Vietnamese New Year (Tet Festival) in 2027: Date, Activities, Tips

Tet (Tết Nguyên Đán, often shortened to Tet) is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the country's most important annual celebration. It marks the beginning of the lunar year and is traditionally associated with good fortune, family reunions and honoring ancestors.

Families travel home, clean and decorate their houses, prepare special New Year's meals and give red envelopes to children. For visitors, Tet offers an opportunity to learn about Vietnamese traditions and see how local communities welcome the new year. However, it is also a time when many families take a break from work, and some shops, restaurants and attractions operate on reduced schedules.

Is Tet a Good Time to Visit Vietnam?

Yes, traveling in Vietnam during Tet offers a different experience from visiting at other times of the year. It is best suited to travelers who value cultural experiences and are comfortable with advance planning.

Streets and public spaces may be decorated for the new year, and you may see families visiting temples, enjoying flower displays and gathering for festive meals. If experiencing Vietnamese New Year traditions is a priority, visiting during Tet can be worthwhile.

However, many family-run shops and restaurants close for at least part of the holiday, and some tours and local experiences operate on limited schedules. Hotels, major attractions and selected tourist services may remain open, but availability and opening hours vary by location and date.

When Is Tet 2027 in Vietnam?

Tet falls on Saturday, February 6, 2027. Lunar New Year's Eve is Friday, February 5.

Tet follows the lunar calendar, so its date changes each year on the Gregorian calendar, usually falling in late January or February. Because the lunar year is shorter than the solar year, the date generally shifts earlier, but the addition of a leap month in some lunar years can move it later. The dates and zodiac animals for recent and upcoming years are listed below.

The zodiac year changes at Tet rather than on January 1. The Vietnamese zodiac is similar to the Chinese zodiac, but Vietnam has the Cat in place of the Rabbit.

Year	Tet (Lunar New Year)	Day	Zodiac Animal	Vietnamese Name
2025	January 29	Wednesday	Snake	Ất Tỵ
2026	February 17	Tuesday	Horse	Bính Ngọ
2027	February 6	Saturday	Goat	Đinh Mùi
2028	January 26	Wednesday	Monkey	Mậu Thân
2029	February 13	Tuesday	Rooster	Kỷ Dậu
2030	February 3	Sunday	Dog	Canh Tuất

Key Dates for Tet 2027

The official public-sector holiday runs from February 4 to 10, although private businesses may follow different schedules.

The main celebrations take place around New Year's Eve and the first three days of the lunar year. During this period, many family-run shops and restaurants close, and domestic travel demand can be high. Some businesses reopen afterward, but opening hours vary.

Based on our experience operating tours in Vietnam during Tet, we generally recommend that our guests arrive from the fourth day of the lunar new year onward. The festive atmosphere is still strong, while more shops and restaurants gradually reopen, making it easier to enjoy local experiences.

The Lantern Festival falls on February 20, 2027, the 15th day of the first lunar month.

 

Top Cities to Visit During Tet

Hanoi

Hanoi offers a mix of traditional Tet customs, historic landmarks and seasonal decorations. The Temple of Literature may host spring calligraphy activities, where visitors can watch calligraphers write auspicious characters and learn about their meanings. The Old Quarter is also worth exploring, although individual shops and restaurants may have different holiday schedules.

Fireworks and other New Year's Eve events may take place at designated locations around the city. Check the official schedule for 2027 before making plans, as event locations and access arrangements can change.

Hotels and some restaurants in central Hanoi generally continue serving visitors during Tet, but it is advisable to confirm opening hours and make dining reservations in advance.

Hoi An

Hoi An Ancient Town is known for its lantern-lit streets, historic architecture and riverside atmosphere. During Tet, the town may feature festive decorations, traditional activities and seasonal food stalls, although the availability of individual businesses varies.

You can explore the Ancient Town, enjoy an evening walk along the Hoai River or visit Tra Que Village to learn about local farming traditions. Lantern activities, performances and boat trips depend on operating schedules and weather conditions, so confirm arrangements before your visit.

Some tailor shops and other small businesses may close for several days or longer during the holiday. If you plan to order custom clothing or purchase locally made products, allow extra time.

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City celebrates Tet with flower displays, festive decorations and public events. Nguyen Hue Flower Street is a well-known seasonal attraction, featuring elaborate floral installations and decorations whose themes change each year.

New Year's Eve may bring fireworks and large public gatherings at designated locations. Streets around event areas can become crowded, and traffic restrictions may apply. If you plan to watch the celebrations, check the official event schedule and consider staying within walking distance of your chosen viewing area.

Many hotels and some restaurants in tourist districts remain open during Tet, although reservations are recommended for special dinners and popular dining venues.

Hue

Hue offers an opportunity to explore Vietnam's imperial history alongside traditional Tet customs. You can visit the Imperial Citadel, explore historic pagodas and take a boat trip along the Perfume River if services are operating.

A home visit with a Vietnamese family can be a particularly meaningful experience. Depending on availability, you may exchange New Year greetings, share tea and candied fruit, learn about family customs and enjoy a home-cooked Tet meal featuring traditional dishes.

Many small businesses in Hue close for at least part of the holiday. If your priority is visiting local shops and exploring the city at a flexible pace, consider scheduling Hue outside the busiest days around New Year's Eve and the first few days of the lunar year.

Phu Quoc Island

If you'd like to combine Vietnam's Lunar New Year celebrations with a few days by the sea, Phu Quoc Island is worth considering. February is usually part of the island's dry season, with favorable conditions for beach time, snorkeling, and relaxing at a beachfront resort. It can be a good addition to a southern Vietnam itinerary, especially after exploring Ho Chi Minh City.

Keep in mind that Tet is a busy holiday period for domestic travelers, and Phu Quoc can be particularly popular with Vietnamese families. Flights, resort stays, and island excursions may be in high demand, so booking ahead is recommended. Some local businesses and services may also adjust their opening hours during the holiday.

Crowds & Costs During Tet

Tet is one of Vietnam's busiest domestic travel periods. Popular destinations, especially Phu Quoc, can attract large numbers of Vietnamese families, while flights, hotels, and popular excursions may be in high demand. Major cities can also feel quieter than usual as some local businesses close for the holiday.

For a comfortable private tour during Tet, budget from around US$180–200 per person per day and upwards, including a private car and driver, an English-speaking guide, and 4-star hotels, based on two people sharing a room. Actual costs depend on your destinations, hotel choices, and travel dates, and may be higher during the holiday.

If possible, avoid scheduling domestic flights between Lunar New Year's Eve and the fourth day of Tet, when demand for air travel can be particularly high and tickets may be difficult to secure.

Weather During Tet

February brings noticeably different weather across Vietnam. Northern Vietnam is cool and can feel damp, central Vietnam is generally milder but may still see rain, while southern Vietnam is warmer and typically drier. If beach time is a priority, Phu Quoc is usually a stronger choice than destinations farther north, although local weather and sea conditions can vary.

Destination	Avg. High	Avg. Low
Hanoi	20°C (68°F)	14°C (57°F)
Ha Long Bay	20°C (68°F)	15°C (59°F)
Hue	25°C (77°F)	19°C (66°F)
Hoi An & Da Nang	26°C (79°F)	20°C (68°F)
Ho Chi Minh City	33°C (91°F)	23°C (73°F)
Phu Quoc	31°C (88°F)	24°C (75°F)
Nha Trang	28°C (82°F)	22°C (72°F)

Travel Tips During the Tet Festival

Book Restaurants in Advance

Tet is an important family holiday, and many local restaurants close for part of the celebration. Hotel restaurants and some tourist-oriented venues may remain open, but availability can be limited, especially around Lunar New Year's Eve. Confirm opening hours and reserve dinner in advance if you have a particular restaurant in mind.

Will Tet Affect Airports, Customs and Visas

Airports and border control continue to operate during Tet, although flights and airport transfers can be busy around peak travel dates. Government offices may close for the holiday, so arrange your visa and entry documents well in advance. Check your airline's guidance and allow extra time for transfers, particularly if you have a connecting flight.

Visa services may be suspended during the Tet holiday, and applications submitted during this period may not be processed until services resume. If you need a visa, apply at least 7 working days before the holiday. Once your e-visa is issued, carefully check your personal details, passport information, and entry and exit dates. If you find any errors, reapply immediately, as corrections may not be possible during the holiday.

Preparing Cash for Tet

Banks may close during the Tet holiday, and some local businesses may operate on reduced hours. Withdraw enough cash in advance and carry smaller denominations for everyday expenses, especially if you plan to visit smaller towns or local markets.

Is Tet Suitable for Children or Older Travelers

Yes. Tet can be a rewarding time for families to experience Vietnamese traditions, provided the itinerary allows enough time to rest. A private tour offers more flexibility with sightseeing times, transfers and daily activities. To avoid unnecessary travel during the busiest period, keep intercity transfers to a minimum around Lunar New Year's Eve and the first few days of the new year, and confirm any special activities in advance.

Planning a Vietnam trip over Tet? Share your travel dates, group size, and interests with us. We'll help you plan a private itinerary around the holiday schedule, with transport and cultural experiences arranged in advance.