Suggested 2–3 Day “Tet Staycation” Itinerary in Hanoi for Couples / Families

  • 01/09/2026
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1. Why a Tet Staycation in Hanoi Is Worth Trying

Instead of struggling to “escape” the city during peak holiday days, a Tet staycation in Hanoi offers several clear advantages:

  • No long-distance travel, no worries about flight or train tickets, traffic jams, or delays.

  • You still get a real “holiday feeling” by staying in a different apartment or neighborhood, with a rhythm unlike everyday life.

  • Hanoi during Tet is quieter and calmer, perfect for strolling, visiting temples, café hopping, and dining without the usual crowds.

  • For families with young children or elderly members, staying in the city is more flexible and less stressful in case anything unexpected comes up.

A cozy serviced apartment with a private kitchen and enough space for everyone, combined with a relaxed itinerary, can turn the Tet holidays into a truly meaningful “mini vacation.”

2. Suggested 2-Day Tet Staycation Itinerary

Day 1: Check-in, Change the Atmosphere, and Enjoy the First Day

In the morning, finish any remaining tasks at home (tidying up, preparing light snacks, Tet gifts if needed), then head to your booked apartment:

  • Check in and take time to explore the apartment: living room, kitchen, balcony, lake or street view.

  • Unpack neatly and place a few personal items (books, scented candles, children’s toys, etc.) to make the space truly feel like “home.”

If you choose a lake-view apartment (West Lake, Ngoc Khanh Lake, etc.) or a central location, spend a few quiet minutes simply enjoying the view from the window — one of the most satisfying moments of a staycation.

Afternoon: Stroll and Feel Hanoi During Tet

Depending on your apartment’s location, you can:

  • Walk around a nearby lake such as West Lake, Truc Bach, or Ngoc Khanh to enjoy the quieter Tet atmosphere.

  • Visit a café with a nice view, spend time talking, and take a few photos together.

For families with young children, a simple walk around the lake, stopping by a playground, or letting kids observe the unusually quiet streets can already feel fresh and different from everyday life.

Evening: A Cozy Meal at the Apartment

Instead of eating out, make use of the serviced apartment’s kitchen:

  • Prepare a simple dinner together: a small hotpot, pasta, home-style grilled food, or just a few favorite comfort dishes.

  • Set the table neatly, play soft music, and dim the lights for a warm, intimate atmosphere.

Couples can spend the evening watching a movie, enjoying a glass of wine, and sharing thoughts about the past year and plans for the new one. Families can play board games, tell childhood Tet stories, and create new memories for the kids.

3. Suggested Itinerary for Day 2: Temples, Streets, and “Real Rest”

Morning: Visit a Temple and Walk in the Tet Air

  • Visit a nearby temple to pray for peace and good fortune for the new year (Tran Quoc Pagoda, Phu Tay Ho, Lang Pagoda, Quan Su Pagoda, depending on location).

  • To avoid crowds, go early in the morning or choose smaller, less well-known temples.

Afterwards, return to a nearby lake or park for a walk and some fresh air — a true “quiet city” experience that only those staying in Hanoi during Tet can enjoy.

Midday – Afternoon: Back to the Apartment, Slow Living

This is the time to do things you usually don’t have time for:

  • Read a book by a sunlit window.

  • Take a nap without setting an alarm.

  • Let children play, draw, or watch cartoons in a peaceful space.

For couples, you might:

  • Cook a new dish together.

  • Write down a few things you want to do in the new year.

  • Take a small photo series in the apartment, simply to capture the memory of “this year, we celebrated Tet differently.”

Evening: Walk Around — or Simply Stay In

Depending on your mood:

  • If you want some liveliness: stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, or St. Joseph’s Cathedral to feel Tet among the crowds.

  • If you prefer peace: stay in, open the window, watch the city lights come on, listen to music, and prepare a light dinner.

The true meaning of a staycation isn’t about doing a lot — it’s about having more time together in a comfortable space.

4. If You Stay 3 Days: Add a “Just for Yourself” Day

If you have 3 days instead of 2, let the third day be completely unscheduled:

  • No must-see places, just do whatever feels right in the moment.

  • Sleep in, sit by the lake with a coffee alone, or write a few reflections on the past year.

  • For families, this is a “free activity” day: kids choose what they want to do, while adults enjoy some personal space.

It’s especially pleasant to end the staycation with a calm afternoon: packing slowly, tidying the apartment a bit, and enjoying one last cup of tea.

5. Choosing the Right Place for a Perfect Tet Staycation

To make the itinerary truly enjoyable, accommodation plays a major role. For Tet staycations, serviced apartments are often more suitable than hotels because:

  • They have private kitchens, making it easy to cook and host a small year-end or New Year meal.

  • Living rooms and dining areas provide enough space for family gatherings.

  • They feel warmer and more “home-like,” even for a short stay.

In Hanoi, you may want to prioritize areas such as:

  • West Lake and nearby areas: open space, great for walks, many cafés and restaurants.

  • Ba Dinh / central districts: close to attractions, temples, and small lakes (Ngoc Khanh, Giang Vo, etc.).

  • Hoan Kiem / Old Quarter: ideal if you love a classic vibe and want to walk easily to Hoan Kiem Lake, the Cathedral, or pedestrian streets.

6. Tet Staycation Suggestions with Toan Tien Housing Apartments

If you’re looking for a place to follow the itinerary above, Toan Tien Housing’s serviced apartment system is worth considering:

  • Apartments located in central areas such as West Lake, Ba Dinh, and Hoan Kiem, convenient for lakes, temples, the Old Quarter, and entertainment spots.

  • Warm, well-lit designs with private kitchens, dining areas, and shared living spaces, suitable for both couples and families.

  • Security, regular cleaning, and flexible guest support, allowing you to relax fully and focus on enjoying time with your loved ones.

You can view apartments via photos or videos, or visit in person (if you’re in Hanoi) to choose the perfect “Tet corner” for your staycation.

7. How to Book a Tet Staycation Apartment

To avoid fully booked rooms during the holidays, you should:

  • Plan ahead: decide on the 2–3 day period for your staycation.

  • Contact Toan Tien Housing via website, fanpage, or hotline for advice on suitable apartments based on group size, location, and budget.

  • Confirm your booking and clarify details such as check-in/check-out times, Tet cleaning services, parking, child policies, etc.

With just a bit of preparation, the rest of your holiday can be light and effortless — just pack your suitcase, bring the people you love, and “stay home in a different way.”

Whether you’re a couple looking for a warm place to start the new year, or a family wanting more time together after a busy year, a Tet staycation in Hanoi is truly worth trying. As the city slows down, you get a chance to slow down too — and realize that sometimes, Tet isn’t about how far you go, but about who you’re with and how you feel in those first days of the new year.