Good to know
Good to Know
- Tet (February) is the busiest festival period—expect massive crowds, higher accommodation prices, and potential transport bottlenecks. Book flights and hotels weeks in advance.
- Many smaller shops and offices close during Tet (3–5 days from New Year's Eve); stock up on supplies beforehand. International hotels and convenience stores in major districts remain open.
- Most public street festivals and parades are completely free; additional costs arise from dining, tours, and specialized activities.
- Wear traditional Ao Dai during the March Ao Dai Festival to access free or discounted entry to many museums and historical sites across the city.
- Flower markets in the week before Tet are crowded but photogenic; visit early morning for better selection and atmosphere.
- River Festival events (May–June) coincide with monsoon season; afternoon showers are common but usually brief.
- National Day (September 2) and Mid-Autumn Festival (September) events peak in Cholon district, which can become very congested; consider visiting on adjacent quieter days.
- December Tourism Week (December 4–12) marks the year-end festive season with sports, shopping, and cultural events spanning multiple venues.
Events
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year Festival)
- Timing
- February (late January–early February lunar calendar; 2026: February 1–21)
- Entry Cost
- ₫0
- Note
- Free public access. Food stalls and tour packages available at additional cost.
- Description
- Vietnam's most important cultural celebration featuring family reunions, ancestor worship, and festive activities. The city transforms with flower displays, fireworks, lion dances, and traditional ceremonies across multiple locations.
Key Attractions
- Nguyen Hue Flower Street (iconic pedestrian boulevard with over 100,000 flower baskets, dragon installations, and light mapping)
- Dam Sen Park (traditional music and dance performances)
- Saigon River fireworks at midnight on New Year's Eve
- Flower markets in Ben Thanh Market and District 5 (Cholon)
Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival
- Timing
- March (2026: March 1–31, with peak activities March 6–8)
- Entry Cost
- ₫0
- Note
- Free public access for street parades and exhibitions. Tourist attractions offer free/discounted entry for visitors wearing Ao Dai.
- Description
- Annual celebration honoring Vietnam's traditional long dress (Ao Dai). Features parades, fashion competitions, cultural performances, and interactive exhibitions across the city's central areas.
Key Attractions
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street (main venue for opening ceremony and parade)
- President Ho Chi Minh Monument Park
- Ao Dai design competitions and exhibitions
- Mass folk dance performance in Ao Dai
- Ao Dai Beauty Contest
Ho Chi Minh City River Festival
- Timing
- Q2 (May–June; 2026: scheduled second quarter)
- Entry Cost
- ₫0
- Note
- Free public access to riverside activities. Separate costs for river cruises and dining.
- Description
- Celebration of the city's maritime heritage and cultural diversity along the Saigon River. Features art performances, water sports competitions, dragon boat races, and River Food Week.
Key Attractions
- Nha Rong Khanh Hoi area
- Saigon Riverfront Park
- Binh Dong Wharf
- Water sports and entertainment events
- Local cuisine markets
Reunification Day Celebration
- Timing
- April 30 (annually)
- Entry Cost
- ₫0
- Note
- Free public access. Food stalls: 25,000–125,000 VND (approximately $1–$5 USD).
- Description
- Citywide commemoration of Vietnam's reunification on April 30, 1975. Features parades, historical reenactments, fireworks, and cultural performances celebrating peace and national unity.
Key Attractions
- Ward 1's Le Duan Boulevard parades
- Thu Duc Ward cultural parks
- Bitexco Tower fireworks viewing
- Historical reenactments and food stalls
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu)
- Timing
- September (15th day of 8th lunar month)
- Entry Cost
- ₫0
- Note
- Free public access. Food and lantern purchases available at market prices.
- Description
- Children's festival featuring lantern parades, dragon dances, mooncakes, and traditional performances. Cholon district becomes particularly vibrant with lantern-lit streets.
Key Attractions
- Cholon (District 5) lantern displays and parades
- Dragon dance performances
- Lantern processions
- Traditional street food
Ho Chi Minh City Culture and Tourism Festival
- Timing
- Late February (2026: February 27–29 opening, three days)
- Entry Cost
- ₫0
- Note
- Free public access.
- Description
- Three-day festival promoting the city's cultural, artistic, and tourism potential. Features traditional crafts, heritage exhibitions, folk performances, and experiential activities.
Key Attractions
- Vung Tau ward (opening ceremony location)
- Traditional craft village showcases
- Heritage exhibitions
- Ceremonial cannon firing recreation
- Marine sports demonstrations (sailing, flyboarding, paddleboarding)
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this signature annual events research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Ho Chi Minh City
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.