Every year, Hội An in Quảng Nam transforms as Tet Nguyen Dan—the Vietnamese Lunar New Year—breathes life into the ancient town. Streets light up with vibrant lanterns that sway with each gentle breeze, daring you to explore their glow deep into the night. The pulse of celebration is grounded in deeply rooted traditions, where family gatherings, ancestral offerings, and street markets carve a path through the town’s narrow lanes.

Hội An during Tet is a dance between history and modern-day festivity. The Old Town’s architecture, poised between the river and the market, acts like a steady companion as you move from scene to scene. Expect to witness locals preparing bánh chưng and bánh tét—glutinous rice treats wrapped in banana leaves—that steam gently beside stalls, tempting your senses.

Timing your visit is key. Typically, the holiday spans from late January to mid-February, based on the lunar calendar. The days leading up to Tet offer a crescendo of activity: markets brim with fresh flowers, kumquat trees with dense green leaves and bright fruit dare you to stop and admire, and street performances engage crowds while dragon dances bring a sweep of energy through the air.

For visitors, embrace the rhythm of the town by planning your day early. Morning markets are alive with fresh produce and traditional gifts; afternoons invite quiet strolls along the Thu Bồn River, gently urging you forward past weathered houses and floating boats. Evenings flood the town with color—lanterns strung overhead and the infrequent firework display daring the night sky to keep pace.

Practical details help keep the experience smooth. Accommodation fills quickly during this peak, so booking ahead is essential. Comfortable, breathable footwear will serve well as you wander cobbled streets and uneven shop entrances. Hydrate often; the tropical air is humid, and energy demands climb with the excitement around you. Quieter temples and shrines offer moments to pause and catch your breath, but be ready to navigate crowds respectfully.

Hội An’s Lunar New Year isn’t about conquering an event but engaging with a culture fiercely itself—joyful yet contemplative, bustling yet rooted. This balance keeps each visitor connected to a force greater than the spectacle—the lived experience of a community renewing itself each year.