You might be wondering how you would celebrate the holidays season in Vietnam, where Christmas and New Year’s Eve has never been the foremost festivals. In fact, there are plenty of things to do in a young and dynamic city like Ho Chi Minh.
Read our blog to find out how to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh: Christmas Dinner
The hotels in Ho Chi Minh, especially those in District 1, offer a wide service from fancy suites to divine restaurants and bars. You can either choose a Christmas Eve buffet or treat yourself with a Christmas Day luncheon. However, in order to relish the most authentic Christmas spirit possible, book a dinner table on Christmas Eve when there are in-house carolers and choirs performing festive tunes.
Caravelle Hotel Saigon
Address: 19 – 23, Cong Truong Lam Son, District 1
Proudly presents itself as one of the most reputed hotels in Ho Chi Minh, Caravelle Saigon is one of the most ideal locations to welcome the new year. You can have fine dining at its rooftop restaurant, enjoy the fantastic view of Saigon Opera House, and walk a few steps to Nguyen Hue Walking Street to join the excited crowd in the countdown.
An overview of the stunning Caravelle hotel
InterContinental Asiana Saigon
Address: 39, Le Duan Street, District 1
InterContinental hosts from lavish Christmas party to intimate Christmas dinner. The hotel has first-class facilities to cater to all of your needs. Besides world-class dining, InterContinental Asiana Saigon also has Christmas carols performing and a jolly Santa Claus, which is an enormous plus if you are traveling with kids.
Christmas celebration inside Intercontinental Asiana, one of the most luxury hotels in Saigon
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh: Churches
If Christmas holds a whole other significance to you rather than just casual enjoyable exuberance, then make your way to Notre Dame Cathedral where the Christian communities in Ho Chi Minh would gather on special events. Other than that, the cathedral is also a historical icon that is situated in the heart of the city. You can have a glimpse of Ho Chi Minh City’s past here, and then make your way to other famous attractions in District 1 that are only within walking distance.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Address: Cong Xa Paris, District 1
Cho Quan Church
Address: 120 Tran Binh Trong, District 5
See more of other churches across Ho Chi Minh City.
The Notre Dame Cathedral lies in the heart of Ho Chi Minh, one of the most popular tourist attractions
Read more for other places to visit and things to do at Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh: New Year Party
There are many rooftop lounges with ultra-luxurious layouts for your lavish entertainment and the breath-taking panorama of the city from up above. What better way to welcome the new year than having the most spectacular observatory with a cool drink in your hand.
Sohy Sky Lounge and Dining
Address: 72-74, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3
Having one of the highest views for wine and dining, Sohy Sky Lounge is where fancy party-goers frequent. Sohy regularly holds major events for important holidays, and undoubtedly, their New Year’s Eve party is the most spectacular of all, with superb food and beverages and exceptional live music.
Rooftop bar, the best location to say hello to a new year
Rex Rooftop Garden (Rex Hotel)
Address: 141, Nguyen Hue Street, District 1
Although the bar’s height is quite modest at only five stories high, the location of Rex Rooftop Garden in Rex Hotel does not hinder views to the most spectacular architectures of Saigon such as Sai Gon Opera House and People’s Committee Hall. There is also an elevated stage and a little dance floor especially for live Latino music and salsa performances.
A look of rooftop terrace at Rex Hotel
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh: New Year Countdown
New Year is when the tourist season is at its peak, so there’s no doubt that the street will be congested with thousands of people. Having said that, this is also one of the rare times that you would not mind the massive crowds. Nguyen Hue pedestrian street is one of the ultimate hot-spots to partake in the countdown and observe the magnificent fireworks shot near the Bitexco Tower. As a matter of fact, you can visit Nguyen Hue street in both Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh, because not only is it motorbike-free, but it is also adorned with splendid lightings for your Instagram pleasure.
The insane crowd on Nguyen Hue Boulevard before the countdown
A quick note:
- The weather at Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh would not be as chilly as you are used to, so don’t hesitate to pack light and comfortable clothing on your trip.
- Because of the crowded street on this holiday, be aware of pickpocketing and scams in the streets.
Check out our private motorbike tours with professional local guides
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Conclusion on Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh
Take a chance on celebrating the holidays in Ho Chi Minh this year and you would never regret it. The city promises to cater to your holiday’s spirits, or even if you wish to escape the crowds, check out how to experience Ho Chi Minh like a local.
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