The UK-based Time Out magazine has ranked Hoi An in Vietnam’s central city of Da Nang second on its list of the six best destinations in Asia to experience the Lunar New Year, according to a report from the Government News.
According to the magazine, Hoi An's Lunar New Year celebrations offer a gentler take on Tet, unfolding across the lantern-lit streets of its UNESCO-listed Old Town.
"Don't come expecting a mega parade, though. It's mostly a series of cultural rituals and community-led festivities that blend seamlessly into daily life", shared Time Out.
Lunar New Year's Eve sees the Old Town glow with floating lantern releases along the Hoai River, low-altitude fireworks, Lion-Dragon dances, Bai Choi folk singing and the Sac Bua blessing procession.
"While you're there, infuse more depth and texture to your visit by heading to craft-village festivals like the Kim Bong Carpentry Ancestors' Ceremony and Tra Que's Cau Bong Festival", suggested the magazine.
Official statistics showed that Da Nang City took the lead among localities nationwide in welcoming international visitors during the Lunar New Year holiday. During the nine days of Tet, the city was estimated to receive more than 500,000 foreign arrivals.
Total tourism revenue in the city was estimated at over VND 3.96 trillion ($151.35 million), up 34 percent. The city's average hotel occupancy rate reached around 65–70 per cent.
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