Discover everything you need to know about Tet Nguyen Dan, Vietnam's Lunar New Year. From dates and traditions to travel tips, closures, and cultural etiquette—plan your trip around Vietnam's biggest holiday with Legend Travel Group’s expertise!
Tet Holiday in Hue Imperial City (Source: Internet)Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years in Southeast Asia tourism, guiding 100,000+ travelers. Insights from Legend Travel Group guest feedback and official sources. Data current as of January 2026; verify before travel.
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Hanoi flower market during Tet (Source: Internet)Tet Nguyen Dan (simply "Tet") is Vietnam's Lunar New Year and the country's biggest holiday. It marks the arrival of spring according to the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming good fortune.
Significance: Tet symbolizes renewal, family bonds, and bidding farewell to the old year. Vietnamese believe how you spend Tet sets the tone for the year ahead.
Duration: Officially 7–9 days (national holiday), but celebrations often span 2–3 weeks with pre-Tet preparations and post-Tet visits.
2026 Dates: Tet Eve: January 27, 2026 → Tet Day 1 (Year of the Horse): January 28, 2026. Official holiday: January 25–February 1, 2026 (subject to government announcement).
Legend Travel Group recommends avoiding peak Tet travel (Jan 20–Feb 5) unless experiencing the festival is your goal—book early for guided Tet tours!
Tet is rich in rituals—here are the essentials:
House Cleaning & Decorating: Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away bad luck. Decorations include peach blossoms (North), apricot blossoms (South), kumquat trees, and red envelopes (li xi).
Ancestral Worship: Altars are prepared with offerings like fruits, flowers, and traditional foods to honor ancestors.
Family Reunion Dinner: Tet Eve features a lavish meal with banh chung (square rice cake—North) or banh tet (cylindrical—South), pickled onions, and mut (candied fruits).
First Visitor (Xong Dat): The first person to enter a home on Tet Day is believed to influence the family's luck—often a respected elder.
Lucky Money: Red envelopes (li xi) with new bills are given to children and unmarried adults for good fortune.
Taboos: Avoid sweeping floors on Tet Day (sweeps away luck), wearing black/white, or arguing.
Pro Tip: Join a Legend Travel Group homestay tour to witness authentic Tet preparations in rural areas like Mai Chau or the Mekong Delta.
Orchid Flower Vietnam (Source: Internet)Tet Eve: January 27, 2026
Tet Day 1: January 28, 2026 (Year of the Horse)
Official Holiday: Likely January 25–February 1, 2026 (7–9 days)
Tet follows the lunar calendar, so dates shift annually. Always check the official government announcement in December.
Travel Impact:
Peak Crowds: Jan 20–Feb 5 → trains, flights, buses sold out weeks ahead.
Closures: Most shops, restaurants, and attractions close Jan 27–31 (or longer in rural areas).
Higher Prices: Transport and accommodation surge 50–200% during peak.
Legend Travel Group Recommendation: Visit 2 weeks before Tet for vibrant markets or 1 week after for quieter exploration.
The Magic:
Flower markets burst with color (especially in Hanoi and HCMC).
Streets decorated with lanterns and peach blossoms.
Fireworks in major cities on Tet Eve.
Authentic family hospitality if invited.
The Challenges:
Major cities feel empty as locals return home.
Many restaurants and shops closed (especially family-run).
Public transport overcrowded before Tet; limited during.
Popular sites like Halong Bay operate but with reduced services.
Best Strategy:
Stay in one place (e.g., Hanoi, Hoi An, or Phu Quoc) during peak Tet.
Book luxury hotels/resorts open year-round.
Join Legend Travel Group’s special Tet tours for guaranteed experiences.
Family preparing Banh Chung (Source: Internet)Hanoi → Flower markets, Old Quarter decorations, fireworks at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hoi An → Lantern-lit streets, quieter crowds, special Tet events.
Ho Chi Minh City → Nguyen Hue Flower Street, fireworks, vibrant energy.
Phu Quoc or Con Dao → Beach relaxation; resorts remain open.
Mekong Delta Homestay → Experience rural Tet with local families (via Legend Travel Group).
Avoid: Long-distance travel Jan 25–30 unless pre-booked.
Banh Chung/Banh Tet → Sticky rice cakes with mung bean and pork.
Gio Cha → Vietnamese ham and pork rolls.
Mut → Candied fruits and seeds.
Thit Kho Tau → Caramelized pork with eggs (South).
Street Snacks → Fresh spring rolls and pho (available at open stalls).
Many restaurants close, so stock up or book hotels with dining.
Fireworks over Hoan Kiem Lake (Source: Internet)Do:
Wish “Chuc Mung Nam Moi!” (Happy New Year).
Accept lucky money if offered.
Dress neatly when visiting homes or temples.
Smile and be patient—everyone is excited!
Don't:
Wear black or white (mourning colors).
Sweep floors on Tet Day if staying in a homestay.
Give odd amounts in lucky money.
Visit homes uninvited on Tet Day 1.
Book Early: Flights, trains, hotels—6+ months in advance.
Cash is King: ATMs run dry; withdraw VND before Jan 25.
Transport: Pre-book private transfers via Legend Travel Group.
Weather: North (cool 15–20°C); South (warm 25–30°C).
Health: Standard precautions; travel insurance essential.
Legend Travel Group Pro Tip: Join our “Tet Experience” tours for hassle-free celebrations, including family dinners and market visits.
Ho Chi Minh City Ben Thanh Tet Holiday Celebrations (Source: Internet)Tet Nguyen Dan is more than a holiday—it’s the heart of Vietnamese culture. Whether witnessing bustling pre-Tet markets, enjoying a quiet beach escape, or joining a family celebration, Tet offers unforgettable memories.
For the best experience, travel with Legend Travel Group—experts in authentic, sustainable Vietnam tours since 2008. Flexible payments (10% deposit) and 24/7 support ensure peace of mind.
Chuc Mung Nam Moi! Safe travels and a prosperous Year of the Horse!
Sources & Updates:
Legend Travel Group expertise
Vietnam Tourism Board
Guest feedback surveys
Ready to experience Tet? Visit legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84 825 862 222 for customized itineraries.
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