Is Tet the Best Time to Visit Vietnam?

The Vietnamese Tet holiday usually occurs in late January or early February. It is considered the optimal time to travel to Vietnam as the weather is not too hot in the central and southern parts of the country, while the north is cold. However, there are a few things foreign travelers should keep in mind when visiting during this time of year.

A calligraphy stall on Hanoi Street during the Tet holiday. Photo: Chuyen cua Ha Noi

Best places to visit during Tet holiday

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are excellent destinations to visit during Tet, as many national celebrations and events take place, particularly in the downtown areas.

One of the highlights of this year’s Tet holiday in Hanoi is the “Vietnamese Tet – Old Quarter Tet 2024″ program, which will be held from January 28 to February 9 at Kim Ngan Temple; Hanoi Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center, located at No.50 Dao Duy Tu Street; Culture and Arts Center, located at No.22 Hang Buom Street; Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and other venues.

In a recent article titled “The Best (and Worst) Times to Visit Vietnam, According to Experts,” Travel + Leisure provides some useful tips for travelers planning a trip to Vietnam during this time of year.

The joyful, vibrant atmosphere of Hanoi’s streets a few weeks before Tet holiday. Photo: Duy Khanh

According to the travel website, the Vietnamese Tet holiday, which lasts from February 8 to 14, can be a challenging time to visit as many landmarks and businesses close for a week to celebrate the most important holiday for Vietnamese people.

“During this time, most of the key sights in the cities are closed as everyone goes back to their family villages to celebrate,” says Melissa Matthews, regional director for Southeast Asia and North America, according to Travel + Leisure.

Beach vacation is an ideal choice

Due to its tropical climate, Vietnam is an ideal destination for year-round visits. Each region of the country has its own unique charm and climate, so travelers must carefully consider the timing of their visits. The article suggests that travelers spend a beach vacation during the festival and then explore the major cities.

Nha Trang Bay, a popular beach vacation destination. Photo: Thanh Hang

Vietnam offers a range of beautiful and popular beach vacation destinations such as Nha Trang, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc, and Mui Ne.

Vung Tau, located about 125 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, is known for its crystal clear water, white sandy beaches, and numerous hotels and resorts with excellent facilities. Front Beach is particularly renowned for its breathtaking sunset views as the sun seems to melt into the vast sea.

Nha Trang is a popular tourist spot, famous for its diverse marine ecosystem and coral reefs. Mui Ne Cape, situated 22 kilometers from Phan Thiet City in the central province of Binh Thuan, is well-known for its beautiful “flying dunes.” These sand dunes change throughout the day based on the wind direction, creating fascinating sand waves and patterns.

Avoid trekking in Sapa or cruising in Ha Long during the rainy season

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam’s northern province of Quang Ninh. Photo: Tran Huong

Each region in Vietnam has its own unique climate and attractions, so travelers should plan their visit based on their desired activities and itineraries. If you enjoy cruising in Ha Long Bay or trekking in Sapa, it is recommended to avoid visiting during the rainy season in September and October.

According to Melissa Matthews, sightseeing in cities during the rainy season is still possible, as you can visit museums and historic temples between rainstorms. However, it is advised to avoid Sapa and not book a cruise in Ha Long Bay during this time, as there may be storms and boats may not be operational.

The best time to visit Sapa town in Lao Cai Province is from September to November or March and April. For cruising in Ha Long Bay, the ideal months are March, April, October, and November.

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