If you happen to travel to Vietnam during Tết Nguyên Đán , the Lunar New Year , you’re in for an extraordinary experience. The country transforms completely: streets glow with red and gold, families reunite, and traditions fill the air with warmth. While some businesses close, the cultural spirit of Vietnam shines brightest during this time. Knowing where to go makes all the difference, and here are the best places to visit in Vietnam during Tết to truly feel the pulse of the New Year.

1. Hanoi – The Soul of a Traditional Vietnamese New Year

There’s no better place to experience the authentic atmosphere of Tết than Hanoi, Vietnam’s thousand-year-old capital. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, every corner of the city becomes a scene from a festive painting.

What to expect: The iconic Old Quarter fills with flower stalls selling peach blossoms and kumquat trees , both symbols of good fortune. Locals rush to buy gifts, decorate their homes, and prepare bánh chưng, the square sticky rice cake that defines northern Vietnamese New Year cuisine.

You’ll also find the Quảng Bá flower market, which bursts with colors through the night as Hanoians shop for blooms. On New Year’s Eve, join crowds around Hoàn Kiếm Lake for fireworks and traditional music.

Even after Tết begins and shops close, the city becomes calm and poetic , a rare chance to see Hanoi in peaceful stillness. Visit Ngọc Sơn Temple or the Temple of Literature to observe locals offering incense and prayers for luck and wisdom.

If you’re in Hanoi, consider booking a Local Buddy with Tubudd to explore hidden traditions, family customs, and the subtle beauty of Tết beyond the tourist trail.

2. Hội An – Lanterns, Blessings, and Timeless Charm

During Tết, Hội An Ancient Town glows like a dream. Lanterns float on the river, casting reflections on yellow walls and old wooden houses. The whole town feels like it’s wrapped in celebration and serenity.

Here, Tết traditions are closely tied to community and spirituality. Locals visit pagodas and family altars to pray for health and prosperity. You can witness rituals at Chùa Cầu (Japanese Covered Bridge) or join in the festive lantern-lighting ceremony, where wishes for the new year drift across the Thu Bồn River.

Don’t miss the chance to try Tết specialties such as mứt Tết (candied fruits) or cao lầu, Hội An’s signature noodle dish. In the evenings, traditional games and folk performances bring life to every corner.

Hội An during Tết offers something truly rare , a sense of calm joy, where time slows down and tradition feels alive in every color and sound. It’s not just one of the best places to visit in Vietnam during Tết; it’s one of the most photogenic, heartfelt experiences you can have.

3. Huế – Where Royal Traditions and Spiritual Energy Meet

If Hanoi represents the traditional North and Hội An captures poetic Central Vietnam, Huế embodies heritage and spirituality. Once the imperial capital of the Nguyễn Dynasty, Huế celebrates Tết with regal grace and devotion.

Temples and pagodas here hold solemn ceremonies, while the Imperial City hosts cultural performances, calligraphy displays, and royal games. Locals dress in áo dài, light incense, and pray at Thiên Mụ Pagoda for peace and blessings.

What makes Huế special during Tết is its serene atmosphere. The Perfume River flows quietly, carrying lotus lanterns set afloat by locals making wishes for the year ahead. Even a simple stroll across Tràng Tiền Bridge feels meaningful, as families in traditional clothes take pictures and exchange greetings.

Food also plays a key role here , try bánh tét, nem lụi, and sweet lotus tea served at family gatherings. If you’re lucky, you might even be invited into a local home, where hospitality shines brightest during Tết.

4. Ho Chi Minh City – The Modern Energy of Tết

While the north celebrates Tết with reflection and calm, Ho Chi Minh City bursts with energy. The country’s biggest metropolis becomes a lively stage for lights, flowers, and celebrations that blend tradition with modern life.

Head to Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street, the city’s most famous Tết attraction, where entire blocks are transformed into floral displays featuring dragons, zodiac animals, and symbols of prosperity. The festive vibe is contagious , families stroll in traditional outfits, take pictures, and enjoy street food under the glowing skyline.

Visit Cholon (District 5), the city’s Chinatown, to see how Vietnamese and Chinese customs merge in colorful parades and lion dances. And don’t miss Bình Quới Village, where rural-themed fairs recreate old Tết scenes with folk games and performances.

Though many locals return to their hometowns, the city remains full of life , perfect for travelers who enjoy a more dynamic holiday atmosphere. If you’re flying in during Tết, Tubudd’s Fast Track service can help you skip the airport lines, ensuring your journey starts smoothly amid the busy travel rush.

5. Sapa – A Mountain Tết Like No Other

High up in northern Vietnam, Sapa offers a completely different kind of New Year celebration. Here, ethnic minority communities such as the H’Mong, Dao, and Tay have their own unique Tết customs that are both vibrant and spiritual.

The landscape in late January or February is breathtaking , misty valleys, terraced fields, and chilly mountain air. Tết in Sapa means music, traditional clothes, and communal gatherings that blend nature, culture, and warmth.

You might see locals preparing five-colored sticky rice, playing bamboo flutes, or holding dances around bonfires. Unlike in the cities, this Tết feels raw, authentic, and deeply connected to the land.

For travelers seeking meaningful cultural experiences, Sapa stands out as one of the best places to visit Vietnam during Tết. A guided Local Tour with Tubudd can connect you with local families, helping you experience these rituals respectfully and personally.

6. Mekong Delta – A Warm Southern Tết

If you’re heading south, the Mekong Delta offers a tropical version of the holiday , less cold, more colorful, and wonderfully warm. Here, Tết is all about community gatherings, outdoor festivals, and floating markets bursting with life.

The region’s canals become even livelier as boats carry flowers, fruits, and decorations. Visit the Cái Bè or Cái Răng Floating Markets early in the morning to see the energy of southern trade and friendship. Locals exchange gifts and jokes while selling piles of bright yellow hoa mai , the southern symbol of Tết happiness.

Families open their homes to visitors with warm smiles, serving sweet treats and coconut candies. The festive energy here feels relaxed yet full of charm, making it one of the most heartwarming destinations to celebrate the Vietnamese New Year.

7. Why Traveling During Tết Is Worth It

Traveling during Tết offers a side of Vietnam that most tourists never see. Yes, some stores close and travel tickets sell out fast, but the cultural richness you’ll experience is priceless. You’ll witness a country at its most united, its most sincere, and its most beautiful.

Every smile, every firework, every flower market tells a story of hope and belonging. Whether you’re watching lanterns in Hội An, praying in Huế, or sharing tea in a Hanoi home, the memories you make during Tết will stay with you long after you leave.

If you want to go beyond sightseeing, Tubudd’s Local Buddy and Local Tour services can pair you with locals who open doors into authentic Tết experiences , cooking, storytelling, temple visits, and more.

Because in the end, the best way to celebrate Tết in Vietnam isn’t just to watch , it’s to join in, to connect, and to feel the rhythm of renewal that defines this beautiful holiday.