Tet holidays Vietnam: The ultimate travel guide for visitors
The Tet Holidays (Tet Nguyen Dan)the Vietnamese New Year, are the most important and colorful time of the year in Vietnam. These celebrations not only mark the beginning of the new lunar year, but also offer travelers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating culture and centuries-old traditions of the region. Experience Vietnam at its most authentic, full of joy, community and festive atmosphere.
This comprehensive guide will help you plan your Tet experience: learn more about the significance of the festival, discover the most important traditions, find out what unique experiences await you and get practical tips for a smooth trip - including important information on opening times and the best places to enjoy the festivities.
What are the Tet holidays in Vietnam?
Tet Nguyen Dan, often referred to simply as Tet, is the Vietnamese New Year according to the lunar calendar. It is the most important celebration in Vietnamese culture - a time of celebration, family, tradition and renewal. The festival symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring, a time of hope and new beginnings.
The Tet festival is deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture and is traditionally celebrated with centuries-old customs and religious rites It is a time to reflect on one's own values, pay homage to ancestors and strengthen family ties. Many Vietnamese travel back to their hometowns to spend this special time with their families. At the same time, it is an opportunity to share joy and happiness and to offer each other support and help.
When does Tet take place? (With date for 2026)
Since Tet follow the Lunar Calandar the holidays fall on a different date in the Gregorian calendar each year, usually between the end of January and mid-February.
Tet 2026: The next Vietnamese New Year festival (Tet Nguyen Dan) begins on 14 February 2026.
The official holidays last until 22 February, but the festivities and special atmosphere often extend over a longer period. Many Vietnamese take extra days off to travel, visit family and friends and enjoy the many festivities and rituals to the full.
Important note: Are you planning a trip to Tet? Always check the exact dates for your specific travel year as they vary annually!
Tet traditions: Insights into Vietnamese culture
To really understand and appreciate Tet, it is worth getting to know the most important customs and traditions that characterize this time:
Ritual cleaning & house cleaning
A thorough house-cleaning takes place before the start of the festive season. Families clean their homes from top to bottom to symbolically remove bad luck and misfortune from the old year and make room for good luck and prosperity in the new year.
Festive decoration
The whole of Vietnam shines in bright colors, especially red and yellow, which symbolize happiness and prosperity. Kumquat trees full of fruit and blossoming peach branches are omnipresent and stand for fertility, hope and happiness.
Lucky money in a red envelope (Li Xi)
A popular custom is the presentation of red envelopes (Li Xi)filled with new banknotes. Older people give them to younger family members as a sign of blessing, happiness and prosperity for the new year.
Ancestor worship & family visits
Family and ancestors play a central role. During Tet, many families visit the graves of their ancestors to honor them and make offerings. It is also a time of intense social activity, when people visit relatives and friends, exchange greetings and cultivate the community.
Special Tet dishes
Certain dishes are inextricably linked to Tet and often have a deep symbolic meaning. These include above all Bánh Chưng (square sticky rice cake) and Bánh Tét (cylindrical sticky rice cakes), which symbolize the earth and the sky. These are elaborately prepared and shared with the family.
Dragon dances & parades
Loud, colorful Dragon and lion dances are an integral part of the public celebrations. Drums and cymbals accompany the dances, which are said to bring luck, strength and prosperity and drive away evil spirits. Colorful parades often parade through the streets.
Culture, community & respect
Above and beyond all rituals, Tet is a time of Community, respect and harmony. People settle disputes, exchange good wishes and enjoy the company of family and friends.
Unique experiences: Experience Tet up close
As a traveler, you have the chance to experience these fascinating traditions and the exuberant joie de vivre first-hand:
Markets, festivals & the festive atmosphere
Immerse yourself in the colorful hustle and bustle on the Flower and Tet marketsthat spring up everywhere before the holidays. Visit Folk festivals with traditional music, dances and games. Just enjoy the general atmosphere of joy and excitement in the air.
Spiritual moments: Temple visits
Visit Pagodas and templeswhich are particularly decorated and lively during Tet. Watch locals pray and make offerings and learn more about the spiritual side of Vietnamese culture.
Vietnamese hospitality & celebrations with Localse
Experience the Legendary Vietnamese hospitality. Be open to spontaneous invitations from locals to their family celebrations. This is the most authentic way to experience Tet and have unforgettable encounters.
The New Year's fireworks
Find out more about the official fireworkswhich take place in many cities at the turn of the year. Such a spectacle against the backdrop of a Vietnamese city is an unforgettable experience.
Practical tips for planning your trip to Tet
Traveling during the Tet holidays is a special experience, but requires careful planning:
Important planning: opening hours, transport & finances
- Book early: Flights, trains, buses and accommodation are often fully booked months in advance and prices can rise. Book as early as possible!
- Stores & Attractions: Many stores, markets, restaurants and tourist attractions are closed or have limited opening hours during the main holidays (especially the first 3 days after New Year). Find out more and plan accordingly.
- Transport: Local and long-distance public transport is extremely busy and may be more expensive or limited. Plan your travel times generously.
- Cash: Withdraw sufficient cash in advance. Banks are closed and ATMs may be empty.
Cultural know-how: customs & etiquette
- Research: Find out about basic Tet customs and rules of conduct (e.g. what to bring as a gift, which colors are considered lucky).
- Language: Learn a few basic words in Vietnamese, especially the New Year's greeting “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!”. This shows respect and is greatly appreciated.
Capture moments & find support
- Camera: Have your camera ready to capture the many colorful and unique moments.
- Local Guide: Especially during Tet, a local guide can be worth their weight in gold. He knows the best places, navigates through any closures, explains customs and can open doors for you that would otherwise remain closed.
Conclusion: Tet in Vietnam - an intense experience that requires good planning
There is no doubt that a trip to Vietnam during the Tet holidays is a extraordinary opportunityimmerse yourself in the heart of Vietnamese culture. The exuberant joy, the living traditions and the special warmth of the people create an atmosphere that you won't experience at any other time of the year and that is truly unforgettable. unforgettable memories guaranteed.
However, it is important to emphasize: This unique experience requires a very complex and early planning. The crowds are huge, as many Vietnamese travel to visit their families themselves. This means that Flights, trains and buses often fully booked months in advance. Spontaneous travel during the main Tet days is hardly possible. You should also be prepared for the fact that Transportation and accommodations are significantly more expensive during this peak period. .
To minimize travel stress, save on the budget and really enjoy the festivities, we often recommend staying in one place during the core holidays. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the local festivities, soak up the atmosphere, maybe even socialize with locals and not have to deal with crowded or expensive transportation. You often get more “your money's worth” in terms of the experience.
Despite the logistical challenges and the need for thorough preparation, a Well planned trip to Vietnam to Tet, ideally with a focus on one location during the main days, will reward you with incomparable cultural insights and moments that you will remember for a long time.
