Visiting Hoi An During Tet 2026: 5 Things To Know

As Tet holiday is the most significant time of the year for Vietnamese people, akin to Christmas and New Year combined for Westerners, here are some important notes for travelers planning to visit Hoi An during this holiday to ensure a smooth experience.

Apply for a visa as soon as possible

The visa issuing services, including Vietnamese embassies, consulates, and immigration offices, typically close during the Tet holiday. In 2026, the holiday period will begin on February 18, with closures starting from February 16 and reopening on February 28. Therefore, it is highly advisable to plan your travel and apply for your visa well in advance to prevent any unnecessary travel delays.

 Photo @raptim.org

At the airport, immigration officers will be on duty to process visa-on-arrival applications.

Book in advance

With many international visitors eager to experience a traditional Tet in Vietnam, it can be challenging to secure accommodations in Hoi An, especially in popular hotels, without prior booking. The nine-day holiday provides locals ample opportunity to travel, with Hoi An remaining a favored destination.

Photo @thejungle princess.com

Additionally, transport also requires early planning. Reserve your flights and train tickets as soon as possible and be prepared for potential holiday surcharges.

Shops closed/ Shops open

While there is an increasing number of shops remaining open during Tet, travelers should keep in mind that several shops may close as well. For those seeking custom clothing from Hoi An’s renowned tailors, Tet is not the optimal time. However, A Dong Silk located at 40 Le Loi Street, Hoi An, will only close for one day before Tet and the first day of Tet (February 17 and 18).

Photo @vietnamvisa-easy.com

If you plan to stay in Hoi An after February 20, you will find several tailors open for business, including:

• Yaly Couture at 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu St., Hoi An, which has multiple showrooms:
• Showroom 1: 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street
• Showroom 2: 47 Tran Phu Street
• Showroom 3: 358 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street
• Showroom 4: 580 Cua Dai Street
• Kim My Tailor at 70 Tran Hung Dao St., Hoi An
• To To Boutique at 32-34 Ba Trieu St., Hoi An
• Thu Thuy Tailor at 60 Le Loi St., Hoi An

Restaurants closed/ Restaurants open

Photo @hoiansense.com.vn

Fortunately, most restaurants do not close entirely for Tet and generally only shut down for a couple of days. Here are some options that are typically open:

• Le Banyan Bar, An Bang Beach, Hoi An - Tel: +84 935100337
• The Cargo Club, 107 D Nguyen Thai Hoc, Hoi An - Tel: +84 510 3910 489
• Dao Tien, 21 Phan Boi Chau, Hoi An
• Good Morning Vietnam, 102 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An - Tel: +84 510 3910 227
• Lantern Town Restaurant, 49 Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, Hoi An - Tel: +84 1239912212
• Laugh Cafe Restaurant, 126 Tran Cao Van St, Hoi An - Tel: +84 905192532
• Voulez-Vous, 631 Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An - Tel: +84 510 3927 339

High prices

Do not expect the prices of food, clothing, etc., to remain consistent with your travel guide during Tet. Everything will likely come with a holiday surcharge, from a bowl of Cao Lau to custom suits. Additionally, many restaurants may offer limited menus during this time. Accepting these adjustments as a part of your holiday experience can help reduce any unnecessary stress.

Photo @vietnamvisa-easy.com

Exercise caution when buying or bargaining. During Tet, sellers strongly believe that a good start to the year is determined by strong sales. Thus, inquiring about a product and not purchasing, or excessive bargaining, may be perceived as a negative omen for the sellers. To prevent tension, it is best to buy at least one item from a shop you enter, however small. It’s advisable to examine items from outside before entering, as mere observation does not carry the same implications.