Tet Nguyen Dan, often abbreviated to Tet, is Vietnam’s Lunar New Year and an ideal time to visit Vietnam's capital, Hanoi. The city is usually quieter than usual during this period as many migrant workers return to their rural hometowns to celebrate the season with loved ones. For many Vietnamese, much preparation is made prior to the big day, including the cleaning of homes, paying off debts, and resolving conflicts. Respectful behavior is also of particular importance, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco is observed by many. New Year’s Day represents one big birthday for the entire nation, as no matter what date a person is born, everybody in the country becomes a year older when Tet occurs.

If you don’t wish to abstain from an alcoholic beverage or few, check out some of the cool bars across the city. Enjoy watching the crowds go by at Le Pub in the city’s Hoan Kiem district, along the street known as Hang Be. The bar also serves food, like local noodle soup favourites, bun cha – made with grilled pork; and pho – which contains meat and a variety of herbs, such as mint and Asian basil. Of course, traditional pub grub is also available for those craving western dishes, along with a lively atmosphere to boot. Or, head to the Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Hotel for a choice of three bars: the Parisian La Terrasse, a street style cafe; Le Club, renowned for its daily delectable chocolate buffet from 3 to 6pm; and the Bamboo Bar, where you can sip creative cocktails, poolside.

Hanoi’s restaurant scene is heaving and food is literally available on every street corner. If you want to sample some delicious street eats in a simple atmosphere, head to the Old Quarter and go to Bun Cha, Bun Bo Nam Bo, or Cha Ca La Vong along the Hang Manh thoroughfare, serving barbecued meats and a variety of noodle dishes. Look out for xoi xeo, yellow sticky rice coloured by turmeric and topped with mung beans, and crunchy fried shallots. Remaining in the area, fusion fare within elegant surrounds can be enjoyed at La Verticale, where Chef Didier Courlou infuses Vietnamese cuisine with French flavours.

Don’t forget to sip the nation’s favourite beverage – coffee – at any one of the many eclectic cafes in Hanoi. For a laid back atmosphere and live music, look no further than Chillout on Ly Nam De road, or go to Nha Hang Bao Oanh for an expansive view across the city and Red River. And make sure to sample Vietnamese iced coffee – ca phe da – made with locally grown dark roasted coffee beans and a whole lot of sweetened condensed milk. One is usually enough unless you have a sweet tooth.

Hotels in Hanoi range from budget to high-end and if you want to stay in the city centre, try the Hanoi Lucky II Hotel for a 2-star option, or the Indochina II Hotel for a 3-star choice. In the Old Quarter, the Hanoi Royal View Hotel has tastefully decorated rooms and features an onsite bar and restaurant. For a luxurious establishment, the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake Hotel is the ideal choice and overlooks the magnificent Golden Lotus Pagoda. More Hanoi Hotel Promotions can be found on our website.