TET, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is a cherished time for family reunions, vibrant celebrations, and cultural festivities. As one of the busiest travel seasons in Vietnam, planning your journey during TET requires careful consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether you’re visiting family, exploring new destinations, or taking a well-deserved vacation, these TET Planning Travel Tips are tailored specifically for locals to help you navigate the holiday travel rush efficiently.

1. Start Planning Early

Why Early Planning Matters

During TET, transportation and accommodation options become highly sought after. You can secure the best deals and avoid last-minute stress by initiating your plans well in advance.

Steps to Begin Your Planning

Book Transportation: Reserve your bus, train, or flight tickets early to ensure availability and better prices.
Reserve Accommodation: Hotels and homestays fill up quickly. Early bookings guarantee you a place that fits your preferences.
Plan Your Itinerary: Outline your travel destinations and activities to maximise your TET holiday.
Book Bus and Limousine Tickets Online : Book your bus and limousine tickets early to avoid the rush in bus terminals. Take advantage of flash and TET sales online and save more with every purchase you make.

2. Search for Hotels

When taking a vacation, finding a hotel to stay at is crucial. The hotel’s location determines the attractions, the cost, and the duration of the journey. Furthermore, overcrowding or excessive pricing is unavoidable on holidays like TET. Therefore, hotel reservations should be made immediately after booking the ticket to save money, and choosing a hotel away from the city center will lead to a lower price.

Recommendations for Hotel Booking

Book Immediately: Secure your accommodation as soon as your travel plans are confirmed to avoid high prices and limited availability.
Choose Strategic Locations: Opt for hotels located slightly outside the city centre to benefit from lower rates while close to major attractions.
Check Reviews: Use trusted platforms to read reviews and ensure the quality of your stay.

3. Schedule the Trips Thoroughly

Determine your budget for your vacation by planning out the essential expenses and the money that will likely arise during the trip. Then, decide which sites you want to see and which activities you want to do with your family. It should be noted that tourist destinations will be pretty overcrowded during TET, so proper planning will help family members understand the timetable and avoid getting bored when traveling.

Tips for Scheduling Your Trips

Prioritize Must-See Attractions: Identify key places you want to visit and allocate sufficient time for each.
Create a Flexible Itinerary: Allow for some flexibility to accommodate unexpected delays or spontaneous activities.
Include Rest Periods: Ensure your schedule includes downtime to relax and rejuvenate amidst the festivities.

4. Prepare the Transport Carefully

If you intend to travel by public transportation, such as rail, bus, or airline, you should plan ahead of time to prevent price rises. If your family owns a car, it should be thoroughly inspected and serviced before travel. If you must go long distances, make sure to fill up the gas tank and replace the oil in your car to avoid issues on the road!

Transportation Preparation Tips

Public Transport Booking: Reserve your tickets early through reliable platforms like redBus to secure the best rates.
Choose the best travel operators: Check out reliable travel operators on redBus to book your limousine and bus tickets to avoid hassle. You can secure your tickets easily online, check seat layout and also see for all the amenities on the vehicle.
Car Maintenance: Conduct a comprehensive check-up of your vehicle, including oil levels, tire pressure, and engine performance.
Emergency Kit: Pack an emergency kit in your car with essentials like a first-aid kit, flashlight, and basic tools.

5. Take Your Luggage and Travel

When travelling at any time of year, especially TET, don’t forget to bring necessary supplies such as masks, sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if your itinerary includes sunny activities. Some medicine, such as fever, allergy, and motion sickness, should also be prepared. If you are planning a trip abroad, you should learn more about the weather and culture to dress appropriately.

Essential Packing Tips

Personal Essentials: Include masks, hand sanitisers, and personal hygiene items to stay safe.
Health Supplies: Pack necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit for any unforeseen health needs.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the forecast and pack accordingly to stay comfortable during your travels.
Cultural Considerations: Bring modest clothing for temple visits and other cultural events to show respect.

6. Prepare for Increased Crowds

Expect High Traffic

TET sees a significant rise in travel, leading to crowded transportation hubs, popular tourist spots, and bustling streets.

Strategies to Manage Crowds

Travel Off-Peak Hours: Schedule your trips during less busy times to avoid heavy traffic and long queues.
Stay Patient and Calm: Understand that delays and congestion are part of the TET experience. Keeping a positive attitude can enhance your journey.
Keep Essentials Handy: Carry snacks, water, and entertainment to stay comfortable during waits and delays.

7. Utilize Technology for a Smooth Journey

Use Travel Apps

Navigation: Apps like Google Maps help you navigate cities and find transportation options.
Booking: Use platforms like redBus for seamless bookings.
Language: Download translation apps like Google Translate to communicate effectively if travelling to regions with different dialects.

Stay Connected

Ensure your mobile devices are charged and have necessary travel apps installed for real-time updates and assistance.

8. Prioritize Health and Safety

Stay Healthy on the Go

Hydrate and Eat Well: Drink plenty of water and consume balanced meals to maintain your energy levels.
Rest Adequately: Ensure you get enough sleep to stay refreshed and enjoy your activities.

Safety Precautions

Secure Your Belongings: Keep your valuables safe and be cautious of your surroundings in crowded areas.
Emergency Contacts: Have a list of emergency contacts, including local authorities and family members.

9. Learn Basic Travel Tips and be Informed about TET Events

Navigate Transportation Hubs

Familiarize yourself with major bus stations, train stations, and airports in advance to navigate them efficiently during the busy season.

Understand Local Transportation Options

Know the local transportation options available at your destination, such as taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transit, to move around easily.

Follow Local News and Updates

Stay updated on any changes in travel schedules, weather conditions, or local events that might affect your plans by following local news channels and online platforms.

Join Community Groups

Engage with local community groups on social media to get real-time updates and tips from fellow travelers.

10. Pack Smartly

Essentials to Bring

Travel Documents: Keep your ID, tickets, and reservation confirmations organized and accessible.
Comfort Items: Bring a neck pillow, earplugs, and a lightweight blanket for a comfortable journey.
Health and Safety: Pack a basic first-aid kit, hand sanitizer, and face masks to stay safe.

Packing Tips

Light Packing: Travel with light luggage to move easily between destinations.
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Check the weather forecast and pack accordingly to stay comfortable during your trip.
Cultural Sensitivity: Bring modest clothing for temple visits and cultural events.

11. Capture the Memories

Document Your Journey

TET is a time of vibrant celebrations and beautiful moments. Capture these memories through photos and journals to cherish them forever.

Photography Tips

Respect Privacy: Always ask for permission before taking photos of people, especially during cultural ceremonies.
Use Natural Light: Take advantage of natural lighting for the best photo quality.
Stay Safe: Be mindful of your surroundings while taking photos to avoid accidents.

12. Take Advantage of Early Deals and Discounts

Book Early to Save

Many transportation and accommodation providers offer early-bird discounts. Booking your tickets and reservations early can lead to significant savings. Check the TET bus tickets page for more information on exclusive TET discounts for redBus users.

Look for Package Deals

Consider package deals that bundle transportation and accommodation for additional discounts and convenience.

FAQs

1. When should I book my transportation and accommodation for TET?

It’s advisable to book your transportation and accommodation at least one to two months in advance to secure the best deals and availability.

2. What are the peak travel times during TET?

The peak travel times are usually a week before TET and the first week when most people return home and participate in celebrations.

3. How can I find affordable travel options during TET?

Booking early, comparing prices on different platforms, and opting for budget-friendly transportation modes like buses can help you find affordable travel options.

4. Are there any special TET travel packages available?

Yes, many travel agencies and transportation companies offer special TET packages that include discounts, bundled services, and exclusive amenities. Check their official websites for more information.

5. What should I do if my travel plans change during TET?

Maintain flexibility in your itinerary, keep emergency contacts handy, and have a backup plan. If possible, choose refundable or changeable tickets to accommodate any unexpected changes.