3 tips for traveling to Vietnam during Tet holiday Tet holiday is the national holiday in Vietnam which lasts about 5-7 days. During that time, people leave their offices, come back home and celebrate the beginning of the new year with their families. Many travelers wonder if traveling to Vietnam during Tet holiday is good or bad idea. Your holiday to Vietnam will be very very exciting and memorable if you are well prepared.
First of all, be sure you arrive in Vietnam some days before the first day of New Year
Why? Tet is very special time to Vietnamese people. There are many things they prepare for Tet. If you travel to Vietnam about one week prior Tet, you will have opportunities to experience many traditional activities. The 23rd December based on Lunar Calendar is called Kitchen Gods Ceremony. According to Vietnamese legend, there are three gods, called "Tao Quan" in Vietnamese, living in the family kitchen and monitoring the work of all family members, both good and bad through the year. On that day, people prepare fishes as vehicles for "Tao Quan" to go to the heaven to report to the God. They also clean the kitchen and replace the kitchen icon. After that day, the year is considered to end. The streets become more crowed during those days when people go shopping. Flower markets are the most crowed places with diversity of fresh flowers such as peach blossom, ochna integerima or violet. Walking around the city, you will feel the happiness and expectation of local people looking forward the new year coming.
Secondly, the traffic is so different
Many travelers say that traffic here is so crazy when traveling to Vietnam for the first time. The traffic jam is often in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh, especially in rush hours. The traffic is more crazy when so many people come back their hometown. Trains, flights are fully booked quickly and early. On the other hand, the traffic is different on first days of New Year. The streets become quieter, less vehicles and almost the shops and stores are closed. The life seems to slow down and rest. After about 10am, some people go out and visit their relatives and friends. Therefore, it is quite difficult if you try to book transportation especially to another provinces or cities. You should book all the transportation well in advance.
Thirdly, the price is higher than usual
Almost goods and services will involve the holiday surcharge, even hotels and restaurants. Pay attention to that. It is better to ask for the prices before ordering or booking. another problem when traveling to Vietnam during Tet holiday is there are many things not served especially in restaurants. You will miss the chance to discover many delicious foods. Luxury Travel Vietnam,LTD With more than 11 years of experiences in luxury travel industry, we plan and conduct any Vietnam holiday packages including Hanoi, Halong Bay and other beautiful places in Vietnam. We are award winning DMC, specialized in Indochina luxury holidays and cover any trip within Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar and Thailand.