The Lunar New Year of the Horse in 2026 is expected to significantly boost the tourism industry. A variety of destinations will be available, catering to different interests from cultural festivities to nature excursions.
Explore Top Lunar New Year 2026 Travel Destinations: North to South and Beyond
Tourists planning their Lunar New Year celebrations will find numerous remarkable locations across Vietnam. From historic sites to vibrant festivals, there are plenty of options to immerse oneself in the traditional festivities.
Northern Vietnam: Cultural Highlights and Festive Atmosphere
In Hanoi, the Spring Festival for the Year of the Horse will take place from February 7 to 14, 2026. This event will be held at the F1 racetrack area in the Tu Liem district.
- Key sites in Hanoi:
- Temple of Literature
- Imperial Citadel of Thang Long
- Old Quarter
Visitors can enjoy the Tet celebrations through various programs, including the “Vietnamese Tet – Street Tet” at the Cultural and Arts Center located at 22 Hang Buom Street. Additionally, several spiritual festivals will take place in Northern Vietnam:
- Huong Pagoda Festival: Starting February 18, 2026
- Go Dong Da Festival: February 21, 2026
- Tran Temple Seal Ceremony: February 27 to March 4, 2026
- Yen Tu Spring Festival: February 26, 2026
For those who appreciate nature, destinations like Sa Pa, Moc Chau, and Ha Giang are perfect for experiencing the blooming peach and plum flowers during the spring season.
Central and Highlands: Heritage and Cherry Blossom Festivals
This region will also host exciting events for the Lunar New Year. Hoi An will kick off the Light and Heritage Festival on February 17, while Hue invites guests to partake in royal ceremonies and unique folk festivals.
Da Nang is set to captivate tourists with its Lunar New Year Market at the Da Nang Museum and traditional Bài Chòi performances. Da Lat is expected to be the main Tet destination in the Central Highlands, celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival in 2026. The National Tourism Year 2026 will take place in Gia Lai, focusing on cultural experiences under the theme “Gia Lai: Convergence of Identity, Green Dissemination.”
Southern Vietnam: Urban Vibrancy and Beach Getaways
Ho Chi Minh City attracts tourists with its Nguyen Hue Flower Street from February 15 to 22, themed “Spring Encounter: Advancing Steadily.” Visitors can also explore the spring flower market at Binh Dong Wharf.
Experiencing the lively urban culture along the Saigon River during this festive season is highly recommended. The region will also feature the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival in Tay Ninh, starting February 20, and Phu Quoc’s stunning beaches are perfect for family vacations.
International Travel Trends: Exploring Beyond Vietnam
China is expected to lead in outbound tourism due to favorable visa policies and numerous direct flights. Popular destinations include:
- Lijiang
- Shanghai
- Beijing
- Snow observation areas like Harbin and Jiuzhaigou
Additionally, South Korea and Japan present enticing winter experiences such as skiing in Gangwon and hot springs. Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia are maintaining steady visitor numbers due to competitive pricing and visa-free entry.
Long-distance travel to the United States, Europe, and Australia is increasingly popular, driven by family visits combined with tourism and shopping opportunities. As more travelers plan their winter adventures, the allure of these destinations continues to grow.
