Are you wondering where to go during the Tet Holiday in Vietnam? As the Lunar New Year approaches, Vietnam begins vibrant with a tapestry of joyful celebrations and rich cultural traditions. If you are looking for a destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday, here are your suggestions.

Through this blog post, Handspan highly recommends you visit the destinations below.

Hanoi 

Hanoi, with its rich culture and history, is indeed a destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. While before Tet, the city is bustling with the atmosphere of preparation for the holiday, it becomes quieter on some first days of the holiday. No more traffic jams, Hanoi in the Tet Holiday is totally different with a small number of vehicles. Therefore, it may be easier for you to cross the road and explore every street corner. Visiting Hanoi these days, you can enjoy the charming and authentic beauty of this city. While museums, galleries, and some cultural sites will be closed until the 4th or 5th of the Tet Holiday, you can visit many other places. Here’s a glimpse into some amazing spots to visit in Hanoi during the Tet Holiday. 

Hoan Kiem Lake 

Strolling around Hoan Kiem Lake these days, you can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. The iconic Turtle Tower and the Ngoc Son Temple seem to stand in quiet contemplation amidst the festive decorations. The lake's tranquil waters reflect the soft glow of decorative lights, providing a peaceful retreat in the city's heart. 

Hoan Kiem Lake

Temple of Literature

The Temple of Literature, a symbol of Hanoi’s rich history, is a spot you should not miss during the Tet Holiday in Vietnam. Amidst the festive hustle, the ancient courtyards and well-preserved structures exude an air of calm and contemplation. Visiting the Temple of Literature, you will catch up with a popular image of Vietnamese people: asking Calligraphy for the New Year. 

Temple of Literature

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

The grandeur of this UNESCO-listed site takes on a contemplative charm during Tet. Undergoing many upheavals, the ancient capital of Thang Long’s remaining relics still contain great historical and cultural values. Let’s come here and appreciate the cultural significance of this landmark. 

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long

Overall, Hanoi is an ideal destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. Besides those above places, many other places in Hanoi open through Tet. Let’s stroll around Hanoi’s streets and enjoy the tranquility!

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Saigon is also a fascinating destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. Like Hanoi, the bustling atmosphere is replaced by a more peaceful ambiance. Here are some places to visit in Saigon during the Tet Holiday.

Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park, usually vibrant on normal days, becomes calmer in the days leading up to Tet. Let’s come here and enjoy leisurely strolls amidst lush greenery and perhaps witness locals practicing traditional martial arts or playing chess.

Tao Dan Park

Le Van Tam Park

Le Van Tam Park is an urban oasis that provides a quiet escape. Enjoy the serene atmosphere, perhaps with a good book, as locals engage in light exercises or tai chi.

Flowers in the Le Van Tam Park

Saigon Opera House

Marvel at the architectural elegance of the Saigon Opera House. In the days preceding Tet, the area around this landmark remains relatively peaceful, allowing for a more profound appreciation of its beauty. 

Saigon Opera House

Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a haven of spiritual serenity. Besides the spirituality, this pagoda also possesses ancient architecture. Visiting the pagoda, you can witness local people practicing their religious rituals in a tranquil setting.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

War Remnants Museum

Visit the War Remnants Museum for a somber yet reflective experience. The museum provides insight into Vietnam's history, and its surroundings offer a quiet space for contemplation.

Bomb artifacts at the War Remnants Museum

While in the daytime, the city is fairly quiet, it is still vibrant during the nighttime. The city is full of glistening lights and vibrant music from bars. 

In general, visiting Saigon during the Tet Holiday allows you to witness the city's quiet charm and cultural richness. Besides, you can also enjoy the crowded atmosphere of the nightlife here. Those amazing things make Saigon an ideal destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. Let’s visit the city and indulge in local experiences, and appreciate the authentic beauty of the city during this time. 

Hue

Hue, the ancient capital city of Vietnam steeped in history and cultural heritage, is also a destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. Possessing various scenic spots and monuments, Hue becomes even more interesting during Tet when a variety of tourist activities, cultural events, etc., take place. Traveling to Hue at this time, don’t miss out on the opportunity to visit these spots below.

Hue Imperial Citadel

Being the Nguyen Dynasty’s ancient capital for 143 years, Hue Imperial Citadel is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Visiting Hue Imperial Citadel during Tet, you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere of spring activities at Hue Royal Palace. Especially, the Thai Hoa Palace courtyard area will be the gathering place for traditional royal games and calligraphy performances, etc. Considered the power symbol of the Nguyen Dynasty, the Thai Hoa Palace organizes many essential rituals. Many significant events are the coronation ceremony, welcoming the ambassadors, and imperial courts two times a month. 

Hue Imperial Citadel

Thien Mu Pagoda

With its natural beauty lying on Ha Khe Hill, Thien Mu Pagoda becomes an iconic Hue’s iconic image. Built in 1601 by the first King under the Nguyen Dynasty - Nguyen Hoang, it was the most large-scale pagoda in Hue. Coming here, you can immerse yourself in the pristine atmosphere of the Perfume River and learn about the legendary stories of the pagoda. 

Thien Mu Pagoda

Perfume River (Huong River)

Stretching along Hue Imperial City is a peaceful and twisty Huong River, which can be seen from many places. You can experience boating on the Perfume River in the afternoon and evening to learn more about Hue’s culture and traditional folk songs.

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery impresses tourists through its charming mountain scenery and peaceful atmosphere. This is a familiar spiritual tourist destination for local people, especially at the beginning of the year to pray for peace and blessings for the family.

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

Besides Thien Mu Pagoda and Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, Tu Hieu Pagoda, Dieu De Pagoda, Tu Dam Pagoda, etc., are also worth visiting. 

Thanh Toan Tile-roofed Bridge

Located in Thanh Thuy Chanh Village, about 8 kilometers from Hue City Center, the Thanh Toan tile-roofed bridge has a special ancient architecture. Undergoing through many ups and downs, the bridge is still preserved intact. This is the place where countryside markets are held regularly. These markets become more vibrant during Tet with many trading and displaying activities introducing all kinds of products. 

Thanh Toan Tile-roofed Bridge

Overall, Hue is undoubtedly a fascinating destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. In Hue, the ancient capital, the Tet holiday takes on a distinct character, blending historical richness with cultural traditions. Let’s travel to Hue during Tet and embrace the timeless charm of Hue at this time. 

Hoi An

Hoi An, with its ancient and peaceful beauty, is undoubtedly an amazing destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. Traveling to Hoi An at this time, you will have a chance to participate in many interesting activities and get a better understanding of the local culture. Here are exciting experiences in Hoi An you should not miss during the Tet Holiday.

Visiting ancient houses in Hoi An

Existing for many centuries, the ancient houses in Hoi An with unique architecture and intricately carved details are still preserved intact. These houses have wooden frames, tiled roofs, narrow widths, and deep inside. Tan Ky and Duc An are two typical ancient houses in Hoi An.

Tan Ky Ancient House 

Enjoying featured traditional festivals

Visiting Hoi An during the Tet Holiday, you will have a chance to enjoy the atmosphere of featured traditional festivals here. If you are in Hoi An these days, don’t miss the opportunity to see the Kim Bong Carpentry Village Festival, Cau Bong Festival, Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival, Nguyen Tieu Festival, etc.

Releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River

Your Hoi An trip during the Tet Holiday will be more complete when you experience releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River. While sitting on the boat, you can watch the sparkling, magical ancient city at night. 

Releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River

Dropping in handicraft villages in Hoi An

Traveling to Hoi An during the Tet Holiday, don’t forget to visit traditional handicraft villages that have existed for more than 400 years. You can become a real farmer when visiting Tra Que Vegetable Village or see wood carving artisans at Kim Bong Carpentry Village. 

Tra Que Vegetable Village

Engaging in traditional craft workshops

Engage in traditional craft workshops that are less crowded during Tet. Learn about lantern making, silk weaving, or pottery, immersing yourself in the artisanal serenity.

Learning to make lanterns in Hoi An

Taking photos at the Fujian Assembly Hall

Fujian Assembly Hall, with its unique architecture, is an ideal place to take photos. Built around 1690, Fujian Assembly Hall is now a symbol of Hoi An architecture and Fujian artists' talent. Built by people from Fujian, China, the hall is a meeting and socializing place for overseas Chinese in Hoi An in former times. It's worth taking your time here, especially in the lunar new year, to see sophisticated and unique Chinese architecture and many statues, bronze bells, and drums carrying spiritual meanings as well as mythical creatures.

Fujian Assembly Hall

Overall, Hoi An's tranquil beauty during Tet unveils a different facet of this enchanting town. Amidst the lantern-lit streets and traditional architecture, discover the peaceful essence of Hoi An as it gracefully welcomes the Lunar New Year.  

Sapa

Sapa, located in the Northwest of Vietnam, is also a destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. In Sapa, Tet becomes a unique celebration amidst the mist-covered mountains and the cultural richness of the highlands. The mountainous landscapes, colorful ethnic cultures, and the unique blend of festivity create a distinctive Tet experience. At this time, Sapa is filled with brilliant peach blossoms, plum blossoms, cymbidium orchids, etc. Let’s see things you can experience in Sapa during the Tet Holiday.

Admiring magnificent scenery from the peak of Fansipan Mountain

Fansipan Mountain is one of the attractions in Sapa where you can admire a panoramic view of this town. It is the highest mountain in Indochina, at 3.143 meters above sea level. To reach Fansipan Mountain Peak, you can climb or use a cable car. You can consider a trek to the summit of the mountain. During Tet, the trails are quieter, allowing you to revel in the breathtaking views and serene atmosphere.

View from the Fansipan Moutain's peak

Trekking through the villages

Embark on a trek to Lao Chai and Ta Van villages. The scenic highland trails and terraced fields provide a tranquil escape while allowing you to witness Tet celebrations in the local communities. 

Trekking in Sapa

Trekking in Sapa

Joining a festival

Traveling to Sapa during the Tet Holiday, you can join many festivals of ethnic minorities here. Some outstanding festivals include the Roong Pooc Festival held by the Giay people, Gau Tao Festival held by the Mong people, and Tet Nhay Festival held by the Dao people.

Gau Tao Festival in Sapa

Dalat

With the flavor of weather conditions and stunning landscape, Dalat, the provincial city of Lam Dong province in the Central Highlands, Vietnam, is also a destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday. Thanks to the mild climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and rich architectural heritage, Dalat is also known by many other names such as "The City of Mist," "The City of Thousand Pines," "Cherry Blossom Country" or "Little Paris”. Let’s see amazing things to do in Dalat during the Tet Holiday. 

Admiring the cherry blossom

Cherry blossoms are a typical flower of Da Lat City every spring. Traveling to Dalat this time, you can admire stunning cherry blossoms throughout the city. To fully see the pink color of cherry blossoms, you can drop in Tran Hung Dao Street, Xuan Huong Lake, and Tuyen Lam Lake.

Cherry blossom in Dalat

Going to the pagoda to pray for peace

Dalat has many famous and sacred pagodas. Let’s visit Linh Phuoc Pagoda, known for its intricate mosaic artwork. During Tet, the pagoda exudes a tranquil spirituality, allowing visitors to appreciate the cultural richness away from the crowds. Besides, the Truc Lam Zen Monastery Dalat is also worth visiting. Entering the main hall of the monastery, you will see the simple but important Buddhist meanings worship layout. 

Linh Phuoc Pagoda

Visiting Dalat Flower Garden

Explore the Dalat Flower Garden, where vibrant blooms create a tapestry of colors. Let’s witness the garden's natural beauty and take in the tranquil atmosphere before the Tet celebrations peak.

Overall, Tet becomes a celebration of tranquility amidst the charming landscapes and cultural richness In Dalat, where the cool climate and natural beauty converge. Let’s embrace the serene spirit of the City of Eternal Spring during this special time of renewal and festivity. Hope that the detailed information about the destination to visit in Vietnam during the Tet Holiday above is helpful for your trip.

In conclusion, Vietnam during the Tet Holiday may offer you unique experiences. Whether you find yourself in the streets of Hanoi or the chilly atmosphere of Dalat, Tet promises a journey into the heart of Vietnamese culture. Supposing you are in Vietnam during this time of the year, don’t miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the ambiance of the holiday.