With a budget of VND5 million (US$196.8), a traveler can experience a joyful Lunar New Year, or Tet holiday, in the following destinations which are near Hanoi.

Sa Pa

Not far from Hanoi, Sa Pa Town in Lao Cai Province is an attractive mountainous destination to which tourists don't have to book a flight.

With just VND250,000-400,000 ($9.9-15.8) for a sleeper bus or train ticket, travel lovers can start their journey to Sa Pa.

To save costs, tourists can book a combo including round-trip bus tickets and accommodation at homestays or three-star hotels for only VND1.5-2 million ($59.2-79) each.

Tourists on the Fansipan peak in Lao Cai Province. Photo: SG

To enjoy spectacular views and top-notch four-to-five star services, travelers should budget around VND900,000-2.8 million ($35.5-110.5) per night.

During Tet, the Fansipan peak is a must-visit destination.

Many visitors consider standing at the “Roof of Indochina” on the first day of the new lunar year to join a flag-salute ceremony, pay homage to the Great Amitabha Buddha statue or join a festival of opening the Fansipan heaven gate as a ritual that helps bring luck throughout the year.

Tourists experience a cultural event in Lao Cai Province. Photo: SG

From January 29 to February 12, Lao Cai visitors will enjoy discounted cable car services at only VND555,000 ($21.9) each. Those dressed in ethnic costumes will be granted free admission to Sun World Fansipan Legend from January 29 to February 10.

A highly-anticipated experience on Fansipan this Tet will be the festival of opening the Fansipan heaven gate, slated to take place from January 31 to February 16.

Hoa Binh

Hoa Binh Province offers an opportunity to enjoy a different Tet with picturesque landscapes, the culture of the Muong ethnic minority group and Kim Boi hot spring.

Lien from Hanoi shared that after a year of hard work, she needs a place to relax. Hoa Binh is a good choice as it is close to Hanoi and offers affordable services, especially hot spring-based healthcare services.

From Hanoi, travelers can travel to Hoa Binh by coaches with tickets costing from VND60,000 ($2.4) to VND220,000 ($8.7) one way.

A woman experiences mineral water from Kim Boi hot spring in Hoa Binh Province, northern Vietnam. Photo: SG

Hoa Binh has many beautiful lodging facilities, mainly in Mai Chau, Kim Boi, and Luong Son Districts.

Kim Boi District is the most preferred as it is famous for mineral water from limestone beds formed over 250 million years ago.

Travelers can experience cultural performances, lion dances, campfire activities, and mua sap (Cheraw dance), which create a joyful atmosphere, and have an opportunity to enjoy a Tet feast rich in the unique flavors of the mountains.

Ha Long

Ha Long City in Quang Ninh Province is appealing for diverse cuisine and entertainment services.

Visitors to Sun World Ha Long during the Tet holiday will have a chance to receive lucky money. Photo: SG

Ideal routes to travel to Ha Long are via the Hanoi-Hai Phong and Hai Phong-Ha Long Expressways. The travel time is around 2.5 to three hours, with bus fares starting from VND160,000 ($6.3).

Visitors to Sun World Ha Long can watch a colorful lion dance performance on the first day of the new lunar year, and the first 100 guests will receive lucky money.

The Around Tet Vietnam minishow in Ha Long City, northern Quang Ninh Province will feature the traditional Tet across the northern, central and southern regions. Photo: SG

Watching the True Tet Vietnam parade at the Japanese Garden or making banh chung (square sticky rice cakes) will also be worth experiencing.

Throughout the Tet holiday, visitors using local cable car services will receive food vouchers.

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