Visiting Ninh Binh during the New Year can be a special experience, especially if you enjoy quiet places, nature, and local culture. It is also a time when daily life slows down. Many small businesses close for the holidays, and getting around can be less convenient than usual.
If you know what to expect, New Year in Ninh Binh can be peaceful and meaningful rather than stressful.
Western New Year (December 31 – January 1)
Western New Year in Ninh Binh has become more lively in recent years. While it is still quieter than major cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, there are now public celebrations and countdown events, especially in Ninh Binh Walking Street.
On the evening of December 31, locals and travelers gather here to enjoy live music concerts, street performances, food stalls, and a countdown to welcome the New Year. The walking street area is the main center of activity, and it can be quite crowded in the evening. Nearby cafés, restaurants, and street vendors usually stay open late. Fireworks may not happen every year.
Outside the walking street area, the atmosphere can also be lively, especially in Tam Coc, which is the main tourist hub of Ninh Binh. On New Year’s Eve, many bars, cafés, and restaurants in Tam Coc host small countdowns, live music, or casual parties. The streets around Tam Coc Wharf are often busy in the evening.
Trang An and nearby areas remain more relaxed, but even there, some hotels and resorts organize New Year’s dinners or small gatherings for guests.
Ninh Binh Day Tour | From Hanoi/Ninh Binh
Lunar New Year (Tết)
The Lunar New Year in 2026 takes place from February 16 to February 20. This is the most important holiday in Vietnam and affects daily life in Ninh Binh much more than Western New Year.
During Tết, families spend time together at home, honor their ancestors, and visit temples or pagodas to pray for good health, good luck, and a happy year ahead. In Ninh Binh, famous religious sites like Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital become very busy, especially on the first and second days of the New Year. Smaller pagodas are also active but are usually quieter.
A few days before Tết, locals and towns prepare for the holiday. Houses are cleaned and decorated, red banners are hung at entrances, and markets become crowded with locals buying flowers, incense, and food for New Year meals. This is a good time for you to see the depth of these traditions and local life.
Closures and getting around
Traveling in Ninh Binh during the Lunar New Year requires patience. Many family-owned restaurants, shops, and small hotels close for a few days so people can celebrate with their families. However, most attractions, especially pagodas, remain open throughout the holiday.
Transportation continues to operate (and may be limited on the first day of the New Year), but services may be less frequent, and taxis or private drivers may charge higher holiday prices. ATMs can run out of cash, and only some restaurants or hotels accept credit cards, so it is important to carry enough local currency (Vietnam Dong – VND).
Booking well in advance and keeping your schedule flexible will make your trip easier.
