Travel

Where to Go on the First Day of Tet in Saigon? Plan Your Day Now!

The Tet holiday transforms Saigon, giving it a whole new persona. The usually bustling city takes on a calm and peaceful ambiance. So, where should one head on the first day of Tet in Saigon? Let us guide you to the best spots!

Administrator

15 July, 2024

The first day of Tet, or Tet Nguyen Dan, is a significant day for the Vietnamese as it marks the beginning of a new year full of hopes and aspirations. It is a time when families gather to celebrate and spend quality time together, exchanging gifts and best wishes for the year ahead. For those in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City), there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy on this special day.

Here is a list of suggestions for things to do and see on Tet in Saigon:

1 Explore Famous Landmarks

Saigon is a vibrant city with numerous famous landmarks to visit. On Tet, these places are often decorated and bustling with activities:

Nguyen Hue Walking Street: One of Saigon’s most famous tourist destinations, this street comes alive during Tet with flower displays, ornamental plants, and entertainment.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: An iconic symbol of Saigon, this cathedral attracts visitors with its unique and ancient architecture, perfect for photography.
Ben Thanh Market: One of the city’s largest and oldest markets, offering a wide range of products, from food and drinks to clothing and souvenirs. It’s also a popular spot for young people to take vintage-style photos in their traditional Ao Dai outfits.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Vietnam’s largest and oldest zoo, featuring rare and exotic animals, providing a relaxing and fun day out for families.

Reference: 25 captivating destinations for an unforgettable check-in experience.

Exploring Famous Landmarks

2 New Year Prayers

Visiting temples and pagodas during Tet is a beautiful tradition for many Vietnamese. These places offer a peaceful atmosphere for prayers and wishes for the new year. Some popular places for New Year prayers in Saigon include:

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda: A large and well-known pagoda in Saigon, featuring beautiful ancient architecture, making it a popular choice for New Year prayers.
Thien Hau Pagoda: A sacred place for the Chinese community in Saigon, often chosen by Chinese people for their New Year prayers.
Ngoc Hoang Pagoda: A historic and revered pagoda that attracts locals and foreign tourists alike, making it a must-visit spiritual destination in Saigon.

Reference: Discover , a serene spiritual destination in the heart of Saigon.

New Year Prayers

3 Entertainment and Leisure

In addition to exploring famous landmarks and praying for the new year, there are plenty of other entertaining activities to enjoy in Saigon on Tet:

Catch a Movie: A popular leisure activity in Saigon, especially during Tet, when new movies are released, offering a range of exciting options for movie-goers.

Reference: A compilation of that you shouldn’t miss.

Explore the Outskirts of the City: For those seeking a quieter experience, a trip to the outskirts of Saigon can be a wonderful way to spend Tet with family. Suggested destinations include Suoi Tien Tourist Park (District 9), Buu Long Tourist Area (Dong Nai), and Dai Nam Tourist Area (Binh Duong), all offering a range of exciting games and activities suitable for all ages.

Entertainment and Leisure

4 Unique Experiences

For those seeking something a little different, here are some unique activities to try on Tet in Saigon:

Saigon River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise on the Saigon River and take in the city’s sights from a different perspective.
Stand-Up Paddling on the Saigon River: A new and exciting sport that has gained popularity in recent years, offering a fun and active way to explore the river.

Reference: Discover in Saigon for an unforgettable experience.

Participate in Folk Games: A fun way to learn about Vietnam’s traditional culture and customs.

Unique Experiences

5 Join Charitable Activities

Tet is a time when many charitable organizations in Saigon host activities to support those in need. You can join these initiatives, such as giving gifts to underprivileged children and the elderly, and bring joy to those less fortunate.

Charitable Activities

These are just a few suggestions for spending Tet in Saigon. Choose the activities that suit your interests and have a wonderful start to the new year!

Frequently asked questions

There are many exciting places to visit in Saigon during the first day of Tet, including the Nguyen Hue Flower Street, the Saigon River Tunnel, the Independence Palace, and the Ben Thanh Market.

The Nguyen Hue Flower Street is a famous street in Saigon that is decorated with beautiful flowers and plants during the Tet holiday. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists to take photos and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Besides visiting popular attractions, you can also participate in unique activities such as cooking traditional Vietnamese food, joining a dragon dance performance, or taking a cyclo ride around the city.

You can usually find up-to-date information about opening hours and ticket prices on the official websites or social media pages of each attraction. It is recommended to check before your visit as hours may vary during the Tet holiday.

Yes, Saigon has several notable cultural and religious sites that are especially vibrant during Tet. This includes the Vietnam History Museum, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, and various pagodas and temples such as the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the Thien Hau Temple.