Tet in Ho Chi Minh City - What to do?
Tet celebration in Vietnam begins on the 1st day of the Lunar calendar and typically lasts for at least three days. In preparation for the Tet holidays, people often take days off starting from December 22nd to clean and decorate their homes. Normal work schedules usually resume around January 6th of the Lunar calendar.
Tet in Ho Chi Minh City is celebrated similarly to other cities throughout Vietnam. On the eve of the Lunar New Year, families clean their homes to ensure everything looks polished and fresh as they welcome the new year. Homes are decorated with vibrant flowers, fruits, and candies to welcome guests throughout the holiday. On New Year's Eve, family members gather to enjoy traditional foods such as sticky rice cakes while they await the arrival of the new year. Many families also head to public spaces to watch firework displays with others. In Ho Chi Minh City, firework shows are typically held in District 1 and at several historic landmarks.
On the first day of the New Year, it is customary for adults to give "lucky money" to children to bless them with good fortune. In return, children express their well wishes to adults expressing hopes for the new year ahead. Many people also visit pagodas on this day to pray for luck, happiness, and safety for themselves and their families. Popular pagodas visited during the Tet holidays include Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Hoang Phap Pagoda, and Giac Lam Pagoda.
What to do if you are in Ho Chi Minh City for Tet holiday
Watch Flower Displays
During the Tet holidays, there are numerous places in Ho Chi Minh City that offer festive activities and displays. One notable highlight is Nguyen Hue Flower Street in District 1. This annual event features a stunning array of flowers from various regions of the country, all arranged in beautiful shapes. The theme varies year by year according to the Vietnamese Zodiac, with 2026 being the Year of the Horse.
Photo @vnexpress.net
Visitors can stroll along Nguyen Hue Street, taking in the breathtaking flowers and the impressive handiwork of local artisans. This experience is akin to wandering through a floral kingdom filled with Vietnam's scenic beauty.
Tao Dan Park also hosts a flower exhibition during Tet, showcasing award-winning floral designs. In addition to enjoying the stunning floral displays, visitors can participate in game shows and enjoy live music performances (read more about Vietnamese traditional flowers for Tet holiday).
Entertainment Parks
Photo instagram @fraserhospitality
Parks like Dam Sen Park and Suoi Tien Park are excellent options for family-friendly activities during Tet. Both parks host a variety of events, including game festivals and nightly music shows. Families visiting with children will find the lively decorations and festive atmosphere particularly enjoyable.
Door Shows at Hotels
During the Tet holiday, the heart of Ho Chi Minh City transforms into a vibrant showcase with various door shows held in front of hotels affiliated with Saigontourist, including Rex, Majestic, Continental, Grand, Sheraton, Caravelle, Bóng Sen, Palace, Kim Đô, and Oscar hotels. Attendees can look forward to performances such as drumming, dragon dances, outdoor concerts, and various other entertainment. This year, the door shows will take place from February 16th to February 22nd, 2026. Make sure you are downtown in the afternoons to catch these exciting and unique performances.
Photo @hotelgrandsaigon.com
Door shows locations:
- Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue St., District 1
- Majestic Hotel, 1 Dong Khoi St., District 1
- Grand Hotel, 8 Dong Khoi St., District 1
- Bong Sen, 117 Dong Khoi St., District 1
- Continental Hotel, 132 Dong Khoi St., District 1
- Kim Do Hotel, 133 Nguyen Hue St., District 1
- Palace Hotel, 56 Nguyen Hue St., District 1
- Oscar Hotel, 68A Nguyen Hue St., District 1
- Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square, District 1
- Visit Cho Lon, District 5
As Tet approaches, Cho Lon becomes one of the busiest and most vibrant areas of the city, donning a lively red coat across its shops and streets. This neighborhood, known as the trading center of the city, is also a hub for decoration materials, fully embracing the Tet holiday spirit. The Hoa community has preserved many traditional customs while blending them with Vietnamese practices, resulting in an engaging and dynamic Tet scene in Cho Lon. Tourists can explore this lively area via pedicabs.
Visit Pagodas
Photo @dulichdaiduong.vn
For Vietnamese people, visiting pagodas during Tet is an essential part of the holiday experience. Therefore, it is highly recommended for tourists to stop by some of the following popular pagodas:
- Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., District 3
- Hoang Phap Pagoda, Tan Hiep Ward, Hoc Mon District
- Giac Lam Pagoda, 118 Lac Long Quan St., Tan Binh District
- Phuoc Hai Pagoda, 73 Mai Thi Luu St., District 1
- Khmer Pagoda, 1985B Hong Lac St., Tan Binh District
At these pagodas, visitors can join crowds praying for good luck, happiness, and joy in the year to come. During this busy period, the atmosphere is enhanced by the meditative essence of burning incense combined with the solemnity of the gathering.
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