Hoi An Tet Travel 2026 is an ideal choice for those who wish to welcome the Lunar New Year in a calm and culturally rich setting. During Tet 2026, Hoi An takes on a distinctive charm with lantern-lit streets, festive atmosphere spreading through small alleys, ancient rooftops, and warm Tet family meals. If you are looking for a gentle journey that allows you to fully embrace spring at a slow and refined pace, join Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery in exploring this special destination below.
What is the weather like in Hoi An during Lunar New Year?
During Lunar New Year (late January to early February), temperatures in Hoi An range from around 20-26°C, with mild sunshine during the day and cool evenings, making the weather very pleasant. This period marks the dry season in Hoi An, so rainfall is minimal. Occasional clouds or light breezes may appear in the early morning or late afternoon, but overall the weather is stable and favorable for strolling through the old town, taking photos, and participating in traditional Tet activities.
Where to go in Hoi An during Tet 2026?
Strolling through Hoi An Old Town during Tet
During Tet, Hoi An Old Town becomes more vibrant and lively than usual, adorned with colorful lanterns, spring flowers, and Tet decorations along main streets such as Tran Phu Street, Nguyen Thai Hoc Street, and Bach Dang Street.
Local residents set up offering trays, hang calligraphy couplets, and display kumquat trees and yellow apricot blossoms in front of their homes, creating a distinctly traditional Tet atmosphere. Walking through these streets during the first days of the new year, visitors can easily feel the slow, peaceful rhythm of Hoi An, where everything seems to pause to welcome a calm and auspicious new beginning.
Visiting pagodas in Hoi An to pray for peace at the beginning of the year
During the Lunar New Year, locals and visitors often visit pagodas in Hoi An to pray for peace, good health, and good fortune for the new year. Well-known pagodas that attract many visitors include:
- Chua Cau (old town center): A spiritual and cultural symbol of Hoi An. Many people visit at the beginning of the year to pray for luck and peace, and to take commemorative photos in the spring atmosphere.
- Chua Ong (24 Tran Phu Street): A solemn space rich in folk beliefs; many people come to offer incense and pray for peace, prosperity, and smooth work at the start of the year.
- Chua Phap Bao (No. 07 Hai Ba Trung Street): A large, tranquil pagoda that often holds early-year peace-praying ceremonies, suitable for those seeking calmness and inner peace.
Chua Chuc Thanh (Area 7, Tan An Ward): One of the oldest Buddhist patriarchal pagodas in Quang Nam, featuring an ancient and peaceful atmosphere, ideal for praying for health and peace.
Visiting Chinese assembly halls
If you want to slow down your spring journey and find a quieter, more meaningful space during the early days of the year, visiting Chinese assembly halls is a worthwhile experience in Hoi An during Tet.
- Phuc Kien Assembly Hall (46 Tran Phu Street): Notable for its triple-arched gate, large inner courtyard, and worship of Thien Hau Thanh Mau. During Tet, many people come to pray for family harmony and prosperity.
- Quang Dong Assembly Hall (176 Tran Phu Street): Impressive with its statue of Quan Cong placed solemnly in the main hall, symbolizing righteousness and protection. At the beginning of the year, many people visit to pray for health, peace, and stable work.
- Trieu Chau Assembly Hall (157 Nguyen Duy Hieu Street): Featuring strong maritime beliefs and worship of Phuc Ba General, with intricate carvings. In early spring, it is a place to pray for peace and smooth endeavors.
Hai Nam Assembly Hall (10 Tran Phu Street): A worship space dedicated to ancestors and Hainanese merchants, carrying special historical value. At the beginning of the year, many visitors come to pray for protection, peace, and to honor their roots.
Exploring distinctive traditional festivals
Traveling to Hoi An during Tet 2026 offers the opportunity to fully experience the festive atmosphere unique to the first days of the Lunar New Year.
- Nguyen Tieu Festival (15th day of the first lunar month): A major early-year festival held in a solemn atmosphere to pray for peace and blessings for the entire year. During the festival, visitors can take part in traditional folk games such as bai choi chanting, blindfolded drum beating, pandan leaf folding, or paper origami.
- Kim Bong Carpentry Village Ancestor Commemoration (06/01 lunar calendar): A traditional ritual honoring the founders of the carpentry craft, associated with cultural activities of Kim Bong carpentry village.
- Cau Bong Festival (07/01 lunar calendar): A folk ritual held at Tra Que vegetable village, praying for favorable weather and abundant harvests.
- Hoi An Light and Heritage Festival 2026 (17/02 – 30/04 Gregorian calendar): An event held at Hoi An Memories Island, skillfully combining large-scale lantern art, drone light shows, and distinctive traditional cultural experiences.
River cruises and floating lanterns on Hoai River
During Tet, the Hoai River appears more peaceful and sparkling than usual. You can take a boat ride along the river, admire the lantern-lit old town, and release floating lanterns to pray for peace and good fortune in the new year. This activity usually takes place in the evening, creating a calm and gentle atmosphere, ideal for experiencing the distinctive Tet spirit of Hoi An.
Visiting Thanh Ha pottery village during Tet
Thanh Ha pottery village is a suitable destination if you wish to leave the old town and explore a traditional craft village during the early days of the year. During Tet, the village is quieter, allowing visitors to tour pottery kilns, watch artisans at work, and learn about the long-standing history of the craft village. The rustic and slow-paced atmosphere of Thanh Ha offers a relaxing contrast to the bustle of the old town center.
Strolling through Hoi An Tet markets
During this period, Tet markets in Hoi An take place in various areas of the old town and surrounding neighborhoods. Notable examples include Nguyen Phuc Chu Street with its night market selling handicrafts and OCOP products, as well as traditional Tet and rural markets held at Hoi An Impression Park. Each market has its own character, but all contribute to helping visitors experience Tet in Hoi An in an authentic, close, and lively way.
What to eat in Hoi An during Tet 2026?
Besides traditional Vietnamese Tet dishes such as banh chung, banh tet, and Tet candied fruits, visiting Hoi An during Tet 2026 is an ideal opportunity to enjoy a wide range of local specialties and fully experience the spring flavors and distinctive cuisine of the old town.
- Cao lau: A signature noodle dish of Hoi An featuring chewy noodles, char siu pork, crispy pork cracklings, and fresh herbs, highly popular during the early days of the new year.
- Mi Quang: A traditional Central Vietnamese noodle dish served with shrimp, pork, eggs, and peanuts, suitable for breakfast or lunch during Tet.
- Hoi An chicken rice: Yellow rice cooked in chicken broth, topped with shredded chicken mixed with Vietnamese coriander and onions, easy to eat and filling while strolling the streets during Tet.
- Hoi An banh mi: A baguette filled with generous toppings and rich sauces, a quick and convenient choice for spring outings.
- Banh bao, banh vac (white rose dumplings): Delicate steamed dumplings with shrimp filling, often enjoyed while wandering around the old town.
- Banh beo, hoanh thanh: Familiar light dishes that are easy to eat and widely available during Tet.
- Banh chung, banh tet: Traditional Tet cakes commonly found in family feasts and eateries during the early days of the year.
- Banh to: A Central Vietnamese Tet specialty, often used for ancestor offerings or as gifts.
- Mot herbal drink: A refreshing beverage made from lemongrass, lime, and ginger, ideal for cooling down while enjoying spring walks.
Hoi An sweet soups: Traditional sweet soups that are light and easy on the stomach, perfect after main meals during Tet.
Suggested Hoi An travel itinerary for Tet 2026
Day 1 – Exploring the old town and enjoying Hoi An specialties
On the first day, you should spend your time exploring Hoi An Old Town to feel the Tet atmosphere most clearly. In the morning and afternoon, take a leisurely walk along central streets, admire lanterns, spring flowers, and the slow pace of life at the beginning of the year. Combine this with tasting cao lau, chicken rice, mi Quang, and Hoi An banh mi at eateries open throughout Tet. In the evening, stroll along Hoai River, take a boat ride, and release floating lanterns to pray for peace, ending the first day in the shimmering lantern-lit old town.
Day 2 – Spring outings and traditional craft village visits
On the second day, you can focus on spiritual activities and deeper cultural exploration of Hoi An. In the morning, visit Chua Cau, Chua Ong, Chua Phap Bao, or Chua Chuc Thanh to offer incense and pray for peace in the new year. In the afternoon, head to Cam Kim or Thanh Ha pottery village, leisurely explore traditional craft villages, and experience the peaceful atmosphere and early spring daily life of local residents.
Day 3 – Beach relaxation and Tet gift shopping
If you have an extra day, you can start your morning by relaxing at An Bang Beach or Cua Dai Beach. During Tet, the beaches are quieter, the air is cool and pleasant, making it ideal for walking along the shore, enjoying seaside coffee, and taking a gentle break. Before leaving Hoi An, return to the old town or Tet markets to buy New Year gifts such as lanterns, handicrafts, banh to, or local specialties to bring home.
Notes for traveling to Hoi An during Tet 2026
When traveling to Hoi An during Tet 2026, you should keep in mind several important points regarding timing, sightseeing schedules, and daily activities to ensure a smooth and fulfilling trip.
- Book accommodation and transportation early: Tet is peak travel season, so hotels and flight or train tickets often sell out quickly and prices are higher than usual. It is recommended to book 2-4 months in advance to secure good options at reasonable rates.
- Prepare cash: During Tet, many places may not accept cards, and ATMs can run out of cash in the first days of the new year. Bringing cash is advisable.
- Bring backup items: In February, light rain may still occur occasionally, so it is useful to carry a compact umbrella or raincoat to avoid disrupting your itinerary.
- Old town ticket sales may be temporarily suspended: In the first few days of Tet, attractions such as the old town or craft villages may temporarily stop selling entrance tickets. Ticket sales usually resume from the fourth day of Tet onward.
- Prioritize walking or cycling: Streets in the old town are narrow and crowded during Tet, so walking or renting a bicycle allows more flexibility and helps you fully enjoy the festive atmosphere.
- Respect local customs: Tet is a sacred time in Vietnamese culture. When visiting temples, pagodas, or assembly halls, wear appropriate clothing, maintain respectful behavior, and avoid loud photography.
- Festival schedules: Activities such as lantern releasing, lion dances, and folk games take place at specific times. Check festival schedules in advance to avoid missing highlights.
- Restaurants may be closed: In the first few days of Tet, many traditional eateries may close or operate with limited hours, so plan meals flexibly.
Be mindful when shopping: When buying Tet gifts or handmade items at Tet markets or shops, ask prices in advance, as holiday prices may be higher than usual.
Luxury stay at the 5-star Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery
Tet is an ideal time to step away from a busy routine and retreat into a peaceful, slow-paced resort environment. During your Tet holiday in Hoi An, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is an ideal accommodation choice for travelers seeking a tranquil spring atmosphere in the heart of the heritage town. The hotel is located about 500 meters from the center of Hoi An, making it convenient for walking to lantern-lit streets, visiting Chua Cau, Nguyen Hoang night market, and cultural museums during the early days of the new year.
The hotel features a refined design inspired by a Japanese–Vietnamese love story, creating an atmosphere that feels both warm and elegant, perfectly suited for a gentle Tet getaway. With 187 spacious rooms equipped with modern amenities, private balconies, and contemporary bathrooms, guests can fully relax after a day of spring exploration.
When staying at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery, guests can also enjoy a wide range of relaxing experiences, including:
- Outdoor swimming pool and rooftop infinity pool with views of the old town and Thu Bon River
- The Deck Rooftop Bar with a relaxing atmosphere and night views
- Wakaku Restaurant serving refined Asian and European cuisine
- Spa and gym facilities for wellness and early-year rejuvenation
- A variety of bars including The Deck Rooftop Bar, The Attic Bar, and River Bar
- Free bicycles for exploring the old town during Tet
- Children’s play area suitable for family travel
- Cultural experience activities such as cooking classes, lantern making, coffee brewing, and fan painting
These amenities help make a Tet holiday in Hoi An relaxing, convenient, and deeply connected to local cultural identity.
Hopefully, through this article by Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery, you have gained clearer insights and inspiration for planning your Tet holiday in Hoi An 2026. From the early spring atmosphere of the old town, traditional festivals, and local cuisine to peaceful resort experiences, Hoi An offers a slow, meaningful, and distinctive Tet journey. A trip not only for rest, but also for fully experiencing cultural values and the serene rhythm of life in the heritage town during the first days of the new year.
