Tết Nguyên Đán, also known as Vietnamese Lunar New Year, is the most significant and widely celebrated holiday in Vietnam. Saigon, or Ho Chi Minh City, is a fantastic place to experience the vibrant cultural festivities that accompany this annual celebration. If you’re planning to be in Saigon for Tết, there are certain places that you absolutely must visit to fully immerse yourself in the festivities. From spectacular flower festivals to revered pagodas, Saigon offers a unique way to ring in the New Year. Here’s a guide to the best spots in Saigon to visit during Tết 2025.
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Spring Flower Festivals: The Beauty of Tết in Saigon
For the locals, Tết is not just about family reunions and traditional dishes, but also about the beauty of blooming flowers, which symbolize renewal and good fortune. Visiting flower festivals is a must during Tết, and Saigon boasts some of the most breathtaking displays in Vietnam.
Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street
One of the most iconic places to visit during Tết in Saigon is Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street, a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant spirit. The street has been a significant attraction since 2004 and is especially popular during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Stretching 700 meters from the City People’s Committee Headquarters to Bạch Đằng Wharf, this area transforms into a stunning flower haven every year. Visitors can enjoy a range of colorful floral arrangements and themed displays, often featuring elements from Vietnamese culture and folklore.
The flower street is open annually from the 28th day of the twelfth lunar month until the 5th day of Tết. The dazzling beauty of the flowers against the backdrop of Saigon’s modern high-rises is a striking contrast, symbolizing the blending of tradition and progress.
- Address: Nguyễn Huệ Street, District 1, HCMC
- Opening Dates (2025): January 27 to February 2, 2025
Bình Đông Flower Market – floating flower market abuzz ahead of Tết in Saigon
For a truly authentic and traditional Tết experience, make sure to visit Bình Đông Flower Market in District 8. Every year, around the 15th of the lunar December, boats from the Mekong Delta provinces bring flowers, ornamental plants, and various foods to sell along the banks of the Tau Hu Canal, creating a lively and colorful atmosphere. Hundreds of boats navigate the canal, unloading their goods to prepare for the Lunar New Year celebrations. This market, with its vibrant hues and bustling activity, captures the essence of Tết in Saigon, preserving the ancient cultural beauty of the holiday. It’s an unmissable destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the traditional spring spirit of the season.
- Address: Binh Dong Wharf, Ward 14, District 8, HCMC
- Opening Dates (2025): January 14 to January 18, 2025
Phú Mỹ Hưng Flower Street
If you’re an expatriate or looking for a more modern flower festival, Phú Mỹ Hưng Flower Street in District 7 is a great place to visit. This newer festival has rapidly gained popularity and attracts thousands of visitors every year. With its large expat community and peaceful environment, the Phú Mỹ Hưng area offers a more contemporary vibe compared to the bustling Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street.
- Address: Phú Mỹ Hưng City Center, District 7, HCMC
- Opening Dates (2025): January 22 to January 28, 2025
Tao Đàn Park Spring Flower Festival
Another must-see flower festival is held at Tao Đàn Park, one of the oldest parks in Saigon. The annual Tao Đàn Spring Flower Festival has become a tradition, attracting visitors with its impressive array of flowers and plants, including peach blossoms and apricot flowers. The festival offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, perfect for those looking to enjoy nature while celebrating Tết.
- Address: Truong Dinh Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC
- Opening Dates (2025): January 24 to February 2, 2025
Pagodas: Spiritual and Cultural Significance of Tết in Saigon
Tết is also a time for reflection, gratitude, and prayer. Many Vietnamese people visit pagodas during the New Year to honor ancestors and seek blessings for the year ahead. If you want to experience the spiritual side of Tết, here are some of the most beautiful and meaningful pagodas to visit in Saigon.
Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda
Located in District 3, Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda is one of the most important Buddhist centers in the city. It is known for its ancient architecture and cultural artifacts, some of which are UNESCO-recognized. This pagoda is particularly important during Tết, as many locals visit to pray for prosperity and success in the coming year.
- Address: 339 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, District 3, HCMC
Ngọc Hoàng Pagoda
Known for its beautiful design and rich history, Ngọc Hoàng Pagoda is particularly popular among couples and newlyweds. Many people visit this pagoda to pray for blessings related to love and family, with a special focus on prayers for children. It is dedicated to Kim Hoa Thanh Mau, the goddess who is believed to protect childbirth and ensure the well-being of children. Visiting Ngọc Hoàng Pagoda during Tết is said to bring good fortune, happiness, and prosperity to families seeking to strengthen their bonds and grow their family.
- Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1, HCMC
Bửu Long Pagoda
Ranked as one of the most uniquely designed pagodas in the world by National Geographic, Bửu Long Pagoda in Thu Duc City is a stunning blend of traditional Vietnamese architecture and Thai-style influence. It’s a peaceful and serene place, making it a perfect spot for Tết prayers and reflection.
- Address: 81 Nguyen Xien Street, Long Binh, Thu Duc City, HCMC
Giác Lâm Pagoda
For a glimpse into Saigon’s history, visit Giác Lâm Pagoda, one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in the city. With nearly 300 years of history, this pagoda houses many rare Buddhist artifacts and sculptures. It is an excellent place to connect with both the spiritual and historical aspects of Tết.
- Address: 565 Lac Long Quan Street, Ward 10, Tan Binh District, HCMC
Pháp Hoa Pagoda
Pháp Hoa Pagoda, also known as the Lantern Pagoda, is famous for hosting Vietnam’s largest Buddha’s Birthday lantern festival, a dazzling event that attracts visitors from all over. Whether you’re drawn by its stunning lantern displays or its spiritual atmosphere, this pagoda offers a truly unique experience.
- Address: 870 Truong Sa Street, District 3, HCMC.
Quan Âm Pagoda
A favorite among Saigon’s Chinese community, Quan Âm Pagoda is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Thế Âm, and the protector of seafarers, Thien Hau Thanh Mau. Many people visit this pagoda during Tết to pray for family prosperity, good health, and safe travels.
- Address: 12 Lao Tu Street, Ward 11, District 5, HCMC
Sticky Rice Cake Making Workshop: A Hands-On Experience of Vietnamese Culture to Enjoy Tết in Saigon
One of the most cherished traditions of Tết is the making of bánh chưng and bánh tét, the square and round sticky rice cakes that symbolize the Earth and heaven, respectively. These cakes are made with glutinous rice, mung beans, pork, and a variety of other ingredients, wrapped in banana leaves and then boiled for several hours. Preparing bánh chưng and bánh tét is a time-honored family activity that requires patience, skill, and cooperation, making it a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Tết.
At VLS, you can participate in a special Tết sticky rice cake-making workshop, where you’ll learn how to prepare these iconic dishes from scratch. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you will be taught the entire process, from wrapping the cakes to cooking them to perfection. Not only will you get hands-on experience in crafting these traditional treats, but you’ll also gain insight into their cultural significance.
This workshop is an excellent way to connect with both the Vietnamese language and culture. As you learn the techniques of making bánh chưng and bánh tét, you’ll hear the language in action, practice your Vietnamese with native speakers, and even learn the vocabulary related to cooking and traditional cuisine. It’s a fun and interactive way to enhance your understanding of Vietnamese culture while deepening your connection to its people and traditions.
>>> Register now: https://forms.gle/5vkpAtKntETeAKzs8
“The VLS ‘Holiday’ Gift Set: A Perfect Way to Surprise Your Loved Ones and Celebrate Tết in Saigon Together
If you’re looking for a special Tết gift that offers both cultural charm and language mastery, look no further than the VLS “Holiday” Gift Set. This thoughtfully curated set combines elements of Vietnamese culture and language learning in a beautiful package that will delight both beginners and seasoned learners.
The VLS “Holiday” Gift Set includes everything you need to start your Vietnamese language journey: exclusive lesson materials, access to online courses, cultural resources, and even fun surprises that make learning both enjoyable and rewarding. Whether you’re treating yourself or surprising a loved one, this gift set is a perfect way to celebrate the new year with a focus on personal growth and cultural exploration.
As part of a special promotion, the VLS “Holiday” Gift Set is now available at the special price of 790,000 VND (originally priced at 990,000 VND). This limited-time offer provides excellent value, giving you access to a wealth of resources that will help you unlock the beauty of the Vietnamese language and culture.
>>> Order here: VLS “Holiday” Gift Set | Hộp Quà Tết VLS
Conclusion
Saigon comes alive during Tết, with a mix of vibrant flower displays, cultural traditions, and spiritual practices. Whether you’re admiring the breathtaking beauty of Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street, seeking blessings at a local pagoda, or simply enjoying the festivities with locals, the city offers an unforgettable experience. Mark your calendar and get ready to explore the best of Tết in Saigon in 2025!
