Navigating Transport During Tết: A Rollercoaster Ride of Superstitions and Chaos

Tết, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It’s a time for family reunions, honouring ancestors, and celebrating the start of a new year. But for anyone trying to travel during Tết, it’s also a logistical challenge that feels like a mix of a military operation and a high-stakes game of luck. Transport during this period is a fascinating blend of modern chaos and ancient superstition, making it one of the most unique times to experience Vietnam.

Why Traveling During Tết Is So Difficult

Tết marks a period when millions of people in Vietnam hit the roads, railways, and skies to return to their hometowns. For many, this is the only time of year they can reconnect with their families, and the sheer scale of the migration is mind-boggling. Bus stations overflow with passengers, train tickets sell out weeks in advance, and flights are often booked solid.

What makes Tết travel particularly chaotic is that it’s not just about getting from Point A to Point B. Superstitions about the days and times that are favourable for travel add another layer of complexity. For example, many Vietnamese believe that starting a journey on the wrong day or at the wrong time can bring bad luck for the entire year.

The Superstitions Around Travel During Tết

Superstitions are deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, and Tết is a time when they are especially significant. Travel plans are often influenced by ancient beliefs about good and bad days to embark on a journey, based on the lunar calendar. Here are some common superstitions that affect travel during Tết:

• Choosing Auspicious Days - The lunar calendar is consulted to find the most favourable days for travel. These days are believed to bring safety, prosperity, and happiness to the journey and the year ahead. On the other hand, travelling on an inauspicious day is thought to invite misfortune or accidents.
• Avoiding the First Day of Tết - Many people avoid travelling on the first day of Tết (the actual Lunar New Year day) because it’s considered a time for staying home and welcoming good fortune into the house. Travelling on this day might risk “missing out” on the luck meant for the family.
• Time of Departure - Even the time of day for starting a journey is significant. Early morning departures are preferred because they symbolise a fresh start and are thought to maximize good fortune.
• Direction of Travel - Some superstitions dictate that travelling in certain directions during Tết can bring bad luck, depending on the position of celestial bodies. This belief is rooted in ancient astrology and geomancy.
• Bringing Offerings - To ensure a safe journey, some travellers bring offerings to temples or make small sacrifices to the spirits before departing. This could involve burning incense or preparing food offerings.

Explore More About Life In Vietnam: Crafting a Life: Vietnamese Hobbies Expats Can Try

Planning Ahead: The Key to Surviving Tết Travel

If you’re planning to travel during Tết, preparation is essential. Here are some tips to help you navigate the madness:

• Book Early - Transport tickets for Tết often sell out months in advance. Whether you’re travelling by bus, train, or plane, it’s crucial to book as early as possible. Airlines and train operators often release tickets in phases, so keep an eye on announcements.
• Expect Higher Prices - Transport costs during Tết can skyrocket due to demand. Be prepared for higher prices, especially if you’re booking closer to the date.
• Consider Alternative Routes - If direct routes are fully booked, explore alternative routes or less popular modes of transport. For example, taking a combination of buses and regional trains might be a workaround for a sold-out flight.
• Avoid Peak Travel Days - The days leading up to Tết (especially the 28th and 29th of the lunar month) are the busiest, as people rush to get home before the holiday begins. Similarly, the first few days after Tết are chaotic as people return to the cities. Travelling on off-peak days can save you a lot of stress.
• Pack Light and Be Flexible - Travel during Tết is often unpredictable. Delays, cancellations, and overbooked buses are common, so pack light and be ready to adjust your plans if needed.

The Experience of Traveling During Tết

For ex-pats and visitors, travelling during Tết can feel like stepping into a whirlwind. Bus stations and airports are packed with people carrying enormous bags, boxes of gifts, and sometimes even live chickens or plants for the holiday. The atmosphere is a mix of excitement, frustration, and anticipation.

If you’re travelling by bus, be prepared for overcrowded vehicles and extended travel times due to traffic congestion. Trains, while more comfortable, are often overbooked, with passengers standing in aisles for hours. Flights are quicker but come with their own challenges, such as long lines at check-in and potential delays.

Despite the chaos, there’s something uniquely heartwarming about witnessing the mass migration of families returning home. The sense of community and the joy of reunions make it an unforgettable experience.

Special Tết Transport Services

To accommodate the surge in travellers, Vietnam introduces special transport services during Tết:

• Additional Buses and Trains - Transport companies often add extra buses and trains to meet demand. However, these services can still fill up quickly, so early booking is crucial.
• Chartered Vehicles - Some families or groups pool resources to hire private cars or minibuses for the journey home. While more expensive, this option offers greater comfort and flexibility.
• Motorbike Travel - For those traveling shorter distances, motorbikes are a popular choice. Many people load up their bikes with gifts and ride home, navigating crowded highways and rural roads.

Discover Related Guides: Finding Your Tribe: Building an Expat Support Network in Vietnam

Navigating the Return Journey

After Tết, the focus shifts to the journey back to the cities. This is another peak travel period, and the chaos begins anew. Trains and buses are packed with passengers carrying gifts from their families, such as jars of pickled vegetables, dried fruits, or homemade bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes).

Expats returning to urban areas should brace themselves for long queues and potential delays. If possible, try to extend your stay or plan your return for a less busy day.

For expats, experiencing Tết travel is a cultural eye-opener. It’s not just about the logistics of moving people—it’s a glimpse into Vietnam’s deep-rooted traditions and values. The emphasis on family, the respect for superstitions, and the collective effort to make it home for the holiday are all reflections of the country’s unique spirit.

While it may be chaotic, there’s also a beauty in the shared experience. Joining the throngs of people travelling during Tết gives you a sense of belonging, even as an outsider.

Travelling during Tết is not for the faint of heart, but it’s an adventure that offers a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s culture. From navigating transport schedules to respecting superstitions about travel days, the journey is as much about the experience as it is about the destination.

If you’re planning to travel during this festive season, prepare for crowds, embrace the chaos, and remember that the ultimate goal is to connect with loved ones. And who knows? Along the way, you might find yourself swept up in the excitement and joy that make Tết such a magical time of year.