3 Active Tet Holiday Itineraries in Northern Vietnam

If your idea of experiencing Tet Holiday – the Lunar New Year – involves movement, outdoor adventure and good energy rather than just relaxation, northern Vietnam offers some exciting options. Beyond the usual holiday rest stops, many travelers now seek active experiences like trekking, cycling, kayaking, swimming and soaking in hot springs to kick off a new year with vitality. Based on suggestions from travel professionals and firsthand experience from the VnExpress team, here are three recommended 3-day, 2-night itineraries that combine physical activity with scenic exploration suitable for individuals, friends and families alike.

Binh Lieu (Quang Ninh Province)

Located about 270 km from Hanoi, Binh Liêu is a rural district with diverse terrain and breathtaking scenery – from lush forests and terraced fields to highland peaks. This area has become increasingly popular with active travelers who enjoy hiking and immersive nature experiences.

Start your day early with a walk through the Mooc River village rice terraces – a roughly 2 km trek that takes about 1.5 hours, weaving through layered fields and traditional village paths. Afterward, follow forest trails shaded by cinnamon and camphor trees for another 3 km, taking in panoramic views of mountains and villages perched among the hills.

One memorable highlight is the trek to milestone 1305, often nicknamed the “Dinosaur Back,” which takes roughly 2.5 hours round trip. The trail climbs steadily to a ridge with breathtaking highland views.

Binh Lieu also offers other unique stops — such as the strategic high point of Cao Ba Lanh, the bustling Dong Van weekend market (especially lively on Saturday and Sunday), and the historic Luc Na temple. If you start your journey at around 7 a.m., you can easily combine the market visit with a quick side trip to Khe Tien waterfall.

For accommodation, stay in a homestay in Khe Tien village, where local hosts serve regional dishes and offer cultural interaction by the fire in the evening. If you’re lucky, you may even enjoy traditional Then singing, a unique cultural art form of the ethnic minorities here. This is a must – go place for a trip at Tet Holiday.

Tram Tau (Lao Cai Province)

About 250 km from Hanoi, Tram Tau is a mountainous commune known for its natural hot springs, forests and ethnic Hmong villages. This itinerary blends rest and physical activity for a well-rounded Tet holiday experience.

Begin with a scenic drive to Muong Lo plains and Nghia Lo – among the most beautiful stretches of northern farmland. Sample local specialties and stop by traditional Thai and Hmong villages such as Ta Xua and Hat Liu.

One of Tram Tau’s standout attractions is its natural hot mineral springs, whose waters are around 45 °C (113 °F) and have reputed health benefits. Visitors can enjoy these hot springs at many times throughout the day – whether at public bathing areas or in private pools attached to guesthouses or homestays. Some accommodations even provide dedicated swimming areas – an interesting action for Tet Holiday.

For those with extra time and stronger legs, combine this itinerary with a two-day trek to either Ta Xua Peak or Ta Chi Nhu Peak. Both mountains are famed for their dramatic landscapes and sweeping “sea of clouds” views at sunrise – a dreamlike natural phenomenon for hikers and photographers alike.

Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong City)

Just 150 km from Hanoi, Cat Ba Island offers a spectacular mix of forest, sea, mountain and river landscapes – making it perfect for travelers who want both rest and activity on the same trip at Tet Holiday.

Your 3 – day itinerary here should include trekking through Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve. Trails range from easy 2 km walks to more challenging 6 km or 10 km routes, catering to different fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll explore rich ecosystems including rainforests, tropical woods and mangrove systems – ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The 10 km route, widely considered the most rewarding, leads to the Vietnamese village of Viet Hai, a charming community of roughly 400 residents. Here, travelers can pivot from trekking to biking through village trails, enjoy local cuisine, or even try a fish massage right by the coast.

Alternatively, visitors can reach Viet Hai by boat through the turquoise waters of Lan Ha Bay, providing a scenic contrast to the forest trek. Many travelers describe the Vietnam Heritage trail here as both fun and tension-releasing – though it does require reasonable fitness due to varied terrain and distance.