Foreign tourists enjoy quiet Vietnam during biggest holiday

By Tam Anh   January 29, 2025 | 08:00 pm PT
Some foreign tourists, whether intentionally or unintentionally, are enjoying Vietnam's biggest holiday Tet even when most restaurants and activities are unavailable.

Strolling through Hanoi's Old Quarter on Wednesday, the first morning of the Lunar New Year, Zijnasa Nailk and her husband from India described the holiday scene as "quiet but beautiful and pleasant."

"The weather, the streets, and the people here are wonderful," said Zijnasa, visiting Vietnam for the first time.

Zijnasa Nailk and her husband walks in the Old Quarter in Hanoi Jan. 29, 2025, the first day of the Lunar New Year. Photo by VnExpress/Tam Anh

Zijnasa Nailk and her husband walks in the Old Quarter in Hanoi on Jan. 29, 2025, the first day of the Lunar New Year. Photo by VnExpress/Tam Anh

The couple deliberately chose to travel during nine-day holiday Tet, believing it to be the perfect time to experience the country's culture and daily life.

They were still surprised to find many restaurants closed and were unsure what to eat but decided to "go where the locals go."

Staying in Vietnam for 10 days, they planned to visit Hanoi and Da Nang, using the trip to celebrate their first wedding anniversary.

Among their top must-try dishes before leaving the capital are pho and banh mi.

Bria Talisa from England and her travel companion, Audrey from France, also chose Vietnam during Tet for a deeper cultural and historical experience.

They were surprised by the quiet streets but found it enjoyable.

"Last night, we watched the fireworks, and the streets were packed with people. But this morning, everything is completely different – quiet and peaceful," Bria said, adding that while many shops were closed, most tourist attractions remained open.

The duo spent the first day of the new year exploring the city, starting with Hoa Lo Prison.

Bria and Audrey seen in front of the Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi on Jan. 29, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Tam Anh

Bria and Audrey seen in front of the Hoa Lo Prison in Hanoi on Jan. 29, 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Tam Anh

Bria and Audrey, both recent university graduates, plan to stay in Vietnam for about a month.

They intend to visit the country's major attractions, drawn by its history, beaches, islands, and especially its cuisine.

They are considering extending their three-day stay in Hanoi.

The quietness of the capital also brought a comforting experience to Hugh Willem and his two friends from Australia.

The trio, who are in Vietnam for the first time in a three-week trip, leisurely explored the city, stopping at street food stalls, shopping at a few stores that were open on Lunar New Year’s Day.

Their next stops include Ha Long Bay, Hue, Da Nang City and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vietnam’s National Tourism Administration highlights Tet as one of the best times to visit the country. The holiday typically lasts more than a week, offering a rare chance to experience major cities without the usual traffic and crowds.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by walking or cycling to explore Vietnam, it said on its website.

"Foreigners visiting Vietnam during Tet will be lucky if invited into a local home. Don't forget to say Happy New Year to those you meet."

Some international visitors, however, were unaware that their trip coincided with the Lunar New Year.

"We only realized after booking our flights that our trip fell during Vietnam’s Tet holiday," said Finley and her boyfriend from Canada.

"We were surprised by how quiet it is."

Despite the unexpected lack of activities, they felt "lucky" and tried to make the most of the experience.

 
 
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