Instead of following pre-planned itineraries, the Tet holiday is an ideal time for tourists to have new experiences and explore local culture in a more in-depth way.

Silent midnight vigil on Con Dao Island

While many places are bustling with countdowns and dazzling fireworks displays, Lunar New Year's Eve in Con Dao is much quieter. At night, the island transforms into an "island of candles," when people gather at Hang Duong Cemetery to remember and pay tribute to national heroes. From 10 PM until dawn, visitors can join the solemn procession amidst the fragrant incense smoke and flickering candlelight, deeply ingrained in the nation's tradition of gratitude.

New Year's Neu pole erecting ceremony

In Hue, Tet begins with the ritual of erecting nêu (Neu bamboo pole) in accordance with traditional customs. The tall bamboo pole is believed to ward off evil spirits. The ceremony marks the official start of the royal holiday. Attending the ceremony helps tourists have a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s dynastic rituals, revived only during this time of year. Visitors also should participate in tours exploring the imperial city to better understand the significance of the cultural symbols embedded in the palace architecture.

Colorful floating flower market in Can Tho

In southern Vietnam, Tet is associated with wordplay and water. Families prepare a fruit tray including custard apple (cầu), coconut (dừa), papaya (đu đủ), and mango (xoài), together sounding like a wish for just enough prosperity to live comfortably. At sunrise, tourists can head to Cai Rang Floating Market, where boats brim with yellow flowers, turning the river into a floating garden.

Visiting the stone village in Cao Bang

Nestled amidst majestic mountains, Khuoi Ky village in Cao Bang province is home to the Tay ethnic minority group who live in traditional stone stilt houses over 1,200 years old. The Lunar New Year here is celebrated in a tranquil atmosphere, filled with traditional folk songs and peaceful spring excursions to Ban Gioc Waterfall. The atmosphere is peaceful, far removed from urban festivities.

The lively sound of lion dance drums in Hoi An

Lion dances are common across Vietnam, but nowhere do they feel as atmospheric as in Hoi An. Drumbeats echo through the narrow alleys of the Hoi An ancient town, weaving past mustard-yellow merchant houses that have stood for over two centuries. Between performances, locals gather to play Bai Choi, a form of folk art recognised as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, right on bustling streets.

During Tet visitors can participate in a lantern making workshop to create their own peach-shaped lanterns, symbolizing longevity and good fortune, as souvenirs.

Tet festive atmosphere at Duong Lam ancient village

Just 50 kilometres from the centre of Hanoi, Duong Lam preserves the essence of a traditional village in the northern region. The village’s laterite (red clay) houses, communal gates, and calligraphy scrolls create a sense of stepping back in time. Village elders gather for tea and offerings exactly as they have for generations, offering a quiet counterpoint to the capital’s energy.

Top travel destinations for Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026

VOV.VN -The Lunar New Year or Tet, the most important holiday of the year for Vietnamese people, features a wide range of cultural activities and traditional festivals, alongside a sharp rise in travel demand. The Tet 2026 travel market is expected to see strong growth in both domestic and international tours, with new trends and a wider choice of destinations and experiences.