I'm trying to find out if there are really special events during Tet that we should try to attend. We are there for 4 days during Tet. Anyone know what all is happening ?

The week leading up to TET is very frenzied throughout Vietnam. There will be a big street party in District 1 the night before the start of TET. 1000's of people and they close down Nguyen Hue street to make it easier to walk around. After the start of TET, things quite down as many Vietnamese travel to visit family members outside of the big cities.

Bisbee we'll be in Hanoi from Feb. 2-4 just prior to Tet. Do you know what we can expect there? Will shops, museums and restaurants be open? What about special celebrations or is it too early?

Thanks for the reply Bisbee. New Years eve is February 6th. You mention a big street party the night before the start of Tet - what date do you mean ? Does Tet actually begin on the New Years Day which is Feb 7th this year ?

I'm sure Hanoi will also have some sort of big celebration on 2/6. Everything s/b business as usual up until 2/7.

The street party is as I described it. There will be 1000's of people around Nguyen Hue/Le Loi in District one. There will be all sorts of little shopping stalls set up, along with plenty of food stalls too. Things will quiet down substantially the next day (2/7).

Mind your valuable when walking around that night. Pick pockets will be looking for easy marks.

Thanks Bisbee. It always helps to have someone who has been there respond to your question.