Discover the best places to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Vietnam, from vibrant city countdowns to coastal firework shows and cultural experiences.

In the beautiful moments of spring, the countdown to the New Year is the most sacred time when every heart turns toward the future with hope and new wishes. Beyond the traditional setting of gathering around the pot of bánh chưng and the lingering scent of incense, many modern families now choose to travel and welcome the New Year in new destinations. Exploring a different place during this meaningful moment brings fresh inspiration, joy, and unforgettable memories.

New Year’s Eve in Vietnam is a vibrant blend of culture, fireworks, and festive energy. From bustling cities to peaceful coastal towns, each destination offers its own unique way to ring in the New Year. Whether you enjoy lively countdown parties, dazzling firework displays, or traditional cultural performances, Vietnam has the perfect place for you to celebrate this special night.

Below are the best destinations to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Vietnam.

1. Hanoi - A Charming and Historic New Year Atmosphere

Despite the winter chill, many visitors and Hanoi residents love to take to the streets to welcome the New Year. From early evening, thousands of people gather around Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy the festive atmosphere and watch the dazzling fireworks. The streets of Thanh Nien, Dien Bien Phu, Trang Thi, and the lakefront glow with colorful lights, while Turtle Tower becomes even more mystical and enchanting under vibrant decorative illumination.

When the clock strikes midnight, fireworks burst across the sky, signaling the arrival of the New Year. Young families take their children out for a stroll, groups of friends laugh and celebrate, elderly couples join the festive crowd, and international visitors immerse themselves in the joyful moment - everyone’s face glowing with happiness. Lucky sprigs and small bags of “prosperity salt” sell out within minutes. After the countdown, sacred pagodas across Hanoi quickly fill with people offering incense and prayers, wishing for good fortune, peace, and blessings in the year ahead.

2. Ha Long – A Magical New Year by the Heritage Bay

Welcoming the New Year along the shores of Ha Long Bay is an unforgettable experience. Beyond the shimmering lights and lively music, visitors can enjoy a romantic moment in the cool sea breeze wrapped in layers of winter clothing. The city celebrates Tet with vibrant decorations major hotels glow with shades of peach blossoms, bánh chưng, and red calligraphy scrolls, creating a festive yet elegant atmosphere.

As you listen to the gentle sounds of the waves and gaze at the emerald mountains rising from the water, you’ll feel a deep sense of harmony between heaven and earth. Ha Long offers a New Year’s Eve that lingers long in your memory—peaceful, breathtaking, and wonderfully poetic.

3. Da Nang – Fireworks Over the Han River

As the final day of the year arrives, Da Nang’s city center and the banks of the Han River become adorned with flags, flowers, and vibrant New Year banners. As midnight approaches, more and more people gather along the riverfront and at Bach Dang Spring Flower Street, filling the area with excitement. At the exact moment the old year transitions into the new, fireworks illuminate the entire Han River and the city skyline, creating an emotional and unforgettable celebration for everyone present.

Throughout the evening, various artistic performances take place on street corners, adding to the festive and cheerful atmosphere. In addition to the countdown events, Da Nang hosts spring fairs, Tet flower markets, street music shows, bài chòi folk performances, and traditional games-offering both locals and visitors a joyful and culturally rich way to welcome the New Year.

4. Hoi An – A Peaceful and Magical Lantern New Year

In Hoi An, you will find yourself immersed in a magical world of lanterns during New Year’s Eve, especially with the annual Lantern Festival held throughout the Ancient Town from the 24th day of the lunar month until the 10th day of Tet. The city also recreates the traditional Tet bamboo pole (cây nêu) at various temples, communal houses, and heritage sites. Lantern-making contests, lantern displays, and exhibitions bring even more charm and color to the historic streets, attracting countless visitors.

What makes New Year’s Eve in Hoi An truly special is the opportunity to join a variety of traditional cultural activities. Visitors can experience lô tô, bài chòi, water puppet shows, pot-breaking games, and classical music and dance performances. These activities offer an authentic glimpse into Hoi An’s Tet traditions and create unforgettable memories in the lantern-lit ancient town.

5. Hue – A Royal Tet Celebration

In Hue, alongside lively artistic performances welcoming the New Year, visitors can marvel at a spectacular fireworks display at Ngo Mon Square on New Year’s Eve. Visiting Hue during Tet is also a chance to explore the city’s rich royal heritage while enjoying a variety of exciting events, such as the Spring Flower Festival, Kite Festival, Fish Offering Festival, traditional boat races, art exhibitions, and painting displays.

In addition, Hue offers a wide range of traditional folk activities that immerse visitors in local culture: chess, human chess, bài chòi performances, cockfighting, sack races, wrestling, boat races, Sình village wrestling, and the classical Hue singing (Ca Huế). These experiences provide an unforgettable glimpse into the city’s vibrant traditions and the unique spirit of Tet in the former imperial capital.

6. Nha Trang – Beach Parties and Coastal Fireworks

Nha Trang welcomes the New Year with vibrant beachside celebrations, live music, and dazzling fireworks along Tran Phu Street. Resorts and beach clubs host exclusive countdown events, creating a lively and festive atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

The city offers stunning seaside fireworks, making it an ideal destination for party lovers, couples, and families alike. Welcoming the New Year in Nha Trang is a joyful and refreshing experience, with the sea breeze, soft sand, and sparkling lights creating unforgettable memories by the ocean.

7. Ho Chi Minh City – Vietnam’s Most Exciting Countdown

In Ho Chi Minh City, the excitement of New Year’s Eve reaches its peak as crowds pour into the streets despite the warm tropical night. Nguyen Hue Walking Street becomes the heart of the celebration, transforming into a massive countdown stage with vibrant LED light shows, live concerts, and thousands of locals and tourists gathering to share the festive spirit. The entire downtown area from Dong Khoi Street to the Saigon River waterfront glows with colorful lights and decorative displays, creating a lively urban spectacle.

As the clock strikes midnight, fireworks burst above the city skyline, illuminating skyscrapers and reflecting off the river. Young people cheer, families take photos to capture the moment, and visitors from around the world join in the joyful celebration. Rooftop bars, river cruises, and open-air squares all offer unique ways to welcome the New Year. With its energetic atmosphere, modern lights, and unforgettable nightlife, Ho Chi Minh City delivers one of the most dynamic New Year’s Eve experiences in Vietnam.

8. Phu Quoc – A Sunny Island Escape for the New Year

The sunny paradise of Phu Quoc is the perfect destination to enjoy a relaxing start to the New Year, surrounded by rivers, jungles, mountains, and the sparkling sea. Stroll along soft sandy beaches and savor a festive year-end feast by the waves to fully embrace the warm spirit of spring.

Don’t miss a morning exploring the bustling seafood markets, trekking through pristine forests to the refreshing Tranh Stream, or sipping coffee while watching the sunrise at Dinh Cau. Each experience is a meaningful gift from the “Pearl Island,” making your New Year celebration truly unforgettable.

Vietnam offers countless amazing places to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Whether you enjoy crowded countdown parties, romantic lantern-lit streets, or peaceful coastal views, each destination brings its own charm and festive spirit.

For the best travel experience, let LV Travel guide you through the most unforgettable New Year celebrations in Vietnam-filled with culture, fireworks, and excitement.

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