When is the Tet festival in Vietnam in 2026? Tet (Vietnam’s Lunar New Year) falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, marking the Year of the Horse. Celebrations begin on New Year’s Eve, 16 February, with the core holiday running through 21 February.
Beyond Tết Nguyên Đán, the 2026 calendar features several major cultural events that attract thousands of domestic and international visitors: the month-long Hue Festival in September, the Huong Pagoda Festival opening on 22 February, and the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) on 25 September.
Attending Vietnamese festivals in 2026 requires advance booking, as domestic flights and trains often sell out 4 to 6 weeks early. Understanding dates, admission tickets, and temple etiquette ensures a respectful and well-organized cultural experience. Published: 1 October 2026 | Last updated: 1 October 2026. Festival dates are based on lunar calculations and government announcements that may be adjusted – always verify with your hotel or tour operator before booking.
When Is Tet in Vietnam in 2026?
When is the Tet festival in Vietnam in 2026? The Tet festival in Vietnam in 2026 starts on 17 February 2026. 17 February 2026 starts the Year of the Horse (Tết Nguyên Đán). According to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism’s festival calendar, this date anchors all major Vietnamese festivals in 2026.
Why the Tet Date Changes Every Year
Tet tracks the first new moon of the Vietnamese lunisolar calendar. This lunar alignment causes the Gregorian date to shift annually, landing between late January and 20 February.
How Long Does Tet Last: 4 Days, 7 Days or 22 Days?
The Tet festival in Vietnam in 2026 spans three distinct duration layers.
| Duration Layer | Timeframe | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Core Celebration | 4 days | New Year Eve plus the first 3 days. |
| Public Holiday | 7 to 9 days | Statutory government holiday window. |
| Festive Arc | 22 to 23 days | Concludes on 3 March 2026. |
The core celebration requires 4 days, while the statutory public holiday lasts approximately 7 days. The complete festive arc spans roughly 22 days, concluding with the First Full Moon on 3 March.
2026 Vietnamese Festival Calendar: Dates at a Glance
17 Feb 2026
Tet – Nationwide
22 Feb 2026
Huong Pagoda Festival – Mỹ Đức
1-30 Sep 2026
Hue Festival – Hue
25 Sep 2026
Mid-Autumn Festival – Nationwide
| Festival | 2026 Date(s) | Location | Duration | Entry Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tet | 17 February 2026 | Nationwide | ~7 to 9 days | Free |
| Huong Pagoda Festival | 22 February – ~18 April 2026 | Chùa Hương, Mỹ Đức | ~2 months | Boat: 60,000-120,000 VND |
| Hue Festival | 1-30 September 2026 | Hue (Imperial Citadel) | 1 month | 150,000-500,000 VND |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | 25 September 2026 | Nationwide | 1 day | Free (Mooncakes: 50,000-350,000 VND) |
This calendar of Vietnamese festivals in 2026 spans February through September, with the Tet festival in Vietnam anchoring the spring season and Tết Trung Thu closing the year’s major events.
Tet Traditions and Customs You Will See in Vietnam
Key Tet symbols: lì xì (red envelopes), bánh chưng (North)/bánh tét (Central/South), peach and apricot blossoms, kumquat trees, and ancestor worship altars.
- 🧧 Lì xì (lucky money in red envelopes) given for good fortune.
- 🥟 Bánh chưng (North) and bánh tét (Central/South) traditional cakes.
- 🌸 Peach blossom (North), apricot blossoms, and kumquat trees decorating streets.
- 🕯️ Ancestor worship rituals with elaborate ancestral altar offerings.
Xông Đất: The First Visitor of the New Year
Vietnamese festivals in 2026 emphasize the xông đất tradition. The first household guest after midnight is carefully chosen, as their character supposedly shapes the family’s luck for the entire year.
How Vietnamese Tet Differs from Chinese New Year
The Tet festival in Vietnam follows a distinct zodiac featuring different animals.
| Animal Symbol | Vietnamese Zodiac | Chinese Zodiac |
|---|---|---|
| Feline | Cat | Rabbit |
| Bovine | Buffalo | Ox |
Vietnamese festivals in 2026 also feature distinct dishes and regional customs that separate the Tet festival in Vietnam from its Chinese counterpart.
Visiting Vietnam During Tet: Practical Tips for Travelers
During Tet 2026: local shops and banks close for 3-4 days; tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants remain open. Book transport 4-6 weeks ahead to avoid 20-40% surcharges.
Booking Flights, Trains and Buses for Tet Travel
Book domestic flights and trains 4 to 6 weeks ahead of the 2026 holidays to avoid sold-out inventory. Expect a 20 to 40% peak-season surcharge on transport fares.
Weather in Vietnam During Tet and What to Pack
February weather varies by region during Vietnamese festivals in 2026. Hanoi experiences foggy conditions at 15 to 22°C. Hue and Da Nang see possible rain at 18 to 24°C. Ho Chi Minh City remains dry at 25 to 33°C.
Cash, ATMs and Cards During the Tet Holidays
Withdraw Vietnamese dong before the holiday begins. Provincial ATMs empty quickly, and pagoda vendors accept cash only. Urban hotels still take cards. Travelers can contact the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism via email at contact@vietnamtourism.gov.vn or check the government tourism portal at.
Hue Festival 2026: Dates, Venues and Ticket Prices
Hue Festival 2026 runs 1-30 September 2026 at the Imperial Citadel, An Dinh Palace, and Perfume River stages, with the Hue Culinary Capital programme.
Hue Festival 2026 Ticket Prices
| Ticket Tier | Price (VND) |
|---|---|
| General Grounds Access | 150,000 VND |
| Imperial City Bundle | 500,000 VND |
General grounds access costs 150,000 VND, while the comprehensive Imperial City bundle costs 500,000 VND. Advance online booking is recommended for Vietnamese festivals in 2026 with ticketed entry.
Getting to Hue from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City
Visitors can reach the festival via a 1 hour 20 minute flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City using Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet. Alternatively, travelers can book the Reunification Express overnight train for a scenic journey to central Vietnam.
Huong Pagoda & Mid-Autumn Festivals 2026: Dates and Details
Huong Pagoda Festival opens 22 February 2026 (near Hanoi); Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu) falls on 25 September 2026, with lantern parades and mooncakes.
The Huong Pagoda Festival 2026 begins precisely on the 6th day of the 1st lunar month. This pilgrimage charges a round-trip boat fee of 60,000 to 120,000 VND and a cable car fee of approximately 100,000 VND. Arrive before 9 AM to beat peak crowds, and bring cash, as card machines are unavailable at the pier.
Later in the calendar, Vietnamese festivals in 2026 include the Mid-Autumn Festival, known locally as Tết Trung Thu, on 25 September 2026. Mooncakes range from 50,000 to 350,000 VND. The celebration transforms the Hanoi Old Quarter and Hoi An with illuminated street gatherings and lion dances.
Festival Etiquette in Vietnam: Dress Code and Respectful Behavior
The Tet festival in Vietnam and other Vietnamese festivals in 2026 require proper temple etiquette. Visitors must wear clothing with covered shoulders and knees at pagodas. Guests should remove shoes before entering prayer areas and speak quietly during ceremonies. Never touch offerings on ancestor altars or point at sacred objects.
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wear clothing with covered shoulders and knees | Touch offerings placed on ancestor altars |
| Remove shoes before entering sacred spaces | Take pictures during rituals (no flash photography) |
| Speak quietly inside pagodas | Point directly at people or statues |
Following this etiquette at Vietnamese festivals in 2026 shows respect for ancestor worship traditions and ensures a warm welcome at every Tet celebration site.
Written by our editorial team of Vietnam travel specialists who have covered Southeast Asian festivals first-hand since 2018. This article is published by an independent travel information portal for English-speaking tourists; our content is researched from government tourism sources, local media, and on-the-ground visits. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, festival dates and prices may change – always confirm details before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the Tet festival in Vietnam in 2026?
The Tet festival in Vietnam in 2026 occurs on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, starting the Year of the Horse, with celebrations kicking off on New Year’s Eve, 16 February 2026.
How long does Tet last in Vietnam in 2026?
Tet in Vietnam in 2026 spans 4 core celebration days (17-20 February), a 7 to 9 day public holiday, and a 22 day festive arc ending with the First Full Moon on 3 March 2026.
Are shops, banks and restaurants open during Tet?
During the Tet holiday, expect 3 to 4 days of closures for local shops, banks, and offices. Most tourist sites, hotels, and restaurants catering to visitors remain open throughout the celebration.
What are the dates of the Hue Festival in 2026?
The Hue Festival 2026 runs from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, centered on the Imperial Citadel and Perfume River stages, featuring the Hue Culinary Capital program.
When does the Huong Pagoda Festival start in 2026?
The Huong Pagoda Festival opens on 22 February 2026 (the 6th day of the 1st lunar month) and continues for roughly two and a half months, ending around 18 April 2026.
How much does it cost to visit the Huong Pagoda Festival?
Visiting the Huong Pagoda Festival requires a round trip boat fee of 60,000 to 120,000 VND, plus approximately 100,000 VND for the cable car and separate cave entry tickets at each grotto.
What date is the Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam in 2026?
The Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam in 2026 falls on 25 September 2026. Known locally as Tết Trung Thu, it features lantern parades, lion dances, and mooncakes in cities like Hanoi and Hoi An.
What should I wear to a Vietnamese festival?
Festival etiquette in Vietnam requires modest attire at temples and pagodas: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes before entering sacred halls, and avoid pointing at people or altar objects.
Why does the date of Tet change every year?
The date of Tet changes annually because it tracks the first new moon of the Vietnamese lunisolar calendar, shifting each Gregorian year between late January and 20 February.
How do I get to Hue from Hanoi?
You can reach Hue from Hanoi via a 1 hour and 20 minute flight with Vietnam Airlines or Vietjet, or by booking an overnight journey on the Reunification Express train for the Hue Festival.
