10+ Must-try Activities in Tet Holiday in Hanoi 2026

Overview of Tet in Hanoi

Activities in Tet holiday depend heavily on timing and weather, making Tet in Hanoi during the lunar new year in Vietnam easier to plan and more enjoyable for travelers.

• Time

Tet follows the lunar calendar and usually falls between late January and mid-February. In 2026, the Tet holiday runs from February 15th to February 20th, with festive energy filling the city both before and after the official dates.

• Weather

Hanoi’s Tet weather is comfortably cool, with temperatures between 15–22°C. Soft winter sunlight, gentle morning mist, and early spring blossoms create an almost cinematic backdrop, making this one of the most beautiful moments to explore the capital.

Best Things to Do Before Tet in Hanoi

In the days leading up to Tet, Hanoi becomes a beautiful storm of preparation, excitement, and anticipation. These activities on Tet holiday let travelers witness the city at its most vibrant.

Walk Around Traditional Flower Markets

Quang Ba, Hang Luoc, and Tay Ho flower markets overflow with peach blossoms, kumquat trees, chrysanthemums, and marigolds. Locals carefully select flowers for good luck and prosperity, while travelers enjoy vibrant colors, cheerful bargaining, and endless photo opportunities.

Visit Nhat Tan Flower Village

Located near West Lake, Nhat Tan flower village is famous for its peach gardens glowing in soft pink. Walking through these orchards before Tet feels peaceful and poetic, offering insight into how Hanoi’s signature holiday flowers are grown and prepared for the New Year.

Stroll Through Hang Ma Street for Tet Decorations

Hang Ma Street transforms into a dazzling corridor of red lanterns, calligraphy scrolls, paper dragons, and golden ornaments. The street becomes the visual heartbeat of Tet, where locals and visitors shop for decorations that symbolize luck, wealth, and happiness.

Watch Locals Prepare for Tet in the Old Quarter

In the Old Quarter, families clean their homes, repaint doorways, prepare offerings, and shop for holiday meals. Simply walking these streets reveals how deeply Tet is woven into everyday life, creating an atmosphere of shared excitement and anticipation.

Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class for Tet Dishes

Cooking classes introduce travelers to iconic Tet foods such as bánh chưng, spring rolls, pickled vegetables, and sweet desserts. Learning the stories behind these dishes deepens cultural understanding while ending with a warm, home-style meal enjoyed together.

Enjoy Fireworks Display and Countdown

On Lunar New Year’s Eve in Hanoi, lively countdown celebrations and fireworks are hosted around Hoan Kiem Lake and major districts. As midnight approaches, the city unites under bursts of color and sound, marking the emotional climax of the entire Tet season.

Best Things to Do During Tet in Hanoi

When Tet officially begins, the city slows, softens, and opens its cultural heart. These are the most meaningful things to do during Tet.

Visit Pagodas and Temples for Good Luck

Locals begin the year by visiting sacred spaces such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and Phu Tay Ho. Burning incense, offering prayers, and seeking blessings represent hopes for health, success, and peace throughout the coming year.

Join the Calligraphy Fair at Literature Lake

Near the Temple of Literature, calligraphy masters write lucky characters symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and wisdom at yearly Calligraphy Fair at Literature Lake. Receiving a handwritten piece becomes both a cultural souvenir and a spiritual wish, connecting visitors to centuries-old Vietnamese traditions.

Savor Traditional Tet Food

Tet meals gather families around tables filled with traditional Vietnamese New Years’ food like Chung cake, boiled chicken, sticky rice, pickled onions, and candied fruits. Many hostels and homestays organize shared Tet dinners, giving travelers a chance to join this warm and meaningful celebration.

Engage with Traditional Performances

Public squares and cultural centers host lion dances, folk music, and classical performances. These artistic expressions tell stories of Vietnamese history, beliefs, and identity, filling Hanoi’s streets with movement, rhythm, and cultural pride throughout the holiday.

Receive Lucky Money

The exchange of red envelopes symbolizes good fortune, blessings, and fresh beginnings. While mainly a family tradition, visitors are often invited to participate, making it one of the most charming and personal experiences of Tet in Hanoi.

Play Cards and Bingo

Tet is also about relaxation and togetherness. Families and friends gather to play cards, bingo, and traditional games, filling homes and cafés with laughter, friendly competition, and a joyful sense of shared celebration.

Essential Tips for Travelers During Tet in Hanoi

A little preparation goes a long way in making your Hanoi Tet journey smooth, comfortable, and stress-free.

• Plan Transport Early: Trains, buses, and flights fill quickly as millions travel home for Tet.
• Expect Limited Services on the First Days of Tet: Many shops and restaurants close on the first one or two days, reopening gradually afterward.
• Carry Cash: ATMs and card payment systems may be unreliable during Tet, especially in the first days of the holiday.
• Learn Basic Tet Greetings: A simple “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” often opens conversations and brings warm smiles from locals.
• Dress Respectfully When Visiting Temples: Modest clothing is appreciated and shows respect when entering pagodas and spiritual sites.
• Book Accommodation in the Old Quarter: Staying in an Old Quarter view Hanoi hostel places you at the heart of Hanoi Tet activities, making it easier to explore the city on foot.

Final Thoughts

Few destinations in Asia offer cultural immersion as deep as Tet in Hanoi. From colorful markets to temple rituals and joyful family traditions, activities in Tet holiday reveal Vietnam’s authentic beauty. Hanoi Tet becomes more than a trip, it becomes a memory. If you’re looking for a social, friendly backpacker hostel in Hanoi, Quiri Hostel Hanoi is the perfect base to explore the city during Tet. Book your stay early and secure your spot now to experience the magic of Tet in Hanoi for yourself!