According to the municipal Department of Tourism, international arrivals reached 170,000, a rise of 51.7 per cent compared with the same period last year. Average hotel occupancy stood at around 75 per cent, up 10 percentage points.
Authorities attributed the surge to efforts to maintain a safe and well-managed environment, alongside a diverse programme of cultural and festive events.
Nguyen Hue Flower Street was among the most popular attractions, together with the Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival, the floating flower market at Binh Dong Wharf and the Tet Book Street Festival.
Fireworks displays were held at four high-altitude and 13 low-altitude locations on New Year’s Eve, accompanied by traditional music and street performances in central wards.
Urban tourism emerged as a key trend, with domestic travellers opting for short breaks centred on flower streets, pedestrian areas, Tet markets, shopping and culinary experiences. The Nguyen Hue-Bach Dang pedestrian zone saw particularly heavy footfall, while Ben Thanh Market and major shopping malls also reported strong visitor numbers.
Cultural sites such as the Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum remained popular, especially with foreign tourists. Entertainment venues including Dam Sen, Suoi Tien and the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens recorded solid growth in attendance.
International visitors showed growing interest in immersive Tet experiences, favouring one- or two-day tours focused on local cuisine, cultural exploration and Saigon River cruises, with safety and convenience a priority.
Airfares on key routes, particularly Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi, rose sharply during peak days, with some nearing regulated price caps despite additional flights. Domestic tour prices also increased due to higher transport and accommodation costs, though travellers preferred small, flexible group packages.
Nearby coastal destinations such as Vung Tau, Long Hai, Ho Tram and Ho Coc attracted large numbers of visitors from the city, with many high-end resorts nearing full occupancy.
Community initiatives, including charity markets and traditional Tet activities, were held across neighbourhoods, while residents paid tribute at memorial sites such as the Covid-19 Victims Memorial Park.