Ho Chi Minh City Named Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2026 | Asia Travel Mates
Vietnam · World Travel Awards 2026

Ho Chi Minh City Named Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2026

Three hundred festivals a year. One city. Asia’s most electric events destination.

At the World Travel Awards 2026 ceremony at CROSSROADS Maldives, Ho Chi Minh City was honoured as Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination — one of three major titles the city collected this year.

Read the Story → Explore Festivals

Tet · Flower Street · Film Festivals · Marathons · MICE Venues

AN
Andy Nguyen Vietnam Travel Expert at Asia Travel Mates
September 2026 · 10 min read

Ho Chi Minh City has been named Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination at the World Travel Awards 2026, confirming the city’s emergence as one of Asia’s most dynamic venues for culture, celebration, and business events.

The award was announced at the gala ceremony held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 27, 2026 — the same evening Vietnam claimed its sixth consecutive Asia’s Leading Destination title, and Ho Chi Minh City took home Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination and Asia’s Leading City Tourism Department.

Ho Chi Minh City hosts more than 300 festivals and events each year, ranging from the monumental Tet celebrations to intimate street food gatherings, from international film festivals to world-class marathons. The city has become the natural first choice for event organizers across Southeast Asia — combining the energy of a major metropolis with a genuine cultural identity and a hospitality sector built for major gatherings.

For travelers, the recognition is an invitation: Saigon’s events calendar is one of the best reasons to plan a visit, and one of the best ways to see the city at its most alive.

Ho Chi Minh City skyline at dusk — Asia's Leading Festival and Event Destination 2026
Ho Chi Minh City at dusk — Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2026.
Breaking News · September 27, 2026

Three Asian Titles for Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s three continental honours reflect its emergence as one of Asia’s most complete destinations — for business, for culture, and for celebration.

Ho Chi Minh City’s 2026 World Travel Awards

  • Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2026
  • Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2026
  • Asia’s Leading City Tourism Department 2026 — Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism

The World Travel Awards, established in 1993, are widely regarded as the most prestigious recognition programme in the global travel industry. Winners are determined through online voting by tourism professionals and travelers worldwide. The 2026 Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean ceremony was held at CROSSROADS Maldives.

Why Ho Chi Minh City Wins

Few cities combine the scale, diversity, and cultural authenticity of Saigon’s event calendar. The city can host international business conventions, film festivals, marathons, and traditional Tet celebrations — all within a single year.

Built for Events

Ho Chi Minh City has invested heavily in event infrastructure — from the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center to international-grade five-star hotels with extensive ballroom and conference facilities.

Why Ho Chi Minh City Wins

A City That Celebrates

Ho Chi Minh City is not just a city where events happen — it is a city where events are woven into the fabric of everyday life. Vietnamese culture has always celebrated family, food, community, and season. Saigon, as the country’s largest and most cosmopolitan city, brings those traditions together at a scale that few Asian capitals can match.

The city’s event calendar spans traditional and modern: Tet — the Lunar New Year celebration — fills the streets for weeks; the annual Nguyen Hue Flower Street transforms the central promenade into a living garden; film festivals, fashion weeks, marathons, and food markets keep the city in motion throughout the year.

For international event organizers, this cultural depth is a decisive advantage. Events held in Ho Chi Minh City do not need to create atmosphere — the atmosphere is already there.

Tet celebrations in Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City hosts some of the country's largest Lunar New Year events
Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, Ho Chi Minh City — the central promenade where major city events and festivals take place
Nguyen Hue pedestrian street — Saigon’s central promenade, and the venue for major city celebrations.
The Festival Calendar

Ho Chi Minh City’s Major Events

Saigon’s annual calendar is one of the most diverse in Asia — from traditional Tet celebrations to international sporting and cultural events.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Major Annual Events

  • Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) — January or February. The biggest celebration of the year, with fireworks, flower markets, and traditional performances across the city.
  • Nguyen Hue Flower Street — Tet. A stunning floral display along Saigon’s central pedestrian promenade, visited by hundreds of thousands each year.
  • Tet Fireworks Display — Tet eve. A city-wide fireworks celebration along the Saigon River.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Marathon — January. One of Southeast Asia’s largest marathons, drawing runners from around the world.
  • Saigon International Film Festival — April. Vietnam’s premier film event, with screenings, panels, and red-carpet premieres.
  • Southern Fruit Festival — June. A celebration of southern Vietnam’s extraordinary tropical fruit harvest.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Ao Dai Festival — March. A celebration of Vietnam’s national dress, with parades and cultural performances.
  • Vietnam International Fashion Week — Spring and Autumn editions. Attracting international designers and buyers.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival — April. A major industry event for the travel sector.
  • Christmas and New Year’s Eve — December. Dong Khoi Street and Nguyen Hue come alive with lights, decorations, and public celebrations.
Tet celebrations in Vietnam — the Lunar New Year is the biggest festival of the year in Ho Chi Minh City

Tet — Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Vietnam’s most important celebration, with flower markets, fireworks, and family gatherings across Ho Chi Minh City.

 Dong Ky festival celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City — Tet events transform the city

Nguyen Hue Flower Street

A spectacular floral installation along Saigon’s central promenade, visited by hundreds of thousands during Tet.

 The Saigon Opera House — a landmark venue for cultural events in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon International Film Festival

Vietnam’s premier film event, held each April — with premieres, panels, and red-carpet events across the city.

 Sunrise over Ho Chi Minh City — the city hosts international marathons and sporting events throughout the year

Ho Chi Minh City Marathon

One of Southeast Asia’s largest marathons, held each January — drawing runners from across the region.

Business Events & MICE

Asia’s Emerging MICE Capital

Beyond cultural festivals, Ho Chi Minh City has become one of Southeast Asia’s leading destinations for MICE — Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions. The city’s combination of infrastructure, affordability, and hospitality makes it a first choice for regional and international event organizers.

The city offers a full range of venue types — from the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) with its 40,000 square meters of event space, to five-star hotel ballrooms, historic colonial venues, and rooftop event spaces with panoramic views.

International accessibility is another decisive factor. Tan Son Nhat International Airport connects Ho Chi Minh City directly to Bangkok, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seoul, Tokyo, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Dubai, and major European hubs. The new Long Thanh International Airport, currently under construction, will expand capacity significantly when it opens in phases.

Bitexco Financial Tower — Ho Chi Minh City's business district and skyline

Major MICE Venues in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Exhibition & Convention Center (SECC)

The city’s largest purpose-built convention facility, with 40,000 square meters of exhibition space in District 7.

White Palace Convention Center

A versatile venue in Phu Nhuan District hosting weddings, galas, conferences, and major corporate events.

Gem Center

A modern event space in District 1 offering conference halls, banquet facilities, and prime central location.

Park Hyatt Saigon

A landmark five-star hotel with extensive conference, banquet, and event facilities in the heart of District 1.

The Reverie Saigon

Ultra-luxury event space with some of the most dramatic interiors in Southeast Asia.

Rex Hotel

A heritage Saigon landmark with the famous rooftop terrace, ideal for events requiring a sense of history.

Culture & Everyday Events

Saigon’s Year-Round Cultural Calendar

Beyond major festivals, Ho Chi Minh City maintains a year-round cultural calendar that includes gallery openings, theatre performances, cooking classes, craft workshops, and food markets across the city.

The Saigon Opera House hosts regular performances of the AO Show and classical concerts throughout the year. The War Remnants Museum, the Fine Arts Museum, and the History Museum run exhibitions and cultural programming on a rolling basis.

Saigon’s food scene is itself a form of ongoing event — the city’s street food markets, cooking schools, and food festivals draw visitors throughout the year.

The AO Show at the Saigon Opera House — a signature cultural performance in Ho Chi Minh City
Rooftop bar at dusk in Ho Chi Minh City — the city's nightlife and cultural events continue year-round
Saigon’s rooftop scene — a year-round cultural calendar that continues long after dark.
Visiting for Events

Practical Information

Best Time to Visit for Festivals

January – February

Tet Season: The biggest festival period of the year, with fireworks, flower markets, and street celebrations. Book hotels and flights well in advance.

March – April

Culture & Film: The Ao Dai Festival and Saigon International Film Festival take place in spring. Warm, dry weather.

December

Holiday Season: Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations bring the city’s central streets alive with lights and public events.

Where to Stay for Events

District 1

The primary area for both business events and cultural festivals. Most five-star hotels, conference venues, and event spaces are located here.

District 7 (Phu My Hung)

Home to the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC) and several international hotels. Ideal for large-scale conferences and exhibitions.

Planning Your Visit Around Saigon’s Events

Ho Chi Minh City’s events calendar is one of the best reasons to plan a trip. A few essentials make any visit smoother:

  • Book hotels at least three to four weeks ahead during Tet (January or February) — the city’s busiest period.
  • Check the official Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism calendar for event dates before you travel.
  • Use ride-hailing apps (Grab) for transport around the city — especially during festivals when streets are busy.
  • Carry cash in VND for street food markets and small events. Cards are accepted at major hotels and restaurants.
  • During Tet, some local businesses close for several days — plan accordingly for meals and shopping.
  • Respect local customs during traditional festivals — dress modestly at religious sites and ask permission before photographing people.
Andy’s Perspective

Why Saigon Is Asia’s Best Event City

I have been planning trips around Saigon’s events for more than a decade. What makes the city stand out is not any single festival — it is the way events are woven into daily life. A rooftop gathering, a street food market, a traditional performance — they happen constantly, and they always feel genuinely Vietnamese.

“Saigon doesn’t need to stage culture for visitors. The city is already alive with it. That is why events here — whether a global conference or a small street festival — carry a sense of authenticity that is very hard to replicate anywhere else in Asia.”

— Andy Nguyen, Vietnam Travel Expert at Asia Travel Mates

For travelers planning a visit timed to a festival, my advice is simple: book early, stay central, and let the city unfold. The events will happen around you — you just need to be there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ho Chi Minh City Festival FAQs

What did Ho Chi Minh City win at the World Travel Awards 2026?

Ho Chi Minh City was named Asia’s Leading Festival and Event Destination at the World Travel Awards 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives on September 27, 2026. The city also won Asia’s Leading Business Travel Destination and Asia’s Leading City Tourism Department.

What are the biggest festivals in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City’s biggest festivals include Tet (Lunar New Year), the Nguyen Hue Flower Street, the Tet Fireworks Display, the Saigon International Film Festival, the Ho Chi Minh City Marathon, and the Southern Fruit Festival.

When is Tet in Ho Chi Minh City?

Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) falls in late January or early February each year. Ho Chi Minh City hosts some of Vietnam’s largest Tet celebrations, including the Nguyen Hue Flower Street and a major fireworks display.

Is Ho Chi Minh City good for MICE events?

Yes. Ho Chi Minh City has become one of Southeast Asia’s leading MICE destinations, with international-grade convention facilities, five-star hotels, and a wide range of off-site venue options.

What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City for festivals?

Tet (January or February) is the biggest festival season in Ho Chi Minh City. Other notable events take place throughout the year, including film festivals, marathons, and food festivals.

Which venues host large events in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City’s main event venues include the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), the White Palace Convention Center, the Gem Center, and the city’s five-star hotels, which offer extensive conference and ballroom facilities.

How many days do you need to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s festivals?

Three to five nights is ideal during a major festival season such as Tet. Outside of festival periods, three nights is sufficient to enjoy the city’s regular events and cultural programming.

Can international travelers attend Tet celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes. Tet is a public holiday and travelers are very welcome to attend public celebrations, including the Nguyen Hue Flower Street, fireworks, and cultural performances around the city.

Plan Your Saigon Event Journey

Experience Asia’s Leading Festival City For Yourself

From Tet-timed city breaks to MICE programs, private event itineraries, and business trips extended with cultural experiences, we can design a Saigon journey tailored to your schedule.

Vietnam · Cambodia · Laos

Design Your Custom Journey →