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…

While Vietnam is a tropical country, Da Nang transforms into a surprising winter wonderland during December. The weather cools down (often 19°C–24°C), and the city lights up with holiday cheer. Whether you are looking for a spiritual experience, a romantic dinner, or a lively party, here are the top 6 things to do in Da Nang this Christmas.  (Photo from Lê Minh - Ba Na Hills) 1. Experience "Winter in Europe" at Ba Na Hills If you want a true "cold Christmas" feeling, head to the Sun World Ba Na Hills. Located high in the mountains, the temperature is naturally cooler. During December, the French Village is decorated with giant pine trees, white snow scenes, and pumpkins.Highlight: The winter Festival usually features street performances, costumed dancers, and a magical atmosphere that feels like a Eurapean town.Tip: Bring a warm coat and an umbrella, as it can be misty and chilly up there! (Photo from May Ni - Da Nang Cathedral) 2. Visit the Pink Church (Da Nang Cathedral) The "Rooster Church" (Nhà thờ Con Gà) is the most famous Catholic church in the city. Its pastel pink gothic architecture makes it a stunning photo spot. On Christmas Eve (December 24th), the cathedral is beautifully illuminated with LED lights, a nativity scene, and a massive Christmas tree.Highlight: Attending the Midnight Mass here is a serene and cultural experience, even if you are not religious.Location: 156 Tran Phu Street. (Photo from Nimit N - Da Nang Dragon Bridge) 3. Watch the Dragon Bridge Fire Show Christmas is a great excuse to see Da Nang’s most iconic symbol. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights at 9:00 PM, the Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water.Suggestion: Afterward, take a stroll along the Love Lock Bridge nearby or book a Han River Cruise to see the city…

(Photo: Local Vietnam - Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake) (Photo: VinWonders - The Huc Bridge) (Photo: The Not So Innocent Abroad - Ngoc Son Temple) 1. The Sunrise Ritual: Tai Chi at Hoan Kiem Lake Time Required: 45 Minutes Best Time: 6:00 AM – 7:00 AMBefore the motorbike engines roar to life, Hanoi is surprisingly serene. If you are jet-lagged and awake early, head to Hoan Kiem Lake (Sword Lake). You don't need to change into gym gear; a simple walk is enough.The Experience: Watch hundreds of locals practicing Tai Chi, aerobics, and laughing yoga in the mist. It is a communal, non-touristy start to the day.The "Hit": Visit the red-painted The Huc Bridge leading to Ngoc Son Temple. It opens at 7:30 AM (sometimes earlier for locals), offering a moment of Zen before your 9:00 AM briefing.Business Bonus: It clears the mind better than hotel coffee. (Photo: Tripadvisor - Café Giảng) (Photo: Café Giảng - Egg Coffee) 2. The Caffeine Fix: Egg Coffee at Café Giảng Time Required: 30 - 45 Minutes   Best Time: Mid-morning gap or post-lunch slumpSkip the generic hotel latte. Hanoi’s coffee culture is legendary, and the "Ca Phe Trung" (Egg Coffee) is its crown jewel. Invented in the 1940s due to milk shortages, it is whipped egg yolk, sugar, and condensed milk over robust Robusta coffee.The Spot: Go to Café Giảng (39 Nguyen Huu Huan). It is hidden down a narrow alleyway—a blink-and-you'll-miss-it entrance that adds to the authenticity.The Experience: It tastes like liquid tiramisu. The venue is low-key, packed with locals, and buzzes with conversation.The "Hit": It’s a sensory shock—sweet, strong, and uniquely Hanoian. (Photo: The Food Connoisseur - Having Bun Cha in Bun Cha Huong Lien) 3. The Power Lunch: Bun Cha on a Plastic Stool Time Required: 45 Minutes Best Time:…

(Photo: Mercure Hotels - Sunrise at Golden Bridge) Da Nang is a city of contrasts—mountains and sea, ancient tradition and modern speed. For the luxury traveler, the challenge isn’t finding things to do; it’s experiencing the icons without the friction of mass tourism. Here are the five non-negotiable activities, upgraded for your status. 1. The "Sunrise Strategy" at the Golden Bridge The Golden Bridge is iconic, but visiting at 9:00 AM with thousands of tourists is a strategic error.The VIP Upgrade: There is only one way to experience this privately: book a night at the Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills.The Experience: As a hotel guest, you have access to the bridge at 6:00 AM and again after 5:00 PM when the cable cars stop bringing up day-trippers. You will have the "Hands of God" entirely to yourself for photography and quiet contemplation.Why It’s Essential: It turns a chaotic tourist trap into a genuinely majestic, private moment above the clouds. (Photo: ITravel Hai Van Pass with Vintage Jeep) 2. The "Top Gear" Drive: Hai Van Pass in a Vintage Jeep Described by Jeremy Clarkson as "one of the best coast roads in the world," the Hai Van Pass offers stunning views of the coastline.The VIP Upgrade: Do not take a bus or a closed sedan. Charter a restored US Army Jeep with a private driver.The Experience: The open-top jeep offers a visceral connection to the surroundings—the wind, the salt air, and the jungle scents. Your driver can stop at the abandoned French bunkers and hidden viewpoints that large vehicles cannot reach.Why It’s Essential: It is the perfect 3-hour adrenaline hit that fits easily between morning meetings and dinner. (Photo: A Dong Silk Personal Tailoring) 3. The "Power Suit" Commission: Express Bespoke Tailoring Central Vietnam is the tailoring capital of the…