1. Why choose Quang Ninh as a destination for New Year's Day?
Quang Ninh is a destination chosen by many tourists for Quang Ninh New Year travel itinerary. This place possesses a convenient location, a rich tourism ecosystem, and many unique experiences of the Northern Vietnamese winter. Quang Ninh is a blend of the heritage of Ha Long Bay, the sacred Yen Tu mountain, and diverse activities from relaxation, entertainment to spiritual pursuits, offering a journey that is both complete and colorful.
Quang Ninh is a destination chosen by many tourists for their Tet holiday Quang Ninh travel itinerary.
1.1. Convenient location, quick connection from Hanoi and the North
Quang Ninh is often mentioned as the tourist center of the North, nổi bật with modern infrastructure and convenient transportation links. The Hanoi – Ha Long expressway has shortened travel time to 2 to 2.5 hours, making it easy to plan a Tet holiday Quang Ninh travel itinerary for guests from northern provinces.
In addition, this expressway also makes the journey to Quang Ninh safer and smoother, especially during the festival season. For guests from Central and Southern Vietnam, Van Don airport, located about 50 km from the center of Ha Long, is a reasonable choice to save travel time, convenient for the exploration journey.
1.2. Interesting points when traveling to Ha Long Bay in winter
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, takes on a different appearance with its landscape values when winter arrives. The temperature during this period ranges from 16 to 22 degrees Celsius, not too cold but enough to create unique natural moments.
The weather this season has low rainfall, calm seas, and moderate humidity. In the early morning, mist covers the surface of the bay, making the scenery mystical, with rocky islands gradually appearing in the white mist, creating a natural picture only clearly visible from November to February.
On the bay, visitors can experience overnight stays on cruise ships in a quiet space, enjoy seafood dinners amidst the cold wind, and gaze at the stars from above. The Queen Cable Car takes visitors up high, allowing them to take in the panoramic view of the bay, especially clear on winter days when it is not covered by clouds like in the summer.
Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, takes on a different appearance in winter with unique landscape values. (Source: Collected)
1.3. Diverse Combination of Quảng Ninh Tourist Destinations during Tết
The New Year festival atmosphere in Quảng Ninh is associated with spring travel, temple visits, and scenic spot tours, creating an experience that is both vibrant and relaxing for tourists. Thanks to the reasonable distribution among destinations, the Quảng Ninh travel itinerary during Tết remains comfortable, not too crowded or rushed.
The diverse tourism ecosystem is a prominent strength, making each itinerary flexible and attractive. Sun World Ha Long offers a modern entertainment space, suitable for families and groups of friends; Tuan Chau Island impresses with its high-class resort area, artificial beach, and special night art programs; Yen Tu is an ideal spiritual stop for the New Year's prayer journey.
Especially, the short travel distances between tourist attractions allow tourists to easily combine sightseeing, entertainment, and relaxation in the same trip, suitable for many groups from multi-generational families to couples or young groups of friends.
1.4. Premium Services, Vibrant Festivals, and Unique Cuisine
During the New Year holiday, Quảng Ninh attracts visitors with its 5-star resort system of high-class resorts on Tuan Chau Island and luxurious overnight cruise services. Art programs, light festivals, and New Year's Eve countdown events at entertainment areas bring a bustling atmosphere everywhere.
Quảng Ninh cuisine during Tết is very diverse with fresh seafood, prepared in both traditional and modern styles. Ha Long squid cake, sea cucumber, horseshoe crab, grilled clams... are always mentioned as indispensable delicacies in Quảng Ninh Tết travel itinerary.
2. Guide to Traveling to Quảng Ninh during Tết
Choosing the right means of transport greatly affects the quality of the Quảng Ninh Tết travel itinerary. The transportation system in Quảng Ninh is diverse, meeting diverse needs, from budget to premium.
2.1. From Hanoi to Quảng Ninh
The highway connecting Hanoi – Ha Long is currently a convenient and popular choice for tourists thanks to the fast travel time, suitable for many modes of travel such as limousine buses, high-quality passenger buses, or private cars. Bus routes depart continuously throughout the day from the central areas of Hanoi, making the journey to Quảng Ninh easy and flexible.
For tourists flying to Hanoi, the shuttle service from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long is also chosen by many due to its convenience, time flexibility, and the need to change transport multiple times. During peak holiday seasons, ticket prices and travel costs may increase slightly compared to normal days, therefore, tourists should proactively contact the bus company or transport provider directly to get detailed information, choose a suitable itinerary, and avoid fully booked situations.
2.2. Transportation from Other Provinces/Cities
Van Don Airport receives flights departing from Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, with a frequency of 2-3 flights/day and a flight time of about 2-2.5 hours. From the airport, guests can choose taxis or shuttle buses to get to Ha Long city center, with a travel time of 45-60 minutes. For rail journeys from Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, Da Nang, the stop is at Dong Anh or Gia Lam station, then continue by bus. Inter-provincial buses from these cities vary depending on service quality and distance.
2.3. Transportation within Quảng Ninh
Means of transport such as traditional taxis and popular ride-hailing apps are available in the central areas, with starting fares of 12,000-15,000 VND. Tourist buses directly connect popular spots such as Bai Chay, Tuan Chau, Sun World, priced from 30,000-50,000 VND/trip. For those who need to be proactive with their time, tourists can rent self-drive motorbikes for 120,000-150,000 VND/day or a car with a driver for 800,000-1,200,000 VND/day, which is very convenient for families.
Choosing the right means of transport greatly affects the quality of the Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary. (Source: Collected)
3. Reference for a 4-day, 3-night Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary
The journey begins with an exploration of Ha Long Bay by cruise, where visitors have time to visit prominent attractions such as Thien Cung Cave with its magical stalactite system and characteristic echoing space. The evening on the bay offers a relaxing experience with seasonal night squid fishing, enjoying the shimmering scenery amidst the peaceful sea and sky. Dinner on the cruise is meticulously prepared with characteristic seafood dishes, creating a perfect start to the spring trip.
Leaving the cruise, the itinerary continues to the Bai Chay area, the vibrant entertainment center of Ha Long. Sun World Ha Long is an unmissable highlight during Tet with the Queen Cable Car offering panoramic views of the bay from above. Dragon Park is for thrill-seekers, and Typhoon Water Park is suitable for families with young children (depending on weather conditions). The afternoon and evening can be combined with a visit to Tuan Chau Island, swimming at the artificial beach, watching dolphin shows, or enjoying art programs and New Year's galas in a bustling festive atmosphere.
Tet at Sun World Ha Long is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy the traditional spring atmosphere in a modern entertainment space. The series of activities from the 1st to the 5th day of Tet includes lion dances, lucky money, calligraphy requesting blessings, making banh chung, Dong Ho painting workshops, and many special mini art shows. Besides, folk games and Tet xam performances offer an experience that is both entertaining and rich in cultural value for visitors.
The journey gradually calms down with a pilgrimage to Yen Tu, the sacred land of Truc Lam Buddhism. Visitors have time to use the cable car, visit Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, and offer incense at Dong Pagoda on the mountaintop. Besides New Year's peace-praying rituals, you can visit Lang Nuong village, learn about Dao Thanh Y culture, enjoy traditional cuisine, and participate in folk activities. The afternoon offers flexible visits to Uong Bi or Dong Trieu cities to explore museums, traditional craft villages, and buy souvenirs.
The final leg of the trip is a relaxing and light shopping experience. Visitors can choose to bathe in Quang Hanh hot springs to restore energy after a long journey, then visit Cua Ong Temple, a famous spiritual tourist destination with a spacious sea view. Before leaving Quang Ninh, the Bai Chay area is a suitable place for a stroll, buying local specialties, and concluding the 4-day, 3-night Quang Ninh Tet trip in a peaceful and fulfilling atmosphere.
4. Experience booking tours and accommodation during Tet in Quang Ninh
Choosing the right accommodation and tour services during Tet is a decisive factor for the quality of the Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary. This is a peak season, so visitors need to prepare thoroughly for a smooth and reasonably priced trip.
4.1. Accommodation: Should you choose a cruise, a 5-star resort, or a central hotel?
If traveling with a family with young children, prioritize resorts like Oakwood Ha Long with a swimming pool, a children's play area, and babysitting services. Bay-view suites range from 3,500,000–5,200,000 VND/night, including breakfast buffet and free shuttle bus to Sun World. Another option is FLC Ha Long with a 3-hectare water park, with room prices from 2,800,000–4,000,000 VND/night.
Young groups can choose Paradise Delight or Ambassador Cruise to enjoy a novel experience at sea. The 2-day, 1-night package includes meals, sightseeing, and entertainment for 2,200,000–3,800,000 VND/person. Premium suite cabins have private balconies, priced at 4,500,000–6,500,000 VND/cabin.
Couples who prefer romance can consider luxury cruises with private cabins or boutique hotels like La Vela Ha Long, with its luxurious design, couple's spa, and rooftop bar with a bay view. Room prices range from 1,800,000–3,200,000 VND/night, with special honeymoon packages available.
If traveling with young children, prioritize resorts like Oakwood Ha Long with swimming pools, children's play areas, and babysitting services. (Source: Collected)
4.2. Book tours early, watch out for Tet promotions
For a smooth itinerary, visitors should book tours in advance Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary 30 to 45 days in advance to enjoy preferential prices and choose the best services. A 3-day, 2-night all-inclusive tour package (including transportation, accommodation, meals, and entrance tickets) costs VND 4,500,000–8,500,000/person depending on service criteria.
Sun World Ha Long often organizes promotional programs during holidays with discounts of 15–20% on cable car tickets or entrance combo tickets. Oakwood Ha Long and 5-star resorts often have early bird packages with discounts of up to 25% if booked 2 months in advance.
4.3. Tips for saving costs and avoiding crowds
Book Sun World cable car tickets and cruise services online to get better prices from 10 to 15%. It is advisable to visit tourist attractions early in the morning from 7 AM to 9 AM or late in the afternoon after 4 PM to avoid peak hours and make photography easier.
When dining, customers should choose combos at restaurants instead of ordering individual dishes to save 20–30% on costs. Specialties such as squid sausage (cha muc) and dried seafood should be purchased at traditional markets like Ha Long Market, Bai Chay Market for much better prices compared to souvenir shops.
5. Quang Ninh Cuisine during Tet: Top outstanding specialties and recommended delicious restaurants
Exploring local cuisine is an indispensable part of Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary , where fresh seafood is prepared in the characteristic style of coastal people. During Tet, dining establishments prepare special menus to serve customers.
5.1. Top outstanding specialties during Tet
Ha Long squid sausage (Cha muc Ha Long) is a prominent and attractive specialty with its chewy, crispy texture, natural rich sweetness, made from finely ground fresh squid mixed with pork, fat, and spices. It is recommended to buy from establishments like Hong Hanh, Minh Cau to ensure quality.
Sea worm is a precious seafood with an unusual appearance and high nutritional value, prepared in many dishes such as grilling, steaming with ginger, or stir-frying with garlic and onions. Fresh horseshoe crab is often used to cook porridge or stew with chicken. Grilled Van Don clams have a rich, creamy taste and natural sweetness. Steamed shrimp and crab, such as Ha Long tiger prawns, king crab are often simply prepared to retain their fresh flavor.
Cha muc Ha Long is an outstanding specialty dish, appealing with its chewy crispness and rich natural sweetness. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Addresses of Reputable Good Eateries and Restaurants to Visit During Tet
Ha Long cuisine attracts tourists with its richness of fresh seafood and dishes imbued with the flavor of the sea. The Bai Chay culinary area gathers many famous restaurants, where you can enjoy beer-steamed king crab, Quang Ninh's renowned hand-pounded squid cake, along with many elaborately prepared seafood dishes suitable for family meals or large groups. Some seaside restaurants also serve special dishes such as grilled sea worms and traditionally prepared horseshoe crabs in an open, airy space, making it easy to admire the bay scenery.
At night, the Ha Long night market becomes an ideal stop to explore street food with hot mackerel noodle soup, fragrant banana leaf-grilled fish cake, or flavorful grilled spring rolls, suitable for strolling and enjoying local delicacies. During the spring journey to Yen Tu, visitors can visit Lang Nuong to experience the cuisine of the Dao people with traditional dishes such as thang co, porridge with wild bamboo shoots, and can wine, enjoyed in a peaceful mountain forest space. These specialty dishes contribute to creating an unforgettable impression for a Ha Long trip during Tet.
5.3. Notes on Safe and Hygienic Eating During Peak Season
During crowded periods, it is advisable to prioritize long-standing, reputable restaurants and eateries that are well-rated by many locals. Avoid enjoying seafood at small roadside stalls with unclear origins. You should ask carefully about the price of each dish and request a detailed bill after ordering.
Bring digestive aids as seafood can cause discomfort for those unaccustomed to it. You should drink bottled water and limit the use of ice in unhygienic establishments.
6. Festivals and Special Events During Tet in Quang Ninh
Tet in Quang Ninh is not just a holiday for relaxation but also a time for many unique cultural and artistic festivals and events, adding more appeal to the Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary. These activities harmoniously combine tradition and modernity, offering novel experiences for tourists.
6.1. New Year's Welcome Festivals
During the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse 2026, Quang Ninh becomes a vibrant destination with a series of large-scale New Year's welcome festivals, harmoniously combining traditional culture and modern experiences. The most prominent is the Avenue of Flowers and Light Technology by Ha Long Bay, displaying spring flowers, mascots, flower boats, flower floats, along with Tet cultural spaces of ethnic groups, check-in areas, and artistic and entertainment activities serving tourists throughout the spring.
Concurrently, the Quang Ninh OCOP Spring Fair 2026 offers shopping, culinary, and regional specialty agricultural product experiences. Art programs celebrating the Party – Celebrating Spring, events commemorating the Party's Founding Day, propaganda poster exhibitions, street music, folk games, spring book and newspaper fairs, the ceremony of the first writing stroke of the year, and Nguyen Tieu Poetry Day are continuously organized in many localities, creating a bustling festival atmosphere throughout the province.
In addition, mobile cultural and artistic activities, sports, and community cultural activities take place widely from urban areas to border regions and islands, contributing to bringing a warm, culturally rich spring to the people and tourists when traveling to Quang Ninh to welcome the new year.
6.2. Local Cultural and Artistic Experience Activities
Folk performances at Yen Tu include special performances that attract visitors from all directions. Visitors can also participate in learning and understanding the meaning of traditional musical instruments.
New Year's peace-praying festivals at pagodas on Yen Tu mountain hold rituals to pray for blessings and peace for the new year. The activities last from the night of December 31st to the morning of January 1st, attracting thousands of visitors and Buddhists.
A photo exhibition at Quang Ninh Museum introduces the beauty of nature and culture through the seasons, offering a multi-dimensional perspective on this heritage land.
Folk performances at Yen Tu featuring special performances. (Source: Government Newspaper)
7. Useful tips for the Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary
To ensure the Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary goes smoothly, each tourist should prepare thoroughly regarding clothing, luggage, and appropriate behavior at tourist attractions. The following notes help make the journey more complete and safe.
7.1. Prepare clothing and accessories suitable for winter.
Quang Ninh's winter weather is chilly, with high humidity, and temperatures commonly ranging from 10 to 18°C; mornings often have fog. A windproof jacket is an essential item, especially when cruising on a boat or taking the Sun World cable car. It is advisable to choose a hooded jacket to guard against drizzle.
Non-slip soled sports shoes are very necessary when visiting caves, climbing Yen Tu mountain, or moving on wet stairs. Flip-flops and high heels should not be worn as they are prone to slipping on stone surfaces or stair steps. Layered clothing, including t-shirts, thin sweaters, and an outer jacket, will allow for easy adjustment according to temperature.
Bring warm scarves and woolen hats for moments watching the sunrise on a cruise or when reaching the mountain peak. Sunscreen is still necessary due to winter sunlight strongly reflecting on the water surface.
Non-slip sole sports shoes are essential when visiting caves, climbing Yen Tu mountain, or moving on wet stairs. (Source: Collection)
7.2. Notes on environmental protection and civilized behavior when visiting religious sites
Ha Long Bay is a natural heritage, so environmental protection is very important. Absolutely do not litter into the bay; please use personal trash bags when on the cruise ship. When participating in activities like kayaking, always follow instructions to avoid affecting coral and the ecosystem.
At Yen Tu pagoda, you should wear polite attire; do not wear shorts, short skirts, or off-the-shoulder tops. Keep quiet in the pagoda area, do not take photos with flash, and limit bringing strong-smelling food into the premises. Burn incense in designated areas and extinguish the fire completely before leaving. Respect local customs when visiting Nuong Yen Tu village, listen to cultural guidance, and do not touch sacred objects without permission.
7.3. Things to avoid when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet
Do not book low-priced tours from unknown providers, as you may encounter poor quality services and incur unplanned expenses. Do not bargain too much when shopping or dining, as this may affect the quality of service.
Avoid visiting attractions during peak hours from 10 AM to 3 PM to avoid crowds; it is better to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more comfortable experience. Do not choose hotels too far from the center to avoid wasting time and travel costs.
On the first day, do not eat too much seafood if you are not used to it, to avoid bloating and allergies. Also, do not bring too much luggage when participating in outdoor activities like kayaking or climbing, for easier movement and experience.
Building a reasonable Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary will help visitors fully enjoy the New Year holiday. Whether traveling with family, friends, or as a couple, Quang Ninh always offers suitable experiences, easily combining sightseeing – entertainment – relaxation in one trip. Hope these suggestions will help you proactively arrange a scientific Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary, save time, and have a complete spring trip full of luck and memorable moments.
