Three events can shape a Vietnam trip with parents: Tet, the Lunar New Year (the official 2027 public-sector leave runs 4 to 10 February, which is not the full length of the festival), the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival (every month) and the Mid-Autumn Festival (one evening in autumn). For parents, Hoi An on a dry-season full moon is the easiest. Tet is special but many businesses close.
January
Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival
Usually monthly on the 14th day of the lunar month, about 6 pm to 9 pm. Exact nights change monthly and are not listed here. This is the usual time of year, not confirmed dates for a particular year.
Hoi An's ancient town honours the full moon with lanterns. The old town closes to motorbikes during these hours, and some areas need a ticket.
For families: Arrive by 5 pm to watch daylight turn into lantern light. Flood season peaks in October and November, and February to April has the best weather, so choose your month carefully. Keep your shoes dry and check the forecast.
February
Tet (Lunar New Year)
4 Feb 2027 to 10 Feb 2027 · Dates from Government news (Chinhphu.vn), checked 23 Oct 2026
Vietnam's biggest festival. Vietnam Tourism describes Tet as weeks of travel and business closures, unlike Mid-Autumn, which is a single evening. The approved 2027 dates are the official public-sector leave period, not the full length of the celebrations or of private-business closures.
For families: Book flights and hotels early. Expect some shops and restaurants to close and domestic travel to be heavy. Either plan around the quieter days, or choose another month if you want a relaxed first trip with parents.
September
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
Usually the 15th day of the 8th lunar month, usually in September or October. We do not list the 2027 date here. 2027 dates not yet announced.
Vietnam's Children's Festival: families gather for dinner, children carry lanterns in parades, lion dance troupes perform and everyone eats mooncakes. It is a single evening.
For families: It suits a trip with grandchildren. Expect crowded old-town streets in the evening, so go early, and check whether you can add a day on either side because the festival is one night only.
Trips to Vietnam
Quick questions
Sources
- Government news (Chinhphu.vn): Decision on the Tet and National Day break for 2027 · checked 23 Oct 2026
- Vietnam Tourism (commercial tourism guide; description only): Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam · checked 23 Oct 2026
- Vietnam Tourism (commercial tourism guide; weather and format only): The best time to visit Hoi An, weather, seasons and lantern festivals · checked 23 Oct 2026