2025 Lunar New Year Destinations in Ho Chi Minh City: Places Not To Miss

Entering the days leading up to Tet, the city of Saigon becomes more vibrant and lively than ever. With the intertwining of tradition and modernity, Saigon promises to bring you unique and lively Tet experiences. Join Chus in embarking on a journey to explore Tet holiday destinations, where joy and dynamism overflow, creating a bright picture of the traditional Tet in the land of Saigon.

A Quiet Yet Vibrant Tet in Ho Chi Minh City 

Ho Chi Minh City, usually a bustling metropolis, undergoes a remarkable transformation during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. While millions of locals return to their hometowns, the city takes on a more relaxed and serene atmosphere. But don't be fooled! Tet in HCMC is far from dull.

As spring arrives, the city comes alive with vibrant decorations and colorful flowers. Annual flower festivals add to the festive spirit, transforming streets and parks into blooming oases. Despite the quieter pace, many cafes and restaurants remain open throughout the holiday, providing cozy spots to unwind and socialize with friends and family.

Tet 2025 in Vietnam is expected to be an extended nine-day holiday, from January 28th to February 5th. This offers ample time to experience the unique charm of HCMC during the Lunar New Year. One interesting aspect of this year's Tet is the absence of the 30th day of the lunar month. Instead, the busiest days are likely to be the 29th, 1st, and 3rd in Lunar Calendar. However, the festive atmosphere begins to build even earlier, as early as the beginning of the lunar month, with decorations and preparations springing up everywhere.

A quiet yet vibrant Tet in Ho Chi Minh City (Image: Internet)

Whether you're seeking a peaceful retreat or a cultural adventure, the city has something to offer everyone.

1. Watching Fireworks at Bach Dang Wharf or Saigon Riverside Park:

As the moment of transition to the new year approaches, when the entire city immerses itself in the festive atmosphere, fireworks symbolize a farewell to the old year, chasing away misfortunes, and ushering in a new chapter full of hope for the coming year. Fireworks in Saigon are often launched from Ben Nha Rong. Standing at Bach Dang Wharf or Saigon Riverside Park, with unobstructed views not hindered by tall buildings, allows you to experience the most complete fireworks displays, promising joy and good luck for the upcoming year.

Fireworks at Ben Bach Dang 

2. Golden Dragon Water Puppet Show:

The art of water puppetry is a captivating performance that brings viewers back to the roots of Vietnamese culture. Under warm lights, the delicate water puppets move gracefully in harmony with traditional music, creating a vibrant picture of traditional culture. Every movement of the characters in the water puppetry is intricate and refined, involuntarily immersing the audience into the rich traditional story. This, hosted at the Ho Chi Minh Labor Cultural Palace, is the ideal place to enjoy the Tet atmosphere with loved ones and connect with the traditional Vietnamese culture during this festive season.

Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ticket Price: 300,000 VND (children under 3 years old are free and sit on the same seat with their parents).

Show Schedule: 6:30 PM every evening during the week.

3.Suoi Tien Tourist Area:

Suoi Tien Tourist Area, with a myriad of entertainment activities and a festive atmosphere, is an ideal destination for those seeking a unique Tet experience in Saigon. With its vast space and unique decorations, Suoi Tien transforms into a Tet entertainment city with a series of festive activities and entertaining games. Spectacular artistic performances, music, and water puppet shows, along with diverse amusement areas, create a joyful and festive atmosphere for visitors and families to enjoy.

Address: 120 Ha Noi Highway, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ticket Prices:

Entrance Ticket:

- Adults (height 1m4 and above): 180,000 VND.

- Children (height below 1m4): 90,000 VND.

- Children under 1 year old: Free.

Combo Ticket:

- Adults (height 1m4 and above): 508,000 VND.

- Children (height below 1m4): 333,000 VND.

- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

- Saturday and Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

- Holidays and Tet days: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM.

Suoi Tien Tourist Area 

4. Dam Sen Amusement Park:

Dam Sen offers a diverse space with new experiences that connect all family members during Tet. Dam Sen is divided into two areas: Dry Dam Sen and Water Dam Sen.

In Dry Dam Sen, you can experience a vibrant fruit festival, a rich zoo, traditional folk games, and adventurous activities with various difficulty levels. The whole family can participate in games ranging from easy to challenging, creating memorable and enjoyable moments in the lively atmosphere of Tet.

The Water Dam Sen area is an ideal destination for water entertainment and activities. Families can float on the lazy river, enjoy the artificial beach, or even participate in thrilling water slide games. All of these contribute to a memorable Tet holiday. Dam Sen promises to be a place that brings unique and enjoyable entertaining experiences for all members.

Address: 262 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ticket Prices: Ticket prices vary for each type, you can find detailed information on the Dam Sen Park website.

Opening Hours:

- Monday to Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM.

- Saturday and Sunday: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM.

- Holidays and Tet days: 7:30 AM – 9:30 PM.

Dam Sen Amusement Park 

5. Watching Plays at Theaters:

In the festive atmosphere of Tet in Saigon, enjoying theatrical performances at the city's theaters is an excellent choice for the whole family. Unique and vibrant performances not only bring joy to children but also create unforgettable memories for all members. From humorous plays, fairy tales to lively musicals, there are many options for your family to enjoy. This is not only an opportunity to explore Vietnamese cultural arts but also a chance to share joy, laughter, and impressive surprises together.

You can visit the Ticketbox website to check schedules and ticket prices for various plays at different theaters in Ho Chi Minh City, such as Thien Dang Theater, IDECAF Theater, or Youth Theater.

Ticket Prices: Range from 150,000 VND to 300,000 VND (depending on the theater and ticket type). 

Watching plays at Thien Dang Theater 

6. Go Kart Racing:

When Tet arrives, instead of spending ordinary days off, add excitement and dynamism to your friends and family by participating in Go Kart racing in Saigon. Go-karts with the latest equipment imported along with meticulously designed professional racetracks ensure safety while maintaining challenge and excitement. You'll experience the thrill of racing, from high-speed tracks to challenging corners. Explore the joy of driving fast through the courses with teammates or even competing with each other in the lively and exciting Tet atmosphere.

Note:

- This game is suitable for ages 13 and above.

- Remember to prepare complete gloves, head-covering helmets, goggles, and pre-protective gear for savings, or you can rent them right at the amusement park.

Address: Hello Park, 582/12 Huynh Tan Phat, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ticket Prices: (excluding helmet and glove rental fees)

- 5 minutes: 125,000 VND

- 10 minutes: 200,000 VND

- 15 minutes: 275,000 VND

Opening Hours:

- Monday - Friday: 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM

- Saturday, Sunday & holidays: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM 

7. Jump Arena:

Jump Arena is the largest indoor trampoline park in Vietnam, offering a diverse range of entertainment activities that promote physical fitness, such as wall climbing, rope climbing, aerial challenges, ninja obstacles, and bungee jumping. Whether you're a child or an adult, everyone has the opportunity to participate in exciting interactive activities, creating memorable moments in the lively atmosphere of Tet. Bring your friends and family to Jump Arena to enjoy dynamic and stimulating moments, enriching your Tet holiday.

Jump Arena District 7 Branch: 2-4, Street 9, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ticket Prices:

- Monday - Friday: 170,000 VND (unlimited time)

- Saturday and Sunday: 210,000 VND (120 minutes)

Opening Hours:

- Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

- Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Jump Arena Go Vap Branch: 647 Quang Trung, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ticket Prices:

- Monday - Friday: 140,000 VND (unlimited time)

- Saturday and Sunday: 180,000 VND (120 minutes)

Opening Hours:

- Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

- Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Jump Arena District 10 Branch : 875 Cach Mang Thang 8, District 10, HCM (Inside White Rabbit amusement park, Le Thi Rieng park)

Ticket prices:

- Monday - Friday:

+ 30 minute ticket: 60,000 VND

+ 60 minute ticket: 90,000 VND

+ Unlimited tickets: 120,000 VND

- Saturday and Sunday:

+ 30 minute ticket: 90,000 VND

+ 60 minute ticket: 130,0000 VND

+ Unlimited ticket: 160,000 VND

Opening hours: 

- Monday - Friday: 2pm - 10pm

- Saturday - Sunday: 8am - 10pm

Jump Arena Trampoline Park 

8. Nguyen Hue Flower Street

As part of the Lunar New Year tradition, Nguyen Hue Flower Street opens its doors to visitors in the early days of the new year. This pedestrian street stands as a cultural icon during Tet in Saigon, drawing both locals and tourists every spring.

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 (ie from December 28, Giap Thin year to the end of the 5th day of Tet At Ty year). However, the walking street is open all year round, you can visit before Tet to appreciate its daily transformation

Nguyen Hue Flower Street in the Year of the Dragon 2024 (Source: Internet)

9. Tet Spring Flower Festival at Tao Dan Park

The Tet Spring Flower Festival will take place at Tao Dan Park, District 1, showcasing a plethora of colors and forms with numerous flowers and plants. This event gathers nature enthusiasts, along with professionals in flowers, ornamental fish, bonsai, and landscape art, to share their love for nature's hues and craftsmanship.

Address: Tao Dan Park, 55 C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1.

Ticket Prices: Updating

Duration: January 25, 2025 - February 2, 2025.

Flowers at Tao Dan Park in 2024, Year of the Dragon (Source: afamily)

10. Pho Ong Do - Vietnamese Traditional Calligraphy Street

Pho Ong Do, a recent annual event, encapsulates the essence of Tết with traditional calligraphy activities. Visitors can admire unique calligraphy artworks and purchase festive decorations like calligraphy paintings, red envelopes, fans, and other meaningful items.

Address: The Youth Culture House, 4 Phạm Ngọc Thạch, District 1.

Experience the cultural tradition of calligraphy at Pho Ong Do this Tet 2025! (Image: Internet)

11. Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda

Starting the New Year with a visit to Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda is a wonderful way to seek blessings and peace. This pagoda has long been a favorite destination for many Buddhists and visitors during the early days of spring in Saigon. Here, you can express your reverence and wishes for the New Year while capturing beautiful moments in a space rich in cultural and spiritual value.

Address: 339 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

Don’t miss Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda for an enriching Tết experience! (Image: Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda)

12. Bui Vien Street

Bùi Viện, the street that never sleeps, is the ideal destination for young people and international visitors during Tết 2025. Its lively atmosphere, cultural diversity, and unique experiences make it a perfect spot for those seeking a vibrant holiday. The energetic music, dazzling lights, and enthusiastic dances will transport you to a modern, dynamic Tết celebration.

Address: Bùi Viện Street, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1

Experience a lively and energetic Tết at Bùi Viện Street! (Image: Internet)

Conclusion

During the Tet holiday, each location may have different opening days, so checking the schedule in advance will help you avoid arriving when places are still closed. Chus hopes that the above suggestions will help you choose the ideal places for fun and create memorable moments during the Tet holiday with your family and friends. 

If you're seeking delightful, authentically Vietnamese accessories for Tet outings, don't forget to visit Chus! Discover a variety of quality handmade accessories, from hair clips and earrings to bracelets and handbags, ensuring a unique touch to your Tet celebration!

During Tết in Vietnam, exchanging gifts filled with love and meaningful wishes for the New Year is a cherished tradition. To make this special occasion even more memorable, CHUS has launched a Tet 2025 gift category featuring high-quality, handcrafted products that embody the true spirit of Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Wishing you an unforgettable Tết experience in Ho Chi Minh City!