Tet, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is one of the most exciting yet unpredictable times to travel in Vietnam. Streets turn festive, homes fill with family gatherings, and businesses across the country temporarily close. For travelers, understanding Tet holiday closures in Vietnam can make the difference between a smooth journey and unexpected surprises. This guide will help you plan ahead so you can enjoy the country’s most important celebration without missing a beat.

What Is Tet and Why So Many Places Close

Tet Nguyen Dan marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year , a time for renewal, gratitude, and family reunions. Much like Christmas or Diwali, it’s a national holiday filled with tradition and emotion. In the days leading up to Tet, locals clean their homes, decorate with flowers, prepare food, and travel back to their hometowns to spend time with loved ones.

Because of this, many businesses , from small street vendors to large corporations , temporarily close. The idea is simple: Tet is about pausing work to celebrate life. For locals, the first few days of the new year are sacred, meant for visiting family, honoring ancestors, and wishing good fortune to others.

While the official holiday usually lasts about seven days, the closure period can start earlier and end later depending on the business. Some reopen after three days, while others may take a full week off.

What Closes and What Stays Open During Tet

Understanding what shuts down , and what doesn’t , can help you plan your itinerary wisely.

Most likely to close:

• Government offices: All public institutions, embassies, and banks close for the entire holiday. Administrative processes pause until after Tet.
• Local restaurants and shops: Family-owned cafés, eateries, and markets often shut down, especially during the first three days. In smaller towns, closures are more extensive.
• Transport offices: Train stations, domestic flight counters, and bus companies may reduce hours or suspend service briefly. Tickets also sell out weeks in advance.

Most likely to stay open:

• Hotels and resorts: Tourist accommodations remain open, offering special Tet menus or festive décor. Some may have limited staff, but services continue.
• Tourist attractions: Major landmarks like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, and the War Remnants Museum often remain open or reopen quickly after the first few days.
• Convenience stores and supermarkets: Chains like Circle K, 7-Eleven, and VinMart+ usually operate with reduced hours but stay available for essentials.
• Airports: Both international and domestic airports stay open, though they’re extremely busy before and after the holiday.

In short, while daily life pauses for locals, the tourism infrastructure continues to run , just with a slower rhythm.

How to Plan Around Tet Closures

If you’re traveling during Tet, flexibility is your best friend. Instead of rushing between destinations, consider slowing down and embracing the holiday’s unique atmosphere. Here are some essential travel strategies.

1. Choose one main destination to stay.
Avoid long-distance travel during Tet week. Buses and trains sell out fast, and roads can be crowded as millions head home. Pick a city like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An and spend a few days exploring at a relaxed pace.

2. Book accommodations and transport early.
Don’t wait until the last minute , prices often rise before Tet. Secure your rooms and tickets at least two to three weeks in advance.

3. Stock up on essentials.
Shops may close for several days, so buy snacks, toiletries, and basic supplies ahead of time. Cash is also important, as ATMs can run out temporarily.

4. Check attraction schedules.
Some museums and temples close only for the first day of Tet, while others remain open throughout. Verify opening hours online or ask your hotel staff for the latest updates.

5. Be respectful and patient.
Understand that closures are part of Vietnam’s cultural rhythm. Instead of viewing them as inconveniences, see them as an opportunity to experience life the way locals do , slow, joyful, and full of meaning.

6. Embrace local celebrations.
You can still enjoy the festive mood. Visit flower markets before Tet Eve, join public countdowns and fireworks displays, or stroll around quiet streets filled with red and gold decorations. Even with closures, there’s beauty everywhere.

Making the Most of Tet as a Visitor

Despite the closures, Tet is one of the most rewarding times to experience Vietnam. The country transforms , streets glow with lanterns, families gather for traditional meals, and laughter fills the air.

Many travelers find that the quieter days offer a deeper look into Vietnamese culture. You’ll see families honoring ancestors with incense, children excitedly receiving red envelopes, and locals dressed in vibrant new clothes to welcome good fortune.

It’s also the perfect time to take stunning photos: empty streets in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, flower markets bursting with life, and temples adorned with offerings and colors of spring.

If you’re worried about missing activities, remember that after the third day of Tet, life gradually returns to normal. Shops reopen, tours resume, and the cities regain their usual buzz , but the festive mood lingers beautifully.

Traveling during Tet isn’t about checking off attractions; it’s about slowing down, connecting with people, and appreciating Vietnam’s traditions at their most heartfelt moment.

Want to make the most of your Tet holiday trip without worrying about closures or schedules? Connect with a Local Buddy through Tubudd. They can guide you through local traditions, recommend open spots to eat and explore, and help you experience the Lunar New Year like a true insider.