At the historic Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, visitors began arriving early in the morning. Families from the southeastern provinces and the Mekong Delta chose the zoo as a popular spring outing destination.

Beyond viewing rare and native wildlife, guests were treated to a variety of entertainment activities, including electric tram rides, lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, circus acts and magic shows. Many noted that the grounds appeared greener and more vibrant this year, with floral decorations and landscaped miniatures carefully arranged for the holiday season.

Nguyen Thi Dung, who traveled from Dong Thap province with her family, expressed her delight at the experience.

“The setting here is clean, cool and beautifully decorated, and the variety of animals make the visit especially memorable for my grandchildren,” she said.

Another visitor, Nguyen Van Huy from Thu Dau Mot ward, shared a similar sentiment, highlighting recent upgrades and expanded facilities at the zoo.

“The improved services and attractions create an enjoyable atmosphere for families after several days of Tet celebrations at home,” he told VOV.

At the same time, Suoi Tien Theme Park also experienced a strong turnout. According to representatives of the park, visitor numbers since the second day of Tet have risen by approximately 20% compared to the same day of the Lunar New Year 2025.

One noticeable shift this year was the earlier arrival of guests. By around 8 a.m., crowds had already begun to gather, earlier than in previous years, when peak times typically started closer to mid-morning.

During Tet 2026, Suoi Tien transformed itself into a large-scale cultural festival space. Under the theme “Tet of the Vietnamese – A Century of Memories,” the park combined entertainment with heritage storytelling. A highlight was a grand water-stage production inspired by the legend of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, staged alongside portrayals of 14 national heroes. New amusement attractions, including high-speed sand racing and an infinity slide at Tien Dong Beach, also proved popular with younger visitors.

From traditional performances to modern thrill rides, Ho Chi Minh City’s entertainment hubs offered diverse experiences catering to multiple generations. The steady stream of visitors and the reported 20% increase at key attractions signal a positive outlook for the city’s tourism industry at the start of the Year of the Horse.

As families return to urban centres and prepare for the first working week after Tet, the vibrant scenes at parks and cultural sites reflect both enduring holiday traditions and renewed momentum for the city’s leisure and tourism industry in 2026.

Foreign wrestlers compete at Mai Dong traditional wrestling festival

VOV.VN - The Mai Dong Traditional Wrestling Festival opened on February 20 (the fourth day of the Lunar New Year) at Mai Dong Communal House in Tuong Mai Ward, Hanoi, in a vibrant and festive atmosphere. The annual event is a distinctive folk festival that reflects the historical and cultural heritage as well as the martial spirit of Thang Long, the former name of Hanoi.