Tet completely transforms Ho Chi Minh City.
Some streets become peaceful and quiet. Others turn into colorful celebration zones filled with lanterns, flowers, and families in ao dai. Restaurants may close temporarily, but public spaces become more vibrant than ever.
If you are visiting during Lunar New Year, knowing exactly where you should go during Tet in Ho Chi Minh City helps you avoid confusion and make the most of the holiday.
Here are the best places to experience Tet properly — with precise addresses so you can navigate easily.
Nguyen Hue flower street
Address: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the central Tet hotspot every year.
This pedestrian boulevard stretches from Le Thanh Ton Street to Ton Duc Thang Street, directly in front of Ho Chi Minh City Hall. During Tet, the entire street becomes a large-scale flower exhibition with zodiac statues, floral tunnels, lantern displays, and themed installations.
Why go here:
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the largest Tet decoration zone in the city
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perfect for photography
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strong festive atmosphere
Best time:
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6:30 AM to 8:00 AM for fewer crowds
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after 9:00 PM for calmer lighting
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City Hall sits at the northern end of Nguyen Hue.
Although the building itself is not open to the public, the exterior becomes beautifully lit during Tet. Decorations and flower displays often extend into this area, creating one of the most elegant photo backdrops in the city.
Best visited in the evening for golden lighting.
Tao Dan park spring flower festival
Address: 55C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1
Tao Dan Park hosts the annual spring flower festival.
Inside the park, you will find:
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bonsai competitions
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orchid exhibitions
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miniature traditional house models
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cultural performances
Unlike Nguyen Hue, Tao Dan feels more traditional and less commercial.
Morning visits are cooler and more relaxed.
Ho Thi Ky flower market
Address: Alley 52 Ho Thi Ky Street, Ward 1, District 10
Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is the city’s largest wholesale flower market.
Before Tet, the market operates almost 24 hours a day. Apricot blossoms, peach branches, kumquat trees, and marigolds fill the narrow alleys.
This is not a staged exhibition. It is where locals buy real Tet flowers.
Best time:
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5:00 AM to 7:00 AM for authentic market activity
District 5 and Cholon temples
Main area: Tran Hung Dao Street & Nguyen Trai Street, District 5
Cholon becomes one of the most atmospheric areas during Tet.
Recommended temples:
Thien Hau temple
Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5
Filled with red lanterns and spiral incense coils, this temple becomes very active during Tet.
Ba Thien Hau pagoda
Same location as above (commonly referred to as Thien Hau temple).
Evenings here are especially dramatic due to lantern lighting and incense smoke.
Jade Emperor pagoda
Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most important spiritual sites in the city.
During Tet, locals visit to pray for love, fertility, health, and career success.
Best visited in the morning to avoid large crowds.
Vinh Nghiem pagoda
Address: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 7, District 3
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is spacious and less crowded than central temples.
It offers a calm Tet atmosphere with fewer tourists.
Landmark 81 park
Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District
Landmark 81 provides a modern contrast to traditional Tet decorations.
Families gather in the park area for photos with skyline views. It is less cultural but spacious and comfortable for evening walks.
Nguyen Van Binh book street
Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Nguyen Van Binh Book Street often features Tet calligraphy booths and decorative setups.
It is smaller and quieter than Nguyen Hue, making it ideal for relaxed photography.
Tan Dinh church
Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3
Tan Dinh Church offers a pink colonial backdrop that pairs beautifully with Tet outfits.
Although not heavily decorated for Tet, it becomes a popular photo location due to its striking architecture.
Practical Tet navigation tips
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Stay near District 1 for maximum access to decorations.
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Use ride-hailing apps but expect slight delays.
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Visit major hotspots early in the morning.
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Confirm restaurant openings before Tet begins.
Final thoughts
During Tet, Ho Chi Minh City shifts from business energy to cultural celebration.
If you go to the right places — and now you have the exact addresses — you will experience the holiday rather than feel disrupted by it.
Tet is not about speed or convenience. It is about atmosphere.
And these locations are where that atmosphere lives.
