Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, transforms Ha Long from a coastal city into an energized hub of tradition and vivid festivities. Arriving in Ha Long just before the Lunar New Year means stepping into a world where bustling markets brim with bright flowers, tempting delicacies, and the steady rhythm of firecrackers daring you to keep pace. The city’s iconic bay, with its limestone karsts pushing skyward like natural skyscrapers, serves as an impressive backdrop for celebrations that command respect and active participation.

During Tết, Ha Long's streets pulse with dragon dances, and the scent of incense coils through local temples as families pay respects to ancestors—the city itself feels fiercely alive with history and hope. The bay's waters, reflective yet restless, seem to push visitors and locals alike toward renewal and joyful anticipation.

For visitors, timing is key. The main festival spans several days, often starting with the kitchen gods' farewell ceremony and peaking with fireworks lighting the night sky. Markets such as Bai Chay and Hong Gai offer both spectacle and practical shopping for Tết essentials like kumquat trees and bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes). Walking through these markets requires sturdy footwear and hydration — the crowds move fast, and the tropical air rarely relents.

If you want a break from the city’s lively chaos, the nearby Bai Tho Mountain offers a moderate 2.3 km hike with roughly 200 meters of elevation gain. The trail threads through quiet forest sections where bamboo stalks sway as if giving encouragement, and opens to panoramic views of Ha Long Bay’s clustered islands, often shrouded in light mist during early February mornings. Expect a well-trodden, uneven dirt path — hiking shoes with good grip are essential.

Post-hike, local eateries serve steaming bowls of phở and freshly caught seafood—simple fuel that recharges both body and spirit. And in the evening, the bay transforms again with lit lanterns floating on the water, mirroring the stars and the shared wishes of those celebrating a new year.

To make the most of Tết in Ha Long, plan ahead: secure accommodations early, bring cash (many vendors avoid cards during the festival), and respect local customs by dressing modestly when visiting temples. With a balanced approach, your experience will be filled with vibrant culture and practical ease, making Tết in Ha Long both an adventure and a meaningful cultural engagement.