{"id":13103,"date":"2025-01-29T12:46:16","date_gmt":"2025-01-29T05:46:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/?p=13103"},"modified":"2025-11-13T16:00:06","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T09:00:06","slug":"navigating-transport-during-tet-a-rollercoaster-ride-of-superstitions-and-chaos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/navigating-transport-during-tet-a-rollercoaster-ride-of-superstitions-and-chaos\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating Transport During T\u1ebft: A Rollercoaster Ride of Superstitions and Chaos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>T\u1ebft, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It\u2019s a time for family reunions, honouring ancestors, and celebrating the start of a new year. But for anyone trying to travel during T\u1ebft, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rank-math-toc-block\" id=\"rank-math-toc\"><div><strong>Quick Topic Access<\/strong><\/div><nav><ul><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#why-traveling-during-t\u1ebft-is-so-difficult\">Why Traveling During T\u1ebft Is So Difficult<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-superstitions-around-travel-during-t\u1ebft\">The Superstitions Around Travel During T\u1ebft<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#planning-ahead-the-key-to-surviving-t\u1ebft-travel\">Planning Ahead: The Key to Surviving T\u1ebft Travel<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#the-experience-of-traveling-during-t\u1ebft\">The Experience of Traveling During T\u1ebft<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#special-t\u1ebft-transport-services\">Special T\u1ebft Transport Services<\/a><\/li><li class=\"\"><a href=\"#navigating-the-return-journey\">Navigating the Return Journey<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-traveling-during-t\u1ebft-is-so-difficult\"><strong>Why Traveling During T\u1ebft Is So Difficult<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>T\u1ebft 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What makes T\u1ebft travel particularly chaotic is that it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tet-Holiday-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Any travel during T\u1ebft will be problematic and incredibly crowded\" class=\"wp-image-13104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tet-Holiday-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tet-Holiday-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tet-Holiday-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tet-Holiday-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Tet-Holiday.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Any travel during T\u1ebft will be problematic and incredibly crowded<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-superstitions-around-travel-during-t\u1ebft\"><strong>The Superstitions Around Travel During T\u1ebft<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Superstitions are deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture, and T\u1ebft 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 T\u1ebft:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choosing Auspicious Days &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoiding the First Day of T\u1ebft &#8211; Many people avoid travelling on the first day of T\u1ebft (the actual Lunar New Year day) because it\u2019s considered a time for staying home and welcoming good fortune into the house. Travelling on this day might risk \u201cmissing out\u201d on the luck meant for the family.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time of Departure &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Direction of Travel &#8211; Some superstitions dictate that travelling in certain directions during T\u1ebft can bring bad luck, depending on the position of celestial bodies. This belief is rooted in ancient astrology and geomancy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bringing Offerings &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Explore More About Life In Vietnam:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/crafting-a-life-vietnamese-hobbies-expats-can-try\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Crafting a Life: Vietnamese Hobbies Expats Can Try<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"planning-ahead-the-key-to-surviving-t\u1ebft-travel\"><strong>Planning Ahead: The Key to Surviving T\u1ebft Travel<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re planning to travel during T\u1ebft, preparation is essential. Here are some tips to help you navigate the madness:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Book Early &#8211; Transport tickets for T\u1ebft often sell out months in advance. Whether you\u2019re travelling by bus, train, or plane, it\u2019s crucial to book as early as possible. Airlines and train operators often release tickets in phases, so keep an eye on announcements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Expect Higher Prices &#8211; Transport costs during T\u1ebft can skyrocket due to demand. Be prepared for higher prices, especially if you\u2019re booking closer to the date.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Consider Alternative Routes &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Avoid Peak Travel Days &#8211; The days leading up to T\u1ebft (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 T\u1ebft are chaotic as people return to the cities. Travelling on off-peak days can save you a lot of stress.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pack Light and Be Flexible &#8211; Travel during T\u1ebft is often unpredictable. Delays, cancellations, and overbooked buses are common, so pack light and be ready to adjust your plans if needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1023\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Planning-Ahead.jpg\" alt=\"Be flexible when trying to travel as things may not go as planned.\" class=\"wp-image-13106\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Planning-Ahead.jpg 1023w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Planning-Ahead-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Planning-Ahead-768x513.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1023px) 100vw, 1023px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Be flexible when trying to travel as things may not go as planned.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"the-experience-of-traveling-during-t\u1ebft\"><strong>The Experience of Traveling During T\u1ebft<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For ex-pats and visitors, travelling during T\u1ebft 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite the chaos, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Traveling-During-Tet-Holiday-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"Although travel is complete chaos there is an element of excitement everywhere\" class=\"wp-image-13105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Traveling-During-Tet-Holiday-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Traveling-During-Tet-Holiday-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Traveling-During-Tet-Holiday-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Traveling-During-Tet-Holiday.jpg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Although travel is complete chaos there is an element of excitement everywhere<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"special-t\u1ebft-transport-services\"><strong>Special T\u1ebft Transport Services<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To accommodate the surge in travellers, Vietnam introduces special transport services during T\u1ebft:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Additional Buses and Trains &#8211; Transport companies often add extra buses and trains to meet demand. However, these services can still fill up quickly, so early booking is crucial.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chartered Vehicles &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Motorbike Travel &#8211; 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.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Discover Related Guides:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/finding-your-tribe-building-an-expat-support-network-in-vietnam\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Finding Your Tribe: Building an Expat Support Network in Vietnam<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"navigating-the-return-journey\"><strong>Navigating the Return Journey<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>After T\u1ebft, 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 b\u00e1nh ch\u01b0ng (sticky rice cakes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"553\" src=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Vietnamese-Newyear-Travel-by-Christian-Berg-1024x553.jpg\" alt=\"Try to return after the T\u1ebft period to avoid the chaos of everyone returning back home\" class=\"wp-image-13107\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Vietnamese-Newyear-Travel-by-Christian-Berg-1024x553.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Vietnamese-Newyear-Travel-by-Christian-Berg-300x162.jpg 300w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Vietnamese-Newyear-Travel-by-Christian-Berg-768x415.jpg 768w, https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Vietnamese-Newyear-Travel-by-Christian-Berg.jpg 1260w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Try to return after the T\u1ebft period to avoid the chaos of everyone returning back home &#8211; Image By Christian Berg<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>For expats, experiencing T\u1ebft travel is a cultural eye-opener. It\u2019s not just about the logistics of moving people\u2014it\u2019s a glimpse into Vietnam\u2019s 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\u2019s unique spirit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While it may be chaotic, there\u2019s also a beauty in the shared experience. Joining the throngs of people travelling during T\u1ebft gives you a sense of belonging, even as an outsider.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Travelling during T\u1ebft is not for the faint of heart, but it\u2019s an adventure that offers a deeper understanding of Vietnam\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re 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 T\u1ebft such a magical time of year.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"kk-star-ratings kksr-auto kksr-align-left kksr-valign-bottom\"\n    data-payload='{&quot;align&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;id&quot;:&quot;13103&quot;,&quot;slug&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;valign&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;ignore&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;reference&quot;:&quot;auto&quot;,&quot;class&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;count&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;legendonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;readonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;score&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;starsonly&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;best&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;gap&quot;:&quot;5&quot;,&quot;greet&quot;:&quot;Rate this post&quot;,&quot;legend&quot;:&quot;0\\\/5 - (0 votes)&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;24&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Navigating Transport During T\u1ebft: A Rollercoaster Ride of Superstitions and Chaos&quot;,&quot;width&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;_legend&quot;:&quot;{score}\\\/{best} - ({count} {votes})&quot;,&quot;font_factor&quot;:&quot;1.25&quot;}'>\n            \n<div class=\"kksr-stars\">\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-inactive\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"1\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"2\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"3\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"4\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" data-star=\"5\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n<div class=\"kksr-stars-active\" style=\"width: 0px;\">\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n            <div class=\"kksr-star\" style=\"padding-right: 5px\">\n            \n\n<div class=\"kksr-icon\" style=\"width: 24px; height: 24px;\"><\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n                \n\n<div class=\"kksr-legend\" style=\"font-size: 19.2px;\">\n            <span class=\"kksr-muted\">Rate this post<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>T\u1ebft, or the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It\u2019s a time for family reunions, honouring ancestors, and celebrating the start of a new year. But for anyone trying to travel during T\u1ebft, it\u2019s also a logistical challenge that feels like a mix of a military operation and a high-stakes [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":13108,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[148,16,33],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13103","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-living-essentials","category-life-in-vietnam","category-transportation"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13103","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13103"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13103\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13108"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13103"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13103"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vietnamteachingjobs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13103"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}