Staying in Hanoi During Tet: Experiencing the “Quiet City”

  • 01/09/2026
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1. Why Staying in Hanoi During Tet Is Such a Special Experience

On normal days, Hanoi is a city of busy streets, traffic jams during rush hour, and bustling shops. But once Tet arrives, everything changes noticeably:

  • Quieter streets: riding or driving around is almost congestion-free, and walking feels calm and relaxed.

  • A different soundscape: fewer car horns, replaced by spring music from loudspeakers and the distant echo of fireworks.

  • A slower pace of life: no rushing, no deadlines, no meetings — everything feels as if the “pause” button has been pressed.

Staying in Hanoi during Tet is like seeing a rare version of the city — still Hanoi, but much slower and far more chilled.

2. What Does the “Quiet City” Look Like to Those Who Stay?

Wider streets, longer time

You’ll feel this clearly if you take a ride around the city on the morning of the first or second day of Tet:

  • Roads that are usually crowded become wide open; getting from one place to another takes only minutes.

  • There’s no more anxiety about miscalculating your departure time and being late — suddenly, you have time to move at your own pace.

Simply being able to move through the city without squeezing through crowds already feels like a unique experience for anyone used to everyday Hanoi.

Selectively open cafés and restaurants — and that’s what makes them interesting

Not every place opens during Tet, but:

  • Those that do are often more relaxed, with friendlier service and more time to chat with customers.

  • You may finally visit cafés or eateries you often pass by but never enter because daily life is too busy.

This is the perfect time to “check in” to Hanoi as a tourist, even if you’ve lived here for years.

Tet feels more vivid when the streets are less crowded

When life slows down, you start noticing more:

  • Peach and kumquat trees being carried home on motorbikes.

  • Red calligraphy scrolls hanging in front of old houses.

  • Spring music drifting from public speakers or from an apartment window left open.

They’re small details, but only when the streets are quiet and your mind is unhurried do you truly see and feel them.

3. Ways to Enjoy Quiet Hanoi During Tet

There’s no need for a packed schedule. With just a few simple ideas, you can turn your Tet in Hanoi into a true “travel-at-home” experience.

Morning: stroll around the city

  • Choose a place near where you stay: West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Khanh Lake, Truc Bach…

  • Wake up a bit earlier than usual; the air is cool and fresh, and traffic is minimal.

  • Walk, jog lightly, or simply sit and watch passersby while enjoying a sidewalk coffee.

Midday – Afternoon

If you’re staying in a serviced apartment or on a staycation:

  • Open all the curtains, let natural light fill the space, and play a gentle playlist.

  • Brew coffee or tea, and allow yourself to do nothing “important” — just read, chat, play with your children, or simply rest.

  • On a nice day, take the chance to wash bedding or tidy up; the feeling of refreshing your living space is especially satisfying.

Evening: walk outside or stay in and watch the city light up

  • If you enjoy liveliness: walk around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Cathedral, or Quan Su Pagoda to feel the festive atmosphere.

  • If you prefer peace: sit in an apartment with a lake or street view, watch streetlights and house lights come on, and occasionally spot small fireworks in the distance.

  • On New Year’s Eve (Western or Lunar Tet), you can choose to:

    • Join the countdown on the streets, or

    • Stay home with family or friends, prepare a small year-end meal, watch TV, and wait for the quiet moment of transition together.

4. Where Should You Stay in Hanoi During Tet?

Serviced apartments: an ideal staycation choice

Whether you’re a Hanoian wanting a change of scenery, or a Vietnamese overseas resident / expat visiting home, serviced apartments offer clear advantages during Tet:

  • Private kitchens: easy to cook, prepare small Tet meals, reheat holiday food, or cook your favorite dishes.

  • More space: living rooms, dining tables, sometimes balconies — convenient for families or groups of friends.

  • Comfort for longer stays: whether a few days or a few weeks, it feels more like “home” than a temporary hotel room.

If you choose central areas such as West Lake, Ba Dinh, Hoan Kiem, or Hai Ba Trung:

  • Daytime is perfect for walking, sightseeing, and dining.

  • At night, you can enjoy a quieter, calmer city view from your window or balcony.

Staying at home — but living a little differently

If you don’t change accommodation but still want a new feeling:

  • Rearrange furniture, add some plants, or change your bedding.

  • Create a small “Tet corner” with flowers, calligraphy, a tea table, or a reading nook.

  • Spend time enjoying things you usually overlook: morning light, birdsong, the scent of the streets on the first day of Tet.

5. A Few Tips for Staying in Hanoi During Tet

To fully enjoy the “quiet city” experience:

  • Prepare some food, dry goods, and drinks in advance, as many shops close for 1–2 days.

  • Identify a few cafés or restaurants that remain open during Tet.

  • If staying in a serviced apartment, ask clearly about:

    • Cleaning schedules,

    • Security or reception working hours during Tet,

    • Available support services (parking, taxi assistance, etc.).

Most importantly, allow yourself to let go of the pressure to “stay busy.” Staying in Hanoi during Tet doesn’t mean you’re “not going anywhere” — it means choosing a different way of traveling: slower, simpler, and more deeply connected to the city you live in.

6. Staying in Hanoi During Tet with Toan Tien Housing Apartments

If you’re looking for a cozy place to enjoy Hanoi’s quiet side during Tet — “staying home, yet still on holiday” — serviced apartments in the Toan Tien Housing system are a suitable choice:

  • Central or lake-adjacent locations (West Lake, Ba Dinh, Ngoc Khanh Lake area…), convenient for walks, temple visits, and city views.

  • Fully furnished apartments with private kitchens, washing machines, and shared living spaces — ideal for couples, families, and groups of friends.

  • Cleaning services, security, and flexible guest support throughout your stay.

How to Book a Tet Apartment with Toan Tien Housing

If you’d like to stay in Hanoi during Tet and experience the “quiet city” in a warm, comfortable apartment:

  • Check available Tet apartments on the Toan Tien Housing website or contact the hotline / fanpage for quick consultation.

  • Choose your preferred area (West Lake, Ba Dinh, central districts), number of guests, and length of stay — the consulting team will recommend the most suitable option for your needs.