The 2025 Lunar New Year (Tet) offers an ideal opportunity to explore diverse cultures throughout Vietnam. Unique local activities promise to deliver memorable experiences.
Ho Chi Minh City – A vibrant Tet atmosphere with unique activities
Ho Chi Minh City always shines brightly during the Lunar New Year. The Nguyen Hue Flower Street, running from January 27 to February 2, is an unmissable highlight, attracting visitors with thousands of blooming flowers and creative landscape displays. Nearby, the Book Street Festival offers a space to enjoy culture and discover knowledge.
The “Wharf-side and Boat-side” Flower Market in District 8 (January 14–28) recreates the charm of Saigon’s riverine lifestyle. Here, visitors can purchase ornamental plants and flowers while soaking up a nostalgic Tet atmosphere in a picturesque setting. On New Year’s Eve, spectacular fireworks displays at six locations across the city, combined with 3D light shows on the City People’s Committee building, create unforgettable moments.
Additionally, the Lantern Festival (Tet Nguyen Tieu), held from February 10 to 12 in Districts 5 and 6, provides a chance to explore Chinese-Vietnamese culture. Lion dances, lantern processions, and unique culinary offerings will further enrich your experience.
Hanoi – Preserving traditional Tet values alongside modernity
The capital city of Hanoi harmoniously blends tradition and modernity during the 2025 Lunar New Year. At Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square and Thong Nhat Park, artistic performances create a lively and joyful atmosphere to welcome the spring. The International Light Festival at West Lake offers a novel attraction for visitors. Meanwhile, the “Radiant Thang Long” program at My Dinh Stadium provides an opportunity to witness spectacular performances.
Hanoi also preserves the traditional spirit of Tet through its craft villages. Hong Van flower village, Bat Trang pottery village, and Quang Phu Cau incense village are standout destinations where visitors can witness the creation of unique products firsthand and soak up the atmosphere of a traditional Tet. With fireworks displays at 30 locations across the city, Hanoi is truly an ideal destination.
Thanh Hoa – Cultural Highlights at the Ho Dynasty Citadel
In Thanh Hoa, the 2025 Lunar New Year offers a chance to explore unique cultural values. The “Ancient Citadel Tet” reenactment event at the Ho Dynasty Citadel on January 19 recreates a bygone era with folk games, traditional costumes, and authentic cuisine.
Additionally, the ritual of releasing the Kitchen Gods’ carp within the Imperial Citadel grounds on January 21 is a distinctive highlight; this spiritual ceremony invokes blessings for a peaceful new year. Thanh Hoa hosts many other exciting activities at famous heritage sites. Elaborate festivals are organized in Phu Na, while the countryside-style fair at the An Phat resort complex offers a shopping experience rich in Vietnamese rural charm.
Ninh Binh – Serene Beauty in the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu
Ninh Binh is an ideal destination to experience the 2025 Lunar New Year in a peaceful setting. At the Hoa Lu Ancient Town, a traditional Spring Market…
Renowned landmarks such as Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and Bai Dinh Pagoda welcome visitors with a variety of unique activities. Visitors can embark on river cruises to admire stunning natural scenery and explore fascinating caves. Furthermore, Bai Dinh Pagoda hosts Buddhist ceremonies at the start of the year, making it an ideal time to pray for peace and soak up the serene atmosphere of this ancient capital region.
Lao Cai – Ethnic cultural identity in the highland spring
The 2025 Lunar New Year in Lao Cai offers a chance to discover unique traditional festivals. The Long Tong Festival, held on the 8th day of the first lunar month, reenacts rituals to pray for a bountiful harvest and give thanks to the deities.
The Long Tong Festival (8th day of the first lunar month) prays for a bountiful harvest
The Gau Tao Festival, celebrated by the Hmong people from the 2nd to the 6th day of Tet, allows visitors to learn about the ethnic group’s customs and traditions. Activities such as *khen* (pan-pipe) dancing, courtship singing, and folk games create a vibrant atmosphere. With its poetic mountain landscapes, Lao Cai captivates visitors not only with its festivals but also with its pristine natural beauty—an ideal destination for a meaningful Tet holiday.
Da Nang – A “most livable city” radiant during Tet
Da Nang is renowned for its spectacular performances during the 2025 Lunar New Year. On New Year’s Eve, the Dragon Bridge’s fire- and water-breathing show draws thousands of spectators. The sight of this iconic bridge, illuminated by dazzling lights and fireworks, becomes a highlight of the coastal city.
The Quang Da Tet Culinary Culture Festival is an event not to be missed. Visitors can explore Tet markets that recreate traditional scenes, savor Da Nang specialties, and experience various forms of folk art.
