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This year’s April 30 – May 1 holiday lasts 4 days, and with smart planning, you can enjoy a “golden holiday” right in Ho Chi Minh City without squeezing onto a plane or coach. Saigon during the holiday period is often calmer and more relaxed, offering a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the rhythm of the city named after Uncle Ho. Below are 12 suggestions to help you fully enjoy the upcoming holiday.
In 2026, the holiday calendar is quite special because Hung Kings Commemoration Day (the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month) falls on April 25 and extends for 3 days until April 27. Right after that, the April 30 – May 1 holiday officially lasts 4 days from April 30 to May 3.
If you take two extra leave days in between, you can enjoy a holiday of up to 9 consecutive days. With that amount of time, many people tend to stay in the city and enjoy the holiday at a slower pace instead of taking long trips or dealing with crowded tourist destinations.
In reality, Saigon during the holiday period still maintains its vibrant rhythm, with many attractions open throughout the holiday. You can absolutely explore the city without going far, saving time and costs while still enjoying interesting experiences during the festive season.
Independence Palace is located at 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, District 1, and is closely associated with the historical event of April 30, 1975 – the day of the complete liberation of the South and national reunification.
The interior of the palace still preserves its architecture and artifacts from the 1970s. You can visit the cabinet rooms, where important meetings once took place; the command bunker with its wartime communication system still intact; and the helicopter landing area on the rooftop. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of part of the city center with its high-rise buildings and bustling traffic.
The entrance ticket is around 40,000 VND per person, and opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. For a more comfortable experience, avoiding the heat and crowds, you should visit early in the morning. This is a meaningful experience to better understand the historic days of April right in Saigon.
The Saigon WaterBus is a river transport route connecting central Ho Chi Minh City with outlying areas, offering a completely different perspective of the city.
The current main route runs from Bạch Đằng Wharf (District 1) to Linh Đông (Thủ Đức), with notable stops such as Bình An and Thanh Đa. Tickets cost 15,000 VND per one-way trip and 30,000 VND for a round trip, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily.
While on the boat, you will pass stretches of river that embrace the city center. Along both riverbanks are high-rise buildings, Thủ Thiêm Bridge, and riverside residential neighborhoods.
The ideal time for this experience is from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM. At that time, the sunlight softens, and the river reflects the orange-red colors of sunset, creating the perfect backdrop for skyline photos. You will see Landmark 81 and the central District 1 buildings gradually light up as night falls.
During every April 30 – May 1 holiday, Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street becomes the liveliest meeting point in central Ho Chi Minh City. After 6:00 PM, the streetlights and high-rise buildings begin to glow, and the nearly one-kilometer-long boulevard takes on a sparkling appearance.
You can take a leisurely stroll, immerse yourself in the lively crowd, watch street performances by young artists, or simply find a photo spot with iconic buildings such as Bitexco Tower and the City People’s Committee headquarters.
This is also a chance to feel the rhythm of a modern urban lifestyle blended with a touch of old-world charm. From Nguyễn Huệ, it only takes a few minutes to walk to Bạch Đằng Wharf, where you can rest, enjoy the river breeze, and admire the glittering lights from the Thủ Thiêm urban area in the distance.
The riverside park area in Thủ Thiêm (located in Thủ Thiêm Ward, Thủ Đức City) is now a favorite destination for many people who want to admire central Saigon from afar. During the April 30 – May 1 holiday, the space here becomes ideal for outdoor activities.
In the late afternoon and evening, the breeze from the river is cool and refreshing. You can lay out a picnic mat with friends or family, chat together, and wait for the sunset moment. From here, the view looks directly toward Landmark 81 and the District 1 skyline, where high-rise buildings gradually light up.
Compared with the Bạch Đằng Wharf area on the other side of the river, the space in Thủ Thiêm is more open and less crowded, making it suitable for those who want to enjoy a peaceful atmosphere in the heart of the city. It is also a beautiful sunset photography spot, with orange and purple tones reflecting on the water’s surface.
Landmark 81 SkyView is an observation deck located on floors 79 to 81 of Vietnam’s tallest building, in the Vinhomes Central Park complex (720A Điện Biên Phủ Street, Ward 22, Bình Thạnh District). From a height of 461 meters, you can enjoy a sweeping panorama of Ho Chi Minh City, with the winding Saigon River, the vibrant District 1 center, and major roads stretching into the distance.
The experience begins with a high-speed elevator ride that takes you to the top of the tower in just a few dozen seconds. The SkyTouch area on the 81st floor features an outdoor glass floor, where you can stand on transparent panels and feel the thrilling height beneath your feet. Ticket prices start from around 300,000 VND, and holiday pricing may vary depending on policy at the time.
The best time to go up is at sunset, when the city gradually transitions from daylight into a sparkling nightscape. If you arrive early from 5:00 PM, you can observe the entire transformation and take photos with two distinctly different tones of light.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located at 2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, and is one of the oldest zoos in the world, established in 1865.
With its large grounds and a system of old shade trees, this place offers an airy atmosphere completely different from the urban rhythm outside. Entrance tickets are around 40,000 – 60,000 VND per person, and opening hours are from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
During the April 30 – May 1 holiday, the zoo is a familiar destination for many families. Children can explore a wide variety of animals such as elephants, giraffes, peacocks, and crocodiles. The picnic area under the shady trees is an ideal place for the whole family to rest and enjoy light snacks after walking around the zoo.
The quiet, green setting helps you temporarily escape the feeling of a crowded city. If you have young children, this will be a meaningful holiday activity that combines fun and nature education. You should bring drinking water and light snacks to be more prepared during your visit.
Suối Tiên Tourist Area is located at 120 Xa lộ Hà Nội, Tăng Nhơn Phú Ward, and is a large entertainment park themed around Vietnamese culture and legends.
The park covers more than 50 hectares and is divided into many different zones, recreating familiar folk stories such as Sơn Tinh – Thủy Tinh, Journey to the West, and Lạc Long Quân – Âu Cơ. Ticket prices range from around 100,000 – 200,000 VND depending on the service package, and opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM daily.
During the April 30 – May 1 holiday, Suối Tiên often hosts special performances and decorations based on new themes. You can enjoy thrilling roller coasters, relax at the artificial Tiên Đồng beach, or check in at areas recreating legendary stories with impressive architecture.
This is a suitable destination for a full-day outing with family or friends. If you are traveling with children, you should prepare swimwear and sunscreen for a comfortable time in the water park area.
Đầm Sen Cultural Park is located at 3 Hòa Bình Street, Ward 3, District 11, and is a long-established amusement destination familiar to Saigon residents.
The large grounds are divided into two main areas: the water park and the dry park, each offering distinct experiences. Ticket prices range from around 100,000 – 200,000 VND depending on the area and service package, and opening hours are from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
Đầm Sen Water Park is an ideal destination on hot days, with thrilling attractions such as water slides, a wave pool, and a lazy river.
Meanwhile, the dry park attracts visitors with its system of thrill rides such as roller coasters and spinning rides, along with music performances and carefully maintained garden landscapes.
Many people only know about the water park, but in reality, the dry park also offers many equally interesting activities. Depending on your preference, you can choose one of the two areas or combine both for a complete day of holiday fun during April 30 – May 1.
Major shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City such as Vincom Center, Takashimaya, Aeon Mall, and Crescent Mall are suitable choices when the weather becomes too hot or sudden rain appears during the April 30 – May 1 holiday. The cool air-conditioned environment allows you to comfortably move between many different activities without being affected by the weather.
At these malls, you can watch movies at CGV, Galaxy, or Lotte Cinema with a wide range of screening times. The dining areas bring together many brands, from fast food to upscale restaurants, suitable for family meals or outings with friends. In addition, entertainment zones such as bowling and arcade games on the upper floors are also popular attractions.
The biggest advantage is that you can combine many activities in one place, from shopping and dining to entertainment. This is considered an effective backup plan if you need to adjust your outdoor schedule.
While waiting for the upcoming exclusive promotions for the April 30 – May 1 holiday, you can still explore a variety of attractive offers from Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport to make your stay more complete and fulfilling. These curated options are ideal for short getaways, diverse culinary experiences, and energy-recharging moments right in the heart of the city.
One of the standout packages is the Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package with inclusive dining and stay benefits, which includes breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children under 12, along with a set-menu dinner served at the hotel’s restaurant.
If you are looking to combine your stay with a richer culinary journey, you can also explore the International & Seafood Buffet dining experience at Manja Manja restaurant, available daily from 18:00 to 22:00. This buffet features more than 40 Asian and European dishes, unlimited fresh seafood, includes 1 complimentary lobster per guest, and offers a 20% discount for IHG One Rewards members.
In addition, the hotel offers Morning Yoga Sessions for relaxation and balance, held every Saturday and Sunday from 7:00 to 8:00 on Level L. This activity is complimentary for in-house guests and is ideal for those who want to start their day in a calm and balanced way. With these diverse offerings, Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport is not only a convenient place to stay but also a destination that delivers meaningful and enriching experiences for the upcoming holiday.
After a long day exploring places to visit in Saigon, you may need a comfortable resting space right in the city. Holiday Inn & Suites Saigon Airport is located in the center of Tân Bình District, only about 10 minutes from Tan Son Nhat Airport by the hotel’s complimentary shuttle service. This location is convenient both for a short staycation and as a stop before a flight.
The hotel features a spacious outdoor swimming pool, a 24/7 gym, and Manja Manja Restaurant serving breakfast buffet and a diverse Asian – European menu. The Lobby Lounge is an ideal space to relax with a drink after hours of holiday activities. The guest rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities and offer views of the city or the pool.
During the April 30 – May 1 holiday, this is a suitable choice for those who want a staycation in the city without traveling far. Professional service and a peaceful atmosphere help you recharge after the lively festive days.