Tết (Lunar New Year) in Saigon 2027

What makes it special

• The days before Tet: flower markets, kumquat and apricot-blossom trees on every motorbike, and streets hung with red lanterns.
• New Year's Eve (the night of 5 February 2027): the city usually holds fireworks at several sites at midnight.
• The first days of the year: quiet streets, people in new clothes visiting pagodas and family, and lion dances for luck.
• Two weeks later, the Lantern Festival (20 February 2027) brings Cholon's biggest parade.

How to get there

• Book flights, trains and buses out of the city weeks ahead; they sell out before Tet.
• Ride-hailing still works over Tet, but expect higher prices and longer waits.
• Arriving around Tet? Pre-book your airport transfer; see the airport to city guide.

Local tips

• Check opening days before crossing town to a restaurant; many family shops close over the first days.
• Say “Chúc mừng năm mới” (Happy New Year) to the people you meet.
• Give and receive red envelopes (lì xì) with both hands; new, crisp notes are the custom.
• Avoid sweeping, arguing or lending money on the first day; locals take first-day luck seriously.

Watch: videos from past years

Videos by local creators and travellers, linked to their original YouTube channels. View counts as of October 2026.

See next