The Lunar New Year holiday in 2026 (Year of the Horse) is considered the most anticipated time of the year for family reunions or travel and relaxation. With nearly nine days of holiday, it's an opportunity for families to gather together, prepare traditional feasts, and also take advantage of the time to travel, enjoy the spring atmosphere, and experience the culture.
Based on aggregated search data reflecting the level of interest from travelers in tourist destinations and vacations during this period, Booking.com, one of the world's leading online travel platforms, has released search data ranging from early departures to avoid crowds, to itineraries that fully enjoy the peak season of the holiday. The data shows the increasingly diverse travel behavior of tourists. Whether it's a short domestic trip or a short overseas trip, Vietnamese travelers are taking advantage of this rare long holiday to celebrate Tet in their own way, with meaningful travel experiences.
"The 2026 Lunar New Year season reflects a clear diversity in travel behavior, from the trend of traveling early to avoid peak season to short international trips. Whether the demand is for cool climate destinations like Da Lat or interest in international destinations like India and Japan, it's evident that Vietnamese travelers are becoming increasingly proactive and purposeful in enjoying their holiday time. With a nine-day holiday this year, travelers prioritize meaningful experiences that suit their personal preferences, to make the most of this special time," said Branavan Aruljothi, Country Director of Booking.com in Vietnam.
Hanoi - a popular destination for Vietnamese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday.
Travel before Tet: Familiar and convenient destinations take center stage.
In the period leading up to Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), Vietnamese tourists mainly seek familiar domestic resorts, while international destinations in Asia are increasingly attracting the attention of travelers due to their proximity and convenient transportation.
Domestic travel trends: Phu Quoc leads the search list, rising three places compared to the same period last year. The top 10 most searched destinations by Vietnamese tourists for travel dates from January 31st to February 13th, 2026* include: Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Lat, Hanoi, Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Hoi An, and Hue. Outside the top 10, Con Dao - a small island famous for its peaceful beaches and beautiful weather in January and February - has emerged as a favorite destination for many tourists before Tet, rising 6 places to rank 16th.
International travel trends: Thailand continues to be the most popular overseas destination with four cities in the top 10. The top 10 most searched destinations by Vietnamese tourists for travel dates from January 31st to February 13th, 2026* include: Bangkok (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Singapore, Phuket (Thailand), Chiang Mai (Thailand), Hong Kong (China), Seoul (South Korea), Hua Hin (Thailand), Siem Reap (Cambodia). Notably, New Delhi (India) recorded a search growth of over 500%, climbing 68 places to rank 12th in the list.
Hoi An Old Town
Traveling during Tet: The ideal time to rest and recharge.
The peak days of the Lunar New Year holiday are also when tourism activities are at their busiest of the year. Searches from Vietnamese tourists have increased sharply compared to the same period last year, mainly focusing on resorts and cities with cool climates where families can gather, relax, and recharge.
Domestic tourism is booming: Da Lat has risen to become the most searched-for domestic destination during Tet, followed by Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. Phan Thiet and Sa Pa also recorded a five-fold increase in searches compared to last year, making it into the top 10 most searched destinations for the Tet holiday. Top 10 most searched destinations by Vietnamese tourists for travel dates from February 14th to February 22nd, 2026*: Da Lat, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Da Nang, Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Mui Ne, Sa Pa, Phan Thiet.
International travel trends: With extended holidays, Vietnamese travelers tend to expand their itineraries to more distant destinations. While familiar regional destinations maintain their appeal, the trend of shifting to more distant destinations is becoming increasingly evident. Japan has emerged as a popular international destination for the 2026 Lunar New Year. The top 10 most searched destinations by Vietnamese travelers for the period from February 14th to February 22nd, 2026* are: Bangkok (Thailand), Tokyo (Japan), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Taipei (China), Seoul (South Korea), Osaka (Japan), Hong Kong (China), Sydney (Australia), and Phuket (Thailand). Besides Tokyo – the second-ranked city – many other destinations such as Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka also attract significant interest from Vietnamese travelers during the Lunar New Year.
Ho Chi Minh City
Traveling after Tet: A peaceful time for profound experiences.
As the bustling atmosphere of Tet gradually subsides, Vietnamese people begin a new travel journey, with trips that have deep cultural and spiritual significance, and a trend towards exploring distant destinations rich in experiences.
Deep cultural appeal: In the domestic market, familiar resort destinations such as Da Nang, Phu Quoc, and Ho Chi Minh City continue to lead the rankings. After Tet, seasonal cultural events and festivals become vibrant, attracting increasing interest from tourists in destinations associated with traditional festivals such as Nha Trang, Da Lat, Hanoi, and Vung Tau. Notably, outside the top 10, Tien Xuan – the location of the Tay Phuong Pagoda Festival – recorded impressive growth, climbing 412 places to position 24, reflecting the strong and sustained interest of tourists in traditional festivals at the beginning of the year.
Expanding the travel horizons: On an international level, familiar regional destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore remain top choices for early-year travel plans. The trend is gradually expanding to global cities such as Osaka, Paris, Chiang Mai, and Sydney, as travelers increasingly focus on immersive cultural experiences.
International destinations chosen by tourists
New Year, New Journey: Let's create unforgettable memories this Tet holiday!
Whether you're planning a relaxing staycation near home or want to fully explore the vibrant beauty of Vietnam's diverse regions – from the historic neighborhoods of Hanoi and Saigon, the white sands of Phu Quoc, or the iconic bridges of Da Nang – Booking.com will make your Tet holiday trips easier than ever with our Early 2026 Deals, exclusively for travelers exploring Vietnam during the upcoming Tet holiday.
Discounts ranging from 15% to 80% are available at accommodations nationwide, helping travelers enjoy a more complete and meaningful Tet holiday at a reasonable cost. The offer is valid for bookings made from today until April 1st, 2026, and applies to stays between January 1st, 2026, and April 1st, 2026.
Phan Thiet Beach
Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/cac-diem-den-duoc-du-khach-viet-nam-tim-kiem-nhieu-nhat-dip-tet-2026-2026012118534138.htm
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