Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is Vietnam’s most significant holiday, symbolizing renewal, family bonds, and cultural heritage. Celebrated with vibrant traditions, it spans several days around the lunar calendar—falling in late January or early February. In Hanoi, the capital buzzes with festive energy, from bustling markets to serene temple visits. If you’re visiting on a business trip during Tết 2026, these six activities will allow you to blend work with cultural immersion, even as many shops and offices close for the holiday. Expect chilly weather (around 10-15°C), so layer up, and note that public transport may be crowded. Always respect customs, such as offering “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) greetings.
1. Explore Vibrant Flower Markets
Dive into the colorful chaos of Quảng Bá Flower Market near West Lake, a nighttime hub where locals select peach blossoms (hòa đào) for luck and kumquat trees (cây quất) for prosperity. Open late into the evening before Tết, it’s a sensory overload of fragrances and haggling. Arrive after 10 PM for the peak atmosphere, and perhaps purchase a small bloom as a souvenir.
2. Watch Fireworks and Street Performances at Hoàn Kiếm Lake
As the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, join thousands for dazzling fireworks over the iconic lake. Daytime brings lion dances (múa lân), folk music, and street parades. Stroll the pedestrian zone for photo ops with the Turtle Tower and catch impromptu performances— a perfect spot to feel the communal joy.
3. Visit Temples and Pagodas for Prayers
Seek tranquility at the Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám), Vietnam’s first university, adorned with lanterns and calligraphy stalls during Tết. Offer incense, admire scholar stelae, and join in “xin chữ” (requesting auspicious calligraphy). Nearby Trấn Quốc Pagoda on West Lake offers lakeside serenity—ideal for reflection amid the festivities.
4. Stroll Through the Old Quarter and Hàng Mã Street
Wander Hanoi’s 36 ancient streets in the Old Quarter, where Hàng Mã transforms into a red-and-gold wonderland of lanterns, decorations, and votive paper offerings. Witness families burning fake money for ancestors, browse street stalls for lucky charms, and soak in the historic architecture lit up for the holiday.
5. Enjoy Traditional Performances like Water Puppets
Experience the magical Thăng Long Water Puppet Theatre near Hoàn Kiếm Lake, where puppeteers in water narrate Vietnamese folklore through intricate figures. Shows often incorporate Tết themes like dragon dances and harvest scenes, lasting about 50 minutes—book tickets in advance as they’re popular during the holiday.
6. Participate in Traditional Games and Fairs
Engage in lively games like bầu cua cá cọp (a dice game betting on animal symbols) at parks or fairs around Hanoi. These communal activities, often with prizes, embody Tết’s spirit of fun and fortune. Look for setups in temple grounds or public spaces and try your luck alongside locals for an authentic experience.
