According to the Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board, three sites Bach Ma Temple (76 Hang Buom), Quan De Temple (28 Hang Buom) and Kim Ngan Communal House (42-44 Hang Bac) will grant free admission from February 16 to 18, covering the 29th day of the lunar year and the first two days of the Year of the Horse.
From February 19, entry fees will return to VND 20,000 (USD 0.77) per person per site, in line with city regulations.
The he Hanoi Department of Tourism said that 2026 marks the first Lunar New Year the capital celebrates under a new two-tier local government model across its 126 wards and communes.
A highlight will be fireworks displays at 31 locations with 32 launch sites on New Year’s Eve, aimed at easing pressure on the city centre and spreading festivities more evenly.
To boost visitor demand, the department is coordinating a series of events through the ninth day of the first lunar month (February 25), including a Tet cultural space recreating a traditional Hanoi family celebration at the heritage house at 87 Ma May Street.
Other highlights include handicraft showcases, a spring art exhibition, traditional music performances and the 2026 Spring Calligraphy Festival at the Temple of Literature. Major events such as the Dong Da, Hai Ba Trung, Huong Pagoda and Soc Temple festivals will also be held in early spring.
New tourism products for 2026 feature heritage tours combined with technology, including a 3D mapping performance at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, night cycling tours, experiential tours around Truc Bach Lake and eco-tourism camping in Da Phuc.
Dang Huong Giang, director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, said this year’s programme focuses more on immersive, culturally rich experiences, connecting inner-city sites with suburban destinations while promoting traditional crafts and intangible heritage.
