On the occasion of Binh Ngo Tet 2026, Lao Cai implements a series of events lasting from before New Year's Eve to the end of the full moon of the first lunar month, harmoniously combining the preservation of ethnic cultural identity and stimulating tourism demand at the beginning of the year. The programs are organized diversely, from traditional festivals, Spring cultural spaces to unique folk sports tournaments.
Brilliant New Year's Eve, opening a new tourist season
On the night of December 29th of the lunar calendar, many localities simultaneously organized art programs and fireworks to welcome the new year. In Bac Ha, the Night Market stage will light up with an art program celebrating the Party - celebrating Spring, combined with welcoming the first visitors to "break ground" for tourism in 2026.
This activity not only has the meaning of opening the new year but also sends a message about a prosperous tourism season.
In Luc Yen, Bao Yen, art programs, low-altitude fireworks displays, street performances, bamboo dancing, folk dances... create a bustling atmosphere in squares and commune centers. Tourists can both enjoy New Year's Eve fireworks and immerse themselves in the typical community cultural rhythm of the highlands.
Spring cultural space and local experiences
From mid-February 2026, at the Provincial Museum, Provincial Library and the central area, the Spring Press Fair, display and exhibition activities and the space "Lao Cai - Spring Returns" will take place with many check-in points serving people and tourists.
Hop Thanh Highland Tet Market (from February 8 to February 16, 2026) is an attractive highlight. The traditional market fair space is recreated with booths of local products, OCOP products, and ethnic cuisine.
Tourists can enjoy thang co, men men, corn wine, buy bundles of wild vegetables, brocade sheets or simply feel the spring rhythm of life in the village.
The art photo exhibition about the colors of the highlands also contributes to introducing the beauty of nature and culture of Lao Cai in the spring - the time when terraced fields rest but forest flowers and plum blossoms show off their colors.
Spring Festival - the soul of highland tourism
From the 2nd day of Tet to the end of the full moon of the first lunar month, a series of traditional festivals take place throughout localities.
In Sa Pa, the Spring Festival recreates the highland Tet with traditional Tet celebration rituals of 5 ethnic groups, along with folk games such as throwing con, tug-of-war, climbing grass poles... bringing lively cultural experiences to tourists.
The "Opening the Heaven Gate" Spring Festival at Sun World Fansipan Legend (February 19 - March 1, 2026) is expected to attract a large number of tourists with the Opening the Heaven Gate ritual, Gau Tao festival, Xen Ban Xen Muong and a series of unique art performances amidst the majestic mountain and forest space.
In many localities such as Si Ma Cai, Hop Thanh, Phong Du Thuong..., the field-going festival is solemnly organized with rituals to pray for harvests, blessings, and favorable weather.
The festival part is exciting with con throwing, stick pushing, crossbow shooting, mass art exchanges - typical cultural activities of the Tay, Giay, H'Mong ethnic groups...
Historical and cultural relic festivals such as Thanh An Temple, Quy Mong Temple... are also destinations for spring travel, sightseeing, and prayers for peace at the beginning of the year for people and tourists.
Folk sports and the flower season after Tet
Not only stopping at festivals, Lao Cai also organizes many traditional sports activities to attract visitors to participate and cheer such as horse races in Bac Ha, raft races on Thia stream, folk games in Muong Hum, Y Ty...
After Tet, Lung Phinh plateau enters the season of white pear and plum blossoms. The "Meeting point to see pear blossoms, passionate about plum blossoms" festival (March 6 - March 15, 2026) promises to become a tourist highlight when tourists can climb mountains, visit plum gardens, experience local cultural life and enjoy highland specialties.
With a series of dense events, rich in identity and spreading throughout localities, Lao Cai is creating strong momentum to start the 2026 tourism season.
The spring travel journey here is not only a sightseeing trip, but also an opportunity to touch the depth of indigenous culture, immerse yourself in the bustling pace of life in the Northwest mountains and forests in the first days of the new year.
