Tet Binh Ngo 2026: Vibrant spring travel destinations from Hanoi to all corners of the country.
The 2026 Lunar New Year holiday promises to be a blast with a series of unique cultural festivals in Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as a growing trend of international exploration in China and South Korea.
The Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 is not only a time for family reunions but also marks a boom in the tourism market with diverse options ranging from spiritual pilgrimages and cultural exploration to international resorts. Localities across the country are ready with a series of special events to welcome the expected surge in spring tourists in February 2026.
Northern Vietnam: Cultural Heritage Space and Spiritual Festivals
Hanoi continues to be the focal point of cultural activities in the North. This year's highlight is the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse 2026, held at the F1 racetrack area (Tu Liem ward) from February 7th to 14th, 2026. In addition, heritage sites such as the Heritage House, the 22 Hang Buom Cultural and Arts Center, and Thang Long Imperial Citadel will recreate the atmosphere of traditional Tet (Vietnamese New Year) through the program "Vietnamese Tet – Street Tet".
For tourists who prefer spiritual tourism, major festivals in Northern Vietnam will be held with great fanfare: the Huong Pagoda Festival (February 18th to May 11th, 2026), the Go Dong Da Festival (February 21st, 2026), and the Yen Tu Spring Festival (February 26th, 2026). Notably, the Tran Temple Seal Opening Ceremony in Nam Dinh will take place from February 27th to March 4th, 2026, while the Tam Chuc Spring Festival (Ninh Binh) is scheduled to open on February 28th.
If you're looking for fresh air, highland regions like Sa Pa, Moc Chau, and Ha Giang are ideal choices, with vibrant peach and plum blossoms blooming throughout the villages, offering a relaxing experience and the opportunity to explore unique highland cuisine.
Central and Central Highlands regions: Festival of lights and colorful flowers of the vast forest.
The central region attracts tourists with its blend of heritage and modernity. Hoi An (Da Nang) will host the 2026 Light and Heritage Festival starting on the first day of Tet (February 17th), while Hue will recreate royal court rituals through its Spring Festival. In Da Nang, the Tet atmosphere is palpable with the "Tet Market" at the Da Nang Museum and traditional opera and folk theater performances at the 155 Phan Chau Trinh Theater.
In the Central Highlands, Da Lat remains the leading destination with its Cherry Blossom Festival and the Lunar New Year Festival at Xuan Huong Lake. Notably, 2026 will also be the National Tourism Year, organized in Gia Lai with the theme "Gia Lai - Convergence of Identity, Spreading Green," promising many unique local cultural experiences.
Southern Vietnam: Vibrant cities and sunny islands.
Ho Chi Minh City continues to maintain its appeal with the Nguyen Hue Flower Street (from February 15th to 22nd, 2026) themed "Spring Gathering - Steadfastly Moving Forward". Visitors can also experience the "On the Wharf, Under the Boat" Spring Flower Market at Binh Dong Wharf or participate in the Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival.
In the Southwest region, Phu Quoc is an ideal destination thanks to its warm, sunny weather and high-end resort services. Meanwhile, spiritual tourism in Tay Ninh is expected to be overloaded with the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival taking place from the first day of Tet until the end of the first lunar month, with the grand opening ceremony "The Flavors of Tay Ninh" held on the fourth day of Tet (February 20th).
International travel trends: China and Northeast Asia dominate.
The outbound tourism market is experiencing strong growth on short-haul routes. China is predicted to be the most popular destination due to its convenient visa procedures and competitive costs. Vietnamese tourists tend to seek out ancient towns like Lijiang or experience winter in Harbin and Jiuzhaigou.
Japan and South Korea are also top choices for family groups. While Japan attracts visitors with its skiing tours and hot spring resorts, South Korea appeals to activities like ice fishing and visits to Nami Island or Everland amusement park.
In addition, visa-free markets in Southeast Asia such as Thailand and Singapore maintain their steady appeal. For longer holidays, tours to Europe, the US, and Australia are becoming increasingly popular, catering to the needs of visiting relatives combined with high-end shopping and relaxation.
