Top 7 Places to Visit Hanoi during Tet 2024

1. Hoan Kiem Lake – Hồ Hoàn Kiếm

Hoan Kiem Lake is a destination that any visitor to Hanoi will inevitably pass through. It serves as an iconic representation of the city's culture and traditional beauty. As many people share, on the last day of the lunar year, they often have an early meal with friends and family around the Hoan Kiem Lake area to choose a beautiful spot to participate in the Countdown Festival.

At the Countdown Festival, participants get to enjoy lively music performances by top Vietnamese singers along with a dazzling fireworks display at the moment of transition from the old year to the new one.

If you don't enjoy crowds and noise, then Hoan Kiem Lake on the first and second days of the lunar new year (February 10-11, 2024) is perfect for you. During the early days of the lunar new year, Vietnamese families often spend time in their hometowns, visiting relatives, so the streets become quieter and more spacious. The cool atmosphere is complemented by the warmth of the spring sunshine, making it ideal for strolling and admiring the ancient beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake

2. Thang Long Imperial Citadel – Hoàng Thành Thăng Long

The Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is a complex of historical relics associated with the history of the royal capital of Thang Long in Hanoi. This grand architectural structure was constructed by various dynasties throughout different periods of history, establishing itself as the foremost significant relic within Vietnam's system of historical monuments.

Throughout centuries of Vietnam's rich history, the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long stands resolute as an unparalleled architectural masterpiece, steeped in historical significance at the heart of the capital city, Hanoi. Exploring the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long is not merely a journey through time but also a true adventure amidst the ancient stone walls.

The complex of Hoang Thanh Thang Long relics is extensive, bordered by numerous roads in the East-West-South-North directions. The main entrance is located at 19 Hoang Dieu Street. If you choose to travel by motorbike, the parking fee is only 5,000 VND. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for students.

Tickets can be purchased online or directly upon your arrival. Remember to keep the ticket for visiting the archaeological area and the North Gate relics. The archaeological area is situated at 18 Hoang Dieu Street, just outside the Imperial Citadel. You can ask for directions from the guards and staff within the relic area.

For those who love exploring the application of digital technology in recreating patterns using the light of Le So pottery disks, don't miss the "Treasures of the Imperial City" exhibition.

Dress in a neat and comfortable manner when visiting historical sites. When at Hoang Thanh Thang Long, try wearing traditional Vietnamese costumes for a unique and memorable experience. You can rent Vietnamese costumes here at a price range of 80,000-250,000 VND per set. To rent, you need to provide a personal identification document, which will be returned after you pay the rental  fee and return the clothing.

3. Temple of Literature- Văn Miếu Quốc Tử Giám

The Temple of Literature comprises two areas: Van Mieu and Quoc Tu Giam. Van Mieu was built in 1070 and is a place of worship for Confucius and other revered scholars. It also served as an educational institution for royal princes. In 1076, King Ly Nhan Tong established Quoc Tu Giam behind Van Mieu, considered Vietnam's first university. Khue Van Cac (Well of Heavenly Clarity) – an iconic symbol of Hanoi – is located within the Temple of Literature and Quoc Tu Giam complex.

The Temple of Literature is located at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu, Hanoi. The historical site is open from 8 am to 5 pm every day of the week. The entrance fee for visitors is 30,000 VND per person (15,000 VND for students). During the Tet holiday, it is a common tradition for Vietnamese people to bring their children here and touch the heads of the stone tortoise statues carrying the stelae in hopes of academic success and favorable exam results.

Not only attracting visitors during the day, but night tours at the Temple of Literature also leave a strong impression by featuring 3D mapping presentations. Visitors can also engage in the fascinating activity of calligraphy writing.

Time: 6:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Days: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Night tour ticket price: 199,000 VND per person

You can purchase tickets directly at the gate or online on the website vanmieunighttour

4. Thăng Long Tứ Trấn

Thang Long Tu Tran was built in the year 1010 - Ly Dynasty. This is the place to worship four gods who guard the lifeblood to protect the peace of ancient Thang Long Citadel (present-day Hanoi). Thang Long Tu Tran includes:

• Bach Ma Temple - East side
• Voi Phuc Temple - West side
• Kim Lien Temple - South
• Quan Thanh Temple – North

Bach Ma Temple - Worshiping God Long Do

In 1010, Ly Cong Uan moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La, renamed it Thang Long, and immediately started building ramparts to build the citadel, but as he continued to build it, it collapsed. One night, Ly Cong Uan dreamed of Than Long Do telling him that if he followed the horse's footprints and built the wall, the citadel would be stable. As soon as the god finished speaking, a white horse came out of the temple and walked from the west to the east, leaving footprints wherever he went and then disappearing. The next day, King Ly Cong Uan ordered his soldiers to build the citadel following the horse's footprints, and Thang Long Citadel was actually raised higher and no longer subsided.

Bach Ma Temple is currently located at 76 Hang Buom, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.

Voi Phuc Temple - Worshiping Linh Lang divine general

According to legend, Linh Lang Than Tuong was an angel reincarnated as the son of King Ly Thai Tong. That day, the Song army and the Champa army invaded our country. The enemy was very strong, the king sent people to recruit talented people to fight the enemy. The prince heard the news and told the king to give him a red flag, a long spear, and a war elephant. The king provided everything the prince requested, and also provided more than 5,000 bottles of horse. Receiving the royal reward, the Prince rode an elephant into battle and directed his soldiers to defeat the enemy.

Currently, Voi Phuc Temple is located in Ba Dinh District, near Thu Le park.

Kim Lien Temple - Worshiping God Cao Son

According to documents kept at the temple, Kim Lien Temple was built by King Ly Thai To immediately after establishing the capital Thang Long to protect the new capital in the south. Legend has it that God Cao Son is the son of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, one of the 50 children who followed their mother up the mountain and joined Son Tinh to fight Thuy Tinh, bringing peace to the people. In the temple, there is a black stone stele recording the merits of god Cao Son in helping the king reclaim the gold from his grandmother.

Visitors can visit the temple and learn more about it at Phuong Liet ward, Dong Da district, Hanoi.

Quan Thanh Temple – Worshiping Huyen Thien Tran Vu

The temple was built in the early years when King Ly Thai To left the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long. Legend has it that Huyen Thien Tran Vu is a Taoist god who governs the North, helping people eliminate evil spirits and monsters, and is trusted by kings. Quan Thanh Temple is a destination for many Vietnamese and foreign tourists, especially during the Lunar New Year.

The four temples exude the beauty of Vietnamese culture and beliefs, pride in the history of protecting the country from generations of ancestors, and the utmost sacredness. Although it has experienced more than a thousand years of history, the unique and distinct architectural features of each temple are still preserved

5. Mega Grand World Hanoi

Mega Grand World Hanoi is located in Ocean City, between Ocean Park 2 and Ocean Park 3. Just opened at the end of 2023, but this is already an entertainment destination that attracts many tourists because of the beauty of the intersection of Oriental and Western styles. West. Rows of colorful houses along the miniature Venice river.

Along with the magnificent scenery, Mega Grand World is the first place in Hanoi to perform a real-life play combining 3D mapping technology on Asia's largest boat stage - The Grand Voyage. Visitors here can also participate in street festivals, amusement parks and enjoy unique culinary stalls.

6. VinHomes Ocean Park 3

If during Tet 2024 you are looking for a fun place with many activities for your lovely babies, Paradise Bay is a great choice. Located in the East of Hanoi, Paradise Bay belongs to VinHomes Ocean Park 3.

Paradise Bay captivates visitors right from the entrance with thatched roof style like at VinWonders, bringing a feeling of comfort, relaxation and closeness. This is a great location to take check-in photos that you cannot miss. Going deep inside is a water park system with speed slides, water slides and a 3,500sqm Olympia-style swimming pool.

If you like saltwater areas, indoor swimming pools and artificial beaches are for you. The scale of the indoor and outdoor swimming pool complex is up to more than 3 hectares. In particular, the indoor swimming pool is designed with a canopy dome to create a sparkling starry sky effect, making the scene even more sparkling.

After participating in fun activities, families can stop by the BBQ Park to rest and enjoy meals. In the first days of Tet 2024, Vietnamese people often return to their hometowns to visit relatives, so entertainment venues will not be crowded, helping foreign tourists have space to have fun and rest.

7. Tet flower villages

On the days approaching the Lunar New Year, you can easily see street vendors selling lots of flowering trees, red and yellow filling the streets. These are Dao - Apricot - Quat, the symbolic trees of Tet in Vietnam. To clearly feel the bustling atmosphere and bustling trade of Tet in Hanoi, please visit the Tet flower villages below!

Tay Tuu Flower Village: This is one of the oldest flower villages in Hanoi with hundreds of different types of flowers. The closer Tet is, the more and more traders transport flowers to trade in smaller markets, meeting the needs of people.

Nhat Tan flower village: Nhat Tan flower village is located in Tay Ho district, famous for its technique of growing peach blossoms that bloom evenly and beautifully. Besides, the shape of the tree is also shaped very artistically.

Me Linh flower village: Me Linh flower village is located near Noi Bai airport. Like Tay Tuu flower village, this place has a variety of flowers. Besides, a few varieties of roses are also being tested such as French roses, Dutch roses, Chinese roses,...

Ngoc Ha Flower Village: This flower village does not grow peaches to serve Tet but is still very bustling. They grow flowers all year round and during Tet, the number of flowers increases, blooming in a variety of colors.

Nghi Tam flower village: Nghi Tam flower village is famous for chrysanthemums and camellia flowers - a type of plant that is difficult to grow. When coming to this place, visitors will be surprised because it is the same chrysanthemum but there are many different types.

Lunar New Year 2024 is not only the moment of transition between the old year and the new year but also an opportunity for families to gather and reunite after a year of many changes. Besides, Lunar New Year also represents spiritual and cultural values. This will certainly be a wonderful experience for every foreign tourist coming to Vietnam