The New Year holiday in Vietnam or Vietnamese Tet, is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich times to visit the country. This period offers a unique glimpse into Vietnamese traditions, food, and festivities. However, given its popularity, planning your trip requires careful consideration of when to book. This guide will help you navigate the best time to arrange your tour and make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Why book a tour during the New Year Holiday in Vietnam?
The significance of the Lunar New Year (Vietnamese Tet)
Tet is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring according to the lunar calendar. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming a new year filled with prosperity and happiness. During this holiday, the entire country transforms into a lively celebration, with streets adorned in red and gold decorations, symbolizing good fortune.
Travelers can immerse themselves in local customs such as visiting pagodas, preparing traditional offerings, and enjoying vibrant lion dance performances. These activities provide a fascinating window into Vietnamese culture that cannot be experienced at any other time of year.
Read more: Tet Holiday – Traditional Dishes and Customs of the Vietnamese
Unique experiences for travelers
One of the most charming aspects of the New Year holiday in Vietnam is the contrast between its bustling energy and moments of serene reflection.
- Flower Markets: Cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City bloom with vibrant flower markets, where locals shop for kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and other symbols of luck.
- Traditional Cuisine: Feast on special Tet dishes such as banh chung (square sticky rice cake) and banh tet (cylindrical sticky rice cake), prepared only during this time.
- Festive Atmosphere: From fireworks displays to quiet countryside traditions, Vietnam offers a diverse range of experiences during Tet.
Participating in local traditions will enrich your trip, but it’s important to be aware of cultural etiquette:
- Dos: Wear bright colors like red, which symbolize luck and joy. Participate in rituals such as giving li xi (lucky money) to children.
- Don’ts: Avoid discussing negative topics or giving items considered unlucky, such as sharp objects or black gifts.
Best time to book a tour for the New Year Holiday in Vietnam
Early Bird Booking (3–6 Months in Advance)
Planning ahead is the best way to enjoy a stress-free experience. By booking your tour, flights, and accommodation at least three to six months in advance, you’ll enjoy:
- Lower Costs: Early bird discounts on tour packages and airfare.
- More Choices: A wider selection of hotels and itineraries.
- Peace of Mind: Avoiding the rush and last-minute stress during this peak-season.
Early booking for a stress-free experience
Last-Minute Booking (1–2 Months in Advance)
If you prefer spontaneous travel, booking closer to Tet can still work, but it comes with challenges. Availability of flights and hotels will be very limited, and prices are likely to be higher. However, some tour operators may offer last-minute deals for smaller groups or specific destinations.
What to consider when booking
- Regional differences: Northern Vietnam embraces traditional customs, while southern regions like Ho Chi Minh City have a modern twist on parties and celebrations.
- Popular Destinations: Iconic spots such as Hanoi, Hoi An, and Halong Bay are in high demand during Tet.
- Tour Guides: Consider your tour includes experienced guides who understand local customs and can navigate through holiday crowds.
Booking Tips for the New Year Holiday in Vietnam
Plan Your Itinerary Around Festive Highlights
Vietnam’s Tet celebrations vary across regions, so choosing the right destinations will enhance your experience:
- Hanoi: Explore traditional Tet rituals while visit ancient temples and enjoy the serene atmosphere of quiet streets during the first days of the new year.
- Ho Chi Minh City: Witness spectacular fireworks displays and join the excitement at Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
- Hoi An: Admire the city’s lantern festival, where thousands of colorful lanterns light up the night sky.
Read more: Enjoying Tet holiday in Hoi An
Prepare for Peak Travel Season
The New Year holiday is the busiest travel period in Vietnam, so be ready for:
- Crowded Airports and Train Stations: Book your tickets early to secure your preferred travel times.
- Higher Prices: Expect surcharges on flights and accommodations during peak days. Consider traveling slightly before or after the main Tet days to avoid inconveniences.
Benefits of booking a tour for the New Year Holiday in Vietnam
Hassle-Free Planning
A guided tour takes the stress out of planning, especially during Tet when transportation and accommodations are in high demand. Your tour operator will handle all the logistics, from securing tickets to crafting an itinerary that highlights the best of this holiday.
Insider Access to Local Experiences
Many tours offer unique activities, such as joining a Vietnamese family for Tet celebrations, learning to make banh chung, or visiting off-the-beaten-path temples and markets. These experiences provide an authentic look at local traditions.
Making Chung cake is a traditional activitiy in many regions of Vietnam on Tet holiday.
Cost-Effective Packages
Tours often include group discounts and all-inclusive deals, which can be more economical than arranging separate bookings for transportation, accommodation and activities.
Visiting Vietnam during the New Year holiday is an unforgettable experience, with cultural discovery and vibrant celebrations. However, to make the most of your trip, early planning is essential. If you’re drawn to the bustling old quarters of Hanoi or the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An, booking your tour well in advance ensures a wonderful journey filled with memorable moments.
Don’t miss the chance to explore Vietnam during its most festive season. Contact us today to secure your spot on a customized tour and experience the magic of Tet!
