How to celebrate an epic Easter in Ho Chi Minh City

Easter in Ho Chi Minh City coincides with the warm, dry season, making it a good time for outdoor activities despite the humidity levels on some days. Attending a church service at the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral or strolling the gardens of Tao Dan Park are some of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at Easter. For a more cultural experience, attend a traditional water puppet show or a hands-on egg coffee workshop. With an array of options, here’s how to spend Easter in Ho Chi Minh City.

Everything you need to know about Easter in Ho Chi Minh City

Easter traditions: Church services and family gatherings in homes or local parks.
Best free Easter activity: Attending an Easter service at Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral or picnicking in Tao Dan Park.
Average temperatures around Easter: Around 79-93 F (26-34 C) with some days of high humidity.
Festive food to try: Bunny-shaped cakes at local bakeries.

1. Attend an Easter service at Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral

When planning how to spend Easter in Ho Chi Minh City, a visit to the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is a must. This magnificent example of French colonial architecture is at the heart of the city’s Easter celebrations. Its neo-Romanesque style, complete with original stained glass windows from France, creates a stunning backdrop for Easter services.

Insider tip

The cathedral gets crowded during Easter services, so arrive at least 30 minutes early to find seating. While the weather can be warm, avoid wearing crop tops, tight shorts, or overly casual attire, opting for clothing that covers the shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

Address

01 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Opening hours

Open daily from 5:30 AM to 5 PM, with mass times varying during Easter week. Check the board outside for the most up-to-date schedule.

2. Taste Easter treats at Ben Thanh Market

One of the most popular places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, the historic Ben Thanh Market is a sensory journey through Vietnamese culture. A visit to the market during Easter in Ho Chi Minh City allows you to taste special Vietnamese Easter cakes like banh chung (square sticky rice cake) and banh da lon (layered steamed cake) and seasonal fruits like mangoes and papayas. You’ll also see the usual array of handicrafts like handwoven baskets and small wooden figurines, textiles, and street food stalls.

Highlight

Don’t miss the flower section near the east entrance, where vendors create elaborate Easter-themed arrangements that combine traditional Vietnamese lotuses with Western flowers like daffodils and tulips.

Address

Le Loi, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Opening hours

Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM.

3. Go underground in the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast network of underground passages that offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s tragic war history. With the end of Ho Chi Minh City’s dry season bringing mild weather, Easter is a good time to explore these tunnels at cooler temperatures. Still, wear loose, comfortable clothes and bring plenty of water to hydrate.

Insider tip

The tunnels showcase Vietnam’s dark past during its civil war (locally known as the American War, or as the Vietnam War by Americans). They show how life was back then when people were forced to live in tiny tunnels in complete darkness. Be mindful of this and avoid making inappropriate jokes or remarks.

4. Go picnicking at Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park is a 10-hectare oasis of green in the heart of District 1. During Easter in Ho Chi Minh City, it fills up with blooming tropical flowers and families enjoying holiday picnics. The park’s trees provide welcome shade, while ornamental gardens offer peaceful spots for reflection.

Insider tip

Stock up on typical dishes from Ho Chi Minh City like banh mi (baguette sandwiches with meat and vegetables), tropical fruits, and Vietnamese iced tea from the cluster of food stalls along Truong Dinh Street, just north of the park.

Address

55C Nguyenn Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Opening hours

Open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM.

5. Experience the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

If you’re traveling with kids and wondering how to spend Easter in Ho Chi Minh City with your family, catching a show at a Vietnamese water puppet theater is essential. This family-friendly activity in Ho Chi Minh City is a traditional art form that takes on special significance during holiday periods, with shows at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater incorporating elements of spring renewal themes.

Insider tip

The theater’s limited seating means every spot offers great views, but the central seats in rows 3-5 provide the perfect vantage point for both the water stage and the live musical accompaniment.

Address

55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Opening hours

Shows run daily at 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM, and 8:00 PM, with additional afternoon shows during holidays.

6. Join a workshop to make Vietnamese egg coffee

Easter in Ho Chi Minh City brings unique opportunities to explore local traditions, including the city’s celebrated egg coffee — a dessert-like drink of whipped egg yolks, condensed milk, and strong Vietnamese coffee. Taking a workshop to learn how to make this sweet drink will add a delicious Vietnamese twist to the Easter season’s egg traditions.

Insider tip

Take a class at a cafe near Ben Thanh Market. Many of them offer combination workshops to teach egg coffee and traditional Vietnamese drip coffee techniques.

7. Cruise the Saigon River at sunset

As the city cools in the evening, take a Saigon River cruise on a boat that’s brightly decorated for the holidays. One of the more relaxing things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at Easter, many cruises offer special holiday menus featuring both Vietnamese and international dishes.

Insider tip

Book a cruise on a boat with an open-air top deck and aim your departure time for around 5:45 PM to catch the golden hour light on the city’s landmarks.

Easter in Ho Chi Minh City: FAQs

Generated with the help of AI

What are some popular Easter traditions in Ho Chi Minh City?

In Ho Chi Minh City, Easter is celebrated with a mix of local and Western traditions. Many churches hold special services, and you’ll find Easter-themed decorations in some areas. Although not a public holiday, expatriate communities often organize Easter egg hunts and brunches, offering a chance to experience a blend of cultures.

Are there any special events or festivals during Easter in Ho Chi Minh City?

While Easter is not a major public holiday in Vietnam, some international hotels and expatriate communities in Ho Chi Minh City host Easter events. These can include Easter egg hunts, themed brunches, and family-friendly activities. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a festive atmosphere and meet people from around the world.

What can I expect from the weather in Ho Chi Minh City during Easter?

Easter typically falls in the dry season, with warm and relatively dry weather making it one of the best times to visit Ho Chi Minh City. Temperatures usually range from 25 C to 35 C (77 F to 95 F). It’s advisable to wear light clothing and stay hydrated while exploring the city during this time.

How can I experience local culture during Easter in Ho Chi Minh City?

To experience local culture during Easter, visit some of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic churches, such as Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral. Exploring local markets and trying Vietnamese cuisine also offers insight into the city’s vibrant culture. Engaging with local communities and attending any Easter events can enhance your cultural experience as well.

Are shops and attractions open during Easter in Ho Chi Minh City?

Most shops and attractions in Ho Chi Minh City remain open during Easter, as it is not a public holiday in Vietnam. Tourists can enjoy visiting popular sites, shopping, and dining without major disruptions. However, it’s always a good idea to check the opening hours of specific attractions in advance.