The three regions of Vietnam: Four days of vibrant festivals during the New Year's holiday.

The 4-day New Year's Day holiday in 2026, recently approved by the government, is a rare opportunity to travel and fully experience the festive atmosphere across all three regions of Vietnam. From the snow-covered mountains of Sa Pa and the vibrant fireworks displays of Phu Quoc Island to the fairytale-like peak of Ba Na Hills, each destination offers a unique way to celebrate the New Year 2026 in a truly memorable way.

Sa Pa: Countdown in the mountain town and a journey to hunt for ice and snow on Fansipan.

On the night of December 31st, the atmosphere in Sa Pa reached its peak with the New Year's Eve Countdown program at Quan Square, taking place from 11 PM to midnight. Spectacular performances by famous artists drew locals and tourists alike to the center, joining in the countdown. Precisely at midnight on January 1st, 2026, a low-altitude fireworks display illuminated the mountain town's sky, creating a lively yet warm New Year's Eve moment amidst the chilly air.

During the day, Sun World Fansipan Legend offers an emotional start to the new year. At this time, Fansipan is predicted to provide a rare opportunity to witness snow and ice on the "Roof of Indochina." From the cable car station, clouds drift lazily over the forests and mountain ranges, opening up expansive views of the Hoang Lien mountain range. At the summit, visitors can chase clouds, check in at the highest landmark in Indochina, and admire the magnificent spiritual complex amidst the cold sea of ​​clouds at the beginning of the year.

The journey to Fansipan is not just about sightseeing, but also an opportunity to experience local life. Visitors can explore Bản Mây, experience the culture of the highland people, and stop by traditional houses and small markets. The unique lotus flower paradise and the "Journey to the Sacred Peak" show add vibrancy to the early-year Sa Pa scene, concluding a day of welcoming the new year that is both sacred and full of experiences.

Phu Quoc: the most vibrant entertainment and fireworks center in Southern Vietnam.

In the South, Phu Quoc promises to be the entertainment hub during the 4-day New Year's holiday in 2026. The Sunset Town is considered a "magnet" with a festive atmosphere lasting throughout the Beach Music & Fireworks Week from December 25, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Each day, visitors can enjoy two international shows with elaborately staged fireworks displays: The Kiss of the Sea and The Symphony of the Ocean.

Music, lights, and the sound of waves blend together, creating a visual and auditory feast for those wishing to start the new year by the sea. The moment fireworks reflect off the water, the rows of houses and streets along the coast shimmer in color, creating an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

The biggest highlight of the festival season is the Spectacle Countdown 2026, when the "Kiss of the Sea" fireworks display will be doubled in length, making it the longest of the year. This artistic fireworks display, choreographed by the reigning champion of the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival, promises to deliver dazzling and emotionally fulfilling New Year's Eve moments. Throughout the festival season, Bavaria GastroPub and Beach Club are popular meeting points where visitors can enjoy delicious food, vibrant beach music, and experience the "Ocean Symphony" up close.

Tay Ninh: Pilgrimage to Ba Den Mountain, venerating the statue of Buddha Kṣaṇī.

For those wishing to start the new year with a spiritual journey, Mount Ba Den (Tay Ninh) is a suitable choice, located only about 2 hours from Ho Chi Minh City. Known as the "foremost mountain" and boasting a large complex of cultural and spiritual structures, Mount Ba Den is receiving even more attention this year with the enshrinement of the statue of Buddha Kanna Ham Muni at the highest point of the mountain peak.

Following the consecration ceremony on December 29, 2025, from January 1, 2026, Buddhists and tourists can officially admire and pay homage to the rare statue of Kanakamuni Buddha (the "One Who Comes from Gold") in Vietnam. The statue, 7.2 meters tall, is made of red copper, covered with 24k gold leaf, and depicts the Buddha in the lotus position on a lotus pedestal, placed in the middle of a golden lotus pond under an ancient fig tree. The compassionate face and gentle gaze of the Buddha exude serenity and compassion for all beings, providing a profound spiritual highlight for those traveling during the spring season.

Da Nang: Ba Na Hills transformed into a European fairytale world.

At the end of the year, Ba Na Hills is adorned with a vibrant festive atmosphere. Amidst the thin mist, the European-style architecture at Sun World Ba Na Hills stands out with its decorative lights and festive colors. In the square in front of the Pop Mart castle, the giant, brightly lit Christmas tree becomes a symbol of good luck and prosperity, providing an ideal backdrop for New Year's photos.

Strolling through the French Village or the illuminated pathway at the European Fair, visitors feel as if they've stepped into a fairytale, with a grand display of cheerful squirrel families and streets overflowing with color. Everywhere, Christmas music and laughter blend together, creating a vibrant Ba Na Hills from morning till night.

A series of mini-shows featuring Christmas Gift and Christmas Bell dances at the Sun Arena, Fantasy Park, and Saint Denis Church keep the festive atmosphere vibrant. In particular, the international cabaret show "After Glow" at Beer Plaza offers a modern and energetic artistic experience. Visitors can combine this with diverse culinary delights and modern games at Fantasy Park and the Moon Castle for a full day of fun on Ba Na Hill.

Quang Ninh: Enjoy Sun World Ha Long amusement park, countdown and high-altitude fireworks.

In the Northeast region, Quang Ninh welcomes the new year with Sun World Ha Long right in the heart of Bai Chay. Here, visitors can start their holiday with exciting games at Dragon Park, then admire the heritage bay from above with the Queen Cable Car. On Sun Hill, the space with a strong Japanese influence allows you to slow down, stroll, and view the city from a more peaceful perspective.

The most memorable experience is "Dine in the Sky" – enjoying food on the Sun Wheel at a height of over 215m, offering panoramic views of the heritage city. As the city lights up, each turn of the wheel takes you through layers of light, with the night sea and bridges appearing below.

On New Year's Eve, 30/10 Square became a vibrant hub of emotion with the Countdown 2026 program, a grand music festival, and high-altitude fireworks display. The stage featured many renowned artists such as People's Artist Quang Thọ, Thu Minh, Binz, Phan Mạnh Quỳnh, and Trung Quân Idol, delivering a lively musical feast before the transition to the new year.

Ninh Binh and Ha Nam: Sun Urban City music festival and fireworks to welcome the New Year

Ninh Binh province will also organize a series of art programs and high-altitude fireworks displays at three locations: Ha Nam, Hoa Lu, and Nam Dinh on the evening of December 31, 2025, to welcome the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026. The highlight is the highly anticipated grand music festival "Ninh Binh – Aspiration for Strength and Prosperity" at the festival square of Sun Urban City (Ha Nam). A modern stage with spectacular sound and lighting effects, combined with the participation of many artists such as Tien Hung, Phuc Dai, Kim Anh, Lan Huong, Lan Anh, and Phuong Mai, promises to create a vibrant and exciting night.

The grand music festival concluded with a spectacular 15-minute high-altitude fireworks display sponsored by Sun Group, creating a dazzling New Year's Eve moment. Simultaneously, Ninh Binh organized two New Year's art programs in Hoa Lu and Nam Dinh wards, spreading the festive atmosphere throughout the region.

Suggested schedule for a 4-day New Year's holiday in 2026

With four days, travelers can choose one favorite destination to fully enjoy or combine travel between nearby locations. The North is suitable for those who want to experience the cold weather, chase clouds, attend countdowns, and explore heritage sites; the Central region focuses on European-style festivals on mountaintops; and the South is attractive for its beach activities and early-year pilgrimages.

Whether you choose Sa Pa, Phu Quoc, Ba Den Mountain, Ba Na Hills, Quang Ninh, or Ninh Binh, the common thread for the 2026 New Year's holiday is the meticulously prepared festive atmosphere and diverse experiences ranging from culture and spirituality to entertainment. The remaining challenge is to arrange a suitable schedule and dedicate a few days to truly disconnect from the daily grind, entering the new year with a more complete mindset.