1. Ha Long is one of the ideal destinations for the Gregorian New Year holiday
1.1. Beautiful and favorable weather for sightseeing
The Gregorian New Year is when Ha Long welcomes a large number of visitors each year, and what excites tourists the most is the very 'accommodating' weather. The first days of January bring a cool atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from about 16 to 22°C, cold enough to feel the breath of winter but still warm enough to enjoy outdoor activities without needing too many layers of clothing.
The sky at this time is usually high and clear, with little rain, making it very suitable for excursions on the bay. The morning sunlight is gentle, as if filtered through a thin mist, making the scenery softer. When traveling by boat amidst the bay, you can clearly see each cliff face, each layer of mist floating on the water's surface. By afternoon, the weather becomes even more ideal for activities such as taking photos, watching the sunset, or strolling through the streets.
Thanks to the beautiful weather and light winds, cruise tours this season operate stably. The calm sea and gentle waves make the bay sightseeing journey more complete, especially suitable for families with young children or the elderly.
1.2. Vibrant festival atmosphere at the beginning of the new year
Ha Long during the Gregorian New Year holiday often adorns itself with a lively appearance, featuring characteristic festive colors. From Bai Chay area, Sun Carnival Square, to the central streets, all are decorated with LED lights, lanterns, and New Year greeting miniatures.
Tourist areas simultaneously organize many unique decoration concepts. Sun World Ha Long often sets up welcome gates, spring streets, and New Year-themed miniatures for tourists to take photos. Bai Chay Old Town also becomes more sparkling with rows of colorful lights and a space that blends modern Tet vibes with a touch of classic.
Not only beautiful in scenery, the festival atmosphere also creates a sense of excitement, a brilliant start for the first day of the year. This is precisely why many families choose Ha Long as a wish for good luck and a smooth new year.
1.3. Lively tourism services during the holiday
Not as crowded as the Lunar New Year, but still bustling enough, the Gregorian New Year is a time when Ha Long's tourism services are in full swing. Hotels, amusement parks, and beachfront restaurants often launch many promotional programs, entertainment activities, and impressive decoration spaces.
In recent years, Ha Long has also featured countdown programs at Sun Carnival square or the central Bai Chay area. Under the brilliant lights and lively music, tourists and locals together welcome the emotional moment of transition. This is one of the most characteristic experiences when spending the Gregorian New Year in this coastal city.
2. Notable destinations for tourism in Ha Long during the Gregorian New Year holiday
2.1. Sun World Ha Long and New Year's entertainment experiences
As the largest entertainment complex in Ha Long, Sun World is always a top choice for tourists at the beginning of the year. Here, you can start your journey at Dragon Park, which features a range of games from gentle to adventurous. For children, the Kidoland area is a wonderful space to explore, while for groups of young friends, the Roller Coaster or the Free Fall Tower are always exciting challenges.
Spring air is always full of at Sun World Ha Long every New Year's Day. (Photo: Source)
Especially, the experience of Queen Cable Car is unmissable. As the cabin slowly leaves the station, the panoramic view of the city and Ha Long Bay unfolds before your eyes. The early year sunlight covers the sea with a gentle golden layer, creating a majestic yet peaceful natural picture.
During Tet, Sun World often organizes many activities such as art programs, music, stage performances, along with numerous decorative backgrounds for tourists to take photos. With a cheerful atmosphere, this place is always an interesting choice for the first day of the New Year.
2.2. Ha Long Bay with a cruise journey
No experience is more suitable for New Year's Day than a cruise journey to admire Ha Long Bay, Vietnam's famous natural heritage. This season, the bay's water is a deep, calm blue, creating a peaceful and gentle feeling.
Tourists can choose a 3 to 4-hour tour for a leisurely itinerary, visiting highlights such as Dau Go Cave, Hon Trong Mai (Fighting Cocks Islet), the symbol of enduring love, or Cua Van fishing village, which preserves the traditional life of the coastal people.
For a deeper experience, an overnight cruise tour is an ideal choice. You can enjoy dinner on deck, participate in a cooking class, night squid fishing, or simply sit quietly, enjoy the sea breeze, and admire the bay's beauty under the moonlight. Especially, some cruises also organize New Year's Eve parties, a meaningful moment to start the year with unique experiences.
Fireworks moment, countdown to welcome the new year on a Ha Long cruise. (Photo: Collected)
2.3. Bai Chay Old Town and Sun Plaza Grand World
Bai Chay Old Town is a favorite spot for many tourists thanks to its blend of nostalgic and modern beauty. The pale yellow houses, brown wooden doors, and lanterns hung along the street create a space that is both cozy and poetic. At the beginning of the year, this place shines brightly with decorative lights, suitable for strolling, taking photos, and enjoying drinks at roadside cafes.
Nearby is Sun Plaza Grand World Ha Long, a “miniature Europe” with a total area of 40.93 ha divided into 5 subdivisions designed in the style of the 5 continents. In the early evening of the new year, the space here becomes sparkling with brilliant lights, creating a feeling of abundant energy. Visitors can stroll, admire the sea, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
2.4. Sun Carnival Plaza Square
Sun Carnival Plaza is one of the liveliest gathering places during the New Year holiday. It is often the venue for major events, from outdoor art programs and countdown stages to family activities. With its spacious, open area located right by the sea, the square is an ideal place for children to play or for families to capture their New Year moments.
2.5. Coastal cultural and scenic spots
Ha Long also has many destinations with attractive cultural and scenic values:
Bai Chay beach with its long coastline and seaside promenade is a great place to watch the sunrise or sunset.
Quang Ninh Museum, with its unique black glass facade and many attractive exhibition spaces, helps visitors understand more about the history and culture of the mining and coastal region.
Bai Chay Bridge stands out with its color-changing lights at night, becoming a highlight in the Ha Long nightscape.
Ba Deo Hill is an ideal place to admire the city from above, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, and the expansive scenery.
3. Activities to experience during the New Year holiday
3.1. Play, check-in, and watch performances at Sun World Ha Long
Starting the new year at Sun World brings a dynamic feeling. Many New Year-themed performances such as live music, entertainment, and interactive programs make the atmosphere lively. Those who love photography can find countless unique backgrounds with a New Year theme.
Sun World Ha Long is an ideal destination for tourists every Tet season. (Photo: Tourists)
3.2. Cruises welcome the new year on the bay
Cruises are an emotional choice for the moment of welcoming the new year. Dinner parties on board often feature music, wine, cakes, and many fresh seafood dishes. In the calm sea space, with yellow lights and gentle breezes, you can enjoy a moment of tranquility and send good wishes for the new year.
3.3. Strolling along Bai Chay beach street in the evening
Bai Chay beach street in the evening at the beginning of the year always has a romantic beauty. The lights from the seaside shops, the decorated trees, the gentle sound of waves lapping the shore create a peaceful feeling. Tourists can stroll, take photos, or sit in a seaside cafe to fully experience the city's atmosphere on the first day of the year.
3.4. Discovering early year cuisine on the beach street
Ha Long cuisine during the New Year holiday is extremely rich. When the weather is cold, hot dishes become more appealing such as: Seafood hot pot, steaming mantis shrimp vermicelli, crispy fried squid cake, grilled oysters with green onion oil, steamed or grilled grouper.
Squid cake is one of the specialty dishes that visitors must experience when coming to this heritage land. (Photo: Collected)
Additionally, many areas such as Bai Chay old town, Sun Plaza, and the night market have eateries and restaurants that serve throughout the holiday, making it easy for visitors to enjoy the taste of the sea.
4. Suggested Ha Long Travel Itinerary for New Year's Day
4.1. 2 Days 1 Night Itinerary
Day 1: Morning: Play at Sun World Ha Long. Afternoon: Visit Bai Chay area, take photos at Sun Plaza. Evening: Stroll along Bai Chay beach, have a seafood dinner.
Day 2: Morning, Noon: Join a cruise tour to visit the bay. Afternoon: Visit Quang Ninh Museum or Ba Deo Hill.
4.2. 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary
Day 1: Check-in at Bai Chay old town, have dinner by the sea, stroll around Sun Plaza. Day 2: Cruise tour to visit the bay, watch the evening show or attend the New Year's event. Day 3: Play at Sun World or have a light swim depending on the weather.
4.3. Itinerary Suitable for Families with Young Children
Families with children should choose safe play areas and avoid too much travel.
5. Tips for Traveling to Ha Long on New Year's Day
5.1. Weather and Clothing Preparation
New Year's Day is usually chilly, especially in the evening. You should bring a light jacket, a thin scarf, comfortable shoes, and warm clothes when traveling by boat or outdoors.
5.2. Book Services Early to Avoid Sold Out Tickets
Cruise tours, beachfront hotels, and Sun World tickets are often fully booked at the beginning of the year. Booking early helps you get good choices and avoid price increases.
5.3. Notes on Transportation and Sightseeing Time
The most beautiful time to visit the bay is from around 9 AM to 2 PM, when the sun starts to shine gently. The afternoon is suitable for sunset photos, but pay attention to the weather if traveling by boat.
Ha Long is always a destination that brings a complete feeling in the early days of the year. From pleasant weather, vibrant festive atmosphere to a series of entertainment and sightseeing activities suitable for all ages, this coastal city promises to help you have a meaningful New Year's Day holiday.
Prepare your itinerary early to fully enjoy the special moments of the new year in the heart of beautiful Ha Long.
