In HCMC, watch New Year fireworks from up close

As a dicey 2020 winds down and the clock approaches midnight on New Year’s Eve, Ho Chi Minh City residents can prepare to enjoy some spectacular firework displays to usher in 2021 with great expectations.

High-altitude firework shows will light up the sky at the Thu Thiem Tunnel area (or Saigon River Tunnel) that links Districts 1 and 2 and the Landmark Tower 81 in Binh Thanh District. Low-altitude firework displays will take place at the Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11 and the Saigon Hi-Tech Park in District 9.

Several rooftop restaurants are offering special packages to help residents watch the fireworks from vantage points.

Sedona Suites at 67 Le Loi Street in District 1, which looks on to the Nguyen Hue walking street, is a good location to watch the fireworks display at the Thu Thiem Tunnel area and the Landmark Tower 81.

The restaurant has a special dinner set prepared for VND1.7 million ($74) per person. After 10 p.m, there will be a New Year’s Eve show and drinks combo. Ticket prices for the show range from VND588,000 ($26) to VND750,000 per person, including a free flow of drinks.

Kokugyu Yakiniku Restaurant in District 1. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

If you have a soft corner for Japanese cuisine, the Kokugyu Yakiniku Restaurant at 124 Tran Quang Khai Street in District 1 offers a wide selection of dishes, barbecue, hotpot, and sashimi.

For its New Year’s festivities, the restaurant has a promotion: a VND3 million ($130) combo for four people. For fireworks viewing, reservations are needed that will be canceled if you don’t show up within the first ten minutes.

For some relaxed, laidback vibes, the Cao Oc & Beer at 10A Tran Hung Dao Street in the bustling Bui Vien Street area is a good option.

The restaurant offers a wide range of Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices, from snails, beef and chicken to seafood.

Cao Oc & Beer has become a go to place for the younger crowd on special occasions. The joint has a view of the heart of District 1, so it is a good place to enjoy the firework display at the Thu Thiem Tunnel area.

On this festive night, the place has lottery games for guests to participate in. Menu sets for New Year’s Eve are priced at VND1.55 million ($67) for a group of four people. Reservation is required.

Streets in front of Cao Oc & Beer. Photo courtesy of the restaurant.

At a 400-meter height, reportedly the highest point from which to watch the fireworks display, is the Landmark 81 Skyview at 720a Dien Bien Phu Street in Binh Thanh District.

This is a leading attraction in HCMC, where people including couples head for holidays like Christmas, New Year’s Eve or other anniversaries because of its grandeur and spectacular views.

You can’t go wrong with your New Year’s welcome here, sipping on a cocktail and taking pictures against the gorgeous nocturnal cityscape. An entrance ticket for Landmark 81 Skyview on holidays ranges from VND250,000 ($11) to VND500,000 per person. There are many other restaurants and bars at your service here.

Some other suggestions are the Chill Skybar on the 26th floor at AB Tower; 76A Le Lai Street in District 1; the Social Club Saigon at MGallery Hotel in District 3; and the Glow Rooftop Bar at 93 Nguyen Du Street in District 1.