The Chinese Lunar New Year (Tet) celebrations in Vietnam are a rare experience of both the colorful celebrations and mind-clearing holidays. However, as Saigon is a very exciting place, the holiday is also the opportunity to travel around the area. These are the best day excursions to make during the celebrations.
Experience History at the Cu Chi Tunnels
To make the new year have some sense, one must visit the Cu Chi tunnels. This massive system of interconnecting tunnels is only a brief drive out of the city, yet it provides an insight into the strength of the Vietnamese people. when it was Tet, the place was usually less busy, and you could have a more personal experience crawling through the safe parts of the tunnels and getting to the shooting range.
Cruise Through the Mekong Delta
Get out of the city and take a trip to Mekong Delta, the agricultural center of the country. The delta is also awakened with floating flower markets in Can Tho and My Tho during the Lunar New Year. Tourists have the opportunity to have the tranquil boat ride along the thin canals, taste fresh tropical fruits, and observe the traditional cooking of the Banh Tet (cylindrical sticky rice cakes), which is a delicacy during the holidays.
Relax at Vung Tau Beach
Vung Tau is the best option in case you want to enjoy a beach holiday. This oceanic beauty is a short hydrofoil or bus ride out of the city to get some sandy beaches and fresh seafood. The locals come to spend time in it to relax and thus, it is a vibrant place to bask in the sun and a festive environment by the ocean.
Faqs
1. Can I enter the Cu Chi Tunnels if I am claustrophobic?
Although the original tunnels are very small, there are places that have been expanded to accommodate tourists. Nevertheless, in case you do not like crowded rooms, you can simply disregard the part of the underground location and still see all the exhibits of the upper part, booby traps and even the shooting area.
2. Which floating market in the Mekong Delta is best to visit during Tet?
The most popular and the most vivid one is Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho. During the days before the Lunar New Year, it is crowded with boats carrying colorful flowers and fruits of the season that provide amazing photographs.
3. What is the fastest way to get to Vung Tau Beach?
The fastest (high-speed hydrofoil) is the ferry that includes approximately 90 minutes of travel between the District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City. It is commonly used instead of the bus that may take up to 2.5 hours during the time of the holiday.
4. Is a one-day trip enough to fully experience the Mekong Delta?
Yes, there is no need to spend more than a day going to My Tho or Ben Tre just to have a boat ride, visit a fruit orchard and have a local lunch. Nonetheless, in case you wish to view the floating markets in their full glory (which occurs very early in the morning), then it would be advisable a 2-day trip.
