Where to Go & What to Do for New Year’s Eve 2026 in Vietnam

Paul Lee

If you are in Vietnam for New Year’s Eve 2026, get ready for one of the most exciting nights of the year. You will find music, light shows, countdown parties, and electric vibes all over the streets of Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.
With VIET DOVE Travel, you won’t just be standing on the sidelines. You will be joining the festivities!

Table of Contents
    Countdown stage packed with people in Vietnam.
    Countdown stage packed with people in Vietnam.

    What to Expect on New Year’s Eve 2026 in Vietnam

    New Year’s Eve is generally celebrated throughout Vietnam with a mix of modern culture and festivities. Locals and travelers gather in the central locations of cities to count down to midnight with live music and outdoor celebrations.
    You won’t miss out if you love the energy of city life combined with music, food, and fireworks!

    Tet market with red decorations for New Year.
    Tet market with red decorations for New Year.

    Top Events and Activities on New Year’s Eve 2026

    Massive Countdown Parties in The Big Cities 

    These are the best places to celebrate the New Year in Vietnam:

    • Hanoi: Hoan Kiem Lake, Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc Square
    • Da Nang: 29/3 Square, riverside at Bach Dang
    • Ho Chi Minh City: Nguyen Hue Walking Street

    What to expect:

    • Giant LED stages
    • Huge crowds and street dancing
    • MCs, DJs, and fireworks.
    • A collective countdown to 00:00 with cheers ringing out across the city.

    Tip: You will want to go by 8 PM in order to find a spot for the countdown! The streets get busy fast.

    Music festival lights up New Year’s Eve.
    Music festival lights up New Year’s Eve.

    Live Music Festivals & Street Performances 

    • New Year’s Eve has switched to big music energy in Vietnam.
    • Most cities will have free outdoor concerts, which include:
    • Popular Vietnamese artists
    • DJs with dance sets
    • Cultural performances or dance crews
    • Surprise acts (yes, sometimes international!)

    So, if you love music and want to dance into 2026, this is the place to be.

    Huge crowd at New Year’s Eve in Vietnam.
    Huge crowd at New Year’s Eve in Vietnam.

    Fireworks Over the Skyline 

    Exactly at midnight, skies across the country break out in color.
    Best areas for fireworks:

    • Hanoi: West Lake, Hoan Kiem Lake
    • Da Nang: Han River, Dragon Bridge
    • HCMC: Landmark 81, Thu Thiem Tunnel Area

    Pack your camera and a light jacket; it will be cool, festive, and picturesque!

     Flower street decor for New Year’s Eve.
     Flower street decor for New Year’s Eve.

    Explore Festive Streets and Lights

    You will find that all of Vietnam’s major cities will be decked out for the holiday season throughout December. Everything comes to a head on December 31st, which includes:

    • Festive streets wrapped with lights
    • Photo zones or themed installations
    • Christmas trees, who doesn’t love cozy Christmas vibes?

    Where to visit:

    • Hanoi: Trang Tien, Ly Thai To Park
    • Da Nang: Tran Phu, Bach Dang
    • HCMC: District 1, especially Nguyen Hue and Le Loi
     Rooftop view of New Year’s Eve fireworks.
     Rooftop view of New Year’s Eve fireworks.

    Enjoy Local Food & Night Markets 

    The best way to celebrate: eat like a local!
    Street food stalls will be open for late-night snacks to celebrate New Year’s Eve, which will include:

    • Vietnamese BBQ
    • Hot pot or grilled skewers
    • Sweets and bubble tea
    • Seasonal drinks and snacks

    Where to go for food:

    • Hanoi: Old Quarter Night Market
    • Da Nang: Helio Night Market
    • HCMC: Ben Thanh Night Market plus nearby alleys
     Street food stalls on New Year’s Eve.
     Street food stalls on New Year’s Eve.

    Travel Tips for an Easy New Year’s Eve in Vietnam

    •  Plan your route: Roads will begin to close early in city centres, so either walk to your destination or order a Grab before 9 PM.
    •  Stay connected: Have your phone ready with data and maps!
    •  Dress smart: It will not be cold, but it's breezy in the evening, which is why I suggest bringing a light jacket.
    •  Bring cash: Some local markets will not accept cards.
    •  Instagrammable moment: You will want to take photo opportunities of the lights, the music, and the energy.
     Traditional Vietnamese food for New Year’s Eve.
     Traditional Vietnamese food for New Year’s Eve.

    Final Thoughts: Make New Year’s Eve 2026 One To Remember In Vietnam

    Whether you find yourself dancing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of other people or watching the fireworks from a quiet café by the river, New Year’s Eve 2026 in Vietnam will be amazing.

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