Booking Vietnam Around Tet: A Timeline
Organising a group or three generations for Tet week, so book in the right order.
Book in this order for Tet: flights, your main hotel, intercity moves, then tours and meals. The scarce items go first, and everything flexible waits until the fixed ones are secured. Ask each supplier about closures and cancellation before you pay.
Why does order matter at Tet?
Tet is when people return home to be with their families, and students usually get a one-week break3. Seats and rooms are used by locals as well as visitors. The public holiday is 7 days, or 9 days if the first day of the lunar year falls Monday to Wednesday2.
In 2027, Tet falls on 6 February1. For the full picture of what closes, read Tet in Vietnam: what to expect.
What is the booking order?
Work down this list. Do not start the next step until the earlier one is settled.
- Dates and headcount. Agree leave days and confirm everyone’s passport and entry rules first. Our guide to checking entry rules from official sources shows where to look.
- Flights. KLIA is listed with Vietnam destinations including Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, though that list may be incomplete4. Compare arrival cities in KL to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang.
- Main hotel. Pick one base, then choose a room type that fits the whole group.
- Intercity moves. Book trains, domestic flights or private transfers once the hotel nights are fixed.
- Tours and tables. Reserve only those that you can confirm are running on your days.
Which questions should go to suppliers?
Put these in writing.
- Which days will your restaurant, spa or tour desk be closed?
- Is a holiday surcharge added to rooms, tours or transfers?
- Can we change names or dates, and what does it cost?
- What is the refund rule if a tour does not run?
- Who is the contact on the day if a pick-up does not arrive?
Use the package inclusion comparator to line up two quotes side by side. The package enquiry checklist has more questions to add.
How do you keep everyone comfortable?
For three generations, keep the plan light. One base, a few short outings and meals booked at the hotel make the week calmer for grandparents and children. For friends, agree a spending ceiling early, then price it in ringgit with the Vietnam cost worksheet.
If you are travelling for Chinese New Year from Malaysia, see where CNY and Tet clash. All the timing guides are listed in Seasons and who it suits.
Send us your group size, the ages in it and your Tet dates, and we can suggest the order to book in and the questions that matter most.
Common questions
What should I book first for a Tet trip?
Book flights and your main hotel first, once your group has agreed dates. Those two are the hardest to replace if they sell out. Intercity transport, tours and restaurant tables come next, because they depend on where you will be on which day.
How early is early enough?
As soon as your dates are agreed and everyone has confirmed leave. We cannot name a safe number of weeks, since demand changes each year. A useful test: if you would be upset to lose a flight or room, book it now rather than later.
Should I pick flexible or non-refundable fares?
For a group, flexible terms are worth asking about, because one person's change affects everyone. Compare the extra cost against what you would lose. If one member is elderly or a toddler is coming, flexibility is the safer choice.
Do I need to confirm anything after booking?
Yes. Reconfirm your hotel's meal and tour arrangements a week before arrival, since holiday hours change. Ask in writing whether the kitchen is open each day, whether a holiday surcharge applies and who to call if a transfer does not arrive.
Sources
- Tet (Lunar New Year) 2027 falls on 6 February 2027. Wikipedia. Confirm against Vietnam's official holiday decree when published.
- The Tet public holiday is 7 days, or 9 days if the first day of the lunar year falls Monday to Wednesday; 2026's schedule was 14 to 22 February. Wikipedia. Exact 2027 schedule is set by government each year; check.
- During Tet people usually return home to be with their families, and students usually get a one-week break. Wikipedia
- KLIA destinations in Vietnam listed include Da Lat, Da Nang, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc (page truncated, list may be incomplete). Wikipedia
Keep planning
Send us your group size, the ages in it and your Tet dates, and we can suggest the order to book in and the questions that matter most.