Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant hub where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly. During the Lunar New Year, or "Tết" as it is called in Vietnamese, the city transforms into a lively, colorful destination full of cultural charm. Saigon Local Tour will guide you to explores Top 10+ Activities To Do On Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City, offering you a unique and memorable experience.
What is Lunar New Year Festival in Vietnam
The Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. It typically falls between late January and mid-February. This festival is not just a celebration of the new year but also a time to honor ancestors, gather with family, and wish for prosperity, happiness, and good health.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Lunar New Year is celebrated with a mix of traditional customs and modern festivities. The streets are adorned with vibrant decorations, including red lanterns, yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai), and kumquat trees, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. Businesses close for the holidays, and the city becomes a hub for cultural activities, making it an exciting time to visit.
Top 10+ Activities To Do On Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the Flower Streets in District 1
Address: From Le Loi - Nguyen Hue intersection to the end of Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city.
Duration: Opening at 19:00 on January 27, 2025 and ending on February 2, 2025.
One of the most iconic and eagerly anticipated highlights of Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City is the vibrant Nguyen Hue Flower Street, located in the heart of District 1. This famous flower street undergoes a breathtaking transformation each year, showcasing stunning floral displays, intricate arrangements, and creative art installations that embody the spirit of Tet.
The theme of the street changes annually, often inspired by Vietnamese culture, traditional values, or the zodiac animal of the year. You’ll find sculptures of animals, colorful blossoms such as marigolds, orchids, and the symbolic apricot flowers (hoa mai), alongside fountains and lanterns that add to the festive atmosphere. The blend of modern design and cultural elements makes it an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.
You can enjoy leisurely strolls along the flower-lined pathways, snapping photos of the vibrant scenery. The street becomes a social hub, bustling with families, friends, and tourists who gather to admire the decorations and participate in the celebratory vibe. At night, the street lights up with dazzling illumination, creating an even more enchanting experience.
In addition to flowers, there are often cultural exhibits, live performances, and food stalls offering traditional Tet treats. Visiting Nguyen Hue Flower Street during Lunar New Year, you can have an opportunity to deep into the celebratory spirit of Vietnam’s most cherished holiday. Make sure to visit early in the festival to catch the flowers at their freshest and avoid the larger crowds closer to the holiday's end.
Explore the Traditional Markets in Ho Chi Minh City
During the Lunar New Year, traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City, also known as "Chợ Tết," become bustling hubs of activity, filled with the vibrant spirit of the holiday. These markets are a must-visit destination, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural heartbeat of the city during its most festive season.
You'll find stalls overflowing with fresh flowers like marigolds, kumquat trees, and yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai), which are symbols of good luck and prosperity. Vendors enthusiastically call out to customers, selling everything from red envelopes (lì xì) and scrolls to intricate handcrafted decorations for Tet. The air is rich with the aroma of traditional foods such as bánh chưng, bánh tét, and pickled vegetables, drawing you deeper into the lively atmosphere.
Exploring Chợ Tết is not just about shopping; it's a sensory journey. You can observe families excitedly preparing for the holiday, hear the chatter and laughter of the crowd, and immerse yourself in the cultural rituals that make Tet so special. Markets like Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay Market, and Hoa Binh Market are particularly popular spots to experience the magic of Chợ Tết. For those seeking authentic souvenirs or wanting to engage with locals, these markets provide an unforgettable experience that blends tradition, community, and festivity.
Take part in Tet Traditional Cooking Class in Saigon
Joining a Tet traditional cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City is an enriching way to immerse yourself in the cultural heart of Vietnam. These classes offer a hands-on experience where you can learn to prepare iconic Tet dishes, such as bánh tét (cylindrical sticky rice cake filled with pork and mung beans), thịt kho tàu (braised pork belly and eggs), and gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls). Guided by experienced local chefs, you’ll discover the intricate techniques and stories behind each dish, understanding their cultural significance during the Lunar New Year.
Participants not only get to cook but also engage in other culinary traditions, such as decorating trays with candied fruits (mứt Tết) or arranging kumquat trees and hoa mai (apricot blossoms) in the traditional Vietnamese style. Many classes also include a market tour where you’ll shop for fresh ingredients while learning about Vietnamese market culture.
This activity is ideal for food enthusiasts looking for an authentic and memorable experience. Plus, the joy of savoring your own creations is a delightful reward. By participating, you’ll bring home not just recipes but also a piece of Vietnamese heritage that you can recreate and share with loved ones.
Interested in joining a cooking class during your Ho Chi Minh City Tour? Check availability and book your experience here to secure your spot and experience like a local.
Watch Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City
Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Show Schedule: 6:30 PM every evening during the week.
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see attraction, especially during the Lunar New Year. This traditional art form has been a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture for centuries, offering an immersive storytelling experience through the use of colorful puppets on water. The performances take place at the Golden Dragon Theater and are accompanied by a live orchestra playing traditional Vietnamese instruments like the đàn bầu (monochord) and sáo trúc (bamboo flute).
During the Lunar New Year, the shows often incorporate festive themes, depicting stories of prosperity, family reunions, and mythical tales like the legend of the Dragon and the Fairy. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by the expert puppeteers, who operate the puppets with precision to bring the stories to life.
The vibrant costumes, rhythmic music, and humorous narratives make it an engaging experience for audiences of all ages.
Visiting the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show not only provides entertainment but also deepens your understanding of Vietnamese folklore and traditions. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, as the shows are highly popular during Tet.
Interested in joining a water puppet show during your Ho Chi Minh City Tour? Check availability and book your experience here to secure your spot and experience like a local.
Experience the Lunar New Year Food and Delicacies in Saigon
Tet, as the holiday is known locally, is a time when families come together to prepare and enjoy a variety of traditional dishes that symbolize prosperity, happiness, and longevity. Walking through the streets of Saigon during this festive season, you'll be greeted by the mouthwatering aroma of freshly cooked delicacies that are both comforting and rich in cultural significance.
One of the must-try dishes is bánh chưng or bánh tét, made from glutinous rice filled with pork and mung beans, wrapped in banana leaves. These rice cakes are a cornerstone of Vietnamese Tet cuisine, representing gratitude to ancestors and the hope for a bountiful year ahead. Accompanying these savory treats is thịt kho tàu, a dish of caramelized pork belly and eggs simmered in coconut juice, offering a rich, tender flavor that pairs perfectly with steamed rice.
Another option that you should try is gỏi cuốn (spring rolls), filled with fresh herbs, shrimp, and pork, often dipped in a tangy peanut sauce. During Tet, households also prepare mứt tết—a variety of candied fruits such as coconut, ginger, and kumquat, symbolizing sweetness and a joyful start to the year. Exploring local markets and street food stalls is a fantastic way to taste these dishes while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of the New Year. Each dish carries a story, a wish, or a tradition, making the experience both delicious and meaningful.
Participate in the Fireworks Display in Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most anticipated events during Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City is the vibrant fireworks display that lights up the night sky. As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, thousands of locals and visitors gather at iconic spots like the Saigon River, Thu Thiem Tunnel, and Landmark 81 to witness this breathtaking spectacle. The colorful bursts of light, synchronized with cheerful music and the city's festive decorations, create a magical atmosphere that symbolizes hope, joy, and new beginnings.
To make the most of this experience, arrive early to secure a good viewing spot as these areas tend to get crowded. While waiting, you can enjoy the lively street performances, grab some snacks from nearby vendors, or simply soak in the festive energy. For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a rooftop bar or river cruise, where you can enjoy the fireworks in a relaxed and elevated setting. No matter where you choose to watch, this dazzling display is a perfect way to welcome the Lunar New Year and immerse yourself in the celebratory spirit of Saigon.
Take a Tour of Temples and Pagodas in Saigon
One of the most serene and culturally enriching activities during the Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City is visiting the temples and pagodas. These sacred sites are not only places of worship but also architectural masterpieces steeped in history and spirituality. During Tết, they become even more vibrant as locals gather to pray for health, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead.
Among the most notable locations is Jade Emperor Pagoda, a stunning temple built in the early 20th century with intricate carvings and vibrant depictions of Taoist and Buddhist deities. This pagoda is particularly popular for its sacred atmosphere and the tradition of burning incense to seek blessings. Another must-visit is Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, where you’ll find intricate porcelain dioramas and suspended spiral incense coils that create a mystical ambiance.
For those seeking tranquility, Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest in the city, offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets. The temple’s ancient architecture, adorned with golden Buddhas and bonsai gardens, provides a sense of timeless serenity.
Visiting these temples not only connects you with Vietnamese spiritual traditions but also offers an opportunity to witness locals dressed in their best áo dài, presenting offerings and performing rituals that have been passed down for generations. Remember to dress modestly and be respectful of the sacred practices when entering these spiritual spaces.
Enjoy Cultural Performances and Music Shows in Saigon
During the Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh City, cultural performances and music shows are an unmissable highlight that captivates both locals and tourists. These vibrant events bring to life the essence of Vietnam’s traditions through art, music, and dance. One of the most iconic spectacles is the lion dance, performed at various public spaces, shopping malls, and even in front of private homes. The lion dance symbolizes luck, prosperity, and warding off evil spirits, making it a beloved tradition during Tet.
Additionally, you’ll find traditional music performances featuring instruments like the đàn tranh (Vietnamese zither) and đàn bầu (monochord), creating a melodic and serene atmosphere or one of the best Ho Chi Minh City Shows - A O Show. Folk dances and theatrical performances, often depicting stories from Vietnamese mythology and history, add a layer of cultural depth to the celebrations.
Cultural shows are typically held at landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House, Tao Dan Park, or pedestrian streets like Nguyen Hue. Many of these performances are free to the public, offering an accessible way for everyone to join in the festive spirit.
Shop for Souvenirs and Lucky Gifts for the Lunar New Year
On Lunar New Year, the streets and markets are filled with a wide range of traditional items that hold symbolic meanings for prosperity and good fortune. Popular gifts include lì xì (red envelopes), which are given to children and younger members of the family, symbolizing luck and wealth for the year ahead. These red envelopes are often beautifully decorated with golden characters, representing wishes for happiness and success.
Another popular item is the hoa mai vàng (yellow apricot blossom) or đào (peach blossom), both of which are symbols of good luck in Vietnamese culture. These flowers can be found in many shops across the city, particularly in District 1, where the streets are lined with vendors offering various types of plants and decorative items for the holiday.
For those looking for something more unique, local markets such as Ben Thanh or Binh Tay offer handcrafted goods, including traditional áo dài (Vietnamese dress), bamboo crafts. These make thoughtful and meaningful gifts for family members, friends, or even as souvenirs for travelers looking to bring home a piece of Vietnamese culture.
In addition to flowers and crafts, lucky charms such as phúc lộc thọ (symbols of happiness, wealth, and longevity) are widely available. These items, often made from wood, porcelain, or metal, are believed to bring good fortune and are perfect for adding a touch of traditional charm to your home or office.
Take a River Cruise During Tet
A river cruise along the Saigon River during Tet is a fantastic way to enjoy the festive atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City in a peaceful and unique setting. As you sail along the river, you’ll get a completely different view of the city—gliding past the busy streets, the glittering skyline, and the beautiful decorations that fill the city during the Lunar New Year.
Many river cruises offer special Tet packages that include live music, traditional dances, and a delicious spread of Vietnamese food. As the boat drifts down the river, you'll be able to take in the stunning views of the city lights and feel the festive spirit while relaxing on the water, away from the crowds. For those looking for a more luxurious experience, some cruises even offer private packages with gourmet dinners and entertainment
Ready to explore the magic of Ho Chi Minh City during Lunar New Year? Let us help you plan your unforgettable Tết experience — from traditional markets to cultural shows, local flavors to sacred temples. Visit our homepage Saigon Local Tour to discover more exclusive tours and insider travel tips.
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