When Is Tet in Vietnam? Tet 2026 Dates & Travel Tips

When is Tet in Vietnam? Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is the country’s biggest holiday, and its date changes every year based on the lunar calendar, which can strongly affect travel plans, transport, and opening hours. In this guide, you’ll find the exact Tet 2026 dates (lunar and solar), what to expect during the holiday, and practical tips to plan ahead. If you want a calm Tet getaway by the sea, Cat Ba is a great choice, and Quiri Hotel Cat Ba makes it easy to stay comfortable and explore the island smoothly during the holiday season.

When Is Tet in Vietnam? (Tet Dates Explained)

Tet Nguyen Dan, commonly called Tet, is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebration. It follows the lunar calendar (not the Western solar calendar), so the date changes every year. In general, Tet in Vietnam falls between late January and mid-February.

If you’re trying to decide when to book flights and accommodation, knowing the Tet timeline helps you avoid last-minute stress and high prices.

Why the Tet Date Changes Every Year

The short answer is simple: Tet is determined by the lunar calendar, which is based on moon cycles. That’s why the Tet holiday does not occur on a fixed Western calendar date.

For travelers, this is important because Tet impacts:

• Domestic transport (very busy)

• Hotel demand (higher than usual in many destinations)

• Business opening hours

• Tour availability (some operate on reduced schedules)

Tet 2026 Calendar in Vietnam (Lunar & Solar Dates)

If you’re planning your trip and wondering when is Tet in Vietnam, Tet 2026 falls in mid-February on the Western calendar. Below is the Tet 2026 calendar in Vietnam in both solar (Gregorian) and lunar dates to help you plan flights, transport, and accommodation in advance.

Solar (Gregorian) calendar:

• Tet New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa): 16 Feb 2026 (evening)

• Tet Day 1 (Mùng 1): 17 Feb 2026

• Tet Day 2 (Mùng 2): 18 Feb 2026

• Tet Day 3 (Mùng 3): 19 Feb 2026

Lunar calendar:

• New Year’s Eve: 30/12 (lunar calendar)

• Tet Day 1: 01/01 (lunar calendar)

• Tet Day 2: 02/01 (lunar calendar)

• Tet Day 3: 03/01 (lunar calendar)

Is Tet a Good Time to Travel to Vietnam?

Tet can be one of the most memorable times to travel in Vietnam, as long as you plan carefully. The cultural atmosphere during Tet is unique and deeply authentic. If you enjoy photography, local traditions, and a festive spirit, Tet will be a highlight of your trip. You can experience flower markets, seasonal foods, decorations, and a slower pace that feels different everyday Vietnam.

However, Tet also comes with challenges. Transport can be crowded and expensive, especially in the days right before Tet. Some shops and family-run restaurants close, which means tourists may have fewer choices for dining. That said, Vietnam does not completely shut down. Hotels continue operating, convenience stores remain open, and tourist-oriented restaurants in popular areas often stay available.

If your priority is comfort and smooth travel, the best strategy is to pick a destination where you can relax without relying on too many services. This is one reason Cat Ba can be an excellent choice.

What Is Open During Tet in Vietnam?

Many first-time travelers worry that Vietnam will be closed during Tet. In reality, what happens is more nuanced. Smaller local shops, traditional markets, and family-run restaurants often close for a few days so owners can enjoy time with their families. Meanwhile, hotels, larger supermarkets, and tourist services tend to remain open.

In big cities, some districts will still feel lively because visitors and younger locals continue social activities. In smaller destinations, the holiday can feel quieter, which many travelers actually enjoy. The most important thing is to confirm your essential bookings in advance and carry enough cash, as ATM demand can be higher around Tet.

Tet in Cat Ba: What to Expect for Travelers

If you’re looking for a calmer Tet experience, Cat Ba Island offers a peaceful and refreshing alternative to busy city celebrations. Cat Ba during Tet often feels quieter, with clean sea air, scenic coastal walks, and a relaxed pace that matches the holiday spirit.

The island atmosphere is ideal for slow travel. You can explore Cat Ba Town, enjoy coffee by the sea, and take in the festive decorations without feeling overwhelmed. Tet is also a great time to wake up early and catch sunrise over the coastline, or enjoy sunset in a quiet moment.

Nature lovers can also enjoy Cat Ba’s landscapes. Depending on conditions and opening schedules, Cat Ba National Park offers beautiful trails and viewpoints that feel even more serene during the holiday season. If you want the island’s top highlight, Lan Ha Bay is still one of the best experiences you can have during Tet. Many travelers assume boat tours stop entirely during the holiday, but Cat Ba can still offer Tet-friendly tour options with proper planning.

Where to Stay During Tet in Cat Ba

During Tet, choosing the right hotel in Cat Ba Island matters more than usual because opening hours, transport, and tour schedules can change. Staying in a reliable and central place will make your holiday smoother and less stressful.

A great option is Quiri Hotel Cat Ba, a 3-star hotel located at 135 Tung Dinh Street, right in the center of Cat Ba Town. This location is especially convenient during Tet, as you can easily walk to cafés, local shops, the harbor area, and key attractions without depending too much on transport.

Quiri also offers a wide range of room styles to fit different travelers, Standard rooms to themed designs like Indochine, Modern, Rustic, Vintage, and Europe-style rooms. Plus, the hotel provides practical support that becomes extra valuable during Tet, including tour booking assistance, laundry service, Wi-Fi, and motorbike rental.

For dining, guests can also enjoy Quiri Pub & Restaurant, which is a convenient option during the holiday when some restaurants may be closed or operating limited hours.

So, when is Tet in Vietnam? Tet usually falls between late January and mid-February, and in 2026 it starts on 17 February (with New Year’s Eve on 16 February). Because Tet affects transport, opening hours, and travel demand, the best way to enjoy the holiday is to plan ahead, book early, and stay flexible with schedules. If you prefer a quieter, nature-filled Tet experience away busy cities, Cat Ba is an ideal destination, and Quiri Hotel Cat Ba is a convenient, reliable base to relax, arrange tours, and explore the island smoothly throughout the Tet season.