What to Do in Vietnam During Tet Holiday: 5 Key Experiences

Traveling to Vietnam during the Tet holiday gives visitors a chance to observe deeply held local customs, from flower markets overflowing with seasonal blooms to ritual visits at temples. Tet is Vietnam’s main national holiday, and while many businesses close, the streets and markets offer lively sights and tastes that reflect the country’s regional diversity and family-focused traditions.

What the Tet holiday in Vietnam is

Tet is Vietnam’s lunar new year celebration and serves as the country’s most important annual holiday. For many Vietnamese, it is a period reserved for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and performing traditional rites intended to start the year well. Because the festival follows the lunar calendar, the exact date shifts each year; visitors should check the current calendar when planning travel.

During Tet, daily life slows in many places: government offices, banks and a large proportion of private shops often close for several days around the holiday. At the same time, public spaces — especially in larger cities — become focal points for market trade, prismatic storefront displays and cultural activities that are visible to anyone in the country at this time.

Key highlights: what to see and do

Flower markets expand dramatically in the weeks before Tet, becoming temporary hubs where families buy plants and bouquets to decorate their homes. These markets display both common flowers and symbolic plants associated with the new year, and they operate late into the evening during peak trade. Visitors who enjoy visual spectacle will find these markets particularly striking.

Religious sites are another major component of the holiday experience. Locals often visit temples and pagodas to make offerings, light incense and ask for health and prosperity in the months ahead. These visits take on a communal and familial character during Tet and can be observed respectfully from the periphery. Additionally, there are region-specific food traditions and the practice of giving small cash gifts in red envelopes, both of which are central to the holiday’s atmosphere.

• Flower markets filled with seasonal plants and flowers
• Temple and pagoda visits for blessings and offerings
• Regional Tet dishes served in homes and some restaurants
• Exchange of red envelopes and New Year greetings

Practical tips for traveling during Tet

Because many businesses shut down for the holiday, travelers should book accommodation and transport in advance if they plan to be in Vietnam during Tet. Flights, trains and hotels often sell out well before the holiday, and local transport can be busier than usual for the days surrounding the celebration. Visitors report that some restaurants and shops reopen quickly after the core holiday period, but availability varies by city and region.

For stays in Hanoi, choosing the right area affects how you experience the city during Tet — neighborhoods range from quieter residential streets to zones that are close to markets and ceremonial sites. For advice on neighborhoods and where to base yourself, consider this guide on stay in Hanoi. Carry some local currency, plan for limited opening hours, and confirm essential services like pharmacies and ATMs before the holiday begins.

• Arrange lodging and major travel early.
• Keep small denominations of local currency for markets and gifts.
• Expect intermittent public transport schedules during official closing days.
• Confirm restaurant availability if you want to sample traditional Tet meals.

Cultural context and regional differences

Tet practices vary across Vietnam’s northern, central and southern regions. In the north, families often prepare more elaborate multi-course spreads that include dishes traditionally associated with fertility, longevity and shared meals. In central and southern areas, menus typically differ in ingredients and presentation, reflecting local tastes and agricultural patterns.

The tradition of giving small cash gifts in red envelopes has roots in broader East Asian customs and serves as a symbolic wish for good fortune. Historically aimed at children, the practice now extends more widely within families and to close acquaintances. When witnessing or participating in such customs, visitors should follow local cues and exercise cultural sensitivity.

For travelers hoping to combine a nearby pilgrimage with their Tet observations, some larger pagoda complexes and religious sites receive increased visitors during the holiday. One such complex outside Hanoi is Tam Chuc Pagoda, which is often included in regional temple visits and offers an example of how religious observance and tourism can overlap during Tet.

• North: more elaborate traditional spreads and ancestral rites
• Central: regional dishes and local ceremonial customs
• South: simpler Tet menus and more relaxed family gatherings

Who should travel to Vietnam for Tet, and who should avoid it

Tet attracts travelers who want to observe cultural traditions, sample seasonal foods and experience city-wide decorations. Photographers and culture-focused travelers often find the markets, temple rituals and neighborhood displays rewarding for short visits. Those who prefer predictable opening hours and uninterrupted access to services might find the limited business hours disruptive.

Travelers who favor slow, unhurried itineraries and who can accept occasional service interruptions often get the most from a Tet visit. Tourists on tight schedules that depend on regular public services, or those who need guaranteed access to specific services, may prefer to avoid the core holiday period or plan around it.

• Good fit: culture-oriented visitors, culinary explorers, photographers
• Less suited: travelers requiring full access to official services or strict itineraries
• Tip: plan buffer days before and after peak holiday dates to reduce risk of disruption

Comparisons and alternatives

If you are weighing travel during Tet against other times of year, consider what you value most: cultural spectacle or uninterrupted services. Outside of Tet, most tourist services run on regular schedules and businesses operate normally. During Tet, the atmosphere is distinctly different, offering rituals and seasonal markets that are not present at other times.

For visitors interested in similar cultural experiences without the service closures, other regional festivals and local market days can provide insights into Vietnamese life. Travelers should evaluate the trade-offs and plan accordingly based on their priorities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth visiting Vietnam during Tet?

Many visitors say Tet provides a rare view into family-centered customs and seasonal markets that don’t exist at other times, but the experience depends on your tolerance for limited services and holiday closures.

Will shops and restaurants be open during Tet?

Many establishments close for at least part of the holiday, though some tourist-focused restaurants in major cities reopen sooner. It’s best to verify specific venues before arrival and carry essentials in case of closures.

Can I visit temples and pagodas during Tet?

Yes, religious sites are generally open and often busier than usual as locals visit to give offerings and pray. Visitors should observe respectful behavior, follow local norms for dress and photography, and avoid interrupting private rituals.

How can I taste traditional Tet dishes while traveling?

Some local restaurants and homestays offer holiday menus, and in larger cities select eateries serve Tet specialties. For more food-oriented options in the capital, see recommendations for restaurants in Hanoi that may indicate where you can find seasonal dishes.

Are there safety or etiquette concerns during Tet?

The usual travel safety advice applies. Culturally, show respect at religious sites and follow local cues regarding greetings, gift-giving, and photography. When in doubt, observe and mirror local behavior.