What Is Tet Holiday 2026 and How Will It Affect Your Ha Giang Loop Travel Plans?
- Faye Hilling
- Jan 12
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
If you’re planning a Vietnam trip in early 2026 and the words “Tet holiday 2026” keep rearing their head like an ominous pop-up ad you can’t close—relax.
You’re not doomed. But you do need to understand what Tet is, why Vietnam basically hits pause, and how it affects travel plans… especially if the Ha Giang Loop is on your bucket list.
Tet isn’t just a public holiday. It’s not “Vietnam’s Christmas”. It’s not “Chinese New Year”.
Tet is the moment. The Super Bowl. The family reunion. The annual emotional reset button.
And if you turn up expecting business as usual? Well… let’s just say Tet has other plans.
Let’s get into it.
Quick Summary: Tet Holiday 2026 & Ha Giang Loop TravelTet Holiday 2026 is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year and the country’s most important celebration. In 2026, Tet falls on February 17, with a 9-day nationwide holiday from February 14–22. During Tet:
Ha Giang Loop travel during Tet is not recommended due to closures, limited fuel stops, and unavailable accommodation. Bong Hostel is closed from February 15–20, 2026, but runs special Tet cultural tours from February 2–8 so travellers can experience Tet traditions without the shutdown. |
What Is Tet Holiday in Vietnam? (Lunar New Year Explained)
Tet, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important cultural celebration in the country—by a mile.
The phrase roughly translates to “The Feast of the First Morning”, which already sets the tone: renewal, fresh starts, and symbolic new beginnings.
Rooted in ancient agricultural traditions and shaped by centuries of history, Tet Holiday 2026 marks:
The arrival of spring
The end of the old year
A reset of luck, fortune, and family bonds
Tet blends ancestor worship, family reunions, spiritual rituals, serious eating, and a whole lot of symbolism into one giant national exhale.
This is not a festival you casually squeeze in between sightseeing days. Vietnam revolves around Tet.
Related article: The Best Festivals on the Ha Giang Loop in 2026.
When Is Tet Holiday 2026 Celebrated in Vietnam?
Tet Holiday 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
This marks the start of the Year of the Horse in the Vietnamese zodiac.
However—and this is crucial—Tet is not just one day.
Official Tet Holiday Period 2026
In 2026, Vietnam’s public holiday schedule allows for 9 consecutive days off, running from:
Saturday, February 14 → Sunday, February 22, 2026
That includes:
5 official Tet holiday days
4 weekend days
No swapped working days
Translation? Government offices close. Businesses close. Transport sells out. Entire cities empty as people head home.
If you’re traveling during this window, you need a plan—or you’ll be improvising your way through locked doors.
Tet Holiday Dates for the Next Few Years (For Future Planners)
If you’re planning ahead (we like you already), here’s what’s coming:
2026: February 17 — Year of the Horse
2027: February 6 — Year of the Goat
2028: January 26 — Year of the Monkey
2029: February 13 — Year of the Rooster
2030: February 3 — Year of the Dog
Tet always follows the lunar calendar, which is why the date shifts every year.
Why Is Tet So Important in Vietnam?
If you’ve ever wondered why Vietnam appears to shut down during Tet, here’s the short answer:
Family comes first. Always.
Tet is the one time of year when:
Millions of people return to their hometowns
Families reunite across generations
Ancestors are honoured
Old grudges are dropped
New intentions are set
To prepare for this people:
Clean their homes top to bottom to sweep away bad luck.
Decorate with flowers and fruit trees for prosperity.
Choose their words carefully because how the year begins matters.
There’s a strong belief that: The first actions, visitors, and words of Tet set the tone for the entire year.
So yes—everyone is extra polite. Extra intentional. Extra careful.
Is Tet the Same as Chinese New Year?
Short answer: related, but not identical.
Vietnamese Tet and Chinese New Year share lunar roots and some overlapping traditions, but Vietnam has carved out its own distinct identity.
What’s Similar?
Family reunion dinners
Red envelopes of lucky money (called lì xì in Vietnam)
House cleaning and decorations
New clothes for good luck
Avoiding unlucky words
What’s Different?
Vietnam replaces the Rabbit with the Cat in the zodiac
The Ox becomes the Buffalo
Vietnamese traditions lean more inward and family-focused
Public celebrations quiet down sooner
Strong emphasis on the first visitor of the year (xông đất)
Tet feels less like a public spectacle and more like a deeply personal ritual.
How Do Vietnamese People Celebrate Tet?
Tet unfolds in stages, each with its own meaning.
1. Pre-Tet: The Great Reset
In the days leading up to Tet, Vietnam goes into full preparation mode.
Homes are scrubbed
Altars are cleaned
Markets explode with colour
Peach blossoms and kumquat trees appear everywhere in the north, while yellow apricot blossoms dominate the south. Every flower and fruit symbolises luck, growth, and abundance.
Tet markets buzz with last-minute shoppers buying:
New clothes
Traditional food
Decorations
Gifts for family
It’s chaotic. Loud. Joyful. And very, very Vietnamese.
2. Tet Eve: Honoring the Past
Giao Thừa—New Year’s Eve—is a deeply emotional night.
Families prepare offerings for ancestors: food, fruit, incense, wine.
They invite loved ones who’ve passed away to “return home” spiritually for the new year.
Then comes the reunion meal.
Everyone gathers. Stories are shared. Laughter flows. Fireworks light up the sky.
This is the heart of Tet.
3. New Year’s Day: Starting Fresh
New Year’s Day is all about good beginnings.
Children receive lì xì (lucky money) in red envelopes
People visit relatives and temples
Lion dances and celebrations appear in public spaces
And everyone is watching—because the first visitor of the year is believed to bring fortune or misfortune.
No pressure.
Traditional Tet Foods You’ll See at Lunar New Year
Tet is not the time for grabbing your favorite Banh Mi in Hanoi. It’s rich, symbolic, comfort food season.
1. Bánh Chưng & Bánh Tét
Sticky rice cakes filled with pork and mung beans.Square in the north, cylindrical in the south.Made once a year and steeped in meaning.
2. Thịt Kho
Slow-braised pork and eggs, cooked until golden and tender.Symbolises prosperity and completeness.
3. Xôi Gấc
Bright red sticky rice representing happiness and luck.
4. Dưa Hành
Pickled onions to cut through the richness and reset the palate.
Interesting Fact: If you’re invited to a Vietnamese home during Tet and fed relentlessly—congratulations. You’ve been accepted.
How to Say Happy New Year in Vietnamese
You’ll hear this everywhere:
“Chúc mừng năm mới” (Pronounced: chook moong nahm moi)
Other common Tet greetings:
An Khang Thịnh Vượng: Peace and prosperity
Vạn Sự Như Ý: May everything go your way
Phát Tài Phát Lộc: Wealth and success
Just don’t say anything negative. Ever. Seriously.
Language Taboos: What Not to Say During Tet
During Tet, words matter.
Avoid:
Talking about death, illness, or bad luck
Complaining
Arguments
Debts
Saying “goodbye” (opt for “see you again”)
Think positive thoughts. Speak positive words. Tet is not the time for sarcasm.
Traveling in Vietnam During Tet Holiday 2026: What to Expect
Here’s where things get real.
Traveling in Vietnam during Tet Holiday 2026 can be magical… or mildly traumatic—depending on expectations.
The Good Side to Travel During Tet in Vietnam
Beautiful flower markets
Fireworks and celebrations
Cultural immersion at its peak
Quieter streets and roads once cities empty
The Challenges that Tet Holiday Causes Travelers
1. Closures Everywhere
Many businesses shut for 3–5 days. Some for longer.
Museums? Closed.
Local restaurants? Closed.
Tour operators? Often closed.
2. Transport Chaos
Trains, buses, and flights sell out weeks—sometimes months—in advance.
Miss your booking? You’re not improvising. You’re waiting.
Pssst! And don’t forget extra-long delays and lines at immigration counters.
3. Higher Prices
Hotels and transport can jump 30–50%.
Top Tip: Bargaining is discouraged during Tet—it’s considered bad luck.
4. Crowds Where You Least Want Them
Temples and popular spots can be packed at peak times.
Related article: Ha Giang Loop Tourism in 2026: Where Crowds Are—and How to Avoid Them.
5. Petty Crime Increases
Festive chaos attracts opportunists. Keep your wits (and your bag) close.
How Tet Holiday 2026 Affects Ha Giang Loop Travel Plans
Now for the big one.
If you’re planning to ride the Ha Giang Loop during Tet Holiday 2026, here’s the honest truth: It’s not business as usual—and it shouldn’t be.
Homestays close
Restaurants shut
Fuel stops can be limited
Local families are celebrating, not hosting
At Bong Hostel, we’ve supported thousands of travelers through peak seasons, festivals, and Tet closures across northern Vietnam.
We plan our tours around local traditions—not over them—because cultural respect is part of responsible travel here.
Is Bong Hostel Open During Tet 2026?
Short answer: No.
Bong Hostel Tet Closure 2026
Closed: February 15 → February 20, 2026
Ha Giang Loop tours paused during this period
This isn’t a logistical issue. It’s a considerate decision.
Tet is family time. For our staff, guides, drivers—everyone.
Any company running full tours during Tet should get a raised eyebrow. Culture matters.
Related article: Bong Hostel Closure Guide | Vietnamese Lunar New Year.
Ha Giang Loop Tet Holiday Closure Timeline (2026)
Tet holiday travel timeline for the Ha Giang Loop in 2026 is as follows:
Feb 2–8: Tet cultural tours
Feb 11–12: Last Loop tours
Feb 14: Final bus to Hanoi only
Feb 15–20: Tet closure
Feb 20: First bus back to Ha Giang (7pm)
Feb 21: Ha Giang Loop tours resume
Last Tour Dates and Buses Before Tet Closure
Before Tet Celebrations begin our last tour dates are as follows:
Last 4-day tour: February 11, 2026
Last 3-day tour: February 12, 2026
Last bus Ha Giang → Hanoi: February 14, 2026 (7pm)
And then it's all about celebrating, for the people of Ha Giang.
But… There Is Some Good News
Before Tet officially begins, Bong Hostel runs limited Tet cultural experience tours earlier in February.
Tet Cultural Tours (Early February 2026)
These tours run February 2 – February 8 and offer:
Hands-on Bánh Chưng making
Village visits
Tet preparations with local families
A deeper, quieter cultural experience
You get the meaning of Tet—without the shutdown.
For more information about these tours, click here: Ha Giang Loop Tet Holiday Tours 2026 | Bong Hostel.
What Happens After Tet Holiday 2026?
Vietnam doesn’t stay closed forever.
Once Tet wraps up:
Businesses reopen
Prices normalise
Transport resumes
Tours restart
Bong Hostel After Tet
First bus Hanoi → Ha Giang: February 20 (7pm)
First tours restart: February 21, 2026
Refreshed staff. Full energy. Back to doing what we do best.
FAQs: Tet Holiday 2026 & Ha Giang Loop Travel
Q. Is Bong Hostel Hanoi open during Tet 2026?
A. No. Bong Hostel Ha Giang is closed February 15–20, 2026.
Q. Are Ha Giang Loop tours available during Tet?
A. No. Tours pause during the holiday.
Q. When is the last tour before Tet?
A. As follows:
Last 4-day tour: February 11, 2026
Last 3-day tour: February 12, 2026
Q. When do tours restart after Tet?
A. February 21, 2026.
Q. Should I avoid Vietnam during Tet?
A. Honestly, we do not advise traveling during Tet holiday—but you should definitely plan around it. Witnessing the buzz of energy on either side of Tet is a worthwhile experience for culture enthusiasts!
Final Thoughts on Traveling During Tet Holiday 2026
Tet Holiday 2026 isn’t an inconvenience. It’s the soul of Vietnam on full display. But it demands respect.
Plan wisely. Time your travel.
And understand that sometimes, the best journeys happen when you don’t try to force your schedule onto a culture that’s been doing things its own way for thousands of years.
At Bong Hostel, we’ll be waiting with our Special Ha Giang Loop Tours to put Tet celebrations in the spotlight for you early.
That way, you can get a taste for Tet Holiday 2026 before the country closes!