Vietnamese New Year: The Ultimate Guide to Tet Vietnam 2026

Vietnamese New Year, known as Tet, does not arrive with countdowns or spectacle. It follows the moon, easing gently into daily life and subtly reshaping the country’s rhythm. For a few days each year, Vietnam turns inward. Families return home. Familiar spaces are renewed. Time is measured by reflection rather than urgency.

In 2026, Tet begins on February 17, opening a new lunar cycle shaped by quiet intention and renewal. For travelers, this season offers a rare chance to see Vietnam beyond movement and routine. Traditions are not staged but lived. Streets feel calmer, mornings more spacious, and everyday rituals carry deeper meaning. Tet reveals itself through atmosphere rather than performance.

What Is Tet in Vietnam?

Tet, short for Tet Nguyen Dan, marks Vietnam’s Lunar New Year. Yet its meaning extends far beyond the idea of a public holiday. Tet is a threshold, a gentle pause when attention turns toward family, memory, and the year about to begin. It is less a celebration than a transition, shaped by presence, continuity, and care.

Tet as a moment of return and renewal

At its heart, Tet is about return. Across the country, families reunite, drawing together generations through shared meals, familiar rituals, and time spent without haste. These moments are unspoken affirmations of connection, grounded in presence rather than schedule.

Tet is also a season of remembrance. Homes honour ancestors through altars and offerings prepared with quiet intention, acknowledging the continuity between past and present. From this reflection emerges renewal. The new year is welcomed with the belief that harmony at its beginning sets the tone for what follows.

The sensory world of Tet

As Tet approaches, its presence is felt first through the senses. Flower markets appear across cities and towns, filled with peach and apricot blossoms chosen as much for symbolism as for beauty. Streets soften into hues of pink, yellow, and green, creating an atmosphere that feels composed yet expectant.

Calligraphy adds another layer to the season. Artists brush wishes for peace, prosperity, and good fortune onto red paper, offering words not as decoration, but as intention. In kitchens and courtyards, traditional dishes such as banh chung and banh tet are prepared with care, their familiar aromas marking the approach of the new year.

The Origins and Evolution of Tet

Tet did not begin as a festival in the modern sense. It emerged as a natural pause shaped by the land, the seasons, and the moon. In early Vietnam, when life followed agricultural rhythms, the arrival of spring marked a moment to realign with nature, give thanks, and prepare for what lay ahead.

Over centuries, Tet absorbed regional influences through the lunar calendar, yet it was never simply adopted. Vietnamese communities reshaped these elements through their own values, placing family, ancestral respect, and continuity at the centre. Today, Tet remains a living tradition, moving fluidly between past and present. Its meaning endures not through spectacle, but through intention and balance.

When Is Tet In Vietnam?

Tet follows the rhythm of the moon rather than the Western calendar. It begins on the first new moon of the lunar year, which is why its date shifts annually, typically falling between late January and mid-February. This movement reflects harmony with nature rather than uncertainty.

Each Tet also marks the beginning of a new year within the twelve-year zodiac cycle. These symbols subtly shape greetings, decorations, and hopes for the year ahead, adding a shared layer of cultural storytelling.

Upcoming Tet dates:

• 2025: January 29
• 2026: February 17
• 2027: February 7
• 2028: January 27
• 2029: February 13
• 2030: February 3

The 3 Phases of Tet for Travelers

Tet is best experienced as a sequence rather than a single day. For travelers, it unfolds across three distinct phases.

Before Tet brings colour and anticipation. Flower markets glow into the evening, homes are refreshed, and the energy feels purposeful yet unhurried. This is the most visually expressive period, ideal for observation and exploration.

During Tet, attention turns inward. Families gather, streets grow quieter, and mornings feel unusually spacious. Temple visits and shared meals take precedence, creating an atmosphere defined by presence rather than activity.

After Tet, the country gently reawakens. Shops reopen, movement returns, and the festive spirit lingers. This phase offers the most balanced experience, combining cultural atmosphere with ease and accessibility.

How Vietnam Transforms During Tet

Tet transforms Vietnam not through sudden change, but through a gradual shift in mood and movement. The country does not stop. It reorients. Attention turns inward, routines soften, and familiar places begin to reveal a quieter, more reflective character shaped by memory and collective tradition.

Cities ease as families return home

In the days leading up to Tet, movement across Vietnam reaches its annual peak as families travel home to reunite. This shared migration reshapes the country’s rhythm almost overnight.

Once Tet begins, major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi grow noticeably calmer. Streets open up. Mornings feel more spacious. Traffic recedes, particularly in residential areas, allowing the urban landscape to breathe in a way rarely seen at other times of the year. For travelers, this shift offers a rare perspective on city life, one defined less by motion and more by presence.

Flower markets as seasonal expressions

Around ten to fourteen days before Tet, flower markets appear across cities and towns, turning everyday streets into open-air galleries. These markets are not temporary attractions, but seasonal rituals shaped by symbolism and tradition.

Peach blossoms in the north, apricot blossoms in the south, and kumquat trees throughout the country fill markets with colour and meaning. At night, the atmosphere becomes especially evocative, with soft lighting, conversation, and the quiet exchange of hope through carefully chosen plants. For visitors, these markets offer one of the most immersive ways to feel Tet approaching, where beauty and intention exist side by side.

Temples and the spiritual rhythm of Tet

The spiritual dimension of Tet becomes most visible during the first days of the lunar new year. Temples and pagodas welcome visitors seeking balance, peace, and intention for the year ahead.

Even in the most visited temples, the atmosphere remains measured. Movements are unhurried. Incense drifts gently through courtyards. These moments offer travelers insight into how reflection and faith quietly anchor the holiday, not as performance, but as personal ritual shared across generations.

A predictable pause in daily life

While Tet often raises questions about closures, the pattern itself is consistent. In the days just before Tet, many small, family-run businesses pause to observe the holiday. On the first day of the new year, local life turns inward.

At the same time, international restaurants, hotels, resorts, and major attractions continue to operate, providing continuity for visitors. As the days pass, businesses gradually reopen, and by the end of the week, the country resumes its familiar flow. Understanding this cadence allows travelers to move through Tet with ease rather than uncertainty.

Regional character becomes more distinct

With fewer distractions, Tet brings regional character into sharper focus. Each part of Vietnam expresses the holiday in its own way.

HCMC balances warm evenings, floral displays, and rare urban calm. Hanoi reveals its most traditional face, shaped by winter air, temples, and quiet ritual. Central Vietnam blends heritage with coastal ease, while islands such as Phu Quoc offer retreat and renewal.

Where to Go During Tet in Vietnam

Tet reveals different facets of Vietnam depending on where one chooses to be. While some destinations grow markedly quiet, others retain a gentle continuity that feels reassuring for travelers. The places below are often favoured during Tet not for the volume of activity they offer, but for how naturally they allow the season to be experienced.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

HCMC offers one of the most balanced ways to experience Tet. In the days before the holiday, the city feels expressive and alive. Flower streets emerge across Districts 1 and 3, markets remain animated into the evening, and anticipation becomes part of the urban rhythm.

Once Tet begins, Saigon changes its tone. Many residents return home, and the city grows noticeably calmer. Streets become easier to explore on foot, and mornings unfold with an unfamiliar sense of space. It is this contrast between energy and stillness that defines Tet in Saigon.

For travelers seeking both cultural immersion and ease, staying centrally makes a meaningful difference. Hôtel des Arts Saigon, located in District 3, offers a refined vantage point during the holiday. Its quiet elegance, attentive service, and proximity to cultural landmarks allow guests to remain connected to the city’s rhythm while retreating into calm as the day softens.

Hanoi

Tet in Hanoi feels deeply rooted in tradition. Winter air brings a reflective quality to the city, and the Old Quarter grows quieter as families gather indoors. Flower markets such as Hang Luoc and Quang Ba glow with peach blossoms, while temples welcome visitors seeking balance for the year ahead.

On the first mornings of Tet, Hanoi feels almost suspended in time. Streets are hushed, movements are deliberate, and the city’s cultural depth becomes especially visible. This is a destination for travelers drawn to ritual, history, and moments of quiet observation.

Hoi An

Hoi An is often considered one of the most atmospheric places to experience Tet. Lanterns illuminate the ancient town, heritage houses are adorned with care, and the compact streets invite slow exploration.

While the pace remains gentle, many visitor-oriented cafés and restaurants reopen shortly after Tet begins. Seasonal performances and small cultural gestures add warmth without excess. Hoi An suits travelers who value visual beauty, photography, and a sense of timeless calm.

Hue

As Vietnam’s former imperial capital, Hue observes Tet with understated dignity. Heritage sites, pagodas, and riverfront spaces create a setting shaped by ceremony and refinement.

During the first days of Tet, the city remains calm, allowing visitors to move unhurriedly through its historic spaces. Hue appeals to those who appreciate history, restraint, and the quieter expressions of Vietnamese culture.

Phu Quoc

For travelers seeking retreat rather than movement, Phu Quoc offers a gentle alternative during Tet. Resorts operate smoothly throughout the holiday, and the island’s rhythm remains calm and restorative.

Days are shaped by the sea, evenings by simple gatherings and quiet celebration. Phu Quoc is well suited to those who wish to begin the new year with rest, nature, and reflection.

Da Nang and the Central Coast

Da Nang and the central coast offer a sense of balance during Tet. Beaches remain open, infrastructure functions reliably, and the city maintains a relaxed, approachable pace.

Nearby destinations along the coast, including heritage towns and quieter beach areas, allow travelers to combine cultural atmosphere with ease of movement. This region suits visitors seeking comfort, fresh air, and a measured introduction to Tet.

Vietnamese New Year for Luxury Travelers in HCMC

Experiencing Tet in HCMC offers a rare sense of balance. The city remains expressive in the days leading up to the new year, then gradually softens as Tet begins, allowing space for reflection without withdrawing from comfort. For luxury travelers, this shift creates an experience where cultural immersion feels natural, supported by ease and continuity rather than interruption.

During this period, accommodation becomes more than a place to stay. As daily routines across the city adjust, thoughtful hospitality plays a defining role in how Tet is experienced, shaping the journey as much as the destination itself.

The best districts to stay (District 1–3)

Districts 1 and 3 are widely regarded as the most rewarding areas to stay during Tet. Together, they place travelers close to Saigon’s cultural heart while remaining composed and walkable during the quieter days of the holiday.

District 1 offers immediate access to seasonal highlights such as Nguyen Hue Flower Street, museums, and dining venues that continue to welcome guests throughout Tet. Just beyond, District 3 introduces a more residential rhythm. Tree-lined streets, heritage villas, and neighbourhood temples offer a closer view of how Tet unfolds away from the main boulevards.

Staying between these two districts allows travelers to move easily between festive expression and reflective calm, without the need for long transfers or complex planning.

Why luxury hotels matter during Tet

Tet is a time when the city collectively pauses. Many small businesses close, operating hours shift, and familiar conveniences soften. In this context, a luxury hotel provides continuity.

International-standard hotels maintain full service throughout the holiday, offering consistent dining, concierge support, and transportation assistance. More importantly, they provide an environment that aligns naturally with Tet’s slower cadence. Spacious rooms, composed public spaces, and attentive service allow guests to settle into the season rather than navigate around it.

At Hôtel des Arts Saigon, Tet is observed with quiet elegance. Located in District 3, the hotel offers a refined sanctuary where guests can observe the city’s transformation while enjoying consistency, comfort, and thoughtful attention, allowing the rhythm of Tet to be felt without disruption.

Concierge insight and cultural sensitivity

During Tet, local insight becomes especially valuable. Knowing when to visit temples, how to approach cultural spaces, and which moments are best experienced quietly can transform a stay.

Concierge teams play a subtle yet essential role in this process. From suggesting early morning walks during the calmest hours to offering context behind Tet rituals and symbols, their guidance helps guests engage with the season respectfully and with ease.

At its best, concierge support during Tet is not about access, but awareness. When timing, etiquette, and local rhythm are understood, Tet reveals itself not as a disruption to travel, but as an intimate cultural encounter shaped by presence and care.

Suggested Tet Travel Itineraries

Tet invites a different way of moving through Vietnam. These itineraries are guided less by distance and more by rhythm, allowing travelers to experience how the country transitions into the new year with intention and grace.

3-Day Chic Tet escape in HCMC

This short itinerary suits first-time visitors, business travelers extending a stay, or those seeking a refined introduction to Tet without extensive travel.

Arriving just before Tet, guests experience Saigon at its most expressive. Flower streets brighten Districts 1 and 3, markets remain lively into the evening, and preparation rituals shape the city’s atmosphere. As Tet begins, the pace softens. Streets open up, mornings feel more spacious, and the city reveals a calmer, more composed presence.

Staying centrally allows travelers to experience both moods with ease. From a quiet base in District 3, mornings invite gentle walks to nearby temples or cultural landmarks, while afternoons are best spent resting and observing the city’s subtle transformation.

For those seeking a composed vantage point during Tet, Hôtel des Arts Saigon offers a discreet balance of location, comfort, and atmosphere, allowing guests to remain connected to the city while retreating into calm as the day unfolds.

5-Day Culture and Cuisine Journey

(HCMC + Mekong Delta or Hoi An)

5 days allows travelers to move beyond the city and into regional expressions of Tet. This itinerary suits couples and travelers who see cuisine and culture as pathways to understanding a place.

The journey typically begins in HCMC during the days leading up to Tet, when preparation rituals and festive markets are at their height. After the new year begins, the journey continues either south or central.

In the Mekong Delta, Tet unfolds quietly in river towns, where family life feels intimate and unhurried. Floating markets resume shortly after Tet, offering insight into daily renewal beyond the holiday.

Alternatively, Hoi An provides a visually poetic setting. Lantern-lit streets, heritage architecture, and a gentle pace invite slow exploration, making it ideal for travelers drawn to atmosphere, photography, and reflection.

7-Day Premium Tet Experience Across Vietnam

Designed for long-haul travelers and repeat visitors, this journey presents Tet as a cultural narrative rather than a single event.

The itinerary begins in a major city before Tet, where preparation and anticipation shape daily life. As the new year arrives, travelers transition to a heritage destination such as Hanoi or Hue, where rituals and history lend Tet a more ceremonial presence. The journey concludes in a coastal or island destination, allowing space for rest as the country gradually returns to its rhythm.

Across seven days, travelers experience Tet through multiple lenses, urban, historical, and natural, gaining a layered understanding of how the holiday unfolds across regions while remaining united by shared values of family, gratitude, and renewal.

Tet Travel Itinerary Overview

Celebrate Vietnamese New Year at Hôtel des Arts Saigon

Tet is a season guided by rhythm rather than routine, where meaning unfolds in unhurried moments rather than fixed plans. In HCMC, as the pace of daily life softens and familiar streets take on a calmer presence, the experience of Tet becomes as much about where one pauses as where one chooses to observe.

At Hôtel des Arts Saigon, Vietnamese New Year is welcomed with quiet intention. Festive touches appear thoughtfully throughout the hotel, never to announce celebration, but to reflect it. Shared spaces invite guests to slow down, to notice the subtle shift in atmosphere, and to experience Tet as a moment of transition rather than interruption.

Dining becomes part of the season’s expression. At The Albion, Tet is marked through comforting flavours and composed settings that encourage lingering meals and gentle conversation, offering a familiar sense of warmth as the year turns. As evening approaches, Social Club Rooftop Bar provides a vantage point above the city, where guests may observe Saigon’s softened skyline, seasonal lights, and, on special nights, quiet celebrations unfolding below, all accompanied by carefully crafted cocktails and an elegant, unhurried mood.

As night settles, the city moves at a gentler cadence. From within the hotel, calm replaces urgency. The transition from day to evening feels seamless, allowing Tet to be experienced not as a pause from travel, but as a natural continuation of it.

Designed as a place of quiet elegance, Hôtel des Arts Saigon offers a setting where Vietnamese New Year can be felt with ease and intention. Here, Tet isn’t something to plan around, but something to settle into, shaped by comfort, culture, and a refined sense of presence. As the year turns and Vietnam welcomes new beginnings, the experience lingers not in grand gestures, but in the quiet harmony of time well observed.