Ho Chi Minh City Gears Up for Dazzling New Year’s Eve Celebrations with Road Closures and Spectacular Fireworks
Ho Chi Minh City is set to usher in the New Year 2026 with a spectacular array of fireworks and vibrant cultural events. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of the anticipated large crowds, the city’s Traffic Police Department has announced extensive road closures in its central districts and key celebration zones. These measures will be in effect on the night of December 31st, extending into the early hours of January 1st, 2026.
The metropolitan area will be adorned with dazzling high-altitude fireworks displays at three prime locations, promising breathtaking views for residents and visitors alike. These include:
- Saigon River Tunnel Entrance: Situated in An Khanh Ward, this iconic spot will offer a dramatic backdrop for the pyrotechnics.
- Binh Duong New City: Located in the heart of the former Binh Duong Province, this modern urban center will host a grand display.
- Tam Thang Square: Positioned along Bai Sau (Back Beach) in Vung Tau Ward, this coastal location will provide a stunning seaside fireworks experience.
Complementing the high-altitude shows, several meticulously planned low-altitude fireworks displays will add to the festive atmosphere. Notable venues for these include:
- Dam Sen Cultural Park: A popular entertainment hub in Binh Thoi Ward, known for its family-friendly attractions.
- Saigon Marina IFC Tower: This prominent skyscraper in Sai Gon Ward will be illuminated by a sophisticated display.
Beyond the visual spectacle of fireworks, Ho Chi Minh City has curated a comprehensive program of cultural, artistic, and entertainment activities. These events are scheduled to run throughout the evening of New Year’s Eve, offering a diverse range of experiences to celebrate the transition into the new year.
Navigating the Celebrations: Traffic Management and Detour Routes
To effectively manage the influx of attendees and prevent traffic congestion, a significant number of central streets will be temporarily closed to all vehicles. The restrictions will commence at 9 p.m. on December 31st and will remain in place until 1 a.m. on January 1st, 2026.
Key central roads that will be affected by these closures include:
- Le Loi Street: The stretch between Pasteur and Dong Khoi.
- Nguyen Hue Street: The section from Le Thanh Ton to Ton Duc Thang.
- Dong Khoi Street: The area from Mac Thi Buoi to Ton Duc Thang.
- Ton Duc Thang Street: The segment from Le Duan to Khanh Hoi Bridge.
Further significant road closures include:
- Nguyen Huu Canh: From Ton Duc Thang to Nguyen Binh Khiem.
- Vo Van Kiet: The stretch from Pasteur to the Khanh Hoi underpass.
- Ngo Van Nam: Between Nguyen Sieu and Ton Duc Thang.
- Nguyen Sieu: From Ngo Van Nam to Ton Duc Thang.
- Nguyen Tat Thanh: The section from Hoang Dieu to Khanh Hoi Bridge.
- Ham Nghi: The area from Pasteur to Ton Duc Thang.
- Hai Trieu: Between Ho Tung Mau and Nguyen Hue.
- Nguyen Thiep: The stretch from Dong Khoi to Nguyen Hue.
Additional streets that will experience closures are:
- Huynh Thuc Khang and Ton That Thiep: The sections between Pasteur and Nguyen Hue.
- Nguyen Cong Tru: From Pasteur to Ho Tung Mau.
- Mac Thi Buoi: The area from Dong Khoi to Nguyen Hue.
- Hai Ba Trung: The stretch from Dong Du to Me Linh Square.
- Ho Tung Mau and Ton That Dam: Between Vo Van Kiet and Ton That Thiep.
Furthermore, roads surrounding Me Linh Square, including Ngo Duc Ke, Ho Huan Nghiep, and Thi Sach, will also be closed. Areas in proximity to Ba Son Bridge and Khanh Hoi Bridge will also be subject to these traffic restrictions.
For motorists needing to travel between Thanh Tay Ward (formerly Binh Thanh District) and Xom Chieu Ward (formerly District 4), the following detour is recommended:
- Route: Nguyen Huu Canh – Nguyen Binh Khiem – Le Duan – Nam Ky Khoi Nghia – Nguyen Du – Cach Mang Thang Tam – Nguyen Thi Nghia – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Ong Lanh Bridge – Hoang Dieu – Nguyen Tat Thanh.
The recommended route for the opposite direction is:
- Route: Nguyen Tat Thanh – Hoang Dieu – Ong Lanh Bridge – Nguyen Thai Hoc – Nguyen Thi Nghia – Cach Mang Thang Tam – Nguyen Thi Minh Khai – Xo Viet Nghe Tinh.
Travelers heading from Thu Duc City towards the former Districts 5 and 10 are advised to utilize the following route:
- Route: Vo Nguyen Giap – Dien Bien Phu – Dinh Tien Hoang – Vo Thi Sau – Ba Thang Hai – Le Hong Phong.
The return journey from these districts back towards Thu Duc City should follow:
- Route: Le Hong Phong – Dien Bien Phu – Vo Nguyen Giap.
Celebrations Extend to Neighboring Provinces and Coastal Areas
The New Year’s Eve festivities and associated traffic management are not confined to Ho Chi Minh City’s central districts. Preparations are also underway in the surrounding regions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all.
In the new city center of the former Binh Duong Province, several roads will be closed from 8 p.m. on December 31st. These include:
- Hung Vuong Street: The section from the Vo Van Kiet intersection to Ly Thai To.
- Le Loi Street: The stretch from the Le Duan intersection to Huynh Thuc Khang.
- Huynh Thuc Khang Street: The area from the Le Loi intersection to Truong Sa.
Meanwhile, in Vung Tau Ward, popular tourist destination Bai Sau will also see traffic restrictions implemented. From 9 p.m. on December 31st, vehicles will be prohibited from the area around the Back Beach Central Square. Affected roads include:
- Thuy Van Street: The segment from Doan Trung Con to Thi Sach.
- Le Hong Phong Street: The stretch from the Martyrs’ Memorial roundabout to Thuy Van.
- Tran Chanh Chieu and Le Van Tho streets: The areas between Su Van Hanh and Thuy Van.
These comprehensive measures aim to facilitate a safe, organized, and memorable New Year’s Eve celebration across Ho Chi Minh City and its neighboring areas, culminating in the joyous transition to 2026.
