1. Overview of Quang Ninh Tourism during Tet
1.1. Why Choose Quang Ninh Tourism for Tet?
The early days of the new year in Quang Ninh bring visitors a completely different feeling. Quang Ninh tourism during Tet 2026 is highly rated thanks to the mild weather, pure atmosphere, and cool sea breeze. Ha Long Bay during this time becomes peaceful and clear blue, with limestone mountains appearing softly in the mist, creating a beautiful natural picture. Temperatures range around 15-20°C, ideal for strolling, taking photos, and participating in outdoor activities.
What contributes to Quang Ninh's unique appeal during Tet is the continuous innovation of tourism products. The Sun World Ha Long complex is brilliantly decorated with spring flower miniatures, mascots symbolizing luck, along with many impressive photo spots. Besides that, cultural exchange programs, New Year's art performances, lion and dragon dances, and traditional folk performances are also vibrantly organized.
The early days of the new year in Quang Ninh bring visitors a completely different feeling. (Source: Collection)
1.2. Timing, climate, and characteristics of Quang Ninh tourism during Tet
Quang Ninh during Tet has a moderate, pleasant winter climate with gentle early year sunshine. Light mist covers the peaks of Yen Tu mountain, creating a magical feeling, while the bay is jade green. Visitors will feel very comfortable enjoying the fresh air in this famously sacred land.
An important note when planning Quang Ninh Tet tourism is to book tickets and hotel rooms early. Tours from Hanoi or TP.HCM by plane or tourist car usually have more preferential prices when booked 1 to 2 months in advance. This period is also peak season, so thorough preparation will help make the trip smoother and more complete.
2. Must-visit destinations when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet
2.1. Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay during Tet has a new, peaceful, and captivating appearance. The 2-day, 1-night cruise itinerary remains the most popular choice for Quang Ninh Tet tourism. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire prominent attractions such as Ngon Tay Islet, Hon Trong Mai (Fighting Cocks Islet), and Luon Cave from a 5-star standard ship deck. Kayaking at Titop Island allows you to explore the world heritage site in your own way, while visiting Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave offers a journey to discover underground natural wonders.
Staying overnight on a cruise ship in the bay at night brings a romantic and poetic feeling. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood under the shimmering lights reflecting on the water, while savoring the peaceful atmosphere as if lost in a fairy tale. The experience of night squid fishing on the bay is an interesting activity, suitable for families with young children.
The Ha Long International Passenger Port, with its wide view of the bay, is an unmissable new attraction. It is also where international cruise ships dock, creating a modern and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of this natural heritage.
Ha Long Bay during Tet has a new look, peaceful and captivating. (Source: Collected)
2.2. Yen Tu
Yen Tu is the sacred Buddhist land of the North, a spiritual destination chosen by many when traveling to Quang Ninh for Tet . The Yen Tu cable car system takes visitors to the mountaintop to visit Dong Pagoda - the pagoda located at the highest position in Vietnam. On the journey, visitors also have the opportunity to visit Hoa Yen Pagoda with its ancient architectural style and the pure, cool Giai Oan Stream.
The early spring atmosphere at Yen Tu exudes sacredness as thousands of people flock here to pray for peace and a lucky year. Mist covering the mountaintop creates a magical scenery, making each step feel like immersing oneself in a pure spiritual world. Additionally, cultural activities at the nearby Lang Nuong village offer a chance to experience the unique characteristics of the indigenous Dao people.
Yen Tu is the sacred Buddhist land of the North, a spiritual destination chosen by many when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Bai Chay
Bai Chay is an ideal stopover for resort activities by Ha Long beach. The fine white sand stretches for kilometers, suitable for participating in water sports. Rows of 3 to 5-star hotels along the coast provide high-class service quality with a direct view of the bay.
Bai Chay Old Town stands out with traditional-inspired architecture, attracting many young people to take photos and explore. The culinary area at Bai Chay night market is always bustling with many fresh and delicious seafood and local specialty dishes. Additionally, evenings here often feature spectacular water music shows, contributing to a vibrant festival atmosphere.
2.4. Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island stands out with its spectacular water music show and unique Asian-style night festivals. The diverse natural landscape features many attractive caves, offering ideal conditions for those who enjoy diving and exploration. The island is located near the center of Ha Long, convenient for travel and combining visits to many places in a day.
2.5. Sun World Ha Long
Sun World Ha Long is the center of Quang Ninh tourism during Tet thanks to the spring atmosphere filling the park. The spring flower square is decorated with many mascot miniatures symbolizing good luck, creating a vibrant space that attracts visitors for souvenir photos. The Queen Cable Car crosses the sea, offering an experience of viewing the entire Ha Long panorama from above with a sweeping perspective.
The Dragon Park amusement area features thrilling rides such as roller coasters and large Ferris wheels, suitable for groups of friends who love challenges. The water park is safely designed, divided into many areas for young children, making it very suitable for families with young children. Cultural exchange and music programs are organized continuously during Tet, enhancing the joyful and bustling atmosphere.
Sun World Ha Long is the center of Quang Ninh Tet tourism thanks to the spring atmosphere filling the park.
2.6. Spiritual and Cultural Destinations
Ba Vang Pagoda, located on Cam Mountain amidst lush green trees, is a popular choice for praying for peace at the beginning of the year. The solemn traditional ceremonies held here evoke a sacred feeling. Cua Ong Temple, dedicated to Saint Tran Hung Dao, stands out with its ancient architecture and is renowned as a place to pray for success and career.
These spiritual destinations not only hold religious significance but also serve as places for individuals to find tranquility and accumulate positive energy for the new year. The impressive natural scenery surrounding the pagodas and temples also offers many beautiful photo opportunities to capture memorable moments.
3. Detailed Itinerary Suggestions for Quang Ninh Tet Travel
3.1. Ideal 3-Day, 2-Night Itinerary
On the first day, the Quang Ninh Tet travel itinerary begins from Hanoi to Ha Long in the morning. After checking into the hotel, visitors board a cruise to explore the bay. The afternoon is dedicated to activities such as kayaking around small islands and visiting Sung Sot Cave with its unique stalactite system. Spending the night on a 5-star cruise in the heart of the bay offers a romantic experience.
On the second day, after breakfast on board, visitors return to shore to enjoy water sports activities at Bai Chay. The afternoon is for exploring Tuan Chau Island and watching the spectacular water music show. In the evening, visitors can visit the Ha Long night market to savor fresh seafood and shop for local souvenirs.
On the last day, visitors will experience the cable car to Yen Tu to pray for peace at Dong Pagoda. This is followed by a cultural exploration at Nuong Village, visiting Cua Ong Temple or Ba Vang Pagoda before returning to Hanoi, concluding a meaningful trip.
3.2. 4-Day, 3-Night Itinerary Combining Relaxation and Exploration
This itinerary extends the 3-day tour by adding an extra day for relaxation and more in-depth exploration. Visitors can spend time relaxing with a hot spring bath at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, helping to restore energy after days of travel. The remaining time is suitable for visiting cultural sites such as Ha Long Old Town, or taking photos at beautiful scenic spots that were not experienced earlier.
4-day, 3-night tours departing from Ho Chi Minh City often include round-trip flight tickets and one night's stay on a luxury cruise, making it more convenient for visitors from the South. With more time, visitors can participate in more local cultural activities and fully enjoy the local cuisine.
Visitors can relax with hot spring bathing services at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh.
3.3. Suggested all-inclusive tours for Tet and tips for booking early
All-inclusive tours for Tet travel in Quang Ninh departing from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City often include flight tickets, 5-star cruises, and a series of outstanding activities, bringing convenience to customers. When choosing this form, visitors do not have to worry about proactively booking rooms, transportation, or planning sightseeing itineraries. For visitors who prefer freedom, planning their own trip remains the most attractive option.
A tip to note when booking tours during Tet is to choose reputable travel companies with extensive experience in organizing group tours. 3-day, 2-night teambuilding tour packages or Lunar New Year programs often have great discounts if booked about 45-60 days in advance. Booking early not only helps ensure your itinerary but also gives you enough time to prepare for your spring trip.
4. Quang Ninh Cuisine on Tet
4.1. Must-try specialty dishes
Cha muc Ha Long is a symbolic dish of the local cuisine, not to be missed when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet. Made from fresh squid caught in the bay, cha muc has a natural sweetness and a uniquely unforgettable chewy and crispy texture. Sa sung, a rare seafood found only in the waters of Quang Ninh, is prepared in various ways such as grilling, stir-frying with garlic and chili, or cooking in porridge, bringing an incomparable taste of the sea.
Banh tai long ep is a traditional cake with a rich shrimp and meat filling, and a crispy crust thanks to being pressed in a special mold. Additionally, grilled oysters, grilled scallops with green onion oil, and grilled squid with chili sauce often appear in Tet meals here. Especially, when dining on a cruise, visitors can enjoy fresh seafood prepared in various ways from steaming, grilling, to stir-frying.
4.2. Notable restaurants and night markets
Ha Long Night Market is a convergence of countless street food delicacies with hundreds of stalls selling attractive specialties and Tet gifts. You can enjoy grilled dishes on the spot, buy cha muc as gifts to take home, or choose characteristic traditional candies and cakes. The night market space is always brightly lit, creating a joyful festive atmosphere.
Many seafood restaurants in Bai Chay serve throughout Tet with rich menus, from popular dishes to high-end cuisine. Family-run eateries are open continuously, ensuring an uninterrupted culinary experience for visitors during the holidays. Especially, a dinner on a cruise with hot seafood under a starry sky will surely leave beautiful memories for every trip.
Ha Long squid cake is an iconic dish of the local cuisine, a must-try when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet. (Source: Collected)
5. Unique Festivals and Events during Tet in Quang Ninh
5.1. New Year's Peace and Luck Seeking Festivals
Yen Tu Festival is the biggest spiritual event in Quang Ninh every New Year, attracting tens of thousands of pilgrims seeking peace. Traditional rituals are solemnly organized from Hoa Yen Pagoda to Yen Tu peak, creating a sacred atmosphere. Cua Ong Temple and Ba Vang Pagoda festivals also take place vibrantly with many activities praying for wealth, luck, and good health for the new year.
Dragon and lion dance performances appear on many major streets, from Sun World Ha Long to Ha Long Night Market. Folk music and dance programs are organized everywhere, contributing to spreading the festive Tet atmosphere. Folk games such as swing, nem con, and kite flying contests are also organized for tourists to experience the traditional Tet atmosphere.
5.2. New Tourist Events, Attractive Promotions
Sun World Ha Long launches many special resort programs during Tet with vibrant spring flower decorations and special night music performances. The countdown event to welcome 2026 at October 30th Square with a high-altitude fireworks display left a deep impression, promising many similar activities throughout the spring tourism season.
A music festival at sea featuring many famous artists is organized at various locations. Events welcoming international cruise ships contribute to a vibrant multinational cultural exchange atmosphere. Promotions from hotel chains, resorts, and amusement parks also help tourists save costs when traveling to Quang Ninh for Tet .
6. Tips and Notes for Traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet
6.1. Notes on Transportation, Booking, and Cost Management
Booking flight tickets and tour buses from Ha Noi or Ho Chi Minh City should be done as early as possible to ensure availability and preferential prices. Hotels near Bai Chay or the bay center usually have the best prices if booked about 60 days in advance. Tourists should compare prices from multiple sources and choose all-inclusive tour packages to optimize travel costs.
When moving around the city, renting a motorbike or using ride-hailing taxis is a convenient option. However, during Tet, travel demand increases, so booking in advance via apps or calling local taxi companies directly will be more convenient. For large groups, renting a 7-seater car daily helps save costs and is convenient for traveling to multiple locations.
6.2. What to Wear, Tips for Winter Photoshoots
The weather during traveling to Quang Ninh for Tet is quite cool, so tourists should prepare warm clothes, light waterproof jackets to adapt to the high coastal humidity. Non-slip sports shoes will be very useful when on a cruise or conquering Yen Tu. Woolen hats and scarves not only keep you warm but also serve as accessories to highlight your photos.
Sunset over Ha Long Bay around 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM is the ideal time for photos with vibrant natural light. Early morning, fog on Yen Tu peak creates a magical effect for photos, especially when taken from the cable car. At Sun World Ha Long, areas decorated with colorful spring flowers and Tet mascots are ideal backdrops for fun photos filled with the spring atmosphere.
6.3. Environmental Protection, Notes for Visiting Heritage Sites
Ha Long Bay Heritage has strict environmental protection regulations. Tourists must absolutely not litter in the water, caves, or visiting areas. Should proactively prepare plastic bags for trash and take it back to dispose of it properly, contributing to preserving the bay's pristine beauty.
When visiting spiritual sites like Yen Tu, Ba Vang Pagoda, everyone should adhere to regulations regarding polite attire and proper behavior. Do not touch artifacts or Buddha statues and maintain order when entering sacred areas. Participating in local festivals with a civilized and polite attitude will further enhance the image of Vietnamese tourists in the eyes of international friends.
At Sun World Ha Long, areas are decorated with colorful spring flowers and Tet mascots.
Quang Ninh Tourism Tet is not just a relaxing trip but also an occasion for tourists to immerse themselves in the bustling spring atmosphere amidst majestic nature and unique spiritual cultural spaces. From Ha Long Bay, a world natural wonder, to sacred early-year festivals, and peaceful islands, it offers diverse experiences for all types of tourists. With convenient transportation infrastructure, increasingly perfect tourism services, and many attractive activities at the beginning of the year, Quang Ninh tourism is definitely an ideal choice to start the new year fully, peacefully, and inspirationally.
