Tourism

[E-Magazine] Tet Celebrations at Da Nang’s Heritage Sites

MAI DUNG - THANH HUYỀN • Feb 22, 2026 14:31

DNO - From the flower streets of Hoi An Ancient Town to the sacred space of the My Son Sanctuary amidst the glow of lanterns and the resounding rhythm of ceremonial drums, Tet celebrations in the heritage sites are attracting a large number of visitors for sightseeing and cultural experiences. Beyond showcasing and promoting traditional cultural values, and refreshing tourism products and services, the events also create the foundation and momentum for the city’s tourism sector to accelerate its growth in the Lunar New Year 2026.

In the days leading up to Tet, spring filled the streets of Hoi An Ward such as Thai Phien, Nguyen Hue, Ngo Gia Tu, and Tran Hung Dao.

Dozens of varieties of flowers, ornamental plants and bonsai were on display under the brilliant golden sun, creating a vibrant Tet scene in the heart of the heritage site. Local residents were busy shopping, while visitors eagerly strolled, took photos and captured their own cherished moments and emotions.

Emma, a visitor from the UK, could not hide her excitement as she witnessed for the first time the Vietnamese preparations for Lunar New Year.

“I am truly impressed. It is not only the beautiful flowers, everyone seems bustling and energetic, as if all are eagerly awaiting a major festival” she shared.

A series of cultural and artistic activities have also been rolled out simultaneously, including the erection of the traditional New Year's bamboo pole, the exhibition “Traditional Tet Space in Hoi An”, ‘bai choi’ folk singing performances, traditional folk games, and calligraphy demonstrations. These activities help revive traditional cultural values and create distinctive highlights within the heritage space.

Mrs. Le Thu Hoa, a visitor from Ha Noi, said that although she has traveled to Da Nang many times, this is her first time experiencing Tet in Hoi An.

“Walking through the ancient town in spring, under the magical glow of lanterns, I feel as though I have wandered into the world of vibrant and contemplative Tet celebrations of the past” she expressed.

According to Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Cam, Deputy Director of the My Son World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, the organization of “Traditional Tet Space in Hoi An” not only serves tourists but also the local community, where elders can relive cherished memories, younger generations and children can better understand their homeland’s traditional Tet, and visitors can experience a humane and sincere Hoi An through its specialties, handicrafts and cuisine imbued with the identity of the ancient town.

If Hoi An is alive with the colors of spring, the My Son Sanctuary in Thu Bon Commune offers a more tranquil and sacred atmosphere, yet no less vibrant. From the entrance, decorative miniatures are thoughtfully arranged in harmony with the natural landscape, creating attractive check-in spots for visitors.

At the same time, distinctive experiential activities such as Cham brocade weaving, pottery shaping, Dong Ho folk painting printing, and sampling traditional spring cuisine are organized within the heritage site. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural life of the local community.

Mr. Nguyen Cong Khiet, Director of the My Son World Cultural Heritage Management Board, said that under the theme “Journey to Discover Heritage Tet”, visitors to My Son in the early days of spring can not only explore and check in at exhibition spaces but also participate in early-year fortune picking, enjoy ‘bai choi’ performances, join traditional Cham -Vietnamese handicraft workshops, and watch the art program “Spring Journey to the Ancient Towers”, and a boat racing on the Khe The river.

“My Son in spring will be an ideal stop to begin a lunar new year’s journey, where visitors can sense the convergence of past, present and future through slow, contemplative steps, listening to the sounds of the mountains and forests while wishing for a peaceful and prosperous year” Mr. Khiet added.

Mr. Khiet emphasized that the organization of spring activities within the heritage space not only serves visitors but also contributes effectively to preserving indigenous cultural values. “When culture is practiced and lived within the community, heritage truly becomes sustainable” he noted.

The Hoi An Ancient Town and the My Son Sanctuary have been two key pillars in the tourism development strategy of southern Da Nang for nearly 30 years.

Therefore, the program “Tet in the Heritage Land” is not merely a series of cultural and artistic activities to welcome spring but also carries strategic significance in renewing tourism products and creating growth momentum for the Lunar New Year.

According to Mr. Van Ba Son, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the theme “Tet in the Heritage Land” is designed to connect distinctive cultural values of the southern area with central Da Nang, forming a continuous tourism product chain.

In addition, the city’s tourism sector will focus on ensuring a safe and civilized tourism environment, strengthening promotional efforts on digital platforms, and coordinating with businesses to develop “Spring Travel in the Heritage Land” packages connecting Hoi An - My Son - central Da Nang.

“The program not only generates direct revenue but also carries the power to spread our image. Photos of Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets or the ancient towers of My Son bathed in spring sunlight will certainly be widely shared on social media, helping to strongly promote the Da Nang tourism brand” Mr. Son added.

Spring is arriving on every ancient rooftop and moss-covered brick tower. Amidst the flow of spring travelers, cheerful conversations blend with ceremonial music and festival drums to create a vibrant symphony. “Tet in the heritage land” is therefore not only the beginning of a lunar new year but also a promise to preserve and spread the quintessence of national culture.

In that space, past and present meet, tradition and future converge. From these cherished and carefully preserved values, Da Nang’s tourism sector enters the lunar new year with confidence, strong identity and high aspirations toward sustainable development.

Translated by MAI DUNG - Designed by THANH HUYỀN