Tet Nguyen Dan, or Lunar New Year is not only the biggest traditional holiday of the year for Vietnamese people but also a great opportunity for international tourists to explore the unique cultural beauty, customs, and nature of the S-shaped country. Let's experience the most prominent places during Tet to fully feel the festive atmosphere and unique features of Vietnam.
Tet is a great opportunity for international tourists to explore the unique culture of Vietnam. Source: Luat Vietnam
Ha Giang is a perfect destination for those who love the wildness and majesty of nature. During Tet, the Dong Van stone plateau is adorned with blooming peach and plum blossoms, creating a beautiful spring picture. Tourists can visit Lung Cu Flag Tower - the northernmost point of the country, or participate in Tet markets in the highlands, where locals gather to exchange goods and wish each other a prosperous new year. Traditional dishes such as thang co, corn wine and specialty cakes are also highlights not to be missed.
In particular, Ha Giang during Tet is an opportunity for you to explore unique customs such as the Gau Tao festival of the H'Mong people, or special folk games such as throwing pao, stick pushing. All create a Ha Giang that is both awe-inspiring and welcoming, leaving visitors with unforgettable memories.
Ha Giang is a perfect destination for those who love the wildness and majesty of nature. Source: Farwego
Hanoi during Tet has a traditional color with unique flower markets such as Quang Ba flower market, Hang Luoc flower market. Not only that, Hanoi Old Quarter is also brilliant with stalls selling Tet essentials, from peach blossoms, red parallel sentences to traditional delicacies. Visitors can stroll around the Old Quarter, visit iconic sites like Hoan Kiem Lake, Temple of Literature, and famous temples such as Tran Quoc Pagoda to pray for good fortune at the beginning of the year. In particular, the cool air of Hanoi creates a cozy and memorable Tet experience.
Enjoy traditional dishes such as banh chung, gio lua (Vietnamese pork roll), and feel the characteristic aroma from Tet trays, all creating an ancient and familiar Hanoi in the hearts of every visitor.
Hanoi during Tet has a traditional color. Source: SOHA
Da Nang is an ideal destination to celebrate Tet with a blend of modernity and tradition. The city is famous for its iconic bridges such as the Dragon Bridge, Tran Thi Ly Bridge and Han River Bridge, which are especially sparkling during Tet when they are brightly lit. Visitors can admire the Dragon Bridge breathing fire and water, a unique performance that usually takes place on weekends or holidays. In addition, Son Tra Peninsula with Linh Ung Pagoda and the 67m-high Guanyin Buddha statue is an ideal place to pray for peace at the beginning of the year and enjoy the panoramic view of the city from above.
In particular, Ba Na Hills near Da Nang is a destination not to be missed with its cool climate and vibrant spring festivals. All create a modern yet peaceful Da Nang, perfect for a memorable Tet holiday.
Da Nang is an ideal destination to celebrate Tet. Source: Duong Gia Hotel Da Nang
Hoi An is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam during Tet. The small streets are decorated with hundreds of colorful lanterns, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere. Visitors can participate in lantern festivals, enjoy Cao Lau, and explore the ancient streets filled with Tet atmosphere.
In addition, Hoi An is also famous for its unique New Year's Eve ceremony, where people light candles and release flower lanterns into the Hoai River to pray for good things in the new year. These moments not only bring a sense of peace but also leave an unforgettable impression on international visitors.
Hoi An is one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam during Tet. Source: Muong Thanh
Hue, a city of world cultural heritages, is an ideal place to explore the traditional Vietnamese New Year. Visitors can visit the Imperial City, the tombs of the Nguyen Dynasty kings, or enjoy Hue royal court music – an intangible cultural heritage. Don’t forget to visit Dong Ba market to feel the vibrant Tet atmosphere and enjoy specialties such as banh tet, ginger jam, and Hue sweet soup.
The Tet atmosphere in Hue is not only expressed through historical relics but also through royal festivals that recreate the culture of the Nguyen Dynasty. Visitors can participate in the flower lantern festival on the Perfume River, an activity that is both solemn and poetic. The shimmering lights on the water carry prayers for a peaceful and happy new year.
Hue, a city of world cultural heritages, is an ideal place to explore the traditional Vietnamese New Year. Source: Bonbon Travel
The Mekong Delta is an ideal destination to experience Tet in a peaceful, riverine setting. Floating markets like Cai Rang (Can Tho) and Cai Be (Tien Giang) come alive with bustling activity, featuring boats laden with fruits, traditional Tet sweets, and radiant yellow apricot blossoms.
Visitors can explore the Sa Dec Flower Village (Dong Thap) to admire hundreds of vibrant flower species. The region’s signature dishes, such as banh tet la cam (purple sticky rice cake), grilled snakehead fish, and lau mam (fermented fish hotpot), are sure to delight food lovers.
Folk festivals, like traditional boat races (dua ghe ngo), and games offer a chance to discover the unique cultural heritage of this land. Tet in the Mekong Delta is a harmonious blend of nature, people, and cherished traditions, promising an unforgettable experience.
Flower village is dyed red by countless bougainvillea gardens. Source: Dan Tri
Ho Chi Minh City welcomes Tet with a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. Nguyen Hue Flower Street becomes the center of attention with hundreds of elaborately decorated flowers, creating a unique artistic space that attracts a large number of tourists. At Ho Thi Ky flower market, you can admire the colorful Tet flower stalls, from yellow apricots, chrysanthemums to colorful imported flowers.
Large shopping centers like Takashimaya and Vincom Center are also prominent with dazzling decorations, bringing a modern but still traditional Tet atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in the bustling crowd, visiting destinations such as the Independence Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral. Then, stroll through famous culinary streets to enjoy attractive street foods such as grilled rice paper, go-go noodles, and pomelo dew jelly.
Ho Chi Minh City welcomes Tet with a vibrant and colorful atmosphere. Source: Tour Di San
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If you’re looking for a unique Tet experience, head to Phu Quoc to enjoy the fresh air and crystal-clear waters. The pearl island of Phu Quoc not only has beautiful beaches such as Sao Beach and Dai Beach, but is also famous for its luxurious resorts and exciting activities such as diving to see corals, fishing, or visiting pristine islands like Hon Thom and Hon Mong Tay.
During Tet, Phu Quoc becomes vibrant with spring festivals at major tourist hubs such as Vinpearl and Sun World. Visitors can enjoy lion dances, fireworks and enjoy specialties such as herring salad and grilled sea urchin with scallion oil. In addition, don't forget to visit Ham Ninh fishing village to experience the simple life of the locals and enjoy fresh seafood. Phu Quoc is also famous for fish sauce and pepper, typical products as gifts for relatives during Tet.
Head to Phu Quoc to enjoy the fresh air and crystal-clear waters. Source: Bao nguoi lao dong
Lunar New Year is the perfect time to explore the cultural and natural beauty of Vietnam. Each destination offers unique and meaningful experiences, from the tranquility of Hanoi to the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City. Choose a destination that suits you to enjoy an unforgettable Tet in Vietnam, where culture and nature blend seamlessly to create an irresistible charm !
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