Tet Tips for the Travelers

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Tết Nguyên Đán (Tet) or the Lunar New Year is a special time for much of Asia and in Vietnam it is no different. Much of the countries population travel home to be with loved ones to celebrate the old and new years.

However the New Year can bring some various challenges to the traveler. Here are a few tips on how to negotiate Tet with out any hassles!

1. Book Early - Many Vietnamese travel home at Tet. If you need to fly, catch a bus or jump a train, book early. If you get a ticket, expect double bookings, delays and crowds! It's Tet everyone is on the move!
2. Finding a bed - Same as transport, with so many people traveling, hotels fill up quicker then ice melts in the sun. There are also thousands of Overseas Vietnamese visiting Vietnam, so book early and expect prices to rise!
3. Getting a feed - For several days over Tet, businesses close their doors. While main cities and towns will generally have plenty options, smaller towns tend to close down for the first, second and third day of the new year.
   
4. Stock Up - Just like restaurants - supermarkets, camera shops, markets, tailors etc will shut up shop. An example is the Co-Op Supermarket near where I live in HCMC, it's closed for 5 days over Tet!
   
5. Expect Crowds - If you're heading to Pagoda's or Religious sites expect massive crowds. Everyone will be there making offerings and praying for a lucky 2009. This also makes for some great photo op's!
6. Look left, look right - Most of the year, Vietnam's road are crazy, but at Tet there crazy, mad and packed! People traveling home, visiting friends or cruising around make it busier than normal. Quite often people drink large amounts of beer and spirits with friends to celebrate the New Year, so be careful on the roads!
7. Pull Over - Hand in hand with crazy roads, if you ride a motor bike, follow the laws. Police are having major crack downs on road safety. Wear a helmet and don't speed or expect to be fined!
   
8. Cash Up - Banks are closed over Tet and ATM Machines are pushed to their limits, often running out of money early into the New Year. So stock up with money and don't be caught short.
   
9. Enter With Caution - On New Years Day, the first person to enter a house dictates the families luck for the year. So if you're rich, good looking, successful and healthy it's all good. If not, ask first!
   
10. Join In - The Vietnamese are the friendliest folk you will meet, so get into it, ask questions and most importantly smile and have fun!
    

Chuc Mung Nam Moi - Happy New Year

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