EXPLORING HO CHI MINH CITY DURING TET FESTIVAL, ALL THINGS BEFORE YOU NEED TO KNOW

Vietnam’s Tet Festival, also known as Lunar New Year, is a spectacular time to visit this vibrant country. Celebrated on the first day of the lunar calendar, Tet marks the arrival of spring and is the most significant and festive holiday in Vietnam. The date varies each year, but it generally falls between late January and February. I will give you a closer look at the advantages and challenges of visiting Vietnam during Tet and some tips on how to navigate them.

Tet Holidays in Vietnam

Advantages of visiting Ho Chi Minh at Tet Festival:

1. Have a look at the colorful Tet Holidays

1.1. Flower Market

Visit flower markets like Ho Chi Minh City’s Ho Thi Ky Flower Market. These markets are filled with vibrant blooms, including peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and marigolds, which are traditional symbols of Tet.

Address: Ho Thi Ky Street, District 10.

Opening Hours: open 24 hours

How to go there:

–Personal vehicle: Using Google Maps to guide them, you can drive a personal car or motorbike to the flower market. Once there, they can find reasonably priced parking nearby. However, the street is not large so that drive motorbike is the best choice.

–Bus: The routes that go to the flower market are 5, 27, 91, 139, and 150. The bus is the ideal option if you’re looking for a reasonably priced and safe mode of transportation.

–Taxi or Grab: For an affordable ride to the flower market or other parts of the city, reserve an car like MaiLinh, Vinasun, or Grab apps, which features high-quality cars and a staff of amiable and energetic drivers.

You can capture the most exquisite pictures by checking in at the setting loaded with flowers.

1.2. Street Decorations

Explore city streets and public spaces adorned with festive lanterns, banners, and intricate decorations. Notable areas include Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City. The striking panorama of Nguyen Hue Street, which offers a distinctive fusion of modern and traditional buildings, busy street life, and a lively cultural atmosphere, is one of its main attractions. There are a plethora of photo opportunities and graphic inspirations for photographers of all skill levels. Nguyen Hue Walking Street needs to be at the top of your list of places to see in Ho Chi Minh City if you want to take some amazing pictures.        

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1.

How to go there:

 While it is possible to drive to Nguyen Hue Street, you are advised to take a bus or a motorbike instead of driving during rush hour to avoid the high traffic.

–Motorbike: Turn right onto Ton Duc Thang Street towards Bach Dang Wharf in the city center to get to Nguyen Hue Walking Street from Nguyen Duc Canh Street. Proceed straight ahead till Nguyen Hue appears on the right. There are the places where you can park your vehicles: The City Post Office, Youth Cultural House, Sofitel Plaza Hotel at 17 Le Duan, and sidewalk areas along Ham Nghi, Hai Trieu, Ho Tung Mau.

–Bus: You can catch a bus routes 03, 04, 124, 152, 19, and 93, which pass by Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. By using the bus, you can reduce road congestion in addition to saving money. It can also offer visitors to the city a pleasurable experience.

Tet Festival 2024 in Ho Chi Minh City

You can take a nice picture at Nguyen Hue Walking Street

2. Learn About the Rich Vietnamese Culture

2.1. Tet Traditions

Witness traditional Tet rituals such as ancestor worship at family altars, where families offer fruits, flowers, and special foods. You can visit local temples and pagodas to see these practices up close.

Family reunion on Tet holiday

Family wraps “Bánh Chưng” and decorates the house together to celebrate Tet

List of Pagoda and Temple open in the Tet Holiday:

The Jade Emperor Pagoda

Although Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is well-known for its vibrant and contemporary architecture, its hidden gem, the Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as “Chùa Ngọc Hoàng” will amaze you. Nestled amidst tall towers in the busy economic center of the city is an ancient pagoda. It is undoubtedly going to be among the most recommended travel spots if you ever get the chance to visit Ho Chi Minh City. You might go there on the Tet holiday to pray for your luck, health, success, and love.

Address: No.73, Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily.

Entrace fee: Free

How to go:

-Motorbike: You can get there through Google Map, it will take about 10 – 15 minutes from the city center. In this Pagoda has a parking lot, so you can park with the no fee.

-Taxi or Grab: If you want to go there, you just show your driver the location. You can catch the taxi like Vinasun or MaiLinh. However, book a car from Grab app is the best ideal, it can have affordable prices.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Jade Emperor Pagoda is a well-liked religious site

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda

Since Vinh Nghiem Pagoda was constructed in 1964 and is located in District 3, almost 3 km from the busy city centre, it is one of the biggest and most respected Buddhist sites in Vietnam, despite having a short history. Because of the active involvement of the local Buddhist community, a visit to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda provides a genuine window into the temple culture of the area, enabling you to observe the religious rituals and devotions of the Vietnamese people.

Address: No. 339, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 3.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM Daily.

Entrace fee: Free

How to go: The easiest way to go from District 1 to Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in District 3 is by taxi. Depending on traffic, the taxi ride usually takes 15 minutes depending on where in District 1 you are.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda – one of the top pagodas attracts many locals and tourists

Xa Loi Pagoda

Xa Loi Pagoda is a historically significant Buddhist landmark located in Ho Chi Minh City. It was constructed in 1956. The pagoda is now a serene haven with a large statue of a sitting Buddha and a tall seven-tiered tower that symbolise the tenacity and cohesion of Buddhism in Vietnam.

Address: No.89, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, District 3.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Daily.

Entrace fee: Free

How to go there:

-Motorbike: You can get there through Google Map, it will take about 10 – 15 minutes from District 1 depending on your place. In Xa Loi Pagoda has a parking lot, so you can park with the no fee.

-Taxi or Grab: To view the pricing up front and get clear directions, you can type the address of the pagoda. You can catch the taxi like Vinasun. However, book a car from Grab app is the best ideal, it can have affordable prices.

Xa Loi Pagoda

Thien Hau Temple

The well-known Thien Hau Pagoda is a holy site situated in the center of Vietnam’s affluent Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. It is one of the major tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh metropolis, the busiest metropolis in Vietnam, and is especially well-liked by spiritual tourists. In contrast to the bustling city outside, you may enjoy a tranquil ambiance while getting a close-up look at the pagoda’s historic architecture.

Address: No.710, Nguyen Trai Street, District 5.

Opening Hours: 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM Daily.

Entrace fee: Free

How to go there:

-Motorbike: Hiring a motorbike is a practical and affordable way to see Ho Chi Minh City’s tourist sites, including the Thien Hau Pagoda.
-Taxi: There are numerous affordable taxi firms in Ho Chi Minh City, like VinaSun and Mai Linh.
-Ride-hailing app: Utilising the Grab or Xanh SM app on your phone to hail a car or motorcycle is another economical choice.

Thien Hau Pagoda – A well-known holy site in the centre of affluent Ho Chi Minh City

2.2. Festive Foods

Sample Tet-specific dishes like Banh Chung (Square sticky rice cakes), Gio Lua (Lean pork pie), and Xoi (Sticky rice). You can join food tours or cooking classes focused on these traditional dishes.

Indispensable dishes during Tet holiday

Square sticky rice cakes also known as “Bánh Chưng”, a traditional dish that has existed since ancient times and until now it is still considered a symbol of Tet

Sticky Rice which is “Xôi”, Xoi gac is a very popular dish, the dish has bright color symbolizing the color of luck.

Pickled Scallion head known as “Củ Kiệu Muối”, which is an indispensable dish during Tet holiday. People often eat this with Bánh Chưng.

2.3. Cultural Performances

Attend Tet festivals and public performances featuring lion dances, traditional music, and folk dances. Ho Chi Minh City’s Tao Dan Park often host such events. The most common meaning of the lion dance is the wish for peace, happiness, luck, and wealth. However, the meaning of the lion dance varies greatly based on the concept of each place. Because of this, the lion dance is frequently seen on important holidays and on the Tet holidays.

Experience the Lion and Dragon dance in Tet Holiday

3. Few Tourists in Tet Holidays

Enjoy popular tourist spots like Halong Bay, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the ancient town of Hoi An with fewer crowds. The serene environment can enhance your overall experience.

Hoi An Ancient Town

Take advantage of the quieter scenes to capture unique photographs of landmarks and cultural activities without the usual tourist congestion.

4. Less Traffic in the Ho Chi Minh City

Wander through cities like Ho Chi Minh City with reduced traffic congestion, making it easier to visit major attractions like the War Remnants Museum, Saigon Central Post Office.

Saigon Central Post Office – most beautiful post offices in Ho Chi Minh City

Address: No. 02, Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM daily

War Remnant Museum – Explore the historic of Vietnam

Address: No. 28, Vo Van Tan Street, District 3.

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily

Entrance fee: 40.000/person (1.6 USD)

5. Have a variety of things to purchase

Explore local Tet markets and street stalls for festive goods, including traditional crafts, jewelry, and New Year’s decorations. These markets are a treasure trove for unique souvenirs.

Purchase Tet-specific gifts like red envelopes “lì xì”, which are used to give money to children and elders during the New Year, and decorative items symbolizing good luck and prosperity.

Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, which is bustling street selling the largest Tet decorations in Saigon

Disadvantages of visiting Ho Chi Minh City at Tet Festival:

1. Lack of support information

Familiarize yourself with local maps and guides to navigate independently. Use apps for language translation and navigation.

2. Do not have flight, train, bus tickets

Book tours and attraction tickets well in advance to secure your spot. Popular tours such as cruises in Halong Bay or guided visits to the Cu Chi Tunnels can sell out quickly.

Have a backup plan for activities in case your preferred tours are fully booked. Explore local markets, parks, or take self-guided tours.

3. Some Restaurant, Coffee Shops, and Entertainment places are closed

Try street food and small local eateries, which might remain open during Tet. Look for recommendations from locals or your accommodation for places that are still serving food. Participate in community events and public celebrations where food and drink may be available.

4. The prices of services are higher than normal day

Be prepared for increased prices for accommodations and services. Consider staying in more affordable areas or booking in advance to lock in lower rates. Look for discounts and deals on travel websites and consider alternative lodging options like hostels or budget hotels.

5. Homestay or Hotel may not be available if you do not have reservation

Opt for larger hotels or international chains that are more likely to remain open. Book these well in advance to ensure availability. Explore other lodging options like serviced apartments or short-term rentals if traditional guesthouses are fully booked.

Tips when you visit Ho Chi Minh City during Tet Holiday:

-Plan Ahead: Booking in advance is crucial. Secure accommodations, transport, and tours early to avoid high prices and limited availability. Research and book activities to ensure a smooth experience during Tet.

-Embrace the Local Experience: Instead of focusing on typical tourist activities, immerse yourself in local traditions. Participate in Tet celebrations, visit local markets, and enjoy traditional foods to fully experience the festival.

-Consider Traveling a Few Days Before Tet: Arriving a few days before the holiday allows you to explore major attractions and enjoy the buildup to Tet. You’ll also have time to adjust to local conditions before the festival begins.

-Explore Less Touristy Areas: If major cities seem too hectic, consider visiting less touristy regions. Places like the Mekong Delta, Sapa, or Phu Quoc Island can offer a quieter, yet equally enriching experience.

-Regarding and during Tet: well wishes are greatly appreciated. Say “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới” (Happy New Year) to everyone you see on the first few days of the new year with a smile!

I have show you the helpful tips when you visit the Ho Chi Minh City in the Tet Holidays.