Every year during the Lunar New Year, hundreds of millions take part in China’s Chunyun - the largest annual human migration in the world. Trains overflow, airports fill up, and travel becomes a test of patience. Yet, for many Vietnamese tourists, the appeal of China during Tet remains undeniable.

Thu Ha, 22, from Hanoi, still vividly remembers her trip last year to Dali, Lijiang, and Kunming. She almost missed a train from Lijiang to Kunming because of a ticketing issue.

“I arrived late, and every other train that day was fully booked. Luckily, a staff member helped me board just two minutes before departure,” she recalled. “The train was so packed that we could barely move, but it was smooth and fast. The onboard quality was surprisingly good.”

Despite the stress of navigating one of the world’s busiest travel seasons, Ha is planning another trip to China this coming Tet. For her, the long holiday break is the perfect opportunity to explore China's winter landscapes and vibrant cultural festivals.

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Crowds at Dali and Lijiang during Tet 2025. Photo: NVCC

Crowds, chaos - and family fun

Vu Ngoc Quan, 46, from Quang Ninh, has taken his family to China for Tet three times - in 2020, 2024, and 2025 - visiting destinations like Lijiang, Chengdu, and Chongqing.

“We’re used to waiting an hour or more just to get into amusement parks,” he said. “Last year, we stood in line for two hours to ride the cable car to Xiling Snow Mountain, and another two on the way back.”

Quan admits that Tet travel in China is chaotic - even more so than holiday crowds in Vietnam. Hotel prices in central locations or near metro stations can surge, and booking train tickets becomes a real challenge.

“But the experiences are incredibly rich, and the festive atmosphere makes it all worthwhile,” he added. “People queue politely. Restaurants stay open, and prices are stable, contrary to what many worry about.”

This Tet, Quan’s family is heading to Hunan and Guizhou.

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Popular attractions are packed during China's Spring Festival. Photo: NVCC

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Quan's family plans to return to China for Tet 2026. Photo: NVCC

China remains a top pick for Vietnamese travelers

Vietnamese travel agencies report that China continues to be the most popular outbound destination for Tet 2026. With short flight times, simple visa procedures, diverse attractions, and reasonable costs, China checks many boxes.

Nguyen Huu Cuong, CEO of Trang An Travel, said his company is offering over 20 China tour itineraries for Tet. Tours to Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou - especially those departing on the first and second day of Tet - are already sold out.

At BestPrice Travel, bookings for China tours are up 25–30% compared to last year. Many travelers are planning earlier and opting for cultural and festival-themed routes or scenic winter destinations.

Prices rise, but value remains high

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Winter tours to China are in high demand during the holiday season. Photo: Hoang Dung

Prices for China tours during Tet are about 20–30% higher than usual, driven by increased airfare and hotel costs. Still, compared to other Northeast Asian destinations, China remains affordable for most Vietnamese tourists.

Agencies acknowledge that congestion is inevitable during Tet. However, they are taking proactive steps to help travelers manage the experience.

“We work closely with local partners in China to design smart itineraries,” Cuong explained. “We cut down on shopping stops unless requested, and allocate more time to sightseeing.”

BestPrice Travel has also introduced more flexible schedules, avoiding peak-hour visits and ensuring early bookings for tickets, hotels, and transport to minimize waiting.

More travelers go solo - apps essential

An increasing number of Vietnamese are also choosing to travel independently in China. For these travelers, preparation is key.

Tourism experts recommend downloading translation, payment, ticketing, and hotel booking apps in advance to navigate smoothly in China, especially during the crowded Tet season.

Linh Trang