Hanoi, Jan. 1 -- Hanoi buzzed with energy on January 1 as entertainment spots around Hoan Kiem Lake attracted throngs of locals and foreign tourists marking the arrival of the New Year.

Posing for photos in front of Trang Tien Plaza near the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian street, Japanese visitors Sonic Sega and his wife, Rio Sega, expressed enthusiasm about their trip. The couple said they had previously known Vietnam only from books, news reports and online sources. Its fast-paced growth and retained traditional East Asian cultural elements prompted them to select Hanoi for their vacation to usher in 2026.

For Anniae Hunn and her family of five from Australia, welcoming 2026 in Vietnam was a particularly special experience as it was the fi...