Skip to content
Ninh Binh During Tet 2026: Crowds, Open Attractions & Travel Tips

Ninh Binh During Tet 2026: Crowds, Open Attractions & Travel Tips

29/12/2025

Complete guide to Ninh Binh during Tet 2026. Discover exact holiday dates, crowd levels, opening attractions, prices, and how to enjoy Vietnam’s Lunar New Year.

Tourists experience Tet in Trang An

Tet, also known as the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. For many international travellers, the idea of travelling during Tet raises questions about closures, crowds, and costs. However, visiting Ninh Binh during Tet 2026 can be one of the most rewarding travel experiences if you understand the timing and plan properly.

This guide explains everything you need to know about Ninh Binh Tet holiday 2026, including official dates, crowd levels, opening attractions, prices, and practical travel tips.

What Is Tet Holiday in Vietnam and Why Is It Special?

Vietnamese people love going to temples and pagodass during Tet holiday

Tet Nguyen Dan marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and usually falls between late January and mid-February. It is a time when Vietnamese people return to their hometowns, clean and decorate their houses, prepare traditional food, and visit temples to pray for luck and prosperity.

There are many traditional activities held in Ninh Binh during Tet

For travelers, Lunar New Year in Ninh Binh offers a rare chance to see authentic Vietnamese traditions, especially in rural areas where daily life slows down and cultural rituals become more visible.

When Is Tet Holiday in Vietnam 2026? (Exact Dates)

Local streets and houses are decorated beautifully in Tet

In 2026, the official Tet holiday announced in Vietnam runs from:

  • Monday, 16/02/2026 to Friday, 20/02/2026 (Gregorian calendar)

When combined with weekends, most Vietnamese people will be off work from: 

  • Saturday, 14/02/2026 to Sunday, 22/02/2026

How Do Tet Dates Affect Crowds in Ninh Binh?

Understanding domestic travel behaviour is key when planning Ninh Binh travel during Tet.

Each year Vietnamese have a different Tet schedule based on the Lunar Calendar

Before Tet (14–15 February), domestic tourism is relatively quiet because people are busy preparing for the holiday or traveling back to their hometowns. During the first two days of Tet (16–18 February), destinations like Ninh Binh remain calm, as families usually stay home.

After Lunar Day 2 (from 19 February onwards), domestic tourists begin their “spring trips” to temples and spiritual sites. This is when Ninh Binh becomes very crowded, especially at Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An.

Best time to visit Ninh Binh during Tet 2026: From 14 to 18 February, before peak domestic travel begins.

Are Tourist Attractions Open in Ninh Binh During Tet 2026?

Is Ninh Binh open during Tet?

Yes. One of the biggest misconceptions about Tet is that everything closes. In reality, major tourist attractions in Ninh Binh remain open during Tet.

Many festivals in Ninh Binh to explore in Tet Holiday

Sites that operate normally include:

Boat tours at Trang An and Tam Coc continue throughout the holiday. Many attractions are even more attractive during Tet thanks to seasonal decorations and festive surroundings.

Small family-run shops may close briefly on the first day of Tet, but tourism services in main areas continue to operate.

Common Questions About Travelling to Ninh Binh During Tet

Hoa Lu Ancient Town in Tet - top walking street you should join

Will shops and restaurants be closed during Tet in Ninh Binh?

Some local shops may close for one or two days, but restaurants, cafés, and services in tourist areas stay open. Hotels and resorts operate normally throughout the Tet holiday.

Will attractions be overcrowded during Tet?

Crowds depend on timing. Before and during the first two days of Tet, Ninh Binh is relatively peaceful. From 19 February onward, domestic tourists travel in large numbers for temple visits, making attractions busier.

Are prices higher during Tet holiday in Ninh Binh?

Prices for last-minute bookings may increase, especially for transportation. However, Tet tours to Ninh Binh usually do not increase in price, as services are secured in advance. Booking early is the best way to control costs.

Is accommodation available during Tet in Ninh Binh?

Yes, accommodation remains available, but demand increases after Lunar Day 2. Because many Vietnamese travel for temple visits, booking hotels in Ninh Binh early is highly recommended.

Is it boring to visit Ninh Binh during Tet?

Not at all. Tet is when Ninh Binh feels most traditional and atmospheric. The countryside becomes quieter, villages are decorated for the New Year, and local life follows cultural rituals rather than daily routines.

What Makes Tet in Ninh Binh Unique for Foreign Tourists?

Unlike major cities, Ninh Binh offers a calm and authentic Tet experience. 

You will see locals decorating their homes, visiting pagodas, and wearing traditional clothing. The pace of life slows down, making it ideal for travellers who want cultural depth rather than busy nightlife.

Ninh Binh attracts foreign tourists during Tet thanks to its balance of open attractions, strong traditions, and peaceful natural scenery.

Top Things to Do in Ninh Binh During Tet Holiday

A Trang An or Tam Coc boat tour remains the signature experience. Floating through limestone karsts and caves during Tet offers a peaceful and scenic journey enhanced by festive decorations.

Visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital during Lunar New Year adds cultural meaning to your trip, while Bai Dinh Pagoda becomes a spiritual highlight as visitors pray for luck and good fortune in the new year.

Trang An’s Tet decorations also make it one of the most photogenic places in Ninh Binh during this season.

All About Boat Tour in Ninh Binh: Tam Coc vs Trang An Boat Tour? 

Travel Tips for Visiting Ninh Binh During Tet 2026

Bai Dinh Pagoda gets crowned during Tet

Accommodation should be booked well in advance, especially if your trip falls after 18 February. Transportation can be busier than usual, so booking early or joining a guided tour helps avoid inconvenience.

Many travellers choose Tet tours to Ninh Binh to ensure stable prices, guaranteed services, and smooth travel during Vietnam’s busiest holiday.

Is Ninh Binh Worth Visiting During Tet 2026?

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a top attraction to visit in Ninh Binh especially during Tet Holiday

Yes, without hesitation.

Visiting Ninh Binh during Tet 2026 allows you to experience Vietnam’s most important cultural celebration while still enjoying open attractions and stunning natural scenery. With the right timing, Tet can be one of the best moments of the year to discover Ninh Binh.

Book our perfect Ninh Binh Tour for your visit during Tet now: 

Full-Day Ninh Binh Highlights Tour from Hanoi
Hoa Lu - Mua Cave- Trang An 
Read more:  Ninh Binh Travel Guide 2026 | Best Things to See, Do & Eat

Other Articles