Hoi An Lunar New Year 2026: Tết Traditions, Festivities & How to Celebrate

Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year) 2026 falls on 17 February, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse – a symbol of vitality, renewal, and forward momentum. In Hoi An, Tết unfolds gently, where lantern-lit streets glow warmer, river rituals replace countdown noise, and time slows to honour family, ancestors, and fresh beginnings.

During Lunar New Year, Hoi An’s weather remains mild and pleasant (18-23°C), ideal for walking, cycling, and riverside celebrations. Homes are freshly cleaned and adorned with kumquat trees, peach or apricot blossoms, and red calligraphy banners; while locals wear elegant Áo Dài, bringing timeless colour to the ancient town. From sacred rituals to joyful festivals, these are some of the most meaningful ways to experience Hoi An during Lunar New Year 2026.

Walk Through Lantern-Lit Ancient Town

Location: Hoi An Ancient Town, Quang Nam
As time slowly passes during Tết, Hoi An Ancient Town transforms into a glowing river of lanterns. The soft flicker of silk lights reflects on moss-covered walls and yellow merchant houses, creating an atmosphere that feels both celebratory and deeply intimate. A signature ritual is releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River, symbolising wishes for luck and peace in the New Year. Lantern boat rides drift slowly past the old streets, offering a poetic view of Hoi An at its most magical.

Pricing:
• Floating lanterns: 10,000 – 20,000 VND
• Lantern boat ride: 150,000 VND (1-3 people) | 200,000 VND (4-5 people)
Open Hours: Evening until around 22:00
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Travel Tip: Visit after 18:30 for the best lighting and fewer daytime crowds.

Enjoy Traditional Tết Festivals in Hoi An

Nguyên Tiêu Festival – First Full Moon of the Lunar Year

Time: 14-16th day of the 1st lunar month (Mar 2-4, 2026)
Location: Hoi An Ancient Town

Marking the first full moon of the lunar year, the Nguyên Tiêu Festival is one of Hoi An’s most spiritually significant celebrations. Locals gather at pagodas and communal houses to pray for peace and prosperity, while the old town glows with floating lotus lanterns drifting along the river.

Activities:
- Releasing paper lotus lanterns onto the river
- Visiting pagodas, temples, and communal houses
- Traditional cultural performances
Pricing: Free
Travel Tip: Dress modestly when entering pagodas.

Trà Quế Vegetable Village “Cầu Bông” Ritual

Time: 23 February 2026
Location: Tra Que Vegetable Village

Rooted in agricultural traditions, the Cầu Bông Ritual is held to pray for favourable weather and abundant harvests. The village comes alive with folk games, farming contests, and cultural performances celebrating rural life and community spirit.

Duration: Morning to afternoon
Activities:
- Folk games and farming challenges
- Tug-of-war and a traditional rural sport
- Community performances
Pricing: Free
Travel Tip: Combine with a countryside cycling tour.

Kim Bồng Carpentry Village Festival & Ancestors’ Commemoration

Time: 27-28 February 2026
Location: Kim Bong Village

Ancestors’ Communal House (Tiền Hiền): ritual space
Craft Village Centre & riverside area: festival activities

This spring event blends sacred ancestral rituals with the lively atmosphere of a traditional craft village festival, offering insight into Kim Bồng’s spiritual beliefs, craftsmanship, and Tet-time community life.

Activities & Rituals:
- Phạt mộc (sacred wood-cutting ritual) – 7:00–9:30 AM, 28 Feb, at the Ancestors’ Communal House
- Lễ tế Tiền Hiền ancestral worship ceremony for good luck and prosperity
- Live wood carving and woodworking demonstrations
- Traditional boat race (27 Feb)
- Folk games and cultural performances
- Hands-on craft experiences (carpentry, bamboo weaving, mat weaving, dó paper making)
- Countryside market with local Tet food
- Bài Chòi folk singing and cultural exchange programs
Travel Tip: Arrive early on 27 February to witness the ritual, then stay through 27–28 February to fully immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere.

Festival of Light & Heritage 2026

Time: 17 February – 30 April 2026
Location: Hoi An Memories Land

Launched in 2026, the Festival of Light & Heritage reimagines Hoi An’s cultural legacy through contemporary light art, immersive performances, and modern storytelling, highlighting Vietnamese-Japanese cultural exchange through the iconic Shuinsen (Red Seal Ship).

ハイライト:
- Dragon & Phoenix drone show
- Giant lantern installations
- Floating lantern ritual
Pricing: Ticketed event
Travel Tip: Pre-book for peak Tết nights.

Boat Racing on the Đế Võng River

Time: 28 February 2026
Location: De Vong River

A powerful display of teamwork and tradition, village teams compete in long wooden boats as rhythmic drumming and cheering echo along the riverbanks, celebrating over 2000 years of riverine culture

Activities:

Traditional boat racing between village teams
Drumming and chanting to keep paddlers in rhythm
Lively celebrations along the river

Whale Worship Festival (Cầu Ngư)

Time: 27-28 February 2026
Location: Ha Khe Beach Park, Nguyễn Tất Thành Street

A sacred coastal ceremony, the Whale Worship Festival honours sea deities and prays for safe voyages and abundant fishing. The event blends solemn rituals with vibrant folk performances by local fishing communities.

Activities:

Worship ceremonies and incense offerings
Traditional food and fruit offerings
Folk singing and ritual dances

Visit Pagodas & Spiritual Sites for New Year Blessings

During Tết, Vietnamese families visit pagodas, temples, and communal houses to honour ancestors and pray for peace, health, and prosperity in the year ahead. Visitors are welcome to observe or quietly participate in incense offerings, experiencing Hoi An’s gentle spiritual rhythm at the beginning of the Lunar New Year.

Temples & Pagodas

Chuc Thanh Pagoda: The oldest Buddhist pagoda in Hoi An, founded in 1454
Van Duc Pagoda: A calm, locally frequented Buddhist temple
Phap Bao Pagoda: A spacious modern pagoda with a peaceful atmosphere
Quan Cong Temple: An important spiritual site for the Chinese community

Communal Houses (Traditional Meeting Halls)

Cam Pho Communal House: A historic Vietnamese communal house
Minh Huong Communal House: Built by Chinese immigrants who settled in Hoi An

Historic Houses & Landmarks

Tan Ky Old House: Over 200 years old, reflecting classic merchant architecture
Phung Hung Old House: A grand wooden house blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles
Japanese Covered Bridge: Hoi An’s most iconic landmark

Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning for a serene, respectful experience, when rituals are most meaningful and crowds are minimal.

Experience a Traditional Tết Market

Locations:

Hoi An Market – 19 Trần Phú
Hoi An Night Market – Nguyễn Hoàng
Bà Lê Market – 194 Lê Thánh Tông

During Tết, Hoi An’s markets overflow with vibrant colour and tradition. Stalls brim with festive foods, New Year offerings, red decorations, and everyday rituals that mark the arrival of spring.

From 01–16 February, spring flower markets spread across major streets including Trần Hưng Đạo, Nguyễn Huệ, Hoàng Diệu, Ngô Gia Tự, Phạm Hồng Thái, Thái Phiên, and Lý Thường Kiệt, filling the town with kumquat trees, peach blossoms, and apricot flowers.

Travel Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, when the markets are most lively and the soft light is ideal for photography.

Taste Tết Flavours in Hoi An

Tết cuisine centres on togetherness and prosperity. Traditional sticky rice cakes – bánh chưng and bánh tét – are essential New Year dishes, symbolising gratitude and abundance.

Highly Recommended Local Eateries:

Travel Tip: Some eateries close on the first days of Tết – check opening hours in advance.

Watch Folk Games & Cultural Performances

Outdoor performances in Hoi An Ancient Town during Tết
Throughout the Lunar New Year, the Ancient Town becomes an open-air stage where heritage comes to life. Expect a rich mix of movement, music, and community-led traditions, including:

Lion dances
Tuồng / Hát Bội (Classical Vietnamese theatre)
Bài Chòi folk performances & games (UNESCO-listed)
Blindfolded drum beating
Human chess festival
Skipping rope competitions
Traditional music and folk dance shows

A quieter alternative at Namia River Retreat
For a more intimate and unrushed experience, Namia River Retreat offers curated cultural performances in a serene riverside setting:

Live traditional Vietnamese music (daily, 17–20 February)
Bài Chòi folk games (17 & 19 February)
Tết choir performances (18 & 19 February)
Áo Dài lantern ritual

Address: 232 Trần Nhân Tông Street, Hội An Đông Ward

Enjoy Cultural Spaces & Exhibitions

Traditional Tết Cultural Space

Time: 06–26 February
Location: 155 Phan Chau Trinh St., Hai Chau Ward

This immersive space showcases Tết traditions through folk artefacts, festive décor, and cultural displays, offering insight into Vietnamese New Year customs and symbolism.

“Horses and Flowers in the Works of Lê Bá Đảng” Exhibition

Time: 31 January – 28 February 2026
Location: Da Nang Museum of Fine Arts (78 Le Duan St., Hai Chau Ward)

A refined exhibition celebrating the artistic legacy of Lê Bá Đảng, where expressive motifs of horses and flowers reflect movement, harmony, and Vietnamese cultural identity.

Traditional Craft Village Exhibition Space

Time: 17–27 February 2026
Location: An Hoi Sculpture Garden, Hoi An Ward

This open-air exhibition highlights Hoi An’s craft heritage, featuring works and demonstrations from traditional villages and offering a closer look at time-honoured techniques passed down through generations.

Watch the Countdown & Fireworks (16 February, Midnight)

Fireworks remain the most iconic New Year moment in Vietnam, symbolising renewal, luck, and collective joy as the Lunar New Year begins. In Hoi An, celebrations feel festive yet relaxed, with riverside views and lantern-lit streets rather than loud city crowds.

Date & Time:

16 February 2026, around midnight
Duration: ~10-15 minutes

Best Firework Spots in Hoi An:

An Hoi Bridge (Nguyen Phuc Chu Bridge): Elevated views over the river
Thu Bon River: Watch from Bạch Đằng Street or quiet riverbanks
Old Town streets & squares: Nguyễn Thái Học, Công Nữ Ngọc Hoa
An Bang Beach: A calmer, open-air coastal option

Đà Nẵng Highlight:

Dragon Bridge (Hàn River): Fireworks paired with bridge performances

Travel Tips:

Arrive 30-60 minutes early for bridge viewpoints
Expect limited traffic access near Old Town after 22:00
Bring light layers – evenings can be cool in February

Enjoy a Peaceful Tết Afternoon at a Heritage Café

After busy mornings of rituals and family visits, Tết afternoons in Hoi An slow down. Heritage cafés offer shaded courtyards, balcony views, and quiet corners – ideal for reflection, journaling, or simply watching the town move gently through the holiday.

Suggested Cafés (Open During Tết):

92 Station Restaurant & Cafe: Garden setting, relaxed atmosphere
Ren Rứa Cafe: Vintage interiors, strong local character
Faifo Roastery: Rooftop views over tiled rooftops

Best Time to Visit:

Late morning to early afternoon (10:00-15:00)

Travel Tip: Some cafés operate with limited menus during Tết – embrace the slower service as part of the experience.

Celebrating Tết 2026 – The Year of the Fire Horse at Namia River Retreat

At Namia River Retreat, Tết is reimagined as a time for mindful renewal and cultural connection, set on a quiet islet along the Thu Bồn River. Celebrations unfold gently through daily rituals, shared meals, and riverside intimate moments rather than bustling crowds.

Exclusive Domestic Tết Offer

From VND 13,500,000 per private pool villa/night
VND 1,000,000 dining credit per villa/night
No Tết surcharge throughout the festive season
Complimentary Tết cultural rituals & festive gifts

Includes:

Welcome gift of traditional Tết candies
Nightly Tết-inspired turn-down amenities

Tết Festive Calendar Highlights

Venue: The Merchant Restaurant – Namia River Retreat

Daily Events (17-20 February):

Áo Dài photo shoots (13:00-15:00)
Sunset river cruises (booking required)
Áo Dài lantern rituals (booking required)
Traditional Vietnamese music performances pre-dinner.
Regional Family-style set menus or Solo Tasting Basket set menu
Tết Afternoon Tea

Travel Tip: Advance booking is recommended for lantern rituals and sunset cruises due to limited capacity.

Lunar New Year Dining Experience

Seasonal Set Menu
Time: 11:00-22:00 | 17-20 February 2026

Solo Tasting Basket: A personal Vietnamese feast using seasonal ingredients, VND 950,000 nett/guest
Shared Family Table (6 Courses): Served family-style in riverfront dining spaces. VND 1,200,000 nett/guest

Add Solo Tasting Basket Set Menu

Riverside Afternoon Tea

Time: 11:00-17:00 | 17-28 February 2026
Venue: The Merchant Restaurant

VND 500,000 nett/guest
Advance booking (minimum 4 hours) required

Featuring three sweet and three savoury creations inspired by Tết flavours, paired with Vietnamese coffee and premium teas.

Explore more: Lunar New Year Season

Stay at a wellness-inclusive retreat for Lunar New Year 2026

At Namia River Retreat, Tết is reimagined as a moment of mindful renewal and intentional beginnings. Set on a secluded islet along the Thu Bồn River, Namia ‘s wellness-inclusive retreat invites guests to slow down in private pool villas framed by nipa palms, just minutes from the lantern-lit Ancient Town. Namia River Retreat’s Wellbeing lies at the heart of the Tết experience. Guests begin the year with Vietnamese herbology spa rituals, daily yoga, New Year meditation, and gentle movement practices, slowly getting ready for the new year with composure.

Beyond the spa, Tết at Namia River Retreat unfolds through riverside cultural immersions at The Merchant restaurant and complimentary experiences such as lantern rituals and seasonal dining experiences that honour local ingredients and traditions.

Lunar New Year in Hoi An is about slowing down, honouring what has been, and beginning the year with care. From lantern-lit walks through the Old Town to quiet moments by the river, Tết 2026 invites a calmer, more meaningful way to mark a new beginning. At Namia River Retreat, simple rituals, shared meals, and unhurried pauses shape the experience, offering a gentle welcome into the Year of the Fire Horse, grounded in balance, gratitude, and quiet joy.

連絡先

Location: 232 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Hoi An Dong Ward, Hoi An, Việt Nam
Phone: +84 (0) 235 3533 777
Email: hello@namiariverretreat.com

Hoi An Lunar New Year 2026: Tết Traditions, Festivities & How to Celebrate

Walk Through Lantern-Lit Ancient Town

Enjoy Traditional Tết Festivals in Hoi An

Nguyên Tiêu Festival – First Full Moon of the Lunar Year

Trà Quế Vegetable Village “Cầu Bông” Ritual