The short answer
- Tet 2027
- Saturday 6 February
- Year of the
- Goat
- Proposed public holiday
- 4 to 10 February 2027
- Busiest travel
- The week before
Tet Nguyen Dan, usually just called Tet, is the most important celebration in Vietnam: a time for family reunions, honouring ancestors, settling debts and starting the new year with good fortune.
For travellers it is a mixed blessing. The run up is colourful and exciting, with flower markets and decorated streets. The days around New Year itself can feel quiet in cities, as people head home and many shops and restaurants close.
Tet 2027 at a glance
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| Late January | Flower markets fill with peach blossom in the north and yellow apricot blossom in the south; streets are decorated |
| Around 1 to 5 February | Peak travel as people go home; trains, buses and flights sell out |
| 4 to 10 February (proposed) | Official public holiday period |
| 5 February (New Year's Eve) | Family dinners; fireworks at midnight in big cities |
| 6 February | Tet: New Year's Day, Year of the Goat |
| About 7 to 12 February | Many family run businesses stay closed; reopening gradually |
The proposed 2027 holiday dates were awaiting final government approval when we checked in October 2026.
What stays open and what closes
- Usually open: Hotels, Ha Long Bay cruises, major attractions, international chains and many restaurants in tourist areas.
- Often closed: Family restaurants, street food stalls, small shops, markets and some museums for at least the first three days.
- Transport: Very busy before and after the holiday. Book flights and trains early, and expect higher prices.
- Tours: Most organised tours run, but some operators charge a holiday supplement.
Should you travel during Tet?
If you want to see Vietnamese culture at its most festive, the week before Tet is wonderful. If you want everything open and easy, avoid the few days either side of New Year's Day, or travel with a tour that has all the logistics booked in advance.
Want a trip planned around Tet?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 12 days, built around your dates.
Tet etiquette
- Wish people "Chuc mung nam moi" (Happy New Year).
- Red envelopes of lucky money (li xi) are given to children and elders.
- The first visitor to a home after midnight is believed to bring the year's luck, so wait to be invited.
- Avoid arguments, sweeping and breaking things on New Year's Day; they are considered unlucky.
Rather have a trip to Vietnam made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tet 2027?
Tet falls on Saturday 6 February 2027, the start of the Year of the Goat.
Is Tet a good time to visit Vietnam?
The week before Tet is colourful and festive. The days around New Year itself are quiet in cities, with many closures, and transport is very busy. Plan ahead and book early.
Sources we checked
Vietnam month by month
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