“Tết Nguyên Đán” is the Vietnamese name for the Lunar New Year, which is the biggest annual holiday in this “S-shaped” country. In addition to spending the long Tet holiday with family and having a memorable staycation, it’s also a great opportunity for trips and exploring Vietnam.
To bid farewell to the old year and start the new one with success, don’t miss the list below of five great domestic destinations for a perfect Tet holiday.
Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
Bai Sao, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang
As the largest island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is located in the southern coastal region and boasts some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, such as the smooth sand of Khem beach or the crescent-moon-shaped Sao beach with its pristine beauty. When visiting here, tourists can explore secluded bays, waterfalls, and caves. In addition, an equally exciting activity on Phu Quoc is to take a boat tour to discover the islands and go scuba diving.
Don’t miss the experience of riding the longest cable car in Vietnam from Phu Quoc to Hon Thom. This 15-minute journey will bring you mesmerizing views as you glide over the blue ocean, tropical islands, and scattered fishing villages. Visit the Phu Quoc Night Market to enjoy delicious street food and taste the local specialty Phu Quoc fish sauce, or savor fresh seafood just caught at the Duong Dong fish market. Rest at the bustling Salinda Resort Phu Quoc Island located in Bai Dai area.
Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
Scuba Diving in Vinh San Ho Bay, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa
With tall buildings nestled against a backdrop of lush green mountains and overlooking the turquoise sea lapping against the white sandy shore, the cityscape of Nha Trang alone is enough to attract visitors from far and wide. This coastal city is also the perfect destination for the Lunar New Year holiday, with bustling nightlife and family-friendly activities. Celebrate the new year at nightclubs or dine at restaurants specializing in freshly caught seafood sourced from the nearby sea.
If you want to relax during the Lunar New Year, try a spa treatment at a local mud bath – a characteristic experience of the Nha Trang region. Or you can go island hopping in Vinh San Ho Bay and scuba dive around Hon Tam and Hon Mun to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Stay at the highly rated Navada Beach Hotel, just a few steps away from the beach.
Da Nang – Hoi An, Quang Nam
Busy streets in Hoi An, Quang Nam
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, alone or with a partner, a spring trip combining the coastal city of Da Nang with the nearby village of Hoi An promises to please all travelers. Although only a 45-minute taxi ride apart, these destinations have contrasting vibes. Da Nang has a lively nightlife scene, where you can shop to your heart’s content and watch the Dragon Bridge breathing fire on weekends. This is also a suitable destination for a spiritual journey during the Lunar New Year. You can visit Ngu Hanh Son, admire the temples and Buddha statues placed in caves, and then enjoy the stunning cityscape. Or visit Linh Ung Pagoda located in the suburbs of Da Nang, home to the largest Buddha statue and Avalokitesvara statue in Vietnam (67 meters).
Meanwhile, the charming village of Hoi An will take you back in time. Located at the mouth of a river and just a bike ride away from the beach, Hoi An exudes a charming, vintage vibe: the ancient town is well-preserved with yellow-painted temples, canals, and paper lanterns hanging on the eaves of wooden houses that have been weathered by time. Nature lovers can book guided tours (starting from both Hoi An and Da Nang) to visit An Bang Beach, Cu Lao Cham Island, or Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Enjoy your stay by the peaceful beach in Hoi An at Red Flower Cottages Homestay.
Da Lat, Lam Dong
Tuyen Lam Lake, Da Lat, Lam Dong
Surrounded by vast pine forests, tea hills, and dreamy lakes, Da Lat is an equally fascinating choice alongside Vietnam’s coastal tourist cities. With a cool climate like spring, here and there are Swiss-style wooden chalets built during the French colonial era, creating a world that is completely opposite to the seaside atmosphere. However, this place is not inferior when it comes to natural beauty, from Xuan Huong Lake, Tuyen Lam Lake, and the famous Datanla waterfall to Langbiang Mountain and Robin Hill where you can admire the panoramic view of Da Lat.
This is also an ideal place for travelers who want to start the new year energetically, with activities such as mountain biking, kayaking, or zip-lining over waterfalls, and trekking on the surrounding hills. Don’t miss Hoang Lam Villa, a spacious and highly-rated accommodation located in the heart of Da Lat.
Sa Pa, Lao Cai
Phan Xi Păng Peak in Sa Pa, Lao Cai
Lunar New Year is a great time to visit Sa Pa, where snow sometimes covers the majestic landscape, leaving visitors in awe. During the rest of the year, this is the top destination in northern Vietnam for long-distance trekking. Participants will depart from here and venture into the remote countryside with terraced rice fields and villages of ethnic minorities that have lived on the hills for centuries. The thick fog from the Hoang Lien Son mountain range often obscures the view, but on clear days, you will be surprised to see the Phan Xi Păng peak towering over the tropical forest. You can take a cable car to the highest mountain on the Indochina Peninsula to enjoy the stunning view.
Then, visit Cat Cat village nestled in a beautiful valley and take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn about the culture of the ethnic minorities living here. When buying souvenirs here or at the bustling central market in Sa Pa, you can rest assured that your money will go to the people who made the products. As a highly-rated rural resort, Eco Palms House will treat you to a spectacular view during your stay.