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Between spectacular fireworks displays, dazzling rooftop parties, open-air concerts, and spiritual local traditions, Ho Chi Minh City offers a multitude of experiences for an unforgettable transition into the New Year.
Ho Chi Minh City, often dubbed the "city that never sleeps", is the economic and cultural heart of Vietnam. Vibrant, modern, and brimming with energy, it captivates visitors with its luminous skyscrapers, traditional markets, mouth-watering street food, and warm atmosphere. During the New Year’s Eve period, the city transforms even further: decorated streets, outdoor shows, lively rooftop bars, and enthusiastic crowds create a unique and electric atmosphere in Southeast Asia. Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City means experiencing a night where Vietnamese culture, modernity, and festivity converge.
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Things to do on New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City
Exploring illuminated streets and night markets
On New Year's Eve, downtown streets like Nguyen Hue, Dong Khoi, Le Loi, and Ton Duc Thang light up with colourful lanterns, floral installations, and glittering decorations. With street musicians, vibrant night markets, snack stalls, and a festive mood, the city offers a genuine open-air spectacle. It's the ideal place to wander, take photos, and fully enjoy the warm energy that precedes the Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations and the midnight countdown.
Attending concerts and public events
In Ho Chi Minh City, free concerts, DJ shows, and artistic performances are held in several iconic locations, notably on the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. These shows attract immense crowds and offer an immersive experience, perfectly timed with music, light shows, and the giant New Year countdown.
Admiring the New Year’s fireworks display
Each year, HCMC organises spectacular fireworks displays at midnight in several key locations, including near the Thu Thiem Tunnel, 23/9 Park, and Landmark 81. Whether you're by the Saigon River, on a bridge, or from a rooftop bar, the luminous show illuminating the city skyline is one of the most anticipated moments of the evening.
Special New Year’s Eve dinner
New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to enjoy a refined dinner at one of Saigon's many excellent restaurants. From gourmet tables to 5-star hotel buffets, such as the Majestic Hotel, La Siesta Premium Saigon Hotel, or Park Hyatt Hotel, each offers special menus with champagne, seafood, and live entertainment. This is the perfect option to start the evening in an elegant and festive atmosphere.
Saigon river cruise
New Year's Eve cruises offer a unique experience: dinner served on board, live music, and spectacular views of the illuminated skyline. Several companies, like Saigon Princess Cruise or Ben Nghe Cruise, organise special cruises on December 31st. This is a calmer and more romantic choice than the downtown hustle.
See more: Top 5 Dinner Cruises in Saigon 2026
Best spots to watch the New Year’s Eve fireworks in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
The Nguyen Hue Walking Street is one of the most popular places to celebrate New Year's Eve. Every year, thousands of people gather here to enjoy the festive atmosphere, artistic performances, and the clear view towards the city centre sky. This is the ideal spot if you want to experience a lively evening in the heart of the city.
Bach Dang Port Park
Located along the Saigon River, Bach Dang Park offers a spacious and airy setting to admire the fireworks. Its renovated quays, benches, and panoramic view of the iconic downtown towers make it one of the best spots to comfortably watch the pyrotechnic show. Arriving a little earlier allows you to enjoy the street performances, street vendors, music, and local atmosphere. The mix of river breeze and city lights creates an absolutely magical backdrop to celebrate the transition into the New Year.
Dam Sen Cultural Park
Located in the Binh Thoi district, Dam Sen Cultural Park is one of the few places outside the city centre where you can admire the fireworks in a family-friendly atmosphere. Each year, the park offers a pyrotechnic show accompanied by entertainment and concerts. Thanks to its vast space around the lake, it offers a clear view and fewer crowds than the city centre, ideal for families or those seeking a relaxed yet festive New Year’s Eve.
Thu Thiem riverside
From the Thu Thiem area, directly opposite the city centre, the view of the fireworks is particularly impressive. The calm banks, open spaces, and direct perspective onto the District 1 skyline allow for capturing magnificent photos without the dense crowd of the city centre. It is also a favourite spot for locals, who go there to picnic or relax before the countdown.
Famous bridges over the Saigon River
The bridges crossing the Saigon River are also popular places to observe the fireworks. Mong Bridge attracts photography enthusiasts, while Khanh Hoi Bridge and Thu Thiem 2 Bridge offer clear views of the different firing points. The atmosphere is always lively, and the nighttime illumination of the bridges adds a spectacular touch to the New Year’s moment.
Saigon river banks
The quays and promenades along the river, notably around Ton Duc Thang or the Binh Thanh district, offer quiet and airy zones to enjoy the show. These locations are perfectly suited for those who wish to avoid the crowds while retaining a superb view of the fireworks. The atmosphere is more relaxed, ideal for spending a romantic moment or enjoying the fresh wind from the river.
Rooftops and hotels overlooking the city
For a more chic experience, the rooftops and luxury hotels in the city centre offer spectacular views. Here, you can watch the fireworks while enjoying cocktails, DJ sets, and an elegant, festive atmosphere. These establishments often offer special December 31st parties, featuring gourmet menus, champagne, and live performances. Enjoying the countdown from the heights of Saigon is a refined and memorable way to start the new year, ideal for those seeking comfort, glamour, and an international atmosphere.
>> See more: Top 10 best rooftop bars in Saigon
The best bars and rooftops for New Year countdown
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar
The Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar impresses with its open-air table layout and airy terrace, which have attracted many international tourists. The bar offers a view of the skyline, Lam Son Square, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Food enthusiasts can also consider this establishment a 5-star venue, as the dishes are constantly updated and high-end chefs will offer an exceptional experience to guests. Savour a delicious dinner in a lively atmosphere, then mingle with the crowd for the countdown and celebrate the arrival of the New Year together.
- Opening hours: 16:30 – 01:00
- Address: 19-23 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe, Ho Chi Minh City
Social Club Rooftop Bar
Located in the Hotel Des Arts Saigon MGallery Collection, with its luxurious style and French architecture, the Social Club Rooftop Bar is known as one of the best rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City. It attracts many visitors thanks to its panoramic view that embraces the entire district, making it an ideal spot to admire the fireworks during the transition to the new year. Additionally, the Social Club Rooftop Saigon boasts the highest infinity pool in Saigon. When you visit here, you can sample the bar's unique cocktails and listen to music from the DJ's songs. Music is played every night to admire the city's nightlife and the dynamic countdown atmosphere.
- Opening hours: 15:00 – 24:00
- Address: MGallery Saigon, 24th Floor, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ho Chi Minh City
Chill Skybar Saigon
Located on the rooftop of AB Tower, in the heart of the city, with a prime location and a unique property, Chill Skybar Saigon offers the most sought-after view in Saigon. On December 31st, the atmosphere is electric. There is nothing better than sipping some glasses of wine, enjoying delicious dishes, dancing with friends to smooth music at the bar, such as Chill-out, R&B, Hip Hop, and appreciating the fireworks.
- Opening hours: 17:30 – 02:00
- Address: AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Zion Sky Lounge & Dining
Located on the rooftop of Hotel des Arts Saigon, in the heart of the city, Zion Sky Lounge & Dining is one of the most famous bars in Saigon. It is an ideal venue to enjoy an elegant and high-end New Year's Eve, worthy of an exceptional moment. The Zion Sky Lounge & Dining offers a splendid view thanks to its open space, allowing guests to capture all the magic of Saigon at night as well as the dazzling fireworks in the sky. Catchy music and the excellence of its cocktails will offer moments of celebration, emotional exhilaration, and refreshing relaxation before the new year.
- Opening hours: 17:30 – 02:30
- Address: 87A Ham Nghi Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Blank Lounge
Located on the 75th and 76th floors of the Landmark 81 building – the highest position in Southeast Asia – Blank Lounge impresses with its location within one of Saigon's most prestigious buildings. Here, visitors can admire the city from a vantage point several hundred metres high, ideal for experiencing the New Year’s Eve countdown in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to its breathtaking view of the skyline and the fireworks. There is nothing better than savouring a gentle cocktail, immersing yourself in a soothing melody, with the sparkling stars above and the colourful lights below, and enjoying a perfect setting for the countdown.
- Opening hours: 09:30 – 23:30
- Address: 208 Nguyen Huu Canh, 75th - 76th Floor of Binh Thanh District, Landmark 81, Ho Chi Minh City
Above Sky Bar
Above Sky Bar is one of the most luxurious and sophisticated rooftops in Saigon. Nestled on the 19th floor of the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel, right in the heart of the city centre, it offers an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Saigon's luminous horizon. Visitors can enjoy an elegant and calming ambience, set to the rhythm of live DJ sets, as well as a refined menu including premium spirits, signature cocktails, draft beers, carefully selected wines, and creative light dishes. It is a privileged place to enjoy a memorable evening and experience a New Year’s Eve countdown in a chic and festive atmosphere.
- Opening hours: 08:00 – 24:00
- Address: 59 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, Ho Chi Minh City
Practical tips for enjoying New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City
- Arrive early at gathering spots
Streets and fireworks viewing spots fill up very quickly from late afternoon onwards. Arriving one to two hours earlier will allow you to find a good spot, avoid the congestion, and fully enjoy the atmosphere before midnight.
- Use public transport or ride-hailing apps
Traffic is extremely dense on December 31st, and several central streets are closed. Prioritise taxis, motorbike taxis via Grab/Be, or walking to get around. This will prevent you from getting stuck in traffic jams and allow you to move more easily.
- Be wary of crowds and secure personal belongings
New Year’s Eve attracts thousands of people to the city centre. Keep your bag zipped, avoid valuable items, and remain vigilant in very crowded areas like Nguyen Hue or Bach Dang.
- Book restaurants, rooftops, or bars in advance
Establishments offering a view of the fireworks fill up very quickly. Booking in advance guarantees you a spot and sometimes a special New Year's Eve menu.
- Wear light clothing and stay hydrated
Even in December, Saigon's heat and humidity remain high. Plan for comfortable clothing and water to stay comfortable during the festivities.
Celebrating New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing a night where modernity, festivity, and Vietnamese traditions harmoniously blend. From illuminated streets to dazzling fireworks, from lively rooftops to quiet moments by the river, every traveller can create their own experience for the transition moment. One thing is certain: this dynamic city never stops surprising, and you will want to return for another even more memorable New Year’s.
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