Tet in Hoi An: Wigo Tourist’s 2025 Festive Guide
Planning to experience Tet in Hoi An? You’ve made a brilliant choice. As Vietnam welcomes the Lunar New Year, Tet in Hoi An transforms this golden UNESCO World Heritage Site into a mesmerizing festival of lights, flowers, and sacred traditions. The town’s ancient architecture provides the perfect, intimate backdrop for celebrations, where vibrant yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai) and thousands of glowing red lanterns create an atmosphere of pure magic.
As your local experts at Wigo Tourist, we know Tet in Hoi An is, without a doubt, one of the most magical times to visit. However, as Vietnam’s most significant national holiday, it also brings unique challenges—many businesses close, and the town can be bustling with local families.
That’s where we come in. This expert guide to Tet in Hoi An is designed to help you navigate the festivities like a local, avoid the pitfalls, and have a truly unforgettable experience. We’ll show you what to see, what to eat, and how Wigo Tourist can make your Tet in Hoi An adventure seamless, stress-free, and absolutely magical.
What is Tet and Why is Tet in Hoi An So Magical?
Tet Nguyen Dan, or Tet, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. It’s the most important festival in Vietnamese culture, marking the beginning of spring. Falling between late January and early February, it’s a time for new beginnings, family reunions, and paying respect to ancestors.
While the official New Year’s Day (the first day of the new lunar month) is the main event, celebrations begin weeks in advance. Families gather to clean their homes, cook traditional foods like Banh Chung (sticky rice cakes), and decorate their ancestral altars.
In Hoi An, these traditions take on a special charm. The entire town is draped in festive decorations. Glowing lanterns line every street, yellow apricot blossoms and kumquat trees (symbolizing prosperity) sit outside every shop, and the air is filled with a sense of joy and renewal. During Tet in Hoi An, this heritage town doesn’t just feel old; it feels alive with centuries of tradition.
How is the Weather During Tet in Hoi An?
As your travel planners, we can happily report that the weather during Tet in Hoi An is typically perfect.
Falling in January or February, the weather is mild, refreshing, and dry. You can expect comfortable daytime temperatures with minimal rainfall and cool, pleasant breezes in the evening. It’s the ideal climate for exploring the ancient town on foot, cycling through the countryside, and enjoying all the outdoor festivities.
Wigo Tourist’s Top 10 Experiences for Tet in Hoi An
Here are the 10 not-to-be-missed experiences that Wigo Tourist recommends for your festive getaway.
1. Stay & Celebrate at a Festive Hub (Vinpearl Nam Hoi An)
During Tet, you want a base that is both relaxing and celebratory. Wigo Tourist highly recommends our official partner, Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An. Located on the serene Binh Minh Beach, this opulent resort combines world-class amenities with its own vibrant Tet celebrations.
This massive complex includes:
VinWonders Nam Hoi An: A spectacular amusement park that blends modern thrills with a “River Safari” and a cultural zone showcasing Vietnamese heritage. It’s a perfect day of fun for the whole family, with its own special Tet-themed events.
Vinpearl Golf Nam Hoi An: A stunning 18-hole golf course for those looking to enjoy a world-class game during the holiday.
2. Visit Sacred Temples for New Year Blessings
Tet in Hoi An is a deeply spiritual time. The first thing locals do on New Year’s Day is visit temples to pray for a year of health, luck, and prosperity. You can join them in these beautiful, ancient spaces.
Wigo Tourist’s Must-Visit Sites:
Japanese Covered Bridge: A beautiful spot for photos and prayers.
Quan Cong Temple: A majestic temple where the scent of incense is thick in the air.
Fujian & Cantonese Assembly Halls: These historic halls are at their most beautiful during Tet, buzzing with worshippers and decorated with flowers.
Tan Ky & Phung Hung Old Houses: Visit these ancient family homes to see how generations have honored their ancestors.
Wigo Tourist Tip: A guided Wigo Walking Tour on the first few days of Tet is the best way to understand the profound traditions you are witnessing.
3. Explore the Bustling Hoi An Markets
In the weeks leading up to Tet, the Hoi An Market transforms. It’s not just a food market; it becomes a vibrant, bustling bazaar for all things Tet. You’ll see locals shopping for Banh Chung, kumquat trees, and ceremonial items.
Even more beautiful are the flower markets that spring up along streets like Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Hue. These streets become a river of yellow (from chrysanthemums and apricot blossoms) and red (from roses and hanging plants). It’s a photographer’s dream.
4. Watch Dazzling Cultural Performances & Fireworks
On Lunar New Year’s Eve, the entire town gathers by the Hoai River. The city hosts special artistic programs with music and traditional dance. At the stroke of midnight, the sky erupts in a spectacular fireworks display over the Ancient Town, reflecting on the water. It’s an unforgettable way to welcome the new year.
Throughout the holiday, the streets are filled with music, impromptu lion dances (Mua Lan), and performances of Hat Boi (traditional Vietnamese opera).
5. Play Traditional Folk Games Like Bai Choi
A beloved tradition of Tet in Hoi An is Bai Choi, a UNESCO-recognized folk game that’s a unique blend of card-matching, poetry, and singing. You’ll find “game masters” set up on the streets, often near the river.
Even if you don’t speak Vietnamese, it’s incredible fun. You “buy” a card, and the master sings out clues. It’s a fantastic way to interact with locals and share a laugh. You can also try Dap Nieu (a blindfolded pot-breaking game) for good luck!
6. Release a Lantern on the Hoai River
This is the quintessential Hoi An experience, made even more magical during Tet. Taking a traditional wooden boat ride on the Hoai River at night is a Wigo Tourist must-do.
During Tet, the river is filled with hundreds of other boats and thousands of floating lanterns. You can buy your own small, paper lantern, light the candle, make a wish for the new year, and release it onto the water. It’s a serene, beautiful, and deeply moving tradition.
7. Savor the Tastes of Tet in Hoi An
Food is the heart of Tet. While some local restaurants may close, Wigo Tourist can guide you to the ones that stay open, or you can even book a Wigo street food tour.
Must-Try Tet Dishes:
Banh Chung / Banh Tet: The traditional sticky rice cake filled with mung beans and pork. You’ll see it on every family altar.
Pickled Onions: The tangy, crunchy side dish that cuts the richness of the Banh Chung.\
Hoi An Specialties (Available Year-Round):
Cao Lau: The iconic noodle dish with smoky pork and crispy croutons.
Mi Quang: Flavorful turmeric noodles with shrimp and pork.
White Rose Dumplings: Delicate steamed shrimp dumplings (Banh Bao Banh Vac).
8. Join Local Village Festivals
For a deeper cultural dive, Wigo Tourist can arrange a trip to the nearby craft villages, which host their own unique Tet festivals.
Tra Que Vegetable Village: On the 7th day of the 1st lunar month, this organic farming village holds its “Cau Bong Festival” to pray for a bountiful harvest.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village: On the 12th day, this village honors the ancestors of its master carpenters.
9. Take a Wigo Guided Bike Tour
One of the best ways to see the “real” Tet is to escape the (joyful) crowds of the Old Town. A Wigo Tourist Guided Bike Tour is the perfect way to do this.
We’ll take you on a peaceful ride through the rice paddies, which are often at their greenest. You can visit craft villages like Thanh Ha Pottery Village or Hoi An Silk Village and see how local families celebrate in the serene countryside.
10. Relax in Festive Cafes
Finally, Tet in Hoi An is also a time to relax. The town’s beautiful cafes are perfect for this. Wigo Tourist can show you the best spots, from hidden cafes in centuries-old houses to rooftop terraces (like Faifo Café) that offer stunning views over the lantern-lit streets. It’s the perfect place to sip a coconut coffee and soak in the incredible festive atmosphere.
Wigo Tourist’s Essential Travel Tips for Tet in Hoi An
Traveling during Vietnam’s biggest holiday requires planning. Here are our essential insider tips.
- 1. BOOK. EVERYTHING. EARLY. This is our #1 rule. Tet is the busiest travel time for Vietnamese locals. Hotels, flights, and trains sell out months in advance. Wigo Tourist can help you secure your bookings, but you must plan ahead.
- 2. Expect Closures: The 1st day of Tet (and sometimes the 2nd and 3rd) is a sacred family day. Many small, family-owned shops, restaurants, and street stalls will be closed. This is why staying at a larger resort like Vinpearl or booking a Wigo tour is a great idea, as our partners and services will be fully operational.
- 3. Be Patient & Positive: The town will be crowded, especially in the evenings. Embrace the festive energy!
- 4. Pack Smart: You’ll need comfortable shoes for all the walking. Also pack modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees) for visiting temples.
- 5. Cultural Etiquette:
- “Xong Dat” (First Footer): On the first day of Tet, the “first visitor” to a home is considered very important and sets the luck for the year. Do not visit a local home uninvited on this day, as you may unknowingly be their (lucky or unlucky!) first footer.
- Greetings: A simple “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!” (Happy New Year!) with a smile will be met with incredible warmth.
Simple Vietnamese Phrases for Tet
Want to impress the locals? Use these phrases!
- “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới!” (chook moong num moy!) – The official way to say “Happy New Year!”
- “An Khang Thịnh Vượng” (an kang tin vu-ong) – “Security, Good Health, and Prosperity.”
- “Vạn Sự Như Ý” (van su noo ee) – “May all things go favorably.”
Let Wigo Tourist Plan Your Perfect Tet in Hoi An
Tet in Hoi An is a truly special, bucket-list experience. It’s a time when the ancient town is at its most beautiful and culturally vibrant.
Let Wigo Tourist take away all the stress of planning. We can secure your luxury accommodation at Vinpearl Resort & Golf Nam Hoi An, book your VinWonders tickets, arrange your private airport transfers, and guide you on unforgettable walking, biking, and food tours.
Don’t just visit Hoi An. Experience the magic of Tet with us.
Contact Wigo Tourist today to start planning your 2025 Tet holiday!
