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Are you planning to visit Vietnam in early 2025? Tet season is the best time for you to come here to experience it. During this time, Hoi An stands out with unique festive activities, streets illuminated with shimmering lights, and rituals rich in local identity.
Along Tran Phu Street, locals grow bougainvillea in a variety of vibrant colors (Source: Migo)
This is the perfect occasion for you to explore its tranquil beauty, participate in vibrant festivals, and enjoy the springtime atmosphere in this ancient town
Tet is the Vietnamese New Year, celebrated annually between January and February. This is a significant occasion for people to reunite with family and friends.
The Ancient Town is about 30km south of Da Nang City. Many visitors often choose to land at Da Nang International Airport and head straight to Hoi An, as the airport is conveniently situated in the city center.
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Tourists stroll along the Hoi An streets (Source: Migo)
During the Lunar New Year, you will have the opportunity to visit a place that is truly special, filled with the magical sight of thousands of lanterns floating on the Thu Bon River, and the famous attractions are more vibrantly decorated than normal with ….couplets, red lanterns, along with apricot and peach blossoms, create a special Tet atmosphere.
Trying traditional dishes that are only available during Tet season, such as banh chung, banh tet (sticky rice cake), gio cha (Vietnamese sausage), and canh mang (bamboo shoot soup),..
Read more: Hoi An Tour Full-day: Countryside Cycling Excursion
Releasing lanterns on the Hoai River is a must-do during Tet in Hoi An. The lanterns represent wishes for a quiet and hopeful new year. As night falls, the Hoai River is lit up by the vibrant glow of the lanterns, creating a magical and peaceful atmosphere. Don’t forget to charge your phone to capture the most stunning moments.
Tourists take boat rides to release lanterns on the Hoai River (Source: Saigontourist)
During festival days, the entire old town is illuminated by lanterns. The festival begins at 6:00 PM, but two hours before that, all streets in the old town are closed to vehicles. The festival lasts until 10:00 PM and features many exciting activities.
A unique experience in Hoi An is the express “ao dai” tailoring service. In just a few hours, In just a few hours, you can have a correctly tailored ao dai that fits your body and is ready for the ideal photo session on the charming small streets. The flowing so dai brings a sense of elegance, ensuring your appearance stands out in the ancient architecture of the old town.
A foreign visitor wanders through Hoi An's ancient town in Ao Dai during the TET holiday (Source: VTC News)
Here are some trusted and high-quality express tailoring shops you can try:
Cycling around the ancient town is a great way to see Hoi An's modest beauty. The pleasant wind, little sunlight, and sight of antique houses make an excellent frame for your Instagram photo. Bach Dang, Tran Phu, and Le Loi are the most popular choices.
Many tourists love taking photos with vintage bicycles on the streets (Source: Tu Art)
Tran Phu Street has been honored as one of the 71 most beautiful streets in the world, ranking 45th out of 71. Along Tran Phu Street, in front of the ancient houses, locals plant bougainvillea in a variety of colors. The bloom is year-round, making the street always vibrant and turning it into an ideal check-in spot for visitors.
Vietnam's culinary capital, Hoi An, is recognized by CNN Travel as one of Southeast Asia's must-see destinations. The cuisine is renowned for its simple cooking and presentation, remaining authentically traditional throughout hundreds of years while being modest, humble, and pleasantly homely.
The traditional Vietnamese Tet meal (Source: VTC News)
The ideal time to enjoy unique Tet treats is when you visit during the Tet season. From traditional dishes like banh chung, banh tet, candied fruits, and iconic dishes, there are so many for everyone. A cozy meal of chicken rice or a savory bowl of mi quang reflects the true taste of central Vietnam, leaving a lasting impression.
Here are some local restaurants Asia King Travel recommends for you:
The old vibe of modest mansions like Tan Ky House or Phung Hung House transports us back centuries, maintaining Hoi An's unique culture and architecture. Each house reveals a unique story from the past, revealing the imprints of generations that lived here.
The 244-year-old Phung Hung historic house is located on a street in the center of the ancient town (Source: Vietnamnet)
During Tet, these old houses are often decked with red lanterns, banners, and couplets, making the sight even more bright and inviting.
Tra Que vegetable village is renowned for its lush green fields, making it an ideal destination for visitors seeking peace and relaxation at the start of the year. Here, you can engage in farming activities, learn about organic vegetable growing, or enjoy dishes made from fresh, locally grown produce right in the village.
The fields are set up nicely in Tra Que Vegetable Village (Source: Vietnamnet)
This bridge was funded by Japanese merchants in the 17th century, so it is sometimes called the Japanese Bridge. People have long believed that the Japanese Covered Bridge, which is in the middle of the old town, and also a holy place where they can find peace, happiness, and good luck.
The image of the bridge is printed on the 20,000 VND banknote of Vietnam (Source: Vietnamnet)
During Tet in Hoi An, it becomes even more popular, attracting thousands of locals and visitors looking to pray for blessings in the new year
As the first cultural theme park in Vietnam, the Impression Theme Park showcases the diversity of architecture and art, reflecting a bustling trading port in the 16th and 17th centuries. Drawing inspiration from the architecture and cultural-historical stories of Hoi An, the park recreates the scene of Faifo, a thriving trading port during the mid-16th to 17th centuries in Hoi An, Vietnam.
The gate of theme park on the festival day (Source: Hoianmemoriesland)
The theme park includes a Vietnamese Village, Japanese Village, Chinese Village, or the Thien Duc Spiritual Zone and "Hoi An Memories" show. These shows will bring visitors closer to the life, people, and culture of this trading port during its golden age.
The map of Hoi An impression theme park (Source: Hoianmemoriesland)
Address: From 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong, turn left, and you will see the bridge leading to Hoi An Impression Theme Park.
Price: 50.000 VNĐ/person, If visitors have purchased tickets for the "Hoi An Memories" show, they will receive free entry to the park.
The beauty of Hoi An lanterns really shines at night. Locals think that hanging lanterns in front of their homes bring good fortune, happiness, and wealth to their families. You can take a lantern-making class and create your own unique version of this oriental decoration, which takes you back to the enchanting streets of the old town.
Make your own beautiful handmade souvenir, with no skill, just have fun (Source: Hoianhandicraft)
Once completed, these lanterns are easy to fold, carry, or put in your luggage. Take an original, enjoyable, hand-made souvenir home from your visit to Hoi An.
Traveling to Vietnam at the start of the year promises a one-of-a-kind experience filled with Tet's colorful atmosphere as well as a variety of key activities. If you're looking for the perfect destination for your 2025 vacation, a January trip to Hoi An will provide you with amazing experiences.
Read more: Hoi An Tour Full-day: Hoi An Lantern Crafting Adventure
