Traveling to Vietnam during Tet 2011
 

Hi community members,

I am planning to arrive into Ho Chi Minh City on 3 February, which I understand is in the middle of Tet. Although Tet officially ends on 5 February, I was told that often many places and attractions remain closed for days after. Does this mean that many tourist sites, shops, restaurants, etc. remain closed until 9-10 February? For someone that only has 2 weeks to travel through Vietnam, would it make sense to arrive after 10 February? I also read that prices are more expensive during this time. Does this too last for the first couple of weeks of February? I'd appreciate any insight anyone has, especially if they've traveled in Vietnam during Tet. I'd hate to go there and find an empty city or most of the sites I want to see closed.

Thank you.

I was in HCM during Tet last yr. The city was by no means empty. A lot of shops - you probably would not go into anyway - were closed. Any day trips, or overnight trips out to the Delta or near areas were about triple the usual price, and hotels are greedier than ever. I personally did not like Saigon, altho many people here on F. like it most of all Viet cities. If I had to be somewhere during Tet, it would be Hanoi (but it is a noisy city every day and twice as noisy in Tet). Even places like Laos & Cambodia are booked up for Tet. I will say this - do whatever you can to avoid using Taxis or get a hotel person to find an honest one for you. Many have these crazy meters than spin up huge fares and the drivers are real nasty, and then you notice there are no door or window handles to allow you out unless the monster at the wheel lets you out. Happens in both Hanoi and HCM.

I have been to Saigon during Tet and if anything it is MORE crowded during Tet. But it is a big party and I would not discourage you from going. There may be a few restaruants that are closed or close early but there will be plenty that are open. Weather wise it is also a fantastic time to be there. Great city. Have fun!

We were in Vietnam for afew weeks over the tet period in 2008. In Hanoi where we stayed for 5 days we arrived a couple of days after tet and a lot of the restarants (but by no means all) were still closed. HCM's mausoleaum was closed but none of teh other sights. The city was a lot quieter than normal. Transport can be difficult to arrnge as many Vietnamese will be travelling to/from their family homes. We got stuck in Hue for a 5days beacause we couldn't arrange flights or trains back to HCMC. When we reached Saigon it was towards teh end of teh tet period and the city was quieter than normal (but still buzzing). All the restaurants were openpensive had it was difficult to get seats back to bangkok.

Dont worry. They are opening and working in the second day of Tet, but I'm not sure how about HCM because I live in Mekong delta and people will be working in the second day of Tet.