New year in Vietnam is a little different as compared to most places. After the Vietnamese people were freed from the Chinese, they made their own lunar-solar calendar and the first lunar is celebrated as Tet Ngyuen Dan or TET and brings the arrival of spring for them. During Vietnamese New Year, most of the restaurants and other places are closed because the locals celebrate it for 3 days. But this doesn’t mean that you have to stay indoors, as there are other events that you can be a part of and interact with the locals.
14 Best Experiences For New Year In Vietnam
If you are confused about how to celebrate Vietnamese New Year, then here are some things that you can do during that time.Take a look at the experiences that you can have as you become a part of the celebrations of New Year in Vietnam 2023 to make it the best one of your life!
1. Go For Countdown Parties
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There are a lot of great resorts like Holiday Beach, Bamboo Bar, Furama, Pullman etc. that offer parties for you and your friends and family. This is a great way to enjoy Vietnamese New Year 2023 party celebrations. You will be able to enjoy whatever the resorts have to offer, great food, games, entertainment and more. Apart from resorts, you can even visit 29/3 Square on 2/9th street for the biggest countdown party concert that starts at 9 pm and continues on till midnight. If you even ask the hotel you are staying at, they might just have a party as well, because after all, it is New Year’s eve, and some of the best places in Vietnam have kickass countdown parties.
Location: Vietnam
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
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2. Visit Ba Na Hills
There is an amusement park there which is a great way to bring in the New Year in Vietnam 2023, with different kinds of rides and so much entertainment. If you take a cable car and head higher, you will come across Sun World. You can get a great view of the Golden Bridge from there and if you visit at night, it is even more beautiful and one of the most romantic places in Vietnam. Sun World has a temple and a lot of different famous tourist attractions like Buddha sculptures and much more. It is a stone village that has a lot of gardens and displays plenty of architecture from the French colonialism period.
Location: Vietnam
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
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3. Experience A Tet Festival
The best way to experience a Vietnamese New Year festival is to visit a local area like Tao Dan Park or if you even ask the locals they will tell you the best place and the best time to find a large parade. You will be able to see lion dance performances, a lot of bells, drums and gongs being sounded, and Vietnamese street food being distributed at the Tet Vietnam Festival. You will also get to see the locals in beautiful outfits in colors of red and yellow, which signify prosperity and success. Moreover, there will be a lot of traditional Vietnamese New Year food that you can taste like xio (sticky rice), thit ga (steamed chicken), giio cha (Vietnamese sausages) and a lot more at Tet Vietnam.
Location: Tao Dan Park, Vietnam
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
4. Watch The Fireworks
To be a part of the Lunar New Year in Vietnam 2023, you should go to watch the fireworks that start at exactly 12:00 am. They are on display along the Han river banks which gives travelers a great chance to go island hopping in Vietnam. They will be over the Han Swing Bridge or the Dragon Bridge and can be seen from the other side of the river as well. To get a better view of the fireworks, you should be on a rooftop. You can visit some great rooftop bars like Novo Hotel, Green Plaza or Azura to experience the countdown with your friends and get a great view of the fireworks while indulging in some good food and drinks.
Location: Vietnam
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
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5. Visit Some Good Pagodas (Temples)
You can spend New Year’s day in Vietnam by visiting some temples like Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi, Thien Mu Pagoda in Hue, and Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang and take part in Vietnamese New Year traditions. There are many more pagodas you can visit but these are the most popular. In fact, visiting the pagodas in Hue is one of the most interesting things to do in Hue. It will be a great time for you to experience the Vietnamese New Year traditions. The temples tend to be crowded at this time but you get to interact with the locals, watch them make offerings, pray and feel all set to make a fresh start, now that the past year has gone by. This is will be a great experience as you celebrate New Year in Vietnam 2023.
Location: Hanoi, Thien Mu Pagoda
Where to stay: Mayfare Hotel Hanoi, JM Marvel Hotel and Spa
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
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6. Have Fun At Theme Parks Or Recreational Centers
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Most theme parks like Asia Park, Vin Pearl, Dam Sen Park and others have so much more to offer around this time. Even recreational centers like Helio tend to have specific events during Tet and you’d be able to experience all of it even if you don’t have 4 days in Vietnam. They have all that entertainment at reasonable prices and they have offers on rides and food and some places even have little parades within the theme parks while the people perform and show off their lion dances for an exciting Vietnamese New Year celebration.
Location: Dam Sen Park, Vin Pearl, Vietnam
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
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7. Treat Yourself To Some Delicious Food
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No doubt, most of the restaurants are closed during this time, you will find a few rare cafes and restaurants still open during the Vietnam New Year holiday. Although most hotels will be able to provide you with food, but if authentic Vietnamese food is what you want, then head to places like Moose and Roo Pub and Grill, Gecko, JOMA Cafe, Buon de la Cafe and the area around Saigon that will still be up and running even during Tet. This will definitely ensure a great experience during the New Year celebration in Vietnam.
Location: Vietnam
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
8. Go Shopping For Decorations
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Although there are a few rare markets that are open, you can take up the opportunity and go to a few and pick up some handmade ornaments, accessories and more to pair with your outfits and be a part of the festival. Although most of the stalls will be closed, there will definitely be a few that will be selling either souvenirs or decorations with the festival. You can buy some and decorate your hotel room a little with it or you can take them back home with you. Ben Thanh Market and Dong Xuan Market are two places that tend to have some stalls open at this time to make you feel eclectic for a Vietnamese New Year celebration. There are also many shopping places in Hue that you can check out to buy awesome merch for your New Year celebration.
Location: Ben Thanh Market and Dong Xuan Market, Vietnam
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
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9. Visit Mui Ne Resort Town
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You can visit this beach if you want a change of scenery from all the empty streets. Mui Ne beach is warm and is a perfect way to keep warm during winter, which is why it’s called one of the best beaches in Vietnam. You can even go swimming here. Most people come here to kite surfing but with the festival, most of the places including this beach tend to be quite vacant. If you still have the energy you can take a drive to Fairy Springs to watch the local wildlife and observe exotic flowers for a warm Vietnamese New Year greeting.
Location: Mui Ne Resort Town
Where to stay: NA
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
10. Experience The Beauty Of Moc Chau Plateau
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The day that brings in the New Year of Vietnam is considered as very sacred and although most locals would be praying and feasting within their homes, as a tourist, the best place to visit would be this plateau. Spring brings with it new life and you will be able to see Sakura trees blooming and plums maturing throughout this area. You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to paradise if you visit during the early morning hours.
Location: Moc Chau plateau, Vietnam
Where to stay: Mường Thanh Holiday Moc Chau, MAMA’s House Moc Chau, Thao Nguyen Resort, Thao Nguyen Hotel Moc Chau
How to reach: You can reach this place by a train or hire a cab.
11. Dine At Jackson’s Steakhouse
If your idea of celebration revolves mainly around food, then you may as well eat your way into the new year! Head to Jackson’s Steakhouse and enjoy a delicious specially curated three-course meal at one of the most trendy and sophisticated restaurants in Vietnam that you will remember forever! Offering a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights with cocktails, mocktails, and fresh brews, this place won’t let you leave with a disappointed tummy!
Location: 23J Hai Bà Trưng Hanoi, Vietnam 100000
Where to stay: New World Inn – Downtown Pensacola, Holiday Inn Express Pensacola Downtown, Pensacola Victorian Bed & Breakfast, The Pensacola Grand Hotel
How to reach: You can take a cab.
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12. Watch A Show At Hilton Hanoi Opera
Have a dramatic start to the New Year by celebrating at the Hilton Hanoi Opera. Enjoy awesome deals on your ticket and watch a show or two at this fancy auditorium with a special opera performance, dance, music, and food. There will also be unlimited drinks including wine, beer, and soft drinks for the guests to enjoy. Also hosting a magnificent Christmas Eve Dinner a few days before the New Year, this place will surely blow your mind with its ambience and the stunning opera show.
Location: Crowne Plaza West Hanoi
Where to stay: Hilton Hanoi Opera Hotel, or even the awesome homestays in Hanoi
How to reach: A cab can get you there.
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13. See Fireworks From Top Of Hanoi Rooftop Bar
If you want front row tickets to a trendy countdown with an awesome fireworks show, then you should be celebrating New Year at the Hanoi Rooftop Bar this 31st December. Decked up to offer you an amazing time to relax, eat, drink, and party, this venue will give you the best views of the lit show once the clock strikes 12. There’ll be snacks, main course, drinks, and a lot more to set the fun factor soaring high!
Location: 54 Liễu Giai, Ngọc Khánh, Ba Đình, Hà Nội, Vietnam
Where to stay: Lotte Hotel Hanoi, Hanoi Daewoo Hotel
How to reach: You can get there by a taxi or bus.
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14. Attend The Saigon Bia Countdown 2023
This isn’t just some Countdown Party where you go, scream when the clock strikes 12, hug your friends, and go home. It’s essentially one of the biggest countdown parties in Hanoi that has a lot more in store this year than it did last year. Hosted by the famed Bia Saigon in Hanoi, Vietnam, the event is going to feature live music with famous singers and DJs. just like last year, it will be held before the Hanoi Opera House at Cach Mang Thang Tam Square.
Location: Manja Manja Restaurant, 3rd Floor, 18E Cong Hoa, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, or the great villas in Ho Chi Minh City
Where to stay: Pearl Palace Hotel, Bao Hotel and Apartment, Duc Minh Hotel, Tan Son Nhat Hotel
How to reach: You can take a bus or taxi.
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Now that we have given you enough ideas to ring in New Year in Vietnam 2023, you must plan a trip to Vietnam. Make sure you visit these places to ring in the New Year in Vietnam in the most adventurous way and have nothing less than a great time!
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Frequently Asked Questions About New Year In Vietnam
How does Vietnam celebrate New Year?
On the arrival of New Year, most of the Vietnamese visit their homes and perform various customs with their families. Every region celebrates this occasion in their own special way.
Why is Vietnamese New Year important
Since it is the first of spring here that is celebrated as Tet Nguyen Dan, New Year’s Day, it is considered to be an important day in the year. The celebrations of New Year in Vietnam last from seven to nine days.
Do people in Vietnam celebrate Christmas?
Even though the festival of Christmas is not considered as an official holiday in Vietnam, it is celebrated with full vigor here.
Is Chinese New Year the same as Vietnamese New Year?
Tet is the Lunar New Year for Vietnam that falls on the same day as the Chinese New Year and it’s all festivals like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s eve rolled up in one.
What do you say in Vietnamese New Year?
You can wish people a happy new year in Vietnamese by saying them “chúc mừng năm mới.”
How long does the Vietnamese New Year last?
Tet’s celebration is the longest holiday which may last up to seven to nine days.
