Vietnam Railways Triples Ticket Refund Fees to Curb Tet Resale

Vietnam Railways has announced a decision to triple the refund fee for train tickets to 30% of the ticket price, from the usual rate, specifically during the peak Tet (Lunar New Year) travel period in 2027. This measure is intended to curb scalping and bulk buying of tickets. The 30% refund fee will apply to trains operating during the high-demand Tet period. This includes even-numbered trains running from January 29 to February 8, 2027 (corresponding to December 22 of the lunar calendar to January 3), and odd-numbered trains running from February 9 to February 17, 2027 (corresponding to January 4 to January 12 of the lunar calendar). Additionally, certain trains on the Hanoi - Dong Hoi route will also be subject to this increased fee, depending on the direction and specified times. This policy aims to ensure fairer access to tickets for the general public by discouraging speculative resale and hoarding, which are common issues during the busy Tet travel season when demand significantly outstrips supply. The railway sector is a vital transportation link for many Vietnamese citizens returning home for family reunions during Tet.