What is Vietnamese New Year?
Vietnamese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year and often referred to as Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It marks the beginning of the new lunar calendar year and is a time for family gatherings, honoring ancestors, and celebrating new beginnings. While Tet shares similarities with Chinese New Year, Vietnam has its own unique customs, foods, and traditions.
During this time, families clean their homes to remove bad luck, prepare offerings for their ancestors, and give lucky money (lì xì) to children. Streets are decorated with red lanterns, peach blossoms, and kumquat trees, symbolizing prosperity and happiness. In Hoi An, the holiday brings a mix of cultural traditions and a beautiful festive atmosphere, with special lantern displays, celebrations, and a quieter, more peaceful town as locals take time off.
For a detailed explanation of Vietnamese New Year traditions, history, and customs, check out our complete guide to Vietnamese New Year.
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 official day, there are three public holidays, and most people take at least a full week off. The Tet holiday period can be divided into three phases:
- Before Tet: The busiest time, with locals shopping, cleaning homes, and preparing offerings.
- Tet Eve & Tet Day: Families gather for meals, visit temples, and celebrate the new year.
- Post-Tet (First Days of the New Year): Many businesses remain closed, and people visit friends and extended family.
For the exact dates of Vietnamese New Year each year, check this updated guide.
Hoi An during Vietnamese New Year
Hoi An is very different from other cities in Vietnam, especially its famous Ancient Town, which is more of a tourist hub than a residential area. Unlike Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, where many locals leave to visit their hometowns, Hoi An doesn’t experience a massive population shift during Vietnamese New Year. This is because the town’s center is filled with restaurants, tailors, coffee shops, and hotels rather than residential homes. Surrounding the Old Town, you’ll find hotels and resorts, especially along the beaches, but fewer traditional Vietnamese neighborhoods.
For travelers, this means that the typical Vietnamese New Year experience is less intense here. While you will still see Tet decorations, flower displays, and festive touches in shops, restaurants, and hotels, the experience is not as culturally immersive as in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. However, this also has its advantages—Hoi An doesn’t shut down as drastically as other cities, making it one of the best places for international travelers during Tet.
While many Vietnamese travel after Tet for a holiday break, Hoi An isn’t a top destination for domestic tourism during this time, mainly because the weather is often at the end of the rainy season.
Are shops, restaurants, and hotels open during Tet?
Hotels & accommodation in Hoi An
Almost all hotels and resorts in Hoi An stay open during Vietnamese New Year, including those in the Ancient Town and along the beaches. Only some small, family-run guesthouses might close for a few days. Availability is not an issue, as Hoi An is not a major Tet holiday destination for Vietnamese travelers.
Restaurants & street Food
A major concern for travelers during Vietnamese New Year in Hoi An is whether restaurants will be open and if it will be easy to find food. Across Vietnam, many restaurants and street food vendors close during Tet, and while this also happens in Hoi An, it is one of the few towns where many restaurants stay open.
Business owners in Hoi An’s Ancient Town rely heavily on international tourism, and with high rents, many cannot afford to close for an entire week. As a result, several restaurants in the city center remain open, sometimes closing only on Tet day or for the three official holidays. However, small local eateries outside the main tourist area are more likely to close for a few days.
Shops and markets
Many small shops in Hoi An close for several days, with some shutting down for a full week, while others only close for 1-3 days. Convenience stores such as Winmart often close just for Tet day, reopening quickly after. Local markets are extremely busy before Vietnamese New Year, but they close on Tet day and the following days.
Sights in Hoi An
Most tourist attractions remain open, including heritage buildings, temples, and cultural sites in the Ancient Town. Some small, locally-run museums may close for Tet day or have reduced hours, but overall, Hoi An remains accessible for visitors. My Son Sanctuary stays open, making it a great day trip option from Hoi An during Tet.
Day tours & activities
Tourism in Hoi An continues as usual, with guided tours, car rentals, and activities still operating. However, it is common for guides and drivers to charge a Tet holiday surcharge due to the holiday period. Most activities, such as cycling tours, half-day trips to My Son, and cooking classes, continue running, often with slightly higher prices than usual.
Taxi’s in Hoi An
Taxis in Hoi An still operate, but with fewer drivers available, leading to higher fares and longer wait times. Grab remains an option, though expect surge pricing due to limited drivers.
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 during Tet, as traditional taxis may be harder to find or may charge inflated fares.
Is Hoi An worth visiting during Vietnamese New Year
Pro
- Hoi An stays more open than other cities – Unlike many other cities and towns, where many businesses shut down, Hoi An’s Ancient Town remains lively, with many restaurants, cafes, and hotels still operating.
- Beautiful decorations and festive atmosphere – The Ancient Town is decorated with Tet flowers, lanterns, and banners, creating a picturesque setting. Some streets have flower displays, which are a key part of Vietnamese New Year.
Cons
- Limited local Tet traditions – Since Hoi An is primarily a tourist town, the authentic Vietnamese New Year experience is less prominent here. The Ancient Town has few local residential areas, so you won’t see as many family gatherings or ancestor-worship rituals compared to Hanoi or smaller towns.
- Some businesses still close – While many restaurants in the Ancient Town remain open, some small local eateries, shops, and markets do close, particularly on Tet day and the official public holidays.
Conclusion
Hoi An is one of the best places in Vietnam to visit during Vietnamese New Year if you want a balance between festive atmosphere and convenience. While it doesn’t offer the same deep cultural traditions as Hanoi, you’ll still see Tet decorations, firework celebrations, and a lively town center. Most restaurants, hotels, and tourist services stay open, making it one of the easiest places for international travelers during Tet.
If you’re looking for a vibrant Vietnamese New Year experience with a mix of culture and accessibility, Hoi An is a great choice. However, if your goal is to witness traditional Tet customs within local communities, you may find smaller villages or major cities like Hanoi and Hue more immersive.
Firework show in Da Nang
Hoi An itself will have some fireworks, but for the biggest firework show in the central Vietnam region, Da Nang is the best option. Located just 30 minutes away, Da Nang’s New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Han River are the highlight of the celebration.
The main firework display takes place at midnight over the Han River, offering spectacular views from various locations. You can watch the show from one of the bridges, the riverside walk, or from a rooftop bar or restaurant along the river. If you prefer to watch from a rooftop venue, it’s best to book a table well in advance, as these places get fully booked quickly.
Getting back to Hoi An after midnight can be challenging, as taxis and Grab cars may be limited or have higher prices due to demand. If you plan to return the same night, it’s best to pre-arrange a private car. Alternatively, staying in Da Nang for the night is a good option if you want a more relaxed experience without worrying about transport.
Best things to do in Hoi An during Tet Holiday period
1. New Year’s Eve in the Ancient Town
Hoi An’s Ancient Town is one of the most atmospheric places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The evening often features a spring parade, cultural performances, and a firework show above the Hoai River at midnight. Bars and restaurants in the Ancient Town also host New Year’s Eve parties, making it a great place to celebrate for both locals and tourists. The town’s lantern-lit streets and festive decorations add to the charm, creating a unique and memorable experience.
2. Watch the firework show in Da Nang
While Hoi An has some fireworks, the biggest firework display in central Vietnam takes place in Da Nang, just 30 minutes away. The main firework show happens over the Han River at midnight, with excellent viewing spots along the bridges, river walk, and rooftop bars. If you plan to watch in Da Nang, consider staying overnight or pre-arranging a car back to Hoi An, as transport options can be limited after midnight.
3. Visiting Da Nang for a traditional Tet experience
For a more authentic Tet atmosphere, visiting Da Nang is a great option. The city comes alive with small flower markets, festive decorations, and traditional Tet stalls. Along the Han River, you’ll find beautiful flower displays, and throughout the city, small shops sell Tet decorations and gifts. As Tet gets closer, the sidewalks fill with temporary stalls selling flowers, red envelopes, and festive decorations, creating a lively and colorful scene.
4. First Full Moon Lantern Festival
The First Full Moon Lantern Festival is a special event in Hoi An. On the first full moon of the Lunar New Year, the Ancient Town turns off electric lights for a few hours, leaving only the glow of traditional silk lanterns and floating candle lanterns on the river. This creates a breathtaking scene, making it one of the most beautiful and peaceful moments to experience in Hoi An.
5. Join local events
Tet in Hoi An includes various smaller celebrations and cultural activities that reflect the town’s heritage. Some unique events include:
- Bài Chòi Singing Contest – A form of traditional Vietnamese folk singing, often performed in public squares during Tet.
- Boat racing on the Thu Bon River – A high-energy tradition where teams compete in traditional wooden boats.
- Craft villages hosting their own Tet ceremonies – Villages like Thanh Ha (pottery) and Kim Bong (carpentry) hold special ceremonies to welcome the new year.
Practical tips for travellers in Hoi An during Tet Holiday
Be respectful
While Vietnamese New Year is a time of celebration, it is also deeply rooted in ancestor worship and family traditions. As you walk through Hoi An, you may see offerings placed outside homes, incense burning, and families gathered for prayer ceremonies. Be mindful of these customs—avoid walking through offering areas on sidewalks, and be respectful when visiting temples and pagodas, as they will be especially busy during Tet.
Have enough cash
Although many businesses in Hoi An stay open, banks and most financial services do not. ATMs do not get refilled during Tet, and many Vietnamese withdraw large amounts of money in advance to use for spending and giving lucky money (lì xì). This means ATMs can run out of cash, and since some shops and restaurants only accept cash, it’s best to withdraw enough money before the holiday starts to avoid issues.
Plan your activities in advanced
Not all attractions, tours, and transport services will operate normally during Tet, so it’s best to check ahead which places remain open. If you’re planning day trips that require a private car, book in advance, as fewer drivers are available during the holiday. Tour prices may also be slightly higher due to Tet surcharges, so plan accordingly.
