A Guide To Traveling in Halong Bay During Tet Holiday
Halong Bay is a joy to visit at any time of year, but for travelers planning their trip during the Tet Holiday there are a few important things to take into consideration beforehand.
What is Tet holiday?
Tet, known as Tet Nguyen Dan, is the Vietnamese celebration of the Lunar New Year and remains the most significant annual holiday in Vietnam. In 2025, Tet will fall on January 29th, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. During this festive period, many businesses close for several days, as thousands of people leave bustling cities to return to their hometowns to reunite with family and friends. The holiday is recognized for its rich traditions, which include preparing special foods, engaging in thorough spring cleaning, adorning homes with peach blossom trees, and giving lucky money (li xi) to children and elders as a symbol of good fortune.
Fireworks in Hanoi, Vietnam
When is Tet Holiday?
Tet is celebrated at the end of January or the beginning of February each year. The specific date varies depending on the occurrence of the new moon, which changes slightly from year to year.
- Tet 2024: Saturday, February 10
- Tet 2025: Wednesday, January 29
- Tet 2026: Monday, February 17
- Tet 2027: Saturday, February 6
Tips: For more information, see our weather guide for January and February.
Tips for Halong Bay Travel During Tet
1. Be prepared for more crowds
In 2025, many popular tourist destinations, including Halong Bay, will experience increased foot traffic during the Tet Holiday. Travelers should anticipate longer wait times at attractions and larger crowds overall. This trend also applies to transportation and accommodations, as many locals return home for the holiday. If your plans include visiting Halong Bay during Tet, it is advisable to secure your transport and accommodation well in advance to avoid inconveniences.
2. Some cruise operators will be closed
Not all cruise services will operate during the Tet Holidays in 2025, so be sure to confirm the availability of your desired cruise before booking. As noted previously, booking your cruise well ahead of time is strongly recommended due to the limited options that may be available during this busy period; popular cruises can fill up rapidly.
Some cruises still operate during Tet Holiday. Just anticipate potential surcharges if you plan to visit Halong Bay during this time!
3. Expect to try some special holiday treats
Those embarking on a Halong Bay cruise during the Tet Holiday in 2025 can look forward to a unique experience. Travelers will have the opportunity to savor traditional Tet dishes, such as Chung cake, and participate in various activities designed to immerse them in Vietnamese culture and customs.
4. Expect prices to be a little higher
During Tet, many businesses may impose surcharges on their services. In restaurants, cafes, and bars, you might find that only a limited selection of dishes is available, as they may operate with a "reduced" menu during the holiday season.
5. Some shops will be closed - but many will not!
While there is widespread advice online suggesting that businesses will shut down during the Tet Holiday, this is not entirely accurate for 2025. In bustling tourist locations such as Halong Bay, a significant number of shops and services will remain open, as Tet coincides with the peak tourism season.
6. Give Lucky Money
If you wish to embrace the spirit of the tradition in 2025, prepare some lucky money to give to the Vietnamese individuals you meet. This token gesture can be as minimal as a few dollars and is typically presented in a red envelope, which can easily be found at local shops. While the amount may be modest, the thoughtfulness behind the offering is highly valued.
Lucky Money, or Lì Xì, is a traditional custom in Vietnam.
