February is one of the most meaningful and atmospheric times to experience Vietnam, as the country prepares to welcome Tết Nguyên Đán — the Lunar New Year and the most important celebration in the Vietnamese calendar. From 16–22 February 2026, daily life slows across the nation as families reunite, homes are adorned with flowers, ancestral traditions are honoured, and a powerful sense of renewal fills cities, towns and villages alike.
In Hanoi, the capital’s Old Quarter comes alive with traditional Tết markets, folk performances and temple visits. Seasonal delicacies appear on street corners, while locals gather to shop for peach blossoms and kumquat trees — symbols of prosperity and good fortune in northern Vietnam. The Hanoi Tết Festival, running from around 17–23 February, offers travellers an authentic window into northern customs shaped by centuries of tradition.
In Ho Chi Minh City, celebrations take on a more contemporary and colourful tone. The city’s most iconic Tết attraction, Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street, transforms the central boulevard into a vibrant open-air gallery from 15–22 February. Elaborate floral displays, artistic installations and evening illuminations celebrate the Year of the Horse, drawing both residents and visitors into the festive heart of the city.
Meanwhile, in Central Vietnam, the spirit of “Old Tết” is especially palpable. In Đà Nẵng and Hội An, traditional markets, handcrafted goods, flower displays and ceremonial rituals evoke the timeless atmosphere of Lunar New Year past. Hội An’s lantern-lit streets and riverside setting offer a particularly evocative backdrop for welcoming the new year, blending heritage, spirituality and quiet celebration.
Beyond Tết itself, February also brings moments of romance and reflection. Valentine’s Day on 14 February has been warmly embraced in Vietnam’s major cities, where cafés, restaurants and public spaces take on a softer, more intimate glow — adding another layer to the month’s festive atmosphere.
As the month progresses, Vietnam’s spiritual festival season begins to unfold. The Perfume Pagoda Festival, opening from 22 February, draws pilgrims and travellers alike on a journey through limestone mountains and tranquil waterways near Hanoi. Later in the month, the Yên Tử Festival in Quảng Ninh (from 26 February) honours the birthplace of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism, while the Lim Festival in Bắc Ninh (28 February – 1 March) celebrates northern folk culture through graceful Quan Họ love duets and traditional costumes.
For travellers seeking to complement Vietnam’s February festivities with slower, immersive experiences, the period is also well suited to exploring the Mekong Delta, where rural life follows a gentler rhythm even during the holiday season. Panorama Destination Vietnam’s Serene Waterways of the Mekong Delta day tour offers a peaceful escape from Ho Chi Minh City, combining boat journeys through palm-lined canals, village visits and traditional music performances
For those with more time, the Mekong in Styles 4D3N programme extends the experience to Can Tho and the Cai Rang Floating Market, offering deeper insight into river-based culture and southern traditions.
Together, these celebrations and experiences make February a uniquely rewarding time to visit Vietnam — a month when culture, spirituality and everyday life intertwine. From vibrant flower streets and lantern-lit towns to sacred pilgrimages and serene waterways, Vietnam in February offers travellers not just sights to see, but traditions to feel and moments to share.
