Welcome to the most vibrant time of the year in Vietnam! You are standing on the threshold of Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year), which officially kicks off on February 17.

This year is the Year of the Horse, and the energy in the streets is already electric. For a traveler, Tet is a "double-edged sword": while you’ll witness a beautiful side of Vietnamese culture that most never see, you also need to navigate a country that is effectively "hitting the pause button" for a week.

Here is your guide to the best activities and destinations for an unforgettable Tet 2026 experience.

Must-Try Tet Activities for Foreigners

1. Get Lost in a Flower Market

Before Tet, every city turns into a giant botanical garden. Flowers aren't just decor; they represent luck and prosperity.

• Hanoi: Head to Hang Luoc or the overnight Quang Ba Flower Market to see the iconic pink peach blossoms.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Visit the "Flower Market on the Boats" at Binh Dong Wharf (District 8), the famous Ho Thi Ky market, or every single street to see and buy flowers.
• Activity: Try to spot the most precarious way a local can carry a giant kumquat tree on a motorbike—it's a national sport!

2. The New Year’s Eve Countdown (Feb 16)

At midnight on February 16, the Fireworks will be set off at all provinces, cities of Vietnam. You can watch the sky across Vietnam exploding with color.

• Hanoi: Join the massive crowds around Hoan Kiem Lake.
• HCMC: The fireworks at the Thu Thiem Tunnel area are legendary.
• Da Nang: Many fireworks spots along the Bach Dang street, 24-3 Square,..
• Pro Tip: Be prepared for "the great stillness." Immediately after the fireworks, the streets empty as everyone heads home for the first meal of the year.

3. Seek Blessings at a Pagoda

On the 1st or 2nd day of Tet (Feb 17–18), follow the scent of incense to the nearest temple.

• What to do: Observe locals "buying" salt (for luck) and offering prayers for the new year.
• Etiquette: Keep your shoulders and knees covered. It’s the most sacred time of the year, and "temple fashion" is strictly modest.

4. Taste the "Taste of Tet"

Look for Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake) in the North or Banh Tet (cylindrical version) in the South.

• The Experience: If you are staying at a homestay, ask if you can join the "cake-wrapping" session. It’s a 12-hour process of boiling the cakes over an open fire—the perfect time for a few beers and family stories.
• Besides Banh Chung, Banh Tet, depending on the local you travel this holiday, you even can taste many others Tet cuisine in Vietnam like: Pickled small leeks, Dried candy fruits, Jellied meat, Caramelized pork and eggs,…

Since Tet marks the traditional start of the Vietnamese year, it’s about more than just great food and activities. It’s a season of connection where people exchange mutual wishes for prosperity and health. A hallmark of this holiday is the gifting of lucky money—a gesture of good fortune especially meant for children and elders.

Best Destinations for Tet 2026

Essential Survival Tips for 2026

The Tet Shutdown: Most family-owned shops and local eateries close from the afternoon of Feb 16 through Feb 19. Large malls, international hotels, and "tourist-trap" restaurants usually stay open, but expect a "Tet Surcharge" on many menus.

• Cash is King: ATMs often run dry a few days before Tet as everyone withdraws "Lucky Money." Get your cash today or tomorrow!
• Transportation: Trains and buses are likely 100% booked. If you don't have a ticket yet, your best bet is to stay put in one city and explore it deeply.
• The "First Footer" Rule: Don't be the first person to enter a local's house on Feb 17 unless specifically invited. The "first footer" (Xong Dat) is believed to determine the family's luck for the entire year!

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