International New Year
Across Vietnam · December – January
Big countdown parties in Hanoi and HCMC, plus fireworks over the lakes and rivers on December 31.

About this event
What happens
International New Year is celebrated with lively festivities across major cities in Vietnam, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Public squares like Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City and Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi host concerts, fireworks, and countdown parties. Streets are decorated with lights and crowds gather to welcome the new year together.
What people do
Locals and visitors join outdoor celebrations, watch live performances, and participate in countdown events. Many people enjoy street food, take photos with festive decorations, and watch fireworks displays at midnight. Popular gathering spots include the banks of the Han River in Da Nang and central squares in major cities.
Practical tips
Arrive early to secure a good spot, as central areas get crowded quickly on New Year's Eve. Public transportation may be limited or rerouted, so plan your journey in advance and consider walking to main event locations. Keep an eye on your belongings in large crowds and dress comfortably for outdoor festivities.
Photos

Related guides

3-day Ho Chi Minh City itinerary for first-time international visitors
A compact city plan covering historical landmarks, food neighborhoods, and easy day trips that fit a short trip.
Hanoi to Da Nang in 2026: Vietnam trains vs flights, sleeper buses, and private cars
A like-for-like 2026 benchmark of Hanoi to Da Nang transport: flights, Vietnam trains, sleeper buses, and private cars. It compares door-to-door time, one-way VND fares, comfort, reliability, and booking channels from January to December 2026, so international visitors can choose the fastest, cheapest, or most comfortable option.

Photographing Vietnam Festivals in 2026: Etiquette, Temple Rules, and Consent
This guide explains how to photograph Vietnam festivals in 2026 without causing offence. It covers dress, greetings, consent, temple and photo rules, regional differences, dates for Tết Nguyên Đán, Hùng Kings Commemoration, and Mid-Autumn Festival, plus practical transport and drone advice. Use it to plan respectful, useful images.