1. Introduction to Ha Nam Tourism for New Year's Day 2026
New Year's Day 2026 falls on a single-day holiday, hence the trend of short trips, nearby destinations, and fast, convenient travel is on the rise. Among the destinations around Hanoi, Ha Nam stands out as a choice that is both close and rich, possessing a unique tranquility with its mountains, rivers, pagodas, and pristine ecological areas.
Traveling to Ha Nam attracts tourists with its beautiful natural scenery and unique cultural destinations. (Source: Collected)
Tourist groups favoring Ha Nam during holidays are quite diverse. Families who like a space to both go for New Year's prayers for peace and let their children experience nature all choose Ha Nam because of the short, easy, and safe journey. Young groups who like to check-in scenic spots also have no shortage of reasons to visit Ha Nam: from the vast Tam Chuc Lake to the majestic limestone mountains, or newly developed ecological areas in Thanh Liem. For the elderly, this is an ideal occasion for a gentle pilgrimage, enjoying the cool early year air amidst a large cultural complex.
The atmosphere of early year festivals in Ha Nam is always bustling but not too crowded like many other major tourist destinations. Cultural and artistic activities in new squares, the Tam Chuc Pagoda festival, and walking spaces along the river create a very
Ha Nam offers a variety of convenient transportation options for visitors from everywhere. (Source: Collected)
Buses and limousines are also popular choices, especially for those who want to rest during the journey. Routes from Giap Bat, Nuoc Ngam, and Yen Nghia run continuously with prices ranging from 60,000 – 200,000 VND depending on the vehicle type. Buses usually stop at Phu Ly, from where you can take a taxi or ride-hailing service to continue to Tam Chuc, Doi Son, or ecological areas.
If you prefer a light adventure, riding a motorbike from Ha Noi to Ha Nam is also very easy. The national highway is straight with few difficult sections. Just start early, and you can leisurely admire Ba Sao mountain or Tam Chuc lake before the sun is even high in the sky.
2.2. From Ho Chi Minh City and Central, Southern provinces
Visitors from afar can fly to Noi Bai Airport, then travel by taxi, airport bus, or limousine to Ha Nam. The total travel time is about 2 – 2.5 hours for a distance of over 80 km. Booking a car in advance helps you avoid waiting times and ensures a flexible plan for holiday schedules.
2.3. Intra-provincial travel, vehicle rental, and all-inclusive tour services
Once you arrive in Ha Nam, you don't need to worry about traveling between attractions as they are not too far apart. If traveling in a small group, taxis are readily available and quite affordable. Some large accommodation facilities also rent out motorbikes or electric scooters, suitable for those who prefer to explore independently.
One-day or half-day tours to Tam Chuc – Doi Son – Thanh Liem are also offered by many travel companies during Tet. All-inclusive tours typically include transportation, light meals, and a tour guide, making them suitable for families with young children or the elderly.
3. Notable attractions and places to visit in Ha Nam for New Year's Day 2026
3.1. Doi Tam Drum Square
In 2026, Doi Tam Drum Square becomes one of Ha Nam's new check-in spots. Located at 88 Le Cong Thanh Street, Phu Ly Ward (Ninh Binh Province), at the foot of Doi Mountain, the square is designed to be open and spacious, inspired by the famous Doi Tam drum-making village with hundreds of years of history. The traditional drum symbol placed in the center of the space represents the long-standing culture and pride of the local people.
Trong Tich Doi Tam Square is lively during festivals with many people participating. (Source: Collected)
On New Year's Day, the square often hosts art programs, street music spaces, photo exhibitions about Ha Nam, and a small culinary area gathering many specialty dishes. Children can play in the grassy hill area and the fountain, while adults can comfortably stroll and admire the majestic Doi Mountain right behind.
The square is open for free, operating all day, but it is most beautiful at dusk when the sunlight bathes the mountains and hills in gold and the decorative lights are turned on.
3.2. Tam Chuc Pagoda
Hanam cannot be mentioned without mentioning Tam Chuc Pagoda – one of the largest pagoda complexes in Vietnam. The pagoda is located in Tam Chuc commune (Ninh Binh province) amidst limestone mountains and a large lake, creating a picturesque landscape. This is a suitable place to pray for peace, calm the mind, and enjoy the majestic beauty of nature at the beginning of the year.
Tam Chuc Pagoda impresses with its vast scale and majestic scenery amidst mountains and lakes. (Source: Collected)
Visitors can choose to take a boat trip on Tam Chuc Lake to fully appreciate the beauty of the limestone mountains reflected on the water surface. If you prefer a modern experience, the electric car system also operates continuously, taking visitors to places such as Tam The Temple, Phap Chu Temple, Tam Quan Gate… Service costs are clearly listed and do not vary significantly during holidays.
The early morning at Tam Chuc always has a very special atmosphere: light mist, calm lake water, the distant chime of pagoda bells, and orderly, gentle crowds of worshippers. If you need to find a place to “reboot your mind”, there is no better place than Tam Chuc at this time.
3.3. Thanh Liem Ecotourism Area
If you want to avoid crowded places or find a space with plenty of greenery, Thanh Liem is a worthwhile option. Located not far from Phu Ly town center, Thanh Liem ecotourism area stands out with its fresh atmosphere, clear blue lake, forests, and close-to-nature resort services.
Thanh Liem eco-tourism area offers a relaxing experience amidst lush green nature. (Source: Collected)
In 2026, many outdoor play areas, lawns, flower gardens, and seasonal check-in spots will be further completed, suitable for both children and adults. Some families choose Thanh Liem as a place for early year picnics, enjoying BBQ while letting children run and play in the open space.
For young groups of friends, kayaking in the lake, cycling around the eco-tourism area, and enjoying local cuisine in lakeside restaurants is a pleasant experience after many days of year-end work.
3.4. Truc Temple – Lang Temple and cultural relic sites
Besides new attractions, Ha Nam also boasts many ancient cultural relics such as Truc Temple – Lang Temple, which are associated with legends about Ly Thuong Kiet. The temple complex is nestled amidst lush mountains, with the Truc stream winding through, creating a sacred yet poetic space.
Truc Temple stands out with its sacred space and peaceful mountain and forest scenery. (Source: Collected)
On the occasion of the Gregorian New Year, the number of visitors here is not too crowded like the main festival season in January, so you can leisurely walk, listen to the babbling sound of water, and enjoy a peaceful, gentle, and nostalgic feeling.
4. Accommodation and utility services when traveling to Ha Nam for Gregorian New Year 2026
Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, Ha Nam offers many types of accommodation from budget to high-end with modern design, convenient amenities, and stable service quality.
Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam is famous for its luxurious space and convenient services. (Source: Compilation)
Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Nam is located north of Hong Phu Bridge, Phu Ly ward, and is considered the most luxurious hotel. From the main lobby, you can see the main road and the slow-moving Day River in the distance. The rooms are spacious, with cozy interiors, and some city-facing rooms offer very beautiful night views. The hotel also has a four-season swimming pool, a gym, and a restaurant serving a rich breakfast buffet. Room prices range from 1,200,000 – 2,200,000 VND/night depending on the room type and booking time, suitable for families who want to experience a high-class resort while still being close to attractions such as Tam Chuc or Doi Son.
Thanh Dat Hotel Phu Ly offers a clean living space and friendly service. (Source: Compilation)
Another hotel in the central area, convenient for transportation, is Thanh Dat Hotel Phu Ly on Le Duan street, Phu Ly ward, which is a quite pleasant choice. The rooms are not too elaborate but are clean, bright, and equipped with basic amenities. The hotel is located near many restaurants and cafes, and it only takes a few minutes to get to major roads. Reference price 400,000 – 700,000 VND/night, suitable for short-stay tourists or those who just need a comfortable, not too elaborate, but safe and convenient place to stay.
Hoa Dong Aureum Hotel impresses with its modern design and comfortable resort space. (Source: Collected)
A choice favored by young people is Hoa Dong Aureum Hotel, located at 73 Ngo Gia Tu, Phu Ly ward. The hotel has a modern, youthful style, bright colors, and a simple yet tasteful design. Standard rooms and double rooms both have large windows, suitable for those who like rooms full of light. The Sky Hotel is also located near the commercial center and dining street, making it very easy to find dinner or coffee. Room prices are usually from 400,000 – 900,000 VND/night.
Tam Chuc Resort & Spa offers a high-class resort experience amidst majestic nature. (Source: Compilation)
Finally, if you want to be closer to nature and prioritize tranquility, Tam Chuc Resort & Spa is an ideal choice. The resort is located right near the Tam Chuc pagoda complex, Tam Chuc ward, surrounded by limestone mountains, lakes, and vast green spaces. The space here has a gentle resort style, with rooms facing Tam Chuc lake, creating an extremely relaxing feeling. The resort has a spa, electric car service, and its own restaurant, very convenient for families going to pagodas early or wanting to enjoy a leisurely afternoon by the lake. Room prices range from 1,500,000 – 3,000,000 VND/night depending on the villa category or standard room.
During the New Year holiday, the number of tourists may increase, so to get a good price and choose a nice room, you should still book about two to three weeks in advance. This is especially important if you want to stay in the area near Tam Chuc, as it is always the biggest attraction for tourists at the beginning of the year.
5. Suggested 1-Day Ha Nam Itinerary for New Year 2026
In the morning, depart early from Hanoi to avoid traffic jams and enjoy the cool early year air on your journey. Upon arriving in Ha Nam, the first place to visit is Tam Chuc pagoda. Spend about 2 – 3 hours for worship, walking around the pagoda complex, or taking a boat trip to admire the lake scenery. The morning is the most beautiful time because the light is soft, and the mist has not yet dissipated, creating a very poetic atmosphere.
Around noon, you can return to the Phu Ly area to enjoy lunch with local specialties such as clay pot braised fish, mountain goat, rice rolls with grilled meat, or yellow catfish soup. After a short rest, continue your journey to Thanh Liem ecological area, where the air is fresh and there are many gentle activities like kayaking, walking along the lake, or simply sitting and admiring the mountains. For families with young children, the playground and flower garden areas are very suitable for the kids to play.
In the late afternoon, you can choose to visit Doi Tam Drum Square. This is an ideal place to take some photos for the new year, stroll, or enjoy coffee in the new square area.
On the way back in the evening, you can stay for dinner or return to Hanoi the same night. The total travel and sightseeing time is about 10 – 12 hours, not too rushed but still complete.
Traveling to Ha Nam for New Year 2026 is a worthwhile option for a short break. From the sacred Tam Chuc pagoda, the modern Doi Tam Drum Square to the lush Thanh Liem Ecological Area, all create a gentle yet interesting journey at the beginning of the year. The close proximity, complete services, and rich experiences make Ha Nam a suitable destination for all ages. Whether you travel with family, friends, or alone, Ha Nam always has a way to make the first day of the year meaningful.
