Vietnam’s Lunar New Year enchants foreigners

Foreign entrepreneurs, tourists, and students are irresistibly drawn to the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday in Vietnam. 

The calligraphy street in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: thanhnien.vn)
The calligraphy street in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: thanhnien.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – As the vibrant colours of the Lunar New Year (Tet) sweep across Vietnam, the festive spirit is not confined to the Vietnamese alone. Foreign entrepreneurs, tourists, and students are irresistibly drawn to this traditional holiday.

French national Didier B. Boissonnet, having celebrated Tet for the second time, was utterly charmed, describing the experience as "enchanting."

Vietnam really rolls out the red carpet for visitors, especially during Tet festivities, Boissonnet shared from his recent adventure in Nha Trang where he enjoyed an electrifying performance by world-renowned DJ and music producer Alan Walker. "It's clear Vietnam is innovating, bringing a fresh, youthful vibe to its tourism scene".

The allure of Tet has also caught the attention of European travelers, with a considerable number from Poland showing keen interest. Poland's cold winter makes Vietnam's warm beaches, mouth-watering cuisine, and diverse cultural experiences particularly appealing. The period from October to March sees a surge in Polish visitors eager to escape the chill back home.

CEO of Vietluxtour Tran The Dung highlighted a noticeable shift in tourist preferences this year, saying that tourists are now looking for more than just package deals, they want bespoke experiences. From custom Free & Easy (F&E) tours to à la carte options, there is a growing demand for luxury and relaxation among Vietnamese expatriates and international guests alike.

A representative from Sun Group observed a similar trend, with an increase in foreigners choosing to celebrate Tet in Vietnam, particularly from the Republic of Korea, China, and Taiwan (China), where Tet resonates deeply.

Popular spots like Da Nang and Phu Quoc are becoming go-to destinations for their ease of access and stunning landscapes, bolstered by new international flight routes.

From January 27 to February 2, Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh City will be transformed into a floral wonderland, showcasing an array of blossoms and artistic installations, attracting millions eager to soak in the festive atmosphere.

In District 8, a floating flower market provides a slice of authentic Vietnamese culture, where vendors from the Mekong Delta, Central Vietnam, and even the northwest gather to sell unique plants, flowers, and fruits.

In the southeastern province of Tay Ninh, the Spring Festival at Ba Den mountain promises a visual treat with over 115,000 tulips in bloom, drawing visitors to this serene location.

The capital city of Hanoi keeps its doors open for cultural enthusiasts during Tet, with special exhibitions and historical sites. Suburban areas like Me Linh host vibrant flower, while tours of renowned flower villages such as Hong Van in Thuong Tin district and Phu Dong in Gia Lam district provide serene, picturesque landscapes. Visitors can also explore craft villages like Quang Phu Cau, known for incense-making in Ung Hoa district, and the famous Bat Trang pottery village./.

VNA

See more

A large number of tourists visit Hue Imperial City. (Photo: VNA)

Hue rolls out vibrant events to boost National Day tourism

Vietnamese visitors will also receive free admission to attractions within the Complex of Hue Monuments on August 19 and September 2, giving domestic tourists greater opportunities to explore the historical and cultural heritage of the former imperial capital.

A performance showcases the rich heritage of Then at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam showcases Then ritual practices in Laos

The programme aims to promote the value of an intangible cultural heritage of humanity while strengthening the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Delegates at the tournament’s group-stage draw ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

Pickleball World Cup 2026 gets underway in Da Nang

The tournament will feature leading players from the PPA and APP circuits alongside top Vietnamese and international competitors, including Ly Hoang Nam, Phuc Huynh, Truong Vinh Hien, Sophia Phuong Anh and Sophia Huynh Tran.

A match at KAVIJA CUP 2026. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnamese community in Japan’s Karate tournament held

The 2026 Karate tournament for Vietnamese people in Japan, KAVIJA CUP 2026 provided athletes with opportunities to exchange experience and improve their skills, and identifies promising talents for higher-level competitions in Japan and internationally.

Artist Ngo Duc Hoang gives a live painting demonstration on traditional Do paper at the exhibition in Vladivostok on August 15. (Photo: VNA)

Exhibition of Vietnamese Do paper paintings captivates Far Eastern audience

An exhibition of paintings on traditional Vietnamese Do paper by artist Ngo Duc Hoang in Vladivostok features the works, created between 2021 and 2026, exploring a wide range of themes related to Vietnam, from urban life to the mountainous northwestern region, and from natural landscapes to images of the lotus, Vietnam’s national flower.

Thua Thien Hue Innovation Startup Centre organises a programme to showcase and connect startup projects in Hue city. (Photo: VNA)

Hue makes use of heritage to drive startup growth

The central city of Hue is working to build an image as an innovation and startup hub by leveraging its strengths in education, cultural heritage, and quality of life to attract young talent.

People’s Artist Quyen Van Minh performs at the launch of the Hanoi Jazztival 2026 project. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi emerges as international music hub

The Hanoi Jazztival 2026, themed “Hanoi Jazz – Music Without Borders,” will take place from September 17-19 at a range of cultural venues, including the Hanoi Opera House, Ly Thai To Garden, Thang Long Theatre and the Vietnam Women’s Museum.

Asian Youth Orchestra artists perform at the concert on August 12. (Photo: VNA)

Asian Youth Orchestra performs classical masterpieces in Hanoi

The special programme brought together young musicians from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and Uzbekistan, offering Hanoi audiences works by renowned composers such as Tchaikovsky, Prokofiev, and Dmitri Shostakovich.

Artists perform at the festival's press conference on August 12. (Photo: VNA)

Jazz melodies connect Hanoi with the world

Le Thi Anh Mai, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said the organisers aim to develop Hanoi Jazztival into an annual international jazz festival, creating a cultural brand for Hanoi with regional recognition and global reach.