Vietnam Travel During Tet Holiday: Pros and Cons – Is It the Ideal Time to Visit Vietnam?

Pros of Visiting Vietnam During Tet Holiday

1. Cultural Immersion at Its Finest

For culture lovers, Tet is the ideal time to visit Vietnam. The entire country transforms into a kaleidoscope of color, tradition, and joyous celebration. Homes are cleaned thoroughly, adorned with peach blossoms in the north or apricot blossoms in the south, and markets overflow with festive goods. Temples fill with incense smoke as people pray for health and fortune in the new year.

As a traveler, you’ll get front-row access to these beautiful customs. Participating in local rituals or sharing a meal with a Vietnamese family can offer deep insight into the country’s values and way of life. These moments can’t be scheduled — they’re organic, personal, and profoundly meaningful, making Tet the ideal time to visit Vietnam for authentic cultural connection.

2. Festive Atmosphere in Every City

From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, and even in smaller towns, the celebratory mood is palpable. Streets light up with red and gold lanterns, fireworks light the sky, and local performances pop up in unexpected places. In many ways, Tet feels like Christmas, New Year, and Thanksgiving rolled into one.

The days leading up to Tet are bustling with energy as locals shop, cook, and prepare offerings. If you arrive before the holiday officially begins, you’ll witness the country in full swing. For travelers who thrive on energy and excitement, this truly is the ideal time to visit Vietnam.

3. Traditional Foods Only Available at Tet

One of the biggest perks of Tet travel for foodies is access to traditional holiday foods that are difficult to find the rest of the year. Dishes like banh chung (sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung beans in the north) and banh tet (its cylindrical southern counterpart) are staples of the season. You’ll also find candied fruits, pickled onions, and caramelized pork belly on nearly every household’s table.

If your goal is to explore Vietnam’s culinary depth, Tet might just be the ideal time to visit Vietnam, as you’ll enjoy specialties that offer insight into both regional and familial traditions.

4. Unique Photography and Artistic Opportunities

For photographers and creatives, Tet provides endless inspiration. Picture temples bathed in incense smoke, families dressed in vibrant ao dai (traditional garments), and children playing with red envelopes or sparklers. Every scene offers emotional richness and color.

If you're looking to capture a side of Vietnam that tourists rarely see, Tet is without doubt the ideal time to visit Vietnam from an artistic perspective.

Cons of Visiting Vietnam During Tet Holiday

1. Closures and Limited Services

Despite the vibrancy, Tet comes with a practical downside — most local businesses, restaurants, and tourist services shut down for several days or even a full week. Transportation may be limited or booked solid, especially as many locals travel back to their hometowns.

If you're hoping to explore Vietnam's full range of attractions or rely on daily tours, Tet might not be the ideal time to visit Vietnam for you. You’ll need to plan ahead and embrace flexibility, as even some major tourist destinations like museums and markets may close temporarily.

2. Higher Costs and Scarcity of Accommodation

Due to the massive spike in domestic travel, flight tickets and train fares skyrocket in the week before Tet. Accommodations in major cities like Hanoi, Hue, or Ho Chi Minh City can be scarce or significantly more expensive.

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, this may not feel like the ideal time to visit Vietnam. That said, if you book early and plan strategically, you can still enjoy the magic of Tet without breaking the bank.

3. Potential Language Barriers and Confusion

During Tet, many Vietnamese people return to their hometowns, meaning English-speaking staff in hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies may be harder to find. Tourists sometimes report difficulty navigating unfamiliar customs or simply not knowing where to go when everything seems closed.

For seasoned travelers who thrive on spontaneity, Tet could still be the ideal time to visit Vietnam, but for first-timers, it might present unexpected challenges.

Making the Most of Tet Travel: Tips for Success

Even with its quirks, Tet can be a magical time to explore the soul of Vietnam — if you come prepared. Here are a few tips to help make your trip seamless:

• Arrive early – Arriving 4–5 days before Tet allows you to experience the bustling lead-up to the holiday and gives you time to stock up on necessities.

• Book in advance – Flights, trains, and hotels should be reserved as early as possible.

• Choose your base wisely – Major cities may be quieter during Tet, while smaller towns and villages can offer more intimate celebrations.

• Respect local customs – Tet is a time of deep cultural significance. Learn basic etiquette like removing your shoes when entering homes, avoiding taboo topics, and offering good wishes like “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!” (Happy New Year!).

• Pack snacks and essentials – With closures common, it's smart to carry backup food and drinks during your day trips.

So, Is Tet the Ideal Time to Visit Vietnam?

That depends on your goals. If your dream is to experience Vietnam in its most festive, heartfelt, and culturally rich form, Tet is the ideal time to visit Vietnam. You’ll be welcomed into traditions that span centuries, witness rare rituals, and enjoy dishes made only once a year.

However, if you’re focused on sightseeing, shopping, or crossing multiple cities off your list, the holiday might complicate your plans. That doesn’t mean you should avoid Tet — it just means you should travel with awareness, flexibility, and a sense of adventure.

Ultimately, Tet is a deeply human experience, full of beauty, warmth, and meaning. And if you’re willing to embrace its rhythm, you may find it’s not just the ideal time to visit Vietnam — it’s the most unforgettable one.

• Design Your Tour Today And Get A Quote. Contact Us Here: +84.975.504.825

Source: Easytrip247 Team compiled.