Vietnamese families blend Tet travel trends with enduring traditions

THE HANOI TIMES — Nguyen Trung Hoang Nam, 24 and his family traveled across Central Europe to welcome the 2026 Tet (Lunar New Year) instead of staying at their home in Phuc Loi Ward, Hanoi.

He said they wanted to try something new and enjoy meaningful time together at a slower pace.

Central Europe offers a distinct charm compared with the more familiar, fast-paced European tours, Nam told The Hanoi Times.

Cities such as Prague in the Czech Republic, Vienna and the lakeside town of Hallstatt in Austria preserve centuries-old architecture and a calm rhythm of life. Daily activities unfold naturally against historic backdrops, creating a strong sense of authenticity.

“The trip is a cultural journey and a rare time for the whole family to stay together,” Nam said. “During the year, we rarely spend several straight days eating, talking and traveling side by side.”

For him, the experience brings calm, reflection and lasting memories beyond a typical vacation.

Duc Anh, 29, and his wife made a similar decision to celebrate Tet in a different way.

In the final days of the year, they camped in the northwestern provinces of Lao Cai and Lai Chau, visiting highland villages and popular destinations such as Sa Pa and Mu Cang Chai to enjoy the early spring atmosphere.

After the year-end reunion meal, they continued their journey to Ky Anh in the central province of Ha Tinh, embracing open landscapes and a freer pace of life.

Anh said he had spent many previous Tet holidays exhausted from cleaning, cooking and constant preparations.

After years of demanding work, especially following the Covid-19 period, he now wants to slow down and seek inspiration beyond the city.

Camping, he said, means hands-on involvement, from planning and packing to setting up tents and adapting to the weather.

“I want real rest and time in nature after a busy year,” he said.

He added that pitching tents, cooking outdoors and living close to nature bring family members closer and create meaningful memories for the first days of the year.

Nam’s and Duc Anh’s families reflect a growing trend of families planning trips during the Tet holiday instead of staying home as in the past.

Balance between modernity and tradition

Shifts in how young people celebrate Tet sometimes worry older generations, who fear that traditions such as New Year’s Eve rituals, family visits and holiday greetings may fade.

Tra My, a resident of Thanh Xuan Ward in Hanoi, chose the central city of Danang as her destination to spend the first days of the year with her two daughters.

Before leaving, she prepared everything at home so relatives could conduct family meals and incense offerings during Tet while they traveled.

She completed the first-day offering at noon before boarding her flight.

“The key is to take care of family responsibilities before traveling,” My said.

Nam said his family maintains New Year’s Eve rituals and visits relatives in advance.

Even if they depart on the first or second day of Tet, they attend the midnight ceremony and complete family greetings beforehand.

“Celebrating Tet abroad does not mean leaving tradition behind. We continue the new year in a different setting,” he said.

Anh and his wife share the same view. They complete family visits early, attend the reunion meal and then begin their trip.

This approach allows young families to fulfill family duties while starting their journeys soon after Tet begins.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Lan Phuong from Ba Dinh Ward waited until the Tet holiday ended on February 22 to begin her trip. It marked her first time using the early-year break for travel.

“Trekking keeps me active, improves my health and helps me burn off the extra calories from Tet meals,” Phuong said. She sees early-year journeys as a fresh start and hopes to complete her trip successfully.

Nguyen Van Hoa, 68, also from Ba Dinh Ward, said Tet in the past centered on cooking and visiting relatives, while younger generations now have more options.

As long as families spend time together, the holiday retains its meaning because Tet’s essence lies in family connection, he said.

2026 Tet sees record high of 14 million travelers Vietnam’s 2026 Tet holiday during February 14-22 saw an estimated 14 million visitors nationwide, up 12% from the same period in 2025, according to the National Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Several destinations reported high occupancy rates, including Vung Tau at about 80%, Da Lat and Phan Thiet at 80%-90%, Sa Pa at 90%-95%, Phu Quoc at 95%, and Lo Lo Chai at full capacity. International arrivals also rose sharply in many localities. Danang welcomed around 510,000 visitors, up 32% compared to the 2025 Tet holiday while Hue received an estimated 238,200 visitors, up 207%, Quang Ninh welcomed about 209,000 visitors and Ho Chi Minh City drew around 170,000 visitors, up 51.7%. Hanoi received about 1.34 million visitors, up 36.3% year on year with international arrivals increasing by 55% to roughly 217,000. Tourism revenue reached an estimated VND4.87 trillion, up 40%. Tourist sites and heritage attractions this year emphasized interactive experiences and deeper cultural engagement. Hanoi organized a series of events, including Happy Tet 2026 recreating traditional New Year spaces, the Old Quarter Spring Flower Market, the Binh Ngo Spring Festival and exhibitions along the South Thang Long-Hanoi Heritage Route to attract domestic and international visitors.