1. Nha Trang – An irresistible destination for Tet travel
Tet, or the Lunar New Year, is one of Vietnam’s most important and grand celebrations. It occurs in the early days of the lunar calendar’s first month, marking the end of the year’s seasonal cycle - spring, summer, autumn, and winter - and the beginning of a new cycle. Due to the difference between the lunar and solar calendars, the Tet Holiday usually falls between late January and early February.
As a symbol of fresh beginnings, Tet carries profound meaning for Vietnamese people, encapsulating their wishes for prosperity, health, and good fortune. For each Vietnamese individual, Tet is a time for family reunions, remembrance of ancestors, and joyful moments, free from worries, with hopes for the best in the year ahead.
Tet also plays a vital role in preserving cultural values. Whether celebrating Tet in Nha Trang or other cities, you can enjoy various cherished traditions and exciting activities, such as making banh chung and banh tet, giving lucky money, visiting pagodas, and engaging in festivals. These activities bring vibrancy to the holiday while sustaining Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage amid modernization.
As a major tourist city, Nha Trang is an ideal destination to enjoy a memorable Tet. During this festive season, the city hosts numerous events, including spring flower festivals, food fairs, and folk games. These activities create opportunities for visitors to immerse themselves in the cultural aspects of Tet while enjoying the charm of this dreamy seaside city.
2. What are the weather features during Tet in Nha Trang?
To have a pleasant and unforgettable experience for Tet in Nha Trang, it is essential to understand the weather in Nha Trang during January and February. These months typically offer delightful conditions for exploring the city’s beauty and festive atmosphere.
The weather in Nha Trang in January marks the transition from the rainy season to the dry season. Temperatures range between 22°C and 25°C, with approximately 7.4 hours of sunshine per day, high humidity, and little rain. Meanwhile, February, part of the dry season, is considered the best time to visit Nha Trang. The weather in Nha Trang in February is pleasant with an average temperature of around 24°C, minimal rainfall (10–20 millimeters), and about 8 hours of sunshine daily.
3. Things to do to enjoy the vibrant essence of Tet in Nha Trang
Tet in Nha Trang is a vibrant and cultural celebration that brings a host of exciting activities, catering to visitors of all ages. From traditional cultural events to modern entertainment and natural escapes, it offers an unforgettable experience.
3.1. Enjoy a great time at Vinpearl Nha Trang
Located on Hon Tre Island, one of Nha Trang's most stunning islands, the Vinpearl Nha Trang complex is a must-visit spot for anyone celebrating Tet in Nha Trang. This luxurious destination provides everything for a perfect holiday, from world-class accommodations to festive, colorful spring markets and captivating traditional cultural activities.
Visitors can stay at one of Vinpearl Nha Trang’s luxurious hotels or resorts, where breathtaking sea views and top-notch services ensure a premium experience. Then, you follow it up with a visit to VinWonders Nha Trang, one of Vietnam’s largest amusement parks spanning 500,000 square meters. Here, you can enjoy thrilling activities such as the Tata Show, adrenaline-pumping rides, a diverse collection of flora and fauna, and Vietnam’s first freshwater park by the sea.
To celebrate Tet in Nha Trang, visitors should explore Vinpearl Harbour - a bustling commercial district. Must-try experiences include taking the Vinpearl cable car ride, which offers panoramic views of Hon Tre Island and enjoying local treats, the night-long celebrations, and captivating cultural performances like the Stunt Show (Rise of the Ocean Princess). If relaxation is what you seek, visit Aquafied Nha Trang for a sauna and spa experience and Vinpearl Golf Nha Trang, an exclusive golf course set amid verdant hills overlooking the pristine bay.
During Tet, VinWonders and Vinpearl Harbour are beautifully decorated, creating a festive atmosphere for visitors to enjoy. The celebration includes vibrant cultural and culinary events, offering a perfect way to bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new one.
Book rooms in Vinpearl Nha Trang
Book tickets of VinWonders Nha Trang
3.2. Stroll through Tet flower streets
Tet in Nha Trang is not complete without visiting the city’s vibrant flower streets. Streets and areas like 23 thang 10, Thai Nguyen, Le Thanh Ton, 2 thang 4, Da Tuong, Yersin, and the Provincial Children’s House are adorned with colorful displays of flowers. Golden apricot blossoms, pink peach flowers, orchids, chrysanthemums, kumquats, and bougainvillea fill the air with their enchanting fragrances.
These bustling streets also feature bonsai trees, handcrafted wooden decor inscribed with blessings, and festive lanterns, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. As you stroll through these vibrant areas, take time to mingle with the locals, admire the stunning decorations, and snap memorable photos of Tet’s joyous spirit.
3.3. Unwind at Nha Trang beaches and islands
For beach lovers, Nha Trang’s pristine shores are a paradise. While celebrating Tet in Nha Trang, you can also relax on Nha Trang beaches with white sand and turquoise waters, shaded by lush palm trees. The central Nha Trang Beach, Bai Dai, and Doc Let Beach offer serene, picturesque settings for a peaceful escape.
Meanwhile, adventure seekers can hop on a canoe to explore nearby islands. You can head to Hon Mieu Island for thrilling water sports or Hon Mun Island, the most popular destination for snorkeling and discovering vibrant marine life. Other must-visit spots include Hon Chong Promontory, ideal for panoramic views of the city, Monkey Island, home to over 1,500 monkeys, and Hon Tam Island, known for its calm waves and mud baths.
3.4. Go sightseeing to sacred sites
Paying respects and offering prayers at temples and religious sites is an essential Tet tradition in Vietnam. For Tet in Nha Trang, you will find several spiritual landmarks:
- Long Son Pagoda: Over 100 years old, this iconic temple boasts unique sculptures, a serene green courtyard, and the outdoor Kim Than Buddha Statue, the largest of its kind in Vietnam.
- Po Nagar Cham Towers: Dating back to the 7th–13th centuries, these ancient Cham towers honor the goddess Po Ina Nagar, attracting visitors with their historical architecture and spiritual significance.
- Nha Trang Cathedral: Built in Gothic style, this grand church features high arches, colorful stained-glass windows, and a tranquil atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
- Suoi Do Pagoda: Nestled in lush green hills, this red-roofed temple offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, streams, and tranquil landscapes, perfect for finding peace during Tet.
3.5. Explore Nha Trang cuisine
No Tet celebration is complete without indulging in local specialties. Traditional Tet dishes like Chung cake and Tet cake are not only delicious but also carry deep cultural significance. Nha Trang’s seafood is another highlight, offering fresh and flavorful options in various styles. Some of the best foods in Nha Trang for food lovers are:
- Seafood: Nha Trang is renowned for its fresh and diverse seafood. Visitors can indulge in diverse offerings from shrimp to sea urchins at seaside restaurants and fishing villages.
- Fish noodle soup (bun ca): A comforting bowl of tender fish and jellyfish in flavorful broth.
- Vietnamese grilled pork sausage (nem nuong): Perfectly grilled pork wrapped in rice paper with fresh vegetables, served with a signature dipping sauce.
- Squid Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo muc): Crispy pancakes filled with fresh squid and served with tangy sauce.
- Squid hotpot (lau muc): A shareable feast of fresh squid and vegetables in sweet-sour-spicy broth.
3.6. Take an excursion to Van Phong Bay
For those seeking tranquility in Tet in Nha Trang, a trip to Van Phong Bay, located 80 kilometers from the city center, is highly recommended. Here, visitors can experience various natural attractions, such as walking along a sea path leading to Diep Son Island, enjoying the pristine beauty of Son Dung Beach, or watching the sunrise at Mui Doi – the easternmost point of Vietnam.
Other highlights include Dai Lanh Beach, known for its untouched beauty, and Dam Mon with its rustic fishing village, offering various activities like coral diving and camping. Pristine islands and beaches like Tay Beach, Me Beach, Hon Ong, and Hon Bip, offer serene environments to unwind, reconnect with nature, and leave behind the hustle and bustle.
3.7. Visit National Oceanographic Museum
Families and ocean enthusiasts who enjoy Tet in Nha Trang should visit the National Oceanographic Museum, dedicated to the research and conservation of marine life. With over 100 years of history, the museum houses more than 4,000 marine species and 20,000 specimens, including rare creatures like the Chinese sturgeon and whale sharks.
A highlight of the museum is the greenhouse and outdoor tanks. This area allows visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting underwater world and admire a variety of corals, algae, and over 300 rare marine species. Another not-to-be-missed display is the skeleton of a humpback whale over 18 meters long, weighing nearly 10 tons, and estimated to be over 200 years old.
>>> Discover: LIST of 17 awesome things to do in Nha Trang for a memorable journey
4. Essential tips for your trip to Nha Trang during Tet Holiday
Tet in Nha Trang is a peak travel time, so here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth trip:
- Plan early: You should prepare your travel itinerary early to avoid unexpected issues.
- Book in advance: You can research transportation options, flight tickets, hotel accommodations, and activity passes, and secure bookings to avoid price hikes or shortages.
- Pack essentials: Do not forget to bring documents, money, debit/credit cards, comfortable clothes, shoes, hats, and sunglasses.
- Other must-have items: Phones, cameras, chargers, power banks, allergy meds, cold medicine, sunscreens, insect repellents, and personal hygiene items like toothbrushes and towels.
>>> More information: Flights to Nha Trang: ALL you need to know before your departure
5. Basic Vietnamese phrases for greetings for Tet in Nha Trang
In Vietnam, exchanging Tet wishes is a heartfelt tradition, reflecting good intentions and spreading positivity. During Tet in Nha Trang, you can try these common phrases to say “Happy New Year in Vietnamese” to locals or vendors you meet:
- Năm mới dồi dào sức khỏe: I wish you a healthy new year.
- Năm mới tấn tài tấn lộc: I wish you a wealthy new year.
- Năm mới thăng quan tiến chức: I wish you promotions in the new year.
- Năm mới toàn gia bình an: I wish health for your whole family in the new year.
- Năm mới thắng lợi mới: New year, new triumphs.
- Vạn sự như ý: May all your wishes come true.
- Chúc hay ăn chóng lớn: “Eat more, grow rapidly” (for children).
- Chúc mau chóng tìm được người yêu: May you find love in the new year (for singles).
- Tiền vào như nước sông Đà, tiền ra nhỏ giọt như cà phê phin: “May your income flow like the Da River, and your expenses drip like a coffee filter.”
Tet in Nha Trang is a harmonious blend of cultural traditions, natural beauty, and modern attractions. It offers various exciting and memorable activities, from exploring sacred sites and indulging in local cuisine to soaking in the sun on pristine beaches. Read this article and get ready for an unforgettable celebration of Vietnam’s most cherished holiday in Nha Trang!
