1. Why choose Ha Nam as a tourist destination to visit during Tet 2026?

Ha Nam (Ninh Binh), with its convenient location just about 1-2 hours' drive from the center of Hanoi, is the perfect choice for a short spring trip. This place converges all the elements to create a complete journey: from spiritual tourism, ecological tourism, resort tourism, craft village experiences, to exploring unique local cuisine.

Traveling to Ha Nam during Tet brings a vibrant festival atmosphere and many cultural experiences. (Source: Collection)

What makes Ha Nam a special and attractive Tet destination is the richness of culture and festivals. Temples, shrines, historical relic complexes, and traditional craft villages not only offer sightseeing value but also evoke the beauty of spiritual life, helping visitors pray for peace, prosperity, and start a fulfilling new year. At the same time, ecological areas, caves, and natural landscapes also offer relaxing and peaceful experiences amidst picturesque mountains and lakes. All of this makes Ha Nam a diverse Tet tourist destination, attractive to those who love culture, are passionate about cuisine, or simply want to relax in the early spring atmosphere.

2. Top places to visit in Ha Nam in Tet 2026 that you cannot miss

2.1. Doi Tam Drum Square

Doi Tam Drum Square is located right in the center of Phu Ly ward, making it an ideal stop to begin your journey exploring Ha Nam. The spacious and airy space, with modern architecture subtly combining traditional cultural elements, creates an impressive check-in spot.

Doi Tam Drum Square is bustling with tourists during Tet with many spring activities. (Source: Collected)

During Tet, the square becomes vibrant with cultural activities, art performances, along with stalls selling local gifts and cuisine. Visitors can sightsee, take photos, feel the peaceful pace of life, and learn about the history of the famous drum – a unique cultural symbol of the Doi Tam region.

2.2. Tam Chuc Pagoda

Located in Tam Chuc ward, Tam Chuc Pagoda is only about 60–70 km from Hanoi, very convenient for day trips or overnight stays nearby. This is the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam, nổi bật với kiến trúc hoành tráng và cảnh quan hồ, núi non hữu tình.

Tam Chuc Pagoda attracts a large number of Buddhists during Tet with its majestic and sacred space. (Source: Collected)

Visitors coming here can offer incense to pray for peace and prosperity at the beginning of the year, while admiring the architecture and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of Tam Chuc Lake. Experiencing a boat trip on the lake or taking an electric car around the vast campus is also a wonderful way to fully appreciate the beauty of this place.

Tam Chuc Pagoda is truly a perfect destination for families or groups of friends looking for tranquility, a fresh start to the new year with positive energy, and relaxing moments amidst nature.

2.3. Tran Thuong Temple

Tran Thuong Temple is located in Tran Thuong Commune, a place preserving many historical values associated with Tran Hung Dao and unique folk traditions. One of the notable rituals at the beginning of the year is the Full Moon January ritual of distributing 'luong', a custom to pray for luck, peace, and hope for an abundant and peaceful new year.

Tran Thuong Temple is famous during Tet with its wealth distribution ritual attracting thousands of participants. (Source: Collected)

The temple space is bustling in the early days of spring, with fragrant incense smoke and a bustling crowd, creating a distinctive cultural experience, helping visitors clearly feel the traditional festival atmosphere. Coming here, you not only participate in the peace-seeking ritual but also admire the ancient temple architecture and explore the profound historical stories associated with this land.

2.4. Ngu Dong Thi Son

Ngu Dong Thi Son, including Luon Cave and interconnected caves, located in Ly Thuong Kiet ward, is a pristine natural cave system worth exploring. This is an ideal place for hiking, boating, or exploring through the caves, enjoying the peaceful mountain and forest atmosphere and admiring the magical stalactites.

Five Caves Thi Son impresses with its wondrous scenery and cool atmosphere in early spring. (Source: Collected)

Five Caves Thi Son offers a different experience compared to crowded tourist spots, being close to nature and exciting for adventurous and exploratory tourists.

2.5. Phuc Long Cave

Located in Chau village, Chau Son ward, on Pagoda Mountain, Phuc Long Cave is an ideal destination for those who love nature and exploration. The cave stands out with its natural limestone structures, undulating rock walls, and wondrous stalactites, creating a feeling of both grandeur and mystery.

Phuc Long Cave attracts tourists with its magical beauty and peaceful atmosphere. (Source: Compiled)

This is an ideal choice to get away from the crowds after busy festival days, allowing tourists to experience gentle trekking, explore caves, and take impressive photos amidst the wild mountainous scenery. With its fresh air, Phuc Long Cave is suitable for a trip with family or a group of young friends who want to immerse themselves in nature.

2.6. Experiencing Traditional Craft Villages

Ha Nam is famous for its traditional craft villages, each place carrying its own cultural nuances and historical value, making them well worth visiting during Tet.

Quyet Thanh Pottery Village

Quyet Thanh Pottery Village is famous for its exquisite traditional handicrafts. (Source: Collected)

One of the outstanding stops is Quyet Thanh Pottery Village, located in Kim Bang ward. This place is famous for its traditional pottery craft, from vases, cups, bowls to exquisite decorative items. Visitors to Quyet Thanh can observe artisans shaping pottery, experience making small products themselves, and learn about firing pottery in traditional kilns, while also buying unique Tet gifts.

Doi Tam Drum Village

Doi Tam Drum Village is known for its long-standing traditional drum making craft in Ha Nam. (Source: Compiled)

Another must-visit craft village is Doi Tam Drum Village, located in Tien Son ward. This is a place that preserves the art of drum making and exquisite rattan and bamboo products, from baskets, hats to decorative items. Notably, Doi Tam's traditional drums are not only used in local festivals but also represent the unique cultural identity of this land. Visiting the village, tourists can observe each meticulous step, learn basic weaving techniques, and choose products as souvenirs.

Ngoc Dong Rattan and Bamboo Weaving Village

Finally, there is Ngoc Dong Rattan and Bamboo Weaving Village, located in Duy Ha ward. This craft village is renowned for its durable, beautiful, and exquisite rattan and bamboo handicrafts, used in homes, for decoration, or as gifts. Visitors can participate in small workshops to create their own souvenirs, experiencing traditional culture while gaining a deeper understanding of the local way of life.

Ngoc Dong bamboo weaving village is famous for its exquisite handicrafts made from bamboo. (Source: Collection)

Visiting these craft villages not only brings rich cultural experiences but also offers opportunities to buy unique Tet gifts with a distinct Ha Nam imprint, both meaningful and sophisticated, to give to family and friends.

3. Enjoy Ha Nam's specialty cuisine

3.1. Vu Dai village braised fish

Vu Dai village braised fish brings a rich flavor, a familiar specialty every Tet holiday. (Source: Collected)

Vu Dai braised fish is famous for its secret braising method, often using large black carp, marinated with many rustic spices such as galangal, ginger, fish sauce, and crab paste, then braised in an earthenware pot for many hours, resulting in a pot of fish with a mahogany brown color, tender meat, deeply flavorful, which is extremely appetizing when eaten with hot rice or a bowl of jute spinach crab soup.

3.2. Phu Ly steamed rice rolls

Phu Ly steamed rice rolls are famous for their thin, soft texture and distinctive delicious flavor. (Source: Compilation)

Phu Ly steamed rice rolls are made using Tam Xoan rice, which is soaked, ground into flour, and skillfully steamed to create a soft, chewy, thin, and smooth texture. They are usually served with charcoal-grilled pork sausage/meat, nem, or Vietnamese pork roll, added fried shallots, fresh herbs, and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce with a hint of chili and scallion oil, creating a rustic yet authentically Northern Vietnamese flavor.

3.3. Kim Bang Mountain Goat Meat

Kim Bang mountain goat meat is popular for its freshness and rich flavor. (Source: Collected)

Mountain goats in Ha Nam, especially from rocky mountainous areas like Kim Bang, are considered to have firm, lean, sweet, and rich mountain flavors. Goat meat can be processed into many dishes: grilled goat, goat salad with lime, goat stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, goat hot pot... each dish retains its characteristic "mountain" flavor and is nutritious.

3.4. Banh chung from Dam village

Dam Village Banh Chung stands out with the aroma of dong leaves and traditional Tet flavor. (Source: Collected)

Dam Village Banh Chung carries the traditional essence of the Northern Delta, with delicious sticky rice, fragrant green beans, meticulously marinated pork belly, wrapped in fresh dong leaves, and boiled over firewood for many hours. The flavor of the cake when cooked: chewy, fragrant, with rich meat filling. This is a dish associated with the people and countryside, highly recommended if you visit Ha Nam during Tet.

4. Ha Nam Travel Experience Tet 2026

Tet is a peak tourist season, so popular attractions like Tam Chuc, Phuc Long Cave,... are often crowded. If you plan to go with family, friends, or on a day trip from Hanoi, you should book tours or tickets and arrange transportation early to avoid uncomfortable crowds.

If traveling independently, pack light, bring warm clothing as the weather can still be chilly, flat-soled/suitable shoes for hiking, and grippy shoes because some spots like Phuc Long Cave have rocky paths and stalactites that can be slippery.

When visiting pagodas and temples, especially at the beginning of the year, dress politely and modestly, respecting the spiritual space and local customs.

Maintain a quiet atmosphere and general cleanliness, as many places are part of historical and cultural complexes, highly respected by locals and Buddhists.

Where to go in Ha Nam for Tet 2026? is no longer a difficult question, because this place offers spiritual tranquility, vibrant traditions, and exciting discoveries. If you desire a peaceful and lucky start to the new year, along with opportunities to explore, take photos, and buy souvenirs... Ha Nam is definitely worth considering.