What is Tet (Vietnamese New Year)?

One of the most important holidays in Vietnam is the New Year festival ‘Tết Nguyên Đán’, or Tet. This holiday celebrates the arrival of the New Year and spring. Other names are Vietnamese New Year and Lunar New Year.

When is Tet?

Tet usually takes place sometime late January or early February, at the same time as Chinese New Year. The exact dates vary every year as both countries follow the lunar calendar. Click here for a list of when Tet takes place in the coming years.

Vietnamese New Year lasts for 3 days. Most Vietnamese have about 10 days off, schools and government institutions are closed for 14 days (‘Tet Holiday’).

What should I consider during Tet?

The whole country is in flux as many people who work in cities return to their parental homes in the provinces. Prices of airplane and train tickets therefore skyrocket the week before and after Tet. Count on double or more compared to the rest of the year. Planes and trains fill up quickly and are best booked at least a month in advance. Bus tickets are more or less the same, but to a lesser extent. Hotels and hostels will raise their prices during this period.

Major tourist attractions, such as the citadel in Hue, the Cu Chi tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An‘s Old Town, are open during Tet. Smaller museums and attractions may be closed. Check this online before heading out.

Can I book a tour with an Easy Rider during Tet?

No, no tours take place during Tet / Vietnamese New Year: our Easy Riders are with their families during this period. Bookings during Tet Holiday will not be accepted.