Vibrant cultural and tourism activities across Việt Nam | Vietnam Today

Celebrating Tet in Hanoi comes with a special bonus, especially for residents and visitors wanting to explore the city's cultural and historical heritage during the Tet holiday. Now, Hanoi is offering free admission to 17 historical and scenic sites from February 20th to 22nd. These sites include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Lam, the Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Hoa Lo Prison Relic, the Co Ga Relic Site, 22 Hang Buong Heritage House, 87 Ma May Ancient House, the Hanoi Museum, Bach Ma Temple, Kim Ngan Communal House, Quang De Temple, the Hanoi Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Center, Quang Thanh Temple, the Huong Son Scenic Relic Complex, also known as Huong Pagoda, Duong Lam Ancient Village, Thay Pagoda, and Tay Phuong Pagoda. For those who wish to immerse themselves in traditional Tet vibe, then Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism in Dong Mo is one not to be missed. It is part of the ongoing Home and Spring series, honoring ethnic identities and fostering unity. Now, before joining in various games, guests watch locals gathered at the Square for Rituals, praying to spirits for permission to play, tossing the Con Bo bill skills and agility, while symbolizing wishes for good weather, peace, prosperity, and matchmaking among youth. The fourth day of the event highlights folk song and dance festivals with multiple performances. The village has drawn 13,000 visitors so far, and is expected 25,000 by Tet's end. These events deliver authentic spring flavors and Tet traditions through folk games, dances, and rituals, while promoting year-round cultural tourism. How can a city preserve riverine culture and promote tourism? Gangneung City has the answer. The 2026 Open Composite Boat Racing Championship kicked off on Friday morning, with 118 teams competing, including 14 women's teams in the men's and women's 1,600-meter races. Each crew of 10 rowers powered 8.1-meter composite boats along the river in a mi-tu commune, delivering fast-paced and tightly contested heats. More than just a sporting event, the race reflects the river culture of the Mekong Delta and the vibrant community life of the Khmer people. Once a simple means of livelihood, the composite boat has evolved into a symbol of strength, skill, and solidarity. Safety, rescue, and medical services were in place throughout the competition, and top prizes were awarded in all categories. While northern provinces are adorned with peach blossoms and southern provinces glow with yellow apricot flowers, the Central Highlands at this time of year are often as snow falling across the plateau. Coffee plantations burst into bloom, transforming the red basalt soil into a pristine white carpet that scratches across the hills. Join us now in a unique spring journey to witness the coffee blossoms. The distinctive, intoxicating fragrance of coffee flowers drips across the Central Highlands, drawing visitors eager to experience this remarkable atmosphere in the first few days of the new year. Visitors not only capture striking images, but are also captivated by the delicate, pure scent. It smells wonderful. It's so beautiful. I've often heard people say that coffee blossom season is stunning. It's a truly special memory for me and my friends. Each flower season lasts just 7 to 10 days. Farmers often make the most of this brief window by tending their crops and warmly welcome visitors. This is an organic coffee garden. When the coffee blooms like this, bees come to gather nectar. The pure white blossoms are a sign of a promising harvest ahead. Local agricultural tourism transforms this natural spectacle into a fully immersive experience. Visitors come not only to admire the scenery but also to breathe in the fresh highland air and savor the relaxed pace of life in the early days of the year. We've created tables from old coffee tree trunks so visitors can sit and enjoy coffee flower tea right at the middle of the plantation. It's a unique way to experience the landscape. The coffee blossom season may be fleeting but it leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. Its pure, unassuming beauty mirrors the spirit of the people in the central highlands. Simple, resilient and deeply rooted in the land.