1. Reasons why Ha Long is an ideal spring travel destination for Tet 2026
1.1. Beautiful weather suitable for outdoor activities
Tet 2026 falls at the beginning of the year, when Ha Long enters its most beautiful season of the year: light sunshine, clear air, pleasant humidity, and especially a cool sea breeze that is refreshing but not too cold. This is the ideal weather to start a new year full of excitement, suitable for most outdoor activities such as walking, taking photos, exploring attractions, or participating in entertainment games.
Sunshine along with the spring colors during Tet in Ha Long. (Photo: Collected)
Mornings in Ha Long have a light mist, the sun is not too harsh but still reflects enough on the sea surface, creating a bright blue color. By noon, the sea breeze carries a salty scent, making the atmosphere cooler, very suitable for family fun activities. As the afternoon descends, the entire city is covered in a gentle golden light, creating a very poetic scene for spring strolls. This harmony of weather helps Ha Long become one of the most beloved destinations during Tet.
1.2. Vibrant festive atmosphere throughout the city
Mentioning spring travel brings to mind a bustling atmosphere, and Ha Long always knows how to make visitors feel it clearly. Many streets are decorated with red lanterns, Tet models, and baskets of flowers in vibrant spring colors. Areas such as Bai Chay, Sun World Ha Long, or Sun Plaza Cang Ha Long simultaneously put on a new look, brightly lit yet still harmonious.
Meaningful calligraphy and letter gifting activities at Sun World Ha Long on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. (Photo: Collection)
In the early days of the year, the city also hosts many special art programs. Performances of dragon, lion, and unicorn dances, folk music and dance, spring markets, and local cultural activities bring a joyful, energetic festive atmosphere. Whether choosing to relax, explore, or play, visitors can easily feel that Ha Long city is truly a place to start a new year full of joy.
2. Notable Tet 2026 Entertainment Spots in Ha Long
2.1. Sun World Ha Long with its Spring Festival and Vibrant Check-in Spots
Every time Tet arrives, Sun World Ha Long becomes a focal point thanks to its decoration space full of spring colors. The spring square is brilliant with floral miniatures, mascot models, and many elaborately designed check-in spots. Visitors can stroll through the colorful space, feeling the scent of spring through every small decorative detail.
Not only beautiful, Sun World Ha Long also offers attractive entertainment activities. The Queen Cable Car takes visitors across the sea, from which to admire the panoramic view of Ha Long from above, a relaxing yet emotional experience. At Dragon Park, energetic games make the Tet atmosphere more vibrant, suitable for groups of young people who love exploration. If you want to relax gently, the Water Park with its safe and cool play areas will be a suitable choice for families with children.
Special cultural and musical exchange program to welcome Tet at Sun World Ha Long. (Photo: Collection)
Sun World's spring festival often features lion dance performances, a spring music stage, and fun interactive programs to help the whole family have a complete spring outing.
2.2. Ha Long International Cruise Port and Bai Chay Old Town
Ha Long International Cruise Port has long been a place that attracts tourists with its extremely "awesome" view, offering a 270-degree panorama of Ha Long Bay, allowing visitors to admire the full scene of the sunset casting shadows over the heritage bay. During Tet, this area is dazzlingly decorated with red lanterns, apricot blossoms, peach blossoms, and characteristic miniatures. The blend of Western architecture and the Vietnamese Tet atmosphere creates a very special space, both familiar and novel.
Every Tết season, Ha Long Port always surprises visitors with interesting activities. (Photo: Collected)
Bai Chay Old Town is located nearby with pastel-colored walls, charming cafes, and stone-paved streets. This is a very suitable place for a stroll at the beginning of the year, while taking photos and enjoying the flavors of coastal cuisine. In the evening, the street lights up even more brilliantly, promising many beautiful moments for your spring travel photo album.
2.3. Early Spring Cruise Journey on Ha Long Bay
Cruising the bay during Tết has long been a favorite experience for many. The early spring atmosphere makes the bay's water calm and clear, and the limestone mountains standing out amidst the sky and clouds become even more poetic. This is the ideal time for you to enjoy the beauty of this natural heritage in the most complete way.
Visitors will have the opportunity to welcome the New Year's transition moment on a cruise with a brilliant fireworks display. (Photo: Collected)
On the cruise, visitors can enjoy a hot seafood lunch, sip a hot cup of tea in the breezy atmosphere. Activities such as kayaking to explore small bays, visiting Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, or strolling around Ti Top Island area are also very attractive. Each stop offers different perspectives of the bay, from mysterious caves to the peaceful sea.
For those who wish to start the New Year with relaxation, a Tet holiday cruise is a very worthwhile experience.
2.4. Sun Carnival Plaza Square
Sun Carnival Plaza boasts a large space with an open architectural style, suitable for community activities and art programs. During Tet, the square is often decorated with flower models, lanterns, and many spring-themed miniatures. It is also a venue for children's entertainment events, so families with young children can easily participate without worrying about crowds.
Sun Carnival Plaza Square with a space shimmering with light. (Photo: Collected)
In the afternoon, the square welcomes the cool sea breeze, creating a very pleasant feeling when strolling. Many families choose this place as a stop to rest, take photos, and enjoy the early year atmosphere.
2.5. New Year cultural check-in spot with Quang Ninh Museum
Quang Ninh Museum makes a strong impression with its unique, minimalist yet modern black glass facade design. This is one of the most architecturally distinctive structures in Ha Long and is always on the list of must-visit check-in spots.
During Tet, visiting the museum carries profound cultural significance. Visitors can not only admire artifacts associated with the history of the coal and sea region but also learn more about the life of Quang Ninh people through different periods. The spacious exhibition area and many beautiful lighting angles make photography convenient.
This is a very suitable place for families with children who want to combine spring travel with knowledge exploration.
2.6. Lively end-of-day experience at Ha Long Night Market
During Tet holidays, Ha Long Night Market is more bustling with souvenir stalls, handicrafts, and familiar street food such as grilled skewers, cakes, and hot seafood. The lively atmosphere, the calls of vendors, and the sounds of laughter make the market feel very familiar and close.
You can spend time buying a few small items as New Year gifts or enjoy a light meal after strolling. Visiting the night market is also a way to feel the local rhythm of life, authentic and full of warmth.
3. Suggested characteristic experiences for Tet 2026 in Ha Long
3.1. Taking Tet photos at decorative scenes and decorated streets
Spring travel in Ha Long is definitely incomplete without vibrant spring-themed photos. Locations such as Sun Plaza Ha Long Port, Bai Chay Old Town, Sun World Ha Long, and Sun Carnival Square are all elaborately decorated with characteristic red and yellow colors. Miniature scenes simulating spring streets, peach blossom corners, images of the year's mascot... will help you get outstanding photos for the new year.
3.2. Participating in early year cultural and artistic activities
Many programs such as lion dances, folk music, and outdoor art performances are often organized throughout the Tet holiday. These are activities that are both entertaining and evoke the spirit of traditional Vietnamese Tet. Even young children can easily immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere, creating memorable moments for the whole family.
3.3. Eating and enjoying coastal Tet dishes
Tet is when tourists want to enjoy hot, flavorful dishes. Ha Long stands out with many specialties such as: Bún bề bề (mantis shrimp noodle soup) - generous and sweet, Grilled oysters with scallion oil or cheese, Chả mực (squid cake) - lightly crispy, savory, Steamed, grilled, or stir-fried seafood dishes. These dishes are very suitable to enjoy in the cool early spring weather, making the spring trip more complete.
The Tet Eve Feast prepared by chefs at Sun World Ha Long is a worthwhile experience for visitors to Ha Long during Tet. (Photo: Collection)
4. Suggested Itinerary for Ha Long Tet 2026
4.1. 1-Day Spring Tour Itinerary
In the morning, you can spend time exploring Sun World Ha Long with many interesting activities. By noon, enjoy a hot seafood meal in the Bai Chay area. The afternoon is the ideal time to board a cruise to admire the bay, relax and enjoy the heritage scenery. In the evening, stroll around Sun Plaza Ha Long Port, take photos, and enjoy a light dessert before ending the day.
4.2. 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary
The first day is suitable for exploring Bai Chay Old Town, playing at Sun World, then strolling along the beach as the afternoon descends. The second day, you can experience a cruise, then visit Quang Ninh Museum, and at the end of the day, visit the night market to buy souvenirs.
4.3. Itinerary for Families with Children
Places like Sun Carnival Plaza, Sun World Ha Long, and cruises with dedicated children's areas will be more suitable. You should arrange the itinerary with less travel and have rest time between stops so children don't get tired.
5. Spring Travel Experience for Ha Long Tet 2026
5.1. Best Time to Visit Each Spot
Mornings are suitable for visiting museums or Sun World; afternoons are good for going to the beach or admiring the bay; evenings are suitable for street strolls, night markets, and taking photos of the lights.
5.2. Note on Booking Tickets and Services Early
As Tet is a peak season, services like hotels, cruises, and amusement tickets often sell out quickly. You should book in advance to secure your itinerary and avoid price hikes close to Tet.
5.3. Clothing and Personal Preparations
Choose comfortable clothing that has a Tet vibe, such as red, yellow, or white, for beautiful photos. Additionally, bring light sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and some water.
With pleasant weather, a vibrant festive atmosphere, and many attractive places to play and explore, Ha Long becomes a promising spring travel destination for Tet 2026. This is not just a place to rest but also a place to help you start the new year with joyful, relaxing, and inspiring experiences.
Save the above suggestions to prepare for your year-opening trip to be complete and meaningful.
