When much of the world is still covered in snow and winter blues, Vietnam blossoms with life, warmth, and celebration. Early-year travel (from January to March) is one of the most exciting times to explore the country. From the vibrant traditions of Lunar New Year to springtime festivals and nature in full bloom, Vietnam offers international travelers a unique start to the year filled with culture, adventure, and sunshine.
No early-year journey to Vietnam is complete without experiencing Tet (Lunar New Year), the country’s most important holiday. Streets are lined with peach blossoms in the North, apricot blossoms in the South, and bustling flower markets appear everywhere. Families prepare traditional foods like sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng and bánh tét), offer ancestral worship, and exchange red envelopes for good fortune.
For visitors, Tet is a window into Vietnam’s warm hospitality and family-centered culture. Travelers can join locals in making bánh chưng, stroll through colorful spring markets, or witness firework shows that light up major cities.
After Tet, Vietnam bursts into a series of spring festivals, each carrying centuries-old traditions:
Perfume Pagoda Festival (Hanoi) – A spiritual pilgrimage among limestone mountains and caves.
Yen Tu Festival (Quang Ninh) – A journey to the sacred Buddhist mountain.
Lim Festival (Bac Ninh) – Famous for “quan họ” folk singing and lively parades.
Tran Temple Festival (Nam Dinh) – Honoring national heroes with rituals and festivities.
These festivals offer travelers a rare chance to dive deep into Vietnam’s cultural soul while enjoying a lively atmosphere of joy and renewal.
Experience a boat trip to Perfume Pagoda while admiring the poetic green mountains
Beyond its cultural richness, Vietnam’s landscapes in early spring are equally enchanting.
Sapa & Ha Giang: Imagine trekking through terraced fields framed by peach and plum blossoms. The air is crisp but not freezing, making it perfect for hiking and cultural visits to ethnic minority villages.
Moc Chau Plateau: Known for its white apricot blossoms and vast tea hills, Moc Chau in early spring feels like a giant natural garden. Homestays here give travelers authentic insight into rural life.
Hue: Once the imperial capital, Hue shines in spring with its ancient citadel, royal tombs, and peaceful boat rides along the Perfume River.
Hoi An: The lantern town glows even brighter at the start of the year. Stroll through UNESCO-listed streets, enjoy street food, and release paper lanterns on the river during the monthly Lantern Festival.
Da Nang & Ba Na Hills: A modern coastal city with a touch of nature, Da Nang offers sandy beaches, while Ba Na Hills provides cool mountain views and the photogenic Golden Bridge.
Phu Quoc: At its peak season, the island boasts turquoise waters, powdery beaches, and luxury resorts. Snorkeling, island-hopping, and seafood feasts await.
Nha Trang: A coastal hub ideal for diving, island tours, and relaxing by the sea. The weather is dry and sunny, making it perfect for a beach holiday.
Mui Ne: Famous for its sand dunes and water sports like kite surfing, Mui Ne is a paradise for both relaxation and adventure seekers.
From flower-filled mountains to golden coasts, Vietnam’s natural variety in early spring ensures that every traveler finds their perfect escape.
Food is central to Vietnamese culture, especially during the first months of the year.
Tet specialties: Sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng in the North, bánh tét in the South), pickled vegetables, and boiled chicken.
Vegetarian dishes: On the first full moon of the year (the 15th day of the first lunar month), many Vietnamese eat vegetarian meals for good luck. Temples and local markets are filled with meat-free options.
Regional delicacies: Savor bún bò Huế in Central Vietnam, cao lầu noodles in Hoi An, or fresh seafood in Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.
For food lovers, traveling in Vietnam at the beginning of the year is a feast for both the palate and the senses.
Traditional Tet meal
Vietnam is more than just a travel destination at the start of the year—it’s an invitation to experience renewal, joy, and diversity. From colorful festivals and warm traditions to blossoming landscapes and sunny beaches, early-year travel here offers something unforgettable for every kind of traveler.
Begin your new year in Vietnam with us—where every journey is memorable, and every moment feels like a celebration.
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