Vietnam Hoi An Captivates Visitors With Lantern-Lit Streets And Authentic Traditions, Securing Its Place Among The Top Lunar New Year Destinations In Asia For 2026

Vietnam Hoi An stands out as one of the most distinctive Lunar New Year destinations in 2026, offering travelers an intimate and culturally rich experience that contrasts with the grand spectacles of larger cities. With its UNESCO-listed Old Town bathed in the soft glow of lanterns, Hoi An’s Tet celebrations provide a gentler, more authentic take on the holiday, featuring cultural rituals like floating lantern releases on the Hoai River, dragon dances, and community-driven festivities. The town’s serene atmosphere and deep cultural roots make it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful and immersive start to the Year of the Horse.

Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Hoi An is becoming one of Asia’s top destinations to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year, offering a serene and culturally immersive alternative to the region’s grand city celebrations. While major cities across Asia prepare for large-scale events, Hoi An stands out for its authentic, community-focused Tet festivities. As the Year of the Horse kicked off on February 17, travel experts are spotlighting Hoi An for its unique atmosphere, which captures the essence of Lunar New Year in a more intimate and human-scaled setting.

Ranked second among the best places in Asia to celebrate Tet, Hoi An is increasingly gaining recognition for its authenticity. Unlike the overwhelming spectacles of large parades, Hoi An’s celebrations unfold in the lantern-lit streets of its ancient Old Town. The town’s charm lies in its low-key yet vibrant festivities, offering a gentler take on Tet that contrasts with the massive city celebrations elsewhere in the region.

Visitors can enjoy a series of cultural rituals and community-led events that seamlessly integrate with daily life. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, the Hoai River comes alive with floating lantern releases, casting a soft glow over the water. Accompanying the lanterns are low-altitude fireworks, dragon and lion dances, and folk singing, including the traditional bai choi, a form of singing popular in central Vietnam. The sac bua blessing procession, a spiritual event, adds another layer of cultural richness to the night.

Hoi An’s Lunar New Year celebrations extend beyond the Old Town into the surrounding countryside, where several craft villages add their own unique flavor to the festivities. In Kim Bong, the local carpenters’ village, the Kim Bong Carpentry Ancestors’ Ceremony honors the village’s skilled woodworkers. Meanwhile, in Tra Que, the Cau Bong Festival celebrates the region’s agricultural traditions. These events enrich the holiday experience, providing deeper insight into the town’s heritage and cultural practices.

The quieter, more reflective pace of Hoi An’s celebrations offers travelers a refreshing contrast to the larger, more dramatic events taking place in other cities across Asia. While places like Singapore and Hong Kong are known for their elaborate and energetic celebrations, Hoi An’s charm lies in its ability to capture the essence of Tet in a way that feels personal and genuine.

Singapore, for example, leads the region with its Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations, which run from February 17 to March 18. The celebrations feature an impressive display of 60 galloping horse lanterns and an 8.8-meter golden horse centerpiece. Lion dance competitions, along with a New Year countdown at Kreta Ayer Square, contribute to the city’s vibrant festive atmosphere. However, despite the scale and spectacle, the celebrations in Singapore can feel impersonal, catering to large crowds and emphasizing entertainment over tradition.

Hong Kong ranks third for its Lunar New Year celebrations, where the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade takes place on February 17 in Tsim Sha Tsui. This popular event showcases zodiac-themed floats, along with performances from international troupes, creating a dynamic and colorful display. But even with its extravagant floats and performances, Hong Kong’s celebrations can feel distant and commercial compared to the more intimate festivities in Hoi An.

In Guangzhou, southern China’s largest city, the Spring Festival Flower Markets are a major highlight from February 4 to 16. The markets feature over 2,600 stalls across 11 major markets, including one at the iconic Canton Tower Square. The markets are a beloved tradition, attracting both locals and tourists, yet the sheer scale of the event can sometimes detract from its cultural depth.

Seoul ranks fifth, where the city marks Seollal at Gyeongbokgung Palace from February 16 to 18. Visitors can experience traditional games, royal court music, and cultural performances that offer insight into Korea’s heritage. Although the palace celebrations are a popular attraction, they too cater to large crowds and often lack the more personal, community-oriented atmosphere that defines Hoi An’s Tet.

In Malaysia, Penang’s Kek Lok Si Temple stages its annual lighting ceremony, transforming the hilltop temple into a dazzling lantern-lit spectacle throughout the holiday period. The visual display draws a great number of visitors but, like the other large-scale events, can feel more focused on entertainment than on cultural engagement.

While these cities and their events offer impressive spectacles, Hoi An’s appeal lies in its ability to preserve tradition while embracing the spirit of the Lunar New Year. The town’s serene, lantern-lit streets and the celebration of ancient cultural rituals provide visitors with a deeper, more meaningful experience. Hoi An’s Tet festivities are not just for tourists but for the local community, making it a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience Tet in a way that feels connected to the place and its people.

Vietnam Hoi An becomes one of the most distinctive Lunar New Year destinations in 2026, offering a culturally rich and intimate celebration away from the large-scale city spectacles. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town, illuminated by lanterns and filled with traditional rituals, provides a peaceful and authentic experience for travelers seeking a unique Tet celebration.

For those seeking a culturally immersive experience that celebrates the essence of the Lunar New Year, Hoi An stands as one of the most distinctive and memorable destinations in Asia. The town’s intimate celebrations, rooted in local traditions and community spirit, offer a refreshing and authentic alternative to the grand spectacles of larger cities. In 2026, Hoi An will continue to shine as a top destination for travelers seeking an immersive and meaningful start to the Year of the Horse.

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