes a highlight of your trip rather than an obstacle. For background, read Tet 2027 in Vietnam: how the Lunar New Year affects your trip.
Key dates for Tet 2027
| Date | What happens | For travellers |
|---|---|---|
| About a week before | Kitchen Gods day: families release carp and clean their homes | Busy markets, flower stalls everywhere |
| Friday 5 February | New Year’s Eve; families gather, fireworks at midnight in big cities | A festive evening; book dinner early |
| Saturday 6 February | First day of Tet; families stay home and visit close relatives | The quietest day; many restaurants and shops closed |
| 7–8 February | Visits to relatives, teachers and pagodas | Major sights open; small businesses still closed |
| From about 9–10 February | Life gradually returns to normal | Most services resume; transport busy as people travel home |
The government sets the official public holiday each year; it usually lasts around a week. Prices for hotels, cruises and transport rise over the holiday, and our tour pages note a Tet surcharge.
A sample 12-day itinerary over Tet
| Days | Dates (example) | Where | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 1–4 February | Hanoi | The Old Quarter at its most festive, flower markets, the Temple of Literature |
| 5 | 5 February | Hanoi | New Year’s Eve dinner and midnight fireworks near Hoan Kiem Lake |
| 6–9 | 6–9 February | Hoi An resort | Fly on the first day of Tet, when flights are usually quieter; rest, lanterns, the beach |
| 10–11 | 10–11 February | Hue | The Citadel and royal tombs as the city reopens |
| 12 | 12 February | Departure | Fly home from Hue or Da Nang |
Why a resort for the first days
On the first two or three days of Tet, many family restaurants, shops and smaller museums close, and staff go home to their villages. Good resorts and cruise ships stay fully open, often with special Tet decorations, lion dances and traditional food. Spending those days by the river or the sea means you enjoy the festival atmosphere without finding the doors of the town closed. Our Central Vietnam Tour in Resort (10 days, from US$1,400 per person) is built around two resort bases, Almanity in Hoi An and Alba Wellness Resort near Hue, which suit the holiday well.
Plan your Vietnam trip in 1 minute
Pick your month to see the weather by region, or estimate your budget — then get a private itinerary from our Hanoi team.
Typical seasonal patterns; weather varies year to year. Our team checks your exact dates when we prepare your itinerary.
"From" prices published on our Vietnam tour cost guide: per person per day, 2 travellers sharing, private guide & driver, hotels, listed activities. International flights, e-visa, insurance and tips not included. Final price is confirmed in your written quote.
Other routes that work over Tet
| Tour | Length | From, per person | Tet tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central Vietnam Tour in Resort | 10 days | US$1,400 | Resort bases through the first days of Tet |
| Vietnam Tour Plan from North to South | 14 days | US$2,014 | Start in the north before Tet, reach the south as it reopens |
| Ha Long Bay cruise | 3 days | US$835 | A peaceful place to spend the first days of the year |
Prices are the current “from” prices on each tour page, before any Tet surcharge.
Experiencing Tet respectfully
- Visit a pagoda on the first days of the year, when families pray for health and luck; dress modestly and move quietly.
- Learn the greeting “Chuc mung nam moi”, Happy New Year.
- Red envelopes: it is customary to give small amounts of lucky money (li xi) to children and service staff over Tet. Your guide can advise.
- Avoid sweeping or arguments on the first day if you are a guest in a home; the first day sets the tone for the year.
Our article on Tet festivals in Vietnam explains the traditions in more detail.
Practical tips
- Book now. Domestic flights and trains around Tet sell out early, especially in the days before the holiday; see how far in advance to book.
- Carry some cash. Banks close for several days and some cash machines run low.
- Keep the first day light. Even with a private car, the first day of Tet is for rest and pagodas, not long sightseeing.
- Allow extra time at airports. Terminals are crowded in the days before and after the holiday, as millions travel home.
- Check the weather. February is cool and often grey in Hanoi and mild in the centre; see Vietnam in January for the winter pattern.
What is included
Private transfers and transport, accommodation with daily breakfast, English-speaking guides, entrance fees and the meals stated, as set out on each tour page. International and domestic flights, visas, insurance, drinks and tips are not included, and a surcharge applies over Tet. A 30% deposit confirms the booking; see how to book with us. Places over Tet are limited, so tell us your dates soon.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tet 2027?
The first day of the Lunar New Year falls on Saturday 6 February 2027, with New Year’s Eve on Friday 5 February. The official holiday usually lasts around a week.
Is it a good idea to travel in Vietnam during Tet?
Yes, with planning. The days before Tet are festive; on the first two or three days many businesses close, so a resort or cruise is the best place to be.
Are tourist sights open during Tet?
Major sights usually stay open, while many family restaurants, shops and smaller museums close for several days.
Do tours cost more during Tet?
Yes. Hotels, cruises and transport charge holiday rates, and our tour pages note a Tet surcharge.
