For travelers, the Tet Lunar New Year often comes with mixed expectations.
Some imagine nonstop festivals and fireworks.
Others worry that Vietnam “shuts down completely.”
The truth sits somewhere in between.
During Tet 2026 (February 14–22), Vietnam doesn’t stop functioning - it changes how it functions. Daily routines, business operations, transport systems, and even digital behavior shift in ways that directly impact how travelers move, book, pay, and communicate.
Understanding what actually happens during Tet - and preparing for it digitally - is the difference between a stressful trip and a smooth one.
What Tet Means to Vietnamese Families (And Why That Affects Travelers)
Tet is the most important family event of the year.
In the days leading up to Tet:
- Millions travel back to hometowns
- Cities empty out
- Businesses close so staff can return home
- Family rituals take priority over commerce
This mass movement is why:
- Transport demand spikes
- Service availability becomes unpredictable
- Digital-first systems replace physical ones
For travelers, this makes advance preparation and mobile connectivity essential.
The Core Tet Days: What Changes on the Ground
Day 1 and Day 2 of Tet (Feb 16-17, 2026)
These are the quietest days of the year.
What you’ll notice:
- Streets are calm in the mornings
- Many local eateries remain closed
- Small shops and services pause operations
- Tourist attractions operate on reduced schedules
What still works:
- Hotels and resorts
- Ride-hailing apps (with longer wait times)
- Navigation, digital payments, translation apps
Travelers without reliable mobile data struggle the most during these days - especially when plans change suddenly, and there’s no physical help available.
This is why many experienced visitors activate their Vietnam eSIM in advance, ensuring uninterrupted access from the moment they land.
What Reopens First (And What Takes Time)
Not everything reopens at once after Tet begins.
Reopens Quickly:
- Tourist restaurants
- Cafes in central districts
- Convenience stores
- Transport services
Reopens Slowly:
- Family-run eateries
- Local markets
- Tailor shops and small services
Since reopening schedules are rarely announced officially, travelers rely on:
- Google Maps updates
- Reviews and live status
- Ride-hailing availability
This level of dependence on real-time digital information makes stable, city-wide connectivity critical during Tet.
Also Read:
Why Tet Is the Most Connectivity-Dependent Travel Period
During Tet:
- Physical SIM counters may be closed or overcrowded
- Hotel Wi-Fi becomes unreliable due to volume
- Travelers move across cities more than usual
- OTPs, payments, and bookings are unavoidable
Relying on roaming or local SIM purchases during this period introduces unnecessary friction.
Why ETravelSim Becomes Especially Relevant During Tet
ETravelSim’s Vietnam eSIM is built for periods like Tet, when:
- Physical infrastructure is under pressure
- Travelers need instant access
- Flexibility matters more than speed alone
With ETravelSim, travelers get:
- Instant activation before arrival
- No physical SIM swapping
- Prepaid, transparent data plans
- Continuous connectivity across Vietnam
- Primary number remains active for banking and OTPs
This allows travelers to focus on navigating Tet - not troubleshooting connectivity.
Tet Traditions Travelers Will Encounter
Even with closures, Tet offers cultural moments worth experiencing.
Flower Streets and Decorations
Major cities set up flower streets showcasing symbolic plants like peach blossoms and kumquat trees.
Temple Visits
Families visit pagodas to pray for prosperity, health, and peace.
Fireworks and Public Events
Larger cities host controlled fireworks displays and cultural shows.
Many of these events are announced or updated digitally - making mobile data essential for timing and navigation.
Transport Reality During Tet
Transport is the biggest challenge during Tet.
What to expect:
- Trains sell out days in advance
- Flights increase in price
- Bus schedules change with little notice
- Road travel slows due to volume
This forces travelers to:
- Monitor bookings closely
- Rebook or reroute at short notice
- Use ride-hailing apps extensively
Without reliable data, even simple adjustments become stressful.
This is why Tet travelers increasingly choose eSIM-based connectivity like ETravelSim - to stay agile during disruptions.
Also Read:
Digital Payments, Maps & Communication During Tet
Vietnam’s major cities are highly digital during Tet.
Travelers rely on:
- QR-based payments
- Ride-hailing apps
- Messaging platforms for confirmations
- Navigation for detours and closures
All of this assumes uninterrupted mobile internet.
Hotel Wi-Fi alone is not enough - especially when moving between locations.
Common Tet Mistakes Travelers Make
- Expecting normal operating hours
- Booking transport too late
- Depending on the airport, SIM counters
- Overplanning daily activities
- Underestimating the importance of mobile data
Tet rewards travelers who prepare digitally, not just logistically.
How to Prepare Properly for Tet 2026
Before arriving in Vietnam:
- Finalize accommodation early
- Limit city-hopping
- Download essential apps
- Activate your Vietnam eSIM
With ETravelSim, travelers arrive already connected - avoiding queues, delays, and SIM-related issues during the busiest week of the year.
Final Thought: Tet Is Easier When You’re Digitally Ready
Tet Lunar New Year is not difficult - it is different.
Travelers who understand the rhythm, accept slower days, and prepare digitally experience Tet as a cultural privilege rather than a challenge.
Reliable connectivity sits at the center of that experience.
By activating ETravelSim’s Vietnam eSIM before your journey, you remove one of Tet’s biggest uncertainties - and give yourself the freedom to adapt, explore, and enjoy Vietnam during its most meaningful moment.