Top 10 Most Exciting Places to Celebrate Tết in Ho Chi Minh City

Anh Sao Bridge is located in the Phu My Hung new urban area in District 7, crossing the Thay Tieu Creek and linking the Crescent Lake area to the Canal District. For those looking to escape the bustling crowds, Anh Sao Bridge offers a peaceful setting on Tết's New Year's Eve, where you can enjoy the enchanting lights. The 154-meter-long bridge, shaped like a crescent moon, is adorned with LED lights that change colors continuously, creating a mesmerizing starry effect for anyone walking across. On both ends of the bridge, spacious plazas can be found—one shaped like a crescent moon on the west side and another resembling the sun on the east. While it's a bit further from central Ho Chi Minh City, this spot still attracts many young visitors during the New Year. The bridge is fitted with LED lights symbolizing stars that stretch along both sides, making it appear as a glowing ribbon of stars in the sky.

During Tết, the area is beautifully decorated with festive flowers and themed displays. Expect the Anh Sao Bridge to be lively and crowded, with plenty of visitors taking photos and enjoying meals at nearby upscale restaurants.

Address: N - Nam Street, Tân Phú Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

23/9 Park is a popular gathering spot for young people in Ho Chi Minh City. From street food stalls to open-air cafes and vibrant festivals, it’s a place where everything comes together. Conveniently located in the heart of the city, the park is bordered by Le Lai Street to the right and Pham Ngu Lao Street to the left. During Tết, the park hosts the city's largest flower market with 700 booths selling a variety of high-end plants and flowers from all over. It's one of the main attractions for people eager to experience the festive spirit. In addition to the flower market, 23/9 Park features large-scale developments like a shopping complex in Area A, catering to all your shopping, dining, and leisure needs. In Area B, there's even an underground market, making it a unique place to explore. Visitors can also find a bus station, making it easy to travel to nearby attractions without wasting time.

During the Tết holiday, visitors can enjoy a variety of food from different cultures such as Indian, Thai, and Chinese cuisines, providing a great opportunity to explore the world’s culinary diversity.

Address: Pham Ngu Lao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Phu My Hung is Vietnam’s first internationally recognized urban area, blending modern architecture with lush, green spaces. Over the years, it has become a popular weekend destination for locals in Ho Chi Minh City. Each street and neighborhood within Phu My Hung has its own charm: Nguyen Van Linh Street (near Sky Garden I and II) is bustling with activity, while Nguyen Cahn Chan Avenue is lined with renowned restaurants and eateries. The Canal District, with its long rows of trees and the fragrant scent of milk flowers, offers a peaceful escape. Phu My Hung’s annual Spring Flower Festival is one of the best places to visit during Tết for families who appreciate a tranquil, picturesque atmosphere.

When you think of Phu My Hung, you can't overlook the Crescent Lake and the romantic Anh Sao Bridge, which connects both shores. As the sun sets, the Crescent Lake area becomes vibrant and dazzling. If you visit Phu My Hung during Tết, the experience is even more exciting with various events sponsored by well-known brands, featuring performances by famous singers.

Address: Along Nguyen Van Linh Avenue, Phu My Hung Urban Area, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

Van Thanh Tourist Area is highly regarded for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, offering visitors a chance to escape into a tranquil countryside setting. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this popular destination has long been a favorite among locals and tourists from nearby regions. The area is often described as a 'green oasis' within the city, with its cool, fresh air and lush landscapes. It brings a touch of the Western countryside to the urban environment, with green trees lining the riverbanks.

This destination is ideal for those seeking solitude and nature’s calm. The area feels like a rural village, with towering trees shading the dirt paths, carts waiting to be loaded, sprawling grassy fields, and fragrant frangipani trees in bloom next to a small bamboo bridge crossing a stream.

In this peaceful environment, visitors can relax by the lotus pond, lying on the grass and listening to the gentle rustle of banana leaves in the breeze, allowing all the stress of daily life to melt away. Van Thanh Tourist Area is an ideal spot for a getaway, perfect for family outings and group activities during the Lunar New Year celebrations. Whether with family, friends, or coworkers, everyone will find tranquility and relaxation in this beautiful green haven.

Address: 48/10 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Located in the heart of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Notre-Dame Cathedral is an imposing structure with classic French architecture. Its expansive and airy space stretches from the exterior to the interior of the church, making it one of the iconic landmarks of Saigon. It is a popular spot for the city's youth and is also one of the first places tourists visit when they arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. Officially known as Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the cathedral's design can withstand up to ten times the weight of its own structure.

The interior features a main nave, two side aisles, and two rows of chapels. The entire length of the church is 93 meters, with the widest point reaching 35 meters and the vaulted ceiling standing at 21 meters. This design allows the cathedral to hold up to 1,200 people. Construction began in 1877 and was completed nearly three years later, with French architect J. Bourard's design blending Romanesque and Gothic styles. Interestingly, most of the materials, including cement, steel, tiles, stained glass, and bells, were transported from France.

The altars inside are delicately carved from solid marble, and 56 stained-glass windows create stunning visual patterns. All architectural details, including moldings, cornices, and motifs, follow Romanesque and Gothic styles, lending the church a solemn and graceful ambiance. The bell towers are considered the soul of the cathedral. Initially, there were two bell towers, but in 1895, six bells with distinct tones (do, re, mi, fa, sol, la) were added to the towers, and two spires were constructed to shelter the 21-meter high bell chambers, designed by architect Gardes. Despite surviving numerous historical events, Notre-Dame Cathedral remains a testament to the freedom of religion in Vietnam and has become a historically significant architectural and cultural monument in the heart of the nation's most developed city.

Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Bui Vien Street is a well-known name for both Saigon locals and visitors who fall in love with the city. The area is bustling from afternoon till late at night, especially during the Lunar New Year when both locals and foreigners gather here to enjoy their favorite food and drinks, and have a good time with friends and family in restaurants, bars, pubs, or simple street-side eateries. Since it became a pedestrian street on August 20, 2017, Bui Vien Street (Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1) has been a popular destination for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City.

During weekends and holidays, the street becomes even more lively, especially as the New Year approaches. If you're tired of the traffic jams and crowds or have to arrive early for a good spot at Nguyen Hue Street, Bui Vien is a great alternative.

To attract tourists, Bui Vien offers a vibrant atmosphere with everything that makes Saigon unique. The street is especially busy at night, with large crowds on Saturdays and Sundays. Known as the "Western Street," you'll find a mix of international visitors with diverse languages and cultures. The fusion of Eastern and Western cultures creates a unique and lively atmosphere, especially during the approaching Tet festival. If you're a fan of nightlife and excitement, Bui Vien is a must-visit. It remains awake even when the rest of the city sleeps, offering delicious late-night snacks and captivating street performances.

Address: Bui Vien Pedestrian Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Cu Chi Ethnic Minority Cultural Ecotourism Site – Fosaco Ecotourism Village is located just 10 kilometers from downtown Saigon. If you're starting from Ben Thanh Market, it will take you about an hour by motorbike to get there. The rustic architecture and garden-style houses that reflect the essence of the Central Highlands offer a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

During the Lunar New Year, Fosaco invites visitors to experience the rich and diverse culture of the Central Highlands through activities like weaving traditional textiles, pottery making, and even pig racing. The architecture here is built with bamboo, rattan, and wood, featuring communal longhouses and stilt houses that tell the stories of the Central Highlands ethnic groups.

Known as a "miniature Central Highlands" in the heart of Saigon, Fosaco Ecotourism Village lets you explore the Central Highlands without having to travel far. The village offers an immersive experience in the vibrant and unique culture of this region, making learning about history fun and interactive. The rustic wooden structures and stilt houses provide a close connection to nature, and the fascinating stories about the local ethnic groups will make your visit memorable.

Address: Ecotourism Area, Ap Nga Tu, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is a unique cultural landmark in Saigon that has been a part of the city's identity for many years. This area reflects the development journey of the city, catering to both locals and international tourists, especially during the Lunar New Year celebrations. The Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is often bustling with activity, hosting grand and lively events to attract young people and visitors. Social media enthusiasts, especially those active on TikTok, flock here to create diverse short videos due to its clean environment, numerous shops, large bookstores, and the musical fountain.

During the Lunar New Year, the street is beautifully decorated and hosts the Nguyen Hue Flower Street event. During this time, all vehicles are temporarily banned from entering Nguyen Hue Street, and the streets intersecting with it are also closed from 4 PM to 10 PM for the opening ceremony.

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Dam Sen is one of Vietnam's most prominent and fascinating tourist spots. The architecture seamlessly blends Eastern and Western styles, with a touch of Roman flair. It is a popular destination for entertainment, attracting both locals and international visitors.

One of the major attractions is the 'Dam Sen Aquarium,' developed by Phu Tho Tourism Services and Hai Thanh Trading & Service Co. Located in the Nam Tu Thuong Uyển garden of Dam Sen Cultural Park, the aquarium opened its first phase on August 4, 2013, and is currently expanding with unique and exciting new attractions for guests. The park has become a favorite weekend getaway for young people, who affectionately refer to it as 'Dam Sen Water' and 'Dam Sen Dry,' reflecting their deep fondness for the place where they enjoy family time and fun activities.

In addition to the amusement park, there are numerous restaurants, hotels, and other attractions to cater to tourists. As a result, Dam Sen is an exciting and appealing destination for visitors, both domestic and international, especially during the Tet holiday season.

Address:

• 3 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
• 262 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City

Suoi Tien Cultural Park is a breathtaking tourist destination known for its natural beauty and thrilling entertainment options. Visitors of all ages can explore over 150 unique attractions, including mysterious caves, thrilling wave pools, and the chance to enjoy the refreshing waters of Tien Dong - Ngoc Nu beach, an ocean oasis right in the heart of the city. Children can have fun discovering nature, marvel at 25,000 crocodiles, and even test their courage with crocodile fishing at the Crocodile Kingdom.

Suoi Tien is not only about cultural exhibits showcasing Vietnam's rich heritage, but also modern and exciting rides, such as bouncy houses, wooden horses, electric cars, and trains. For the adventurous, there are thrilling but safe activities like the sky bike and a Ferris wheel offering spectacular views from 30 meters high. The self-driving Boeing ride at 9 meters above ground adds to the fun and excitement.

Suoi Tien is considered one of the top weekend destinations for Ho Chi Minh City residents. With its sprawling 150-hectare area filled with diverse attractions, it's an ideal spot for families to explore together. The park's architecture and play zones are themed around Vietnam’s legendary history, featuring figures like Lac Long Quan, Au Co, the Hung Kings, and mythical creatures like the Four Sacred Beasts. The park is also home to Tien Dong, Vietnam's first artificial beach, making it an especially popular destination during the Tet holiday. During this season, the park hosts a variety of cultural and artistic performances, adding to its festive atmosphere and natural beauty.

Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City