Safety + Legality
Travelling Vietnam During Tet: A Survival Guide for Motorbikers
Riding Vietnam during Tet? You’ve chosen the most chaotic yet culturally rich time to visit. It’s a mix of Christmas and New Year’s, meaning closed shops and spiked prices are the norm. To survive, you need a plan. Start with our Ultimate Guide to Riding Vietnam During Tet for routes and logistics, then read on for your essential survival tips.
The Logistics of Movement
The biggest misconception about Tet is that the country “shuts down.” While this is true for commerce, it is the opposite for transport. The country is in constant motion, which impacts your ride.
The “Great Migration” Traffic
In the week leading up to Tet, millions of people leave major cities (Hanoi, Saigon) to return to their rural hometowns. The highways out of the cities become clogged with motorbikes carrying families and gifts. If you are planning to leave a major city, try to do so at least 5 days before Tet or wait until the first day of the New Year.
The Silent City Phenomenon
Conversely, during the actual days of Tet (Days 1-4), the big cities become ghost towns. This is a dream for motorcyclists. You can ride through the usually gridlocked streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Saigon’s District 1 with zero traffic. It is the best time for urban photography.
Booking Transport Early
If you plan to put your bike on a train or take a bus to skip a section of the route, you must book weeks (or months) in advance. Tickets sell out instantly. Do not assume you can just “show up” at a station during Tet.
Rental Availability
Contact AZ Motorbikes to confirm motorcycle availability, pickup and return arrangements, included equipment and support for your intended rental.
Accommodation and Prices
Where you sleep—and how much you pay for it—changes drastically during this festive week.
The “Tet Surcharge”
Be prepared for price hikes. Many hotels and guesthouses will add a surcharge (usually 20-50%) during the holiday period to cover staff overtime. This is standard practice, so factor it into your budget.
Book Ahead or Be Stranded
While cities empty out, tourist destinations (like Da Lat, Nha Trang, and Sapa) fill up with local Vietnamese tourists on holiday. If your route takes you to these popular spots, book your accommodation at least a month in advance.
Homestays are Best
For a truly authentic experience, try to book homestays in smaller villages. You might be invited to join the family’s Tet dinner—a massive feast of traditional foods that you can’t buy in restaurants.
Check “Open” Status
Many family-run hostels close so the owners can visit relatives. Always message the property directly (via WhatsApp or Facebook) to confirm they are actually accepting guests, even if the booking platform says they are open.
The Food Survival Guide
The most common complaint from tourists during Tet is, “I’m hungry, and everything is closed.” Don’t let this be you.
The Restaurant Shutdown
From the afternoon of New Year’s Eve to the 3rd day of Tet, the vast majority of local restaurants close. You will not be able to find your usual Pho or Banh Mi street stall.
Stock Up on Supplies
Before the holiday starts, go to a supermarket and stock up on essentials: water, snacks, instant noodles, and toiletries. Supermarkets also close for the holiday, so don’t get caught empty-handed.
Eat Like a Local (Traditional Foods)
When you do find food, it will likely be Tet specialties. Be open to trying Banh Chung (square sticky rice cake with pork) in the North or Banh Tet (cylindrical rice cake) in the South. These are calorie-dense and perfect for long days of riding.
Western Food as Backup
Ironically, high-end Western restaurants and fast-food chains often stay open to cater to tourists and expats. If you are desperate for a meal, look for the nearest KFC or a hotel restaurant.
Money and Health
When the infrastructure slows down, small problems can become big emergencies if you aren’t careful.
The ATM Freeze
Banks close for a full week. While ATMs remain operational, they often run out of cash due to high withdrawal demand, and they aren’t refilled until the holiday ends. Withdraw a large stack of cash before the holiday starts. Cash is king in rural Vietnam.
Pharmacies and Medicine
Most pharmacies close. If you have prescription needs or just want a basic first-aid kit for the road (painkillers, stomach meds, bandages), buy them beforehand. Riding a motorbike without a basic medical kit during Tet is risky.
If you do need medical assistance then hospitals will be open. There is usually a pharmacy connected to these so they can be a good place to find medication.
Alcohol and Safety
Tet involves a lot of drinking. “Mot, Hai, Ba, Dzo!” (1, 2, 3, Cheers!) is heard everywhere. Be hyper-aware that drunk driving rates skyrocket during Tet. Avoid riding late at night, and never drink and ride yourself. Police checkpoints are strict during this period.
It is a good idea to learn how to drive leagall in Vietnam and how to deal with the police.
Pickpocketing Crowds
If you visit temples or flower markets, the crowds are dense. This is prime time for pickpockets. Keep your phone and wallet in a zipped jacket pocket or a secure bag strapped to your chest, not in your back pocket.
Cultural Etiquette
You are a guest at the biggest party of the year. Knowing how to behave will open doors and earn you smiles.
The First Guest (Xong Dat)
There is a superstition about the “first guest” to enter a home in the New Year determining the family’s luck. Do not enter a Vietnamese home on the first day of Tet unless explicitly invited. You don’t want to be blamed for a year of bad luck!
Learn the Greetings
A little Vietnamese goes a long way. Instead of “Hello,” say “Chuc Mung Nam Moi” (Happy New Year). For a deeper connection, say “An Khang Thinh Vuong” (wishing you peace and prosperity).
Lucky Money (Li Xi)
If you are staying with a family or interacting with guides, it is a nice gesture to have small red envelopes with a nominal amount of money (20k or 50k VND) to give to children or the elderly. It’s a sign of respect and benevolence.
FAQ
Is it safe to ride a motorbike during Tet?
Yes, but you need to be defensive. The days leading up to Tet are chaotic with traffic. The days during Tet are quiet, but there is a higher risk of encountering drunk drivers in the evenings. Stick to daylight riding and wear full safety gear.
Are gas stations open during Tet?
Generally, yes. Major petrol stations (Petrolimex) on highways remain open. However, smaller private stations in remote villages may close. Fill up whenever your tank hits half-full just to be safe.
Do I need a visa for Tet?
Immigration offices close for the entire holiday week. You cannot extend your visa or get a visa on arrival processed during this time. Ensure your visa is valid for the entire duration of the holiday before the government offices close.
How long does the “shutdown” last?
The official government holiday is usually 7 days. However, the “shutdown” of shops and restaurants is usually most severe for the first 3 days. By Day 4 or 5, life starts returning to normal.
What is the weather like during Tet?
Tet (Jan/Feb) is often cold and misty in the North (Hanoi/Halong) requiring jackets. In the South (Saigon/Mekong), it is dry and hot. Central Vietnam (Hue/Hoi An) can be a mix of both. Pack layers!
Riding Through a Landscape of Luck
Tet is not just a holiday; it is a complete reset of the country’s rhythm. The chaos of the city melts into the quiet of the countryside, and the usual noise of commerce is replaced by the sounds of family celebrations.
For the motorbike rider, it presents challenges, certainly. But it also presents an empty open road, a festive atmosphere, and a chance to see Vietnam in its most authentic, joyous state. With a little preparation and a lot of patience, your Tet ride will be the highlight of your travels.
Ready to start your New Year adventure? Check our availability for Tet Motorcycle Rentals or join a Guided Tour to let us handle the logistics while you enjoy the ride!