Halloween in Vietnam 2025: Saigon Special - Where to Go, What to Wear, and How to Slay the Night

2025-10-28

When Spirits Meet Saigon Streets

Halloween - the global celebration of costumes, imagination, and mischief - will fall on Friday, October 31, 2025, marking the start of a vibrant long weekend across Vietnam.

By late October, Saigon turns into a cinematic dream. The tropical night air hums with excitement for Halloween, a holiday that Vietnamese youth enthusiastically welcome right after the Mid-Autumn festivities conclude.. Cafés play spooky jazz instead of soft pop, shopping malls glow orange, and shopfronts are covered in webs and flickering lights. Even the streets seem to pulse with anticipation - witches, ghosts, and cartoon heroes wander beneath glowing palm trees.

So, does Vietnam celebrate Halloween?
Yes - and nowhere does it quite like Saigon. What began as an expat trend has evolved into a festival of creativity that reflects Vietnam’s modern, playful spirit: youthful, daring, and endlessly original.

The Rise of Halloween in Vietnam

Halloween in Vietnam is a young tradition. It first appeared in the early 2000s, introduced through international schools, expats, and curious café owners. Back then, it was a novelty - plastic masks, imported candy, and DIY parties.

But Saigon is a city that reinvents everything. By the late 2010s, Halloween had spread beyond school events into malls, bars, and even local markets. TikTok and Instagram fueled the boom. Teenagers filmed horror makeup tutorials, office workers held costume contests, and malls competed for the most impressive decorations.

Now, by 2025, Halloween in Vietnam will no longer be allowed. It’s transformed - a blend of Vietnamese humor, digital-age creativity, and global style.

How Is Halloween Celebrated in Vietnam (2025 Edition)

How is Halloween celebrated in Vietnam? The answer depends on who you are - a family with kids, a teenager with a TikTok account, or a traveler craving nightlife.

For Families and Kids

From October 25 onward, Saigon’s malls turn into glowing playgrounds.
At Crescent Mall in District 7, the corridors are filled with pumpkins and cobweb tunnels. Children in tiny superhero capes parade through shops collecting candies from cheerful cashiers, while parents take photos beside giant balloon ghosts. The air smells of popcorn and excitement.

Insider tip: Visit around 5 PM to catch the golden sunset over Crescent Lake — it’s every parent’s dream photo moment.

For Teens and Gen Z

For Vietnam’s youth, Halloween is fashion, fun, and self-expression.

At Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street, crowds of teenagers flood in - dressed as vampires, anime characters, or even modernized Vietnamese ghosts. The atmosphere is electric: LED headbands flash, K-pop remixes echo through the boulevard, and photographers dart between the crowd capturing the best outfits.

It’s not about being scary; it’s about being seen. Everyone becomes their own work of art for one night.

Local insight: Expect to see Vietnamese ghosts reimagined with urban style — a Cô Hồn Bride with glitter, or a Ma Da ghost holding a bubble tea.

For Expats and Travelers

After sunset, Saigon’s District 1 becomes unrecognizable.

Bùi Viện Walking Street turns into an open-air carnival: neon lights, fog machines, and a crowd of thousands. You can hear DJs remixing K-pop hits, see bartenders with painted faces juggling bottles, and smell the mix of grilled skewers, beer, and street smoke.

It’s chaotic, sweaty, loud — and unforgettable. Locals say, “Halloween in Saigon isn’t about fear — it’s about freedom.”

Difference Between Halloween and Vietnamese Ghost Month

Many travelers confuse Halloween with Vietnam’s Ghost Month (Tháng Cô Hồn). Though both involve spirits, they’re completely different.

Halloween is modern and playful — a time for creativity, laughter, and costumes. Ghost Month, meanwhile, is deeply spiritual. It takes place on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month (around August) and focuses on honoring wandering souls with incense, offerings, and prayers.

One celebrates fantasy; the other honors faith. Together, they reveal Vietnam’s balance between tradition and modern joy.

Local insight: You’ll never see Vietnamese mix the two — Ghost Month is for reverence, Halloween is for fun.

Beyond Saigon: Halloween in Hanoi & Đà Nẵng

While Saigon leads the way, other major cities celebrate in their own charming ways.

Hanoi brings poetry and mystery. The cool autumn air fills the Old Quarter as students parade through misty streets dressed as Vietnamese spirits. Cafés near Hoàn Kiếm Lake host haunted-themed acoustic nights, and flickering candles glow in the windows.

Đà Nẵng, on the other hand, is all spectacle. The Dragon Bridge lights up in orange and purple, and hotels along the Han River host masquerade galas. Up in Bà Nà Hills, costumed performers roam foggy castles, surrounded by families snapping photos against clouds.

Different vibes — but one shared pulse: a Vietnam that embraces the world while keeping its soul.

The Best Places to Visit for Halloween in Vietnam 2025 (Saigon Special)

If Halloween had a capital in Vietnam, it would be Saigon. Here are the must-visit spots where the city truly comes alive.

1. Bùi Viện Walking Street (District 1)

As darkness falls, this street becomes a roaring river of energy. Fog machines pour from bar balconies, lights flicker red and green, and the smell of grilled meat and beer fills the air. The crowd sways to EDM and K-pop beats, faces painted in every color imaginable. You’ll find yourself next to a pirate, a fairy, and a zombie wearing an áo dài — all dancing together without boundaries.

• Address: Bùi Viện Street, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1
• Price: Free entry; drinks from 100,000–200,000 VND
• Hours: From 6 PM until late

Insider tip: Arrive before 7:30 PM for photos; later, the street is shoulder-to-shoulder.

2. Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street (District 1)

Saigon’s iconic pedestrian avenue turns into a glowing catwalk. Under skyscraper lights, kids chase bubbles while performers dressed as ghosts and superheroes dance to live music. Street vendors sell glowing toys and cotton candy. It’s a family-friendly, photo-perfect Halloween setting.

• Address: Nguyễn Huệ Boulevard, District 1
• Price: Free
• Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM

Vibe: Cute, colorful, and perfect for families and couples.

3. Crescent Mall (District 7)

Halloween 2024 in Crescent Mall

Crescent Mall is Halloween heaven for families. Expect grand pumpkin displays, kid parades, and evening dance shows near the lake. Outside, Crescent Lake glows orange as locals stroll with ice cream and balloons. The reflections on the water make it one of Saigon’s prettiest Halloween spots.

• Address: 101 Tôn Dật Tiên, Tân Phong Ward, District 7
• Price: Free; activities from 30,000–70,000 VND
• Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

Insider tip: Visit around sunset for the best light over the lake.

4. AEON Mall Tân Phú Celadon (Tân Phú District)

AEON Mall combines Japanese charm with Vietnamese festivity. Inside, kids follow trick-or-treat trails between stores, while dancers dressed as cartoon zombies perform on the stage. Families can relax with food stalls and games scattered across the open area.

• Address: 30 Bờ Bao Tân Thắng, Sơn Kỳ Ward, Tân Phú District
• Price: Free
• Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM

Best for: Parents who want fun without chaos.

5. Saigon Centre / Takashimaya (District 1)

Elegant, air-conditioned, and stylish — Halloween here feels chic. Giant pumpkins decorate the glass atrium, while luxury boutiques showcase eerie-themed window displays. Cafés serve pumpkin lattes, and photo booths with fog effects appear in the central hall.

• Address: 65 Lê Lợi, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1
• Price: Free
• Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Insider note: Visit during the evening for live mini concerts and themed lighting.

6. Nhà Văn Hóa Thanh Niên (Youth Cultural House, D1)

This is where Saigon's music lovers and party-goers unite for a massive Halloween bash. Expect a stellar lineup of top V-Pop and underground artists taking the stage, creating an electric atmosphere with pulsating beats and energetic performances. The air will be filled with the energy of creative costumes and spooky-themed festivities, making it an unforgettable night of music and Halloween spirit.

• Address: 4 Pham Ngoc Thach, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
• Price: From 299,000 VND
• Hours: 6 PM – 10:30 PM (31/10/2025)

Insider tip: The best costumes often get highlighted on the main screen, so go all out with your Halloween look!

7. Đầm Sen Park (District 11)

This is the ultimate Halloween destination for rebellious spirits and thrill-seekers. Dam Sen Park transforms into a massive costume festival, inviting you to conquer a four-stage journey of spooky challenges. Brace yourself for heart-pounding thrill rides, get up close with wild animals, test your limits with adventure games like Zipline and High Rope, and finally, dare to enter the legendary Haunted House where terrifying urban legends come to life.

Horror castle in Dam Sen park

• Address: 3 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11
• Price: From approx. $2 - $3 for visitors in costume (50% off the gate fee). Please note: This discount only applies to the entrance fee and does not include the cost of individual games inside. Standard ticket prices range from about $6 for basic entry to $12 for an all-inclusive package.
• Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 7:30 AM – 9:00 PM.

Local tip: Wear your most creative and impressive costume to get a 50% discount on your ticket! This offer is for the gate fee only and does not apply to individual rides. Save the legendary Haunted House for last to end your adventure with a spine-chilling thrill.

8. Suối Tiên Theme Park (Thủ Đức City)

Here, Vietnamese mythology meets Halloween. Enormous statues of dragons and spirits glow under colored lights, and performers act out local ghost stories with humor and creativity. The park’s artificial lake hosts an evening light show that’s eerie yet mesmerizing.

Experience an unforgettable Halloween at The Secret of the Witch's Forest

• Address: 120 Xa Lộ Hà Nội, Thủ Đức City
• Price: 250,000 VND per adult
• Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM

Insider note: Visit before dusk for the mystical atmosphere among mist and temple sculptures.

Where to Buy Halloween Costumes in Saigon

Finding the right costume in Saigon is half the fun. Here are the top spots:

1. FunnyLand at Takashimaya Saigon Centre for premium, imported costumes and accessories, FunnyLand is your go-to. They offer high-quality, safe makeup and a wide selection for all ages, perfect for creating a polished Halloween look.

• Address: Basement 2, Takashimaya Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi Street, District 1
• Price Range: Approx. $12.00 - $36.00
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM

2. Kim Biên Market, this market is a chaotic and thrilling experience. Dive into its narrow alleys to find stalls overflowing with affordable masks, fake blood, LED horns, and countless other props. It's the best spot for bargain hunters.

• Address: 37 Vạn Tượng Street, Ward 13, District 5
• Price Range: Starting from just $0.80
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Insider Tip: Go early to avoid the biggest crowds and always keep a close watch on your belongings.

3. Moji Store, thís place offers many unique and cute Halloween decorations like pumpkin lanterns, ghost-themed hanging garlands, and various costume accessories.

• Address: 92 Ho Tung Mau Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
• Price Range: Approx. $2.50 - $8.00
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM - 10:00 PM

4. Tâm Shoppe - The World of Decor if you want to turn your home into a real haunted castle, Tâm Shoppe is the ideal choice with a wide variety of decorative items, from wall decals and skeleton models to fake spiderwebs.

• Address: 248/33/21 Nguyen Thai Binh, Ward 12, Tan Binh District
• Price Range: Approx. $2.50 - $16.00
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM

5. Nhóc Giftshop this is a paradise for costumes and charming little accessories. You can easily find masks, witch hats, and many other decorative items to complete your Halloween look.

• Address: 107 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 2, District 5
• Price Range: Approx. $2.00 - $12.00
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM - 10:30 PM

6. Ốc Sên Shop (Snail Shop) Ốc Sên Shop is a familiar spot for young people, famous for its diverse and affordable decorations, ranging from small trinkets to larger decorative accessories.

• Address: 500 Le Van Sy Street, Ward 14, District 3
• Price Range: Approx. $2.00 - $8.00
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Vietnamese-Inspired Halloween Costume Ideas (2025 Edition)

Part 1: Classic & Pop Culture Costumes

1. No-Face (from Spirited Away) channel the mysterious spirit from Studio Ghibli's masterpiece. All you need is an all-black, flowing outfit that covers you from head to toe and a simple, self-painted white mask to capture this hauntingly beautiful look.

2. Annabelle bring the terrifying haunted doll to life. The key elements are a vintage-style white dress with a red ribbon at the waist, two braided pigtails, and makeup that features a pale face, perfectly round red cheeks, and large, unnerving eyes.

3. The Joker embody the iconic agent of chaos. This look is all about the details: green hair, a sharp purple or red suit, and the signature white face makeup with a smeared, terrifyingly wide red smile.

4. The Vampire - a timeless choice that never fails to impress. Go for a sophisticated look with a crisp white shirt, a dark vest, and tailored trousers. Complete the transformation with a dramatic black cape, a pair of sharp fangs, and a trickle of fake blood at the corner of your mouth.

5. Harley Quinn unleash your wild side as the fan-favorite anti-heroine. Her signature look includes the "Daddy's Lil Monster" t-shirt, two-toned shorts, and pink-and-blue tipped pigtails. Don't forget to carry her trusty baseball bat.

6. The Devil a simple, classic, and effective costume. A red or black outfit, a pair of devil horns, and a trident are all you need to create this wickedly fun look.

 

7. The Mummy an easy and creative DIY option. Simply wrap yourself in white cloth strips or even toilet paper. For a more authentic and terrifying effect, stain the wrappings with tea or dirt to make them look ancient and decayed.

Part 2: Unique Ideas Inspired by Vietnamese Folklore q 

1. The Sorcerer (Thầy Pháp) embody a powerful and mysterious shaman who commands spirits and ancient magic. This look is all about authority and mystique.

• How to create the look: Wear a long black robe or a black áo dài. A black head wrap or traditional turban is essential. Key accessories include hand-drawn talismans with mysterious symbols, a ritual wooden sword, or a string of prayer beads.

2. The Gentle Sage (Ông Bụt) think of him as the kind-hearted male equivalent of a fairy godmother, a familiar figure in Vietnamese fairy tales who appears to help those in need. It's a unique choice that's more magical than monstrous.

• How to create the look: the most important features are a very long, flowing white beard and white hair. Wear simple, loose-fitting brown or white robes. Carry a rustic wooden staff or a gnarled tree branch to complete the wise, gentle look.

3. The Celestial Fairy (Cô Tiên) radiates grace and beauty as a heavenly fairy who descends to earth. This costume is perfect for anyone wanting a beautiful, ethereal look that will stand out in a crowd of monsters.

• How to create the look: wear a flowing, traditional áo dài in a soft pastel color like white, pink, or light blue. Style your hair long and flowing or in an elegant updo with flower hairpins. Your makeup should be bright, shimmery, and angelic.

4. The Boogeyman (Ông Kẹ) this is the Vietnamese version of the Boogeyman—the legendary monster used to scare naughty children into behaving. This costume is all about being the ultimate creature of childhood nightmares.

• How to create the look: Wear dark, ragged, and dirty clothes. The most crucial prop is a large burlap sack slung over your shoulder, supposedly for kidnapping misbehaving kids. Hide your face behind a terrifying mask or use dark, smudged makeup to create a sinister, grimy look with wide, menacing eyes.

The Soul of Halloween in Vietnam 2025

By 2025, Halloween has become more than a Western import. It’s a celebration of Vietnam’s modern identity — vibrant, humorous, and fearless.

From the chaos of Bùi Viện to Hanoi’s candlelit cafés and Đà Nẵng’s riverside lights, this night unites creativity across generations. In Vietnam, ghosts don’t haunt — they dance, laugh, and pose for selfies.

So if you’re here this October, don’t just watch. Join the ride, feel the energy, and become part of the story.

Experience Halloween Like a Local

Join Vespa A Go Go’s Saigon Halloween Night Ride — weave through glowing streets, stop for night snacks, and see the city come alive from the back of a classic Vespa.
Because Halloween in Vietnam 2025 isn’t just another night — it’s loud, alive, and unforgettable.

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