Têt, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that draws travellers from around the world to Vietnam. With its unique customs and traditions, it may seem like an ideal time to experience the country’s culture in full swing. However, before you book your flights and pack your bags, here are a few reasons why travelling to Vietnam during Têt might not be as smooth as you think.
Having personally experienced the challenges of Têt, we can attest that it can be a difficult experience if you’re unprepared. Booking things in advance and understanding what to expect can make all the difference. Here are some key considerations to be prepared and know what lies ahead of you during this festive time.
Why visit Vietnam during Têt?
Before we delve into the drawbacks of Têt travel, let’s take a moment to appreciate some of the unique customs and traditions that make this holiday so special.
1. Fireworks Extravaganza
Têt begins with a bang as Vietnamese cities illuminate the night sky with dazzling fireworks, creating a magical atmosphere. However, brace yourself for the smoke and noise, which can make it challenging to get a peaceful night’s sleep. The continuous noise from firecrackers and fireworks can be overwhelming, especially for travelers unaccustomed to the intensity of the celebrations.
2. Family Reunions
Têt is a time for family gatherings, where generations come together to celebrate and honour their ancestors. It’s a heartwarming sight to witness the bond between loved ones during this period. If you know someone in Vietnam, it is likely that you will be invited to one of their family gatherings!
Note: Cultural Norms and Etiquette: It’s essential for travellers to be aware of and respectful of Vietnamese cultural norms and etiquette during Têt. For example, visiting a family’s home during this time may require specific customs and rituals.
3. Vibrant Decorations
Streets are adorned with colourful flowers, traditional decorations, and beautiful lanterns. The entire country transforms into a visually stunning wonderland. If you happen to be in Vietnam during this period, you absolutely have to visit a flower market: you will be captivated by the sight of thousands of beautiful coloured flowers!
Why not to travel Vietnam during Têt?
Now, let’s shift our focus to the 5 main reasons why Têt might not be the best time for your Vietnam adventure.
1. Fully Booked Public Transport
Buses and trains are jam-packed during Têt. Securing tickets can be a Herculean task, and you might find yourself stranded in one place longer than expected.
For instance, we had to go from Hanoi to Da Nang and found ourselves waiting for two days because there were no available buses.
If you are travelling in Vietnam during the Têt period like us, you can still find competivie prices for night busses on 12go.asia. We managed to book overnight bus tickets fron Hanoi to Da Nang for around 15 euros. These would normally have been closer to 10 euros but were still WAY cheaper than using internal flights. Check out bus times and prices on 12go.asia here.
2. Soaring Airfare and Rising Hotel Prices
During Têt, flight prices skyrocket, often reaching exorbitant levels, turning an affordable journey into a budget-busting ordeal. For instance, flights from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh, which usually cost 20-30 euros, soared to over 100 euros, or even 150-200 euros. Consequently, we ended up taking two night buses a couple of days after the end of the Têt holiday to reach Ho Chi Minh at a reasonable price, despite it being an exhausting journey. This rush was due to our expiring one-month VISA, and we were eager to cross the border into Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Not only do airfares surge during Têt, but hotel prices also rise significantly, making accommodations more expensive and challenging to find during this period.
If you are travelling in Vietnam during Têt, we recommend booking accommodation way in advance!
3. Closed Attractions and Tours
During Têt, many of Vietnam’s premier attractions and tour operators close for several days. Iconic experiences like visiting Ha Long Bay or taking the scenic motorbike ride along the Ha Giang Loop may be inaccessible during the core days of the holiday.
In our case, we aimed to drive the Ha Giang Loop but had to rush it in 3 days instead of the intended 4 due to time constraints and the Têt holiday causing tour closures. You can read about doing the Ha Giang Loop here.
4. Deserted Streets (with a Silver Lining)
While the bustling streets of Vietnam are usually part of the charm, during Têt, they can be eerily deserted. On the plus side, this means you have fewer chances of being run over by a motorbike swarm! Yes, those two-wheeled speed enthusiasts tend to take a break during Têt, providing pedestrians with some rare breathing space. However, the days leading up to Têt and immediately afterwards can see increased traffic congestion as people travel to and from their hometowns for family reunions. This can result in longer travel times and crowded roads.
5. Quiet Eateries and Scarcity of Supplies
Shops, restaurants, and cafes often close their doors during Têt, leaving travellers with limited dining and shopping options. Those cosy Hanoi cafes you’ve heard so much about might be locked up tight. Moreover, some local markets and stores may run out of essential supplies as many people stock up on food and other items in preparation for the holiday. This can affect the availability and variety of products in certain areas.
Conclusion
While Têt is undeniably a captivating celebration that showcases Vietnam’s rich culture, it may not be the best time to explore the country if you’re short on time or travelling on a tight budget. The risk of missing out on must-see attractions, enduring transportation woes, and struggling to find open eateries is significant.
Our recommendation, especially for first-time visitors, is to plan your Vietnam adventure outside of the Têt holiday period. This way, you can explore this beautiful country without the logistical challenges that come with Têt and fully enjoy all the wonders Vietnam has to offer.
Anyway, if you will be there during this period, do not despair: with proper planning and an understanding of the holiday’s significance, you can still have a memorable and enjoyable trip to Vietnam during Têt!
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