Where to Go During Tet in Vietnam: Best Destinations, Travel Tips & Visa Essentials

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is Vietnam’s most important national holiday — and it significantly reshapes daily life across the country. From business closures to transport shortages, Tet can affect travel plans more than newcomers expect.

In 2026, Tet falls on Tuesday 17 February, and the official public-sector holiday runs for 9 consecutive days (14–22 February 2026).

Whether you plan to stay in Ho Chi Minh City or take a short break away, this guide covers the most practical destinations and the key planning points to travel smoothly during Tet.

What to Expect During Tet (and Why Timing Matters)

1) Ho Chi Minh City slows down — especially during the first 2–3 days

Ho Chi Minh City doesn’t “shut down” entirely, but the rhythm changes noticeably during the early Tet days. Many locally owned businesses pause operations as families return to their hometowns to celebrate — particularly:

• smaller restaurants and cafés

• street food stalls

• family-run shops and services

That said, essential services usually remain available in central districts, including:

• international hotels

• convenience stores and supermarkets (often with reduced hours)

• malls and selected larger restaurant chains

2) The holiday continues beyond Day 3 — and travel remains busy

A common misconception is that Tet “ends” after the first few celebration days. In reality, the national holiday continues until 22 February, which means many residents travel after the core celebrations to use the remaining days off.

This often results in:

• heavier traffic on major routes

• longer wait times for transport

• increased demand in popular destinations

How Busy Is Tet Travel in Vietnam?

Tet is one of Vietnam’s peak travel periods every year. During Tet 2025, Vietnam recorded:

• 12.5 million domestic visitors (+19% vs 2024)

• ~2.1 million visitors in Ho Chi Minh City alone

• nearly 7.3 million air passengers (domestic + international) during the Tet travel window

These figures explain why availability tightens quickly — and why booking early directly improves comfort, price, and flexibility.

Best Places to Go During Tet 2026

Option 1 — Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Tet highlights without long-distance travel

If you want to experience Tet traditions, decorations, and seasonal events without dealing with transport congestion, staying in Ho Chi Minh City is a strong choice — especially for first-time visitors.

Nguyen Hue Flower Street (a Tet classic)

Nguyen Hue Flower Street is one of the city’s key seasonal attractions, combining large-scale decoration, light displays, and a festive walking atmosphere.

For Tet 2026, it is expected to follow a day-and-night concept and remain open from 7:00 PM (15 February) to 9:00 PM (22 February).

Best for: first-time Tet experience, city walks, photos, and short outings.

Option 2 — Beach break: a simple reset with minimal logistics

If your priority is to recharge, a short beach escape is often the easiest and most convenient Tet option — especially from Ho Chi Minh City.

Recommended coastal getaways:

• Vung Tau — quick, convenient, ideal for 1–2 nights

• Mui Ne / Phan Thiet — relaxed beach towns with resort options

• Phu Quoc — ideal for longer stays, but usually sells out early

Best for: relaxation, resort stays, sunshine, and low-effort travel.

Option 3 — Nature and cooler weather: a calmer alternative

For travellers seeking fresh air, greenery, and a quieter pace, nature destinations offer a welcome contrast to the most crowded coastal areas.

Recommended escapes:

• Da Lat — cool weather, cafés, gardens, slower tempo

• Sapa — mountain scenery and a more adventurous trip (book early)

• Ninh Binh (North) — countryside stays and iconic landscapes

Best for: couples, nature lovers, and travellers looking for calm.

Option 4 — Regional getaway: leaving Vietnam during Tet

Some residents choose to travel outside Vietnam during Tet to avoid reduced schedules, enjoy uninterrupted services, and fully change environments.

Easy regional options include:

• Cambodia — cultural trips, history, relaxed short stays

• Thailand — Bangkok for energy, Chiang Mai for a slower break

• Singapore — structured, convenient, ideal for short resets

Best for: travellers who prefer a predictable travel experience during a period of national slowdown.

Visa & Entry Essentials

Entry rules can change, so always verify official sources close to departure — especially during peak holiday travel.

Cambodia

Most travelers need a tourist visa to enter Cambodia. A common option is the official Cambodia e-Visa (availability depends on nationality).

Good to know: Cambodia announced reduced e-Visa fees, with the Tourist e-Visa (“T”) lowered from USD 36 to USD 30.

Thailand

Many travelers can enter Thailand visa-free under the Visa Exemption program, but the length of authorized stay varies by nationality and can change based on current rules.

Singapore

Singapore offers visa-free entry for short stays for many nationalities, depending on passport type and travel purpose. The most reliable reference is the Singapore ICA (Immigration & Checkpoints Authority).

Indonesia (Bali)

Indonesia provides Visa on Arrival (VOA) and e-VOA options for many travelers (depending on nationality). The official fee is IDR 500,000 (~USD 30).

Important: Bali also applies a tourist levy (IDR 150,000) for international arrivals.

Tet is one of the most distinctive times to experience Vietnam — quieter in the cities, festive in atmosphere, and often memorable for first-time residents. With smart planning and the right destination choice, it can be an ideal opportunity to reset, explore, and start the year with a fresh perspective.