1. Travel Trends in Quang Ninh During Tet
In recent years, Tet travel has no longer been simply about trips back home for family reunions, but has gradually become a choice for vacationing and spring travel for many Vietnamese families. Among many destinations in the North, Quang Ninh stands out as an "early year destination" thanks to a rare balance between nature, spiritual culture, and modern entertainment.
The first advantage that makes Quang Ninh tourist spots popular during Tet is the weather. In the early days of spring, Quang Ninh usually has a cool temperature, light sunshine, little rain, not too cold like high mountainous areas, but still chilly enough to clearly feel the Tet atmosphere. This weather is very suitable for outdoor activities such as cruising on the bay, mountain climbing for pilgrimage, or strolling along the beach at the beginning of the year.
Quang Ninh stands out at the beginning of the year thanks to the harmony between nature, spiritual culture, and modern entertainment. (Source: Collected)
Not only does it have a favorable climate, Quang Ninh also possesses the most diverse tourism ecosystem in the North. On one side is Ha Long Bay – a world natural heritage site with majestic limestone karst landscapes, on the other side is Yen Tu – the sacred center of Truc Lam Buddhism, along with a series of entertainment areas and modern resort complexes. This diversity helps tourists easily build a spring travel itinerary suitable for multiple generations of the family.
The trend of traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet nowadays leans towards short trips with many experiences. Tourists not only go for New Year's prayers but also combine it with relaxation, entertainment, cultural exploration, and enjoying local cuisine. Tourism products are increasingly invested in systematically, from luxury cruises, inter-route combos to spring festivals and large-scale Tet events, contributing to Quang Ninh's special attraction every New Year.
2. Top Quang Ninh tourist destinations during Tet not to be missed
2.1. Ha Long Bay – World Natural Heritage, Tet cruise experience
Ha Long Bay has always been the tourism symbol of Quang Ninh and is almost indispensable in the list of Quang Ninh tourist destinations during Tet. If summer Ha Long is vibrant with blue seas and golden sunshine, then in the early spring days, the bay carries a very different beauty: gentle, pure, and somewhat quieter.
In the cool weather, with the calm jade-green water surface, the towering limestone mountains emerge through the thin mist, creating a scene that is both majestic and poetic. Cruising on the bay during Tet has therefore become an experience chosen by many tourists, especially families and couples.
Ha Long Bay is always a symbol of Quang Ninh tourism, appearing in most spring travel itineraries during Tet. (Source: Collected)
2-day 1-night cruise tours often take visitors to famous spots such as Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, and floating fishing villages on the bay, combined with enjoying fresh seafood right on the boat. During Tet, many cruise ships also decorate the spring space, organize light parties or New Year's Eve activities, bringing a feeling that is both luxurious and cozy. Due to the large number of visitors to Ha Long during Tet, booking a cruise tour early is essential to ensure availability and choose a suitable itinerary.
2.2. Yen Tu Scenic Relic Site – Traveling to the sacred mountain to pray for peace
In the itinerary to explore Quang Ninh tourist destinations during Tet, Yen Tu always holds a very special place. This is not only a sightseeing spot but also a place to place faith and wishes for a peaceful and prosperous new year.
Yen Tu is considered the center of Truc Lam Buddhism in Vietnam, associated with King Tran Nhan Tong. (Source: Collected)
Yen Tu is considered the center of Truc Lam Buddhism in Vietnam, associated with King Tran Nhan Tong. In early spring, the atmosphere here becomes more sacred and serene than ever. Streams of pilgrims ascend the mountain, temple bells resonate amidst the mountains and forests, and the faint scent of incense creates a unique atmosphere, hard to find in other tourist destinations.
Visitors can choose to climb the mountain or take the cable car to reach pagodas such as Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, and Dong Pagoda. Each leg of the journey is an experience, both a journey to explore the natural scenery and an opportunity for people to pause and pray for good things in the new year.
2.3. Tuan Chau Island – Entertainment, enjoy the sea at the beginning of the year
Tuan Chau Island is one of the tourist destinations in Quang Ninh during Tet suitable for tourists who want a relaxing space combined with light entertainment. Not as noisy as the peak summer season, Tuan Chau in early spring is peaceful and pleasant, very suitable for families.
Tuan Chau tourist area boasts a wide, clean beach and fresh air. Visitors can stroll along the beach, enjoy the scenery, or participate in entertainment activities within the complex. During Tet, shows, night festivals, and art performances are often organized, creating a joyful atmosphere while maintaining relaxation.
Tuan Chau Island is an ideal destination for tourists who want to relax and have light entertainment during Tet. (Source: Collected)
2.4. Sun World Ha Long – Large-scale entertainment park for Tet
If you are traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet with family or a group of young friends, Sun World Ha Long is a destination worth considering. This is a large-scale entertainment complex, suitable for many different age groups. The most outstanding experience here is the Queen Cable Car, taking visitors to admire the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above. During Tet, the moment of seeing the coastal city shimmering in the spring sun from the cable car cabin brings a very special feeling.
In addition, Sun World Ha Long also has a system of modern games, indoor and outdoor play areas, and many Tet events for families. The atmosphere here is always vibrant and bustling, fitting the spirit of welcoming the new year.
Sun World Ha Long is suitable for families and young groups when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet. (Source: Collected)
Sun World Ha Long offers a rich series of Tet activities, harmoniously blending modern entertainment with traditional culture. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere with lion dances to welcome the new year, receive lucky money, get calligraphy blessings, participate in Dong Ho painting workshops, and experience the banh chung corner. Alongside these are mini art shows, magic performances, and Tet xam singing, along with many folk games, creating an attractive spring travel destination for all ages.
2.5. Quang Ninh Museum – A Space of Heritage and Local Culture Discovery
Quang Ninh Museum is a gentle yet very worthwhile stop on your journey to explore Quang Ninh tourist destinations during Tet. With its modern architecture and impressive black glass facade, the museum has long been a famous check-in spot for tourists.
Quang Ninh Museum offers a gentle visiting experience, helping to understand local culture and history more. (Source: Collected)
Inside is an exhibition space for the history and culture of the mining land, from island life to the characteristic coal industry of Quang Ninh. During Tet, visiting the museum is a way to understand more about the land you are setting foot on, while also enjoying a slower, deeper travel rhythm.
3. Suggested Quang Ninh travel itinerary for Tet
For tourists with about 2 days and 1 night, the Hanoi – Ha Long – Yen Tu itinerary is a pretty ideal choice to enjoy natural scenery and have a spiritual New Year trip without being too rushed. This itinerary is suitable for multi-generational families, groups of friends, or couples who want a change of scenery during Tet.
On the first day, visitors can visit Ha Long Bay by day cruise or overnight cruise. (Source: Collected)
On the first day, visitors can depart from Hanoi early in the morning to avoid crowds, traveling along the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway for about 2.5–3 hours. Arriving in Ha Long around noon, you can board a cruise ship to visit Ha Long Bay on a day trip or choose an overnight cruise for a more complete experience. Amidst the cool early spring weather, sitting on the deck, gazing out at the vast sea and sky, and admiring the majestic limestone mountains is a truly quintessential experience for a spring trip to Quang Ninh.
In the afternoon, the cruise ship takes tourists to visit Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, or a fishing village. (Source: Collected)
In the afternoon, the cruise ship often takes tourists to visit notable spots such as Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, or a fishing village on the bay. The peaceful atmosphere and slow pace of sightseeing make the trip more gentle and relaxing compared to the peak summer season. After finishing the journey on the bay, tourists return to their hotels to rest.
The evening is a suitable time to stroll, dine, and enjoy the Tet atmosphere in Bai Chay. (Source: Collected)
The evening is an ideal time to explore the Bai Chay area. You can walk along the coast, admire the Bai Chay Bridge shimmering with lights, enjoy seafood at roadside restaurants, or visit Sun World Ha Long if the amusement park is still open during Tet. The evening air in Ha Long in the early days of the year is quite pleasant, with the liveliness of tourism but not overly crowded or chaotic.
Second day, the journey continues with Yen Tu – a famous spiritual spring destination of Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
Second day, the spring travel journey continues to the destination Yen Tu – where it is considered the "sacred mountain of the Buddhist land" of Quang Ninh. From Ha Long, visitors travel to the Yen Tu relic site in about an hour. At the beginning of the year, Yen Tu carries a very characteristic atmosphere with streams of pilgrims, the sound of temple bells, and the misty mountain scenery of early morning.
Here, you can choose to take the cable car to save energy or combine short walks to better feel the natural space and the tranquility of the sacred mountain. Visiting Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, or Dong Pagoda, and lighting incense sticks for peace at the beginning of the year is an experience many families choose when traveling to Quang Ninh during Tet. Not only does this journey have spiritual significance, but it also helps each person have a quiet moment to slow down, reflect on the past year, and look forward to positive things in the new year.
After visiting and having lunch at the foot of Yen Tu mountain, visitors can depart back to Hanoi, concluding a short Tet trip to Quang Ninh that is still full of experiences, from nature, culture, to spirituality.
4. Quang Ninh specialties to try during Tet
4.1. Fresh seafood
When mentioning cuisine during a Tet trip to Quang Ninh, fresh seafood is always the top priority choice. In the early part of the year, seafood is still quite abundant, with firm flesh and natural sweetness, especially delicious when simply prepared like steaming, grilling, or salt-roasting.
Sea cucumber is one of Quang Ninh's "precious" specialties, often steamed or cooked into porridge to retain its rich, characteristic flavor. This dish is perfect for eating in the evening when the weather is cool. Visitors can find seafood restaurant areas in Bai Chay ward, including familiar addresses like Hong Hanh Restaurant (Bai Chay) or Phuong Nam Seafood, which are chosen by many tourists because the seafood is fresh and well-prepared.
During a trip to Quang Ninh during Tet, fresh seafood is always a priority for tourists to enjoy. (Source: Collected)
Sea worms are also a famous seafood, often dried roasted or stir-fried with garlic, with a rich sweet taste and a very unique aroma. This is a dish that is both delicious and experiential, as it is not easy to enjoy everywhere. Some large seafood restaurants in the Tuan Chau area or Ha Long city center often have sea worms during Tet, especially those serving long-term tourists.
In addition, steamed or charcoal-grilled shrimp, crab, and mantis shrimp are also safe and easy-to-eat options for all ages. Tourists can visit Ha Long I or Ha Long II seafood markets in the morning to feel the local atmosphere, then enjoy seafood at eateries around the market, where prices are quite reasonable and ingredients are always fresh.
4.2. Local Specialty Dishes
Besides seafood, the characteristic dishes of Quang Ninh also contribute to the unique impression of a Tet trip to Quang Ninh. These are often simple, rustic dishes, closely associated with the lives of coastal residents, but they easily impress tourists.
Ha Long squid cake is the most famous dish, often hand-pounded from fresh squid, giving it a natural chewy and crispy texture, with the aroma of sea squid. During Tet, enjoying hot squid cake dipped in slightly spicy fish sauce is a perfectly complete experience. Tourists can visit traditional squid cake establishments like Cha Muc Thoan or Hien Nhung in the Hon Gai area to buy it as a gift or eat on the spot.
Banh gat gu is a rustic but quite interesting dish, often eaten with fish sauce mixed with chicken fat and fried shallots. The cake is soft, slightly chewy, and bland, so it is perfectly seasoned when dipped in fish sauce. This dish is usually sold at small eateries in the Hon Gai area, especially around Ha Long Market I, suitable for breakfast or a light meal during the day.
Additionally, bun be be (mantis shrimp noodle soup) is also a favorite dish among many tourists. The broth is clear and sweet from seafood, the mantis shrimp meat is firm and fragrant, and it is delicious with fresh herbs, perfect for the early spring weather. Some long-standing seafood noodle soup stalls in the Ha Long city center or near Bai Chay often serve this dish in the morning, convenient for refueling before starting the sightseeing journey.
5. Tips for Traveling to Quang Ninh During Tet
For a smooth trip, you should proactively book tours, hotels, bus tickets, and cruises in advance, as the number of tourists during Tet usually increases significantly. Clothing should prioritize warmth, especially when visiting the bay or going to Yen Tu, as the sea and mountain winds can be quite cold.
Choosing combined tours will help save time and costs, while also limiting fragmented travel. Before going, you should also check the operating schedules of shows and festivals to not miss out on interesting experiences.
In addition, don't forget to take photos at famous check-in spots like Bai Chay Bridge, Sun Wheel, and the lobby of Quang Ninh Museum to capture memorable early spring moments.
With a harmonious combination of nature, spirituality, and entertainment, the tourist destinations in Quang Ninh during Tet always offer diverse experiences suitable for many types of tourists. Whether you are traveling with family, friends, or simply want to treat yourself to a spring trip at the beginning of the year, Quang Ninh is always a worthwhile option to consider.