Lunar New Year (Tet) is one of the most beautiful and meaningful times to explore Ho Chi Minh City, where tradition and modern life blend harmoniously in a vibrant spring atmosphere. From colorful flower streets and traditional Tet markets to historic spiritual sites and luxurious river cruises along the Saigon River, the city offers diverse and memorable ways to celebrate the new year. Below are some of the most iconic destinations where visitors can fully experience the spirit of Vietnamese Tet in the heart of Saigon.
Every Lunar New Year, Nguyen Hue Flower Street becomes one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic attractions, drawing both locals and international visitors. For Tet 2026, the central pedestrian boulevard in District 1 will once again be decorated with vibrant fresh flowers, zodiac mascots, and festive installations that beautifully blend Vietnamese traditions with the rhythm of modern urban life.
Stretching along Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the flower street is not only a place for strolling and taking photos but also a space where visitors can truly experience how Vietnamese people celebrate Tet: gently, meaningfully, and together. With its open space and joyful festive atmosphere, this is the perfect spot to experience Vietnamese New Year right in the heart of Saigon.
Address: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (stretch between Le Loi and Ton Duc Thang streets)
Opening Time: Usually held for about 7–10 days during Lunar New Year (from a few days before New Year’s Eve until the 4th–5th day of Tết). Open daily until late evening.
Highlights: A signature spring festival featuring themed floral installations and zodiac mascots of the year, attracting both locals and tourists for sightseeing and photography.
During Lunar New Year, Calligraphy Street at the Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House recreates a cherished Vietnamese tradition through the image of calligraphy masters offering lucky words at the beginning of the year. In the vibrant spring atmosphere, visitors can admire Vietnamese, Han, and Nom calligraphy art and appreciate the spiritual values closely tied to the traditional Tet celebration.
More than just a sightseeing spot, Calligraphy Street offers an authentic cultural experience where visitors can request lucky calligraphy characters, take photos, and learn about the meanings behind each brushstroke. It is an ideal stop to explore the cultural depth of Vietnamese Tet in the city center.
Address: 04 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: The Youth Cultural House follows office hours; during Tết, Ong Do Street is usually organized from the last days of the Lunar year until the first days of the New Year, open throughout the day and evening when cultural activities take place.
Highlights: A traditional calligraphy space where visitors can request lucky New Year characters, enjoy cultural performances, and take festive photos in a distinctly Vietnamese atmosphere.
Every Tet holiday, the Tet Flower Market at Tao Dan Park becomes one of the most vibrant spring destinations in Saigon. The park is filled with fresh flowers, ornamental plants, bonsai trees, and festive decorations, creating a colorful spring landscape in the heart of the city.
Beyond shopping for flowers, the market attracts visitors with its slower pace and traditional charm. It is a perfect place for both local and international visitors to experience the authentic Tet atmosphere, take photos, and explore the cultural beauty of the Vietnamese New Year.
Address: Tao Dan Park, 55C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: Usually held from mid–Lunar December until Lunar New Year’s Eve, open daily from morning to evening (dates may vary each year).
Highlights: A vibrant display of fresh flowers, ornamental plants, and festive decorations set in a spacious park right in the city center.
Binh Dong Wharf Flower Market is one of the most distinctive Southern-style Tet destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. Each year, the canal becomes lively with boats loaded with apricot blossoms, chrysanthemums, marigolds, and ornamental trees from the Mekong Delta, creating the iconic “on the wharf, under the boats” scene.
The riverside market offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional Tet lifestyle of Saigon, past and present. With its rustic and emotional charm, Binh Dong Wharf is ideal for those seeking a more authentic and tranquil side of Vietnamese New Year celebrations, just a short distance from downtown.
Address: Along Binh Dong Canal, District 8, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: Most active during the last days of Lunar December until before New Year’s Eve, typically open from morning until evening.
Highlights: A traditional Southern-style floating flower market with a charming “on the wharf, under the boats” atmosphere, offering a unique cultural experience compared to central markets.
During Lunar New Year, Ben Thanh Market is filled with festive red and yellow decorations that symbolize spring and prosperity. The stalls display a wide range of items, from souvenirs, ao dai, and fabrics to traditional sweets, tea, and Vietnamese specialties, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Beyond shopping, Ben Thanh Market during Tet allows visitors to feel the vibrant rhythm of Saigon’s New Year celebrations. Located in the city center, it is an ideal stop to combine sightseeing, food tasting, and cultural exploration.
Address: Le Loi – Phan Chu Trinh – Phan Boi Chau streets, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: Normally 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM; during Tết, many stalls are decorated for the New Year and may extend operating hours.
Highlights: A lively place to shop for souvenirs, traditional Tết specialties, áo dài, sweets, and gifts while experiencing the festive shopping atmosphere. (Opening hours may vary during public holidays.)
During Tet, Independence Palace and the surrounding District 1 area are decorated with flags, flowers, and festive displays. The spacious front lawn becomes a popular check-in spot, especially during the first days of the year when Saigon looks fresh, elegant, and full of vitality.
Visitors can combine a tour of Independence Palace with a stroll along central streets such as Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Le Duan, and the Notre Dame Cathedral – Central Post Office area to experience Saigon’s Tet spirit: vibrant yet warm, marking a hopeful new beginning.
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM (regular days; holiday schedules may vary, usually reopening from the 2nd day of Tết).
Highlights: A major historical landmark surrounded by a vibrant central district decorated with flags and flowers, offering a lively and festive New Year atmosphere.
Thien Hau Temple in Cholon (District 5) is one of the oldest and most sacred temples of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City, dating back to the 18th century. The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Sea Goddess who protects fishermen and seafarers. Its traditional Chinese architecture features curved tiled roofs, intricate ceramic reliefs, and large spiral incense coils hanging from the ceiling, creating a mystical yet solemn atmosphere.
During Tet, the temple welcomes large numbers of worshippers and visitors who come to pray for peace, prosperity, and good fortune. The first days of spring are filled with red lanterns, fragrant incense smoke, and sincere prayers, offering a unique cultural and spiritual experience of Saigon – Cholon.
Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: Typically 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (may open earlier during peak Tết days).
Highlights: A historic Chinese-style temple where locals and visitors come to burn incense and pray for peace and prosperity at the beginning of the year.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street becomes the most vibrant gathering place in downtown Saigon during New Year’s Eve and the first day of Tet. On Lunar New Year’s Eve, thousands of locals and visitors gather here to enjoy live performances and countdown celebrations, waiting for fireworks (depending on the year) to light up the sky.
On the morning of the first day of Tet, the atmosphere becomes calmer and fresher, with people strolling and taking photos among colorful spring decorations. It is the perfect place to feel the modern energy of Saigon blended with traditional New Year spirit.
Location: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Time: Open 24/7; special performances and countdown events usually take place from late afternoon until midnight.
Highlights: Countdown celebrations, live music, street performances, and a vibrant festive crowd on New Year’s Eve and the first day of Tết.
A Saigon River cruise is one of the most luxurious and romantic experiences during Tet in Ho Chi Minh City. As the city lights up at night, visitors can enjoy dinner onboard while admiring the skyline of District 1, Landmark 81, and illuminated bridges reflected on the water.
On New Year’s Eve, many cruises offer special programs featuring live music, Tet-themed menus, and excellent views of fireworks from the river. This is an ideal option for international visitors seeking a relaxing yet memorable way to celebrate Vietnamese New Year.
Common Departure Points: 4 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, District 4, HCMC
Operating Hours: Most cruises run from late afternoon to evening (approximately 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM); special New Year’s Eve programs may last longer.
Highlights: A romantic dining experience on the river, offering views of the Saigon skyline, illuminated bridges, and possible fireworks displays during special events.
Located near Ben Thanh Market, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts stands out with its distinctive yellow French colonial architecture and elegant spiral staircase—highly “Instagrammable.” The museum showcases important collections of Vietnamese paintings, sculptures, and lacquer artworks.
During Tet, the museum offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city center, making it perfect for art lovers who wish to explore the cultural and artistic depth of Vietnam as part of their Saigon journey.
Address: 97–97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily (holiday schedules may vary; it’s recommended to check in advance).
Highlights: Exhibitions of Vietnamese paintings, sculptures, and fine arts set in a beautiful historic building — an ideal stop for art and architecture lovers during Tết.
