Tết is Vietnam’s most important holiday.
It marks the Lunar New Year and a full cultural reset.

Before Tết: cities are vibrant and crowded.
During Tết: families reunite, fireworks light the sky.
After midnight on New Year’s Eve: streets turn unexpectedly quiet.

Daily routines change. Services slow down. The country moves at a different rhythm.

If you’re visiting Vietnam during Tết 2026, here’s what you need to know.

Tet 2026 Timeline

Official 9-day holiday
Start: Saturday, Feb 14, 2026
End: Sunday, Feb 22, 2026

Expect:

• 2-5 days of full slowdown (from Feb 15 - Feb 19)
• Gradual normalization after Feb 18

Top Activities to Do During Tết

Fireworks on Giao Thừa (New Year’s Eve) - Feb 16

At exactly midnight, fireworks begin across Vietnam.

After the show ends, something unique happens:
within 1–2 hours, the city empties.

People go home. Streets become calm. It feels surreal.

Popular spots: Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake; Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyen Hue Walking Street view to Saigon River; Da Nang: Han River

Temple & Pagoda Visits (Day 1–3 | Feb 16-18)

Right after fireworks and during the first three days, locals visit pagodas to pray for:

• Health
• Prosperity
• Peace

Dress modestly. Speak softly. Move slowly.

In Hanoi, at the Temple of Literature, people ask for calligraphy (“xin chữ”) from traditional scholars (thầy đồ) — wishing for academic and career success in the new year.

This is deeply cultural, not tourist entertainment.

Flower Streets, Markets & Ao Dai Culture

Before Tết, cities transform into open-air photo studios.

• North: Peach blossoms
• South: Yellow apricot flowers

Families dress in Áo Dài, Vietnam’s traditional outfit, and take photos everywhere: streets, parks, coffee shops.

Best time: 3–6PM before sunset.

This is one of the most visually beautiful weeks of the year.

Food & Drinks (F&B During Tết)

Most Tết food is homemade and eaten with family. You'll see:

Bánh chưng / Bánh tét
Sticky rice cake with pork & mung bean.

Mứt (candied fruits)
Served with tea to welcome guests.

Pickled vegetables (Dưa món)
Balance heavy holiday meals.

Family reunion meals
Large multi-dish gatherings.

Practical Reality:

• Many local restaurants close 3–5 days
• Always check Google Map, Hotline or Facebook fanpage
• Tourist restaurants stay open
• Expect holiday surcharge (10–30%)

Coffee chains usually reopen earlier than small eateries.

Finance & Daily Logistics

Tết is a nationwide slowdown.

What changes:

• Banks close
• Government offices pause except hospital
• Delivery services operate limited hours
• ATMs may run out of cash

What stays open:

• Convenience stores
• Tourist areas
• Major supermarkets like Winmart, Go!
• Ride-hailing (with surge pricing)

Smart Tips:

• Prepare enough cash before New Year’s Eve
• Use digital payments like Fizen QR Pay
• Expect slower customer support responses

This is cultural rhythm, not service failure.

🎎 Cultural Etiquette & Local Vibe

• Respect Family Time: Tết belongs to families.
  Don’t expect fast business replies.
• Dress Thoughtfully, avoid all black (symbolizes mourning), revealing clothing in temples. Red = Luck: red represents prosperity and good fortune.
• No Sweeping on Day 1: Locals avoid sweeping — it symbolically sweeps away luck.
• Lì Xì (Lucky Money): If invited to a Vietnamese home, small red envelopes for children are appreciated, use new, clean bills
• Avoid Negative Energy during Tết: No arguing; no complaining, no unlucky words, the first days are believed to shape the entire year.

Final Thought

Tết is not a tourist event.
It is a national reset.

If you prepare early, move slowly, and respect the rhythm,
you’ll experience Vietnam at its most authentic moment.

Quiet streets. Red lanterns. Family laughter behind closed doors.

Welcome to Vietnam's Tết 2026. 💜