Ah, Tet! It’s Vietnam’s most anticipated celebration of the year, a mix of family reunions, cultural traditions, and… chaos for unsuspecting travelers.
If you’ve been dreaming of pho and banh mi while weaving through the energetic streets of Hanoi or lounging by the crystal clear waters of Ha Long Bay, you might want to double-check your travel dates.
Why? Because if your trip to Vietnam coincides with Tet 2025, you could be in for a few surprises—many of them less-than-pleasant for a tourist. For example, at Bong Hostel we’ll be closing up shop for Tet so our team can head home to their families.
So, before you plan your adventure, let's break down what happens in Vietnam during Tet and why it might not be the dream scenario for your vacation.
Spoiler alert: it’s not you, it’s Tet.
What is Tet? A Snake-y Start to the Year in Vietnam
Tet, short for Tết Nguyên Đán, is the celebration of Vietnamese Lunar New Year, which is like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and your birthday all rolled into one epic celebration.
It’s more than just a New Year’s party; it’s a deeply rooted cultural event focusing on family, luck, the arrival of spring, and renewal. In 2025, the zodiac calendar ushers in the Year of the Snake and will be officially celebrated on January 29th.
Why is Celebrating Tet So Important in Vietnam?
For Vietnamese people, Tet represents:
Reunion and Togetherness
Tet is the ultimate family holiday. Many Vietnamese return to their hometowns, often traveling long distances, to pay respects to their ancestors and spend time with loved ones.
Family altars are meticulously cleaned and adorned with offerings such as fruits, flowers, and incense to honor deceased family members.
Many people also visit the graves of their ancestors to clean and decorate them before the new year begins.
Luck, Prosperity, and Renewal
Tet customs are steeped in symbolism meant to bring good fortune and happiness for the coming year.
Homes are cleaned to sweep away bad luck (but not during the first days of Tet, as sweeping then is said to chase away good fortune). New clothes, often in red or yellow for luck and prosperity, are worn to symbolize a fresh start.
Lucky Money (Lì xì) is stuffed into red envelopes and given to children and younger relatives by adults to wish them success and prosperity in the new year. The amount doesn’t matter as much as the gesture, which is meant to symbolize good fortune.
Cultural and Spiritual Practices
Tet is also about cultural traditions. Offerings are made at family altars, temples, and pagodas to seek blessings for the new year.
Traditional lion dances are performed in neighborhoods, bringing energy and warding off evil spirits. Folk games, water puppet shows, and other cultural events are also common in both rural and urban settings.
Special care is taken with behavior during Tet, as the first actions and words are believed to set the tone for the entire year.
Why is Visiting Vietnam During Tet a No-Go?
So there you have it, during Tet the streets bloom with flower markets, houses gleam from top-to-bottom cleaning sprees, and everyone exchanges good wishes (and envelopes stuffed with cash).
But for tourists, the magic of Tet can quickly morph into logistical nightmares. Here are the reasons why you might want to rethink that plan:
1. Vietnam Turns Into a Giant ‘Closed’ Sign
Imagine walking through bustling markets and vibrant streets of Hanoi, only to find... crickets.
During Tet, most businesses, tourist attractions, restaurants, and even convenience stores shut down. Museums? Closed. Your favorite noodle stand? Nope. Even our Bong Hostel tours? You guessed it—We're afraid not!
Sure, you might stumble upon the odd open spot, but chances are you’ll be greeted with a sign that says, "See you after Tet!"
2. The Tet Tax: Everything Costs More
Inflation who? During Tet, prices soar. Whether it’s your favorite banh mi or a Grab ride, expect a "Tet surcharge."
Locals aren’t spared from this price hike either—it's a seasonal inevitability. So, while you’re shelling out more for less, you might start questioning your vacation timing.
3. Transport Woes: Good Luck Getting a Seat
Vietnamese families use Tet as a time for reunions, meaning trains, buses, and planes are booked solid months in advance.
If you’re trying to snag a last-minute ride, you might be left watching fully-loaded buses zoom past as you wave from the curb.
4. The Crime Spike: Watch Your Bags (and Back)
Tet brings joy but also a spike in petty crimes, particularly theft.
It’s not uncommon for opportunistic pickpockets and burglars to take advantage of the season's hustle and bustle. Guard your belongings like your life depends on it.
5. Trash Troubles and Traffic Chaos
As families prep for Tet, streets become mountains of uncollected trash. Mix that with the Tet traffic rush, and you’ve got a recipe for urban mayhem.
Not exactly the picturesque vacation vibe, is it?
Visiting Vietnam During Tet: Silver Linings
Traditional Tet Celebrations
Okay, Tet isn’t all bad. If you’re a long-term traveler or digital nomad stuck in Vietnam, here are a few upsides:
1. Tet Flowers
The streets pop with colorful flowers and kumquat trees ripe with golden fruits. Bright yellow marigolds, peach blossoms, and bonsai trees line every corner, alongside lanterns, lights, and banners wishing prosperity and happiness.
2. Peace and Quiet (Finally)
When Tet officially kicks off, Vietnam transforms into an eerie yet peaceful ghost town. No construction noises, minimal traffic, and quiet beaches—perfect for some much-needed R&R.
3. Cultural Immersion (From a Distance)
If you are honored enough to snag a local invite, Tet offers a fascinating peek into Vietnamese traditions.
From preparing feasts, leaving offerings at pagodas, performing ancestor worship rituals, and watching lion dances in the street, it’s a cultural goldmine—just not one that’s particularly tourist-friendly.
4. Food and Feasting
Food is central to Tet celebrations. Families prepare traditional dishes like:
Bánh chưng (square sticky rice cakes) and bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cakes): These symbolize the earth and the sky.
Thịt kho tàu (caramelized pork and eggs): A comforting and indulgent dish.
Candied fruits, dried nuts, and seeds are served as snacks for visitors.
If you’re lucky to be invited, then eating family-style (sharing meals) is a way of fostering unity and hospitality during Tet.
Modern Tet Celebrations
While the essence of Tet remains traditional, cities like Hanoi, have embraced more modern twists:
Fireworks Displays
Major cities host spectacular fireworks shows on New Year’s Eve. These displays draw large crowds and are a highlight of the holiday for both locals and visitors.
Tet Festivals and Street Fairs
Shopping malls, city promenades, and public squares are decorated with Tet themes, featuring cultural exhibits, modern light displays, and street food stalls.
Travel and Leisure
Increasingly, younger Vietnamese use Tet as an opportunity for travel, either to visit tourist hotspots within Vietnam or to explore destinations abroad.
This trend leaves some cities, particularly major urban centers, less crowded than usual during the holiday week.
The Bong Hostel Tet Survival Guide
If your trip to Vietnam absolutely has to happen during Tet, follow these tips to avoid complete vacation doom:
1. Stock Up
Groceries, snacks, water, SIM cards—get everything you need well before Tet starts. Trust us, you don’t want to be scouring for supplies when the city shuts down.
2. Follow Social Media Closures
Check the Instagram and Facebook pages of your favorite cafes and restaurants. Many post their Tet hours ahead of time.
3. Embrace the Quiet
Use the downtime to take peaceful walks, explore quieter, less touristy areas, or catch up on your reading list. Who knows? It might just be the detox you didn’t know you needed.
4. Be Ready to Pay More
Budget a little extra for inflated prices, and avoid haggling too aggressively—it’s Tet, and everyone is just trying to get by.
5. Participate Respectfully
Observe or join in Tet celebrations, such as visiting flower markets or attending cultural performances. Show respect for local customs and traditions.
Alternatives to a Tet-Time Trip to Vietnam
If you’re open to rescheduling your Vietnam trip, consider visiting right before or after Tet. Before Tet, the country buzzes with pre-holiday excitement—flower markets bloom, streets bustle, and the atmosphere is electric.
Post-Tet, everything gradually reopens, and the tourist sites are less crowded as locals ease back into their routines.
Better yet, visit Vietnam during its other festivals, like the Mid-Autumn Festival or the Buckwheat Flower Festival. These offer incredible cultural experiences without the logistical headaches.
Why and How Bong Hostel Goes Dark During Tet
At Bong Hostel—both Bong Hanoi and Bong Ha Giang—we value family as much as we value our guests.
Tet is a time for our staff to head home, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.
That’s why we’ll be closed from January 25th to February 1st, 2025. The last 4-day tour will leave on the 24th January and the last 3-day tour will run on the 25th January. After this no Ha Giang Loop tours (or any others) running will be running until we reopen.
As we prepare for Tet, the last bus to Ha Giang City will run on 24th January 2025, and the last bus back to Hanoi will leave on 27th January 2025. But don't worry, the next bus to Ha Giang will leave Hanoi on February1st to get you here in time for tours on the 2nd.
We hope you’ll understand and plan accordingly!
Final Thoughts: Tet’s a No From Us
While Tet is an awe-inspiring cultural celebration, it’s not the most tourist-friendly time for a trip to Vietnam. Between closures, price hikes, and logistical challenges, you’re better off avoiding this period for your vacation.
But don’t worry! Vietnam’s charm, beauty, and culture are waiting for you outside of Tet season, and Bong Hostel will be ready to welcome you with open arms once the festivities are over.
So, pick a better time, pack your bags, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime—just not during Tet, okay? We’ll save a bunk bed and a bowl of pho for you.
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