Tet Reunion Day

Modern life makes family time increasingly precious. Reunion travel during Tet (Lunar New Year) has therefore become a way for the whole family to create shared memories.

A family group explores the beauty of traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations while traveling in Da Nang. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Searching for the taste of Tet in the old days.

The spring atmosphere in Da Nang in the early days of the year begins in community cultural spaces. At most tourist destinations with vibrant activities in the city, the traditional Tet festival is recreated with images of spring markets, folk games, calligraphy by traditional calligraphers, and the making of banh chung and banh tet (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes).

These seemingly familiar activities become a connecting thread between generations. Grandparents have the opportunity to tell their grandchildren about Tet (Lunar New Year) of a time of scarcity but warmth; parents and children experience wrapping banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) and writing red couplets together; and young children are excited to hold a brush pen for the first time and practice writing the characters for "Happiness" and "Prosperity".

The echoes of traditional art forms like Tuong (classical Vietnamese opera), Bai Choi (traditional folk singing), and lion dance fill the air with the atmosphere of the traditional Lunar New Year. Cultural values ​​that seemed to exist only in memories suddenly become familiar and vibrant. To better appreciate the essence of Tet in the old days, tranquil rural destinations are ideal stops.

Strolling leisurely through the ancient villages of Tuy Loan (Hoa Vang commune) or Loc Yen (Thanh Binh commune) on the first day of spring, the village communal house, the banyan trees, the riverside, and the moss-covered houses evoke a poignant springtime memory. Children happily play among the ancient yellow apricot trees, while adults relive their childhood memories, lost in the scent of kitchen smoke and the joyful laughter in the communal house courtyard.

Choosing to venture into the mountains, after a long journey, the whole family cooked together, trekked, fished, experienced weaving, and engaged in cultural exchange with the Co Tu people. On a chilly spring night, the family gathered around the campfire, listening to stories about customs and traditional festivals. That moment was not just a trip, but a vibrant learning experience about culture and sharing.

The trend of family reunion travel during Tet (Lunar New Year) has become a journey to rediscover connection. During the first meal of the year at a suburban homestay, generations of the family sit around the table, raising cups of hot tea, sharing their new plans. Children learn how to wish their grandparents a Happy New Year, and adults learn to slow down and appreciate the moment. The wellspring of connection within each person is rekindled.

An international family experiences the vibrant colors of Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year) in Hoi An. Photo: QUOC TUAN

Family travel trends

According to estimates by Vietravel Joint Stock Company, during this year's Lunar New Year holiday, the company served more than 200,000 domestic and international tourists. Among these, family groups accounted for a large proportion, taking advantage of the 9-day holiday to travel and reunite with loved ones. The number of overseas Vietnamese returning home for the Lunar New Year increased by approximately 30% compared to the same period last year, indicating the growing popularity of family reunions combined with tourism.

According to Mr. Cao Tri Dung, Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, market signals indicate that small group and family tourism is one of the three most popular trends. Tourists prioritize privacy and safety with personalized itineraries. Meeting this trend, Da Nang is one of the top choices for tourists during the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026.

With Da Nang having just announced its 2026 tourism stimulus program themed "Returning to the Original," it's clear that Da Nang is a fantastic destination for those seeking a journey to rediscover balance, not just during the Lunar New Year holiday. Data from Booking.com shows that last summer, Da Nang was the most searched-for domestic destination among Vietnamese families. This demonstrates Da Nang's growing appeal for family vacations.

According to many travel businesses, families today are paying more attention to educational experiences (visiting heritage sites, museums, and cultural sites); nature and exploration tourism (beach, mountains, and farms); flexible accommodation options (private villas, homestays, and ecotourism); and moments of "playing together." These are also among the key elements that Da Nang is developing in this year's tourism stimulus program, and are therefore expected to maintain strong appeal to family groups throughout 2026.

Notably, according to the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center, from February 14th to the end of 2026, the "Touching Identity - Where Craft Villages Tell Their Stories" program will be implemented continuously, divided into four phases. The program aims to introduce craft villages not only as tourist attractions, but also as cultural experience spaces where visitors can directly observe, participate in, and feel the rhythm of traditional craft life.

The experiential tours are designed flexibly, combining maps of heritage craft villages (paper and digital), allowing visitors to proactively choose their itinerary, in the spirit of "putting the experience at the center". This promises to be a highlight for family groups to design their own tours, creating a trip rich in emotions and filled with family bonding.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/ngay-tet-doan-vien-3325294.html