Visiting Vietnam during Tet festival

Hi fellow travelers, First trip to Vietnam. We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet. Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period? Any tips would be welcome. Thanks for your replies.

Hi, Yes and yes. Book it.

Thanks

Hi there, Celebrating Tet in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is truly unforgettable—just like everyone suggests, make sure to book your accommodation early because all Southern Vietnamese return for the occasion. Traffic in the city center is packed, the main Avenue in front of the former palace becomes pedestrian-only, and adjacent streets are closed. During this time, museums stay open, as does the post office. Some small restaurants close as owners head north or to the central regions to join their families. On Tet day, there’s a grand fireworks display. An unforgettable atmosphere! Happy travels!

Thanks Henon for the info. I’ll book well in advance before arriving. Maybe you’d have the address of a nice hotel to recommend?

Hi there, During this trip to central Vietnam, it was supposed to end with Tet in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), and what’s more, it fell on my birthday. The agency managed to negotiate a great price for the hotel "Majestic Hotel"—okay, a little splurge, but it was perfectly located by the Saigon River, bordered by historic Dong Khoi Street on one side and pedestrian Nguyen Hue Street on the other. The street was really lively during Tet. On New Year’s Eve, fireworks were set off and clearly visible from the Majestic’s terrace. This hotel is also steeped in history and has kept its colonial-era style. Breakfast on the terrace is a memorable experience. On Tet evening, the hotel offers a gala dinner. Personally, I just watched it a bit—very fancy, with beautiful live tableaux—but I preferred celebrating Tet in the streets and local neighborhood restaurants. Plan to get around on foot because everything is gridlocked for three days… absolutely wonderful. I didn’t check out the backpacker street, but I already have Tet in Cholon’s Chinatown on the program—hopefully, it won’t be too deserted by Chinese travelers heading home for the occasion. Happy travels!

Thanks Henon, it makes us want to experience this festival after so many Shivaratris in India and Songkrans in Thailand—one more to add to the list! A great opportunity to discover a people. Have a great trip yourselves too.

Good evening, For India, I only experienced "Happy Diwali," but I haven’t visited much of India. Songkran: the first time was 50 years ago!! Safe travels to you too.

Hi Eric, Well, in the end, we won’t arrive in Ho Chi Minh until February 12th for 2 or 3 days. Do you think the festival will be over and that restaurants, money changers, and transport will be back up and running? We’d rather not get stuck too long in a big city. Thanks

Good evening, Based on my experience, about 80-85% of restaurants will be open, currency exchange offices will be operating, and transportation will be running on your dates. The events on Nguyen Hue Avenue should also be open.

Let’s not forget that in 1945/1955 and 1975, Southern Vietnamese who wanted to and had the means and connections left to take refuge in other countries to escape communism. These expats return to the country for the Lunar New Year (Tết) to see their families. They have a reputation for being wealthy, so businesses stay open to trade with the "Việt kiều," the nickname for expats.

It’s a shame to miss Tết, but enjoy your trip! Eric

Thanks so much, Eric, for the info. If we really hit it off with the Vietnamese folks, we’ll come back another year just to experience Tet.

Hi,

Yeah, it's tricky—getting around, finding accommodation, even eating, since lots of small eateries are closed. I avoid Tet now.

Hi Luan, Yes, it’s tricky during the festival itself, but the next Tet will be on Feb 6 and we’ll arrive on Feb 12. My question is whether accommodation and transport will still be packed?

Hi! In Ho Chi Minh City, there’s no major difficulty finding accommodation: many hotels stay open during Tet. Still, it’s best to book in advance to be sure you’ll have a room, since the period is in high demand for both Vietnamese people and foreign tourists.

For getting around, it’s mainly between cities that things can get trickier: flights, trains, and buses are in high demand, so it’s better to book early. Once you’re there, the city is pretty quiet the first few days. Also, keep in mind that some restaurants and shops may close for a few days for the celebrations!

Hello Thanks for your very useful info. Best regards.

hi, Tet usually lasts about ten days, and things start to ease up around six days later.

Thanks for your reply. Best regards