
Vietnam during Tet Holiday: Best Places to Visit and Best Things to Do
Vietnam during Tet Holiday: Best Places to Visit and Best Things to Do
Tet (or Lunar New Year) is Vietnam’s most important and longest annual celebration. During this holiday, you can immerse yourself in the local culture and festive atmosphere from the North to the South. Learn about the best places to visit and the best activities to try on your upcoming Vietnam trip.
Tet Nguyen Dan in Vietnam is a special occasion for family reunions, honoring ancestors, celebrating a new year, traveling, and more. In 2025, the holiday will officially take place from January 25 to February 2. No matter where you go in Vietnam, you can enjoy our unique traditions, foods, events, and fun activities. Here are the best places and experiences you can expect while planning a journey to Vietnam on Tet.
Best Vietnam places to visit on Tet
Hanoi
Vietnam’s capital is a great place to savor Tet with amazing and authentic experiences. The houses and streets are decorated with colorful lights, blooming flowers, and more. Tet specialties and diverse products are sold in bustling markets. You will see many Tet customs while strolling around the Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and other lively streets. Fireworks and various significant traditional festivals will be organized during this time.

In addition, don’t miss out on the chance to visit Hanoi’s best tourist attractions such as Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Tran Quoc Pagoda, One Pillar Pagoda, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison, Temple of Literature (Vietnam’s first university), Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, Bat Trang Pottery Village, etc.
Ho Chi Minh City
This metropolis is the best place in Vietnam for a more modern and vibrant Tet celebration. Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon) is not too crowded during Tet, as many people leave the city to reunite with their families. You can participate in street festivals and big music events, usually taking place downtown, like Nguyen Hue Boulevard. The sleepless city will treat you to foods and drinks from several cultures and nations and all-nighter activities, even on normal days.
The unmissable places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City include Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Landmark 81, Bitexco, Tan Dinh Church, etc. Moreover, use the Ho Chi Minh City Metro, Vietnam’s first rapid transit system newly opened in December 2024.

Sapa
This is one of the most famous and best places to visit in Northern Vietnam during Tet. You will hardly take your eyes off the majestic mountainous landscapes, the one-of-a-kind terraced fields, obscure villages in the mist, etc. Immerse yourself in the local life, you will be impressed by the colorfulness of brocade fabric, unique cuisine, and the traditional Tet festivals of minority ethnic communities. In the spring, peach blossoms and other flowers make a stunning scenery.
You shouldn’t miss the hot spots in Sapa, such as Ham Rong Mountain, Fansipan Peak (the roof of Indochina), O Quy Ho Pass, Muong Hoa Valley, Cat Cat Village, and Bac Ha Market.

Hoi An
Hoi An Ancient Town is always among Vietnam’s top destinations to visit not only on Tet but all year round. Its beautiful yellow lantern-lit streets create a peaceful vibe for a traditional occasion. This place has everything to cater to a traveler’s demands, from a busy city center, leisure activities, and graceful beaches to long-standing constructions, serene rural areas, and typical cuisine.
Do not miss the best attractions in Hoi An’s pleasant weather during Tet such as Bridge Pagoda, Tra Que Vegetable Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Old House of Tan Ky, An Bang Beach, Cua Dai Beach, Cham Island, Bay Mau Coconut Forest, etc.

Da Lat
Calling itself the city of flowers and eternal spring, Da Lat is the most renowned destination in the Vietnam Highlands on Tet. Its prime location, year-round cool climate, and poetic scenery make it a wonderful land for lovely-dovey couples and honeymooners. Must-visit places in Da Lat include Flower Park, Linh Phuoc Pagoda, Datanla Waterfall, Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake, Da Lat Railway Station, Cau Dat Tea Hill, and Da Lat Market.
Camping in a tranquil pine forest and strolling or riding a motorcycle to explore Da Lat will be memorable experiences. You can completely relax and reward yourself with a retreat in this city.

Top experiences on Tet in Vietnam
Participate in cultural Tet festivals and events
One of the best things to do on the Vietnam Tet holiday is to attend fireworks events and large-scale traditional festivals, such as the Huong Pagoda Festival, Giong Festival, Yen Tu Festival, Lim Festival, and Lantern Festival, which feature many interesting activities and customs.
Try Tet traditional dishes
Vietnamese foods on Tet you should have a taste are banh chung, banh tet, thit kho tau (caramelized pork and eggs), cha lua (Vietnamese pork roll), boiled chicken, xoi gac, and more. Vietnamese cuisine is always one of the best things to experience, not only for international visitors.

Visit traditional markets
Another highlight of Tet in Vietnam is the markets. They make the marketplace for foods, flowers only, local produce, and even love. In particular, young people in the Northwest mountainous areas often visit the love fairs to make friends, join traditional games and activities, and also look for a partner. Plus, you can find flower markets anywhere in Vietnam during Tet.
Wear ao dai and check in at Vietnam’s well-known places
The “ao dai” is Vietnam’s traditional and symbolic costume, suitable for both male and female. To travel like a local, wear ao dai and take photos at our tourist attractions. You can rent it or buy one to keep as a good memory.

Visit pagodas and temples
Visit pagodas and temples to pray for a great year ahead is among the top experiences on Vietnam Tet. “In Rome, do as Romans do.” It’s respectful to wear modest clothing when visiting pagodas and temples in Vietnam. Avoid low-cut tops, miniskirts, and shorts. Take off sunglasses and hats before entering the worship altar.
We have listed the best cities to visit and things to do in Vietnam during Tet Nguyen Dan. If you are considering a trip here, contact Visit Vietnam Tours for free consulting and support on a highly anticipated journey. Boasting a reliable travel agent and Vietnam’s leading air ticketing brand, we offer a variety of nationwide package tours at reasonable prices and superb quality.