FESTIVALS, HOLIDAYS AND OTHER ANNUAL EVENTS IN Ho Chi Minh City

There are a number of festivals, holidays and other events celebrated in Ho Chi Minh City each year. The main ones are listed below.

The European New Year is especially celebrated by the younger generation in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, as in other major cities, youth meet in the centre for a drink. Around midnight, the streets fill: everyone awaits the countdown and the traditional fireworks.

Tet, or the (Chinese) New Year lunar calendar, is a major event in Vietnam. The festivities begin every year on the first day of the first lunar month and last one week. During the Tet holiday, shops close, people return to their hometown to visit their parents and pay homage to their ancestors. Families and friends gather for sumptuous traditional meals. The houses are decorated with yellow flowers—one of the largest flower markets in the country is in Ho Chi Minh City. Not to be missed!

The death of the first known king of Vietnam is celebrated on the tenth day of the third month of the lunar calendar. On this holiday, many celebrations are held throughout the country.

This date marks the end of the two conflicts in Indochina, led by France and then the United States. Hanoi's troops having liberated the former Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), it is here that the most significant military parades take place, as well as sports races.

Even if it is declared a public holiday, this day is far from a day of relaxation in Vietnam! Numerous tourists, notably from China, enjoy visiting the country at the beginning of May. Shops, restaurants, and tourist sites are in full swing!

Hoa Loc mango, An Phuoc plum, Star apple, dragon fruit, mangosteen Lai Thieu: the fruits of southern Vietnam are an invitation to travel and exoticism! There is a floating market, a parade of giant fruits, and culinary workshops. This festival is an explosion of colours and flavours to promote the benefits of this region of Vietnam and the local agriculture.

This holiday commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam by Ho Chi Minh with official speeches and military parades. Big cities are adorned with the colours of the country and pay tribute to the founder of the current Vietnamese Communist Party and the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (became Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1976).

The fishermen of the Saigon River are honoured at this traditional festival in Can Gio in the coastal district of Ho Chi Minh City. Nautical competitions, seafood and fish tastings, as well as tribute ceremonies to whales, considered a sacred animal in Vietnam, mark the festivities.

On the occasion of the feast of the moon, the Vietnamese eat crescent-shaped cake made of sticky rice stuffed with lotus seeds. In the evening, children carry lanterns in the shapes of dragons, unicorns, and carp through the streets, accompanied by the sound of drums and cymbals. Dance performances and traditional music are also held outdoors during the day.

CLIMATE AND WEATHER IN Ho Chi Minh City

Month	Min. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Max. Average Temperature (°C/F°)	Average Rains (MM)	Best Time to Travel
January	22/72	33/91	14/0.5	Good period to go
February	23/73	34/93	3/0.1	Good period to go
March	24/75	35/95	12/0.4	Good period to go
April	25/77	36/97	42/1.6	Not the best period to go
May	25/77	34/93	220/8.6	Not the best period to go
June	25/77	33/91	329/13.0	Not the best period to go
July	25/77	32/89	314/12.3	Not the best period to go
August	25/77	32/89	268/10.5	Not the best period to go
September	24/75	32/89	334/13.1	Not the best period to go
October	24/75	32/89	268/10.5	Not the best period to go
November	24/75	32/89	113/4.4	Good period to go
December	23/73	32/89	55/2.1	Good period to go

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located about 7 kilometres (4 miles) northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City.

• Two terminals:
  • Terminal 1
  • Terminal 2 (Air France)

• By car
  • Central Ho Chi Minh City is accessible by car from the airport in 20 minutes.
  • Each airport terminal offers short- and long-term parking. Allow about VDN 20,000 for the first 90 minutes and VND 5,000 for each additional hour.
  • Several car rental companies are available at the airport in Ho Chi Minh City. Warning: even though the international driver's license is valid since 2015, it must be accompanied by your home country driver's license. Alternately, you may convert your home country driver's license to a Vietnamese driver's license, to be translated in Vietnamese and certified by the local police. Most rental agencies require a Vietnamese guide to board your vehicle, but it is not mandatory. It is recommended to hire a driver instead.

• By bus
  Three bus lines connect the Tan Son Nhat Airport to downtown Ho Chi Minh City.
  
  • Bus 152. The bus stop is located right at the airport exit. It serves the main points between the airport and the city centre of Ho Chi Minh City (the Reunification Centre, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office). The trip takes about 30 minutes. This bus runs every day of the year between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. You can purchase your travel ticket from the driver for VDN 5,000 per person, and as much for baggage (excluding hand luggage).
  • Bus 109. The bus stop is located right at the airport exit. Launched in March 2016, this bus line connects the Tan Son Nhat Airport to the very touristy area of Pham Ngu Lao via the main streets of downtown. The trip takes about 45 minutes. The bus runs every day of the year, from 5:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. at the rate of one bus every 20 to 30 minutes. You can purchase your travel ticket from the driver, for VDN 20,000 per person (slightly less if you do not go to the terminus: when you purchase your ticket, specify your stop and the driver will give you the rate).
  • Bus 49. The bus stop is located right at the airport exit. Launched in May 2016, this line is especially for tourists (English-speaking staff, stops near major hotels in town), and it runs every day of the year, from 5:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. at the rate of one bus every 30-40 minutes. You can purchase your travel ticket from the driver, for a flat rate of VDN 40,000 per person, luggage included.

• By taxi
  Taxis are available outside the airport. The fare to downtown is VDN 150,000 on average, VDN 200,000 maximum. Warning: only use taxis belonging to one of the two official taxi companies in the city. The cab will be equipped with a meter.
• Services: shops, bars and restaurants, free Internet access (Wi-Fi), ATMs and security office in the airport.
• Telephone: +84 (0)8 3848 5383
• Website: https://vietnamairport.vn/en/

GETTING AROUND Ho Chi Minh City

Rickshaws are rare, forget about tourist folklore—opt instead for the bus, the perfect way to explore the city and its surroundings.

Bus

The city of Ho Chi Minh and the surrounding districts are connected by more than 150 bus lines.

The most important lines run generally from 5 a.m. to 1 a.m.

The most touristy lines are line 152, which connects the airport to the Ben Thanh Market, crossing the whole city centre; line 11, which runs as far as the Dam Sen theme park; line 30, which connects the Suoi Tien hotel area to the Hung Temple; and line 19, which connects the centre to the university.

The price of a ticket varies between VDN 3,000 and 10,000 on average, according to the line used and the distance travelled. You can purchase your tickets directly from the bus driver, or at a point of sale located at the bus station in Ho Chi Minh City. For more information, please visit https://busmap.vn/?locale=en

Taxi

Taxis are a good way to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, if you take into account the potential difficulties related to traffic. Caution: stay away from unofficial taxis. Taxis must be equipped with a meter. The price of a trip is negotiable. On average, count on VDN 12,000 for the first 700 metres, then VDN 14,000 per kilometre in a 7-seat taxi.

Motorcycle taxi

The motorcycle taxi is a quick and inexpensive way to travel in Ho Chi Minh City. Motorcycle taxis are usually parked on the sidewalks of the city and are identifiable by the second helmet the driver is holding. To ensure that it is a motorcycle taxi, ask ‘Xe Om?' (Pronounced ‘Che om?' and meaning ‘motorcycle taxi?') to the driver. The price of a moto-taxi ride is about half the price of a car ride, about VDN 7,000 per kilometre. This means of transport is reliable. It is preferable to agree on the price and settle the race before leaving.

Visitor information

Once in Ho Chi Minh City, do not hesitate to get in touch with tourism professionals to advise you and to help you organize your stay.

Offers practical information and useful recommendations (accommodation, restaurants, public transport, festivals, cultural events, etc.).

• Address: 140 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District. 3, Hô Chi Minh City 710100
• Telephone: +84 (0)8 38 277 371
• Website: https://www.visithochiminhcity.vn/

Medical information

See your doctor before you travel. It is recommended that you obtain insurance covering health care expenses as well as medical evacuation or repatriation before you leave home. Ho Chi Minh City counts several hospitals and medical institutions, as well as quality medical practitioners and health specialists.

The update of diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines before departure is recommended.

Other vaccinations, such as those against hepatitis A and B and typhoid are also recommended (see your physician).

For long stays, it is recommended to get a rabies vaccination. Cases of Zika virus have been signalled in Vietnam. The virus is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, as well as unprotected sexual intercourse. Although generally producing mild effects, it may cause severe complications in infants born to mothers infected during their pregnancy. If you are pregnant, it is recommended not to travel to Vietnam. If you plan to get pregnant, it is recommended to postpone until after your return from Vietnam, or to delay your trip.

For more information, contact the Air France Vaccination Centre:

• Address: 38, quai de Jemmapes, 75010 Paris
• Website: https://www.vaccinations-airfrance.fr
• Telephone: +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00
• To make a vaccination appointment:
  • online (click here)
  • call the centre at +33 (0)1 43 17 22 00

It is recommended to keep good food hygiene (make sure products are cooked, carefully wash produce before eating).

It is recommended to drink bottled water.

Administrative formalities

Entry requirements for Vietnam

A visa is required to enter Vietnam except for residents of certain countries for stays less than 15 days. For more information, visit the Internet Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs website: www.mofa.gov.vn/

Useful addresses

To enjoy peace of mind during your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, visit the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of your country.

Essential phrases

Good to know

+84

+ phone number (without 0)

10 : 00
of time difference with
Sao Paulo

There is no daylight savings time in Vietnam.

BANKS
Usually open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Usually open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

220 V / 50 Hz

Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam, but it is appreciated. You can leave an additional 10 to 15% of the amount of the bill in bars and restaurants. Tips are also welcomed by staff at hotels and spas, and by tour guides and taxi drivers.