If you travel to HCM City (Saigon) during Christmas, you will have a great experience of tropical Christmas vibes. You should be wondering where should you celebrate Christmas in Saigon? What will you have to do? And what is Christmas like in Saigon?
Below are suggestions that will ensure you have the best local experience for Christmas in Saigon.
The weather in Ho Chi Minh at Christmas
Christmas and New Year come during the dry season in southern Vietnam and you will find similar hot weather here in Saigon with an average temperature of 26 to 28 degrees Celsius. It is the best time of the year with pleasant temperature and no tropical rain.
Even people in northern and central Vietnam would be jealous of Saigon’s weather at Christmas. During the whole vacation, the weather is good with a nice breeze throughout southern Vietnam, especially on the beautiful beaches of Nha Trang, Phu Quoc island and Mui Ne…
What should you visit this Christmas in Ho Chi Minh City?
1. Notre Dame Cathedral
Address : 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-see not only for people looking for Christmas ambiance, but also for first-time visitors.
Built between 1863 and 1880 under the French, it has become a symbol of Saigon with the Ben Thanh market. All the original building materials were totally imported from France with a general neo-Romanesque design. Beautifully decorated with splendid Christmas items, it will surely attract the eyes of everyone who walks through the center of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
Located in the center of District 1, Nguyen Hue is a pedestrian avenue that connects the city’s People’s Committee headquarters and Bach Dang Pier, Saigon River. Nguyen Hue Street is the brightest center of Saigon, so at Christmas this street is wonderfully decorated.
Coming here, you will be immersed in the warm atmosphere of this occasion and enjoy dancing, singing, street bands and cultural exhibitions. This beautiful current walking route also serves food stalls, bubble tea shops, fast food restaurants and convenience stores that will entertain your entire Christmas evening.
3. Bui Vien Street
Address : Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Vien Street is called “the street that never sleeps” promising an unforgettable Christmas party. This street is a mix of cafes, restaurants, sports bars, pubs and nightclubs where locals and tourists alike are captivated when night falls.
This multinational and multicultural place can be enjoyed at its best by grabbing a few bottles of Saigon beer with some street food, people watching, and you will definitely love Saigon from that moment on.
4. Diamond Square (Diamond Plaza)
Address : 34 Le Duan, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Diamond Plaza is a luxurious shopping mall with its unique diamond-shaped design and sublime stylistic theme, promises to be an extraordinary place this Christmas.
From the top of the building, you can observe Notre-Dame Cathedral during this special event.
5. Bach Dang Pier
Dock address: 05 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
Sailing along the Saigon River at Christmas is a pleasant experience that presents you with beautiful cityscapes, a romantic sunset and fresh air.
There is a wide range of cruise styles and budgets, regularly operating from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. You can enjoy a Christmas dinner on the boat and escape from the crowds.
6. Ben Thanh Market
Address : Le Loi street, Ben Thanh neighborhood, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Built in 1912, Ben Thanh Market is the largest market in Saigon where you can taste most of Saigon’s specialties including Goi Cuon, Banh Xeo, Hu Tiu, Che. It is considered the soul of Saigon after many years of vicissitudes of the Vietnam War as well as several restorations.
7. Chinatown
Address : District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
Since there are many Chinese temples, houses and clubs, there is no doubt that people call it Chinatown.
You will be lost in the festive atmosphere when the vast majority of stores sell Christmas and New Year decorations. Average prices are very cheap, so from early morning to late evening this area is always busy.
