What is Vietnamese New Year?
Vietnamese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year and often referred to as Chinese New Year abroad, is the most important celebration in Vietnam. It marks the start of the new year according to the lunar calendar, which is a time for letting go of past misfortunes and welcoming new luck. During this time, families reunite, honor their ancestors, and partake in various traditions like decorating homes with flowers, preparing special foods, and visiting temples to pray for a prosperous year ahead.
You can think of it as a mix of Christmas and New Year’s Eve—both deeply traditional and joyfully celebratory. During this holiday, people gather with their families, decorate their homes, exchange lucky money (lì xì), and prepare special meals. Temples are visited to pray for good fortune, while the streets are adorned with colorful decorations like red lanterns and flower displays. For a deeper dive into the traditions and significance of Vietnamese New Year, check out our complete guide to Vietnamese New Year.
When is Vietnamese New Year & Tet Holiday period?
The date of Vietnamese New Year (Tet) changes every year because it follows the lunar calendar, which is based on the moon’s cycles rather than the sun’s. Typically, Tet falls between late January and mid-February. Although Tet itself is only one day, there are three official public holidays, and most people take a full week off.
The holiday period includes:
- Before Tet: Busy preparations, shopping, and decorating.
- Tet Eve & Tet Day: Family reunions, traditional meals, and religious ceremonies.
- Post-Tet: Visiting friends and extended family, and for many businesses, a gradual return to normal operations.
Want to know the exact dates for upcoming Vietnamese New Years? Check them out here.
How Ho Chi Minh City changes around Vietnamese New Year
Before Tet:
Ho Chi Minh City bursts with energy as people prepare for the new year. Markets are packed with shoppers buying flowers—especially yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai), which are favored in the south for their symbolism of prosperity. Shops, homes, hotels, and restaurants are decked out with red and gold decorations, symbolizing luck and wealth. Streets are lively with vendors selling decorations, gift items, and Tet foods.
Start of Tet Holiday period
As the Tet holiday officially begins, the dynamic rhythm of Ho Chi Minh City slows down. Many residents, who originally moved to the city for work (it’s the biggest economic hub of Vietnam), return to their hometowns to celebrate with family. The city becomes noticeably quieter, with less traffic and a more relaxed pace. Many small businesses and local eateries close for several days, while major hotels and some tourist-oriented restaurants remain open.
Are shops, restaurants, and hotels open during Tet?
Hotels & accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City
- Most hotels stay open, including those in District 1 (the city center), where most tourists stay.
- Some small, family-run hotels may close temporarily, but this is rare.
- Availability is not an issue—Tet is not a peak travel season in Ho Chi Minh City, as most Vietnamese leave to visit their families.
- People who come to celebrate Tet in Ho Chi Minh City usually stay with relatives, so there’s no rush for hotel rooms.
Restaurants & street food
- Many restaurants close, and most street food stalls disappear for several days.
- However, in the tourist areas of District 1, many restaurants remain open because they rely on travelers and can’t afford to close for a full week.
- Some restaurants only close on Tet day or for the three official holiday days.
- Street food tours may still operate, but options will be limited as many vendors take time off.
Tip! Need help finding food during Tet? Check out our travel tip on how to find open restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet! Jump to this section.
Shops & markets
- Small shops and local markets – Many close for several days; some shut down for a week, while others close for just 1-3 days.
- Supermarkets and convenience stores – Larger chains like VinMart, Lotte, and Big C usually close for only one day and reopen quickly.
- Traditional markets – Extremely busy before Tet, but they close on Tet day and the days immediately after.
Sights in Ho Chi Minh City
- Many major attractions remain open, but some may have reduced hours.
- Cu Chi Tunnels and War Remnants Museum stay open during Tet, but check schedules for possible adjusted opening times.
- Smaller museums and attractions may close for a few days.
Day Tours & Activities
- Tourism continues as usual, and many guides still operate.
- Tet surcharges are common for tours to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels due to higher staff costs.
- Street food tours may run, but it can be harder as many food stalls close for Tet.
Taxis & transportation in Ho Chi Minh City
- Taxis still operate, but with fewer drivers, so expect longer wait times and higher fares.
- Ride-hailing apps like Grab are the best way to find transport.
What is Grab?
Grab is a ride-hailing app similar to Uber, allowing you to book taxis and motorbike rides at fixed prices. It is the most reliable way to get around during Tet, as traditional taxis may be harder to find or might overcharge tourists.
Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting during Vietnamese New Year
Pro
- A unique cultural experience – See Tet traditions like ancestral altars, family gatherings, and festive decorations across the city. Many temples and homes are beautifully decorated, and people celebrate with lucky money (lì xì) and Tet foods.
- Less traffic and chaos – Normally, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the busiest cities in Vietnam, but during Tet, the streets become surprisingly calm as many locals leave for their hometowns.
- Special celebrations – Enjoy fireworks, dragon dances, and temple festivals in various locations, especially in Chinatown (District 5) and around Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Cons
- Many attractions and services closed – Some museums, restaurants, and businesses shut down for at least three days, and street food is much harder to find.
- Higher prices for some services – Taxis, flights, and some hotels may be more expensive due to high demand and limited availability. Some tours and services may also add Tet surcharges.
- A quieter, almost empty city – While the tourist areas stay active, many residential neighborhoods feel less lively than usual.
Conclusion
Yes, if you want a cultural experience and a calmer version of Ho Chi Minh City, as you’ll still find festive decorations, Tet markets, and special celebrations. No, if you expect everything to be open as usual, since many local businesses shut down for the holiday.
However, compared to other cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City remains the most “alive” during Tet. Since it’s the most modern and international city in Vietnam, you’ll still find the most restaurants, cafes, and hotels open, especially in District 1, where many businesses cater to tourists. While some services will be limited, Ho Chi Minh City is still one of the easiest places to visit during Vietnamese New Year.
Firework show in Ho Chi Minh City
Yes, Vietnamese New Year is celebrated with fireworks, and Ho Chi Minh City hosts over 10 firework shows across different districts. The main firework display takes place over the Saigon River, near the Saigon River Tunnel (Hầm Thủ Thiêm).
Best places to watch the main fireworks show:
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street – A lively pedestrian street in District 1, where large crowds gather to watch the fireworks from the city center.
- Saigon Riverside Park – A large park on the other side of the river from District 1, offering a panoramic view of the Ho Chi Minh City skyline with fireworks.
- Landmark 81 & Vinhomes Central Park – A great viewing spot near Vietnam’s tallest building, with an open park.
Other firework locations in Ho Chi Minh City:
Aside from the main event, fireworks are also launched in different districts, including:
- Van Hoa Park (Go Vap District).
- District 7
- Binh Tri Dong B neighborhood (Binh Tan District)
- Cu Chi District
- Dam Sen Park (District 11)
- Ben Noc Memorial Temple (Thu Duc City)
Tip: book a table at a rooftop bar or restaurant in advanced
One of the best ways to watch the Tet fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City is from a rooftop bar or restaurant, where you get an unobstructed view of the skyline and fireworks over the Saigon River. However, since these venues are in high demand, it’s important to book your table well in advance. Many rooftop bars and restaurants sell out weeks before Tet, especially those in District 1 and along the Saigon River.
Prices for rooftop venues can be as high as $50 per person, depending on the location. Some places charge a fixed ticket price, while others require a minimum spend on food and drinks. Walk-ins are rarely accepted on the night of the event, so making a reservation in advance is the only way to secure a good spot.
Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet Holiday period
1. Watch the firework in Ho Chi Minh City
The Tet firework show is a must-see event, but it’s not just the official displays that light up the sky. Many locals set off their own fireworks in neighborhoods across the city, creating a festive atmosphere throughout the night. If you’re staying in a high-rise apartment or rooftop area, you’ll have a great view of multiple fireworks going off across the skyline.
2. Visiting flower markets
Ho Chi Minh City’s flower markets are one of the best places to experience the pre-Tet excitement. These markets fill up with yellow apricot blossoms (hoa mai), kumquat trees, and other symbolic flowers that locals buy to decorate their homes. The biggest and most famous flower market is Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, which becomes even livelier in the days leading up to Tet.
3. Watch the flower boats from the Mekong Delta
A unique New Year tradition in Ho Chi Minh City is the arrival of flower boats from the Mekong Delta, bringing fresh flowers to sell in the city. The best place to see these boats is Bến Bình Đông in District 8, where they dock before transporting the flowers to markets and displays. This scene only lasts for a short time—soon after the boats arrive, all the flowers are moved to their final destinations.
4. Seeing flower displays at Nguyen Hue Walking Street
During Tet, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is transformed into Nguyen Hue Flower Street, featuring elaborate flower arrangements and Tet-themed decorations. Many locals dress in traditional ao dai and take family photos here. While it gets very crowded, it’s still fun to see the festive atmosphere.
5. Party at Bui Vien Street for Vietnamese New Year
If you’re looking for a lively way to celebrate Vietnamese New Year, Bui Vien Street is the place to go. Unlike traditional Tet celebrations, this area is known for street parties, loud music, and an energetic nightlife scene. If you don’t want to book an expensive rooftop bar or restaurant, this is a great alternative. No reservations are needed, but expect huge crowds. It’s mostly a backpacker atmosphere, so it may not be for everyone, but it’s one of the few places where the party doesn’t stop during New Year’s Eve.
6. Shopping for Tet
Shopping is a huge part of Vietnamese New Year preparations, as people buy decorations, gifts, and new clothes to welcome good luck. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, walking through the Tet shopping streets is a great way to experience the festive spirit.
7. Visiting pagodas and temples
On the first day of Vietnamese New Year, pagodas and temples in Ho Chi Minh City become extremely crowded, as locals visit to pray for luck, health, and prosperity in the new year. While major sites like Jade Emperor Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, and Ba Thien Hau Temple attract large crowds, every pagoda in the city sees an increase in visitors.
If you want a more local experience, consider visiting a lesser-known temple in your neighborhood or a small pagoda outside the city center. These places are still full of life during New Year’s but may offer a more authentic and peaceful atmosphere.
8. Eating Tet specialty food
Vietnamese New Year comes with special holiday dishes that are only made during this time. These foods are sold at markets, street vendors, and supermarkets leading up to the holiday. Many hotels and restaurants offer special Tet menus, making it possible to try these dishes even if you’re not celebrating with a local family.
Some of the must-try Tet foods include:
- Bánh tét – The southern version of sticky rice cakes, wrapped in banana leaves and filled with pork and mung beans.
- Thịt kho hột vịt – Braised pork belly and eggs in coconut water, a must-have Tet dish in southern Vietnam.
- Dried candied fruits (Mứt Tết) – Sweet treats like coconut, ginger, and kumquat, served to guests during New Year’s visits.
If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City a few days before Tet, visiting local markets is the best way to see people preparing and buying food for the holiday.
9. Celebrate with local people
Vietnamese New Year is a family holiday, but there are still ways for travelers to join in on the celebrations:
- Join a neighborhood year-end party – In the weeks leading up to Vietnamese New Year, every small street or community holds a year-end gathering with food, drinks, and karaoke. If you pass by and show interest, there’s a high chance you’ll be invited to join for drinks.
- Stay with a local family – While Tet is traditionally a private family gathering, some Vietnamese families welcome foreign travelers to experience New Year with them. This is harder to arrange, but some homestays or guesthouses offer Tet experiences, where you can help prepare food and take part in the celebrations.
Practical tips for travellers in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet Holiday
How to find food and restaurants that are open
Use Grab
Many restaurants don’t update their opening times on Google Maps, but they actively manage their Grab accounts. Grab is not only a ride-hailing app, but also a food delivery app, and businesses update their availability there daily. If a restaurant is listed as open on Grab, it is very likely correct. You can either order food directly through the app or go to the restaurant in person.
Book hotels with their own restaurant or find hotel restaurants.
If you’re worried about finding food during Tet, book a hotel with an in-house restaurant or check nearby hotel restaurants, as these are more likely to stay open.
Check Facebook pages
Tet is both a celebration and a time of ancestor worship. As you walk through Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll see people praying, burning incense, and placing food offerings outside their homes to honor their ancestors. Be mindful of these practices—avoid walking through or disturbing worship areas in front of homes and businesses.
Be respectful
Tet is both a celebration and a time of ancestor worship. As you walk through Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll see people praying, burning incense, and placing food offerings outside their homes to honor their ancestors. Be mindful of these practices—avoid walking through or disturbing worship areas in front of homes and businesses.
Have enough cash
ATMs do not get refilled during Tet, and many Vietnamese withdraw large amounts of cash before the holiday to use for spending and giving lucky money. This means ATMs may run out of money, and since many businesses only accept cash, it’s best to withdraw enough cash before Tet starts.
Plan your activities in advanced
With many attractions, tours, and businesses having different schedules during Tet, plan ahead. If you want to visit specific museums, temples, or tourist sites, check their opening hours before the holiday begins.
Check attraction opening times
- Some museums and sights close on Tet Eve and Tet Day, but many reopen in the following days.
- Larger tourist attractions like Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum, and pagodas remain open, but hours may vary.
Be patient with service delays
Many restaurants, hotels, and transport services operate with reduced staff during Tet, meaning service may be slower than usual. Be prepared for longer wait times at restaurants, slower check-in at hotels, and fewer taxis available.
Expect price changes
During Tet, some services increase prices due to high demand and staff shortages. Expect:
- Food delivery price increases due to limited restaurant availability.
- Higher taxi and Grab fares due to fewer drivers working.
- Tour surcharges as guides and staff work on public holidays.
