Vietnam Cultural Travel Guide 2026 | Essential Lunar New Year Celebration Guide + Craft Beer Culture Experience

In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as a top vacation destination for many travelers from Hong Kong and Taiwan, thanks to its captivating historical heritage, mouthwatering street food, and highly affordable travel experiences. If you've already visited Ha Long Bay for its stunning views or enjoyed the sun and sand in Da Nang, then 2026 is the perfect time to plan an enriching "Cultural Exploration Journey" for yourself!

The allure of Vietnam lies not only in its breathtaking natural landscapes but also in the deeply rooted atmosphere of traditional festivals celebrated among the people. In recent years, a modern lifestyle has quietly spread across major cities. This time, Kinnso invites you to immerse yourself in Vietnam's grandest traditional celebration of 2026—the Lunar New Year (Tet). You will explore everything from traditional street beer (Bia Hơi) to the rising trend of modern craft beer that has captivated locals. Whether you are a history and culture enthusiast or a connoisseur of fine food and drink, this guide will help you plan a unique and unforgettable journey through Vietnam!✨

When discussing festivals in Vietnam, one cannot overlook the most significant and grand celebration of the year: the Lunar New Year, known as Tet in Vietnamese. This occasion is more than just a holiday; it embodies the essence of Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s combined in Western culture. The first day of the 2026 Lunar New Year falls on February 17, with an official public holiday extending for nine days, from February 14 to February 22. During this period, the entire nation's rhythm of life transforms, and a vibrant atmosphere of celebration fills the air.

As you stroll through the streets of Vietnam on the eve of the Lunar New Year, you'll encounter a vibrant and unique sight: countless motorbikes adorned with towering peach blossom trees (common in northern Hanoi) or yellow apricot blossom trees (typical in southern Ho Chi Minh City), alongside kumquat trees laden with golden fruits. For the Vietnamese, these plants symbolize prosperity and good fortune for the coming year. If you visit during this festive period, it is highly recommended to explore the local Lunar New Year flower markets. Watching the locals dressed in traditional attire, the "Áo Dài," navigating through the sea of flowers makes for an excellent opportunity to capture stunning travel photos.

For travelers, visiting Vietnam during the Lunar New Year can be a double-edged sword. The upside is that you get to experience the most authentic and warm Vietnamese traditional family culture. You will witness households putting up Spring Festival couplets and the solemn rituals of ancestor worship. In some upscale hotels or large restaurants, you can even savor traditional festive dishes, such as the New Year specialty—"Bánh Chưng" (steamed sticky rice cake with pork).

However, it's important to keep in mind some practical information: during this 9-day holiday period, many snack stalls, privately operated shops, and museums will temporarily close. The city may experience a brief "ghost town" effect, with businesses gradually reopening around the third or fourth day of the Lunar New Year. Additionally, intercity transportation (such as domestic flights, trains, and long-distance buses) will be extremely crowded and prices will rise. If you plan to visit Vietnam in mid-February 2026, be sure to book your flights and accommodations at least three months in advance, and confirm that your hotel offers dining services to avoid difficulties finding a restaurant on the first day of the New Year.

If your holiday plans don’t align with the Lunar New Year in February, there’s no need to worry; Vietnam offers a plethora of culturally rich celebrations waiting for you. Among them, Hoi An Ancient Town, located in central Vietnam, is an absolute must-visit for couples and photography enthusiasts alike. This picturesque town, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a wealth of ancient architecture that beautifully blends Chinese, Japanese, and French styles.

The most enchanting experience is undoubtedly the "Hoi An Lantern Festival," held on the 14th day of each lunar month. On this evening, all modern street lighting in the ancient town is turned off, and the entire area is illuminated only by the vibrant, traditional handmade silk lanterns hanging from eaves. You can rent a small wooden boat for about 50,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately 15 HKD / 60 TWD) to leisurely drift along the Thu Bon River, where you can personally release water lanterns carrying your wishes into the river. Watching the flickering lights float downstream, accompanied by a gentle breeze and the soothing melodies of the ancient town, will create a serene and romantic atmosphere that you will remember for a lifetime.

After discussing traditional festivals, let's delve into one of the most popular modern cultural phenomena in Vietnam among European and American travelers, as well as the youth—beer. The Vietnamese are well-known for their love of beer, and the beer culture here is undergoing an exciting revolution, making it an essential experience in your cultural journey.

First and foremost, there is the vibrant and grassroots culture of "Bia Hơi" (fresh beer). In Hanoi's Old Quarter, particularly on the famous Ta Hien Beer Street, you will witness hundreds of people seated on crowded streets, perched on tiny plastic chairs, each holding a glass of light amber beer. Bia Hơi is a type of beer that is brewed fresh daily, has a lower alcohol content (approximately 3-4%), and contains no preservatives. Its price is astonishingly affordable, with a glass typically costing between 10,000 to 15,000 Vietnamese Dong (around 3-5 HKD / 13-20 TWD). Here, no one cares about social status; people sit closely together, enjoying crispy fried spring rolls or peanuts while engaging in lively conversations. This represents the most authentic daily life on the streets of Vietnam.

If you think Vietnam is all about Bia Hơi, you couldn't be more mistaken! In recent years, the craft beer industry in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi has experienced explosive growth, successfully capturing the attention of beer enthusiasts worldwide. What began as brewing techniques introduced by expatriates has now evolved into a perfect blend of Vietnam's iconic local ingredients, resulting in unique "Vietnamese flavors" crafted by these breweries.

When you step into renowned craft beer bars in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Pasteur Street Brewing Company or Heart of Darkness, you can easily order rich and flavorful Double IPAs. What’s even more surprising is that the brewers boldly incorporate local tropical fruits from Vietnam, like passion fruit and dragon fruit, as well as cocoa from Da Lat and black pepper with jasmine from Phu Quoc into their beers. A finely crafted craft beer costs around 100,000 to 150,000 Vietnamese Dong (approximately 30-45 HKD / 130-195 TWD). While this is considerably more expensive than street-side draft beer, enjoying a locally-inspired brew in an industrial-chic bar is definitely a must-experience moment for discerning travelers seeking a touch of sophistication.

When planning your cultural trip to Vietnam in 2026, aside from noting the festivals and must-visit attractions, there are several practical tips to keep in mind. First and foremost is transportation; it is highly recommended to download the "Grab" app for getting around major cities in Vietnam. Whether you need a car or a motorbike, the app will display the fare in advance, eliminating the need to negotiate with drivers, making it both safe and convenient. Secondly, regarding currency, the Vietnamese Dong has large denominations, so be sure to pay attention to the number of zeros when making transactions to avoid giving the wrong bill. Currently, 10,000 Vietnamese Dong is approximately equal to 3 HKD or 13 TWD. Many local food stalls still primarily accept cash, so remember to carry enough small bills.

From the vibrant and festive Lunar New Year celebrations to the romantic and picturesque Hoi An Lantern Festival, and not to forget the heartwarming Bia Hơi served on street corners alongside innovative craft beers, Vietnam showcases a unique charm that perfectly blends ancient traditions with contemporary vitality. Don’t hesitate any longer; start planning your trip to Vietnam in 2026 now, and let Kinnso accompany you in discovering the endless surprises this country has to offer!