Travel with Hoang Le Giang during Tet

Europe: Admiring the snow and the Northern Lights

With Christmas over, Europe is generally less crowded with tourists, and transportation and accommodation are relatively cheaper compared to the summer. Furthermore, because it's the off-season, visa applications and approvals are also easier. You can take advantage of this time to visit famous destinations such as Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, ​​Prague, Venice, and more.

If you want to experience a snow-covered landscape, now is the perfect time to visit Switzerland, the French Alps, Austria, or head to Northern Europe to admire the magical Northern Lights (the best time is from October to March).

Late January and February are also the snowiest months in Europe. Sipping hot chocolate while watching the snow fall outside your window, or gazing at fairytale-like villages while traveling by train from France through Switzerland to Slovakia, would be a unique experience for the Lunar New Year. Especially since cities like Paris, Berlin, Prague, and Budapest have large Vietnamese communities, you could also try experiencing what it's like to celebrate the Vietnamese Lunar New Year in one of these European cities.

Additional information

• Visa applications for Europe can be submitted up to 3 months before departure, with a processing time of 7-14 days.
• Temperatures in mountainous regions or Nordic countries can be quite cold, so it's important to pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes if you plan to travel to areas where snow is possible.

Africa: Mysterious Egypt and Wild Tanzania

Known for its hot and dry climate, the Lunar New Year is the ideal time to visit Africa – especially if you want to experience the Sahara Desert, the world's largest desert, without enduring the scorching heat. As far away as Europe and requiring significant time and expense to fly from Vietnam, it's generally recommended to spend at least 10-20 full days in Africa.

If you're a thrill-seeker, try conquering the world's highest volcano, Kilimanjaro (5,885 m), in Tanzania (5-7 days), then go on a safari to see wildlife such as elephants, lions, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras in Tanzania's national parks. In parks like Serengeti or Ngorongoro, you can spend the night in the jungle after a day of exploration in a specialized Jeep; or visit Maasai villages with their distinctive clothing and dances. This is the dry season, so travel is quite convenient whether you're trekking or using a Jeep, with temperatures ranging from 16 to 30 degrees Celsius.

If you're fascinated by ancient civilizations through legends or simply want to admire one of the seven ancient wonders that remain, then Egypt is the perfect destination for the Lunar New Year. The oases in the desert or the Valley of the Kings are considered "unbearable" in the summer, so spring is the ideal time to leisurely cruise down the Nile River and admire the wonders.

Additional information

• Tanzania allows visa applications on arrival and requires a yellow fever vaccination. You can get vaccinated in Vietnam beforehand or at the border and pay the fee there.
• The weather in Africa is quite dry at this time of year, so bring moisturizers to prevent dry and cracked skin.

Asia: Ancient Myanmar and India

Along with the reason of taking advantage of the best weather of the year and if you don't want the hassle of applying for a visa, Myanmar and India would be ideal choices.

The tranquil temples of Bagan and Mrauk U have long been a major tourist attraction in Myanmar. In addition, Myanmar boasts pristine beaches overlooking the Indian Ocean, which have only recently begun to attract tourists. The Lunar New Year season is also a time when the Indian Ocean is calm, making it ideal for enjoying these peaceful beaches.

India is an incredibly vast country with a rich culture; it would take an enormous amount of time to explore it all. For beginners, you can choose classic routes such as the Golden Triangle (including New Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra), stopping by Varanasi to witness birth, aging, sickness, and death all happening in the same place on the same day, or traveling to Rajasthan, passing through former royal cities (Jodhpur, Pushkar)...

Additional information

• Myanmar grants visa-free entry for stays under 14 days, while India offers e-visas with processing times ranging from 3 to 7 days.

America: The vast United States

The United States is one of the largest countries in the world with diverse topography. If you're tired of typical tourist destinations, you can visit Alaska, the largest state in the US, or go to Fairbanks to see the Northern Lights, admire ice castles, ride dog sledding, or soak in natural hot springs... In winter, temperatures in central Alaska can drop to -30°C or -40°C, creating a scene like a white wonderland.

If you don't like the cold, you can visit the sunny state of California with its 9 famous national parks such as Redwood, Joshua Tree, Sequoia, and perhaps the most outstanding, Yosemite. These parks are always packed with visitors in the summer, so Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is the ideal time to take a road trip to the parks for trekking and overnight camping.

Additional information

• The best way to get to Fairbanks is by taking the legendary old-school gold train that once transported gold from Anchorage to Fairbanks. The train has a glass dome for viewing the scenery along the way, serves food and drinks, has an interpreter, and passes through magnificent landscapes ranging from vast forests and winding rivers to towering mountain ranges.

Hoang Le Giang