Top 11 Must-Visit Destinations in Northern Vietnam for the New Year Holiday

During the New Year holiday, Moc Chau is covered in the vibrant colors of peach blossoms, plum flowers, and mustard blooms, offering a perfect setting for you and your loved ones to capture unforgettable moments. In addition to the scenic beauty, don’t miss visiting places like the Ngũ Động Bản Ôn caves, Pà Cò Village, the Ba Phách Mustard Garden, and the Dải Yếm Waterfall.

Moc Chau is truly an ideal spot for a short getaway during the New Year break. Its majestic yet serene beauty, paired with iconic spots such as the Heart-shaped Tea Hill, Dải Yếm Waterfall, and the pine forest of Bản Áng, allows visitors to immerse themselves in nature and escape the hustle and bustle of the city, finding peace and tranquility.

The local cuisine in Moc Chau is also a treat, with dishes such as grilled buffalo, stream fish, pigs from the hills, Thắng Cố, bamboo-tube rice, and traditional Thai food. You can enjoy these dishes at the homestays in the pine forest of Bản Áng.

When you think of Ninh Binh, Tam Coc - Bich Dong may come to mind, but this region offers so much more. You’ll find the stunning landscapes of Trang An, Bai Dinh Temple, and Phat Diem Stone Church, all must-see attractions in the area. Given the short duration of the New Year break, Ninh Binh makes for an ideal travel destination as its main landmarks are close to each other, allowing you to explore comfortably in a day.

Some well-known Vietnamese films such as 'The Legend Makers' (Thiên Mệnh Anh Hùng) and 'Tam Cam' as well as Hollywood blockbusters like 'Pan' (2015) and 'Kong: Skull Island' were shot in Ninh Binh, a testament to the captivating beauty of the region's natural wonders.

Ninh Binh's cuisine is also a highlight, particularly its famous mountain goat meat and crispy rice. Other local specialties include Kim Son wine, eel noodle soup, Yen Mac spring rolls, and sour fish soup.

Ha Giang is renowned for its Dong Van Stone Plateau, featuring winding, treacherous mountain roads that are both perilous and breathtaking. While in Dong Van, make sure to visit places like Pho Cao, Sung La, Sa Phin, and Thai Phin Tung. The ancient houses and earth-walled structures of the local ethnic minorities provide unique insights into their cultural heritage.

Traveling to the Dong Van stone plateau is a true test of bravery, with high cliffs and deep ravines. You’ll also be immersed in the sounds of traditional music like the khèn and sáo, which may captivate you as you leave this magical place. The ancient carved stone fields attract historians and explorers, while the Lung Cu Flagpole, a historically significant site, is a must-see. Standing atop Lung Cu offers a panoramic view of the majestic surroundings.

Dong Van is also famous for its local delicacies, such as Bac Me rice, wild yam porridge, winemaking rice, and corn wine. If you’re planning a trip for the New Year holiday, Dong Van promises a truly memorable experience!

Tam Dao is often called the second Sapa due to its ever-changing weather and scenic mountain landscapes. In Tam Dao, you can immerse yourself in nature by trekking to peaks such as Rung Rinh, Phu Nghia, and Thien Thi. Other popular spots include the Silver Waterfall, Mẫu Temple, the Shrine of Saint Tran, and the Tam Dao television tower.

With its cool climate and picturesque scenery, Tam Dao has long been a favorite travel destination. During the winter, particularly around the New Year, the area exudes a romantic, tranquil atmosphere, with thick fog enveloping the land. At night, strolling through the night market is the perfect way to end your day.

While enjoying Tam Dao’s mystical beauty, you can also indulge in its unique cuisine, such as the fried shrimp from Dam Vac, turtle bean cakes, smoked fish from Lap Thach, kho tea, coconut wine, and a variety of local snacks like rice cakes and honeycomb cakes.

Dai Lai Lake Resort enjoys a mild and cool climate, sheltered by the Tam Dao mountains and other peaks like Cot Co, Mo Qua, and Than Lan. The scenery here is stunning, with peaceful waters reflecting green trees and mountains in the background. While visiting Dai Lai, you can explore Ngoc Island, Bird Island, and visit the Linh Thong Temple located on Ngoc Island. Activities like rowing on the lake or fishing will provide you with the most peaceful and relaxing moments during your New Year's holiday.

Particularly, the Flamingo resort is recognized as one of the most beautiful in the world, due to its perfect blend of natural beauty and architectural brilliance, as praised by the famous Designboom architecture magazine. Apart from its delicious cuisine, the resort offers various exciting activities. You can also take stunning photos of the bamboo restaurant architecture at Flamingo Dai Lai Resort. Some local specialties you can try at Dai Lai include: Lam rice, pork, crispy fried fish, grilled chicken, and stir-fried buffalo with betel leaves.

Ban Gioc Waterfall is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the world, and it maintains its breathtaking beauty year-round. Surrounded by dense, lush forests and mountains, this waterfall appears like something from a fairy tale, captivating the hearts of visitors. During the dry season at New Year's, Ban Gioc takes on a gentler, more serene appearance.

In addition to Ban Gioc, you can explore many other scenic spots in Cao Bang such as Pac Bo Cave, Nguom Ngao Cave, Ta Lung border market, Mac Mountain, Le Nin Stream, and more. Local specialties you should try include Dahiens vegetables, Bò Khai greens, Coong Phu cake, Trung Khanh chestnuts, sour pho, bee larvae porridge, bitter tea, Khao cake, Bao Lac plums, Dong Khe pears, Thang Hen lake fish, sour bamboo shoots, Lap Xuon sausage, roast duck, and roast suckling pig.

Ha Long Bay is undoubtedly one of the most famous destinations, both for domestic and international travelers, due to its stunning beauty. A gift of nature, the bay features vast expanses of water, thousands of unique limestone islands, and quaint local fishing villages. As you sail through Ha Long, you'll feel like you've stepped into a fairy tale world frozen in time. Some islands resemble figures like a man gazing toward the land, a dragon soaring above the sea (Dragon Island), an old man fishing (Ong La Vong Island), Sail Island, Rooster and Hen Islands, and Perfume Island.

Ha Long Bay promises a memorable experience, making it impossible for you to regret your visit. In terms of local cuisine, don't miss specialties like steamed rice rolls with cuttlefish, sea worms, sea cucumber, Tiên Yên’s “gật gù” cake, or stir-fried noodles with snails.

Yen Tu is considered the birthplace of Vietnamese Buddhism from the time of the Đại Việt Kingdom, and it is also one of the most attractive spiritual destinations in Quang Ninh. In today’s fast-paced and modern world, Yen Tu offers the perfect retreat with its breathtaking landscapes of mountains and clouds.

The tradition of New Year temple visits is a long-standing practice among the Vietnamese. Whether it’s the Lunar or Gregorian New Year, it symbolizes a fresh start for the year ahead. Everyone hopes for a year filled with good fortune, success, and happiness. Yen Tu is the ideal destination for those wishing to pray for blessings during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday.

Visiting Yen Tu is not only about seeking blessings but also enjoying the stunning scenery, especially during the New Year. The majestic and mystical landscape blends with an air of serenity and sanctity. The beauty of Yen Tu comes from its ancient architectural structures, such as temples, pagodas, and statues, carefully crafted alongside the natural beauty of the area. The region is not only home to rolling mountains but also vast green bamboo forests that captivate visitors.

Hanoi's Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and St. Joseph's Cathedral are some of the most captivating places to explore if you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of the city. During the New Year holiday, Hanoi hosts many exciting events, such as large-scale countdown concerts at Ly Thai To Flower Garden and entertainment activities at major shopping centers like Royal City, Trang Tien Plaza, and Lotte Center. These venues provide numerous leisure and shopping options for both locals and tourists throughout the year. During holidays like the New Year, they also showcase elaborate and dazzling decorations, perfect for visitors who enjoy taking photos.

If you have just one day off for the holiday, Hanoi is an ideal destination. You can choose a few places to visit, and if you're interested in exploring more, other must-see attractions include the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, West Lake, and the Four Pillars of Thang Long. A trip to Hanoi during this New Year holiday will surely be an exciting experience for you.

Sapa is an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful atmosphere amidst the towering mountains of the Northwest. Depending on the year, Sapa may experience snowfall during this time, offering visitors the chance to witness the breathtaking beauty of snowflakes blanketing trees, grass, and homes. The region is also renowned for its unique local specialties, such as Sapa black chicken, wild mustard, 'thang co' (a traditional dish), local pork, and Sapa salmon.

What could be more delightful than enjoying a hot pot of fresh salmon or sturgeon in the cozy atmosphere of Sapa during the chilly New Year's holiday? A stroll through the central Sapa area in the evening is equally rewarding, where you can savor grilled specialties while taking in the crisp, pure air of this mountainous region. These experiences are bound to offer unforgettable moments of joy.

You can easily travel to Sapa by bus, train, or limousine. The newly designed 9-seat limousines offer comfortable and spacious seating, making your journey more enjoyable. If you have just one day off during the holiday, and if you live near Sapa, be sure to explore famous spots like the Silver Waterfall (200 meters high), Cloud Bridge, Heaven’s Gate, Bamboo Forest, Ta Phin Cave, the ancient stone carvings, Ta Van terraced fields, Ham Rong Flower Garden, and the Stone Church. You can also conquer Fansipan, the roof of Indochina, via cable car in just 15 minutes. This is undoubtedly a fantastic spot to visit during the New Year holiday!

During the New Year's holiday, Mai Chau is in full bloom with mustard flowers. Visiting Mai Chau at this time allows you to immerse yourself in the lush green of the mountains, contrasted with the bright yellow of the mustard blossoms. A walk around the local villages, valleys, and mountain passes like Thung Khe, Ban Lac, and Mo Luong Cave will truly captivate you with the natural beauty here.

Located in a peaceful valley surrounded by endless rice fields and traditional stilt houses, Mai Chau is the perfect spot for those seeking serenity and an authentic cultural experience. The distinct charm of the Thai ethnic people adds to the allure of this tranquil destination.

Mai Chau's cuisine is equally delightful, featuring specialties that you must try, such as grilled rice, Muong pork, wild bee larvae cooked with sour bamboo shoots, and the local Mai Ha wine.