Experience the Magic of Tet in Vietnam’s Most Vibrant City
Saigon transforms into something extraordinary during Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. The usually bustling metropolis slows to a peaceful rhythm, offering visitors a rare glimpse of the city in its most authentic, tranquil state. If you’re planning to spend Tet in Saigon this year, you’re in for an unforgettable experience—especially when you start your days at Au Parc, one of the few iconic establishments open during Tet.
Why Au Parc is Your Tet Home Base
Open During Tet: Start Every Day Right
While most of Saigon closes for the holiday, Au Parc remains open, welcoming guests to its prime location next to Notre Dame Cathedral in the heart of District 1. There’s something special about enjoying breakfast or a leisurely brunch overlooking the park while the city takes its annual breath. The peaceful atmosphere during Tet makes the already beautiful park views even more spectacular.
Whether you’re an early riser seeking a traditional breakfast or prefer to ease into your day with a late brunch, Au Parc provides the perfect setting to plan your Tet adventures. The restaurant’s iconic status isn’t just about location—it’s about being a constant in a city that completely transforms during this special time.
Understanding Tet in Saigon: From Chaos to Calm
The Great Transformation
During most of the year, Saigon pulses with energy—motorbikes zip through streets, vendors call out their wares, and the city hums with commercial activity. But during Tet, this megacity of millions becomes something resembling a sleepy village. Locals return to their hometowns for family celebrations, leaving the streets remarkably quiet. For visitors, this transformation offers a unique opportunity to explore Saigon in a way that’s impossible any other time of year.
What to Do During Tet in Saigon: Your Day-by-Day Guide
Essential Tet Experiences
1. Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Festival Central
No Lunar New Year in Saigon is complete without visiting Nguyen Hue Street. This pedestrian boulevard becomes the epicenter of Tet celebrations, adorned with elaborate traditional decorations that create perfect backdrops for photos. Giant zodiac animal installations, flower sculptures, and colorful lanterns line the street, drawing locals and visitors alike.
Best time to visit: Early morning for fewer crowds, or evening when the lights create a magical atmosphere.
2. Flower and Tet Tree Market at Ben Thanh Metro Park
The temporary flower market near Ben Thanh Metro Station is a sensory explosion of colors and fragrances. Here you’ll find everything from traditional kumquat trees and peach blossoms to vibrant chrysanthemums and roses. Even if you’re not buying, wandering through the market offers an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese Tet preparations.
What to look for:
- Mai (apricot blossom) and Dao (peach blossom) trees
- Traditional lucky flowers
- Ornamental plants symbolizing prosperity
- Local vendors selling traditional Tet decorations
3. Saigon Water Bus: A Different Perspective
The water bus along the Saigon River provides a peaceful escape and a unique vantage point of the city. During Tet, with reduced traffic and activity along the riverbanks, the journey becomes even more serene. Glide past colonial architecture, modern developments, and traditional neighborhoods while enjoying the cool river breeze.
Route highlights:
- Views of District 1’s skyline
- Bach Dang Wharf area
- Traditional riverside communities
- Thu Thiem Bridge
4. District 1 Like Never Before
District 1 at its quietest state of the year is revelation. The normally congested streets become almost peaceful. This is your chance to:
- Walk down the middle of usually impossible-to-cross streets
- Photograph iconic buildings without crowds
- Explore alleyways at a leisurely pace
- Discover hidden architectural gems
Take a morning stroll after your Au Parc breakfast and experience Saigon as locals remember it from decades past.
5. The Old Opium Refinery: Colonial Elegance
Visit the historic Opium Courtyard and sit on the terrace of The Refinery restaurant for a journey back to colonial times. During Tet, when the pace of life slows dramatically, the atmosphere here becomes particularly evocative. The architecture, the quietness, and the gentle rhythm of these days create an ambiance that truly echoes the past.
Why visit during Tet: The combination of historic architecture and the city’s slowed pace creates an authentically nostalgic experience that’s difficult to replicate at any other time.
6. Cho Lon’s 15th Day Celebration
Mark your calendar for the 15th day of the lunar month, when Cho Lon (Saigon’s Chinatown) hosts spectacular celebrations. This marks Tet Nguyen Tieu, the first full moon of the new year, featuring:
- Dragon and lion dances
- Traditional music performances
- Elaborate temple ceremonies
- Street food vendors
- Festive atmosphere throughout the district
Planning Your Tet Days in Saigon
Morning Routine
Start each day at Au Parc with breakfast overlooking the park. The morning light, quiet streets, and fresh coffee create the perfect beginning to your Tet exploration. Use this time to plan your day’s adventures while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.
Midday Activities
The middle of the day is perfect for indoor attractions or leisurely walks through the quiet streets. Many museums and cultural sites remain open during Tet, offering air-conditioned respite and cultural enrichment.
Evening Magic
As the sun sets, the city takes on a different character. The Nguyen Hue decorations light up, and families come out for evening strolls. Return to Au Parc for a late brunch or early dinner, or explore the evening food scene at markets that remain open.
Practical Tips for Tet in Saigon
Book ahead: With many restaurants closed, places like Au Parc that remain open during Tet become especially popular.
Embrace the quiet: This is a rare chance to see Saigon without its typical hustle. Slow down and enjoy it.
Stay flexible: Some attractions may have modified hours. The upside is that open venues will be less crowded.
Bring cash: Some ATMs may be unstocked, and card machines might not be monitored as closely during the holiday.
Why This Tet Will Be Memorable
The Lunar New Year in Saigon offers something truly special—a chance to experience one of Asia’s most dynamic cities in pause mode. With Au Parc as your reliable home base, open throughout Tet, you have the perfect starting point for exploring this transformed city.
From traditional decorations on Nguyen Hue Street to the colonial charm of the Old Opium Refinery, from the flower markets bursting with color to the peaceful river journey, Tet in Saigon presents the city in its most authentic and accessible form. The combination of cultural celebrations and unusual tranquility creates an experience you simply cannot find any other time of year.
So this Tet, let Saigon surprise you with its quieter side, and let Au Parc be where each perfect day begins.
