Traveling during the Lunar New Year of the Horse: 6 unique cultural experiences from Con Dao to the border region of Cao Bang.

Discovering unique Tet customs such as the vigil ceremony in Con Dao, the pole-raising ceremony in Hue, or the floating market in Can Tho offers a journey of profound local cultural experience.

The Lunar New Year holiday in the Year of the Horse is the ideal time for travelers to embark on journeys that reflect their personal experiences, rather than following pre-planned itineraries. From pilgrimages in the South to ancient stone villages in the North, Vietnam boasts many destinations that offer a deep connection with traditional culture and nature.

A silent vigil in Con Dao

While many cities are bustling with fireworks displays marking the end of the year, New Year's Eve in Con Dao offers a quiet and sacred atmosphere. It becomes the "island of candles" as people gather at Hang Duong Cemetery from 10 PM until dawn to commemorate national heroes.

Visitors can join the procession amidst the fragrant incense smoke and flickering candlelight. To gain a deeper understanding of this glorious history, it's recommended to book tours exploring Con Dao Prison before participating in this meaningful vigil.

Con Dao Prison historical site

The ritual of erecting the royal ceremonial pole in Hue.

In the ancient capital of Hue, the Tet atmosphere begins with the traditional ceremony of erecting the New Year's pole inside the Imperial Citadel. Guards in ancient court attire, along with the court's ceremonial music band, perform the ritual of erecting a towering bamboo pole, topped with the imperial seal, insignia, and the four treasures of the scholar's study, signaling the start of the Tet holiday.

This activity not only vividly recreates the rituals of the Nguyen Dynasty but also offers a unique cultural experience for tourists. After watching the ceremony, a private tour exploring the imperial city and tombs will help you gain a deeper understanding of the palace architecture and the symbols of Tet (Lunar New Year).

Locals and tourists witness the New Year's pole-raising ceremony in the Hue Imperial Citadel.

Vibrant spring colors on Can Tho floating market.

The Lunar New Year in the Mekong Delta is vividly portrayed through the distinctive riverine lifestyle. Families here often prepare a tray of five fruits – "Cầu (Prayer), Coconut, Papaya, and Mango" – with the wish for a prosperous new year. At dawn, the Cái Răng floating market transforms into a vibrant "mobile flower garden" with hundreds of boats laden with New Year's flowers.

Tourists should consider joining floating market tours combined with early morning visits to orchards. This experience often includes a visit to a local's home, allowing you to feel the warmth of a traditional "ancestor worship" meal in Southern Vietnam.

Cai Rang Floating Market, Can Tho

Slow living in Khuoi Ky stone village, Cao Bang

Located near Ban Gioc Waterfall, Khuoi Ky village is home to the Tay ethnic minority, who live in centuries-old stone stilt houses. Tet (Lunar New Year) here is associated with traditional folk songs and a peaceful atmosphere amidst majestic mountains, completely isolated from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Tet atmosphere in the village is rustic and simple. Tourists can take a walking tour with a local host or combine it with exploring the magnificent Nguom Ngao Cave located nearby to fully enjoy the beauty of the border region.

Khuoi Ky stone village in Cao Bang

Watch lion dances and play Bài Chòi in Hoi An.

Hoi An Old Town evokes a special sense of nostalgia with the sound of lion dance drums echoing through its narrow, yellow-walled alleys. Amidst the lively lion dance performances, locals and tourists often gather to play Bài Chòi – a unique form of folk art – right on the streets.

Visiting Hoi An during this time, you can also participate in handmade lantern-making classes. Creating your own peach-shaped lanterns – a symbol of good fortune – will be a meaningful souvenir for your trip at the beginning of the year.

Hoi An Ancient Town during the Lunar New Year

The soul of Northern Vietnam's countryside at Duong Lam Ancient Village.

Located about 50km from the center of Hanoi, the ancient village of Duong Lam still preserves the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere of the old Northern Vietnamese countryside with its laterite stone houses, moss-covered village gates, and couplets written in Chinese ink. The atmosphere here is a complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of the capital's inner city.

Visitors can experience the scene of elders drinking tea and performing traditional rituals passed down through generations. Nowadays, many day tours in Duong Lam allow tourists to explore more deeply the ancient features inside centuries-old houses.

Tourists experience life in Duong Lam ancient village.

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Source: https://baonghean.vn/du-lich-tet-binh-ngo-6-trai-nghiem-van-hoa-doc-dao-tu-con-dao-den-mien-bien-vien-cao-bang-10324090.html