Tet Nguyen Dan — the Lunar New Year — is Vietnam’s most important holiday, blending Chinese New Year traditions with deeply Vietnamese customs. For two weeks, Hanoi transforms: peach blossoms (hoa dao) at every corner, kumquat trees outside homes, red and gold decorations, family pilgrimages to ancestors’ graves, and the iconic banh chung (square sticky rice cake). For travelers, Tet offers a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience — with significant logistical challenges. This complete Tet in Hanoi guide for 2026 covers dates, traditions, what’s open, what to do, and whether to visit during Tet.
When is Tet 2026?
Tet 2026: February 17, 2026 (Year of the Horse).
Official public holiday: February 14-20, 2026 (7 days).
Cultural celebration period: 23rd day of 12th lunar month through 15th day of 1st lunar month (roughly January 30 – March 4, 2026).
What is Tet?
Tet Nguyen Dan means “Feast of the First Morning of the First Day.” It marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is by far the most important festival in Vietnam. Tet is similar to Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year is shared) but with distinct Vietnamese traditions.
Tet Traditions in Hanoi
Pre-Tet (1-2 Weeks Before)
- Cleaning houses — sweep out bad luck.
- Buying flowers — peach blossom (hoa dao), kumquat tree (cay quat).
- Decorating homes — red and gold colors.
- Family reunions — everyone returns home.
- Banh Chung making — traditional square sticky rice cakes.
- Visiting graves — family ancestor visits.
Tao Quan (Kitchen Gods’ Day) – 23rd Day of 12th Lunar Month
Family releases live carp into ponds (carrying the kitchen god to heaven). Sweets and offerings for ancestor spirits.
New Year’s Eve (Giao Thua) – February 16, 2026
Family dinner together. Fireworks at midnight (limited public fireworks; loud explosions from individual home gatherings). Many visit pagodas after midnight.
First Day of Tet (Day 1)
Family visits. Children receive li xi (lucky money in red envelopes) from elders. First visitor (xong dat) matters — should be lucky person.
Days 2-3
Visit relatives. Friends. Banh chung sharing.
Days 4-7
Pagoda visits. Pilgrimages. Some businesses begin to reopen.
15th Day of First Lunar Month (Tet Nguyen Tieu)
End of Tet celebrations. Lantern festival at some pagodas.
Essential Tet Foods
- Banh Chung — sticky rice with pork and mung beans wrapped in dong leaves. Symbol of earth.
- Banh Tet — cylindrical version popular in southern Vietnam.
- Gio (Vietnamese ham) — pork or beef sausage.
- Cha Cay (cinnamon ham) — specialty Tet meat.
- Mut Tet — candied fruits and seeds.
- Boiled chicken — offered to ancestors and family.
- Xoi gac — red sticky rice.
- Hot tea — throughout visits.
What’s Open/Closed During Tet
Days Before Tet (Days 1-3 of 12th Lunar Month)
Markets packed with pre-Tet shopping. Restaurants busy. Last chance to buy goods.
Tet Eve (February 16)
Most non-essential businesses close by 4-5 PM. Bring snacks for the night.
Tet Day 1 (February 17)
- Most restaurants closed.
- Many shops closed.
- Public transit reduced.
- Major tourist sites partially open with reduced staff.
- Hotels open but services may be limited.
Tet Days 2-3 (February 18-19)
- Some restaurants reopen.
- Major tourist sites operating.
- Pagodas very busy (pilgrim crowds).
- Public transit slowly resuming.
Tet Days 4-7 (February 20-23)
- Most businesses reopen.
- Some shops still closed (especially family-run).
- Tourist sites busy with domestic tourists.
Day 8+ Normal
Tet Logistics for Tourists
Hotels
- Operate normally with possibly reduced restaurant hours.
- Prices 30-100% above normal during Tet week.
- Book 1-2 months ahead.
Transport
- Domestic flights sell out 1-2 months ahead.
- Sleeper buses and trains overbooked.
- Grab works but with limited drivers Days 1-3.
- Avoid travel days right before/after Tet.
Food
- Major hotels keep restaurants open.
- 5-star hotel restaurants the most reliable.
- Backup: international chains (some open).
- Stock snacks before Tet eve.
Day Trips
- Halong Bay and Sapa packed with domestic tourists.
- Tour operators continue but with crowds.
- Prices 30-50% higher.
ATMs
- May run out of cash before Tet.
- Withdraw cash 3-4 days before.
Best Things to Do During Tet
1. Hang Luoc Peach Blossom Market
Famous pre-Tet flower market. Atmospheric, photo-worthy. Late January-early February.
2. Hang Ma Decoration Street
Old Quarter street fills with Tet decorations.
3. Pagoda Visits
Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Su Pagoda, Phu Tay Ho Pagoda. Pilgrims gather for lucky blessings.
4. Banh Chung Tasting
Try the traditional Tet rice cake at family restaurants or hotels.
5. Family Hosted Experience
If invited to family Tet dinner (rare honor) — experience deepest Vietnamese culture.
6. Old Quarter Photography
Deserted streets Day 1 morning are photogenic.
7. Spring Flower Markets
Tay Ho district flower gardens at peak bloom.
8. Tet Fireworks Display
Hoan Kiem Lake on Tet eve (if confirmed by city — sometimes limited).
9. Cultural Performances
Water puppet shows, traditional music at major hotels and museums during Tet week.
Should You Visit Hanoi During Tet?
Visit Tet If You:
- Want unique cultural immersion.
- Have local Vietnamese friends to visit with.
- Are flexible on dining and transport.
- Will book everything 1-2 months ahead.
- Want to see Hanoi’s most photogenic period.
- Don’t mind paying premium prices.
Avoid Tet If You:
- Want efficient sightseeing.
- Prefer normal restaurant choice.
- Want easy transportation.
- Are price-sensitive.
- Have limited time in Hanoi.
- Plan to visit shops/markets daily.
Cultural Etiquette During Tet
- Greet with “Chuc mung nam moi” — Happy New Year.
- Bring small gifts if visiting Vietnamese homes (fruits, sweets).
- Wear bright clothing — especially red.
- Avoid black or white on Day 1 (associated with funerals).
- Don’t sweep on Day 1 — sweeps out luck.
- Don’t break things on Day 1 — bad luck.
- Don’t cry or argue Day 1 — ruins year ahead.
- Don’t lend money Day 1.
- Accept li xi gracefully if given.
- Tip generously at hotels — staff working through holiday.
Tet Photography Tips
- Peach blossom markets in early February.
- Old Quarter pre-Tet preparation — busy markets.
- Hang Ma Street — sea of red and gold.
- Hoan Kiem Lake at night — decorated and lit.
- Pagodas Day 2-3 — pilgrim activity.
- Empty Old Quarter Day 1 — surreal photos.
- Ask before photographing families in private spaces.
Tet in Hanoi FAQs
When is Tet 2026?
February 17, 2026. Public holiday Feb 14-20.
Should I visit during Tet?
Yes for cultural depth, no for convenience. Many businesses closed.
Are restaurants open during Tet?
Most closed Days 1-3. Hotels and 5-star restaurants reliable.
Can I visit Halong Bay during Tet?
Yes but crowded with domestic tourists. Prices higher.
Is Tet safe for tourists?
Yes — very safe. Crime low. Locals helpful and festive.
How much extra should I budget?
30-50% above normal Tet week (Feb 14-23).
What if I’m vegetarian?
Pagoda food (chay) is vegetarian. Most regular restaurants closed.
Are there Tet souvenirs?
Yes — lucky money envelopes, decorations, calligraphy scrolls.
Plan Your Hanoi Tet Trip
Tet is Vietnam at its most cultural. Pair this guide with our festivals calendar, winter guide, cultural experiences, and culture & history pillar.
