Ho Chi Minh City Independence Day 2026: Fireworks & Tips

Hey there, Mini Lauren here, your Ho Chi Minh City local!

September 2nd marks Vietnam's Independence Day!

I've been living in Vietnam for about six months now. Back in late April, for Southern Liberation Day and Labor Day, there were fireworks everywhere. And it's the same for Independence Day this year!

✔ Independence Day holiday from 08/29 - 09/02

✔ Fireworks shows at 9 PM on 09/02 in seven city locations

✔ Ho Chi Minh City subway and buses are free on Independence Day (buses have actually been free since July)

✔ Expect a 10-15% surcharge at chain restaurants, large eateries, and bars during the holiday

Commemorating September 2, 1945, when President Ho Chi Minh declared independence in Hanoi's Ba Dinh Square, this is a major national holiday for Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is celebrating with a long weekend from August 29th through today, September 2nd. (While many locals enjoy the long break, my husband, who works for a Korean company, still had to take personal leave to join the festivities!)

While Tet (Lunar New Year) is Vietnam's biggest holiday, with breaks lasting over a week, Independence Day on September 2nd is considered the longest public holiday outside of Tet!

For travelers, this means a few things: many locals travel domestically, making train and bus bookings tough, and popular spots will be packed.

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Additionally, during holidays like Tet and Independence Day, many restaurants and bars in Vietnam apply a 10-15% surcharge.

During Tet, as it's the biggest holiday and labor costs can jump over 300%, surcharges can be even higher, sometimes 20-30%.

You'll often see notices at the entrance of chain restaurants, large eateries, and bars during these holiday periods, informing you of the additional service charge. It might also be listed on your receipt.

Unlike the usually quieter District 2, popular with expats, stepping off the subway into District 1 during the Independence Day holiday felt like a massive festival, buzzing with crowds reminiscent of a major fireworks display back home!

On September 1st and 2nd, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, in front of Ho Chi Minh City Hall, hosted a large stage with various events and performances. Yesterday, after getting off at the Opera House metro station, I caught a musical-like performance starting around 7 PM! Tonight, expect fireworks across several locations.

Independence Day Fireworks Information

- An Khanh Ward, Saigon River Tunnel entrance

- Binh Duong New City Center

- Ba Ria-Vung Tau, August Revolution Square Tower

These three locations will feature simultaneous high-altitude and low-altitude fireworks!

Notably, the Saigon River Tunnel entrance will host the largest display, with 1,000 high-altitude fireworks and 200 low-altitude fireworks!

- Ba Ria Square Park, Ba Ria City

- Dam Sen Cultural Park, District 11 (Binh Thoi Ward)

- Saigon Marina IFC Tower

- Kim Long Villa Complex near Rach Dia Bridge, Nha Be District

4 locations will feature low-altitude fireworks.

All in all, with such a variety of attractions, if you happen to be traveling in Ho Chi Minh City or elsewhere in Vietnam during this period, you might just stumble upon unique events and performances you wouldn't normally see!