Tet visitors crowd Moc Chau as hotel prices surge

The extended Tet break has encouraged travel across Vietnam, with Moc Chau emerging as one of the most popular destinations in the country’s northern highlands.

A hotel employee, Song Thi Dia, said many guests had reserved rooms one to two months in advance, reflecting strong demand for the scenic plateau known for its cool climate and flower seasons.

Room rates have risen significantly compared with normal days. Single rooms that typically cost VND 600,000 to VND 700,000 now range from about VND 900,000 to more than VND 1 million per night, excluding meals.

Some well located double rooms have increased by an additional VND 500,000 to VND 700,000, reaching between VND 1.5 million and VND 2 million per night.

Nguyen Lam, a visitor from Hanoi, said his group of four friends planned a two to three day trip and tried to secure accommodation a month before Tet, but most attractive homestays were already fully booked.

“We searched for rooms well in advance, but it was still difficult. In the end we chose a modest two star hotel at VND 1.2 million per night for a twin room, not including meals,” he said.

The hotel’s convenient location made it a practical choice despite higher holiday prices, which Lam said the group accepted as part of travelling during peak season.

Tran Manh Cuong, owner of a family-run hotel with more than 10 rooms, noted that this year’s peak demand was concentrated over three days, from the third to the fifth day of the 2026 Lunar New Year. His property was already fully booked for the fourth and fifth days of Tet.

Room prices at his hotel range from VND 700,000 to around VND 1 million depending on type and timing. While rates are adjusted for the festive season, he said they remain in line with the broader local market.

Operating pressures have also increased, as labour costs rise and many employees return to their hometowns for the holiday, forcing family members to step in to serve guests.