Parks, bars, or coffee shops: Best spots to watch Tet fireworks in Hanoi, HCMC

IN HANOI

Public places

Fireworks explode over Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/Ngoc Thanh

Thong Nhat Park (Hai Ba Trung District), Lac Long Quan Flower Garden (Tay Ho District), the F1 Racetrack in Phu Do Ward (near My Dinh Stadium, Nam Tu Liem District), Van Quan Lake (Ha Dong District), and Hoa Binh Park (Bac Tu Liem District) will feature high-altitude fireworks displays. These locations offer spacious areas for spectators to gather and enjoy the New Year celebrations. They are easily accessible by various means of transportation, and the fireworks can also be viewed from a distance.

Around Hoan Kiem Lake, residents and tourists are advised to choose elevated viewpoints for a clear view of the fireworks. The streets surrounding the lake are narrow, lined with trees, and close to the shooting point, which can obstruct visibility at ground level.

In suburban areas, high- and low-altitude fireworks displays will take place at Son Tay Ancient Citadel (Son Tay Town), the regulating lake project site in Tam Hiep Commune (Thanh Tri District), and the Dong Anh Sports Center (Dong Anh District). These locations are free from tall buildings or obstructions, allowing spectators to enjoy the fireworks from any direction.

Hotel bars

Bar Hedonist, L7 West Lake Hanoi by Lotte Hotel

Located on the 23rd floor of L7 West Lake Hanoi by Lotte Hotel, Bar Hedonist offers both indoor and outdoor seating, providing excellent views of the fireworks and light shows at West Lake. This trendy new spot has become a favorite among young people. The bar opens at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Tickets cost VND800,000 (US$31.90) and include drinks, DJ music, and various activities.

Summit Bar, Pan Pacific Hotel

Hanoi seen from Summit Bar. Photo courtesy of Pan Pacific

Situated on Thanh Nien Street, Summit Bar is one of the top locations in Hanoi for viewing fireworks, thanks to its prime position and panoramic views. Guests can enjoy fireworks displays from both West Lake and Sword Lake. The entrance fee is VND980,000 for adults and VND500,000 for children aged 6–12, which includes snacks and drinks. The bar will open from 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday to 0:30 a.m. on Wednesday.

One36 Rooftop Bar, Apricot Hanoi Hotel

The Lunar New Year’s Eve celebration at One36 Rooftop Bar, located on the 10th floor of Apricot Hanoi Hotel on Hang Trong Street, begins at 10:00 p.m Tuesday and ends at 0:30 a.m. on Wednesday. Tickets are priced at VND1.9 million for adults and VND950,000 for children aged 5–9. Children under 5 years old can enter for free when accompanied by an adult. The program includes a canapé buffet, unlimited drinks, live DJ music, a singer, belly dance performances, and a photographer to capture the memorable night.

Coffee shops

Laika Cafe and Highlands Coffee share a building that overlooks the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Photo by Vuong Loc

The Laika coffee shop chain offers multiple locations for visitors to enjoy fireworks while sipping coffee. These include an outlet on Dinh Tien Hoang Street overlooking Hoan Kiem Lake and two others near Van Quan and Trich Sai Lakes close to West Lake. All locations remain open through Lunar New Year’s Eve and accept table reservations for those wanting to secure a spot.

Highlands Coffee also accepts table reservations at key locations with excellent views of the fireworks, such as Highlands Dinh Tien Hoang, Trang Tien, and West Lake Water Park. All branches will stay open until 1:00 a.m. on Wednesday, the first day of Tet.

Nguyen Dinh Thi Street in Tay Ho District features a row of cozy coffee shops perfect for enjoying the fireworks, including Bonjour Café, October - October Coffee & Studio, Tony's Coffee, Flowers & More, A Beo Cafe, Sila Coffee House, An Cafe, and KOPee Coffee. These cafes will remain open through New Year’s Eve, serving customers special drink menus from 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday. While tickets are not required, drink prices will be about 1.5 times higher than usual.

Similarly, cafes along Van Quan Lake in Ha Dong District, such as Fordeer Coffee, Cuc Cu Coffee, and Xanh Cafe, will also stay open late to welcome guests. These locations provide an excellent vantage point to watch the high-altitude fireworks over the lake.

IN HCMC

High-altitude fireworks

Saigon Riverside Park

Fireworks explode over the Saigon River in HCMC for the New Year 2025. Photo by VnExpress/Khuong Nguyen

Located near the high-altitude launch site at the Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City, this 20-hectare park offers open public spaces for free viewing. Visitors can leave their vehicles in District 1 and take a water bus from Bach Dang Port to Saigon Riverside Park in about five minutes. Tickets for the water bus cost VND15,000 ($0.60) per ride.

Ben Duoc Martyr Memorial (Cu Chi District)

This site, approximately 55 km from the city center, will also host a high-altitude fireworks display. It is a common destination for both tourists and locals.

Low-altitude fireworks

In addition to the two high-altitude locations, 13 other low-altitude fireworks displays will be held near downtown areas such as the Thao Dien urban area, the Saigon River, and the Dam Sen Cultural Park.

Visitors can stop by several cafés and restaurants with views of the shows.

People view fireworks from Vertical Sky Bar in HCMC. Photo courtesy of Vertical Sky Bar

At Bach Dang Port area, cafés including Katinat, Highlands, and 3T Egg Coffee are open until midnight, offering close proximity to a fireworks launch site.

Blank Lounge, Situated on the 75th and 76th floors of Landmark 81 in Binh Thanh District,, around 5 km from a high-altitude launch site, admits a limited number of guests from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Each guest is required to order a personal portion (cakes and drinks) starting at VND500,000.

The Song Bar (40th floor, Cong Truong Me Linh Street) offers a view of the Saigon River and the Ba Son Bridge. Tickets cost VND488,000 per guest, including one drink. Entry starts at 7:30 p.m. A music show begins at 8:30 p.m.

Vertical Sky Bar (24th floor, Ton Duc Thang Street) provides a full view of Bach Dang Park. Tickets cost VND712,000 per guest, including one drink.

Chenh Venh Rooftop (No. 4 Street, Thao Dien, Thu Duc), a cocktail bar on the rooftop of a five-story building, offers a view of fireworks in the Thao Dien urban area. Beverage prices range from VND100,000 to VND200,000.