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Where to Go for Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City?
13 Best Places to Visit in Saigon for Tet 2026
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) — Vietnam’s most vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis — takes on a completely different charm when Lunar New Year (Tet) arrives. Streets glow with festive lights, flower displays appear on every corner, and the city buzzes with cultural performances, markets, and joyful gatherings.
More than just Vietnam’s economic hub, Saigon is a fascinating intersection of tradition and modern life. Tet is the perfect time to experience this unique blend, whether you prefer heritage landmarks, cultural festivals, spiritual journeys, or short getaways near the city.
If you are planning your first trip of the year, here are 16 carefully curated Tet travel ideas in Ho Chi Minh City and nearby destinations for a colorful and meaningful spring journey.
War Remnants Museum – A Meaningful Tet Visit
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward Vo Thi Sau, District 3
Located in the city center, the War Remnants Museum is a powerful place to begin the year with reflection. The museum preserves moving photographs, documents, and artifacts from the Vietnam War, conveying strong messages about peace, resilience, and humanity.
The outdoor exhibition area features military aircraft, tanks, and the infamous “tiger cages.” Mornings are the best time to visit, when the weather is cooler and crowds are lighter.
Families traveling with children can also explore the White Dove Room, where kids may try on traditional ao dai and costumes from different countries — a fun and educational experience. Don’t forget your camera.
Independence Palace – An Iconic Tet Destination
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1
Independence Palace is both a national historical symbol and a peaceful green space in the heart of Saigon. During Tet, the palace grounds are beautifully decorated, making it a popular spot for spring outings and traditional ao dai photos.
Stroll through manicured lawns, shaded walkways, and impressive East-meets-West architecture. After your visit, relax at Café 30/4 inside the complex and enjoy the fresh air of early spring.
Ho Chi Minh City Youth Cultural House – Vietnam Tet Festival 2026
Address: 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1
The Vietnam Tet Festival 2026 will take place from February 1 to February 21, 2026, continuing an 18-year tradition as one of the city’s most anticipated spring events.
Highlights include:
- Calligraphy Street with over 50 young calligraphers
- Apricot blossom street and traditional craft villages
- Recreated Southern Vietnamese Tet scenes
A new feature for the Year of the Horse (Binh Ngo 2026) is the contemporary art exhibition “Dai Ma Khai Xuan”, centered around six symbolic horse images representing strength, wisdom, speed, joy, inner power, and innovation. The exhibition reflects a modern, tech-driven Ho Chi Minh City that still cherishes its heritage.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens – Family-Friendly Spring Outing
Adress: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Sai Gon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a familiar yet always enjoyable place to visit when spring comes, especially for families looking for a gentle outing in the city center. With plenty of trees, shaded walkways, and a relaxed pace, it is perfect for a family stroll — children are excited to see the animals, while adults can slow down and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere during the early days of the new year.
During Tet, the zoo is often decorated with small spring displays, making the place more lively while still feeling warm and comfortable. With Klook, this is a destination that does not require complicated planning — just a free morning is enough for the whole family to enjoy a fun and relaxing start to the year, in the true spirit of springtime in Saigon.
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market – Where Spring Comes Alive
Adress: Alley 52, Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City,
Tucked aTucked away in a small neighborhood of District 10, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is one of the rare places in Saigon where you can truly feel the atmosphere of Tet from very early on. The market operates almost around the clock, but it is most beautiful at dawn, when flowers from the Mekong Delta and Da Lat have just arrived — still covered with morning dew, carrying the scent of soil and a sense of freshness. Stalls stand close together, bursting with colors yet never overwhelming, creating a gentle rhythm that only early risers can fully experience.
Whenever Tet approaches, Ho Thi Ky becomes busier than usual, filled not only with chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses but also many other traditional Southern Tet flowers. People come here not just to buy flowers, but also to take a stroll and soak in the lively, down-to-earth atmosphere of Saigon in the days before spring. A little tip: Ho Thi Ky Market is also a paradise for street food, with countless delicious snacks waiting to be discovered!way in District 10, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market operates nearly 24 hours a day. The most magical time is early morning, when fresh flowers arrive from the Mekong Delta and Da Lat.
Beyond chrysanthemums, lilies, and roses, you will find many traditional Tet flowers of southern Vietnam. The surrounding area is also famous for street food, making this a great stop for both photos and snacks.
Grand Park (Vinhomes Grand Park) – Entertainment for All Ages
Address: Nguyen Xien – Phuoc Thien Street, Thu Duc City
With its vast green spaces and a wide range of exciting activities, Grand Park is a perfect place to enjoy the early days of the New Year. VinWonders Grand Park will thrill you with adrenaline-pumping rides such as the super drop tower or the “Soaring Dragon” water slide. Families with young children will surely love the Wonder Oasis, a magical zone filled with gentle rides and fairy-tale-inspired spaces.
Beyond the amusement areas, the park also hosts the “Tet Reunion” program, featuring traditional booths and engaging folk activities like calligraphy writing and making banh chung. In the evening, don’t miss the Light Park, where glowing light trees create a sparkling atmosphere — a stunning backdrop for memorable Tet photos.Grand Park is a vast urban park complex featuring amusement rides, themed zones, and green spaces.
Spiritual Sites in Saigon
Tet is a special time when many Vietnamese families take part in religious rituals to pray for good health, prosperity, and a bright future. In Saigon, Jade Emperor Pagoda (also known as Ngoc Hoang Pagoda) is a sacred place where people gather to pray and make offerings at the beginning of the new year.
Besides Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, Tan Dinh Church stands out with its famous pink color and a mix of Gothic, Roman, and Baroque architecture, making it a must-visit check-in spot. If you want to explore the culture of the Chinese-Vietnamese community, Cha Tam Church in Cho Lon is an interesting place to visit, featuring Gothic design combined with traditional Chinese style.
Nguyen Hue Flower Street – The Soul of Saigon’s Tet
Nguyen Hue Flower Street has almost become a “Tet-opening tradition” of Saigon, and Tet Binh Ngo 2026 promises to be more lively than ever. With the theme “Spring of Unity – Strong Steps Forward,” the flower street will open at 7:00 PM on February 15, 2026, and last until 9:00 PM on February 22, 2026. Notably, the main flower displays will remain on show for about one more month after Tet, so even those who miss the holiday can still enjoy the spring atmosphere in the city center.
A new highlight this year is the expansion of the flower street experience to nearby streets, featuring food areas, brand displays, and festival activities happening at the same time. Many art and entertainment performances will take place in front of famous hotels and restaurants along Nguyen Hue Street and surrounding areas such as Rex, Majestic, Caravelle, and Sheraton.
Large LED screens installed at major intersections also help spread the Tet spirit by showing images of Nguyen Hue Flower Street over the years and typical Tet activities of Ho Chi Minh City. For a more comfortable visit, it is best to come early in the morning or late in the evening, when it is less crowded, so you can walk around and fully enjoy the fresh spring atmosphere.
Watch À Ố Show at Saigon Opera House
Address: 07 Lam Son Square, District 1
If you visit Saigon during Tet, don’t miss the wonderful art performance À Ố Show at the Saigon Opera House. The name “À Ố” comes from the idea of “village and city,” showing deep and meaningful images of Vietnamese rural beauty in a modern urban setting.
The show combines bamboo circus, acrobatics, dance, and visual stage art, along with live music that reflects life in Southern Vietnam. To have a smooth and enjoyable experience, you should check the schedule and book your tickets in advance. Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and get ready for this amazing performance.
Tao Dan Park – Calm and Green Tet Escape
Adress: 55C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Tao Dan Park is a great choice for those who want to enjoy Tet in a calmer and more gentle way. Every spring, the park usually hosts the Spring Flower Festival, featuring yellow apricot blossoms, orchids, bonsai, and many carefully designed traditional displays. The large green space makes it easy and comfortable to walk around without heavy crowds, so you can slowly explore and fully feel the spring colors of Saigon.
Different from the busy city center, Tao Dan offers a slower and more local atmosphere, perfect for visiting with family or elderly relatives. During the day, the sunlight is soft, trees provide plenty of shade, and you can stop to admire flowers, take photos, or simply sit and relax in the fresh green space. With Klook, Tao Dan Park is an ideal destination if you want to enjoy Tet in a relaxed way while avoiding the usual holiday crowds.
Binh Tay Market – Experiencing Chinese-Vietnamese Tet
Adress: 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Binh Tay Market is a place where you can clearly feel a different side of Tet in Saigon, strongly influenced by the Chinese-Vietnamese community in Cho Lon. In the days before Tet, the market becomes lively from early morning, filled with red calligraphy scrolls, lanterns, red envelopes, and the warm scents of tea, candied fruits, and traditional cakes. The early-year trading atmosphere here feels very real and local — not like a display festival, but a daily rhythm that has continued for many generations.
Compared to the busy streets of District 1, Tet at Binh Tay Market is slower but richer in cultural character. You can take a walk around, admire the old market architecture, watch vendors and shoppers chatting happily, and feel the unique cultural blend that makes Saigon so special.
Ba Den Mountain – Spiritual Journey Near Saigon
Adress: Ninh Phu Neighborhood, Binh Minh Ward, Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam
If you are looking for a sacred and colorful spring destination near Saigon, Ba Den Mountain is an ideal choice this Tet. With the Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival, visitors can enjoy special cultural activities such as Khmer dance, Chhay-dam drum performances, and especially an impressive music fountain show.
In addition, don’t miss the chance to pray at the 36-meter-tall statue of Maitreya Bodhisattva, a symbol of joy and happiness. In spring, Ba Den Mountain is also decorated with tens of thousands of tulips in full bloom, creating a bright and beautiful landscape.
Cai Rang Floating Market & Mekong Delta (from HCMC)
Adress: An Binh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City, Vietnam
This Tet, if you want to explore the unique culture of the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang Floating Market and the surrounding river region are great choices near Ho Chi Minh City. Cai Rang Floating Market becomes lively from early morning, with boats full of fruits, Tet sweets, and decorative plants. You can rent a boat and move along the river to fully feel the busy and joyful spring atmosphere.
Next, visit Sa Dec Flower Village, which is filled with colorful flowers — a perfect place for photos and for buying Tet flowers at good prices. If you enjoy spiritual spaces, Vinh Trang Pagoda in Tien Giang offers a peaceful feeling with its unique mix of Eastern and Western architecture.
Conclusion
From flower streets and heritage landmarks to spiritual retreats and nearby adventures, Ho Chi Minh City offers endless ways to celebrate Tet 2026. Whether you seek cultural depth, family fun, or peaceful reflection, Saigon welcomes you with warmth, color, and unforgettable spring energy.
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Saigon Taste Tours team
Welcome to SAIGON TASTE Tours!We’re a team of passionate local guides dedicated to sharing the real Saigon and Vietnam through food, culture, and hidden gems. From bustling street food stalls and historic landmarks to outdoor adventures and peaceful nature escapes, our tours are designed to be authentic and unforgettable. Every experience is private and tailored to you, guided by knowledgeable locals who go above and beyond to make you feel like you’re exploring with a friend. With us, you won’t just visit Vietnam — you’ll truly experience it.We can’t wait to welcome you! Best regards, Ben and the SAIGON TASTE Tours
saigontastetours@gmail.com
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