Chung Ta Travel Vietnam
Vietnam Lunar New Year 2027: City Selection, Business Hours, Private Transfers, and Booking Arrangements
The first day of Tet falls on February 6. Want to see flowers, festive lights, and the authentic spirit of Tet, but worried about restaurant closures and transport availability? This guide breaks down how to plan your stress-free Vietnam Tet trip based on cities, dates, and travel companions.
How to Plan a Smooth Tet Trip: You can visit Vietnam during Tet, but don't plan it like a standard independent trip
The main challenge isn't a lack of attractions, but rather coordinating "when to travel, where to eat, whether shops are open, and ensuring drivers and guides are confirmed." By locking these four elements in advance, you'll experience Vietnam at its most ceremonial and festive time of year.
AI Summary
- Most Festive Atmosphere: Hanoi, perfect for those who enjoy old towns, Tet flowers, traditional markets, and quiet streets.
- Best Balanced Choice: Da Nang & Hoi An, combining coastal resorts, strolling through ancient towns, and easy day trip logistics.
- Best Service Flexibility: Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wider range of hotels, restaurants, and professional services.
- Most Stress-free Vacation: Phu Quoc, opt for resorts with breakfast and on-site dining, though rooms fill up quickly.
- Not Recommended: Last-minute inter-city flights, spontaneous booking of large Grab vehicles, or searching for restaurants without a backup plan.
Vietnam Tet 2027 Dates: New Year's Day and 7-day public holiday confirmed
The first day of the 2027 Vietnamese Lunar New Year is February 6. The government has approved a seven-day public holiday from February 4 to February 10. General businesses may choose their own five-day holiday schedules, so store hours should be verified individually.
New Year's Day: February 6
Saturday; the night before, February 5, is New Year's Eve. City festivities typically start weeks in advance.
7-day holiday: Feb 4–10
Applies to public sector employees. Private companies determine their own schedules, so shop closures will vary.
Tet flight sales
Aviation authorities have announced that airlines have already begun scheduling extra flights and ticket sales for the peak period from Jan 22 to Feb 20.
You can view the official announcement from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Vietnam Airlines Group's flight information. Schedules for flower streets, fireworks, and attractions should be checked against new 2027 announcements closer to the time.
Choosing your destination: Hanoi, Da Nang/Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, or Phu Quoc?
Filter your options with three questions: Do you want cultural tradition or a resort vacation? Are you comfortable with some shops being closed? Are you traveling with elderly, children, or large amounts of luggage?
| Destination | Tet Highlights | Business Stability | Weather | Best For | Key Risks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | Peach blossoms, Old Quarter, temples, traditional vibes | Low-Medium; many small shops close | Cooler north, potentially damp/cold | Cultural travelers, photographers, return visitors | Fewer restaurant options, tight inter-city tickets |
| Da Nang/Hoi An | Coast, ancient town lanterns, resorts, day trips | Medium; tourist areas and hotels are stable | Comfortable central weather, some rain possible | First-timers, families, elderly, kids | Traffic at Ba Na Hills and Hoi An |
| HCMC | Nguyen Hue Flower Street, city lights, apricot blossoms | Medium-High; more hotel and core business options | Dry and warm | City lovers, foodies, short stays | Homecoming rush affects drivers/airport traffic |
| Phu Quoc | Dry season island, resorts, sunset, family amenities | High in resorts; varies for local shops | Dry and warm | Resort lovers, honeymoons, families | High prices, popular restaurants sell out early |
Hanoi: Embrace the "quiet" as part of the experience
Hanoi during Tet is completely different from a standard weekend. From New Year's Eve to the first day, streets are quiet, allowing you to feel the city's unique rhythm.
- Schedule popular restaurants for pre-Tet; book hotel dining for New Year's Day.
- Verify transport and boat schedules for Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay in advance.
- Pack warm clothing and rain gear; don't expect Southern weather.
Da Nang & Hoi An: Good infrastructure and festive tradition
Stay in Da Nang for better hotel and transport availability, then use private charters to visit Hoi An, Marble Mountains, Son Tra Peninsula, or Ba Na Hills.
- Hoi An gets crowded in the evening; book return transport with a fixed meeting point.
- Ba Na Hills may adjust cable cars and shows due to weather; keep a backup date.
- Stay in one hotel in Da Nang if traveling with elderly or children to minimize packing.
Ho Chi Minh City: Easier access to flower streets and dining
The festive atmosphere is concentrated in District 1. Large hotels and commercial centers usually remain more operational than residential alleys.
- Don't assume all shops are open in a "big city"; still verify individual spots.
- Allow extra time for airport transfers; arrange standby services for late-night flights.
- Avoid peak homecoming hours for Cu Chi or Mekong day trips.
Phu Quoc: Stay at a resort for peace of mind
Tet falls during the dry season, perfect for beach time, cable cars, and sunset town visits. Choose hotels with breakfast, on-site dining, and reliable transfers.
- Popular room types and shuttles sell out much faster than usual.
- The island is large; don't cram too many sights into one day.
- Marine activities are weather-dependent; have land-based alternatives.
Will shops be open? Judge by date and store type, not just Google's standard hours
Many employees return home for Tet, and restaurants often close for the first few days. Real-time availability is usually only announced by each business a few weeks before the holiday.
Relatively Open
International hotels, resort restaurants, large tourist facilities, airports, and some chain convenience stores.
Still check for Tet set menus and reservation requirements.Most Likely Closed
Family-run eateries, traditional market stalls, private studios, street breakfast vendors.
Google Maps does not guarantee that a shop is open on Tet.Potential Surcharges
Private charters, night transfers, guides, set menus, and extended service hours.
Confirm total prices, service hours, and cancellation policies in writing.The safest dining strategy: "Hotel breakfast + one confirmed lunch + one booked dinner + convenience store snacks." If you want flexibility, have at least two backup restaurants in the same area.
It's not that you can't get a ride, it's that "last-minute choices dwindle and time costs rise"
The pre-Tet period is the homecoming rush; the post-holiday period is the return-to-city rush. Flights, trains, and buses fill up quickly. Grab is available in major cities but don't rely on it for large vehicles or early morning airport trips.
When is a private charter worth it?
- Arrivals from New Year's Eve through the third day, especially late-night or early-morning flights.
- Groups of 4+ people, traveling with strollers, mobility aids, or large luggage.
- Inter-city travel like Hanoi to Ninh Binh/Ha Long Bay, or Da Nang to Hoi An/Ba Na Hills.
- Days with multiple scattered locations where you want a flexible schedule.
- If you are uncomfortable with the language barrier and need a Chinese-speaking coordinator.
Booking Info Needed: Date, flight number, pickup/drop-off addresses, number of adults/children, number of bags, baby seat needs, stops, service hours, and night-time requirements.
| Mode | Tet Pros | Tet Cons | Best For | Check Before Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grab/Taxi | Flexible for short trips, prices in-app | Peak wait times, surcharges, limited large vehicles | 1–2 people, little luggage, no fixed schedule | License plate, capacity, luggage space |
| Airport Transfer | Someone waiting for you, safer for late-night flights | Specific rules for flight delays | Families, elderly, late-night arrivals | Wait time, delay handling, contact info |
| Full-day Charter | Fixed vehicle, luggage storage, high efficiency | Limited availability of drivers | 3+ people, families, private groups | Hours, mileage, road tolls, parking, overtime |
| Flight | Fastest for long distances | High prices, sells out early | Inter-regional travel | Baggage, airport transport, change rules |
| Train/Bus | Many routes, scenic | Often sold out, shuttle transfers extra | Plenty of time, single-point travel | Actual station, sleepers, luggage, arrival time |
2027 Vietnam Tet Booking Timeline
Airlines have already started selling Tet seats. The closer we get to February 6, the issue isn't tickets, but rather finding available hotel rooms, appropriate vehicles, qualified guides, and restaurants that accommodate Tet schedules.
Three Tet itineraries that minimize risk
Don't change cities every day during Tet. Pick a main base, then add one or two chartered day trips to easily adjust if closures or weather hit.
Hanoi Leisure
- Arrive in Hanoi, dinner nearby
- Old Quarter, Sword Lake, Flower Markets
- Temple of Literature, local temples, French Quarter
- Charter trip to Ninh Binh or Ha Long Bay
- New Year's Day: Lakeside walk and hotel dining
Da Nang + Hoi An
- Airport transfer, Beach time
- Son Tra Peninsula and City
- Ba Na Hills flexible day
- Marble Mountains, Hoi An Ancient Town
- Leisure and reserved dining
- Private transfer to airport
HCMC + Phu Quoc
- HCMC pickup, District 1
- Nguyen Hue Flower Street, City walk
- Fly to Phu Quoc
- Southern island cable car or island hopping
- Resort rest
- Northern island or Beach day
- Return transfer
Turning Tet uncertainty into an actionable itinerary
Chung Ta Travel Vietnam can customize your trip based on flights, city selection, age, room types, diet, and budget, including customized itineraries, private charters, Chinese-speaking guides, and semi-independent tour packages.
VIP Customized Vietnam Itineraries
From city selection and hotels to daily logistics, holiday dining, private charters, and Chinese-speaking services, we consolidate it into a flexible Tet plan.
Private Group & Package Tours
Explore multi-day itineraries for North, Central, and South Vietnam, adjusted for 2027 Tet operations and logistics.
Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long Bay Charters
Ideal for airport transfers, family travel, and inter-city day trips. Please provide dates, passenger counts, and luggage details.
Da Nang & HCMC Charters
Connect Hoi An/Ba Na Hills in the Center, or HCMC/Cu Chi/Mekong in the South. Tet availability requires verification by the fleet.
Provide 8 key details for a quote
Travel dates, flights, cities, number of travelers, children/elderly, luggage, hotel level, and must-see attractions. The more complete the info, the easier it is to confirm Tet vehicle availability, guides, and operating hours.
Five-part Vietnam Tet 2027 series: Choose your city, then handle charters and flights
This master guide helps with initial decisions; once you've chosen your city, dive into our targeted topics for detailed itineraries, operational risks, transport, and booking tips.
Common Questions for Vietnam Tet 2027 Travel
When is Tet 2027 in Vietnam?
The first day of the Lunar New Year in 2027 falls on Saturday, February 6th; February 5th is Lunar New Year's Eve. Festive decorations, flower markets, and the rush of people returning home usually begin in advance.
Are the 2027 Vietnam Tet public holidays confirmed?
Yes. The Vietnamese government has approved a seven-day public holiday from February 4th to February 10th, 2027; private businesses and shops may set their own schedules accordingly.
Will all shops in Vietnam be closed during Tet?
Not all, but family-run shops, traditional market stalls, and some services often close from New Year's Eve to the second day of the New Year. Hotels, resorts, airports, and major tourist areas are more likely to have options, but it is best to check each location individually.
Which city should I choose for my first trip to Vietnam during Tet?
For a balance of sights, hotels, and transport, choose Danang and Hoi An; for more urban service options, choose Ho Chi Minh City; for resorts, choose Phu Quoc; for traditional holiday atmosphere, choose Hanoi.
Is Hanoi suitable for travel during Tet?
It is perfect for travelers who enjoy New Year flowers, temples, the Old Quarter, and quiet street scenes, though restaurant choices become limited around the first day, and the north is quite cool. We recommend scheduling "must-eat" restaurants before the holiday and booking hotel dining for the first day.
Are Danang and Hoi An suitable for families during Tet?
Yes. Danang offers hotels, beaches, and city amenities, while Hoi An is great for half-day or evening tours via private car. Seniors and children can stay in Danang to minimize changing hotels and lugging luggage.
Will Ho Chi Minh City feel like a ghost town during Tet?
Traffic will be quieter than usual after residents return home, but areas like Nguyen Hue Flower Street, District 1, hotels, and festive events remain active. Small shops may be closed, so do not assume all restaurants and cafes will be operating as usual.
Is Phu Quoc worth visiting during Tet?
Yes, Tet usually falls during Phu Quoc's dry season, and resort services are generally comprehensive. The downside is high demand for rooms, popular room types, restaurants, cable cars, and transport, so book well in advance.
When should I book flights and hotels for Tet 2027?
For popular cities and family rooms, we recommend booking four to six months in advance. Vietnamese airlines have already begun capacity and ticketing arrangements for the peak period from January 22nd to February 20th; choices diminish as the holiday approaches.
Is it necessary to book a private car during Tet?
It is not required for everyone, but for late-night flights, groups, travel with seniors/children, excessive luggage, or intercity day trips, booking a private car significantly reduces waiting times and communication risks.
Is it easy to hail a Grab during Tet?
It is generally still available in major cities, but driver availability, wait times, and dynamic pricing will fluctuate. Do not rely solely on on-demand hailing for airport trips, late-night travel, departures from festival venues, or large vehicle requirements.
How should I arrange dining for the first day of the Lunar New Year?
Prioritize hotels with breakfast included, confirmed in-house hotel restaurants, or tourist-area restaurants. Prepare some convenience store food and have two alternative backups in the same area; do not rely on finding a popular local eatery on the day.
Will there be surcharges for private cars and restaurants during Tet?
Some services may have Tet surcharges, though there is no standard rate. Before booking, request a written total price and confirm the service hours, night fees, waiting fees, parking/toll fees, menu prices, and cancellation policies.
What information should I provide when planning with Chungta Travel?
Please provide travel dates, flights, cities, number of people, ages of children and seniors, luggage, hotel class, must-visit attractions, dietary requirements, and budget. If your dates span from New Year's Eve to the third day of the Lunar New Year, indicate if you are open to alternative restaurants and itinerary adjustments.