About This Trip
Experience Vietnam at its most vibrant during Tet Festival, when the country comes alive with tradition, color, and celebration. This cultural tour takes you from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with enriching stops in Hoi An and Hue. Walk through lantern-lit streets, explore festive markets, and witness traditional ceremonies that bring the Lunar New Year to life as you discover the warmth, beauty, and spirit of Vietnam's most cherished holiday.
Itinerary Summary
- DAYPLACE
- 1 - 2Hanoi
- 3 - 4Hue
- 5 - 6Hoi An
- 7 - 9Ho Chi Minh City
Itinerary
-
Day 1: Arrival, Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam's enchanting capital. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and accompany you to your hotel, sharing a brief introduction to the city along the way. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace.
As Tet Festival approaches, Hanoi turns into a lively celebration. Streets fill with colorful flowers, traditional music drifts through the air, and locals greet one another with warm, joyful smiles. The usual bustle slows down, allowing the city's charm and holiday traditions to shine, giving you a true taste of Vietnam's Lunar New Year.- Hanoi
-
Day 2: Hanoi Tet Tour: A Journey into Tradition and Celebration
Begin your day by walking gently through the historic Ba Dinh Square, where echoes of Vietnam's past linger. Step into the striking Soviet-style Ho Chi Minh Museum to uncover stories of the nation's founding leader. Nearby, visit the One Pillar Pagoda, a graceful monument rising from a lotus pond.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, a sanctuary of learning and culture for nearly a thousand years. During Tet, the temple transforms into a vibrant hub of tradition with the Spring Calligraphy Festival. Watch skilled calligraphers create lucky characters on red and yellow paper, believed to bring good fortune. Your guide will share the meaning behind these calligraphic works and help you connect with the artists. The celebration continues with traditional music, local food demonstrations, and water puppet shows.
Spend the afternoon on a relaxed walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, where the normally busy streets take on an unusual calm during Tet. Later, you might enjoy browsing the Tet Market, filled with festive decorations, fresh flowers, and seasonal treats. You can also explore an art exhibition showcasing Tet-themed paintings, sculptures, and installations.
Optional: Add a two-day cruise on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its calm waters and limestone islands.- B L
- Hanoi
-
Day 3: Hanoi - Hue
After a slow-paced morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hue, Vietnam's former imperial capital.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide and head to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day unwinding or exploring the city in whatever way you prefer.
- B
- Hue
-
Day 4: Tet Traditions and Hue's Imperial Charm
In Vietnam, it's a tradition to invite those of good character into the home for the New Year, believing it brings good luck. After exchanging Tet wishes with your host, take a tour of the home, beautifully decorated with kumquat trees, peach flowers, and other festive symbols. Enjoy tea and Mut (candied fruits) while listening to traditional folk songs. For lunch, indulge in Tet specialties like Banh Chung (sticky rice cake) prepared by your hosts.
Explore the Imperial Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, alive with the vibrant atmosphere of a Hue-style festival. Wander through grand palaces and courtyards, discovering the luxurious, secretive world of the royal court. Enjoy art performances inspired by Tet that showcase the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Next, take a dragon boat ride along the Perfume River, heading toward the iconic Thien Mu Pagoda. Once there, marvel at the seven-story Phuoc Duyen Tower and follow local tradition to offer prayers for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
- B L
- Hue
-
Day 5: Hue - Da Nang - Hoi An
After breakfast, depart Hue for a 3-hour drive to Hoi An via the breathtaking Hai Van Pass, one of Vietnam's most beautiful coastal roads. Stop in Da Nang to explore the Marble Mountains, known for their natural caves, tunnels, and Buddhist grottoes. Enjoy a stroll on the nearby Non-Nuoc Beach before continuing your journey.
Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a living museum of Chinese, Japanese, and French architecture from the 15th to 19th centuries. After checking into your hotel, enjoy an afternoon walking tour through the town, soaking in the festive Tet atmosphere.
In the evening, Hoi An's streets glow with lanterns of every shape and shade, creating a magical scene. You can even float a flower lantern on the Hoai River, making a wish for a happy New Year.
- B L
- Hoi An
-
Day 6: Hoi An, Tet Celebrations in Local Village
Following your morning meal, head to the nearby Tra Que Village, where the Tet festivities are in full swing. Experience traditional practices like grand offering rituals, exciting boat races, and lively outdoor music performances.
The rest of the afternoon and evening are free to enjoy at your own pace. Relax on Hoi An's beautiful white sand beaches, explore Bai Choi folk song exhibitions, or take in the enchanting lantern parade as night falls.
- B
- Hoi An
-
Day 7: Hoi An - Da Nang - Ho Chi Minh City
Spend a relaxed morning before a private transfer takes you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's dynamic southern hub once known as Saigon.
Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will take you to your hotel in the city center. Enjoy the evening at your leisure or take a walk to explore the nearby streets and local life.
- B
- Ho Chi Minh City
-
Day 8: Saigon Sights and Tet Flower Festival
Start your day with a guided tour of historic Saigon. Visit key landmarks like the Reunification Palace, the colonial-era Central Post Office, and the elegant Dong Khoi Street.
Then make your way to Nguyen Hue Flower Street, the heart of Tet celebrations in the city. Walk among stunning red and yellow floral displays, symbols of luck and prosperity. Enjoy traditional music, fun games, and sample local holiday treats. It's a lively and colorful experience that brings the spirit of Tet to life.
- B L
- Ho Chi Minh City
-
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City, Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning before your private transfer to the airport for your flight home or onward journey.
- B
Gallery
What Our Clients Say About Us
"Awesome Itinerary" "Exceed A ll Expectations" "Great Value"How It Works
-
Tell us your tour ideas Complete our inquiry form
-
Discuss with a travel specialist Customize your itinerary
-
Securely book your tour Confirm when you're satisfied
You May Also Like
-
-
Vietnam Impression with Phu Quoc Island
14 DaysHanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta, Phu Quoc Island -
Vietnam and Cambodia Adventure
15 DaysVietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Tre, Can Tho,Chau Doc; Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Kampong Thom, Siem Reap -
Discover Vietnam and Thailand
17 DaysVietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay, Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Mekong Delta; Thailand: Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Quick Question
