Celebrating Tet Holiday in Ha Long Bay: A Refined Lunar New Year Experience

Celebrating Tet Holiday in Ha Long Bay offers international travelers a rare opportunity to witness Vietnam’s most meaningful celebration in one of its most iconic destinations. As the Lunar New Year marks a time of renewal, reunion, and gratitude, Ha Long Bay transforms into a serene yet festive retreat, where cultural traditions blend harmoniously with natural beauty. From authentic local rituals to curated hotel experiences, Tet in Ha Long is both immersive and unforgettable.

1. Experience the Magic of Lunar New Year Vacation in Vietnam 2026

A Lunar New Year vacation in Vietnam 2026 is unlike any other seasonal journey. Tet is the most important holiday of the year, when cities slow down, families reunite, and long-standing traditions take center stage. In Ha Long Bay, this period brings a peaceful atmosphere, cooler weather, and a sense of quiet celebration that appeals especially to international travelers seeking cultural depth rather than crowds.

During Tet, visitors can observe how Vietnamese people welcome the New Year with heartfelt rituals, symbolic foods, and wishes for prosperity and harmony. Shops and homes are adorned with red and gold decorations, while temples and pagodas become gathering places for prayers and reflection. Experiencing Tet in Ha Long allows travelers to connect with Vietnam’s cultural soul, all while enjoying the comfort of a coastal holiday destination.

2. Top Traditional Tet Activities for International Travelers

2.1 Tasting traditional festive cuisine: Banh Chung, spring rolls, and candied fruits

Food plays a central role in Traditional Tet activities, and tasting festive dishes is one of the most engaging ways to understand Vietnamese culture. Banh Chung, a square sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork, symbolizes gratitude toward ancestors and the harmony between heaven and earth. Alongside it, fresh spring rolls, savory fried rolls, and colorful candied fruits represent abundance and sweetness for the year ahead.

For international visitors, these dishes offer more than flavor. They tell stories of heritage, family values, and regional identity. Sharing a Tet meal is often a communal experience, reflecting the warmth and hospitality that define the holiday spirit.

Traditional Tet cuisine

2.2 Visiting local pagodas to pray for luck and peace

Another meaningful Tet tradition is visiting pagodas at the beginning of the year. Locals come to pray for health, happiness, and success, making this a deeply spiritual aspect of the celebration. In Ha Long, pagodas nestled among hills and coastal landscapes provide a tranquil setting for reflection and cultural observation.

Travelers are welcome to participate respectfully, lighting incense and observing rituals that have been passed down through generations. This experience offers insight into Vietnam’s spiritual life and the values that shape everyday traditions during Tet.

Loi Am Pagoda, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province

2.3 Enjoying the warm spirit of family reunions and local hospitality

Tet is ultimately about togetherness. Streets may feel quieter, but homes are filled with laughter, shared meals, and heartfelt conversations. International travelers often find this period uniquely inviting, as local hospitality becomes especially warm and sincere.

Whether through casual interactions, guided experiences, or festive gatherings, visitors can feel the genuine sense of renewal and optimism that defines Tet. This atmosphere makes Ha Long an ideal destination for travelers looking to experience Vietnam beyond typical sightseeing.

Family reunions during Tet Holiday

3. “Spring Traditions by the Bay”: Authentic Tet Experiences at DeLaSea Hotel

To elevate the cultural journey, DeLaSea Ha Long Tet events are thoughtfully curated to bring authentic traditions into a refined hospitality setting. Under the theme “Spring Traditions by the Bay,” DeLaSea Ha Long Hotel offers guests an immersive yet comfortable way to celebrate Tet while overlooking the iconic bay.

3.1 Join the “Banh Chung” Making Workshop: A hands-on cultural lesson

One of the highlights is the Banh Chung making workshop, where guests can learn the traditional method of preparing this symbolic dish. Guided by local experts, participants discover the meaning behind each ingredient and the care involved in the process. This hands-on activity transforms cultural learning into a memorable experience.

Banh Chung making workshop at DeLaSea

3.2 Receive “Li Xi” (Lucky Money): A gesture of good fortune for the New Year

During Tet, exchanging “Li Xi” or lucky money is a cherished tradition symbolizing blessings and good fortune. At DeLaSea Ha Long, guests are welcomed with this meaningful gesture on the first day of the New Year, offering a heartfelt introduction to Vietnamese New Year customs and a warm start to the holiday.