Lunar New Year

📣 Traveler notes

Vietnam is a Southeast Asian destination known for its rich culture, diverse cuisine, and natural beauty. While it has experienced rapid economic growth since the 1990s, it remains less developed as a tourist infrastructure compared to neighboring Thailand.

• Expect heavy traffic and crowded transport just before Tết due to mass travel.
• Most local shops and restaurants close for three days during the first days of the New Year.
• Public festivities and decorations are common in major cities leading up to the holiday.
• Tết is primarily a private family celebration involving gift-giving and visiting relatives.
• Some museums and historical sites may offer free admission during the holiday period.
• Book accommodations well in advance for national holidays like May 1, September 2, and April 30.
• Show respect to elders and maintain a modest dress code (covering shoulders and knees). Avoid public displays of affection and be mindful of 'saving face' by not pointing out others' mistakes. When entering homes or temples, remove your shoes; when exchanging business cards, use both hands. Be cautious with sensitive topics like territorial disputes in the East Sea and avoid discussing the Vietnam War in ways that could be perceived as disrespectful to those who suffered during the conflict.