Each year, Hanoi transforms as Tet—the Vietnamese Lunar New Year—arrives with fresh energy and ancient rituals. Streets hum with anticipation, bathed in bursts of red and gold from flowering apricot and peach blossoms, while locals prepare their homes and hearts for a season of renewal. This festival is more than a holiday; it’s a pulse felt deeply in markets, temples, and gathering places throughout the city.

Timing your visit just before Tet offers a front-row seat to the city’s transformation, as bustling Old Quarter alleys fill with vendors hawking kumquat trees and bánh chưng (sticky rice cakes). The aroma of incense rises from temples and family altars, inviting you into a world where reverence meets celebration. The city’s rhythm shifts—shops close briefly, families unite, and street festivals roll out with lion dances daring onlookers with their sharp, rhythmic steps.

For travelers planning to explore Hanoi during Tet, preparation is key. Expect crowds but also a warm welcome; understanding local customs will help you navigate with respect and curiosity. Public transport runs but can be busy—cycling or walking through the Old Quarter offers a more intimate experience. Keep hydrated as the city’s pulse intensifies; carry light, breathable clothing as early-year Hanoi leans humid with a chance of misting rain.

Plan at least three days here. The first day: witness market preparations, taste local street food stalls popping up at night, and photograph the lantern-lit streets. The second day: attend temple visits around Hoan Kiem Lake, catching moments of silent prayers and offerings. The final day: perhaps join families in parks or observe community games where tradition meets lively competition.

Hanoi during Tet isn’t just an event—it’s a living encounter with a culture fiercely itself, inviting you to engage on its own terms. The city’s charm here challenges expectations, rewarding travelers who come prepared to observe closely, move deliberately, and celebrate thoughtfully.