Tet in Vietnam

What Expats Should Know Before the Lunar New Year

Spending Tet in Vietnam: A Colorful, Cultural Experience for Expats

As the Vietnamese Lunar New Year approaches, Ho Chi Minh City bursts into color, warmth, and festive cheer. For many expatriates living in Vietnam, Tết (Tết Nguyên Đán) offers a vibrant window into Vietnamese culture — one filled with tradition, symbolism, and joy. But it also brings logistical and cultural shifts that are important to understand, especially for newcomers.

This guide offers you everything you need to know about experiencing Tết as an expat in Vietnam: from festive hotspots to cultural etiquette, practical tips, and even getaway ideas.

What Is Tet and Why Is It So Important?

Tet is Vietnam’s most sacred and widely celebrated holiday. It marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year and is deeply rooted in ancestral respect, spiritual renewal, and hopes for prosperity. Think of it as a blend of Christmas, New Year’s, and Thanksgiving — but with its own unique flavor.

In 2026, Tet Eve falls on February 16, with official holidays running approximately from February 16 to February 22, though the atmosphere builds weeks in advance.

In the lead-up, homes are cleaned and decorated with kumquat trees and apricot blossoms. Families gather to make offerings to ancestors, settle debts, and welcome the new year with positive energy.

For expats, Tet is both a cultural spectacle and a period of adaptation.

Ho Chi Minh City During Tet: Dazzling Then Still

If you’re staying in Saigon over Tet, expect a dramatic shift in tempo:

Before Tet: The city becomes a festive whirlwind. Nguyen Hue Flower Street, Tet markets, and lantern-filled neighborhoods come alive. You’ll see people buying flowers, traditional foods, and gifts. Streets are vibrant with red and gold decorations — symbols of luck and fortune.
During Tet: The energy drops suddenly. Businesses close, streets empty, and Saigon transforms into a quiet city. While some enjoy the calm, others may find it disorienting. It’s a good time to reflect, travel, or explore the cultural side of Vietnam in a different light.

Key Tips for Expats Staying in Vietnam During Tet

1. Plan Essentials Ahead of Time

Most government offices, banks, and businesses shut down for at least 5–7 days. Pharmacies, clinics, and supermarkets may operate on limited schedules.

What to do:

Stock up on groceries, medicines, and cash.
Refill prescriptions.
Schedule medical appointments or admin tasks before the holiday week.

2. Transport Becomes Tricky

Vietnamese people travel extensively during Tet to reunite with family. This causes a massive surge in demand for transportation.

What to do:

Book domestic flights, buses, or trains well in advance.
Expect traffic jams before Tet, and limited taxi/Grab services during the holiday.
Confirm airport transfers or regional trips ahead of time.

3. Know What Will Be Closed

Even popular expat-run businesses often close. Malls, gyms, restaurants, and delivery services may be shut for 2–4 days.

What to do:

Don’t rely on Google opening hours.
Ask your local circle or landlord for accurate info.
Keep emergency numbers and backup plans ready.

4. Learn and Use Tet Greetings

Showing respect for Vietnamese traditions builds connection and trust. A simple “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!” (Happy New Year) goes a long way.

Try these phrases:

Vạn sự như ý — “May all your wishes come true.”
An khang thịnh vượng — “Wishing you security, good health, and prosperity.”

Where to Experience Tet in Ho Chi Minh City

Even if you don’t travel, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy Tet locally:

Nguyen Hue Flower Street (District 1): Elaborate floral displays and light installations. Go in the evening for peak ambiance.
Tao Dan Park Tet Festival: Cultural performances, bonsai exhibitions, and family-friendly games.
Cho Lon (District 5): The Chinese-Vietnamese district is buzzing with incense, lanterns, and food stalls.
Local Tet Markets: Visit Ho Thi Ky Flower Market or Le Van Tam Park for colorful photo ops and festive energy.

Ideal Tet Getaways for Expats

If you’d prefer to escape the city’s quiet spell, consider one of these destinations:

✅ Da Lat

Cooler mountain air, flower festivals, and a romantic Tet vibe. Perfect for couples or solo retreats.

✅ Phu Quoc Island

Warm weather, beach resorts, and Tet dinners by the sea. Good for families or digital detoxers.

✅ Hoi An

Lantern-lit alleys, cultural shows, and a festive but laid-back pace. Ideal for photographers and cultural travelers.

✅ Ninh Binh

Peaceful countryside and stunning landscapes. Less crowded, perfect for reflection and relaxation.

✅ Con Dao Islands

A spiritual and off-the-grid option. Expect empty beaches, clean air, and historical sites.

Respecting Tet Traditions as a Foreigner

Even if you’re not celebrating Tet the traditional way, your presence matters. Some key cultural gestures:

Avoid negative language or arguments during the first days of the new year.
Don’t sweep or clean your home on the first day — it symbolizes sweeping away good luck.
If invited to a Tet meal, show gratitude and consider bringing a symbolic gift (see FAQ).

Respecting these customs shows cultural sensitivity and builds positive relationships with neighbors, landlords, or colleagues.

✅ Checklist: What to Do Before Tet in Vietnam

Common Expat Questions About Tet

Frequently Asked Questions

As a foreign employee in Vietnam, how many days off do I get for Tet?

According to Vietnam’s labor law, employees are entitled to 5 official days off for Tet. However, some companies (especially international ones) may offer up to 7–9 days depending on work policy. Check with your HR department.

👉 Read our article about Overview of public holidays and observances in Vietnam

What are the typical foods eaten during Tet?

The most iconic dishes include:

Banh Chung / Banh Tet: Sticky rice cakes filled with pork and mung beans
Pickled vegetables (dơm dua, dầu muối)
Boiled chicken, spring rolls, candied fruits, watermelon seeds Meals are symbolic, and abundance reflects wishes for prosperity.

What should I bring if I'm invited to a Tet meal?

A small but thoughtful gift is appreciated. Popular options include:

A bottle of wine or tea
A box of imported cookies or sweets
Fresh fruits (avoid bananas which can symbolize bad luck)
Red envelopes (lì xì) with lucky money for children Wrap gifts neatly and hand them with both hands.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Celebrating Tet with Kids: What Families Should Know

Tet can be a meaningful and enriching time for families with children — if you know where to go and what to expect.

Family-friendly Tet tips:

Visit Tao Dan Park: Cultural shows, traditional games, and lion dances that kids will love.
Go flower market hopping early in the day to avoid crowds.
Use the quiet days to explain Vietnamese traditions to younger ones (e.g. the story of the Kitchen Gods, lucky money).
Expect most indoor play areas and schools to be closed from Tet Eve to at least Day 3.

🎁 Tip: Let kids prepare and give out their own lì xì (red envelopes) — it’s a fun way to involve them in the spirit of giving.

Final Thoughts

Tet is more than a festival — it’s a national reset, a moment of joy, quiet, and cultural depth. Whether you embrace the quiet streets of Saigon or head off for a nature-filled break, Tet is your chance to connect more deeply with Vietnamese life.

Understanding the meaning and rhythm of Tet can turn a confusing time into a cherished memory.

Chúc Mừng Năm Mới! May your year be full of peace, health, and new beginnings.

📩 Contact Asia Relocation Vietnam