Saigon WaterGO has launched its themed river tourism series, “Heritage Journey,” running through mid-March 2026.

Designed specifically for the Tet season, the tour introduces cultural narratives along the Saigon River.

According to Nguyen Kim Toan, Director of Thuong Nhat Company, operator of Saigon WaterBus and WaterGO, the program blends urban sightseeing with traditional performances such as Hoa Thanh Tien folk art, Central Highlands gong music and selected elements of Hue royal court culture.

“We are not simply selling a ticket from one pier to another,” Toan said. “We are striving to awaken a cultural current flowing along the Saigon River.”

At Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Area in Tang Nhon Phu Ward, the 2026 Spring Festival officially begins on the first day of the Year of the Horse and runs continuously day and night with diverse activities.

A highlight is the large-scale artistic performance staged on a water platform, recreating the legend of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh alongside the imagery of 14 national heroes.

The show combines martial arts, modern stage effects and fireworks, creating an expansive nighttime spectacle.

According to Bui Thi To Trinh, Deputy General Director of Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Area, the festival is designed as a Tet experience space for multi-generational families, young people and international visitors, helping to reinforce family values in contemporary life.

Dam Sen Cultural Park adds to the festive spirit by offering a 30 percent discount on all-inclusive tickets purchased online.

From the first to the sixth day of Tet, a folk spring festival featuring 12 traditional games is held continuously, creating a culturally rooted playground for families and children.

Meanwhile, the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site in An Nhon Tay Commune offers a different spring experience.

From the second to the fifth day of Tet, the site recreates the cultural space of the S’tieng and M’nong ethnic communities.

Performances, exchanges and introductions to highland traditions provide visitors with deeper cultural engagement within the city.

Alongside inner-city attractions, Saigontourist introduces the tour “Tet with Saigonese – Western guests celebrate Vietnamese Tet,” running from the first to the fourth day of Tet.

The itinerary allows visitors to immerse themselves in the southern spring atmosphere, stroll through central streets, visit the annual flower festival at Tao Dan Park, stop by Viet Nam Quoc Tu to explore traditional beliefs and request calligraphy for the new year, and experience a reunion-style meal at a local family home.

The Can Gio Spring Festival runs throughout Tet with a variety of activities.

Within the flower festival space, organizers display 300 northern peach blossom trees and 300 southern apricot blossom trees.

Notably, a roughly 150-year-old Phu Quy apricot tree transported from An Giang is showcased, introduced as one of the largest ancient yellow apricot trees in the Mekong Delta region.

For the first time, a hot air balloon festival is held as part of a Lunar New Year spring event, featuring 22 large balloons.

Visitors can take photos and enjoy panoramic views of the floral routes, coastline and Can Gio ecosystem from above.

With diversified tourism products, Ho Chi Minh City’s urban tourism sector expects to attract large visitor numbers and contribute positively to the city’s economic momentum during Tet.

Anh Nhan (Tien Phong)