Vietnamese New Year Celebration: 10 Places In Vietnam To Enjoy New Beginnings

Vietnamese New Year Celebration, known as Tết Nguyên Đán or simply Tết, is the most significant festival in Vietnam. Tết marks the arrival of spring, and its deep roots in Vietnamese culture blend ancient traditions with vibrant celebrations. Families reunite, streets burst with colourful decorations, and cities light up with fireworks and festivities. Whether you prefer lively street parties or serene countryside retreats, there are incredible destinations across Vietnam to experience the magic of Tết. Here are the top 10 places to immerse yourself in Vietnamese New Year celebrations.

10 Must-Visit Places For Vietnamese New Year Celebration

Here is a list of 10 places you can visit to experience the Vietnamese New Year celebration.

1. Hanoi

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Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, offers a mesmerising blend of traditional and modern Vietnamese New Year celebrations. The city comes alive with busy flower markets, fireworks over Hoàn Kiếm Lake, and the sacred ritual of visiting the Temple of Literature for blessings. Families gather at Ngoc Son Temple to pray for prosperity, while the Old Quarter dazzles with red lanterns and peach blossom displays. Don’t miss the unique calligraphy market at Văn Miếu, where scholars write auspicious phrases for good luck in the coming year.

Must-Visit Places: Hoan Kiem Lake, Old Quarter, Ngọc Sơn Temple
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport (approximately 30 km from the city centre)
Famous Restaurants: Quan An Ngon, Cha Ca La Vong, Bun Cha Huong Lien

2. Ho Chi Minh City

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For those who enjoy grand festivities, Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit for Vietnamese New Year celebrations. Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street becomes a visual spectacle with floral displays, while fireworks illuminate the skyline at landmarks such as Bitexco Tower. Locals and tourists gather in Bến Thành Market for festive treats and souvenirs. The city’s many temples, such as Jade Emperor Pagoda, fill with worshippers seeking blessings. As night falls, rooftop bars host lively parties with dazzling views of the Tết fireworks.

Must-Visit Places: Nguyen Hue Flower Street, Cholon (District 5), Jade Emperor Pagoda
Nearest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (8 km)
Famous Restaurants: Cuc Gach Quan, Secret Garden, Propaganda Bistro

3. Huế

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As the former imperial capital, Huế offers a regal setting for Vietnamese New Year celebrations. The city’s historical sites, including the Huế Imperial City, become the backdrop for traditional performances and royal ceremonies. Locals celebrate with dragon dances and floating lanterns on the Perfume River. The Thiên Mụ Pagoda is a popular site for prayers, while local markets overflow with bánh chưng (sticky rice cake) and hoa mai (yellow apricot blossoms), both symbols of good fortune during Tết.

Must-Visit Places: Imperial City, Thien Mu Pagoda, Dong Ba Market
Nearest Airport: Phu Bai International Airport (15 km)
Famous Restaurants: Les Jardins de La Carambole, Ancient Hue, Quan Hanh

4. Hội An

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Hội An’s ancient streets provide a magical setting for Vietnamese New Year celebrations. The lantern-lit town glows even brighter during Tết, with thousands of colourful lanterns floating down the Thu Bồn River. Traditional folk performances and lion dances entertain visitors, while temples such as Quan Cong Temple offer a spiritual retreat. Many families release paper lanterns with wishes for health and happiness.

Must-Visit Places: Ancient Town, Japanese Covered Bridge, An Hoi Sculpture Garden
Nearest Airport: Da Nang International Airport (30 km)
Famous Restaurants: Morning Glory, Cargo Club, Bale Well

5. Đà Lạt

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For a serene yet festive Vietnamese New Year celebration, Đà Lạt’s cool climate and flower-filled environment make it an ideal choice. Known as the “City of Eternal Spring,” Đà Lạt hosts the annual Flower Festival, where thousands of blossoms paint the city in vibrant hues. Local temples, including Linh Phước Pagoda, see worshippers making offerings for a prosperous year. Strolling around Xuân Hương Lake, you’ll find families enjoying leisurely picnics while street performers showcase traditional music and dances.

Must-Visit Places: Xuan Huong Lake, Dalat Flower Park, Domaine de Marie Church
Nearest Airport: Lien Khuong Airport (30 km)
Famous Restaurants: Le Chalet Dalat, An Cafe, Biang Bistro

6. Nha Trang

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If you wish to combine beach relaxation with Vietnamese New Year celebrations, Nha Trang is the perfect destination. The coastal city hosts lively festivities, including dragon boat races, street parades, and vibrant firework displays over Nha Trang Bay. Locals visit Long Sơn Pagoda to offer prayers, while beachfront resorts organise special Tết feasts and cultural performances. The city’s bustling night markets sell festive treats such as candied fruits and roasted watermelon seeds, traditional snacks enjoyed during the New Year.

Must-Visit Places: Tran Phu Beach, Po Nagar Cham Towers, Dam Market
Nearest Airport: Cam Ranh International Airport (35 km)
Famous Restaurants: Lac Canh Restaurant, Sailing Club Nha Trang, Nem Nuong Dang Van Quyen

7. Sa Pa

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For a truly unique Vietnamese New Year celebration, head to Sa Pa in the northern highlands. The region’s ethnic minority communities, such as the H’Mong and Dao, celebrate Tết with their fascinating customs, including traditional dances and fire rituals. Families feast on special dishes such as thắng cố (a local stew), while markets overflow with handmade crafts. The misty landscapes of Sa Pa’s rice terraces provide a breathtaking backdrop to this cultural immersion, making it a memorable way to welcome the new year.

Must-Visit Places: Lao Chai and Ta Van Villages, Sapa Market, Cat Cat Village
Nearest Airport: Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi (320 km)
Famous Restaurants: A Phu Restaurant, Little Sapa Restaurant, Red Dao House Restaurant

8. Mekong Delta

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The Mekong Delta offers a charming rural experience of Vietnamese New Year celebrations, with floating markets brimming with festive goods. Locals decorate their boats with flowers, and villages light up with paper lanterns and firecrackers. Temples along the river, such as Vĩnh Tràng Pagoda, are filled with prayers for luck and prosperity. A visit to the region during Tết allows travellers to partake in family gatherings, enjoy home-cooked specialities, and witness traditional folk games such as bài chòi (a type of singing lottery).

Must-Visit Places: Cái Bè Floating Market, Vĩnh Long, Cần Thơ
Nearest Airport: Cần Thơ International Airport
Famous Restaurants: Spices Restaurant, Nam Bộ Restaurant, Sao Hom Restaurant

9. Phú Quốc

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Phú Quốc, Vietnam’s largest island, offers a peaceful yet lively atmosphere for Vietnamese New Year celebrations. Many locals escape the mainland crowds for Phú Quốc’s pristine beaches, where resorts host grand firework displays and cultural shows. The Dinh Cậu Night Market serves up festive seafood dishes, while Ho Quoc Pagoda draws visitors for New Year blessings. Beyond the celebrations, the island’s natural beauty and calm waters provide the perfect setting to reflect and start the year with positivity.

Must-Visit Places: Bai Sao Beach, Dinh Cậu Night Market, Phú Quốc National Park
Nearest Airport: Phú Quốc International Airport
Famous Restaurants: Spices Garden, INK 360, The Pepper Tree

10. An Giang

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An Giang, located near the Cambodian border, offers a culturally rich experience of Vietnamese New Year celebrations. Home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Khmer, Cham, and Vietnamese, the region blends Buddhist and Islamic traditions into its Tết festivities. The Bà Chúa Xứ Temple in Châu Đốc is a significant pilgrimage site where thousands gather for prayers. Floating villages along the Mekong River light up with lanterns, and local street performances showcase traditional Khmer dance and music.

Must-Visit Places: Châu Đốc Floating Market, Ba Chúc Village, Trà Sư Cajuput Forest
Nearest Airport: Cần Thơ International Airport (120 km)
Famous Restaurants: Bassac Restaurant, Mekong Restaurant, Lá Giang Restaurant

Vietnam offers a variety of unforgettable destinations to experience Vietnamese New Year celebrations, each with its unique charm. Whether you prefer the vibrant streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the cultural richness of Huế and Hội An, or the serene beauty of Đà Lạt and Phú Quốc, there’s a perfect spot for every traveller. As Tết is a time for renewal and joy, celebrating it in Vietnam provides a deeper connection to the country’s rich heritage. Book your Tết adventure now with TripXL’s exclusive travel packages for a seamless and memorable experience.

Cover Photo: GoToVan / Wikimedia Commons

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