Culture
Tet is Coming: The 2026 Motorbike Rider’s Survival Guide
If you are planning to ride a motorbike in Vietnam this February, you need to prepare. The country transforms completely: chaotic cities become ghost towns, prices fluctuate, and finding a mechanic becomes a survival skill.
Here is everything you need to know to survive and thrive during Tet 2026.
Planning a trip? This article is part of our series on the Lunar New Year. Check out The Ultimate Guide to Riding Vietnam During Tet for the full breakdown of routes, food, and survival tips.
When is Tet Holiday in 2026?
Tet follows the Lunar Calendar, meaning the dates change every year.
- Tet Day (The Big One): Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
- The Public Holiday: The official government break is expected to last 9 days, from Saturday, Feb 14 to Sunday, Feb 22, 2026.
⚠️ Important for Travelers: Because the holiday connects with Valentine’s Day weekend (Feb 14), domestic travel will surge earlier than usual. Expect airports and highways to be gridlocked starting February 12th.
The Year of the Horse (2026)
We are saying goodbye to the Snake and welcoming the Horse. In Vietnamese culture, the Horse represents energy, freedom, and travel—arguably the perfect year to be on two wheels!
When is Tet Holiday in 2026?
As you can see the holiday will start on Valentine’s Day, so for sure bikes, hotels and restaurants will be booked out early.
Things to be Aware of
Most travel guides won’t tell you this, but riding a motorbike during Tet presents a unique set of challenges (and rewards).
1. The Traffic Paradox
- Pre-Tet (Now until Feb 13): Pure chaos. People are rushing home to the provinces carrying kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and huge boxes of gifts on their bikes. Highways leaving Hanoi and HCMC will be packed.
- During Tet (Feb 17–19): Bliss. The major cities empty out. This is the only time of year you can ride a big displacement bike through the Old Quarter of Hanoi or District 1 in Saigon without touching the brakes. It is a photographer’s dream.
2. The Mechanic Shortage
This is a serious warning: 99% of mechanic shops close for Tet. If you are riding a cheap, breakdown-prone bike you bought off a backpacker for $200, you are taking a massive risk. If you break down in the countryside between Feb 15 and Feb 20, you may be stranded for days.
- The Fix: Rent a reliable, well-maintained machine (like our Honda XR150s or CB500Xs). We service our bikes rigorously before the holiday rush to ensure you don’t get stuck.
3. Fuel Availability
State-run gas stations (Petrolimex) generally remain open throughout the holiday. However, small private pumps in remote villages will close.
- Pro Tip: Never let your tank drop below half-full when riding in the mountains during Tet week.
Tet Survival Guide: Food, Money & Sleep
Accommodation
Hotels do not close, but they do get expensive. Domestic tourism explodes during this week.
- Action: Book your hotels now. If you are winging it, stick to major tourist hubs (Da Nang, Nha Trang) rather than small remote homestays which may be closed for family time.
Food & Coffee
- The “Starvation” Period: From the afternoon of Feb 16 (New Year’s Eve) to the morning of Feb 19, most family-run restaurants close.
- Survival Tip: Stock up on instant noodles, water, and snacks on Feb 15.
- Where to eat: 24/7 convenience stores (Circle K, WinMart) and hotel restaurants usually stay open. Western-owned bars and restaurants in expat areas (like Tay Ho in Hanoi or Thao Dien in HCMC) often remain open to serve travelers.
ATMs and Cash
Banks close for the entire holiday. ATMs often run out of cash by Day 3 because they aren’t being refilled.
- Action: Withdraw enough cash on Feb 13 to last you more than a week.
Cultural Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts
You are a guest in Vietnam during its most sacred time. A little cultural knowledge goes a long way.
1. The “First Footer” (Xông Đất)
The first person to enter a house after midnight on New Year’s Eve determines the family’s luck for the year.
- Rule: Do not visit a Vietnamese friend’s house on the first morning of Tet unless explicitly invited. You don’t want to be responsible for their bad luck in the Year of the Horse!
2. Don’t Sweep the Floor
Sweeping the house during the first three days of Tet symbolizes sweeping away good luck and money.
- Rule: If you see a messy floor in a homestay, leave it alone.
3. Tet Greetings
You can stop saying “Hello” and start saying:
- Chúc Mừng Năm Mới (Happy New Year)
- An Khang Thịnh Vượng (Peace, Health, and Prosperity)
4. Lucky Money (Lì Xì)
It is customary to give small red envelopes with new, crisp bank notes to children and the elderly. If you are staying at a homestay, giving a small envelope (50k or 100k VND) to the host’s children will make you a legend in their eyes.
Decorations
Most of these decorations will be coloured red or gold to symbolise good luck or good finances and they will also have symbols of chinese characters that are words for good luck. A lot of decorations will have the animal of the zodiac for the forthcoming year. 2026 is the Year of the Horse in Vietnam.
Trees with flowering buds are symbolic of new life and new beginnings so every family will buy a tree to decorate their house. Traditionally, in the North this is usually a peach blossom tree or a kumquat tree (chosen as it is laden with fruit), whereas in the South it will be a Mai flower or Yellow Apricot Blossom. All of these trees have stories behind why they are chosen. Here we tell more about the Flowers and Trees of Tet.
Another interesting custom is that of giving lucky money which we talk about in this blog.
FAQ
Is everything closed in Vietnam during Tet 2026?
No, but expect a “survival mode” for the 3 main days of the holiday.
Detailed Answer:
While the rumor is that the “entire country closes,” the reality is nuanced. From Feb 16–19, 2026, most family-run businesses, wet markets, and private shops will close so owners can return to their hometowns.
- What stays open: Major tourist attractions (like Ha Long Bay cruises), 24/7 convenience stores (Circle K, WinMart), state – owned gas stations (Petrolimex), and large international hotels.
- For Riders: If you are touring the Ha Giang Loop or remote areas, stock up on water and snacks, as small village shops will definitely be closed.
Is it safe to ride a motorbike in Vietnam during Tet?
It is the safest time for cities, but the riskiest time for highways.
Detailed Answer:
- The Cities (Hanoi/HCMC): Tet is arguably the best time of year to ride in the cities. The streets are virtually empty, quiet, and peaceful — a stark contrast to the usual chaos.
- The Highways (e.g. QL1A): The days before Tet (Feb 12–15) and after (Feb 21–23) see a massive surge in traffic as millions of people travel to and from the countryside. Drunk driving rates also spike during the holiday week.
- Our Advice: (as we always say) Stick to scenic backroads and avoid major trucking routes during the holiday peak.
Can I get a Vietnam E-Visa during the Tet Holiday?
NO. This is the mistake many travelers make.
Detailed Answer:
The Vietnamese Immigration Department closes fully for the public holiday (Feb 14–22, 2026). No visas are processed during this time.
- The Risk: If you apply on Feb 13, you likely won’t receive your visa until Feb 23. You will be denied boarding at your departure airport.
- The Solution: Apply for your E-Visa at least 10 days before the holiday starts (by Feb 4, 2026) to be safe.
What happens if my motorbike breaks down during Tet?
You could be stranded for days if you don’t plan ahead.
Detailed Answer:
Finding a mechanic (Sửa Xe) during Tet is nearly impossible because they are all closed for the family holiday.
- If you buy a cheap bike: You are rolling the dice. A breakdown in a remote area could mean waiting 3-4 days for a shop to reopen.
- If you rent from us: We aggressively service all our Honda XR150s and CB500Xs before the holiday to minimize risk. We are also available via WhatsApp to support you and help you limp to a safe spot if the worst happens.
Do travel costs increase in Vietnam during Tet?
Yes, expect to pay 30-50% more for accommodation and transport.
Detailed Answer:
Because Tet is the prime time for domestic tourism, demand skyrockets.
- Hotels: Prices often double, and “surcharges” are common during the main holiday days (Feb 17–20).
- Transport: Bus and train tickets sell out weeks in advance and often trade at black market prices.
- Contact AZ Motorbikes to confirm motorcycle availability, pickup and return arrangements, included equipment and support for your intended rental.
AZ Motorbikes Opening Hours (Tet 2026)
We know the roads beckon even during the holidays. Here is our schedule for Tet 2026:
Offices: We remain OPEN for pickups and drop-offs, but with reduced staff hours.
Bookings: Must be made in advance. We cannot guarantee availability for walk-ins from Feb 14–20.
Tours: No tours are available at this time.
>> Contact Us for Bike Availability for Tet 2026 HERE <<