8 recommendations in Saigon for tourists in upcoming Tet
In this year's Tet, visitors will have chances to watch the Lion Dance's "eye-opening ceremony," which is rarely found in a big city like Saigon.
 |
| About a week before the Tet holiday, Binh Dong wharf (District 8, Ho Chi Minh City) a unique destination that only functions once a year, attracts local people and visitors to enjoy the bustling floating market scene dazzling with flowers and ornamental plants. Visitors can walk along the nearly 2km dock to take photos and buy flowers. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| On the two last days of the Lunar Year, if passing through Ba Thien Hau pagoda (District 5), visitors have the opportunity to watch a series of performances of skillful lion dancers in the sound of drums. There is a ceremony named "eye-opening", which means giving the lions new souls to start new lives and bring luck and fortune to everyone. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| On the first day of the new year, you can go to pray for safety and luck in some sacred temples in Ho Chi Minh City with open and beautiful spaces such as Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (District 1), Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and Phap Hoa Pagoda (district 3), Viet Nam Quoc Tu (District 10), Khanh An Monastery (District 12), Pho Quang Pagoda (Tan Binh District), Hoang Phap Pagoda (Hoc Mon) ... (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| If you have not had time to take some photos in the setting of the old Saigon vibe, the Tet Viet festival at the Youth Cultural House of Ho Chi Minh City (Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1) is the ideal address. This place decorated with nearly 150 golden apricot trees and many miniatures of Tet and spring theme, national music performance, dragon lion dance, traditional martial arts, "don ca tai tu" singing, banh chung, banh tet cooking activities that will last until the end of February 16 (the 5th day of Tet). (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| If you visit the Tet Viet festival, do not ignore Ong Do Street to ask for good luck at the beginning of the year. Depending on the suggestion of the tourists, the calligraphy is written by Vietnamese "ông đồ" on red paper of different sizes, even on paper fans, conical hats ... (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| A voyage on the Saigon River by river bus or yacht is a suggestion for an exciting Tet experience. This is an opportunity to enjoy the city from a very different angle on the Tet holidays. Many Vietnamese people think that water is a symbol of fertility, coolness, so traveling to the river at the beginning of the year means luck and happiness. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| In the evening, take a stroll to Nguyen Hue Flower Street, which is already decorated for the New Year of Ox. The street is open from February 9 (December 28) to February 15 (the 4th day of Tet). Nguyen Hue Flower Street has a different decorative theme each year, attracting a large number of local people and visitors to take check-in photos. (Photo: VN Express) |
 |
| Some sightseeing and entertainment parks such as Dam Sen, Suoi Tien, Botanical Garden ... are also recommended destinations if you come with family, children, or groups of friends. In addition, visitors can enjoy the rare deserted street scene on the first morning of the lunar year. Saigon's various cafes are the perfect places for a New Year get-together. (Photo: VN Express) |
 | Unique versions of Vietnamese “Bánh Chưng” (Chung cake) “Bánh Chưng” (Chung cake) is one of the indispensable dishes of Vietnamese people on Tet holiday. For Vietnamese, making Chung cake is a way to ... |
 | Hanoi scales down Tet’s firework display to stamp out COVID-19 The municipal Party Committee has narrowed down firework display scale to solely one site from 30 as previously scheduled, given the new clusters of COVID-19 ... |
 | Warm Tet festival amidst COVID-19: Aid sent to help Quang Binh's locals Food, kitchen utensils, household toiletries and cash being presented to residents in two communes in the central province of Quang Binh prior to the upcoming ... |
Tags:
Related Stories
Travel
Lao Cai Boosts Holiday Appeal with Adventure and Water Sports
A series of exciting adventure tourism activities such as the paragliding program “Flying over the Water-Pouring Season” and spectacular jet ski performances at Thac Ba Lake are expected to be key highlights helping Lao Cai attract visitors, especially during peak periods like the upcoming April 30-May 1 holiday.
April 23, 2026 | 10:56
World
Promoting Vietnam’s Image to Danish and International Audiences
On April 17, the Embassy of Vietnam in Denmark hosted an event titled “Vietnam Today: Milestones in Development, Culture and People,” aimed at showcasing the country’s image, culture, and people to Danish and international friends, while also announcing a series of activities to mark the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Denmark in 2026.
April 20, 2026 | 09:46
Recommended
Travel
Vietnam Taps Wellness Tourism as a Rising Travel Trend
The rapid rise of wellness tourism is opening up opportunities for Vietnam to become a destination for comprehensive restorative travel.
April 25, 2026 | 13:13
Travel
Festive Hanoi: Dynamic Blend of Culture, Heritage, and Travel Experiences Awaits Visitors
With a diverse lineup of events and innovative travel products, the capital’s tourism sector is striving to reinforce its image as a safe, friendly, and high-quality destination during this year’s holiday season.
April 22, 2026 | 14:39
Travel
Mui Ne Among Most Searched Destinations in the First Half of the Year
Mui Ne has been attracting visitors thanks to its natural landscapes and diverse range of sports tourism activities. It is also dubbed the “resort capital,” boasting a series of high-end accommodations stretching along the coastline.
April 11, 2026 | 14:08
Travel
Vietnam Welcomes over 2 Million International Visitors for Three Consecutive Months
Vietnam’s tourism growth in the first quarter of 2026 is therefore not merely an increase in numbers, but a reflection of the convergence of core competitive advantages amid a world marked by uncertainty.
April 07, 2026 | 16:20
Travel
Vietnam Among World’s 28 Most Beautiful Countries
According to the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism, Condé Nast Traveler has recently named Viet Nam among the 28 most beautiful countries in the world. The magazine praised the S-shaped country as a paradise for nature lovers and those who enjoy outdoor experiences.
March 22, 2026 | 13:07
Travel
Vietnamese Passport Reaches Highest Rank in 11 Years
In the March ranking of the Henley Passport Index, Vietnam’s passport rose seven places compared to 2025, ranking 84th and reaching its highest position in the past 11 years.
March 18, 2026 | 15:54
Travel
Vietnam Tourism Attracts French Visitors
Vietnam is increasingly affirming its appeal to French tourists thanks to a harmonious combination of diverse natural landscapes, rich cultural identity, and the country’s dynamic development.
March 18, 2026 | 11:43
Travel
Vietnam's New Competitive Advantage in Tourism
In the global tourism landscape, cuisine is becoming a special "language" for countries to define their image and win over tourists. With its rich and distinctive culinary traditions, Vietnam has a great opportunity to transform its culinary culture into a national asset.
March 08, 2026 | 18:10