Tet, or Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important celebration in Vietnam , a moment when the country transforms into a lively mix of tradition, joy, and renewal. For travelers, it’s both a fascinating cultural window and a unique time to explore Vietnam differently. If you’re wondering what to expect in Vietnam during Tet, this guide will help you prepare for the festive chaos, peaceful moments, and unforgettable experiences that come with it.

What Is Tet and Why It’s So Special in Vietnam

Tet Nguyen Dan, often shortened to Tet, marks the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. More than just a public holiday, it’s a time for family reunions, ancestor worship, and new beginnings. Imagine the excitement before Christmas, the warmth of family New Year dinners, and the energy of a nationwide festival , all combined into one.

In the weeks before Tet, Vietnamese streets burst into color. Markets fill with fresh flowers, kumquat trees, and red envelopes. Locals shop for gifts, clean their homes, and decorate altars to welcome good fortune. Every detail carries meaning: red symbolizes luck, while blooming peach blossoms or yellow apricot flowers represent prosperity.

Tet usually lasts about a week, but the spirit of celebration stretches longer. The first three days are reserved for visiting family and close friends, while the rest of the week often includes temple visits, street festivals, and cheerful gatherings.

For travelers, Tet offers a rare chance to see Vietnam in its most authentic form , calm, emotional, and deeply traditional.

What to Expect During the Holiday: Closures, Crowds, and Culture

One of the first things travelers notice during Tet is that Vietnam changes its rhythm completely. In big cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the streets that are usually full of traffic become unexpectedly quiet on the first few days of the new year. Many restaurants, cafés, and shops close so staff can spend time with family. However, tourist-oriented businesses, major hotels, and chain restaurants usually stay open.

Public transportation and domestic flights get extremely busy in the days leading up to Tet, as millions travel home from big cities. If you plan to move between destinations, book your tickets well in advance. The best advice is to stay in one place for at least three or four days during the holiday and soak in the festive atmosphere.

What you can expect instead of sightseeing marathons is something richer , the sound of laughter echoing through narrow alleys, families gathering around trays of traditional dishes, and children giggling as they receive li xi (lucky money) in small red envelopes. Locals are often generous and curious, happy to share their traditions with foreign visitors.

It’s also a time when you’ll witness countless small rituals: people lighting incense for ancestors, dressing in new clothes to symbolize a fresh start, and greeting each other with “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year). The pace slows, but the emotions deepen.

Traditional Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss

If you’re in Vietnam during Tet, there are plenty of cultural moments to experience , if you know where to look.

Visit a flower market before New Year’s Eve. In Hanoi, the Quang Ba Flower Market becomes a sea of blossoms, while Saigon’s Nguyen Hue Flower Street dazzles with floral sculptures and decorations. Walking through these spaces lets you feel the excitement of locals preparing for the new year.

Try Tet food , every dish tells a story. The iconic Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cake) is made from glutinous rice, mung beans, and pork, wrapped in green leaves and boiled for hours. It represents the earth and gratitude to ancestors. Other favorites include pickled vegetables, candied fruits, and braised pork with eggs. During Tet, food isn’t just for eating , it’s a form of storytelling, a way to honor family and fortune.

Go temple hopping on the first few days of the year. Temples are filled with incense smoke and quiet prayers for health, luck, and success. Places like Tran Quoc Pagoda in Hanoi or Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City are both spiritual and visually stunning.

At night, don’t miss fireworks displays in major cities. On New Year’s Eve, the sky lights up above Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi and the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City. The joy is contagious, and the atmosphere feels both local and universal , a celebration of hope for the year ahead.

Tips for Traveling During Tet and Making the Most of It

If you’re visiting Vietnam during Tet, preparation is key. Here are some simple but essential tips to make your journey smooth and rewarding.

1. Plan ahead. Book everything early , especially flights, trains, and hotels. Tet is the busiest travel season of the year, and last-minute options can be limited.

2. Carry cash. ATMs can run low, and some small businesses may close temporarily or not accept cards.

3. Be patient and flexible. Embrace the slower rhythm. It’s not the best time for a packed sightseeing itinerary, but it’s perfect for cultural discovery and slow travel.

4. Learn a few Vietnamese greetings. Saying “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” or “An Khang Thịnh Vượng” (Wishing you peace and prosperity) makes locals light up with joy.

5. Respect customs. Avoid wearing all black or white when visiting homes. Small gestures like bringing fruit or sweets when invited are always appreciated.

6. Enjoy the quiet. After the initial excitement, the streets become calm and peaceful , a rare sight in bustling cities. It’s a perfect moment to stroll around, take photos, or simply enjoy the sense of renewal.

Traveling during Tet isn’t about ticking destinations off a list , it’s about feeling the heartbeat of Vietnamese culture at its most genuine moment. It’s a time when life slows down, gratitude takes center stage, and joy fills even the smallest corners of daily life.

If you want to experience Tet like a local, connect with a Local Buddy through Tubudd. They’ll help you navigate the celebrations with insider knowledge, making your Lunar New Year in Vietnam truly unforgettable.