Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh: What Tourists Need to Know Before Tet 2026

2026-02-16

If you’re planning to experience Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh, pause for a second. Tet is not a street party. It is not Songkran. It is not Bangkok countdown chaos. It is emotional, family-centered, and for three days, this city nearly shuts down.

This guide is here to give you the real picture - when to come, when to avoid, where to celebrate New Year in Ho Chi Minh, where you can watch the fireworks for free, and most importantly, where to eat in Ho Chi Minh during Tet near District 1, 2, and 3.

Ho Chi Minh City Lunar New Year will be empty

What Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh Actually Feels Like

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is the most important holiday in the country. It’s about family reunions, ancestor worship, and going back to your hometown.

And that’s the key detail.

While coastal cities like Da Nang, Hoi An, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc get crowded with tourists, big urban centers like Ho Chi Minh City and Ha Noi empty out.

Shops close. Street food disappears. Sidewalk coffee culture pauses. The city becomes quiet - sometimes beautifully quiet, sometimes inconveniently quiet.

If you expect nonstop nightlife, you may be disappointed. If you want to see Saigon slow down in a way it never does, Tet can be fascinating.

Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh Timeline (So You Don’t Get Caught Off Guard)

16th Feb – New Year’s Eve

This is the only night that feels festive and crowded.

Flower streets fully decorated
Families out taking photos
Fireworks at midnight
Heavy traffic around District 1

It’s energetic from around 7PM to midnight. After fireworks? The city empties surprisingly fast.

Beautiful display of fireworks during Lunar New Year
Source: Báo Quân Đội Nhân Dân

17th–19th Feb – 1st, 2nd, 3rd Day of Tet

This is where most tourists get shocked.

70–90% of local businesses closed
Most street food stalls shut
Many family-run restaurants closed
Grab drivers fewer
Banks closed
Some ATMs run out of cash

The streets feel deserted, especially in District 3 and parts of District 1. You can walk through normally chaotic intersections with almost no traffic.

20th–22nd Feb – Gradual Reopening

About 50% of places reopen.

Coffee shops start returning
Some restaurants resume
Traffic increases

But it’s still slower than usual.

23rd Feb Onward

The city is fully back to normal. Tet is officially over.

Where to Celebrate New Year in Ho Chi Minh (Eve Only)

If you’re asking Where to celebrate New Year in Ho Chi Minh? - this applies strictly to New Year’s Eve.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

This is the heart of Tet decoration in Saigon.

Massive flower displays
Families in traditional áo dài
Countdown vibe
Street performances

Arrive by 8PM latest. After midnight fireworks, the crowd disperses quickly.

Bach Dang Wharf Park (Saigon River Area)

Best free riverfront viewing area.

Open skyline
Strong fireworks visibility
Packed by 9PM

Traffic around the Saigon River Tunnel is heavily restricted.

Where Can We Watch the Fireworks for Free?

the street is packed during fireworks countdown

If you don’t want rooftop ticket prices:

Nguyen Hue area (arrive early)
Bach Dang Wharf Park
Saigon River Tunnel area
Riverside parks in District 2

Be prepared for gridlock after midnight.

The Brutal Truth About Tet Days 1–3

Here’s what no brochure tells you about Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh:

No random bánh mì stall at 7AM
No spontaneous street seafood
Many temples closed
Small cafes shut
Family-only gatherings

But here’s the upside:

Empty roads for photography
Rare peaceful Saigon
Beautiful golden sunlight without traffic noise
Almost cinematic quiet

If you’re into photography or slow travel, this is special.

If you’re into nightlife and street chaos - wrong timing.

HCMC feels deserted during Lunar New Year

Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh During Tet (District 1, 2 & 3)

Important note: Opening hours may be reduced during Tet. Always check 1–2 days before visiting.

1. Pizza 4P's Le Thanh Ton – Reliable Comfort Food

One of the most reliable independent chains that historically stays open during Tet. Modern Japanese-Italian fusion with house-made cheese and wood-fired pizzas. It’s clean, organized, and used to handling tourists.

Address: 8/15 Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1
Price: 180,000–350,000 VND (~$7–$14 USD)
Opening Hours: Usually 10:30AM–10PM (Tet hours may vary)

2. Hoa Tuc – Upscale Vietnamese

Located near the Opera House, Hoa Tuc often operates during holidays. Refined Vietnamese cuisine in a colonial-style courtyard. Excellent if you want local food without gambling on street closures.

Address: 74/7 Hai Bà Trưng, District 1
Price: 250,000–500,000 VND (~$10–$20 USD)
Opening Hours: 10AM–10PM (Holiday hours vary)

3. Secret Garden Restaurant – Rooftop Vietnamese Home Cooking

Popular with tourists and known to stay open during Tet seasons. Traditional dishes in a nostalgic rooftop setting.

Address: 158 Pasteur, District 1
Price: 120,000–250,000 VND (~$5–$10 USD)
Opening Hours: 11AM–10PM (Check Tet hours)

4. Propaganda Bistro – Central Location & Reliable

Large seating capacity and usually open during major holidays. Classic Vietnamese dishes with modern presentation.

Address: 21 Hàn Thuyên, District 1
Price: 120,000–300,000 VND (~$5–$12 USD)
Opening Hours: 10AM–10PM

5. The Deck Saigon – Riverside Dining (District 2)

One of the more reliable upscale restaurants in District 2. Great river views and typically open during holiday periods.

Address: 38 Nguyễn Ư Dĩ, Thảo Điền, District 2
Price: 300,000–700,000 VND (~$12–$28 USD)
Opening Hours: 8AM–11PM

Coffee Shops That Usually Open During Tet

Phuc Long Coffee & Tea

Large Vietnamese chain. Many branches operate during Tet, especially in central malls.

Price: 45,000–80,000 VND
Hours: Varies by location

The Coffee House

Another major chain that keeps selected branches open.

Price: 40,000–75,000 VND

Starbucks New World Saigon

International chain reliability near District 1.

Price: 80,000–120,000 VND

Bars & Rooftops Likely Open During Tet

Zion Sky Lounge & Dining

Large rooftop venue, usually open during major holidays.

Price: 150,000–300,000 VND per drink

Chill Skybar

One of the more established rooftop bars that tends to operate through Tet.

Price: 200,000–350,000 VND per cocktail

The Rabbit Hole

Speakeasy-style bar in District 1. Often opens with reduced hours during Tet.

Price: 200,000–300,000 VND per cocktail

Survival Tips for Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh

Before Tet begins:

Withdraw enough cash
Book accommodation early
Pre-book airport transfers
Stock snacks and water
Expect surge pricing on Grab

During Tet:

Don’t rely on spontaneous street food
Check Google Maps same-day for openings
Be patient - it’s family time

Should You Stay in Ho Chi Minh During Tet - Or Go Somewhere Else?

Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh is not bad. It’s just misunderstood.

If you plan it, it can be fascinating. If you improvise it, it can be frustrating.

And if you want to experience the city at its liveliest - come just before Tet begins.

That’s when Saigon is still buzzing, decorated, emotional - and fully open.

If you're planning Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh, here’s the honest question:

Do you want cultural observation - or convenience?

Because during Tet, Ho Chi Minh City slows down dramatically. It’s not a party destination. It’s not designed around tourists. It’s designed around families going home.

Stay in Ho Chi Minh If:

You want to see the city unusually quiet.
You enjoy photography and empty streets.
You’re curious about how locals celebrate.
You don’t mind limited dining options.
You’ve planned your meals and transport in advance.

Seeing District 1 almost traffic-free is rare. Walking past normally chaotic intersections in silence is surreal. For some travelers, that alone is worth it.

But if you’re expecting nightlife, constant food exploration, and spontaneous convenience - you may feel frustrated.

Consider Leaving Ho Chi Minh During Tet If You Want Energy

Many travelers choose to leave HCMC during Tet and head toward nature or coastal destinations.

Northern Adventure Option: Ha Giang

Ha Giang is a great place to visit during Tet

If you want something dramatic and unforgettable, head north to Ha Giang.

Epic mountain landscapes
Fewer tourists compared to beach cities
Cultural villages
Incredible motorbike loop

Tet in Ha Giang feels traditional and peaceful. But tours may operate on limited schedules, so book early.

Coastal Escape Options

Vietnam is full of beautiful coastal cities like Nha Trang

If you prefer beaches and warmer energy:

Da Nang
Hoi An
Nha Trang
Phu Quoc

These places are lively during Tet because Vietnamese families travel domestically. Hotels fill up. Restaurants remain open in tourist zones.

But here’s the critical warning.

Tet Pricing Reality: Expect Higher Costs Everywhere

Tet is a national holiday. It is not a tourism surcharge.

During Tet:

Flights increase significantly
Trains and buses sell out early
Hotel rates rise
Grab and taxi prices surge
Some tour operators charge holiday premiums

Why?

Because workers are paid extra during Tet. Many businesses pay 2x–3x wages for staff working these days. It’s considered a major family sacrifice to work during Lunar New Year.

This is not something locals complain about - it’s understood as fair holiday compensation.

So if prices feel higher, don’t see it as a scam. See it as holiday economics.

The mistake is arriving unprepared.

Book flights weeks (sometimes months) in advance. Lock in accommodation early. Confirm tour operations ahead of time.

Tet is predictable. The closures and price increases happen every single year.

Final Reality Check Before You Decide

Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh is beautiful - but it is not convenient.

If you want:

Energy → go coastal.
Nature → head north to Ha Giang.
Cultural quiet → stay in Saigon.
Full service convenience → come after the 3rd day of Tet.

The only wrong choice is not planning.

Tet doesn’t adapt to tourists.

Tourists need to adapt to Tet.

And if you do, it can be one of the most memorable times to see Vietnam - whether in the silent streets of Ho Chi Minh or the mountain passes of Ha Giang.

Duy Le - Marketing Manager

I’m Duy Le, the Marketing Manager at Vespa A Go Go, with three years of experience in marketing and storytelling. My passion lies in helping both travelers and Vietnamese people discover the authentic value of our country’s history and culture. I believe Vietnam travel should be more than just sightseeing — it’s a way to truly connect with Vietnam’s heart and spirit. Through my work, I aim to inspire curiosity, respect, and appreciation for the stories that make Vietnam unique. When I’m not crafting campaigns, I love exploring Saigon’s hidden corners on my Vespa, always in search of the next story worth sharing.

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