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For the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Hanoi will transform brilliantly with a series of large-scale cultural and artistic events. To help you have a meaningful, well-planned, and cost-effective spring trip, don't miss this itinerary exploring the hottest spots in Hanoi, where the traditional beauty of Thang An (Hanoi) and the rhythm of modern life intersect.
Hanoi in the early days of the Year of the Horse (Bính Ngọ) possesses a serene beauty, yet is equally vibrant. This year, Hanoi is investing in many high-quality activities to welcome visiting tourists.
Hoan Kiem Lake and the record-breaking spring flower garden at the statue of King Ly Thai To.
The starting point for any journey in the capital is the Hoan Kiem Lake area. However, unlike previous years, the most impressive highlight of the Lunar New Year of the Horse (2016) is the largest spring flower garden ever established in the area of the statue of King Ly Thai To and the Octagonal House. From the 27th day of the 12th lunar month to the 15th day of the 1st lunar month, this place becomes a "must-visit" for lovers of peach blossoms in Northern Vietnam. More than 300 rare peach trees, from the famous Nhat Tan and Phu Thuong peaches to the wild peach trees of Sa Pa, Moc Chau, and Lang Son, all gather here, creating a vibrant pink silk ribbon in the heart of the old town.
At the Octagonal House area, visitors can admire an exhibition space recreating the refined art of cultivating kumquat trees, a tradition of the people of Hanoi in the past. With nearly 300 meticulously crafted kumquat trees from the craft villages of Quang Ba and Tu Lien, this space is not only a stunning photo opportunity but also a place to honor the elegant aesthetic values of the people of Thang An (Hanoi). After enjoying the flowers, visitors can walk to Ngoc Son Temple to pray for a peaceful new year under the shade of the sacred Pen Tower.
Initiating the writing season in spring and seeking knowledge at the Temple of Literature - National University.
Continuing the journey is the Temple of Literature - National University, a symbol of the nation's spirit of learning. From the first day of Tet (Lunar New Year), the inner courtyard officially opened to visitors, while the Ho Van area, with its Spring Calligraphy Festival of the Year of the Horse, was bustling throughout the holiday. The tradition of requesting calligraphy at the beginning of the year is always a beautiful cultural feature that attracts many students and tourists, expressing their hopes for a successful year in their studies and careers.
Asking for calligraphy has become a beautiful cultural tradition at the beginning of the year for Vietnamese people.
This year, in addition to requesting calligraphy, visitors can also enjoy in-depth exhibitions such as "A Thousand Years of Learning," "Horses Returning to the City," and "History in Stone." These vividly recreated historical moments instill pride in our tradition of valuing talented individuals. To ensure visitors have an economical holiday, the city government has arranged free car parking at 9 Trinh Hoai Duc Street and motorbike parking at Vuon Giam, with extended service hours, alleviating concerns about infrastructure during peak days.
Heritage space at Thang Long Imperial Citadel
For the first time in history, a large-scale flower street with the theme "Dawn of Aspiration" is being held within the grounds of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel World Heritage Site. Lasting until the 6th day of Tet (Lunar New Year), the flower street is designed in four chapters: Capital - Aspiration - Hope - Gathering, guiding viewers through the layers of memory of the thousand-year-old capital.
The exquisite combination of natural materials such as bamboo, wood, and blossoming rice plants, along with artistic lighting, highlights the ancient charm of the royal architecture. The fruit-laden Dien pomelo trees, the vibrant Tu Lien kumquats, and the intertwined peach blossoms create a lively spring scene. After strolling along the flower-lined streets, visitors shouldn't forget to visit the Hanoi Flagpole, which opens to visitors from the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year).
Many exciting spring activities await visitors here.
Vietnamese Tet - Street Tet: Awakening the soul of the ancient town.
To truly "touch" the soul of Hanoi, visitors should visit the "Vietnamese Tet - Street Tet 2026" program in the Old Quarter. Heritage houses such as 87 Ma May Street or Kim Ngan Temple (42 Hang Bac Street) become "living museums," meticulously recreating the living space and Tet celebrations of a traditional Hanoi family, complete with the flavors of herbal tea and traditional lacquerware.
Hanoi Book Street and Museum: Experiencing knowledge and digital technology
This year's spring travel trends show the rise of intellectual spaces. The Spring Book Street on 19/12 Street has become a cultural festival with the theme "Books Open the Spring Fortune - Welcoming a New Era". Evening seminars, musical performances, and Tet film screenings create a healthy cultural space for all ages.
Spring Book Street 2026: “Books bring blessings in spring – Welcoming a new era”
Meanwhile, the Hanoi Museum offers a modern feel with its digital experience space. Here, more than 7,000 documents and artifacts, including national treasures, are scientifically displayed. A special highlight is the 3D film about martyr Dang Thuy Tram on the 4th floor, evoking intense emotions about heroic history. To serve the public, the Hanoi Museum maintains a policy of completely free admission throughout the Tet holiday.
Experience ethnic culture and ancient villages on the outskirts of the city.
If you're looking for a change of scenery from the urban environment, the Vietnam Ethnic Culture and Tourism Village in Dong Mo is a top choice. With the theme "Spring in the Homeland," visitors can immerse themselves in the New Year customs of the Muong people, the Lao people's traditional ball-throwing festival, or the blessing ceremonies at Khmer temples. The vibrant folk songs and traditional games of the Central Highlands will add color and meaning to your spring trip.
In addition, Duong Lam Ancient Village, with its ancient laterite stone architecture, is also a very attractive destination. Here, you can enjoy traditional soy sauce, sticky rice cake, sesame candy, and learn about the unique lifestyle of families who have lived in the ancient village for generations.
