25 Hanoi Tet Festival Travel Tips 2025-2027 | Insider Guide

25 Insider Hanoi Tet Festival Travel Tips for 2025-2027: Your Complete Guide

Celebrating Tet in Hanoi offers travelers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Vietnam’s most treasured traditions. This comprehensive guide provides essential planning insights, cultural context, and practical advice to navigate Vietnam’s biggest celebration like a local.

Understanding the Hanoi Tet Festival

The Tet Festival (Tết Nguyên Đán) marks Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration, a time of profound cultural significance and nationwide festivities. For travelers planning to visit Hanoi during this special period, understanding the essence of Tet is crucial for a meaningful experience.

When is Tet in 2025-2027?

Tet follows the lunar calendar, with celebrations typically spanning seven days:

• 2025: February 29 (Year of the Snake)
• 2026: February 17 (Year of the Horse)
• 2027: February 6 (Year of the Goat)

The festival officially begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, but preparations start weeks before, and celebrations can continue for up to two weeks after. The most vibrant atmosphere is found from three days before until three days after the official New Year’s Day.

The Cultural Significance of Tet

Tet represents more than just a calendar change—it embodies spiritual renewal and family unity for Vietnamese people. The festival’s traditions date back thousands of years and include:

• Family reunions: The most important aspect of Tet, with millions traveling home
• Ancestor worship: Honoring deceased family members through elaborate ceremonies
• House cleaning: Sweeping away bad luck from the previous year
• Debt settling: Starting the new year with a clean financial slate
• New beginnings: Embracing fresh opportunities and relationships

Understanding these cultural foundations will enrich your experience when witnessing Tet celebrations firsthand in Hanoi.

Pre-Trip Planning Essentials

Best Time to Book Your Hanoi Tet Experience

Planning ahead is crucial for a successful Tet journey, as this period sees the largest annual migration within Vietnam.

• Flights: Book at least 3-4 months in advance to secure reasonable prices. Expect a 30-40% price increase compared to regular seasons.
• Accommodations: Reserve hotels minimum 2 months ahead. Many establishments offer special Tet packages that include traditional meals and activities.
• Tours and experiences: Secure bookings 6-8 weeks before arrival, especially for popular activities like cooking classes and temple visits.

For 2025-2027, aim to finalize all bookings by December to avoid disappointment and price surges.

Essential Packing for Hanoi’s Winter Tet

Hanoi experiences cool, sometimes damp weather during Tet season, with temperatures ranging from 15-22°C (59-72°F). Your packing list should include:

• Layered clothing: Light sweaters, cardigans, and a waterproof jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes: You’ll cover substantial distances exploring festival sites
• Traditional touch: Pack something red or gold to align with Tet’s lucky colors
• Modest attire: Clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits
• Health essentials: Personal medications, hand sanitizer, and masks (still appreciated in crowded spaces)
• Small gifts: If visiting local homes, bringing modest gifts from your country is appreciated

Pro tip: Leave extra space in your luggage for Tet souvenirs, decorations, and traditional candies that you’ll want to bring home.

Navigating Hanoi During Tet

Transportation Challenges and Solutions

Tet presents unique transportation circumstances that require strategic planning:

• Airport transfers: Pre-arrange with your hotel or book through Vietnam Marvel Travel to avoid Tet surcharges from taxi drivers.
• Public transport: Buses and trains operate on reduced schedules, with many services suspending operations for 3-5 days starting on Tet Eve.
• Ride-hailing apps: Grab and Be are reliable but expect longer wait times and 1.5-2x surge pricing.

Important: For 2025-2027, Hanoi’s public transportation system is undergoing expansion with new metro lines. Check the latest updates before your trip as this may affect festival navigation.

Navigating Closures During Tet

Many businesses close during Tet, particularly on the first three days of the new year:

• Government offices: Closed for the entire 7-day Tet holiday
• Banks: Limited operations for 5-7 days (ATMs remain accessible but may run out of cash)
• Local markets: Most close for 2-3 days after New Year’s Day
• Restaurants: Many family-owned establishments close; international chains and hotel restaurants remain open
• Shopping malls: Often closed on the first day but reopen for the remainder of the festival

Planning strategy: Stock up on essentials before New Year’s Eve, and identify hotel restaurants or international chains that will remain open during the festival’s peak.

10 Must-Experience Tet Activities in Hanoi

1. Witness the Flower Markets in Full Bloom

Hanoi’s flower markets reach their spectacular peak just before Tet, offering both visual splendor and cultural insights:

• Quang Ba Flower Market: Located in Tay Ho District, this 24-hour market becomes particularly magical from 2 AM to 5 AM when fresh deliveries arrive. The market spans over 1,500 square meters filled with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and orchids.
• Hang Luoc Flower Market: Set in the Old Quarter, this historical market dates back to the 15th century and extends for nearly 1 kilometer along Hang Luoc Street, featuring traditional Tet decorations alongside flowers.

Best viewing time: Visit 2-3 days before Tet for the most vibrant experience when locals purchase flowers for home decoration.

2. Explore Tet Food Traditions

Tet cuisine features dishes rich in symbolism and flavor:

• Bánh chưng workshops: Learn to make these square sticky rice cakes at cooking classes in the Old Quarter. Vietnam Marvel Travel offers special Tet cooking experiences where you’ll learn the symbolism behind this essential dish.
• Mut Tet (candied fruits): Sample the dozens of varieties at Hang Duong Street’s specialty shops, where the tradition of preserved fruit consumption dates back over 500 years.
• Tet food tours: Join specialized food walks that explain the significance of special dishes like xôi gấc (red sticky rice) and thịt đông (meat jelly).

Insider tip: The best traditional Tet meals are often found in local homes rather than restaurants. Consider homestay experiences or community-based tourism for authentic food encounters.

3. Join Countdown Celebrations at Hoan Kiem Lake

As the lunar year transitions, Hoan Kiem Lake becomes Hanoi’s epicenter of celebration:

• New Year’s Eve fireworks: A spectacular 15-minute display lights up the sky at midnight
• Cultural performances: Traditional music and dance shows on multiple stages surrounding the 12-hectare lake
• Tet wishes: Join locals in releasing lotus flower lanterns onto the lake, each carrying hopes for the new year

Viewing strategy: Arrive by 10 PM and position yourself near Turtle Tower for optimal fireworks viewing. The area accommodates approximately 20,000 people, so secure your spot early.

4. Visit Temples During the First Days of Tet

Temple visits (xông đền) represent an essential Tet tradition believed to bring good fortune:

• Quán Thánh Temple: Dating back to the 11th century, this 4,000-square-meter complex in Ba Dinh District is dedicated to Tran Vu, the God of the North.
• Ngoc Son Temple: Situated on a small island in Hoan Kiem Lake, this sacred site receives thousands of visitors making offerings during the first three days of Tet.
• Tran Quoc Pagoda: Vietnam’s oldest Buddhist temple (built in the 6th century) becomes especially atmospheric during early morning Tet prayers.

Visiting protocol: Remove shoes before entering prayer halls, dress modestly, and avoid pointing feet toward altars or Buddha statues.

5. Experience a Traditional Tet Market

Beyond flower markets, specialized Tet markets showcase holiday essentials:

• Dong Xuan Market: Hanoi’s largest covered market transforms for Tet with special sections for traditional decorations, ritual items, and specialty foods across its 6,500-square-meter complex.
• Hang Ma Street: The 580-meter length of this famous street becomes a riot of red and gold, selling lucky money envelopes, decorative firecrackers, and traditional ornaments.

Shopping tip: Visit markets 3-5 days before Tet for the best selection; prices often drop significantly on New Year’s Eve as vendors clear inventory.

6. Attend Folk Performances and Cultural Shows

Traditional performances highlight Vietnam’s cultural heritage during Tet:

• Thang Long Water Puppet Theater: Special Tet-themed shows narrate ancient legends and festival customs through this uniquely Vietnamese art form in daily 50-minute performances.
• Quan Ho folk singing: Experience UNESCO-recognized traditional singing at the Ethnology Museum’s special Tet program, with performances lasting 30-45 minutes.
• Lion and dragon dances: Spontaneous performances occur throughout the city, particularly in the 36 streets of the Old Quarter.

Booking advice: Reserve performance tickets at least two weeks in advance through your hotel concierge or online platforms.

7. Take Part in Traditional Games

Tet revives traditional games that strengthen community bonds:

• Bánh chưng cooking competitions: Join or observe teams competing to create the most perfect traditional rice cakes at community centers throughout the city.
• Tug-of-war contests: Participate in friendly competitions at public parks, representing ancient agricultural rituals.
• Human chess: Watch this life-sized traditional game at the Temple of Literature, where participants become human chess pieces on a 64-square-meter board.

Participation opportunities: Most community games welcome foreign visitors; ask your hotel concierge about neighborhood celebrations open to tourists.

8. Photograph the Decorated City

Hanoi transforms visually during Tet, offering extraordinary photography opportunities:

• Illuminated streets: The entire 2.5-kilometer stretch of Dinh Tien Hoang Street features spectacular light installations and decorations.
• Traditional ornaments: Red lanterns, peach blossoms, and calligraphy banners adorn nearly every building in the Old Quarter.
• Family altars: Respectfully observe the elaborate ancestral altars visible in shop fronts and home windows throughout the city.

Photography etiquette: Always ask permission before photographing people or private altars, and be mindful of restricted areas in temples and government buildings.

9. Escape the City for Suburban Tet Festivals

Venture beyond central Hanoi for unique suburban celebrations:

• Huong Pagoda Festival: Beginning on the 6th day of the first lunar month, this centuries-old festival in My Duc District (60km from Hanoi) combines spiritual pilgrimage with natural beauty.
• Co Loa Citadel Festival: Celebrated from the 6th to 16th day of the first lunar month in Dong Anh District (15km from Hanoi’s center), this event commemorates King An Duong Vuong with traditional rituals and games.

Transportation tip: Book a guided day trip through Vietnam Marvel Travel to navigate these out-of-town festivals efficiently and gain cultural context from knowledgeable guides.

10. Combine Your Tet Experience with a Halong Bay Getaway

Many travelers pair their Hanoi Tet experience with a cruise to nearby Halong Bay:

• Special Tet cruises: Luxury vessels offer traditional onboard celebrations, including special menus and cultural performances.
• Less crowded experience: Many Vietnamese travelers stay home during Tet, meaning tourist attractions like Halong Bay can be less congested.
• Symbolic new beginnings: Watching the first sunrise of the lunar new year from the emerald waters of Halong Bay is considered especially auspicious.

Booking recommendation: Secure your Halong Bay cruise at least 2-3 months in advance for Tet period departures, as quality vessels operate limited schedules during the holiday.

Cultural Etiquette for Tet Visitors

Appropriate Tet Greetings and Customs

Learning basic Tet etiquette enhances your experience and shows respect for local traditions:

• New Year greetings: Practice saying “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) or the simpler “Chúc Mừng” (Congratulations).
• First visitor significance: In Vietnamese tradition, the first person to enter a home in the new year influences that household’s fortune—generally, only people with good energy should visit on the first day.
• Lucky money (lì xì): If given red envelopes containing money, accept with both hands and don’t open immediately—it’s considered impolite.

Cultural insight: Many Vietnamese believe that how one behaves during Tet sets the tone for the entire year, explaining the emphasis on positivity and good manners during the festival.

Tet Taboos to Avoid

Be mindful of actions considered unlucky during the Tet period:

• Avoid sweeping: Especially on the first day, as it’s believed to sweep away good luck.
• Don’t wear black or white: These colors are associated with funerals; opt for red, yellow or bright colors instead.
• Refrain from arguing or using negative language: The festival emphasizes harmony and positive beginnings.
• Don’t break things: Damaged items symbolize bad fortune for the coming year.

Tourist consideration: While locals understand that foreign visitors may not know all customs, demonstrating awareness of these taboos is greatly appreciated.

Practical Tips for Tet Travel in Hanoi

Managing Expenses During Tet

The festival period brings specific financial considerations:

• Cash preparations: ATMs often run low during Tet; withdraw sufficient cash (3-5 million VND recommended) before the holiday begins.
• Tet surcharges: Expect 10-30% price increases for services like taxis, tours, and some restaurants during the festival period.
• Banking hours: Most banks close entirely for 5-7 days; currency exchange services remain available at major hotels.

Money-saving tip: Many shops offer significant discounts (up to 50%) on regular merchandise before closing for Tet as they clear inventory.

Safety Considerations for Festival Travel

While Hanoi is generally safe, the festival period presents specific considerations:

• Crowded areas: Keep valuables secure at major celebration sites like Hoan Kiem Lake, where thousands gather.
• Limited medical services: Many clinics close or operate with reduced staff; international hospitals remain open but may charge premium rates.
• Traffic patterns: Streets near popular temples become extremely congested during the first days of the new year.

Emergency contacts: Save the tourist police number (0243.942.1904) and your embassy contact information before arrival.

Communication During Tet

Staying connected requires advance planning:

• SIM cards: Purchase and activate mobile SIM cards before Tet begins, as many telecom shops close during the festival.
• Translation apps: Download offline Vietnamese language packs for Google Translate or similar apps.
• Hotel contact information: Carry your hotel’s address in Vietnamese to show drivers, as many streets become difficult to navigate during festivities.

Connectivity tip: Free WiFi is widely available in Hanoi’s Old Quarter cafés, providing backup internet access if mobile networks become congested during peak celebration times.

Post-Tet Experiences in Northern Vietnam

Extending Your Northern Vietnam Journey

Many travelers use Tet as the starting point for a longer exploration of northern Vietnam:

• Sapa trekking: The terraced rice fields begin their transformation shortly after Tet, with early planting activities creating photogenic landscapes.
• Ninh Binh exploration: Often called “Halong Bay on land,” this region becomes particularly peaceful in the post-Tet period when domestic tourism subsides.
• Halong Bay cruising: Combining your Hanoi Tet experience with a luxury cruise through Halong Bay offers the perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural beauty.

Seasonal advantage: The weeks following Tet often feature fewer crowds at major attractions while maintaining comfortable temperatures for exploration.

Collecting Unique Tet Souvenirs

Before leaving Hanoi, consider purchasing meaningful Tet mementos:

• Calligraphy: Talented calligraphers create personalized good luck messages during Tet, often working at temples and cultural sites.
• Đồ chơi dân gian: Traditional toys like tò he (colored rice dough figurines) make unique souvenirs with cultural significance.
• Specialty foods: Vacuum-packed bánh chưng or sealed containers of mứt (candied fruits) can be brought home as edible souvenirs.

Shopping location: The handicraft shops along Hang Gai Street specialize in traditional items with contemporary packaging suitable for international travelers.

Final Thoughts: Is Visiting During Tet Worth It?

Experiencing Tet in Hanoi offers unparalleled cultural immersion but comes with logistical challenges. The festival provides authentic insights into Vietnamese traditions, family values, and spiritual practices that remain hidden during regular tourist seasons. While some attractions close and services reduce, the unique atmosphere and special events more than compensate.

For travelers seeking deeper cultural understanding rather than just checking off tourist sites, Tet in Hanoi offers a genuinely transformative experience that connects you with Vietnam’s heart and soul.

Ready to experience Tet in Hanoi? Vietnam Marvel Travel offers specialized Tet festival packages that combine traditional celebrations with comfortable accommodations and insider access to local customs. Their expert guides help navigate the festival’s complexities while ensuring you don’t miss any essential experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hanoi Tet Festival

Q: Are tourist attractions open during Tet in Hanoi?

A: Major attractions like the Temple of Literature and Hoan Kiem Lake remain open, though museums and government sites typically close for 4-7 days. Historical sites that remain open often operate with reduced hours.

Q: How much extra budget should I plan for Tet travel?

A: Plan for a 25-30% increase in your overall budget compared to regular seasons, with particular increases in transportation and special Tet dining experiences.

Q: Is it difficult to find food during Tet?

A: The first three days can be challenging as family-owned restaurants close. International hotels, chain restaurants, and tourist areas maintain food services throughout the holiday.

Q: What’s the weather like during Tet in Hanoi?

A: Expect cool temperatures between 15-22°C (59-72°F) with occasional drizzle. Layers are essential, as are waterproof shoes and light rain gear.

Q: Should I bring gifts if invited to a Vietnamese home during Tet?

A: Yes, quality fruits, premium cookies/chocolates, or specialty items from your home country make appropriate gifts. Avoid giving clocks, handkerchiefs, or anything in sets of four (considered unlucky).

Contact Information

Website: vietnammarveltravel.com
Email: vietnammarveltravel@gmail.com
Phone: +84.978.358.422
WhatsApp: +84 978.358.422

Vietnam Marvel Travel – Your Gateway to Authentic Vietnam Experiences

Read Our Reviews: Check out genuine traveler experiences and ratings on Vietnam Marvel Travel Review on TripAdvisor to see why we’re the preferred choice for Vietnam adventures.

Contact Information

Website: vietnammarveltravel.com
Email: vietnammarveltravel@gmail.com
Phone: +84.978.358.422
WhatsApp: +84 978.358.422

Vietnam Marvel Travel – Your Gateway to Authentic Vietnam Experiences

Read Our Reviews: Check out genuine traveler experiences and ratings on Vietnam Marvel Travel Review on TripAdvisor to see why we’re the preferred choice for Vietnam adventures.