Best Places to Visit in Vietnam During Tet by Train: SJourney Travel Guide
Are you dreaming of the best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet by train? Tet Nguyen Dan, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, is the most cherished holiday, transforming the nation into a living tapestry of tradition and renewal.Enter SJourney, Vietnam’s premier luxury train, turning potential pandemonium into poetic serenity.
In this ultimate guide, we’ll uncover the best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet by train, spotlighting SJourney’s exclusive routes that weave through cultural heartlands and hidden gems.
The Sjourney Experience: Luxury on the Rails
SJourney isn’t transport—it’s theater, staging Vietnam’s Tet drama from velvet seats. This 1920s-inspired rake, refurbished with teak and silk, glides at 80km/h, blending nostalgia with now.
A First-Class Journey
Step aboard: Cabins evoke colonial villas—crisp linens, rain showers, Bose sound systems piping Tet folk tunes. Twin setups suit friends; doubles, honeymooners. Wake to espresso, delivered bedside, as karsts unfold. Dining car’s heart: Crystal chandeliers, linen-draped tables. Tet menus evolve—Hanoi duck pho in the north, Nha Trang seafood in the south—sourced farm-to-rail, zero waste.
Spa cars offer massages with Tet herbs like ginger for vitality. Bars stock 50 Vietnamese gins; observation decks host stargazing with astronomers. Tech? App controls lighting, routes; VR headsets preview stops. Safety’s paramount: GPS tracking, medical kits. For “best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet by train,” SJourney’s the frame—elegant, immersive.
Exclusive Tet Itineraries
SJourney’s Tet specials launch January 2026: Extended Southbound Legacy with Hue overnights for imperial feasts. Northern Heritage adds Hanoi extensions for flower fairs. Schedules align with Tet: Depart February 10 (pre-holiday calm), arrive February 18 for core festivities. Offboard: Private vans to sites, avoiding public scrum.
Check vietnamluxuryexpress.com for 2026 Tet slots—limited to 10 departures. Add-ons? Helicopter over Ha Long (north route tie-in), yacht charters in Nha Trang. These aren’t add-ons; they’re SJourney’s soul, curating Vietnam Tet train travel as cultural couture.
Top best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet by train
SJourney’s routes unlock Tet’s spectrum: North’s misty mysticism, central’s imperial grace, south’s sultry vibes. Here’s your curated list of the best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet by train, with SJourney stopovers.
Central Vietnam: Heritage and Festivities
Central Vietnam’s Tet pulses with Nguyen Dynasty echoes—lanterns sway like fireflies, rivers run gold with marigolds.
Hue: Imperial Tet Majesty
Alight SJourney at Hue (Day 3 Southbound), the ex-capital where Tet revives 19th-century pomp. The Citadel, UNESCO-listed, hosts mock eunuch processions February 17–18; join for $20, robes included. Perfume River boats ferry you to Thien Mu Pagoda, incense-thick air blessing your year. Less mobbed than Hanoi, Hue’s 300,000 locals keep it authentic—stroll Dong Ba Market for Tet sweets like keo duc (peanut brittle).
SJourney perk: Private Citadel tours, evading lines. Stay Hue’s Les Jardins de la Carambole for fusion feasts. Tet here? Serene yet splendid—karoke echoes from villas, fireworks light the citadel moat. For luxury train Tet Vietnam, Hue’s your crown jewel: History hums, traditions thrive.
Hoi An (via Da Nang): Lantern-Lit Enchantment
SJourney pauses Da Nang (Day 4), a 30-minute shuttle to Hoi An’s ancient quarter. Tet transforms this riverside gem: 5,000 lanterns bloom, Japanese Bridge glows crimson. February 17 boat parades feature dragon dances; riverside stalls hawk banh mi tet (glutinous rice subs). Wander UNESCO streets—tailors craft ao dai in hours—then catch midnight fireworks over Thu Bon River.
Avoid peak: Visit February 19, when locals picnic. SJourney arranges lantern-making workshops, releasing yours for luck. Nearby My Son Sanctuary offers Khmer-Tet fusion hikes. Hoi An’s Tet? Whimsical, warm—beaches empty for siestas. Prime for best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet by train: Seamless SJourney transfer, fairy-tale nights.
Southern Vietnam: Vibrant City and Coastal Calm
South’s Tet sizzles—urban revelry meets beach reverie, SJourney delivering both.
Ho Chi Minh City: Urban Tet Euphoria
Southbound finale: HCMC (Day 8), where Tet explodes in neon. Nguyen Hue Walking Street rivals Paris: 2km of floral sculptures, koi ponds, cherry imports from Japan. Ben Thanh Market, post-shutter, reopens February 18 with Tet bargains—silks, spices. District 1’s Notre-Dame hosts masses blending Catholic-Viet fusion; rooftop bars like Chill Skybar toast with Tet cocktails.
SJourney’s private arrival: Chau Doc transfer to Bitexco Tower views. Tet crowds thin February 20—stroll Tao Dan Park’s picnics. Vibrant yet varied, HCMC’s Vietnam train travel during Tet capstone: Energy without exhaustion.
Coastal Retreats (Phan Thiet/Nha Trang): Serene Shores
SJourney’s Day 6–7: Phan Thiet’s Muine dunes, then Nha Trang’s bays. Tet quiets these strips—beaches for yoga at sunrise, no vendors. Phan Thiet’s Fairy Stream wades rust-red clay, Tet picnics under palms. Nha Trang’s Po Nagar Cham Towers host blessing ceremonies; Vinpearl cable car sways over Tet-decorated isles.
SJourney exclusives: Yacht snorkels, spa days with Tet scrubs. Escape urban Tet? Here, waves whisper renewal. Ideal best places to visit in Vietnam during Tet by train for unwind.
Northern Vietnam: Classic Charm and Mountain Vistas
North’s Tet chills with poetry—blossoms against fog-shrouded peaks.
Hanoi: Capital’s Quiet Charms
SJourney start/end: Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Tet’s hush February 17–18. Hoan Kiem Lake’s turtle tower gleams; Dong Xuan Market overflows kumquats. Tran Quoc Pagoda’s 1,000-year banyans host dawn prayers—join for merit.
Post-Tet bustle returns February 20: Pho stalls sizzle. SJourney’s lounge eases arrivals. Hanoi’s Tet? Intimate, iconic—luxury train Tet Vietnam prelude.
Ninh Binh: Karst Serenity
Day 2 Southbound: Ninh Binh’s “inland Ha Long.” Trang An’s boat caves, Tet-festooned, glide emerald waters. Tam Coc’s rice fields ripple gold; Hang Mua’s summit overlooks blossom valleys. Fewer crowds—SJourney’s private bikes explore.
Tet here? Pastoral peace—cycle to Bai Dinh Pagoda’s lanterns. Nature’s Tet temple, perfect Vietnam Tet train travel detour.
SJourney Tet Itinerary Sample
Route Options
Southbound Legacy: Hanoi–Ninh Binh–Hue–Da Nang/Hoi An–Nha Trang/Phan Thiet–HCMC. Northern Heritage reverses, adding Ha Long tease.
Example Schedule
Day 1: Hanoi Embarkation (Feb 10) Welcome aboard 6pm; Tet prep dinner, Hanoi lights.
Day 2: Ninh Binh (Feb 11) Morning karst cruise; onboard Vietnamese opera.
Day 3: Hue (Feb 12) Citadel tour; imperial Tet mock-banquet.
Day 4: Da Nang/Hoi An (Feb 13) Lantern workshop; beach sunset.
Day 5: Nha Trang (Feb 14) Cham towers, yacht.
Day 6: Phan Thiet (Feb 15) Dune trek; spa.
Day 7: En Route HCMC (Feb 16) Tet Eve gala—fireworks viewing.
Day 8: HCMC Disembark (Feb 17) Flower street finale; transfer.
Adapt for Tet core—pure poetry on rails.
How to Book Your Tet Journey with SJourney
Planning your unforgettable Tet (Lunar New Year) escape with SJourney is easy. Just follow these steps for a seamless booking experience:
Explore Available Itineraries
Review the range of Tet journeys offered by SJourney — from festive north-to-south routes to coastal or heritage tours — and choose the one that matches your travel style and holiday dates.
Check Availability & Pricing
Once you’ve picked an itinerary, check the available departure dates, cabin classes, and current pricing. Tet is a peak season, so early booking is highly recommended.
Contact SJourney to Request a Reservation
To make your reservation, reach out directly to SJourney through our contact Us page. You can send us your preferred itinerary, dates, number of travelers, and any special requests.
Receive Your Booking Proposal
After submitting your request, SJourney will prepare a customized booking proposal for your journey — including itinerary, total cost, and booking terms.
Confirm & Secure Your Booking
Reply to the proposal to confirm your journey. You may be asked to pay a deposit or full amount, depending on the booking policy for the Tet period.
Finalize Travel Details
Once your booking is secured, SJourney will provide you with the full travel voucher, itinerary, boarding instructions, and assistance in case of special requests (e.g. dietary needs, room upgrades, transfers).
For instant assistance or to secure your seat right away, please contact SJourney through Mobile/WhatsApp/Zalo at +84-975-119-466.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Tet in Vietnam by Train
To make the most of your Tet journey with SJourney, consider these essential travel tips:
- Book early: Tet is Vietnam’s busiest holiday season, and SJourney’s luxury cabins sell out fast. Reserve your seats at least three months in advance.
- Plan around Tet dates: Avoid traveling exactly on New Year’s Eve or the first day of Tet, when transport services and local businesses temporarily close.
- Pack appropriately: Bring both light and warm clothing — temperatures vary greatly from Hanoi’s cool north to the warm southern coasts.
- Bring small gifts: Offering lucky money envelopes (li xi) or small presents reflects Tet’s spirit of goodwill.
- Respect local customs: Dress modestly at temples, avoid loud behavior during ceremonies, and greet locals with warm wishes — “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!”
With thoughtful preparation, your Vietnam Tet train travel experience will be smooth, culturally rich, and truly unforgettable.
Top Questions About Experiencing Tet in Vietnam by Train
1. When is the best time to travel by train during Tet?
The ideal time to begin your Tet journey is a few days before Lunar New Year’s Eve. Traveling early allows you to enjoy festive preparations in each city without the congestion that peaks on the first days of Tet.
2. Are trains operating during the Tet holiday?
Yes, SJourney operates during Tet with special schedules aligned to key holiday events. While many public transport services reduce frequency, SJourney ensures continuous luxury service with exclusive itineraries designed for Tet travelers.
3. What should I pack for a Tet train journey?
Pack versatile clothing to suit both the cool northern weather and the warmer southern regions. Don’t forget formal or festive attire for onboard Tet celebrations and temple visits.
4. Can I celebrate Tet onboard SJourney?
Absolutely. SJourney hosts elegant Tet Eve dinners, live folk performances, and traditional ceremonies, allowing passengers to celebrate the New Year in luxury while gliding through Vietnam’s scenic landscapes.
5. How far in advance should I book my Tet trip?
Since Tet is Vietnam’s busiest travel period, booking at least 1- 2 months in advance is strongly recommended. Early reservations secure the best cabins and preferred routes.
Conclusion
Celebrate Tet in true Vietnamese style with SJourney — where every destination tells a story of tradition, renewal, and connection. From misty northern landscapes to vibrant southern coasts, each stop reveals the essence of Vietnam’s most cherished holiday. Let SJourney’s luxury train elevate your experience into a seamless blend of comfort, culture, and celebration.
Contact SJourney via Mobile/WhatsApp/Zalo: +84-975-119-466 to book your Tet journey today and create unforgettable memories on the rails.
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SJourney
Hotline (Phone/whatsapp): +84-975-119-466
Email: inquiry@vietnamluxuryexpress.com
Head office: No. 15/52 Giang Van Minh, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
The Travel Story Team is the editorial group behind Vietnam Luxury Express – passionate storytellers and travel enthusiasts dedicated to sharing the art of luxury train journeys across Vietnam.
