For those spending Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City but seeking a short and relaxing escape, there are plenty of nearby destinations that combine stunning nature, vibrant culture, and a peaceful atmosphere. Here are four great options for a meaningful and rejuvenating holiday.

Ho Coc Beach, Ba Ria – Vung Tau

If you're dreaming of the sea but wary of Vung Tau’s Tet crowds, Ho Coc Beach offers a quieter alternative. Once ranked among the world’s 12 most surprisingly affordable beach paradises, Ho Coc lies just 125km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City, making it easy to reach.

This small, secluded beach in Xuyen Moc District remains largely untouched by mass tourism. Backed by forest and distanced from residential areas, it offers a tranquil setting with clean shores, crystal waters, and unique rock formations. Tall casuarina and poplar trees line the coast, casting cool shade over wide, gently sloping sands.

Visitors can camp under the pine canopy right by the waves, enjoy sea breezes and birdsong, or explore on bike or stand-up paddleboard during the day.

Tan Lap Floating Village, Tay Ninh

About 100km from HCMC, Tan Lap Floating Village in Moc Hoa commune offers a restorative retreat into the Mekong’s wetland forest. Here, endless melaleuca trees tower over narrow canals winding through the landscape.

Glide along in a small sampan or walk the 5km trail through the heart of the forest - both are favorite activities. Tan Lap also preserves the riverine way of life. Guests can try traditional farming, fishing, or even make local cakes alongside villagers.

The local cuisine is another highlight, with Mekong specialties like grilled snakehead fish wrapped in young lotus leaves, sesbania flower hotpot, or fermented fish stew.

Just 13km away is the “Endless Field” tourist area, known as the filming location of the beloved movie adaptation of Nguyen Ngoc Tu’s novel The Endless Field.

Nam Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai

Roughly 170km north of Ho Chi Minh City, Nam Cat Tien is a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve covering over 70,000 hectares. Home to hundreds of rare species listed in Vietnam’s Red Book, the park is one of the country’s most important nature sanctuaries.

The best time to visit is during the dry season - November to May - when the forest is more accessible for exploration.

Visitors can enjoy diverse services including hotels, campsites, restaurants, convertible jeep tours, mountain biking, and guided treks. For nature lovers, the park offers trekking trails through tropical forests, excursions to Bau Sau (home to over 60 rare freshwater crocodiles), and thrilling night wildlife safaris.

Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet

Although 210km away, travel to Mui Ne is now quick and easy via the expressway. This beach town is packed with options: resorts, restaurants, spas, pools, and beach sports.

Mui Ne is especially known for its coastal landmarks: Ong Dia Rock Beach, Hon Rom, the Red Sand Dunes, Bau Trang Lake, and its traditional fishing village.

Kite surfing and windsurfing arrived in Vietnam about 15 years ago, and Mui Ne has become the country’s best destination for these sports. The stable wind conditions and moderate waves create the perfect “wind funnels” for thrill-seekers. Tet coincides with the peak wind season, making this an ideal time to learn or watch the action.

Whether it’s floating through a forest, gliding over ocean waves, or watching kites soar above the sand, these nearby getaways offer refreshing new ways to celebrate Tet - and return home recharged for the year ahead.

Linh Trang