Watch HCMC fireworks on April 30 without the crowds: a guide

Here are some spots where visitors can watch the performance without being jostled by the crowds.

The fireworks will be set off at over 30 locations to celebrate the 50th anniversary of national reunification. The display will start at 9 p.m. and last 15 minutes.

High-altitude fireworks will be launched at two locations: the Saigon River Tunnel in Thu Duc City and Ben Duoc Temple in Cu Chi District.

The locations for the 28 low-altitude pyrotechnics include the Independence Palace and Ba Son Bridge in District 1, Thanh Da Peninsula and Landmark 81 Park in Binh Thanh District, Thao Dien Ward in Thu Duc City, and Tan Thuan Bridge in District 4.

Here are some places that will not be crowded.

District 1

Le Méridien Saigon Hotel

Located on Ton Duc Thang Street, this hotel offers views of the Saigon River and both the low- and high-altitude fireworks in District 1. Visitors can try the seafood buffet for VND1.4 million (US$53.87) before watching the fireworks from a swimming pool on the ninth floor with a panoramic view of Ba Son Bridge and the tunnel.

A viewing package costs VND800,000.

Tourists watch fireworks from Le Méridien Saigon Hotel in District 1, HCMC. Photo courtesy of Le Méridien Saigon

Saigon Saigon Bar, Caravelle Hotel

The bar on the ninth floor of the Caravelle Hotel on Lam Son Square offers a sweeping view of the city. Once a wartime press hub, it was named one of the world's 20 best rooftop bars by the U.K.'s Time Out magazine. From here visitors can watch the fireworks at Ba Son Bridge and the Saigon River Tunnel. The bar offers cocktails and beers starting at VND150,000.

Song Bar, Hilton

Located on the 40th floor of the Hilton Hotel on Cong Truong Me Linh Street, Song Bar provides an outdoor space with a view of the Saigon River, Ba Son Bridge and Bach Dang Wharf, an ideal vantage point for watching the fireworks. Tickets cost VND1.2 million per person.

Renaissance Riverside Hotel

Located on Ton Duc Thang Street, this hotel offers a prime location to watch the pyrotechnics. Its rooftop bar, Liquid Sky on the 21st floor, offers tickets for VND800,000 including drinks and snacks. Alternatively, diners at the Viet Kitchen and Kabin restaurants can enjoy low-altitude fireworks starting at VND980,000 per person.

Private dining rooms on the 19th floor are available for groups of six or more at VND15 million per package.

A view of fireworks from the 21st floor of Renaissance Riverside Hotel on Ton Duc Thang Street. Photo courtesy of Renaissance Riverside

Thao Dien area, Thu Duc City

Thao Dien, the main expat enclave in HCMC, offers a low-altitude fireworks viewing spot along the Saigon River. The area is home to many restaurants and bars that remain open until midnight. Popular spots like The Deck Saigon, Coastal Saigon, Boat House, and Clay – Cocktails & Cuisine offer excellent views.

Make sure to book at least two weeks in advance to secure a prime spot.

Binh Thanh District

Binh Thanh District has two low-altitude fireworks locations, Thanh Da Peninsula and Landmark 81 Park.

While the peninsula is mostly lined with sidewalk shops, Landmark 81 Park offers more open spaces with fewer crowds.

Visitors can sit in cafes near Landmark 81 Park like HD Coffee and Music, Cong Cafe, Starbucks, and Isshin Izakaya or Bukchon Korean restaurant to watch the displays.

District 7

The Star Hill area in Phu My Hung is a low-altitude fireworks viewing spot. This residential area has limited traffic and lots of restaurants, bars and cafes ideal for watching the displays.

After the fireworks displays, visitors can head to places like Chill Thai, Trang Bang Xua & Nay Vietnamese restaurant, Bep Bac Banh Cuon Gia Truyen, or The 67 Pub for late-night dining and drinks.

Dinner on the cruise

Visitors can opt to enjoy dinner on the Saigon River while watching the fireworks from a cruise.

Several ships offer river cruise experiences, including Saigon Princess (300 passengers), Indochina Queen (600), Ben Thanh Princess (350), and Ben Nghe (900).

These vessels anchor at Saigon Port and take a route that passes through Nha Rong Wharf, Bach Dang Wharf, Landmark 81, Khanh Hoi Port, and Ben Nghe before returning to the port.

The journey starts at 5:00 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from VND410,000 to over VND1.5 million depending on the ship and seating choice.

The price includes a boarding ticket and a dinner. Before the fireworks begin the ship will anchor in a prime location, allowing guests to head to the top deck for the best views.

Double-decker river boat tour

For a more affordable option, visitors can enjoy the "Saigon River Sightseeing" tour aboard a double-decker river boat. From the second floor, guests can get a clear view of the fireworks at the Thu Thiem Tunnel.

Ticket prices range from VND190,000 to 339,000, depending on the seating class.

With its limited capacity (around 40 seats), it is advisable to book tickets online at the Saigon WaterGo website to get the best seats.