When winter slowly softens into spring, Hanoi transforms into a city bathed in red and gold. The aroma of sticky rice, the laughter of families, and the flutter of paper decorations fill every corner. Visiting Hanoi during Tet , the Vietnamese Lunar New Year , is a rare opportunity to witness the country’s most heartfelt celebration, where tradition, culture, and community blend beautifully. If you’re wondering what to do in Hanoi during Tet, here’s a guide that will help you experience this festive season like a local.

1. Explore the Flower Markets Bursting with Color

In the weeks leading up to Tet, Hanoi becomes a city of blossoms. The most famous flower markets, such as Quang Ba in Tay Ho District, open as early as 3 a.m., buzzing with locals buying peach blossoms (hoa đào) and kumquat trees (cây quất) , both symbols of prosperity and happiness. Walking through these markets, you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant palette of red, pink, and orange, with the scent of spring in every breath. 

Even if you’re not shopping, visiting a flower market is an experience in itself: vendors greet each customer with a smile, families carefully choose their trees, and young couples take photos amid a sea of blooms. It’s one of the best ways to feel the joyful anticipation that fills the city before the New Year arrives.

2. Visit Temples and Pagodas for New Year Blessings

During Tet, Hanoians visit temples and pagodas to pray for luck, health, and happiness in the coming year. The Temple of Literature, Tran Quoc Pagoda, and Ngoc Son Temple are among the most popular spots to visit. You’ll see people lighting incense, offering fruit, and bowing in silence , an act of respect for their ancestors and hope for the future. As a visitor, this is a meaningful way to understand the spiritual side of Vietnamese culture. You can join in quietly, observe the rituals, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the festive energy outside. Many locals also write wishes on red paper or hang charms on trees, a beautiful sight that captures the essence of renewal.

If you want to make your Hanoi Tet journey unforgettable, book a Local Buddy or join one of Tubudd’s Local Tours. Celebrate alongside locals, learn their customs, and discover the city’s festive heart in ways no regular tourist ever could.

3. Stroll Around Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter

If you’re unsure what to do in Hanoi during Tet, start at Hoan Kiem Lake , the heart of the city. During the holiday, the area becomes especially charming, with lanterns, flags, and red banners decorating every street. Families gather to take photos, street musicians perform cheerful songs, and vendors sell traditional snacks like chè (sweet soup) or bánh rán (fried rice cakes). The surrounding Old Quarter is equally captivating. While some shops close for the first few days of Tet, many cafes and local restaurants remain open, offering a quieter, more relaxed version of Hanoi life. You can wander through narrow alleys, discover local art galleries, or sit at a sidewalk café sipping egg coffee while watching the flow of people in their best traditional clothes, known as áo dài.

4. Experience the Warmth of Local Traditions

Tet is a time when Vietnamese hospitality shines brightest. If you’re lucky enough to be invited into a local home, you’ll experience the true soul of the holiday. Families share bánh chưng, a square sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung beans, symbolizing gratitude and harmony. They exchange lì xì , red envelopes containing lucky money , and offer heartfelt wishes for the new year. Even if you don’t have a local connection, there are many ways to join the celebration. You can take part in a cooking class to learn how to make festive dishes, attend a calligraphy event where artists write New Year wishes in traditional script, or explore cultural performances around Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Every experience offers a window into how deeply Tết is woven into the identity of Hanoi’s people.

If you’d like to go beyond sightseeing and truly immerse yourself in the spirit of the holiday, Tubudd’s Local Buddy service is a wonderful option. A local guide can accompany you to family gatherings, temple visits, and traditional markets, helping you understand the meaning behind every custom , and perhaps even share a meal with their family. It’s the kind of authentic travel experience that turns a trip into a memory.

5. Capture the City’s Unique Festive Charm

Hanoi during Tet is a photographer’s dream. The city glows in warm hues, from red lanterns hanging above the streets to golden light spilling through old French balconies. In the early mornings, the usually busy streets are quiet , giving you rare moments to capture the soul of the city without the crowds. Later in the day, parks and public squares come alive with laughter, music, and fireworks displays that light up the night sky. If you’re traveling around the third or fourth day of Tet, take a short trip to Bat Trang pottery village or Duong Lam ancient village. Both places offer a peaceful retreat from the city while maintaining their festive spirit through craft markets and local ceremonies.

Tet in Hanoi is more than just a holiday , it’s a reflection of Vietnamese values: respect for the past, love for family, and hope for the future. Whether you’re walking through flower markets, standing in the incense-scented air of a temple, or clinking tea cups with locals, you’ll find yourself touched by the sincerity of it all.