Where can I go for free during Tet (Vietnamese New Year)?

Inside the cultural and arts center at 22 Hang Buom Street, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi . Photo: Chau Sa.

Hanoi

The Hanoi Hoan Kiem Lake and Old Quarter Management Board announced that historical sites including Bach Ma Temple (76 Hang Buom Street); the Quan De Temple at 28 Hang Buom Street ; and Kim Ngan Communal House (42-44 Hang Bac Street) will be open free of charge to locals and tourists for three days, from February 16th to 18th (i.e., from the 29th day of the Lunar New Year to the 2nd day of the Lunar New Year).

Meanwhile, the Heritage House at 87 Ma May Street and the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center (50 Dao Duy Tu Street) will be open from 9 am to 5 pm on February 17th (the first day of Tet) and from 8 am to 5 pm from February 18th (the second day of Tet) onwards.

Tourists visiting the sacred peak of Yen Tu in June 2025. Photo: Yen Tu Pagoda .

Yen Tu ( Quang Ninh )

The Yen Tu historical and scenic site complex will be open to visitors free of charge for three years, from 2026 to the end of 2028 , according to a resolution recently passed by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council.

The decision was made in the context of Yen Tu scenic area being officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site in July 2025. Offering free admission not only fulfills the aspirations of many people but also contributes to promoting the image of Yen Tu.

The opening ceremony of the Yen Tu Spring Festival will be held on February 26th (the 10th day of the first lunar month) at Truc Lam Palace, and is expected to attract around 5,000 people.

The program includes processions; welcoming cultural performances; drumming and bell ringing to inaugurate the Yen Tu Spring Festival. The spiritual rituals include a prayer service for national peace and prosperity, the Yen Tu sacred seal-stamping ceremony, and the incense offering ceremony.

Panoramic view of the Lam Kinh National Special Historical Site. Photo: Le Hieu .

Thanh Hoa

Admission to the Ho Dynasty Citadel World Heritage Site will be free from February 12th to 17th (i.e., from the 25th day of the Lunar New Year to the 1st day of the Lunar New Year).
Entrance to the Lam Kinh National Special Historical Site will be free from February 16th to 19th (i.e., from the 29th day of the Lunar New Year to the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year).

At Ho Citadel, the highlight of the program is traditional ceremonies such as the raising of the ceremonial pole, the release of the "Ông Công" fish into the Imperial Palace; the calligraphy festival for auspicious New Year greetings; and spring-themed art performances by local clubs.

In addition, visitors to Ho Citadel receive 100% free guided tours, access to cultural spaces, thematic exhibitions, and sightseeing routes highlighting the outstanding values of the heritage and the Tay Do region.

At Lam Kinh, the organizing committee will implement activities such as exhibitions and photo displays showcasing the historical and cultural value of the historical site; and organize a calligraphy festival at the beginning of spring.

The national flag is displayed along both sides of Hien Luong Bridge on the occasion of the 49th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country, in 2024. Photo: Rot's Blog.

Quang Tri

The Hien Luong - Ben Hai National Special Monument has completed its restoration and is open to visitors free of charge during the Lunar New Year holiday. Ticket sales are expected to resume from March 1st.

During this period, visitors primarily explore the outdoor spaces; the exhibition hall is open at specific times as needed. Management provides staff and guides upon request.