Tet spring outings near Saigon: one-day itineraries by private car

Where can you go for a one-day spring outing near Saigon on days 1–5 of Tet? In the first days of the new year many families want to leave the city to see flowers, visit the orchards or catch a sea breeze, and still be home for dinner. Here are three one-day itineraries by private car, the best departure times and what to know when booking a car at Tet.

3 sample one-day itineraries

1. Mekong orchards: My Tho and Ben Tre

Leave early, take a boat on the Tien River, visit a fruit orchard and a coconut candy workshop, have a Mekong lunch and head back before dark. An easy pace for young children and older relatives. See HCMC to My Tho and HCMC to Ben Tre.

2. The nearby coast: Vung Tau or Ho Tram

Go early for a morning swim, seafood lunch and an afternoon beach walk. At Tet, coastal roads are busy outbound in the morning and inbound in the late afternoon, so timing matters. See HCMC to Vung Tau or HCMC to Ho Tram.

3. A New Year pagoda visit with scenery

If your family wants to visit pagodas at the start of the year, group several in one direction to avoid backtracking. A ready-made route: Binh Duong – Binh Phuoc in one day. Private cars for this are on New Year pagoda visits.

Departure times that beat the crowds

• Leave early to avoid traffic at the city exits and get more time at your destination.
• Return before the late-afternoon rush, especially on the last day of the holiday.
• Pick your day: many families stay home on day 1 to visit relatives; the middle days are usually busiest for outings. If you are flexible, ask us which days still have cars.

A driver who waits all day

For a multi-stop outing, a car with driver saves you from hunting for parking or driving in Tet traffic. The driver waits while you sightsee and eat. Chauffeured prices include fuel and tolls for the quoted route. Choose by group size: a 4-seater for 1–3 people, a 7-seater for 4–5 people and about 4 suitcases, a 16-seater for more. Child seats on request with notice.

Booking a car at Tet

• Book early: Tet cars fill fast, and year-end and Tet prices are usually higher than normal.
• The Tet deposit is usually about 10%, set out in a contract signed by both parties.
• Send your planned route and stops for an accurate quote. Every quote gets 10% off.
• Popular sights are crowded and parking is limited at Tet; the driver drops you near the entrance and finds a place to wait.

See also Tet 2027 car rental and ways to save on a Tet booking.

FAQ

Chauffeur or self-drive for a Tet day trip?

Either works. A driver is easier with heavy traffic and many stops; self-drive gives you control of timing but excludes fuel and tolls.

Can I rent a car on day 1 of Tet?

Possibly, depending on availability. Book early and confirm before Tet.

Which itinerary suits grandparents and small children?

The My Tho – Ben Tre orchard trip: gentle pace, little walking and easy breaks.

Are child seats available?

Yes, on request when you book.

Planning a Tết outing

Many shops close on the first days of Tết, so bring snacks and water. Leave early to avoid crowds at pagodas and parks.

Book the car early since Tết dates fill quickly.

See Tết money-saving tips and cars for older relatives.

Quick answers

Are prices higher at Tết? Often; ask for a quote.

Can we visit pagodas? Yes, dress modestly.