Vibrant Festivals in Ho Chi Minh City: A Cultural Celebration in Saigon

A Tapestry of Multicultural Celebrations
Ho Chi Minh City, fondly known as Saigon, pulses with cultural energy, hosting festivals that reflect its diverse Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer heritage. From the exuberant Tet Nguyen Dan flower markets in Ward 1 to the sacred Nghinh Ong Festival in Can Gio Ward, these events blend ancient traditions with modern vibrancy in a 6,772 km² megacity. The proposed Festival of Peace, starting April 30, celebrates Vietnam’s reunification, drawing global visitors to Ward 1’s parades (web:18). Whether it’s lion dances in Ward 5’s Cholon or coastal rituals in Vung Tau Ward, Saigon’s festivals captivate travelers. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours, using bicycles and Metro Line 1, offer sustainable immersion in these cultural spectacles, supporting local communities. Join the celebration—book our tours via links throughout this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or sales@legendtravelgroup.com! TripAdvisor Ho Chi Minh City

Administrative Update
Vietnam recently merged Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau into Ho Chi Minh City, creating a 6,772 km² megacity with 13.7 million residents across 168 wards, including District 1 now Ward 1 and District 5 now Ward 5. This expansion enriches Saigon’s festival scene with events like Vung Tau’s Ba Chua Xu Festival, enhanced by Metro Line 1, electric buses, and cycling paths connecting Ward 1’s urban core to Can Gio and Vung Tau wards. The political center remains at 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ward 1.

Legend Travel Group, a premier Southeast Asia tour operator, offers immersive, eco-conscious tours to Ho Chi Minh City’s festivals. Our tours use bicycles and low-emission vehicles, guided by local experts sharing Saigon’s cultural traditions. Supporting communities in Ward 1, Ward 5, and Thu Duc, we align with the city’s “Green Metropolis” vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless experience. Book our eco-tours via links on this page and celebrate sustainably! TripAdvisor Reviews

Located ~1,730 km south of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City thrives in a tropical monsoon climate: dry season (December–April, 25–35°C or 77–95°F) and rainy season (May–November, 23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F), with peak rainfall in June–September (150–400 mm). As Vietnam’s economic hub, Saigon’s 168 wards, from urban Ward 1 to coastal Vung Tau, host festivals reflecting its multicultural tapestry of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Khmer communities. Events like Tet Nguyen Dan citywide, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda Festival in Ward 1, and Nghinh Ong in Can Gio Ward draw thousands, blending spiritual rituals with vibrant performances. Accessible via Metro Line 1, these festivals, near landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica, make Saigon a cultural hotspot.

1. Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year)

• When: Late January–early February (lunar calendar, 1st–7th day of first lunar month).

• Where: Citywide, with flower markets at Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Ward 1, and lion dances in Cholon, Ward 5.

• What to Expect: Vietnam’s biggest festival, Tet marks the lunar new year with vibrant flower displays, firecrackers, and family gatherings. Ward 1’s Nguyen Hue hosts a dazzling flower street, while Ward 5’s Cholon features dragon dances and red envelope exchanges. Free public events; expect crowded markets and temples.

• Cost: Free; food stalls $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); tour packages $50–$70.

• Tip: Visit Nguyen Hue at night for illuminated displays; included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

2. Ngoc Hoang Pagoda Festival (Phuoc Hai Pagoda)

• When: 9th day of the first lunar month (evening of 8th for prayers).

• Where: Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, 73 Mai Thi Luu, Da Kao, Ward 1.

• What to Expect: This Chinese-Vietnamese festival at the 1900-built Ngoc Hoang Pagoda, a national monument, honors the Jade Emperor. Thousands, including Chinese and Vietnamese devotees, flock for incense offerings and prayers for prosperity. The pagoda’s unique Chinese architecture, with ceramic figurines, draws crowds. Free entry, donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Cost: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND); tour packages $50–$70.

• Tip: Arrive evening of the 8th for chanting; included in our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70).

3. Nghinh Ong Festival

• When: 16th–18th day of the eighth lunar month.

• Where: Can Thanh, Can Gio Ward, ~50 km from Ward 1.

• What to Expect: A sacred fishermen’s festival honoring whale spirits ("Ong fish") for safe sea voyages. Features colorful boat processions, dragon dances, and offerings at Can Thanh’s whale temple. Reflects coastal Khmer and Vietnamese traditions, praying for bountiful catches. Free public events; transportation $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Cost: Free; transportation $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND); tour packages $60–$80.

• Tip: Join the boat parade; included in our Saigon Coastal Tour ($60–$80).

4. Ba Chua Xu Festival

• When: 24th–27th day of the first lunar month.

• Where: Sam Mountain, Vung Tau Ward, ~95 km from Ward 1.

• What to Expect: A vibrant festival at Ba Chua Xu Temple, honoring the Lady of the Realm, a protector deity. Draws thousands for incense offerings, folk music, and Cham-influenced rituals, reflecting Vung Tau’s multicultural heritage post-merger. Free entry; expect bustling markets with local crafts.

• Cost: Free; transportation $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND); tour packages $60–$80.

• Tip: Explore Sam Mountain’s caves; included in our Saigon Coastal Escape ($100–$150).

5. Festival of Peace (Proposed)

• When: April 30 annually, marking Vietnam’s reunification.

• Where: Citywide, with parades in Ward 1’s Le Duan Boulevard and cultural shows in Thu Duc Ward (web:18).

• What to Expect: A proposed celebration of peace, featuring parades, fireworks, and performances showcasing Vietnam’s unity. Highlights include historical reenactments and food stalls in Ward 1, with concerts in Thu Duc’s cultural parks. Free public access, drawing global visitors.

• Cost: Free; food stalls $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND); tour packages $50–$70.

• Tip: Watch fireworks at Bitexco Tower; included in our Saigon Historical Tour ($50–$70).

Festival locations span from Ward 1’s urban core to Can Gio and Vung Tau wards:

• By Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), in Tan Binh Ward, serves 40 million passengers annually. Round-trip costs:

  • Hanoi: $80–$150 (2,000,000–3,750,000 VND).

  • Da Nang: $60–$120 (1,500,000–3,000,000 VND).

  • Bangkok/Singapore: $200–$500.

  • Taxis/Grab to Ward 1 (7 km): $5–$8 (120,000–200,000 VND).

• By Bus: From Hanoi (30–34 hours, $35–$60 or 875,000–1,500,000 VND), Da Nang (18–22 hours, $20–$40 or 500,000–1,000,000 VND), or Can Tho (3–4 hours, $5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND). Local bus #109 to Ward 1: $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND).

• By Train: Saigon Railway Station in Ward 7 connects to Hanoi (30–34 hours, $40–$80 or 1,000,000–2,000,000 VND). A high-speed rail is planned for 2030.

Getting to Key Festival Sites:

• Ward 1 (Tet, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda): Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh Station), $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), 5-minute walk to Nguyen Hue or Ngoc Hoang Pagoda. Bus #109, $0.55–$0.80 (15,000–20,000 VND). Grab/taxi $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND).

• Can Gio Ward (Nghinh Ong): Grab/taxi $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND), 1.5 hours from Ward 1. Bus #20 to Can Gio, $1.30 (30,000 VND), 2 hours.

• Vung Tau Ward (Ba Chua Xu): Ferry from Ward 4, $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND), 1.5 hours. Grab/taxi $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND), 2 hours.

• Bicycles: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND) for Ward 1 festivals.

Tip: Use Metro Line 1 for Ward 1 events; book our Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70) for guided festival access.

The dry season (December–April) offers sunny weather (25–35°C or 77–95°F), ideal for outdoor festivals like Tet Nguyen Dan and Festival of Peace. Lunar New Year (late January–early February) is peak season with vibrant events but crowded venues. The rainy season (May–November) brings cooler temperatures (23–32°C or 73.4–89.6°F) and 15–25% tour discounts, with Nghinh Ong’s boat processions thriving despite showers. Morning visits (8:00 AM–11:00 AM) avoid crowds, while evening events (6:00 PM–10:00 PM) showcase illuminated displays.

Tip: Book tours 3–5 weeks ahead for Tet; visit mornings for quieter festival grounds. Check AccuWeather for rainy season updates.

Pack these essentials for a comfortable visit:

• Clothing: Lightweight outfits for dry season; waterproof jackets for rainy season. Modest attire (covered shoulders, long pants) for temple festivals.

• Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brimmed hat for outdoor events.

• Footwear: Comfortable shoes for walking; sandals for warm days; waterproof shoes for rainy season.

• Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella, mosquito repellent.

• Tech Gear: Smartphone with Maps.me, Grab app, portable charger, camera for photos.

• Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, tour confirmations, VND (50,000–200,000 notes) for small purchases.

• Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote bag, straw to support sustainability.

Tip: Carry small VND notes for food stalls; bring a camera for festival parades.

Festival Costs

• Tet Nguyen Dan: Free; food stalls $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Ngoc Hoang Pagoda Festival: Free; donations $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).

• Nghinh Ong Festival: Free; transportation $10–$20 (250,000–500,000 VND).

• Ba Chua Xu Festival: Free; transportation $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).

• Festival of Peace: Free; food stalls $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

Transportation

• Metro Line 1: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Bus #109 or #20: $0.55–$1.30 (15,000–30,000 VND).

• Grab/Taxi: $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) within Ward 1; $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND) to Can Gio or Vung Tau.

• Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND).

• Ferry to Vung Tau: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).

Dining (Nearby)

• Street Food: $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND).

• Restaurants: $5–$15 (125,000–375,000 VND).

• Drinks: $0.50–$3 (12,500–75,000 VND).

Accommodation (Ward 1 or Ward 5)

• Hostels: $8–$20/night (200,000–500,000 VND).

• Hotels: $25–$80/night (625,000–2,000,000 VND).

• Resorts: $100–$250/night (2,500,000–6,250,000 VND).

Total Daily Cost

• Budget: $15–$40 (includes food, metro, donations).

• Mid-range: $40–$80 (includes tours, Grab, dining).

• Luxury: $100–$300 (includes private tours, upscale lodging).

Tip: Carry VND for small purchases; ATMs are widespread in Ward 1 and Ward 5.

• Book Early: Reserve tours via Legend Travel Group (WhatsApp: +84825862222, sales@legendtravelgroup.com) 3–5 weeks ahead, especially for Tet or Festival of Peace.

• Seasonal Tips:

  • Dry Season: Use sunscreen; attend evening parades for cooler weather.

  • Rainy Season: Carry raincoats ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND); focus on indoor temple rituals.

• Bargaining: Negotiate politely for souvenirs at festival markets; start at 50% of quoted prices.

• Safety: Wear crossbody bags; watch for pickpockets in crowded festival areas.

• Sustainability: Use reusable straws; support local vendors for festival snacks.

• Navigation: Download Maps.me, Grab; save Nguyen Hue (Ward 1) or Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (73 Mai Thi Luu, Ward 1) as landmarks.

• Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at temple festivals; say “cảm ơn” (thank you); tip performers $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND).

• Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND); choose busy food stalls for hygiene.

Our sustainable tours showcase Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant festivals:

• Saigon Cultural Tour ($50–$70/person): Tet Nguyen Dan, Ngoc Hoang Pagoda Festival, Notre-Dame Basilica. Includes Metro Line 1, guide, lunch.

• Saigon Historical Tour ($50–$70/person): Festival of Peace, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace. Includes bike rentals, guide, snacks.

• Saigon Coastal Tour ($60–$80/person): Nghinh Ong Festival, Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Vung Tau’s Ba Chua Xu Festival. Includes eco-transfers, guide, meals.

• Saigon Festival Escape ($200–$350/person, 2–3 days): Tet Nguyen Dan, Ba Chua Xu Festival, Mekong Delta. Includes meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and fees. Get 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book via links on this page! TripAdvisor Reviews

Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant festivals, from Tet’s flower markets to Nghinh Ong’s coastal rituals, weave a rich cultural tapestry across Saigon’s Ward 1, Can Gio, and Vung Tau. Legend Travel Group’s Ho Chi Minh City Tours guide you through these celebrations, ensuring a sustainable Ho Chi Minh City Travel experience that supports local communities while immersing you in Saigon’s cultural gems. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Saigon festival adventure today!
Ready to join Saigon’s cultural festivities? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and experience Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant heritage!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.