As the clock inches closer to midnight and the year draws to a close, many people seek out extraordinary places to welcome the New Year. In this article, let's explore the charm of Vietnam's New Year's Eve and discover what awaits travelers to spend this special occasion in this enchanting Southeast Asian nation.
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1. When is Vietnam New Year's Eve?
Vietnam New Year's Eve in 2024 falls on December 31st, 2024. The following day is New Year’s Day, which is celebrated as a public holiday. This day, also known as the Gregorian New Year, marks the transition from the old year to the new one in most parts of the world.
Vietnam celebrates both the Lunar New Year and the Gregorian New Year, and each has its own unique characteristics.
Lunar New Year, known as "Tet Nguyen Dan," follows the lunar calendar and is the most important traditional festival in Vietnam. It usually falls in late January or early February and is a time for family reunions, ancestral worship, and traditional customs.
On the other hand, Gregorian New Year, celebrated on December 31st, is a more modern and global event, marked by lively parties, fireworks, and festivities.
2. How to enjoy a memorable Vietnam New Year’s Eve?
Check out the list of activities below to have a great New Year's Eve in Vietnam.
Attend a countdown party
Countdown parties are a popular way to welcome the New Year in Vietnam, especially in major cities like Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. These parties are often held in public squares or at hotels and feature live music, dance performances, and a festive atmosphere.
When joining a countdown party, you can completely soak in the energetic vibes and celebrate with locals and fellow travelers.
Watch fireworks
Fireworks are a big part of New Year's Eve celebrations in Vietnam, especially in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Da Nang. At exactly 12:00, colorful fireworks light up the sky with brilliant colors and patterns, creating a magical spectacle.
Some of the best places to watch the fireworks include city centers, rooftop bars, waterfront areas, and designated viewing areas. Remember to arrive early to secure a good spot for the show.
Join live concerts
Joining a live concert is a great idea on Vietnam New Year’s Eve. In several cities throughout Vietnam, live concerts gather the nation's most beloved and celebrated singers.
These events offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music performances, adding an extra layer of excitement to your New Year's Eve celebration. To make sure you don't miss out on your favorite artists, stay updated on upcoming concert listings in various cities across Vietnam.
Enjoy Gala Dinner
New Year's Eve in Vietnam is a time for grand celebrations. Many five-star hotels and resorts organize Gala Dinners for guests to cheer them up. These events feature scrumptious buffets and captivating live music performances.
Some of the top-notch hotels to consider for this experience include Pullman Hotel and Sofitel Legend Metropole. Alternatively, you can opt for a more beachside celebration at Azerai Ke Ga Bay, Banyan Tree, or Meliá Hotel, where you can enjoy the festivities in a picturesque setting.
For a unique twist, you might want to explore the option of taking a cruise in Ha Long Bay from New Year's Eve to New Year's Day. You will have a warm party onboard while enjoying singing and dancing. Here you will contemplate the first sunrise of the year at one of the most beautiful bays in the world.
3. Best places to spend New Year’s Eve in Vietnam
Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, offers an enticing New Year's Eve experience. It's the perfect destination to ring in the New Year with its lively celebrations. You can partake in the countdown festivities at Hoan Kiem Lake, enjoy captivating street performances in the Old Quarter, and witness a stunning fireworks display.
>> The 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Hanoi
Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is an excellent place to spend New Year's Eve. The Bay's unique and stunning natural beauty, with its tall cliffs and green waters, sets the stage for an extraordinary celebration.
You can hop on a cruise, where you'll be immersed in the festive atmosphere with live music performances. The highlight comes in the early hours of the year when you get to watch the first sunrise. It will be a unique and memorable experience.
>> Search and Book Halong Bay Cruises
Da Nang
You also can spend New Year’s Eve on the beautiful coastal city - Da Nang. From the dazzling annual fireworks show at the Dragon Bridge to the impressive live music performances along the riverfront, Da Nang will give you a warm and unforgettable welcome to the New Year.
What's more, Da Nang boasts a plethora of interesting destinations waiting to be explored. Whether you're a history buff, a beach enthusiast, or a foodie, Da Nang has something to offer. And speaking of food, you'll find a mouthwatering array of local specialties to delight your taste buds.
>> The 7 Best Rooftop Bars in Da Nang You Should Know
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the country's economic hub, hosts a wide array of New Year's Eve parties and events. The countdown party at Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a highlight, with dazzling decorations and a lively atmosphere. The city's buzzing nightlife makes it a great place to ring in the New Year.
>> Top 10 Best Rooftop Bars in Saigon
Conclusion
Gregorian New Year is not the most important holiday for Vietnamese people, but you can still find a lot of activities to do on New Year's Eve in Vietnam. An array of festive activities can be found in almost all tourist destinations, where you can count down to the most happy new year.
To explore Vietnam at ease:
If you are looking for a private tour related to this article, please let us know exactly what you need or see our available tour programs at the best price. IZITOUR specializes in organising private tours for small groups and tailor-made tours, ensuring travelers get the most authentic experience. Whether it's a day trip in Hanoi, a Northern adventure, or a multi-week vacation exploring Vietnam, we've got you covered. Our local travel experts are ready to craft unforgettable journeys that cater to your interests.
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06 Comments
India
Vietnam
Hello Mr. Xavier,
If you choose Danang as a place to visit during New Year's Eve on 31/12/2024, I would recommend you spend some days here for a memorable experience as Danang offers various amazing activities to explore. You can spend 2-3 days exploring the city (My Khe beach, Han River bridge, Dragon bridge) and other tourist attractions such as Marble Mountain, Bana Hills, My Son sanctuary, etc. Visiting Hoi An for 1 day is a must. On 31/12/2024, there will be a lot of public events in the city center (has not been officially scheduled yet) with live music, food, countdown party, fireworks display, etc. Many hotels and resorts host their own parties too. For more up-to-date information about Danang New Year's Eve 2025 events, you can search online when it's getting closer to the date or contact IZITOUR via email/WhatsApp. Besides, as this is a peak season for tourism, you should book tours, accommodation, and transportation well in advance and make reservations for restaurants as soon as possible.
Best regards,
Ngoc Tu Dinh
Cyprus
Vietnam
Hi Joanna,
For a more budget-friendly option, you could check out some of the rooftop bars with amazing views, like Skyline Hanoi at the Tirant Hotel or the Bellevue Rooftop at the Silk Path Boutique Hanoi Hotel. Another fun idea is to celebrate at a restaurant or cafe with a beautiful view of the fireworks, like Avalon Cafe & Lounge or I Feel Cafe Lounge.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful New Year's Eve in Hanoi.
United Kingdom
Vietnam
Hi Priti,
On New Year's Eve in Hanoi, the area around Hoan Kiem Lake is the most vibrant. The streets surrounding the lake transform into a massive pedestrian zone with music stages, light displays, and a festive atmosphere. You can enjoy live music performances, street food vendors, and a countdown to midnight with thousands of other revelers. The fireworks will happen in Hoan Kiem Lake. It's fun but be prepared for large crowds.
For a more upscale experience, many rooftop bars and restaurants in Hanoi offer stunning views: Summit Lounge at the Pan Pacific Hotel; Top of Hanoi at the Lotte Hotel; The Lighthouse Sky Bar.
My personal advice is to visit Hoan Kiem Lake in the evening and then book a table at a rooftop bar after 9 p.m. for a late dinner and sparkling wine.
Hope to see you in Hanoi on New Year's Eve.
Best regards, Ngoc Tu Dinh
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