Vietnam: Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday celebrations January 23-29

Event

The annual Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday will be celebrated across Vietnam from Thursday, January 23, through Wednesday, January 29. Government and state-owned businesses will be closed during the holiday period, along with schools and other businesses. The Lunar New Year falls on Saturday, January 25, and associated festivals and events are scheduled across the country. Ho Chi Minh City hosted the first Tet holiday festival between Friday, January 3, and Sunday, January 5, bringing in over 36,000 domestic and international visitors. Similar events are expected to take place in major urban areas across Vietnam in the weeks leading up to the Lunar New Year.

A significant increase in travelers are anticipated during Tet. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), local airports are expected to serve 387,000 passengers a day during the two weeks before and after January 25. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is anticipated to average 38 flights an hour. Local airlines have announced that additional flights will be scheduled during the holiday to accommodate the influx of travelers. Additional trains between Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City will also run between Sunday, January 12, and Wednesday, February 5. Millions of people are expected to travel from major cities back to rural areas to visit their family for the holiday.

Heightened security measures, an increased demand for transportation services and accommodations, and crowded conditions are anticipated throughout Vietnam over the coming weeks.

Advice

Individuals in or traveling to Vietnam are advised adhere to instructions issued by local authorities, as well as local customs and laws. Anticipate crowded travel conditions, including at airports, rail stations, roads, and hotels.