Starting from the 4th day of the Lunar New Year of Binh Ngo (February 20, 2026), guided tour services in Hoi An Ancient Town officially resume, opening a more complete and enriching travel experience for visitors during the early days of spring.
As the colors of spring linger on moss-covered tiled roofs and the gentle scent of incense drifts through the heritage spaces, Hoi An welcomes visitors not only with its picturesque scenery but also with cultural stories told through every step and every stop. This is an ideal time to experience Tet in Hoi An on a deeper level — not merely to observe, but to truly immerse in the local community life and return to the original values that shape the identity of this ancient town.
Spring Journey in Sacred Spaces – Sending Wishes for the New Year
During the first days of the year, visitors can begin their journey by visiting temples, assembly halls, and communal houses within the Ancient Town. The soft echo of temple bells, the rising incense smoke, and heartfelt prayers for peace create a moving and meaningful experience.
At the Chinese assembly halls, early-spring offering rituals reflect a rich cultural fusion, while at Hoi An’s communal houses, traditional spiritual practices reveal the depth of a once-flourishing trading port. Spring travel in Hoi An is not only about strolling among lanterns and blossoms; it is also a spiritual connection — a moment of serenity amid modern life.
Folk Games – When Tet Memories Come Alive in the Ancient Town
From 7:00 PM nightly starting February 20, 2026 (the 4th day of Lunar New Year), the traditional folk game “Blindfolded Pot Breaking” takes place on Chau Thuong Van Street, bringing laughter and festive excitement. The image of blindfolded participants listening carefully to directions from cheering crowds not only creates joyful moments but also revives the communal spirit of Tet — where distances fade and connections grow stronger.
In addition, from 7:00 PM on February 16, 2026 (the 29th day of the Lunar Year), at the An Hoi roundabout area, the traditional Bai Choi folk performance continues to welcome visitors. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Bai Choi fills spring nights with rhythmic drumbeats, melodic chants, and vibrant calls, offering an experience that is both entertaining and deeply rooted in Central Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Traditional Music and Classical Theatre – The Living Breath of Heritage
At 7:00 PM on February 20 and 21, 2026, at Kazik Park, traditional music exchange programs create a space where artists and audiences connect through heritage sounds. The melodies of the zither, bamboo flute, drums, and other traditional instruments resonate beneath glowing lanterns, creating a distinctly Hoi An spring evening — where tradition lives vibrantly in everyday life.
On the same evenings at 6:30 PM, at Hoi An Communal House (27 Le Loi Street), classical Hat Boi (Vietnamese opera) performances bring visitors back to the refined theatrical traditions of Central Vietnam. Every gesture, elaborate costume, and powerful vocal expression retells ancient stories, deepening appreciation for Vietnam’s cultural identity within the solemn setting of the communal house.
Nguyen Tieu Festival – The Emotional Highlight of Spring in Hoi An
From March 2 to March 4, 2026 (the 14th–16th days of the first lunar month), the Nguyen Tieu Festival of Binh Ngo Year 2026 takes place in Hoi An Ancient Town, marking the peak of the spring festive season. Visitors can participate in early-year worship rituals, release lanterns on the river, and enjoy a variety of community-based cultural and artistic activities.
Nguyen Tieu in Hoi An is not loud or overwhelming; instead, it glows gently through thousands of lanterns and floating lights, harmonizing people, nature, and heritage in a serene celebration of spring.
Hoi An – One of Asia’s Leading Lunar New Year Destinations
Hoi An’s unique charm has earned it a place among Asia’s leading destinations for Lunar New Year experiences, as voted by the UK-based magazine Time Out in 2026. This recognition is not only about scenic beauty but also about the vibrant cultural life of a heritage city that preserves and renews its traditions year after year.
With guided tour services resuming during the vibrant spring season, a Tet journey in Hoi An becomes more than photo opportunities or leisurely strolls beneath glowing lanterns. It becomes an opportunity to listen to the stories of ancient houses, assembly halls, and New Year rituals — to understand why Tet in Hoi An holds such a distinctive appeal. Within this living heritage space, spring reveals itself not only through color and festivity, but through cultural depth and the enduring community spirit passed down through generations. And that is what makes Hoi An a truly memorable Lunar New Year destination, where every early-year journey becomes a meaningful memory.
DA NANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
