Thanksgiving: A Holiday of Gratitude – From the World to Vietnam

Every November, many people around the world pause to reflect, to gather with loved ones, and to give thanks. In the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November, and traces its origins to an autumn harvest feast held by Pilgrim settlers and Native Americans in 1621. Over time it evolved into a national holiday centred around family, food and gratitude.

Traditionally, Americans gather around tables laden with turkey, mashed potatoes, squash, corn, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie — staples of a harvest-style meal. In addition to feasting, the holiday often involves travel, volunteering, football games, and parades. The idea is simple yet powerful: to give thanks for the blessings of the past year.

THANKSGIVING IN VIETNAM

Although Thanksgiving is not a public holiday in Vietnam, the concept has found a warm reception among expatriates, international communities and Vietnamese who enjoy Western traditions. Many restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City and other major cities organise special Thanksgiving dinners, buffets or promotions in late November.

In Vietnam, the spirit of the holiday is adapted in a flexible way: rather than the large family-gathering typical of the U.S., you’ll often see friends gathering at restaurants, couples opting for Western-style dinners, and hotel buffets offering roast turkey or turkey carving stations mixed with local cuisine. For expats missing home or Vietnamese locals wanting to try something different, it becomes an occasion to celebrate over good food, in a relaxed and international setting.

Many hotel restaurants in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City promote Thanksgiving meals, often with bookings required in advance. For example, one riverside restaurant listed a Thanksgiving dinner buffet including premium seafood alongside traditional turkey carving.

WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO FOR THANKSGIVING IN VIETNAM

If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City around late November, keep an eye out for hotel and restaurant offers. Choose a venue that suits your style: a luxury hotel buffet, a comfortable Western-style restaurant doing turkey and fixings, or even a casual expatriate bar offering special menus of roast turkey with local twists.
It’s also a great chance to combine the celebration with exploring the city — perhaps plan a walk along Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, enjoy a rooftop dinner in District 1, or visit a riverside venue for that special dinner. Because many Thanksgiving-themed events fill up quickly, it’s wise to pre-book and check whether turkey or traditional side dishes are included.

Some recommend restaurants for Thanksgiving meal:

  • Kitchen by the River (Mia Saigon Hotel): 2-4, Street 10, An Khanh Ward, Thu Thiem.
  • Equator Club Lounge (Hotel Equatorial HCM): 242 Tran Binh Trong, Ward 3, District 5.
  • Saigon Café (Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers): 88 Dong Khoi, District 1.
  • AmCham Vietnam “Giving Thanks” Dinner: Sofitel Saigon Plaza.
  • Eddie’s New York Deli & Diner: 73 Pasteur, District 1.

WHY THANKSGIVING MATTERS

What makes Thanksgiving meaningful is not just the specific foods or the date — it’s the idea of pausing, gathering, and saying “thank you.” In a bustling city like Ho Chi Minh, where life moves fast, an occasion to slow down, share a meaningful meal, and reflect on what we’re grateful for can be refreshing. For Vietnamese locals and expats alike, embracing a holiday like Thanksgiving offers a new cultural experience and a chance to connect over food and appreciation.

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