What is Vietnamese New Year?
Vietnamese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year and often referred to as Chinese New Year internationally, is the most important holiday in Vietnam.
You could compare it to a mix of Christmas and Western New Year, as it is both a time for family reunions and spiritual traditions, as well as a celebration of new beginnings. Families come together to honor their ancestors, prepare festive meals, and visit temples to pray for good fortune in the coming year. It is also a joyful time, with homes decorated in red and gold, peach blossom and kumquat trees symbolizing luck, and the exchange of lì xì (lucky money) between elders and children.
For a detailed explanation of Vietnamese New Year traditions, history, and customs, check out our complete guide to Tet here.
When is Vietnamese New Year & Tet Holiday period?
The date of Vietnamese New Year (Tet) changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar, which is based on the cycles of the moon rather than the sun. This means Tet usually falls between late January and mid-February.
Although Tet itself is only one day, there are three official public holidays, and most people take at least a full week off. The Tet holiday period can be divided into three phases:
- Before Tet (preparations & celebrations): The days leading up to the new year are the busiest, with families shopping for decorations, food, and gifts.
- Tet Eve & Tet Day (family reunions & traditions): Families gather for meals, honor ancestors, and exchange lucky money.
- After Tet (post-holiday period): Many businesses remain closed, and people visit temples or take short vacations.
For the exact dates of Vietnamese New Year each year, check this updated guide.
How Hanoi changes around Vietnamese New Year
Before Tet: The city comes alive
In the weeks leading up to Vietnamese New Year, Hanoi becomes a vibrant and bustling city filled with markets, street stalls, and festive decorations. People rush to buy flowers like peach blossoms and kumquat trees, which symbolize luck and prosperity, while decorations in red and gold are sold everywhere. Shops, restaurants, hotels, and even people’s homes are beautifully decorated with lanterns, banners, and lucky symbols.
Street markets are at their busiest—besides the usual markets, temporary street stalls pop up all over the city, selling Tet decorations, gifts, and traditional foods. The energy is lively, with families preparing for the biggest holiday of the year.
Start of Tet: The city empties out
As the Tet holiday officially begins, Hanoi transforms almost overnight. Many locals working in Hanoi have moved to the city for job opportunities, but during Tet, they return to their hometowns to celebrate with their families. This leads to a sudden change—streets that were once packed are now nearly empty, many businesses shut down, and the normally chaotic traffic is much quieter.
For travelers, this means that Hanoi may feel unusually calm and quiet, a stark contrast to the city’s usual energy. However, some celebrations still take place, and a few restaurants and attractions remain open for tourists.
Are shops, restaurants, and hotels open during Tet?
Hotels & accommodation in Hanoi
Hotels almost never close, especially in the Old Quarter, where most tourists stay. Only some small, locally owned hotels may shut down temporarily, but availability is generally not an issue.
Tet is not a peak travel season for Hanoi—most Vietnamese people leave the city to visit their families instead of coming to Hanoi for a holiday. This means hotel prices remain stable, and it’s usually easy to find accommodation during this time.
Restaurants & street Food
One of the biggest concerns for travelers during Vietnamese New Year in Hanoi is whether they’ll be able to find food. It’s true that many restaurants close, and most street food vendors disappear during the Tet period. However, you can still find places to eat, especially in the Old Quarter, where many restaurants remain open to cater to tourists.
Some restaurants may only close for the first day of Tet or the three official holiday days, while others stay open throughout the week. Businesses in prime locations with high rent cannot afford to close for too long, so many remain open even if they operate with reduced staff.
Tip: Check out our travel tip on how to find food and restaurants in Hanoi open during Tet! Jump to this section.
Shops and markets
- Small local shops: Many close for several days, ranging from one day to a full week.
- Supermarkets & convenience stores: Larger chains like VinMart, Lotte, and Big C typically close only on the first day of Tet and reopen afterward.
- Traditional markets: Extremely busy before Tet but closed on Tet day and the following days.
Sights in Hanoi
Major attractions like Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature often remain open, though some may have different operating hours. Smaller museums and galleries may close for a few days. It’s best to double-check opening hours if you plan to visit specific attractions during Tet.
Day tours & activities
Tourism still operates during Tet, and many guided tours continue running. However, it is common for tour companies to charge a Tet holiday surcharge to compensate for staff working during the holiday.
Tours to places like Halong Bay, Ninh Binh, and Mai Chau are still available, but again, expect higher prices and fewer staff during this period.
Taxi’s in Hanoi
Taxis still operate, but with fewer drivers on the road due to the holiday, prices can be significantly higher. Ride-hailing apps like Grab still function, but waiting times may be longer, and fares are likely to increase due to high demand.
What is Grab? Grab is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber, allowing you to book taxis and motorbike rides at set prices. It is the most reliable way to get around Hanoi during Tet, as regular taxis may be harder to find or may try to overcharge tourists.
Weather during Tet in Hanoi
Tet falls in winter in Hanoi, meaning the weather can be cold and damp, especially in late January and early February. Temperatures typically range from 10-20°C, but it can feel colder due to humidity and occasional drizzles. Since most shops are closed, it’s best to bring warm clothes, including a jacket, sweater, and comfortable layers. If you don’t pack properly, it might be difficult to find warm clothing during Tet, as many clothing stores will also be closed.
Is Hanoi worth visiting during Vietnamese New Year
Pros
- A unique cultural experience – See how locals celebrate with ancestral altars, family gatherings, and traditional Tet decorations. Witness customs like offering food to ancestors, giving lucky money (lì xì), and temple visits for good fortune.
- Less traffic and chaos – Hanoi’s streets, normally packed with motorbikes, become much calmer as many residents leave for their hometowns. It’s one of the rare times you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the city.
- Special celebrations – Depending on the year, you may see fireworks, lion dances, and temple festivals. Popular spots like Hoan Kiem Lake and West Lake often have festive events, and temples are lively with people praying for a prosperous new year.
Cons
- Many attractions and services closed – Some museums, restaurants, and businesses shut down for at least three days, while small shops and local markets may stay closed for a full week.
- Higher prices for some services – Flights, taxis, and certain tour services may be more expensive due to high demand and limited availability. Some restaurants that remain open might charge extra.
- A quieter, almost empty city – While some enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, others may find Hanoi too quiet and lacking energy compared to its usual vibrant daily life.
Conclusion
Hanoi is worth visiting during Tet if you are looking for a cultural experience and a calmer city, with the chance to see local traditions, decorated streets, and temple celebrations. However, if you expect everything to be open and running as usual, you may be disappointed, as many businesses close, and the city feels quieter than normal.
That said, compared to smaller towns or less touristy destinations in Vietnam, Hanoi still offers more open restaurants, hotels, and services catering to visitors. If you prepare in advance and know what to expect, you can still have a great experience during Vietnamese New Year.
Firework show in Hanoi
Yes, Vietnamese New Year is also celebrated with fireworks, and Hanoi hosts over 30 firework displays across the city. The most famous and accessible location for tourists is Hoan Kiem Lake, where crowds gather to watch the midnight spectacle. Other popular areas for fireworks include Ha Dong, Tay Ho, and Nam Tu Liem Districts.
The shows begin exactly at midnight, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year. If you plan to watch from the streets, be prepared for large crowds and heavy traffic, as many locals come out to celebrate.
Tip: book a table at a rooftop bar or restaurant in advanced
One of the best ways to enjoy the fireworks is from a rooftop bar or restaurant, where you get an unobstructed view of the city skyline.
- Make reservations early – Many rooftop venues sell out weeks in advance, especially those near Hoan Kiem Lake.
- Expect higher prices – Ticket prices for venues with the best views can reach VND 1.3 million (US$52) per person.
- Walk-ins are rarely accepted – Most places require advance bookings and do not allow last-minute visitors on the night of the event.
If you want a comfortable and crowd-free way to enjoy the Hanoi Tet fireworks, securing a rooftop reservation is the best option.
Best things to do in Hanoi during Tet Holiday period
1. Watch the firework in Hanoi
Firework shows are a highlight of Vietnamese New Year in Hanoi, with over 30 locations across the city launching fireworks at midnight. The most popular spot for tourists is Hoan Kiem Lake, but you can also see great displays in areas like Tay Ho, Ha Dong, and Nam Tu Liem.
In addition to the official firework displays, many locals set off their own fireworks and firecrackers, so you’ll see and hear celebrations throughout the city.
2. Visiting flower markets
Before Tet, Hanoi’s flower markets are full of peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and bright yellow apricot flowers, all symbols of luck and prosperity. The biggest and most famous market is Quang Ba Flower Market, but you’ll find smaller markets and street stalls selling flowers all over the city.
This is one of the best places to experience the pre-Tet excitement, with locals picking out decorations for their homes.
3. Shopping for Tet
Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, walking through Tet shopping streets is a great way to experience the festive atmosphere. Many streets in Hanoi completely transform, with every shop selling Tet decorations, red envelopes for lucky money, and gifts for family gatherings.
- The most famous Tet shopping street in the Old Quarter is Hang Ma Street, which becomes packed with decorations, lanterns, and traditional red and gold items.
- Expect crowds and a lively atmosphere as people prepare for the biggest holiday of the year.
4. Walking around Hoan Kiem Lake
Around Hoan Kiem Lake, the city often sets up large flower displays, especially in the days leading up to Tet. The area becomes one of the most photogenic spots in Hanoi, with flowers, lights, and festive decorations.
However, it can get very crowded, as many Vietnamese families come to take photos in their traditional ao dai. If you want to enjoy the scenery in a quieter setting, visit early in the morning.
5. Visiting pagodas
The first days of Tet are when locals visit pagodas and temples to pray for luck, health, and success in the new year. Some of the most famous pagodas in Hanoi to experience this tradition include:
- Tran Quoc Pagoda – The oldest Buddhist temple in Hanoi, located on West Lake.
- Ngoc Son Temple – Located on an island in Hoan Kiem Lake, a spiritual hotspot during Tet.
- Phu Tay Ho – One of the busiest places in Hanoi during Tet, as many people come here to pray for good fortune.
This is not the best time for quiet sightseeing, but it’s an amazing way to observe Vietnamese New Year traditions in action.
6. Eating Tet specialty food
Tet is all about food, and even though many restaurants close, this is a great time to try traditional Tet specialties, such as:
- Bánh chưng – A square-shaped sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves.
- Bánh tét – Similar to bánh chưng but in a cylindrical shape, more common in southern Vietnam.
- Dried candied fruits (Mứt Tết) – A variety of sweetened dried fruits like coconut, ginger, and kumquat, often served to guests during Tet.
- Pickled onions (Dưa hành) – A common side dish eaten with bánh chưng.
- Boiled chicken (Gà luộc) – A traditional dish served in most households for the New Year’s meal.
Many hotels and some restaurants in the Old Quarter serve special Tet menus, so you still have a chance to try these festive dishes.
7. Celebrate with local people
Tet is a family holiday, but there are still ways for foreigners to join in on the celebrations:
- Join a neighborhood year-end party – In the weeks before Tet, neighborhoods, offices, and even small streets hold year-end celebrations with food, drinks, and karaoke. If you walk by and show interest, there’s a high chance locals will invite you to join them for drinks.
- Stay with a local family – Some homestays or guesthouses offer Tet experiences where you can stay with a local family, help prepare food, and join in their celebrations. While it’s harder to find, some families enjoy welcoming foreign travelers to share the holiday spirit.
Practical tips for travellers in Hanoi during Tet Holiday
How to find food and restaurants that are open
Use Grab
Many restaurants don’t update their opening times on Google Maps, but they actively manage their Grab accounts. Grab is not only a ride-hailing app, but also a food delivery app, and businesses update their availability there daily. If a restaurant is listed as open on Grab, it is very likely correct. You can either order food directly through the app or go to the restaurant in person.
Book hotels with their own restaurant or find hotel restaurants.
If you’re worried about finding food during Tet, book a hotel with an in-house restaurant or check nearby hotel restaurants, as these are more likely to stay open.
Check Facebook pages
f you find a restaurant that appears open on Google Maps, double-check its Facebook page. Most restaurants in Vietnam actively use Facebook and often announce their Tet opening and closing times there.
Be respectful
Tet is both a celebration and a time of ancestor worship. As you walk through Hanoi, you’ll see people praying, burning incense, and placing food offerings outside their homes to honor their ancestors. Be mindful of these practices—avoid walking through or disturbing worship areas in front of homes and businesses.
Have enough cash
ATMs do not get refilled during Tet, and many Vietnamese withdraw large amounts of cash before the holiday to use for spending and giving lucky money. This means ATMs may run out of money, and since many businesses only accept cash, it’s best to withdraw enough cash before Tet starts.
Plan your activities in advanced
With many attractions, tours, and businesses having different schedules during Tet, plan ahead. If you want to visit specific museums, temples, or tourist sites, check their opening hours before the holiday begins.
Check attraction opening times
- Some museums and sights close on Tet Eve and Tet Day, but many reopen in the following days.
- Larger tourist attractions like Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, and pagodas remain open and can be interesting places to observe Tet traditions.
Be patient with service delays
Many restaurants, hotels, and transport services operate with reduced staff during Tet, meaning service may be slower than usual. Be prepared for longer wait times at restaurants, slower check-in at hotels, and fewer taxis available.
Expect price changes
During Tet, some services increase prices due to high demand and staff shortages. Expect:
- Food delivery price increases due to limited restaurant availability.
- Higher taxi and Grab fares due to fewer drivers working.
- Tour surcharges as guides and staff work on public holidays.
