Top 7 Most Attractive Early-Year Tourist Destinations in Ho Chi Minh City
When spring arrives, Ho Chi Minh City takes on its most peaceful and vibrant atmosphere of the year. Free from the usual dust and rush-hour traffic, this is the perfect time to invite family and friends out to explore the city. If you’re planning a spring outing but haven’t decided where to go, check out this list of the top 7 early-year tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City for a truly fulfilling holiday.
Spiritual Journey – Visiting Pagodas for Blessings at the Start of the Year
Heading to sacred places at the beginning of the year to pray for peace and good fortune for the family has become an essential cultural tradition for Saigon residents.
1. Jade Emperor Pagoda (Ngoc Hoang Pagoda) – A Sacred and Ancient Space
Tucked away on Mai Thi Luu Street, Jade Emperor Pagoda (also known as Phuoc Hai Tu) is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the city. Visiting during the early days of the year, guests can admire its classic East Asian temple architecture, featuring traditional paper-mache statues of deities, while finding a quiet moment to sincerely pray for love, peace, and prosperity in the new year.
Contact information:
- Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Da Kao Ward, former District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Monday – Sunday: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM. On the 1st and 15th of the lunar month: 5:00 AM – 7:00 PM
2. Vinh Nghiem Pagoda – A Mark of Northern Vietnamese Buddhism
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda impresses with its majestic 7-story stone stupa and architecture strongly influenced by traditional Northern Vietnamese Buddhism. The serene, spacious grounds and the resonant sound of temple bells create a deep sense of peace during the early spring days.
Contact information:
- Address: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chuavinhnghiem/?locale=vi_VN
- Phone: 028 3848 3153
- Opening hours: Monday – Saturday (6:00 AM – 7:00 PM); Sunday (6:00 AM – 11:00 PM)
3. Thien Hau Temple – A Cultural Heritage of the Chinese Community
Thien Hau Temple is one of the oldest temples belonging to the Chinese community in Cho Lon – Saigon. The temple stands out with its intricate wood carvings, ceramic decorations, and a quiet atmosphere filled with the scent of incense. It is a familiar destination for locals to offer incense, seek blessings at the start of spring, and experience distinctive cultural traditions.
Contact information:
- Address: 710 Nguyen Trai, Cho Lon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068535020477
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM (The temple may open earlier during the Lady’s festival)
Vibrant Tet Check-in Spots Full of Saigon Character
If you love the lively, colorful atmosphere of the city during the early days of the year, these cultural check-in spots are must-visit stops on your early-year itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City.
4. Ong Do Street at the Youth Cultural House (Pham Ngoc Thach)
Every Tet season, the corner of Pham Ngoc Thach and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai streets is filled with yellow apricot blossoms and the red of calligraphy couplets. Ong Do Street at the Youth Cultural House is a classic Saigon Tet check-in location, where you can wear elegant ao dai, request first-of-the-year calligraphy for good luck, and capture beautiful family photos.
Contact information:
- Address: 04 Pham Ngoc Thach, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM daily
5. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Flower Street – The City’s Iconic Spring Destination
Nguyen Hue Flower Street is always the center of attention for both locals and visitors every Tet. With grand designs that change each year based on the year’s zodiac animal theme, it offers a vibrant floral art space that is modern yet fully preserves the national spirit right in the heart of the city.
Contact information:
- Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, former District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Open 24/7 throughout the flower street period
Relaxation, Green Spaces, and Suburban Experiences
After busy days, the beginning of the year is also an ideal time for the whole family to go on outings, breathe fresh air, and enjoy fun activities.
6. Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park
Located at the eastern gateway (former Thu Duc City), Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Park is a familiar entertainment destination for many generations of Saigon families during holidays and Tet. It regularly hosts lively spring festivals, special artistic programs, and a rich variety of games, bringing joyful moments for both adults and children.
Contact information:
- Address: 120 Ha Noi Highway, Tang Nhon Phu Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
- Hotline: 1900 636 787 / 0283 896 0260
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuoiTienThemePark/
- Website: https://suoitien.vn/
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
7. Bach Dang Yacht Pier – A Waterfront Experience
If you love romance, taking a canoe or yacht cruise on the Saigon River departing from Bach Dang Pier offers a fresh perspective on the modern and dynamic city along the river under the gentle spring weather.
Contact information:
- Address: Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, former District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City in the early months of the year always holds many interesting discoveries and rich emotions waiting for you. Whether seeking sacred places for blessings, dressing in ao dai for photos on familiar streets, or immersing yourself in green spaces, each experience helps create a smooth start to the new year. Wishing you and your family a prosperous and peaceful new year! Don’t forget to share this article or leave a comment below about your favorite destination!
