Vietnam’s Busy Holiday Seasons: What to Know Before You Go

Tet Holiday – Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Tet is Vietnam’s most important and widely celebrated holiday. Typically occurring between late January and mid-February, Tet marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year. Streets are adorned with red and gold decorations, peach blossoms bloom in every home, and families gather to honor their ancestors and welcome a fresh start.

If you're drawn to cultural immersion, Tet might be the best time to visit Vietnam. You’ll witness age-old traditions, enjoy special foods like banh chung (sticky rice cake), and experience the country at its most sentimental. However, Tet is also the time when nearly everything shuts down—shops, restaurants, and even some tourist sites.

Transportation is notoriously hectic during this period, as millions of people travel to their hometowns. Flights, buses, and trains are often fully booked weeks in advance. Prices for accommodation and services can also surge due to high demand.

So, while Tet offers a rare glimpse into Vietnamese tradition, it’s essential to plan meticulously. If you're not comfortable with closures or crowd surges, Tet might not be the best time to visit Vietnam for you.

National Reunification Day and Labor Day (April 30 – May 1)

This two-day holiday period is packed with patriotic celebrations, fireworks, parades, and a nationwide sense of unity. These back-to-back national holidays create a long weekend, making it a popular time for domestic travel.

Cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi see a dip in traffic as locals leave for coastal towns or countryside retreats. Tourist hotspots like Nha Trang, Da Nang, and Ha Long Bay can become quite crowded. If your idea of the best time to visit Vietnam includes quiet beaches or serene landscapes, this may not be the ideal week.

However, for those fascinated by Vietnam’s modern history and its unbreakable spirit, the Reunification Day celebrations offer a deeply meaningful experience.

Mid-Autumn Festival (September)

Known as the "Children’s Festival," the Mid-Autumn Festival is a magical time filled with mooncakes, lion dances, and glowing lanterns. Held in September (the 15th day of the 8th lunar month), this holiday is especially lively in cities like Hanoi, Hoi An, and Hue.

If you’re traveling with family or simply love festive environments, this could be the best time to visit Vietnam. Streets come alive with music, performances, and an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. Hoi An’s lantern festival reaches a breathtaking peak during this time, drawing photographers and romantics from around the world.

Unlike Tet, shops and attractions remain open, and while crowds gather, it's less hectic than the New Year season. The mild autumn weather is an added bonus—cooler temperatures and less rain make it ideal for sightseeing and exploration.

National Day (September 2)

National Day celebrates Vietnam’s declaration of independence from France in 1945. It’s a one-day holiday, but the lead-up and aftermath can cause travel congestion. Expect parades, flag displays, fireworks, and public ceremonies, especially in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

While not as disruptive as Tet, it’s still a high-traffic period. If you love being part of large public celebrations and feeling the pulse of national pride, this might be the best time to visit Vietnam. But for those who prefer quieter travels, it’s worth adjusting your itinerary to either arrive before or after the festivities.

Summer School Holidays (June – August)

While not an official holiday season, Vietnam’s summer school break causes a surge in domestic tourism. Families travel en masse to popular spots like Da Lat, Phu Quoc, and Nha Trang. Beaches, amusement parks, and resorts are at their busiest, and prices for everything from hotel rooms to local seafood tend to climb.

For sun-seekers, this may still be the best time to visit Vietnam, especially along the central coast where the weather is sunny and perfect for swimming. But you’ll need to book well in advance, and be prepared for crowded attractions and a livelier vibe.

Christmas and New Year (December 24 – January 1)

Though not traditionally Vietnamese holidays, Christmas and New Year’s Eve are becoming more widely celebrated, especially in urban areas. Shopping centers sparkle with lights, international restaurants offer festive menus, and expat communities throw lavish parties.

If you’re looking for a festive, multicultural experience, this might be the best time to visit Vietnam. While the weather varies by region—cool and misty in the north, dry and warm in the south—the holiday spirit makes cities feel extra cheerful. Plus, this period overlaps with the start of Vietnam’s dry season, making it an appealing time for travelers weather-wise as well.

Off-Peak Periods: The Traveler’s Secret

Ironically, the best time to visit Vietnam might actually be just before or after these major holiday seasons. The “shoulder months” like March, early April, October, and November offer a balance of good weather and fewer crowds. You’ll find better deals on accommodation, quieter attractions, and a more relaxed pace overall.

Planning your trip around Vietnam’s busy holiday calendar doesn’t mean avoiding them entirely—it means being smart about your timing. Do you want to join the festivities or enjoy peaceful exploration? Either way, Vietnam has something incredible to offer year-round.

Conclusion: Celebrations, Culture, and Considerations

Vietnam’s holiday seasons are more than just dates on a calendar—they are vibrant expressions of culture, community, and identity. Understanding these busy periods can help you make informed choices about when and where to travel.

Whether your goal is to experience the dazzling lights of Mid-Autumn lanterns, feel the emotional depth of Tet, or simply find a quiet stretch of beach away from the crowds, knowing the best time to visit Vietnam allows you to shape your journey to match your travel dreams.

So before you pack your bags, take a look at the calendar. Vietnam’s holidays may be busy, but they’re also beautiful. And with a bit of planning, you’ll find that the best time to visit Vietnam is whenever your heart is ready for the journey.

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Source: Easytrip247 Team compiled.