New Year’s Eve parties and celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City

Can’t decide where to ring in the new year and catch the fireworks? Check out these 10 NYE happening in Saigon.

In the blink of an eye, the year is almost over and it’s time to leave all the worries of 2023 in the past and usher in 2024 with delicious food, champagne, and a stunning firework display. After a year of silence due to the pandemic, the fireworks are back to illuminate the skies of Saigon and will be set off at the Thu Thiem Tunnel between Districts 1 and 2 followed by a countdown parade on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street on the 31st of December.

So, whether you’re looking for a panoramic rooftop to catch the fireworks show, party like Gatsby, go all out for your last meal of the year or enjoy free-flow champagne and drinks all night long - we’ve got you covered with our top 10 picks (where you can probably catch us) happening in Saigon this year.

District 1

Source: Chill Sky Bar

Chill Sky Bar: Welcome new year with fanfare

Over the years, this bar has set a new bar for a New Year’s countdown party due to its fantastic view of Saigon’s skyline, but also its ever-evolving entertaining, crowd-hyping activities. This year, apart from its star-studded line-up of DJs, emcees, and dancers soon to be revealed on their social media, be ready to be wowed by its laser mapping show. Tables go quick though so make sure to snag your table fast to witness this one-of-a-kind experience.

Source: SORAE

SORAE: For close-up view of the fireworks 

Located on the 51st floor of the famed Bitexco financial tower, SORAE perhaps is the closest you could get to the fireworks in Saigon. To make your New Year's Eve as memorable as possible, SORAE is bringing in a special menu (2,900,000 VND ++/person) of carefully curated Japanese dishes made from top-rate ingredients imported from Japan. And, no New Year Eve party is complete without some razzle-dazzle of the house’s special performance. 

Source: Banana Mama

Banana Mama: Fun! Fun! Fun! 

Looking for a more laidback, casual spot to witness the year transitioning? Banana Mama is the answer. Their 2,000,000 VND pre-sale package comes with 8 drinks, while 2,500,000 VND entrance at the door will get you 7 (so, early bird gets one extra drink at cheaper price!). With both packages, there comes all-night-long DJ sessions, delightful petit-fours that will be served from 9 pm to 11:30 pm, and most importantly, their “best view of fireworks”. Please note that this is an adult-only countdown party as children are not allowed from 9 pm onwards. 

Source: Da Vittorio Saigon

Da Vittorio Saigon: Go all out for the last meal of the year

Da Vittorio Saigon - the first Southeast Asian outpost of MICHELIN three-star Italian restaurant in Italy - is bringing out the big guns for its last menu (VND 8,588,000++ per person sans alcohol) of the year available exclusively on the 31st of December.

Helmed by Chef Matteo Fontana, this expertly curated and executed Italian menu spans exquisite ingredients and traditional recipes like its award-winning homemade Tagliolini pasta with white truffle, foie gras-stuffed homemade Tortellini, blue lobster tail, and Wagyu MB 6/7 tenderloin. Plus, luckily for those dining, the menu also features in-season Italian winter black truffle flown straight from the source. For the last dish, a surprise ‘Davittorio finale’ will be served.


Looking for new experiences in HCMC in 2024?

Check out our Saigon Supper Club and Cocktail Cinema for intimate dinners and large food and drink festivals that spotlight Vietnam’s vibrant coming-of-age dining scene.


District 3

Source: EAST by Ngo Thanh Hoa

East By Ngo Thanh Hoa: A Masterful meal to end off the year

This holiday season, East by chef Ngo Thanh Hoa – the winner of Vietnam MasterChef season 1, created a special menu that is grounded on the concept of “sum”, which in Vietnamese alludes to “gathering” (in “sum họp” and “sum vầy”), as well as “abundance” (in “sum xuê”).

Indeed, East promises diners a memorable night of staying present together while savoring its seven-course meal that effortlessly fuses the flavors of Vietnamese, Singaporean, and Japanese cuisines. As usual, the menu is well-balanced as it starts with a series of light and refreshing seafood appetizers – chef Ngo Thanh Hoa’s ode to his Central Vietnamese origin, and ends with a rich and complex red meat entrée. East’s Sum menu starts at 1.399.000 VND +++/pax and is available from 23/12/2023 to 1/1/2024. 

Make it count(down) at La Vela’s Rooftop Bar

Quality food, spectacular view of the city at night, memorable collective experience through a zestful sonic feast  - if these are what you are looking for in a countdown party, make sure to check out La Vela Hotel’s 2023 package. La Vela Hotel is a recently built five-star hotel that verges on the idea of modern luxury and youthfulness.

Priced at 2,510,000 VND +++/pax, La Vela Hotel’s year-end party offers guests with premium buffet dinner (beer and wine included) by its notorious infinity pool, live performances by local singer, DJ and dancer as well as an exclusive fireworks performance. Located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street connecting Phu Nhuan District, District 3 with District 1, La Vela is a strategic spot for a group of friends who live across the city. 

  • Address: 280 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, HCMC

  • Website: lavelasaigon.com


Looking for Tet Gift Boxes in 2024?

Find our curated Lunar New Year Gift Boxes here. We also do corporate gifting and ship in Vietnam as well as internationally.


District 2

Source: P’ti Saigon

P’ti Saigon: A Moulin Rouge-themed farewell to 2023 

Time is a construct with this one. Instead of thinking about the future, P’ti Saigon decided to take everyone back to Paris in the early 19th century with its glamourous Moulin Rouge-themed party on New Year's Eve. A true extravaganza with disco flashing lights, cabaret dancers in their most exquisite costumes, and alluring movements along with live music performance. A French-styled dinner of five courses will be served at 2,724,000 VND ++/person. On top of that, guests will stand a chance to participate in the restaurant’s yearly lucky draw — after all, who doesn’t love the thrill of testing their luck?   

Photo courtesy of Cafe Des Stagiares

Le Cafe des Stagiaires: Party Like Gatsby 

The best rooftop bar in Thao Dien has it all: a breathtaking view of the city by the Saigon River, good food, and music that makes you want to move, always! This year, Le Café des Stagiaires decided to spice its things up with quite significant glitz and glamour as they chose The Great Gatsby as the party’s central theme. Guests are encouraged to adorn themselves with 1920s-glamour clothing. Ticket includes free-flow drinks from 8 pm to 1 am, and finger food from 8 pm to 10 pm. Reservation is required so make sure to message them through their Facebook or Instagram before coming.  

Photo courtesy of 86 Proof

86 Proof: Countdown at this neighbourhood bar where everyone knows (will know) your name

If you’re looking a fuss-free and familiar spot to usher in 2024, head down to 86 Proof - a popular neighbourhood cocktail and whiskey bar in Thao Dien where everybody knows your name. From the waiters to the bartenders, owners and friendly patrons, here’s where you come alone and leave surrounded by friends for life. Great for solo travellers and singles. Best part? Walk-ins are free.

For New Year’s Eve, 86 Proof has got an exciting line-up of activities. Think welcome bubbles on arrival to start your evening, throwback RnB and Hip Hop tunes by DJ Ivy Phi, complimentary party favours to help you ring in the new year in style and delicious cold cut boards. Choose from three categories - silver, gold and platinum - depending on where you want to sit - at the bar, near the window or outdoors. Packages start from just 1,200,000 VND for 2 people at the bar or rooftop including a small tapas platter and 1,000,000 VND food and drink tab.

Outside Saigon

Source: An Lam Retreats Saigon River

An Lam Retreats Saigon River: A brief getaway to reset for the new year

Need a little break from all the hustles and bustles of the city, try Sen — An Lam Retreat’s signature restaurant that perches right on Saigon River. The restaurant is known for its appreciation for long-forgotten traditional recipes, and its effort in reviving them with a modern touch. This year, to celebrate the turn of a new chapter, there will be a special music performance at the restaurant. And if, you are in the mood to pamper yourself after another year of hard work, consider treating yourself to a stay here as An Lam Retreats has everything it needs for a mental and physical recharge. 

Know a new restaurant, cafe or bar opening?

Get in touch to be added to my list.

Buy Me a Coffee at ko-fi.com

Featured Articles

Follow me on Instagram

Previous
Previous

Tết in Vietnam: Traditional Tet snacks and food myths debunked

Next
Next

Best Christmas takeaway and delivery in Saigon (2023)