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What to do in Ho Chi Minh City during Tết, and how to get around, is a real question for families who stay while the city empties for the holiday. From Christmas and New Year's Eve to the Nguyễn Huệ flower street and day trips out of town, each occasion has its own crowds and road closures. This guide gathers practical tips for families staying in the city who want to go out by private car without losing an hour looking for parking.
On the evening of 24 December and on 31 December, the centre and the areas around the main churches stay crowded late, and some streets may be diverted. The easiest approach is to be dropped on a parallel street a few hundred metres from the crowds, walk in, and agree a precise pick-up point for the way back. Avoid pick-ups right at busy junctions.
For Tết 2026, the flower street opened from the evening of the 28th of the last lunar month to the end of the 6th day of Tết; Nguyễn Huệ was closed to all vehicles and became a walking street, with car parks set up nearby and Metro Line 1 to the Opera House station as an option. Dates for Tết 2027 are usually announced close to the holiday; if the usual pattern holds, it would open around the evening of 4 February 2027. Go early in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds.
From the afternoon of the 28th of the last lunar month to the 3rd day of Tết, city roads are far clearer than usual. Many restaurants and markets close for the first days of the year, so call ahead. It is also a good time to take grandparents to a pagoda for the new year, or to visit relatives in outer districts you avoid on normal days.
Chauffeured cars over Tết book up early, especially the first days of the year. Book ahead with the number of people and any child seats; Tết bookings need a deposit of about 10%. Every quote comes with 10% off.
| Sight | Address | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Palace | 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa | Spacious grounds; go in the morning |
| War Remnants Museum | 28 Võ Văn Tần | For adults and older children |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office | Công xã Paris | Photos, near the Nguyễn Huệ flower street |
| Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens | 2B Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm | Families with young children |
| Thiên Hậu temple | 710 Nguyễn Trãi, Chợ Lớn | New Year prayers; packed on New Year's Eve and the 1st |
Tết opening hours may change; check each site's notice before going.
Many places close for the first days of the year, but well-known central spots often reopen early. Some familiar names:
Call ahead or check holiday notices; the driver can suggest places open along your route.
The Cần Giờ mangroves, Vàm Sát park in Lý Nhơn, Monkey Island and Hàng Dương seafood market. Go in the morning, back by evening.
The Củ Chi tunnels, combined with Bến Dược memorial temple. Roads there are clear over Tết.
Part of the enlarged Ho Chi Minh City since 2025; take the expressway to the beach, swim at Bãi Sau and see the Christ statue on Small Mountain. The 2nd and 3rd days are packed; go early.
Saigon station is at 1 Nguyễn Thông. Send the train code and carriage; the driver waits at the exit. A 4–5 seater takes about 3 suitcases, a 7-seater about 4, a 16-seater or 9-seat limousine about 6–8.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 7:00 | Pick-up at home, New Year pagoda visit |
| 9:00 | Independence Palace |
| 11:00 | Lunch in the centre |
| 1:00 p.m. | Rest |
| 4:00 | Nguyễn Huệ flower street; drop-off on a nearby street |
| 7:00 | Pick-up at the agreed point, home |
Cần Giờ is the original city's only coastal district, with mangroves recognised as a biosphere reserve. From the centre you cross on the Bình Khánh ferry, then drive Rừng Sác road through the mangroves.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 6:30 a.m. | Leave the centre |
| 8:30 | Vàm Sát park in Lý Nhơn: watchtower, bird sanctuary, boat through the forest |
| 11:30 | Seafood lunch around Hàng Dương market |
| 1:30 p.m. | Cần Thạnh beach, rest |
| 3:00 | Monkey Island, Rừng Sác base |
| 5:00 | Back to the centre |
The Bình Khánh ferry can be busy over Tết; the driver picks the timing. Bring hats, sunscreen and repellent; on Monkey Island, secure glasses and phones, as monkeys snatch.
From about the 28th of the last lunar month to the 4th day of Tết, many residents go home and central streets are unusually clear. Driving downtown is quick and stopping easier in many areas, except around the flower street and big pagodas. Families staying in town can:
Tết bookings need a deposit of about 10%; every quote gets 10% off; chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls, with child seats on request.
Since 1 July 2025, Bình Dương and Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu have been part of Ho Chi Minh City, so places once seen as out-of-town are now inside it: Vũng Tàu, Long Hải and Hồ Tràm beaches, Thủ Dầu Một and the Củ Chi tunnels. For families staying in town over Tết, a private-car day in Vũng Tàu is a familiar choice: leave early, visit the Christ statue and lighthouse, swim at Bãi Sau and be back by evening. A car that waits all day lets you leave things on board and go at your own pace.
The Củ Chi tunnels have two main sites, Bến Dược and Bến Đình, about 1.5–2 hours' drive from the centre. Go in the morning in comfortable clothes and flat shoes, as some sections are low and paths are earthen. Older relatives may prefer to see only the above-ground areas. Lunch on the way back and a quiet afternoon make an easy Tết day.
Thủ Dầu Một is now also in Ho Chi Minh City, so families can combine visiting relatives in the north with a market stroll and a meal. Send each address when booking so the driver can order the stops.
Families of 4–6: a 7-seater; extended families: a 16-seat van. Day trip ideas: Cu Chi tunnels by private car and a Can Gio day trip.
Lock in dates near Tết early: Tết bookings need about a 10% deposit and quotes are always 10% off. Chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls; 8% VAT invoices on request. Send your route through our quick quote form.
Official dates are usually announced close to Tết; in 2026 it ran from the 28th of the last lunar month to the 6th day.
No, the whole street is closed to vehicles while the flower street is open.
Yes; book early with a deposit of about 10%.
Yes; book ahead as New Year's Eve and the 1st are very busy.
Early morning; the 2nd and 3rd days are packed.
No, it is closed to all vehicles; you are dropped nearby.
The ferry can be; go early and let the driver choose timing.
No. Since 1 July 2025 it has been part of Ho Chi Minh City.
Yes, if you start early and pick one site, Bến Dược or Bến Đình.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Travel guides for this trip
Private cars with driver from 4 to 45 seats, including Limousine vans and 29- and 45-seater coaches. Tolls, trip insurance and the driver's pay are included:
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