Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026 and 2027 exact dates and public holiday durations
Updated domestic flight and train booking windows for locals traveling home during Tet
Revised museum, bank, and retail closure schedules for the 2026 Tet holiday period
Fact-checked April 2026
Last updated: April 2026
Traveling Vietnam During Tet (Lunar New Year)
The most important holiday in Vietnam offers incredible cultural rewards but requires serious logistical planning.
Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly known as Tet, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It is the most significant cultural holiday in the country, akin to Diwali in India or Chinese New Year in Beijing. For Indian travelers visiting during the peak winter season, encountering Tet can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, you will witness breathtaking flower markets, spectacular fireworks, and a deeply festive atmosphere. On the other hand, the country essentially shuts down for several days, and domestic transport becomes incredibly difficult to secure. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when building your Vietnam travel guide itinerary.
Tet Festival Dates for 2026 & 2027
Because Tet follows the lunar calendar, the dates shift every year on the Gregorian calendar.
Year
Tet Eve (New Year's Eve)
Lunar New Year's Day
Public Holiday Duration
2026
Monday, February 16
Tuesday, February 17
Approx. 7 days (Feb 14 – Feb 20)
2027
Friday, February 5
Saturday, February 6
Approx. 7 days (Feb 4 – Feb 10)
The official public holiday declared by the government typically spans 5 to 7 days, but the festive slowdown begins a week before and can linger for a few days after. If you are calculating your overall Vietnam trip cost from India, be prepared for peak-season pricing on flights and hotels during this window.
Closures & Logistics During Tet
What to expect when the country pauses for the New Year.
What Shuts Down
Museums & Heritage Sites: Most major attractions, including the War Remnants Museum, Temple of Literature, and Cu Chi Tunnels, close for the first 2-3 days of the New Year.
Street Food & Markets: Independent street food stalls and traditional markets (like Dong Xuan or Ben Thanh) will be closed as vendors return to their hometowns.
Banks & Offices: All banks and government offices are strictly closed for the entire holiday period.
What Stays Open: High-end hotels, convenience stores (Circle K, FamilyMart), and restaurants in major tourist districts (like Hoi An Ancient Town or HCMC District 1) generally remain open, though some may charge a holiday surcharge.
Transport Chaos
Domestic Flights & Trains: Millions of Vietnamese workers travel back to their hometowns for Tet. Domestic flights and the Reunification Express train sell out 2-3 months in advance, and prices surge by 30-50%.
Grab & Taxis: Ride-hailing apps work, but drivers may charge holiday premiums, and availability can be sparse in the first two days of the New Year.
Inter-City Buses: Bus stations are incredibly chaotic in the week leading up to Tet. Avoid inter-city travel on the days immediately preceding the New Year.
Experiencing Tet: The Cultural Rewards
Why enduring the logistical challenges is absolutely worth it for cultural immersion.
Festivities & Atmosphere
Flower Markets: Streets are transformed into massive flower markets. Peach blossoms (pink) dominate the North, while Ochna (yellow) and marigolds fill the South.
Fireworks Displays: Massive, government-sponsored fireworks shows light up the skies in Hanoi (around Hoan Kiem Lake) and Ho Chi Minh City at midnight on New Year's Eve.
Lion & Dragon Dances: Troupes perform traditional dances in the streets and outside businesses for good luck. The drumming and energy are infectious.
Lucky Money (Li Xi): Children and unmarried adults receive red envelopes containing lucky money. You will see locals exchanging these greetings with immense joy.
Vegetarian Bonus for Indians: Many Vietnamese Buddhists eat a strict vegetarian diet during the first days of the New Year for spiritual cleansing. You will find an abundance of temporary "Com Chay" (vegetarian) street stalls, making it an incredibly easy time for Indian vegetarians to explore local Vietnamese cuisine safely.
Essential Tips for Indian Travelers
How to protect your itinerary and make the most of the holiday.
Survival Strategies
Book Domestic Travel Early: If your itinerary requires domestic flights or trains between Tet dates, book them the moment your international flights are confirmed.
Stock Up on Supplies: Visit a supermarket on the day before New Year's Eve to buy bottled water, snacks, and basic medicines, as small shops will be closed.
Carry Cash: While cards work in hotels, small vendors and markets that are open may only accept cash. ATMs can run out of money or go offline during the holiday.
Embrace the Slow Pace: Don't try to force a rigid sightseeing schedule. Use the closure days to enjoy your hotel, relax at a cafe, or simply people-watch the festive streets.
Frequently Asked Questions — Vietnam Tet Festival
Quick answers to help you decide if a Tet trip is right for you.
1When is Tet (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam for 2026 and 2027?
Tet follows the lunar calendar, so dates change yearly. In 2026, Tet Eve is February 16, and the New Year begins on February 17. In 2027, it falls on February 6. The official public holiday typically lasts 5 to 7 days, including the days leading up to and following the New Year.
2Should Indian tourists avoid visiting Vietnam during Tet?
Not necessarily, but you must plan carefully. While the festive atmosphere, fireworks, and flower markets are incredible, many museums, shops, and restaurants close for 3-5 days. Domestic transport is fully booked by locals traveling home. If you prefer a quiet, hassle-free trip with all attractions open, avoid this window. If you want a unique cultural experience, embrace it but book everything months in advance.
3Are flights and hotels more expensive during Tet?
Yes. Domestic flights and trains within Vietnam surge in price and sell out 2-3 months in advance as millions of locals travel to their hometowns. International flights from India might also see a slight premium due to the peak winter travel season. However, some city business hotels in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City may actually offer lower rates when corporate demand drops.
4What is closed during the Tet holiday in Vietnam?
Expect significant closures for the first 3 days of the New Year. Banks, government offices, most museums (like the War Remnants Museum), and independent street food stalls will be shut. Major hotels, high-end restaurants in tourist areas, and convenience stores usually remain open. Always stock up on water and snacks before the holiday begins.
5Is it easier to find vegetarian food during Tet?
Yes, surprisingly. Many Vietnamese Buddhists eat a strict vegetarian diet during the first days of the New Year for spiritual cleansing. You will find an abundance of "Com Chay" (vegetarian rice) and temporary vegetarian street stalls, making it an excellent time for Indian vegetarians to explore local food safely.
Want to experience the magic of Tet without the logistical stress? Our experts craft weather-proof, holiday-aware itineraries tailored to your dates.
Note: The exact dates of the public holiday are announced by the Vietnamese government typically in late December of the preceding year. Always verify the exact closure dates with your local tour operator or hotel concierge as your trip approaches.
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