Traditional festivals and popular tourist destinations across the country

During the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Hanoi and other northern destinations offer a festive atmosphere shaped by spring festivals and seasonal travel experiences. In Hanoi, the spring festival takes place from February 7 to 14 at the F1 racetrack area in Tu Liem Ward, alongside traditional events such as the Huong Pagoda Festival, running from February 18 to May 11, and the Dong Da Festival on February 21.

Across the capital, a wide range of cultural and tourism programmes are also held, including Tet Viet–Tet Pho 2026 at historical sites in the Old Quarter, calligraphy activities at the Temple of Literature, traditional Tet displays at the Heritage House and the Culture and Arts Center at 22 Hang Buom Street, as well as events at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and the National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism.

In several northern localities, traditional festivals linked to spiritual beliefs and spring pilgrimages continue to draw large crowds. These include the Tran Temple Festival, held from February 27 to March 4 in Nam Dinh province; the Yen Tu Spring Festival, opening on February 26 in Quang Ninh province; and the Tam Chuc Spring Festival 2026, beginning on February 28.

Beyond Hanoi, destinations such as Sa Pa, Moc Chau and Ha Giang remain popular spring getaways in the north, known for their mountainous landscapes, seasonal blossoms and the preservation of traditional customs among ethnic communities. The combination of spring flowers, fresh mountain air and highland culture makes these areas attractive for sightseeing, photography and local cuisine experiences.

In the central and Central Highlands regions, notable destinations include Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nghe An, Gia Lai and Da Lat. In Hoi An, the Festival of Light and Heritage 2026 is scheduled to open on February 17, while the 2026 Spring Festival in Hue features re-enactments of royal court rituals, folk festivals and Tet-themed cultural programmes.

In central Da Nang city, a series of Tet events take place, including the Tet village market at the Da Nang Museum, the Vietnamese Tet 2026 festival at Phong Bac Park, and traditional art performances such as tuong (classical opera), folk songs and bai choi singing. Activities are also held at the Nguyen Hien Dinh Tuong Theater, Nam Duong Park and 24/3 Square.

In the Central Highlands, Da Lat continues to attract visitors with springtime events including a cherry blossom festival, the spring flower market in Nam Gia Nghia Ward, and the Binh Ngo Tet Festival 2026 in Xuan Huong Ward. Meanwhile, Gia Lai hosts the National Tourism Year 2026, offering a series of tourism and cultural activities throughout the year.

In the southern region, Ho Chi Minh City remains a leading Tet destination, with events such as the Vietnamese Tet Festival at the Youth Cultural Center from February 1 to 21, Nguyen Hue Flower Street from February 15 to 22, the “On the Wharf, Under the Boat” Tet flower market at Binh Dong Wharf from February 2 to 15, and the Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival from February 12 to 22.

Phu Quoc Island in An Giang province and Tay Ninh province also draw large numbers of visitors during Tet. Phu Quoc stands out for its warm weather and coastal scenery, making it a popular choice for holiday travel. In Tay Ninh, the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival takes place from February 17 to March 18 at the Ba Den Mountain national tourist area, with the opening ceremony scheduled for February 20.

Diverse choices for outbound travel during Lunar New Year 2026

The trend of outbound travel among Vietnamese people is expected to continue growing during the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, especially for short-haul tours to popular destinations Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, and China thanks to reasonable costs, favorable visa policies, and diverse cultural experiences.

Traveling abroad during Tet is becoming increasingly convenient, as most major travel companies in Vietnam offer all-inclusive tour packages, assisting Vietnamese customers from visa application preparation and service booking to ensuring safety, quality, and travel experience.

China is predicted to be the most popular destination for Vietnamese people during the Tet holiday due to a combination of competitive prices, convenient visa procedures, and continuous innovation in tourism products. Apart from Shanghai, Beijing, and Lijiang, more distant areas such as Harbin and Jiuzhaigou are also sought after for their stunning winter scenery, rich culinary culture, direct flights and visa policies.

Other outbound markets also record many positive signs. Japanese tours during the Lunar New Year holiday often combine skiing experiences, traditional festivals with visits to cultural heritage sites, enjoying local cuisine, and shopping at large shopping malls. In addition to popular destinations Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagoya, high-end products such as Hokkaido tours and hot spring resort tours draw many tourists.

The Republic of Korea is a familiar destination for Vietnamese people with its captivating music and film culture, distinctive winter climate, numerous attractions and rich cultural and culinary experiences, and convenient visa policies; making it suitable for families and young people who enjoy exploring winter festivals. Famous activities include ice fishing festivals, winter sightseeing on Nami Island, skiing in the Gangwon mountains, Everland amusement park, and a range of cultural activities and shopping destinations in Seoul and Busan.

Visa-free destinations in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore, continue to appeal during Tet due to their proximity, service quality and affordability. Thailand attracts visitors with its shopping and cuisine, while Singapore is known for its modern tourism services, safety and unique experiences.

Long-haul travel to destinations such as Dubai, Russia, Europe, the United States and Australia also remains an option for travellers taking advantage of the extended Tet holiday. Travel to the US, in particular, has increased, supported by flight connectivity as well as demand for shopping and family visits.

With festivals and cultural events taking place nationwide, alongside growing interest in outbound travel, the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 is set to be an active period for Vietnam’s tourism sector.

China ranks second among Vietnamese Lunar New Year travel destinations

VOV.VN - Vietnamese travellers are increasingly opting for longer, higher-end overseas trips during the extended Lunar New Year holiday, with China ranking among the most popular destinations, according to data from Trip.com.