Visiting Vietnam in February 2026 – Honest Tips from locals
- Dung (Emma)
- Jan 15
- 4 min read
Updated: 4 hours ago
February is one of the most beautiful times to visit Vietnam. The weather is lovely, the country feels full of color and emotion, and Tết (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) often falls during this month. At the same time, travel during Tết is very different from the rest of the year: things slow down, prices change, crowds shift, and daily routines pause. This guide shares honest, local insights to help you travel Vietnam in February with confidence and an open heart.
Table of Contents
February Weather in Vietnam
In February, Vietnam enjoys some of its most pleasant weather of the year, though conditions vary across the three regions. Northern Vietnam is cool and sometimes misty, with temperatures around 12–20°C, though they sometimes drop to 5°C, especially in mountainous areas like Sapa or Ha Giang. Central Vietnam experiences mild, comfortable weather at about 20–25°C with less rain, making it ideal for sightseeing. Meanwhile, Southern Vietnam is warm and dry, with temperatures between 25–33°C, perfect for city exploration, river trips, and beach destinations like Phu Quoc.
What Is Tet in Vietnam and Why It Matters So Much
Tết in Vietnam, officially called "Tết Nguyên Đán", is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year and the most important festival in Vietnamese culture, marking the start of spring and a fresh year on the lunar calendar. It’s deeply rooted in family, tradition, and renewal — people return to their hometowns to reunite with loved ones, honor ancestors with offerings at family altars, clean and decorate their homes to sweep away bad luck, and cook special foods that symbolize prosperity and harmony. During Tết, children receive lì xì (lucky red envelopes) from elders, families share traditional meals, and everyone exchanges wishes for peace, health, and success in the year ahead. This time is more than just a holiday; it reflects core Vietnamese values of gratitude, togetherness, respect, and hope for the future.
2026 is the Year of the Horse according to the Vietnamese zodiac. While the official public holiday runs from February 14 to February 22, the full Tet season — with preparations, rituals, and ongoing festivities — often spans several weeks, with markets, decorations, family events, temple visits, and cultural celebrations bringing vibrant energy across the country.
👉 Read more: what vietnamese people do during tet holiday✨
Local Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa) in 2026 happens on the night of February 16, welcoming the Lunar New Year on the morning of February 17. In major cities, especially Hanoi, there are usually fireworks and large countdown events. The Hoan Kiem Lake area is extremely popular — and extremely crowded. Roads close, people gather by the thousands, and restaurants with good views are often fully booked.
Visiting temples and pagodas is especially meaningful. Places like Văn Miếu (Temple of Literature) are lively, and you can request calligraphy blessings (xin chữ) with wishes for health, happiness, or success.
👉 Read more: Explore Hanoi during Tet holiday
Trying on a traditional áo dài during Tet is also special, as many locals wear it for temple visits and family photos.
Food is central to Tet. If you get the chance, try bánh chưng, pickled vegetables, candied fruits, and holiday snacks that only appear once a year.
👉 Read more: Must- have dishes on a Northern Vietnamese Tet Feast
To stay updated, it's a good idea to follow the official city pages and trusted local sources.
👉Join our community to stay informed! Click here
Tet Etiquette: Eating Out, Visiting Homes & Daily Behavior
If you’re invited to a Vietnamese home during Tet, it’s a real honor. Bring a small gift like fruit, sweets, or a lì xì (red envelope). A simple “Chúc mừng năm mới” goes a long way.
👉 Read more: 9 heartfelt Tet wishes for the Lunar New Year
From the first day of Tet onward, be mindful when entering restaurants or cafés. In Vietnamese culture, the first customers bring luck. Coming in, asking questions, and leaving without buying anything is considered unlucky, so ordering at least one small item is a respectful way to show support.
When it comes to appearance and behavior, red, yellow, and green are considered lucky colors. People also avoid negative topics like illness or bad luck, and try not to break or drop things during the New Year.
Prices, Cash & Budgeting During Tet
Prices during Tet often increase 2–3 times compared to normal days, locals pay more too. So always ask for the price before ordering or using a service, and only agree if you’re comfortable.
Cash is extremely important during Tet. Many small places don’t accept cards, and ATMs often run out of cash or have long queues because locals withdraw money for holiday spending.
We recommend preparing extra cash in advance and planning a 20–30% buffer budget for unexpected costs.
Crowds, Transport & Booking Ahead
Traffic jams and long queues are common, especially at popular sites like Văn Miếu, Trấn Quốc Pagoda, Phủ Tây Hồ, and Ngọc Sơn Temple. Waiting one or two hours is not unusual during the first days of Tet.
Flights, trains, and buses sell out early, and last-minute tickets can be very expensive. Many tour services pause operations so staff can return home, while others operate at higher prices with limited availability.
👉 Our honest advice: Book early, confirm again, and don’t plan tight schedules.
Like most Vietnamese families, our team at Beyond Vietnam will also take time off from Feb 16 to Feb 22 so we can return home, reunite with family, and welcome the New Year after a year of hard work. We’ll be back to work from the morning of February 23.
If you’re planning to visit Vietnam around Tet, please contact us as early as possible. We also appreciate your understanding that our response time may be slower during the holiday period.
Click here to connect with us for travel support or local advice for your trip. We'd be thrilled to be a part of your journey in Vietnam.
We hope your journey to Vietnam in February 2026 will be truly meaningful — full of emotions, cultural discoveries, and small moments that turn into lifelong memories.
Dung (Emma)
Beyond Vietnam
Comments