Announced well in advance, the nine-day Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026 holiday is providing a clear boost to the tourism market, with early signs of strong momentum in both domestic and outbound travel laying the groundwork for growth throughout the year.

A lion dance performance on Ong Lang street. Can Tho welcomes visitors to the city during the Lunar New Year holiday.

Domestic tourism is showing a marked shift towards greater traveller autonomy, as visitors increasingly design their own itineraries, choose flexible travel periods and prioritise bundled air–hotel packages that match individual needs.

A number of outbound tours have already sold out, reinforcing positive early-year signals for sustained tourism growth in 2026.

Around three weeks ahead of Tet, the domestic travel market has become noticeably more vibrant.

Data from online searches and social media platforms point to a sharp rise in interest, particularly in destinations offering pleasant weather, well-developed tourism infrastructure and family-friendly appeal.

In the lead-up to the holiday, Phu Quoc topped search rankings, followed by Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Lat. Notably, Con Dao has emerged as a destination drawing increased attention this year, thanks to its tranquil setting and rich cultural and spiritual values.

During the Tet holiday, familiar destinations such as Da Lat, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Sa Pa, Moc Chau and Ha Long Bay are expected to continue attracting large numbers of visitors.

After Tet, travel demand is forecast to shift towards lighter, experience-oriented trips with a stronger cultural and spiritual focus.

According to Pham Thi Anh Nguyet, Director of SeA Travel, current domestic travel trends clearly reflect more proactive planning by travellers, with itineraries tailored to personal preferences and timing. Many package tours, she noted, have been fully booked well ahead of the holiday.

Nguyen Van Tu, Sales Director of Hava Travel’s Hanoi branch, said tours along the Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Ha Long – Sa Pa route, lasting three to five days and priced at around 3.5–5.5 million VND (134–211 USD) per person, are among the most popular choices.

Meanwhile, land-only tours to Da Nang – Hue - Hoi An, lasting four days and three nights and costing about 4 million VND per person, have also recorded stable demand due to their compact itineraries and reasonable pricing.

A representative of Vietluxtour reported that demand for Lunar New Year travel in 2026 has risen by approximately 15–20% year-on-year. However, growth has not been “overheated” in terms of volume, instead shifting towards improved quality.

The company’s air tours to Hanoi and Da Nang have already been fully booked, with limited availability remaining for overland tours to Da Lat, Phan Thiet, Nha Trang and destinations in the Mekong Delta.

Feedback from travel companies indicated that the domestic tourism market during the Lunar New Year 2026 is not only buoyant in demand, but also characterised by a clear change in consumer behaviour, as travellers increasingly plan ahead and place greater emphasis on suitable experiences and service quality.

The long holiday has also fuelled strong demand for outbound travel within Asia, with China standing out thanks to its diverse destinations, flexible itineraries and competitive costs.

In the more affordable segment, short trips to Nanning – Guilin – Yangshuo, lasting two to four days and priced between 3.5–7 million VND per person, are proving popular among individual travellers and families seeking a light holiday combined with spring excursions.

Mid- and high-end segments, meanwhile, are focusing on direct-flight tours with longer itineraries and all-inclusive services.

Japan and the Republic of Korea (RoK) remain among the top choices for Vietnamese travellers during Tet 2026. Travel firms noted that group visa procedures for China, Japan and the RoK have become relatively convenient and affordable, with high approval rates.

Coupled with favourable exchange rates, these factors are encouraging travellers to opt for itineraries that combine sightseeing, shopping and culinary experiences, enhancing overall trip value.

Meanwhile, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia continue to be popular options thanks to visa-free entry, short travel distances, frequent flights and compact tour durations.

Tet event in Japan celebrates success of 14th National Party Congress

The two-day event carries special significance as it coincides with nationwide celebrations of the success of the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

 

Overwhelming Tet atmosphere at flower, ornamental plant villages

Phung Cong commune, known as the “capital” of flowers and ornamental plants in the northern region, is already bustling with Tet preparations. Trucks line the roads carrying flowers to cities and provinces nationwide, while traders arrive weeks in advance to secure the best plants for the holiday market.

 

Warm Tet for migrant workers far from home

BAC NINH - As the Lunar New Year approaches, many workers at industrial parks across Bac Ninh province continue to work overtime, choosing to stay behind instead of returning home for the holiday. Amid mounting living costs and financial pressures, migrant workers hope for greater support from employers and trade unions to help them welcome the new spring with warmth and dignity, even while far from their families.

Experiential activities bring Tet cheer to disadvantaged children in Bac Ninh

BAC NINH - Nearly 100 disadvantaged children took part in an experiential programme titled “Green Chung Cake – My Hometown Tet Market” held on January 20 at Facility No. 2 of the Bac Ninh General Social Protection Centre.

Bac Ninh supports over 5,800 union members through Trade Union Tet market

BAC NINH - More than 5,800 trade union members and officials in Bac Ninh province have received support under the “Trade Union Tet Market – Spring 2026” programme, with total benefits valued at over 2.9 billion VND (126,801 USD).  

Tet gifts, chung cake made for disadvantaged people

Beyond its charitable significance, the programme also aims to introduce domestic and international visitors to the unique cultural values of Vietnam’s traditional Tet, while raising public awareness, particularly among younger generations, of the responsibility to preserve and promote the cultural identities of Vietnam’s ethnic groups.