Hanoi – Experiencing tradition in the heart of the city

Hanoi remains one of the most attractive destinations whenever Tet approaches. The capital’s spring atmosphere is both tranquil and ancient, yet filled with festive vitality.

Hanoi’s Tet atmosphere is both serene and time-honoured, yet vibrant with the colours of spring.
Photo: VNA

Strolling through the narrow streets of the Old Quarter in early spring, visitors can easily encounter blooming peach blossoms, golden kumquat trees, red calligraphy stalls and the gentle scent of incense lingering at doorways.

Hanoi’s streets glow with vibrant colours on the first days of Tet. Photo: VNA

During the first days of the Lunar New Year, the Temple of Literature becomes a popular destination for people seeking calligraphy as a symbol of academic success and career prosperity.

Visitors seek calligraphy blessings at the Temple of Literature at the start of the Lunar New Year. Photo: VNA

Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda are also familiar places for early-year visits, where people pray for peace and well-being.

Hanoi during Tet is less crowded, its slower rhythm allowing visitors to fully savour the traditional Tet spirit that has been carefully preserved.

Hanoi in a peaceful mood on the first day of the Lunar New Year. Photo: VNA

Sa Pa – Spring colours in the highlands

For those who enjoy a cool climate and wish to escape the bustle of urban life, Sa Pa, a popular destination in the northern mountainous province of Lao Cai, is an ideal choice. Each Tet season, the misty town takes on a poetic yet vibrant beauty, enriched by the cultural colours of ethnic minority communities. Plum and peach blossoms blanket mountain slopes, interwoven with colourful brocade costumes, creating a distinctive landscape found nowhere else.

During the Tet in Sa Pa, plum and peach blossoms blanket the mountainsides in white. Photo: VNA

Visitors come to Sa Pa not only to admire the scenery but also to experience local culture through spring markets, traditional festivals, khen dances, flute melodies and lively spring fairs. Fansipan Peak – the “Roof of Indochina” – is also a popular destination, symbolising the challenge of self-conquest and the aspiration to overcome personal limits in the New Year.

Visitors take part in Tet holiday activities in Sa Pa. Photo: VNA

Visiting Sa Pa without sampling its distinctive local cuisine would be a major omission for both domestic and international travellers during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Sa Pa cuisine. Photo: VNA

Hue – Quiet elegance and depth

The ancient capital of Hue offers a gentle, contemplative beauty, making it ideal for those seeking serenity at the beginning of the year.

Tet in the central city is not overly festive but retains a solemn, traditional character. Tree-lined streets, ancient pagodas and the calm Huong River together create a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere.

The peaceful, poetic beauty of Hue. Photo: VNA

Spring trips to Hue often include visits to the Imperial Citadel, Thien Mu Pagoda and the Nguyen King Mausoleums, or leisurely walks along the Perfume River.

Hue’s Tet cuisine is also memorable, featuring banh tet, nem chua, tre, ginger jam and coconut jam, all rich in traditional flavours. Hue is not only a place to visit, but also a destination to “savour slowness” after a busy year.

Hue's distinctive cuisine. Photo: VNA

Da Nang – A coastal city in spring colours

In recent years, Da Nang has become a popular Tet destination for families thanks to its harmonious blend of beaches, mountains and a modern urban landscape.

Early-year weather is pleasant, suitable for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore Ba Na Hills, stroll along My Khe Beach, visit the Son Tra Peninsula or admire the Dragon Bridge – a symbol of the youthful and dynamic city.

Lively New Year celebrations in Da Nang. Photo: VNA

Da Nang also serves as a convenient gateway to nearby destinations such as Hoi An and Hue, creating a well-rounded spring travel itinerary. During Tet, the city is decorated with spring flowers, lanterns and street cultural activities, offering a balance between modern vibrancy and traditional warmth.

Tet cuisine in Da Nang. Photo: VNA

Hoi An – The ancient town under lantern lights

Part of Da Nang city, Hoi An during Tet possesses a unique charm – warm, nostalgic and romantic. Its iconic yellow houses, colourful lanterns and the tranquil Hoai River create a deeply evocative setting. Tet in Hoi An is less crowded than peak tourist seasons, allowing visitors to stroll, enjoy local cuisine and appreciate the town’s unhurried pace.

Hoi An during Tet has a distinctive beauty – warm, time-honoured and romantic. Photo: VNA

Activities such as floating lanterns, making New Year wishes and participating in folk games add meaning to the journey. Hoi An is suitable for families as well as travellers seeking a gentle, culturally rich atmosphere in early spring.

Locals release floating lanterns and write down their New Year wishes. Photo: VNA

Southern destinations – Warm sunshine and spring vitality

Unlike the cool chill of the north or the calm solemnity of central Vietnam, the south welcomes Tet under warm sunshine and bright skies. This is a key reason many travellers choose southern destinations for early spring trips, drawn by the region’s lively, open and festive atmosphere.

Ho Chi Minh City stands out with vibrant flower streets, Tet fairs, calligraphy streets and festively decorated central avenues. Visitors can walk along Nguyen Hue Flower Street, visit Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral or Bach Dang Wharf to experience the city’s energetic yet distinctly Tet-filled ambience.

The southern region welcomes Tet in warm, sun-filled weather. Photo: VNA

Beyond the city, the Mekong Delta offers a completely different experience. Can Tho, Vinh Long, Ben Tre and An Giang don a peaceful beauty during the new year, with fruit-laden orchards, bustling floating markets and winding canals. Spring journeys in the delta are not only about scenery but also about enjoying rustic cuisine, listening to traditional don ca tai tu (southern amateur music) and experiencing the gentle, sincere character of southern people.

Vung Tau or Phu Quoc are ideal choices for those looking to welcome the traditional New Year by the sea. Photo: VNA

Meanwhile, Vung Tau and Phu Quoc are ideal choices for those wishing to welcome the new year by sea. Blue waters, golden sunshine and fresh air offer a sense of relaxation and “energy renewal” after a busy year. While the north evokes Tet through peach blossoms and banh chung (square glutinous rice cake), the south ushers in spring with warm sunshine, yellow apricot blossoms and the salty breeze of the sea.

Spring journeys of emotions and new beginnings

Travelling during Tet is more than a trip; it is a journey of emotions. Each destination carries its own colours and stories, helping travellers broaden their experience and refresh their spirit. Some choose lively destinations to immerse themselves in festivals, others seek mountains for tranquillity, while many head to the sea to embrace sunshine and wind. Regardless of the destination, what matters most is rest, connection with loved ones and starting the New Year with beautiful memories.

Travel during Tet is not just a trip, but also an emotional journey. Photo: VNA

In modern life, early spring travel is gradually becoming a new cultural practice where tradition and modernity intersect. It is not only an opportunity to explore the country’s landscapes, but also a way for individuals to regain balance, nurture positive energy and step into a new year filled with hope./.

VNA