Tourism

[E-Magazine] International visitors experience Vietnamese Tet in Da Nang

MAI DUNG - THANH HUYỀN • Feb 18, 2026 09:34

DNO - During the Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, Da Nang dons the vibrant colors of spring, attracting a large number of international visitors to explore and experience its celebrations. From flower markets and spring flower streets to traditional cultural activities, foreign tourists immerse themselves in the joyful, warm, and distinctive atmosphere of Vietnamese Tet.

Upon arriving at Da Nang International Airport, many visitors feel a sense of excitement from the vibrant spring atmosphere present everywhere - along streets, in residential neighborhoods … Areas decorated with traditional Tet motifs, together with the warm hospitality of local residents and service staff, leave international tourists with a first impression that is both welcoming and festive.

At the My Khe Beach, the atmosphere of traditional Tet is vividly recreated through such activities as wrapping ‘banh chung’ (square glutinous rice cake) and ‘banh tet’ (round glutinous rice cake), making traditional candied fruits, and playing folk games like clay pot smashing and bamboo pole dancing. These experiences attract a large number of international visitors.

Initially, Jillian Rocky, a visitor from the United States, had planned only to go for a stroll along the My Khe Beach. However, captivated by the lively Tet setting, he eagerly joined in arranging leaves, and layering beans and pork to wrap ‘banh chung’, as well as sampling ginger and coconut jams. He expressed his excitement at being guided step by step through the cake-wrapping process until completing a neatly finished cake.

Joining the festive atmosphere, Andrew Madge, a visitor from the UK, expressed his excitement at arriving in Da Nang during the Tet holiday. For him, it was a delightful surprise to witness firsthand the bustling preparations of local residents.

In particular, the decoration of streets, shops, and homes created a sense of reunion, vibrancy, and festivity. Exploring Da Nang in these days offered him many fresh and memorable experiences.

Immersing himself in local cultural life, admiring kumquat trees laden with golden fruit and colorful flags and flowers, and feeling the Lunar New Year atmosphere in the city became beautiful and lasting memories for his family.

“This trip has given me the opportunity to truly feel the hospitality and Tet spirit of the people of Da Nang. I will tell my friends ‘Come to Da Nang’. I wish everyone a happy Lunar New Year from the UK, especially from Wales, where I was born. Thank you to the people of Da Nang for making this city look so wonderful on the special occasion” Andrew Madge shared.

Visiting and celebrating Lunar New Year in Vietnam for the first time with her family, Kristina Concha from the Philippines also expressed her deep impressions of the Tet atmosphere in Da Nang. The vibrant display of flowers along the streets left her with special emotions, offering a refreshing contrast to what she had experienced in the Philippines.

While Lunar New Year celebrations in the Philippines often feature lively dragon dances, in Vietnam, particularly in Da Nang, the Tet atmosphere is vividly expressed through flowers, ornamental plants, and elaborately decorated spaces. This difference delighted her and helped her gain a clearer sense of Vietnamese Tet traditions.

Similarly, Rainer Mehl, a visitor from Canada, shared his excitement about the festive atmosphere throughout Da Nang. Everyone seemed eager in anticipation of this special occasion.

Colorfully decorated streets and the sounds of singing created a lively and vibrant picture. He and his wife looked forward to fully embracing the Tet atmosphere.

He noted that in Canada, people celebrate on January 1 in cold weather, often amid rain or snow. New Year celebrations typically consist of gatherings at restaurants or cozy bars. In contrast, Tet in Da Nang is a special festival characterized by open spaces, lively crowds, and dazzling fireworks displays.

This difference allowed him to clearly feel the joy spreading through the community. “I have visited Da Nang during Tet before, and I must say it is truly impressive. There is so much to share, but what I remember most is the bustling atmosphere, the vibrant colors, and the joyful, happy spirit of the people” Rainer Mehl expressed.

To serve residents and both domestic and international visitors during Tet holiday, the city has organized numerous cultural and festival activities, including Spring Fair 2026, An Hai Folk Tet Festival, Traditional Tet Space, Tet Market, and Vietnamese Tet 2026.

Additionally, activities such as wrapping ‘banh chung’, requesting calligraphy from scholars, playing folk games, performing ‘Tuong’ (classical opera), ‘bai choi’ singing, traditional folk chanting, and street music are held at various locations across the city, allowing residents and visitors to easily experience the Tet atmosphere.

According to Mr. Nguyen Duc Vu, Head of the Management Board of the Son Tra Peninsula and the Da Nang Tourist Beaches, traditional activities are organized every Lunar New Year to bring traditional Tet closer to residents and visitors.

Through experiential activities such as wrapping ‘banh chung’ and ‘banh tet’, making traditional jams, and playing folk games, the city aims to strengthen connections between locals and visitors while promoting Da Nang’s beach tourism image linked with local cultural life.

“Tet is not only a festive occasion but also an opportunity for Da Nang to showcase its distinctive cultural values, from traditional experiential activities to large-scale artistic programs and fireworks displays. All help to leave a lasting impression on visitors at both home and abroad” said Mr. Nguyen Duc Vu, Head of the Management Board of the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang Tourist Beaches.

One of the highlights of Binh Ngo Spring 2026 was the Lunar New Year’s Eve fireworks displays. Fireworks were launched simultaneously at six locations across the city, creating a jubilant atmosphere to welcome the New Year for both residents and visitors.

In particular, the program “Traditional Tet Space in Hoi An - Spring Binh Ngo 2026” opened as a special “touchpoint” where visitors reconnected with the authentic essence of Vietnamese Tet through genuine, intimate, and culturally rich experiences. The program took place from February 9 - 13, 2026 at the Hoi An Museum, 10B Tran Hung Dao Street, Hoi An Ward.

By participating in these events, visitors had a chance to create their own Tet memories through activities such as practicing calligraphy and Tet couplets, making lanterns by hand, painting paper masks, learning about wood carving, making paintings and lucky red envelopes, brewing traditional tea, wrapping ‘banh tet’ and ‘banh chung’, and preparing Tet jams. These activities allowed visitors to experience Tet through both touch and taste, deepening their understanding of reunion and sharing.