Time Out: Hoi An among Asia’s top Lunar New Year 2026 destinations

Hoi An is ranked second, behind Singapore, among six best Asian destinations to travel for Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026 celebrations.

“Hoi An’s Lunar New Year celebrations offer a gentler take on Tet, unfolding across the lantern-lit streets of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Don’t come expecting a mega parade, though. It’s mostly a series of cultural rituals and community-led festivities that blend seamlessly into daily life”, Time Out wrote in its latest travel feature.

“This is Tet at a human scale,” the magazine notes, emphasizing the town’s distinctive charm during the holiday. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, the Hoai River became the glowing centerpiece of the celebration, illuminated by floating lantern releases that create a serene yet festive atmosphere.

Low-altitude fireworks lit up the night sky, while Lion-Dragon dances wove through historic alleyways. Traditional Bai Choi folk singing performances and the Sac Bua blessing procession further enrich the cultural tapestry of the occasion.

Also, Time Out encourages visitors to explore surrounding craft villages to gain deeper insight into local heritage.

Festivals such as the Kim Bong Carpentry Ancestors’ Ceremony and Tra Que’s Cau Bong Festival offer travelers a chance to witness living traditions that have been preserved for generations.

These community-based events add “depth and texture” to the Lunar New Year experience.

Hoi An’s recognition reflects a broader trend among international travellers seeking culturally immersive celebrations rather than mass-scale festivities.

The town’s combination of preserved architecture, riverside scenery and long-standing customs makes it particularly appealing to those looking for authenticity and atmosphere during the Lunar New Year, one of Asia’s most important moments on the cultural calendar and one of the most rewarding times to travel.

Hoi An’s inclusion in Time Out’s ranking underscores its growing global appeal as a place where tradition, community and celebration converge in a uniquely impressive setting.