Visiting Vietnam during Tet 2027: dates, costs, closures, and where to go

February 6, 2027, is the first day of Tet, Vietnam's Lunar New Year, and it falls on a Saturday. You could spend the holiday walking around Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, relaxing at a resort on Phu Quoc Island, or exploring Hoi An's old streets decorated for the new year. Visiting Vietnam during Tet is worth considering, but the easiest approach is to choose one or two destinations, book transportation in advance, and expect some restaurants, shops, and attractions to operate differently from usual.

When is Tet 2027, and how long does the holiday last?

Tet 2027, also known as the Year of the Goat in the Vietnamese zodiac, begins on Saturday, February 6, 2027.

The official holiday schedule for Vietnamese civil servants and public employees runs for seven consecutive days, from February 4 through February 10, 2027.

Vietnam's Labor Code gives employees five paid days off for Lunar New Year. The seven-day holiday announced for public employees includes five statutory Tet holidays and two compensatory days off.

Private companies do not necessarily follow exactly the same schedule.

Businesses may choose among three arrangements: one day before Tet and four days after, two days before and three days after, or three days before and two days after. Employers must also comply with the applicable holiday and compensatory leave requirements.

This distinction matters when arranging travel.

A hotel might remain open throughout Tet while nearby restaurants close until the fourth day of the lunar year. A tourist attraction may reopen on the second day, but a private tour operator might not resume work until later.

For planning purposes, treat February 1-12, 2027, as the broader holiday travel period rather than focusing only on the seven official days.

Is Tet a good time to visit Vietnam?

Yes, provided you plan ahead and accept that some travel costs may be higher than usual.

Tet offers experiences that are difficult to find during other months. Streets fill with flowers and New Year decorations, families prepare traditional meals, and cities take on a different rhythm.

The days leading up to Tet are particularly lively. Markets become busy with people shopping for food, flowers, gifts, and household decorations.

After New Year's Eve, the atmosphere changes. Some streets become unusually quiet as families spend time together. Temples and pagodas, meanwhile, may attract large numbers of visitors offering prayers for the new year.

However, Tet is not necessarily the best time for spontaneous travel.

Before booking, consider three things: whether transportation is available, whether your accommodation will provide the services you need, and whether the attractions you want to visit will actually be open.

Who should travel during Tet?

Tet works well for travelers who have fixed holidays, families looking for a resort break, and international visitors interested in Vietnamese culture.

Families with young children may prefer a resort in Nha Trang or Phu Quoc, or a comfortable hotel within a short distance of home.

You do not need a packed itinerary. A spacious room, breakfast, reliable dinner options, and confirmed airport transfers can make the holiday much easier.

For international visitors experiencing Tet for the first time, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Hoi An are good places to consider.

These destinations have distinctive cultural settings, established accommodation options, and neighborhoods that can be explored on foot.

Photographers may also enjoy visiting during Tet.

Before the holiday, flower markets and shopping streets offer interesting scenes of daily life. On the first day of the lunar year, parts of central Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City can be noticeably quieter than normal.

Who might prefer a different time?

If you have not booked transportation, are working with a very tight budget, or want to visit several provinces in just a few days, another time of year may be easier.

International visitors with only seven days in Vietnam should also think carefully about their route.

Spending two days flying, another two days on buses or trains, and then discovering that several planned activities are unavailable is not a good use of a short holiday.

Food-focused travelers may find Tet less convenient as well.

Many family-run restaurants close for the first few days of the new year. Those that remain open may offer reduced menus or apply a holiday surcharge.

Where to go in Vietnam during Tet 2027

The best place to spend Tet depends on what you want from the holiday.

Some destinations are particularly good for cultural experiences. Others are better for beach holidays, family trips, or short city breaks.

01

Hanoi

Best for experiencing traditional Vietnamese New Year

Hanoi is a strong choice for international visitors, photographers, and travelers interested in Vietnamese customs.

Before Lunar New Year's Eve, explore Hang Ma Street, Dong Xuan Market, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, and the surrounding Old Quarter.

These neighborhoods become busy with shoppers, decorations, flowers, and people preparing for the holiday.

The first morning of Tet offers a different experience.

You could begin with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, visit Ngoc Son Temple if it is open, and continue toward Hang Trong and Hang Bac streets.

From the second day of Tet onward, consider visiting the Temple of Literature or other historical attractions after confirming their holiday schedules.

Do not assume that every museum or heritage site opens on the first day of the lunar year.

For accommodation, choose somewhere near Hoan Kiem Lake, Trang Tien, Hang Bong, or another convenient part of the city center.

Being able to walk between your hotel, restaurants, and sightseeing areas is especially useful during the holiday.

Hanoi's main drawback in February is the weather.

Temperatures are generally cool, and some days can be damp, misty, or affected by light drizzle. Pack a proper jacket, particularly if you are traveling with children or older relatives.

Best for: First-time international visitors, cultural travelers, photographers, and people who enjoy exploring on foot.

Less suitable for: Travelers looking for consistently warm weather or planning to visit numerous specific restaurants on New Year's Day.

03

Hoi An and Da Nang

Best for a four- to six-day holiday

Hoi An and Da Nang make a practical combination for travelers who want historic streets, local food, beaches, and cultural attractions.

For a short trip, choose one hotel in either Hoi An or Da Nang rather than changing accommodation repeatedly.

The two destinations are close enough to combine without needing a complicated itinerary.

In Hoi An, explore Tran Phu Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Bach Dang Street, and the area around the Japanese Covered Bridge.

Morning and late afternoon are generally better for walking than the busiest parts of the day.

One important detail is that tourist activities in Hoi An can operate differently during Tet.

During Tet 2026, Hoi An temporarily suspended sightseeing ticket sales and guided visits from February 16 to 19, corresponding to the final day of the lunar year through the third day of Tet.

Some pedestrian-zone and night-market activities were also temporarily suspended on different dates.

Tet 2027 may not follow the same pattern, but it is worth planning for.

You may still be able to enjoy the town's streets and architecture during the holiday, but do not assume all ticketed attractions, performances, and tourism services will follow their regular schedules.

In Da Nang, you could spend a day visiting the Marble Mountains or the Museum of Cham Sculpture once their opening hours are confirmed.

In 2026, adult admission to Thuy Son at the Marble Mountains was VND 40,000, with normal operating hours of 7 AM to 5 PM.

February weather in central Vietnam can still include cloudy or rainy days, so leave some flexibility for outdoor sightseeing.

Best for: Couples, groups of friends, and international visitors with four to six days.

Less suitable for: Travelers wanting a tightly scheduled program of ticketed attractions without checking holiday opening arrangements.

04

Phu Quoc

Best for a relaxed beach holiday

Phu Quoc is worth considering if your main goals are resting, swimming, and spending time with family.

February usually falls within a more favorable period for beach travel on the island.

However, this is also part of the busy tourism season, and convenient flights or popular accommodation options may sell out early.

Choose your accommodation area carefully.

Duong Dong is useful if you want access to restaurants, shops, and services in town.

Long Beach, also known as Bai Truong, is suitable for a resort-focused holiday.

An Thoi is convenient for activities in the southern part of Phu Quoc, including Bai Kem and the Hon Thom cable car.

Do not book a hotel based only on attractive room photographs.

Check how far it is from the activities you want, whether meals are available during Tet, and whether airport transfers can be arranged.

A four-day, three-night Phu Quoc itinerary only needs one day exploring the southern part of the island, one relaxed day at the hotel, and a short outing near your accommodation.

There is no need to squeeze several island-hopping tours into a family holiday.

Best for: Families, couples seeking a resort break, and travelers who prefer warmer weather.

Less suitable for: Strict-budget travelers or anyone planning to book flights at the last minute.

What is closed during Tet in Vietnam?

Tet does not mean that Vietnam completely shuts down.

Essential services and many tourism businesses continue operating, but opening hours can vary significantly between individual businesses.

The biggest problem is often not a closed hotel.

It is arriving at a hotel that remains open while the surrounding services are limited.

Imagine booking a room without breakfast and arriving on the first day of Tet.

The restaurant next door is closed, nearby small shops have not reopened, and the hotel serves drinks but no meals.

Finding breakfast becomes a separate journey.

Clear answers are more useful than a generic advertisement promising 24-hour service without explaining what is included.

How much do flights, trains, and hotels cost during Tet 2027?

There is no single price increase that applies across Vietnam's tourism industry.

Airfares depend on the direction of travel, departure date, booking class, and remaining availability.

Hotel rates depend on location, room category, occupancy, length of stay, and holiday surcharges.

The most useful approach is to compare actual prices from individual providers.

Flights: compare both directions and exact dates

Tet 2027 flights are already on sale. Vietnam Airlines Group has nearly 3.7 million seats for the Tet travel period.

The peak travel period runs from January 22 through February 20, 2027.

Vietjet is also offering approximately 3.1 million tickets for the same period.

These were Vietjet's introductory Tet fares:

These prices exclude taxes and fees.

They were starting fares advertised during the initial sales period, not guaranteed prices for every flight or departure date.

The direction of travel matters.

Before Tet, many people leave Ho Chi Minh City for Hanoi, Vinh, Thanh Hoa, and other destinations in central and northern Vietnam.

After Tet, demand increases on routes bringing people back to Ho Chi Minh City.

For this reason, do not compare only one fixed pair of round-trip dates.

Search each direction separately and test nearby dates within your available holiday period.

A cheaper ticket that requires additional baggage fees, a date change, or an extra hotel night may not save money overall.

Train tickets: already on sale

Individual train tickets for Tet 2027 are already on sale.

The initial plan included approximately 300,000 long-distance tickets.

The railway's Tet transport period is scheduled to run from January 23 through February 25, 2027.

Depending on your itinerary, you can look for trains departing from Hanoi, Saigon, Da Nang, and other stations along the national railway network.

When booking, double-check the departure station, destination station, travel date, and seat or sleeper category.

Sleeper trains can be a practical choice for travelers who prefer overnight journeys or want to avoid flying.

However, a long train journey is not automatically cheaper than a flight, especially when choosing a more comfortable sleeper berth.

Hotel prices: a real Tet 2027 example

A published hotel price list gives a clearer picture than a general statement that accommodation becomes more expensive.

At A39 Hotel in An Thoi, Phu Quoc, the listed rates for a Double room accommodating two guests are:

The Tet rate is 12.5% higher than the regular high-season price and 50% higher than the standard off-peak rate.

The published prices include VAT but do not include breakfast.

For three nights, the Double room would cost VND 2,700,000 at the listed Tet rate, compared with VND 2,400,000 at the regular high-season rate.

That is one hotel's pricing, but the example illustrates why price comparisons need to use the same room category and booking conditions.

Comparing one night during Tet with an ordinary low-season night several months later can exaggerate the apparent holiday increase.

Before confirming a reservation, check the final total, breakfast, children's supplements, extra beds, check-in time, and cancellation rules.

Are Tet travel packages worth booking?

Packages can be convenient if you want flights, accommodation, and airport transfers arranged together.

However, read exactly what the quoted price includes.

A cheaper package may use a flight arriving late in the evening and another departing early in the morning. That can leave you with considerably less time at the destination.

Another package may cost more but provide two full sightseeing days, checked baggage, and transfers.

Compare packages based on usable days, flight schedules, included services, and cancellation conditions rather than headline prices alone.

Is it better to travel before, during, or after Tet?

These three periods offer very different experiences.

Before Tet: the best time for markets and preparations

Approximately January 30 through February 5, 2027, is a good period for seeing flower markets, decorations, shopping streets, and preparations for Lunar New Year.

However, February 1-5 also falls within the busy period when many people travel home.

International visitors who want to experience Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City before Tet may find it easier to arrive early and remain in one city instead of booking intercity transportation close to New Year's Eve.

During Tet: best for cultural experiences and resort stays

February 6-8, 2027, covers the first three days of Tet.

This is a sensible time to stay in your chosen destination rather than moving between provinces.

You can explore walkable neighborhoods, visit attractions that have confirmed their opening schedules, relax at your accommodation, or participate in official New Year activities.

Avoid filling these three days using the normal opening hours published online.

After Tet: more services reopen, but return travel can be busy

From the fourth day of Tet onward, many businesses may gradually resume operations.

That does not mean every restaurant, attraction, or tour operator will have reopened.

At the same time, people begin returning to major cities for work.

Flights and buses traveling in the same direction as these returning passengers can be particularly busy.

If your dates are flexible, compare departures after February 12 as well, rather than assuming that traveling on the fourth or fifth day of Tet will always be easier.

Three practical itineraries for Tet 2027

These itineraries minimize hotel changes and unnecessary transportation.

Itinerary 1: four days in Hanoi for international visitors

1. Day 1, Feb 4

   Arrive and explore the Old Quarter

   Arrive in Hanoi and check into a hotel near Hoan Kiem Lake.

   Spend the afternoon walking through the Old Quarter, observing preparations for the holiday, and buying any supplies you might need.

   Have dinner somewhere close to the hotel.

2. Day 2, Feb 5

   Experience the final day before Tet

   Visit a flower market, Hang Ma Street, or another neighborhood where New Year preparations are taking place.

   Keep the morning relatively flexible.

   Return to the hotel in the afternoon and have dinner at a restaurant that has confirmed its opening hours.

3. Day 3, Feb 6

   Enjoy New Year's Day

   Start with a walk around Hoan Kiem Lake.

   Do not schedule several ticketed attractions.

   Spend the rest of the day exploring nearby streets, relaxing, or enjoying a New Year meal or activity offered by your hotel.

4. Day 4, Feb 7

   A relaxed cultural visit

   Choose one or two cultural attractions that have confirmed their opening schedules.

   Leave enough time for transportation if you are departing Hanoi that day.

This itinerary is best for travelers interested in the atmosphere of Tet rather than visiting every major landmark.

Itinerary 2: four days in Phu Quoc for families

1. Day 1

   Arrive and settle in

   Fly to Phu Quoc, transfer to your accommodation, and have a meal at the hotel or a restaurant booked in advance.

   Avoid scheduling a tour immediately after your flight.

2. Day 2

   Explore southern Phu Quoc

   Visit an area such as Bai Kem or another destination near An Thoi, depending on your hotel location.

   Confirm the cable car and island tour schedules before purchasing tickets.

3. Day 3

   A resort day

   Spend most of the day swimming, resting, and enjoying the facilities.

   Add one nearby activity if the weather is suitable.

4. Day 4

   Departure

   Have breakfast, check out, and head to the airport.

   Do not schedule a long excursion before your return flight.

For families with young children, daytime flights and accommodation with breakfast are generally more convenient.

If the hotel is far from town, having reliable on-site dining is even more important.

Itinerary 3: five days in Da Nang and Hoi An for couples or friends

1. Day 1

   Arrive in Da Nang

   Check into your hotel, rest, and take a walk near My Khe Beach.

   Keep the evening flexible.

2. Day 2

   Explore Da Nang

   Visit the Marble Mountains or the Museum of Cham Sculpture if open.

   Spend the late afternoon around the Han River.

3. Day 3

   Discover Hoi An

   Travel to Hoi An and explore Tran Phu Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and the area around the Hoai River.

   Start before 9 AM or explore in the late afternoon when walking conditions are more comfortable.

4. Day 4

   Choose one relaxed activity

   Consider a craft village or a food experience that has been confirmed in advance.

   Keep part of the day free in case your preferred activity is unavailable.

5. Day 5

   Depart

   Check out and travel to Da Nang International Airport.

You can stay all four nights in Da Nang or all four nights in Hoi An.

For travelers who dislike changing hotels, there is no need to divide the stay between the two destinations.

Can foreign tourists visit Vietnam during Tet?

Yes. Foreign visitors can enter, stay, and travel in Vietnam during Tet, provided they meet the entry requirements that apply to their nationality and travel documents.

Tet does not cause international airports, hotels, or the entire tourism industry to close.

However, you should make a few preparations that may be less important during an ordinary week.

Check visa requirements before departure

Vietnam offers visa exemptions to certain nationalities and electronic visas to eligible foreign visitors.

Vietnamese electronic visas can be issued for a maximum validity of 90 days, with either single or multiple entries.

The Vietnamese government introduced new official electronic visa application domains in November 2024.

Check the requirements for your passport, permitted length of stay, visa category, and intended entry date before purchasing non-refundable flights.

Do not leave your visa application until immediately before Tet.

Government processing and administrative services can be affected by public holidays, and actual processing times depend on individual applications.

Arrange airport transportation in advance

For first-time visitors, accommodation with English-speaking reception staff and airport transfer assistance can be especially helpful.

If your flight lands late on New Year's Eve or the first day of Tet, confirm how you will get from the airport to your hotel.

Do not rely entirely on finding transportation after arrival.

Save your hotel's address in Vietnamese, its telephone number, and your booking confirmation.

Carry some cash and have mobile internet

Bank cards and electronic payments are widely used in major Vietnamese cities, but some small businesses still prefer cash.

Carry a reasonable amount for meals, short journeys, and incidental expenses.

There is no need to carry large amounts unnecessarily.

Make sure your phone has a working Vietnamese SIM or eSIM so you can contact accommodation providers, check directions, and receive transport updates.

Respect local Tet customs

Tet is primarily a family holiday.

Avoid visiting someone's home on the first day of the lunar year unless invited.

Some Vietnamese families observe the tradition of xong dat, the first visitor to enter a home in the new year, and may have particular expectations about who that person should be.

When visiting temples, pagodas, or communal houses, dress respectfully, follow local instructions, and avoid interrupting people who are praying.

You can greet people with "Chuc mung nam moi," meaning "Happy New Year."

You do not need to know every Vietnamese tradition. Being polite, respecting private family time, and asking before photographing people will generally serve you well.

How to plan a Tet trip with fewer problems

The easiest approach is to confirm the things that are difficult to change first, then build your activities around them.

Book your departure and return transportation first

Airline and railway tickets for Tet 2027 are already on sale.

Check availability in both directions before deciding how many hotel nights to book.

If your trip includes connecting flights, allow enough time between connections.

An overly tight schedule can turn one delayed flight into several additional expenses.

Travelers driving their own vehicles should leave extra time for congestion, rest stops, and weather-related delays.

If you are unfamiliar with mountain roads, especially in fog or rain, hiring a driver who knows the route or using suitable public transportation may be safer and more comfortable.

Choose accommodation with flexible cancellation

When your work schedule or family arrangements are still uncertain, a slightly more expensive room with free cancellation may be worth considering.

Read the actual cancellation deadline.

Some hotels allow free cancellation several days before arrival, while others apply stricter terms during Tet.

For groups, request written confirmation of the number of rooms, bed arrangements, and check-in times.

Confirm restaurants and attractions

About a week before departure, contact the places you plan to visit.

For restaurants, ask which days they will operate, the latest time they accept customers, whether they will serve a special Tet menu, and whether any holiday surcharge applies.

For attractions, confirm ticket sales, guided services, closing times, and any special holiday programs.

For group tours, ask whether the departure is confirmed and what happens if the operator cancels.

Leave room in your schedule

Plan one main activity each day, with one or two smaller nearby stops if time permits.

Do not book an all-day excursion and then force another three attractions into the evening.

Traffic, weather, or changed opening hours can easily delay your plans.

Families with small children should keep at least one free half-day for rest.

Older travelers may also appreciate a slower schedule with enough time for meals and comfortable transportation.

Check everything again before leaving

If an activity has not been confirmed, treat it as optional rather than making it essential to the itinerary.

Conclusion: where should you spend Tet 2027?

For traditional Lunar New Year experiences, choose Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Hoi An and stay in one place during the first few days of Tet. For a family holiday, prioritize Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, or a resort with confirmed dining and transportation services. If your budget is limited, return tickets are unavailable, or you have only a few days off, choose a destination closer to home or travel after the busiest Tet period.