Tet Holiday Travel 2026: 4 Ideal Camping Destinations for a Getaway Right Next to Hanoi
From the sea of clouds at Ba Vi to the tranquil beauty of Dong Do Lake, these picnic spots near Hanoi are the perfect choice to start the new year 2026 in a relaxed and peaceful way.
During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday, instead of crowding into traditional tourist destinations, many families and groups of young people in Hanoi are turning to camping and outdoor activities. With their spacious surroundings and fresh air, locations like Ba Vi, Soc Son, or the Red River alluvial plains are becoming ideal destinations to start the new year full of energy.
Ba Vi National Park: Cloud hunting and exploring the pine forest
Located about 50 km from the center of Hanoi, Ba Vi is a familiar destination for those who love outdoor activities. During Tet (Lunar New Year), the temperature here usually fluctuates between 12–20 degrees Celsius. A characteristic of the highland weather at this time is the light fog in the early morning, and sometimes visitors may be lucky enough to witness beautiful sea of clouds covering the mountain peaks.
For a complete camping experience, visitors can choose the pine forest area at an altitude of 400 or 600 meters. These are flat areas suitable for pitching tents and having BBQ parties. Besides camping, trekking to King's Peak or visiting the ancient church are also interesting options for a day trip or overnight stay.
Dong Do Lake: A tranquil space amidst the mountains and forests of Soc Son.
Located in Soc Son district, about 35-45 km from the city center, Dong Do Lake boasts a tranquil beauty with its calm waters and surrounding pine forest. It's an ideal spot for groups of friends seeking a private space to relax and enjoy nature without needing elaborate preparations.
Here, visitors can participate in activities such as paddleboarding, fishing, or having a barbecue by the lake. Based on experience, this area is usually busiest from the 2nd to the 4th day of the Lunar New Year. Besides Dong Do Lake, Soc Son also boasts many private eco-tourism areas offering fully equipped camping sites for rent, conveniently accessible by private car.
Gia Lam Longan Orchard: Experiencing the suburban countryside.
For families with elderly members or young children who are reluctant to travel far, the longan orchards in Gia Lam and the alluvial plains along the Red River are top choices. Just a short drive from the city center, visitors can enjoy the spacious surroundings with large trees and flat grassy areas.
The area's strength lies in its flat terrain, ideal for setting up tents and organizing group games. It's primarily a day trip, helping families bond without requiring overly complicated preparations.
Nui Coc Lake: A resort destination combining sightseeing and relaxation.
For those seeking a longer trip (1-2 days), visitors can choose Lake Nui Coc (Thai Nguyen), located about 90 km from Hanoi. The vast lake is surrounded by majestic mountain ranges, combined with well-developed accommodation and eco-tourism facilities.
Here, in addition to camping by the lake, families can rent boats to visit the small islands or relax at nearby resorts. The combination of sightseeing and relaxation makes this an ideal destination for multi-generational families during the Lunar New Year.
