Where to Go in Vietnam During Tet (11 Best Places to Visit)

Traveling to Vietnam during the Tet holiday can feel especially exciting for first-time visitors. While some places slow down for family reunions, others come alive with festive streets, cultural traditions, and seasonal events. From energetic cities and historic towns to peaceful beach escapes, Vietnam offers many destinations that remain welcoming during Tet. Choosing the right place is key to enjoying a smooth and rewarding holiday.

Below are 11 destinations where you can truly experience Tet, helping you plan a comfortable, memorable, and stress-free journey through Vietnam.

Southern Vietnam

In the south, Tet tends to be more open and outward-facing, with warm weather, vibrant celebrations, reliable services, and diverse experiences ranging from lively cities to tranquil beach destinations.

1. Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is the most energetic destination in Vietnam during Tet. The city transforms with flower streets, decorative lights, and large public celebrations. The weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for exploring during the holiday, especially for families and first-time visitors.

Must-try activities in Ho Chi Minh City

• Explore iconic Tet hotspots such as Nguyen Hue Flower Street, Ben Thanh Market, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office
• Enjoy traditional Tet foods and street flavors, including Banh Tet, braised pork with eggs (thịt kho trứng), nem rán, and candied fruits
• Dine at The Albion by Kirk Westaway – Hôtel des Arts Saigon for a refined Tet dining experience featuring modern British cuisine inspired by Michelin-starred techniques
• Watch Tet fireworks and evening celebrations along the Saigon River (District 1), the Thu Thiem area (District 2), and Nguyen Hue Walking Street

You should book accommodation early in central districts (District 1 or nearby) for easy access to celebrations, walking streets, and fireworks. From a calm vantage above the city, Hôtel des Arts Saigon offers a retreat between moments close to the celebrations, yet removed from their pace.

2. Phu Quoc

Phu Quoc offers a relaxed, resort-focused Tet experience. Celebrations are subtle and mostly take place within resorts. With sunny weather and temperatures around 27–32°C, it is one of the best beach destinations during Tet.

Must-try activities in Phu Quoc

• Relax at beachfront resorts offering Tet programs
• Visit Sao Beach or Long Beach for calm sea conditions
• Explore local night markets that remain open during Tet
• Enjoy sunset views and island dining experiences

3. Mui Ne

Mui Ne remains quiet and peaceful during Tet, with minimal public celebrations. The dry, warm weather and low crowd levels make it an ideal escape from busy cities.

Must-try activities in Mui Ne

• Visit the White and Red Sand Dunes at sunrise or sunset for ideal lighting and cooler temperatures
• Walk along Mui Ne Beach or Ham Tien Beach and enjoy quiet shorelines and seaside cafés
• Explore the Fairy Stream (Suoi Tien), a gentle walk through shallow water and red sandstone formations
• Enjoy fresh seafood such as grilled squid, scallops, and seafood hotpot at local coastal restaurants

4. Mekong Delta (Ben Tre / Can Tho)

The Mekong Delta offers an authentic, local Tet experience. Celebrations are family-centered, with fewer tourists and a slower pace, especially in rural areas.

Must-try activities in the Mekong Delta

• Visit floating markets such as Cai Rang in Can Tho
• Take boat tours through canals and coconut groves
• Observe local Tet preparations and ancestral offerings
• Enjoy traditional southern Tet dishes with local families

Services may be limited during the first day of Tet, so guided tours are recommended. This region is best suited for cultural travelers who value authenticity over convenience.

Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam offers the most traditional and culturally rich Tet experience. This region is ideal for travelers who appreciate heritage, ritual, and atmosphere over nightlife and crowds.

5. Hanoi

Hanoi delivers one of the most authentic Tet atmospheres in Vietnam. In the days leading up to Tet, the city becomes festive with flower markets, peach blossoms, and red-and-gold decorations. On the first day of Tet, the city feels noticeably quiet as locals stay home with family, with activity gradually returning from the second day onward. The weather is cool (12–20°C) and sometimes misty.

Must-try activities in Hanoi

• Visit flower markets such as Quang Ba and Hang Luoc before Tet Eve
• Watch Tet Eve fireworks around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Visit Tran Quoc Pagoda or Ngoc Son Temple to observe locals praying for good fortune
• Explore the Old Quarter when it is unusually calm and photogenic

Plan most sightseeing for the second or third day of Tet, when attractions reopen and restaurants resume normal operations. Bring warm layers, as mornings and evenings can be chilly.

6. Sapa

Sapa during Tet is quiet and intimate rather than festive. Local ethnic communities celebrate their New Year in subtle, traditional ways. The weather is cold (5–15°C), often foggy, and crowds are minimal.

Must-try activities in Sapa

• Visit ethnic minority villages such as Cat Cat, Ta Van, and Lao Chai to observe Tet customs and daily life
• Visit mountain viewpoints or O Quy Ho Pass to experience misty valleys and peaceful Tet mornings
• Join a hotel- or homestay-hosted Tet dinner to taste traditional dishes and learn about local customs
• Ride the Fansipan cable car to the “Roof of Indochina” for scenic views and spiritual sites

7. Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh feels calm and spiritual during Tet. The weather is cool (13–20°C), and crowd levels are low to moderate, creating a peaceful holiday atmosphere.

Must-try activities in Ninh Binh

• Take a Trang An boat tour through limestone caves and rivers
• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda to observe locals praying for health and prosperity
• Cycle through the Tam Coc countryside, passing villages decorated for Tet
• Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for a quiet historical experience

Central Vietnam

Central Vietnam offers a balanced Tet experience, less chaotic than major cities, more lively than rural areas. The weather is generally mild, services remain reliable, and destinations here suit travelers who want culture, beaches, and comfort without major disruption. It’s one of the safest regions for visiting Vietnam during Tet.

8. Da Nang

Da Nang feels lively yet well-organized during Tet. Major streets are decorated with flowers and lights, and public celebrations take place without overwhelming crowds. The weather is mild and dry (18–25°C).

Must-try activities in Da Nang

• Walk along Dragon Bridge and the Han River at night to enjoy Tet decorations and weekend fire shows
• Visit Ba Na Hills and the Golden Bridge for cooler mountain air and festive displays
• Relax at My Khe Beach or enjoy seaside cafés that remain open during Tet
• Explore the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) to visit caves and pagodas

9. Hoi An

Hoi An is one of the most charming places in Vietnam during Tet. The Old Town is beautifully decorated with lanterns, flowers, and calligraphy displays. The weather is mild (18–24°C), and while crowds increase before Tet, the town becomes calmer during the holiday itself.

Must-try activities in Hoi An

• Watch traditional Tet performances, lion dances, and folk games
• Stroll through the Ancient Town at night to enjoy lantern-lit streets
• Visit temples and ancestral houses such as Tan Ky House, Phung Hung House, and Quan Cong Temple

10. Hue

Hue’s Tet atmosphere is ceremonial and reflective rather than festive. Locals focus on family gatherings and temple visits. The weather is cool (17–22°C), and crowds are light.

Must-try activities in Hue

• Explore the Imperial City, with royal architecture decorated for Tet
• Visit Thien Mu Pagoda to observe incense offerings and prayers
• Tour royal tombs such as Minh Mang, Tu Duc, or Khai Dinh
• Experience traditional Hue cuisine, including Banh Tet, Nem Lui, and Banh Beo

11. Nha Trang

Nha Trang remains relaxed and convenient during Tet, with celebrations mainly held in resorts. The weather is warm, crowds are moderate, and services continue to operate smoothly.

Must-try activities in Nha Trang

• Relax at beachfront resorts offering Tet programs
• Visit VinWonders Nha Trang for family-friendly entertainment
• Explore Po Nagar Cham Towers, a spiritual site popular during Tet
• Enjoy fresh seafood at coastal restaurants

A Quick Comparison Table

How to Choose the Right Destination During Tet

Choosing the right destination during Tet starts with understanding how the holiday affects daily life in Vietnam. Major cities become lively around Tet Eve but can feel quiet on the first day as locals stay home with family. Beach resorts and tourist-focused destinations tend to operate more smoothly, while smaller towns may have limited services. The weather also varies by region, with cooler temperatures in the north and warm, sunny conditions in the south.

Next, consider your travel style and expectations. If you enjoy festivals, crowds, and city energy, destinations like Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang are ideal. For a slower, more cultural experience, Hanoi, Hue, or Ninh Binh offer meaningful traditions and calmer surroundings. Travelers seeking comfort and minimal disruption should prioritize resort destinations such as Phu Quoc or Mui Ne, where hotels provide full services throughout the Tet holiday.

Vietnam Tet Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Planning ahead allows the journey to remain unhurried once it begins, as Tet is Vietnam’s busiest travel season, with limited availability and higher prices. Booking flights and hotels well in advance helps secure better options, especially in popular cities and resort destinations.

Expect limited services on the first day of Tet since many local shops and restaurants close on the first day as families celebrate together. Hotels, malls, and tourist-oriented restaurants usually reopen quickly and remain reliable options.

Choose destinations based on your travel style. Festive cities suit travelers who enjoy crowds and events, while beach resorts and cultural towns offer calmer experiences. Understanding your preferences helps avoid disappointment during the holiday period.

Prepare for regional weather differences because Vietnam’s climate varies widely during Tet. Northern regions can be cool and misty, while central and southern areas are warm and dry. Packing appropriately ensures a more comfortable trip.

Carry cash and plan transportation ahead as ATMs and transport services may be limited during Tet, especially in smaller towns. Having cash and pre-arranged transfers helps avoid unnecessary stress.

Conclusion

Traveling to Vietnam during Tet can be an unforgettable experience with the right planning. Whether you prefer vibrant city celebrations, cultural immersion, or relaxing beach escapes, Vietnam offers Tet-friendly destinations for every travel style.

For travelers spending Tet in Ho Chi Minh City, staying in a centrally located, well-serviced hotel makes all the difference. Hôtel des Arts Saigon offers an elegant retreat close to major Tet attractions, combining refined comfort, exceptional dining, and easy access to the city’s celebrations.

Book your stay at Hôtel des Arts Saigon and enjoy a stylish, centrally located base for an unforgettable Tet holiday in Vietnam.