Tet in Hoi An, Vietnam – Activities and Experiences not to be missed

Hoi An, with its ancient beauty and unique culture, is always one of the top destinations in Vietnam. Every year, when the Lunar New Year approaches, Hoi An puts on a brilliant spring color, becoming a vivid picture of tradition and modernity. This is not only an occasion for local people to gather but also an opportunity for tourists from all over the world to explore and experience Vietnamese Tet culture in the most authentic way. From special festival activities to unique tourist destinations, Hoi An is the ideal choice to start a new year with many memorable emotions.

Tet (Lunar New Year) in Vietnam and Hoi An

Lunar New Year, also known as Tet, is not only the biggest holiday of the year in Vietnam but also the time when the whole country becomes more brilliant and vibrant than ever. This is not only an occasion for family reunions but also an opportunity for international visitors to immerse themselves in local culture.

Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a great destination during Tet. With its historic old town and unique festival atmosphere, it attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world every year. According to statistics in 2023, Hoi An welcomed nearly 4 million visitors, including 3 million international visitors, mainly from Korea, Australia and European countries, giving visitors the opportunity to deeply experience Vietnamese culture through traditional activities, customs, and dishes typical of spring. From bustling Tet markets to the peaceful space along the Hoai River, Hoi An during Tet is a vivid picture blending modernity and tradition.

Special activities and experiences during Tet in Hoi An

Check out the special activities that you cannot miss if you are traveling to Hoi An during the Lunar New Year.

Visit the ancient town and famous destinations in the festive atmosphere

Hoi An ancient town during Tet seems to put on a completely new look with brilliant spring colors and a festive atmosphere. Throughout the streets, bright red lanterns are hung high, sparkling and lighting up every corner. From ancient houses with mossy tiled roofs to main streets such as Nguyen Thai Hoc and Tran Phu, all are decorated with spring motifs. The Japanese Covered Bridge – an indispensable symbol of Hoi An, becomes a brilliant highlight with colorful flowers, making anyone want to capture beautiful moments here.

In addition, the Fujian Assembly Hall, the Chaozhou Assembly Hall, and architectural works bearing the mark of the Chinese are also splendidly decorated, an ideal place for visitors to learn about culture and pray for luck and prosperity in the new year.

Enjoy Vietnamese Tet cuisine

Tet cannot be without traditional dishes that are deeply imprinted with Vietnamese culture. Hoi An is a place where culinary quintessence converges, from banh chung, banh tet to Nem ran, Gio cha and jam. Visitors can easily find these dishes at local restaurants and eateries or join cooking classes to prepare a Tet meal themselves.

In particular, the Caman Village area at Silk Sense offers a unique organic culinary experience, where fresh ingredients are harvested directly from the garden. This is not only a meal but also a journey to discover Hoi An’s culinary culture through each traditional dish. Here, Silk Sense organizes a very special Traditional Tet Program with activities such as participating in folk games connecting Vietnamese culture and the interesting challenge of Finding and buying ingredients with traditional coins.

Participate in festivals and cultural activities

Hoi An is always bustling with a series of unique festivals taking place during Tet:

• Tet Fair: A colorful space with traditional products, from cakes, jams, fruits, to handicrafts. In addition, the fair also organizes folk games such as blindfolded pot smashing, bamboo pole dancing, attracting both adults and children to participate.
• Floating flower lanterns: The tradition of releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River is a long-standing cultural beauty. The small, pretty lanterns carry prayers for peace and happiness and are released, creating a magical, romantic scene.
• Lion and dragon dance: The traditional dance with colorful lions and dragons not only brings joy but is also considered a ritual to ward off evil spirits, welcoming luck and fortune.

Tips for foreign tourists when celebrating Tet in Hoi An

To make your trip smooth, foreign tourists who want to visit Hoi An during this Lunar New Year should note the following:
Book a room in advance
Tet is the peak time for tourism in Hoi An. Booking a room early not only helps you avoid being sold out but also ensures that your accommodation has the best location and service. Resorts like Silk Sense are top choices with cool green spaces and high-class services.

Participate in local activities
Don’t just be an observer, immerse yourself in traditional activities to clearly feel Vietnamese culture. From strolling around the bustling Tet market, participating in releasing flower lanterns on the Hoai River, to enjoying Tet dishes, all bring memorable experiences.

Prepare to learn about Tet culture in advance
Understanding the meaning of Tet customs will help you integrate more easily. From lucky money, New Year wishes, to taboos on the first day of the year, all have interesting stories that you can explore.

Hoi An during the Lunar New Year brings an unforgettable experience with the blend of tradition and modern festival atmosphere. From immersing yourself in the vibrant activities in the ancient town to relaxing in traditional craft villages or enjoying high-class resorts, this place is the perfect destination for all visitors. Let Hoi An become a wonderful opening picture for a meaningful new year, where every moment is marked with joy and peace.

For more information and advice, please contact us via:
(T) +84 235 3754 999
(E) reservation@silksenseresort.com
(F) https://www.facebook.com/silksenseresort
(IG) @silksenseresort
(A) 01 Dong Da Street, Cam An Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam