TOP MUST-SEE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES IN HCMC FOR THE APRIL 30 - MAY 01 HOLIDAY 2026

This year's April 30 - May 01 holiday, instead of rushed flights or crowded tourist spots afar, why not choose "staycation" to feel a very different Ho Chi Minh City? A Saigon that is both heroic with golden history and artistic with heritage performances.

Join CityHouse as we explore the detailed "coordinates" of these profound experiences right below!

Independence Palace & Vietcharm Show: When Heritage Blends with Art

In the hearts of Vietnamese people, the Independence Palace is not just an iconic architectural work but also a living historical witness of April 30, 1975. Visiting the Palace during this holiday, you will relive the nation's heroic moments through each room, artifacts that preserve memories, and a proud, lush green campus.

Students taking souvenir photos with veterans at Independence Palace — Students taking commemorative photos with veterans inside the Independence Palace

More specifically, right at the "heart" of this monument, you can experience the Vietcharm Art Show - "Weaving Heritage, Touching Emotions." This is a multi-sensory program combining:

Performing Arts: Traditional dances, Dan Tranh, and Dan T’rung performances staged on a modern 360-degree stage.
Exquisite Taste: Enjoy an 8-course Fusion menu in a cozy, historical space.

*Show ticket prices range from 1,600,000 VND to 1,800,000 VND with 2 seating classes offering different perspectives.

A Journey Through Time Across "Heritage Coordinates"

Spending a day visiting museums is an excellent choice. Saigon possesses museum spaces that are not only rich in knowledge but also architectural masterpieces:

HCMC Museum of Fine Arts: A must-visit destination for those who love Editorial and Retro styles.

Architectural beauty of HCMC Museum of Fine Arts — The graceful beauty of the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Ton Duc Thang Museum (Free Entry): A professional and quiet display space to learn about the beloved leader.
Museum of History & HCMC Museum: Where you can find precious artifacts from the reclamation era to resistance memorabilia.

Antique space at the Museum of History — Visitors in the antique space of the City Museum of History

War Remnants Museum & Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum: The most vivid "chronicles" in images of April 30th.

Visitors at the War Remnants Museum — Large numbers of foreign tourists choosing to visit the War Remnants Museum

Ho Chi Minh Museum (Dragon Wharf): Features a contemplative beauty by the Saigon River, connecting with Uncle Ho's journey to find a way to save the country.

Vietnamese Currency Exhibition: Listening to History through Small Artifacts

Located in the ancient State Bank building (No. 8 Vo Van Kiet), with over 1,500 artifacts, the exhibition explores the nation's economic and cultural "flow." This is a free open experience.

Vietnamese Currency Exhibition at the State Bank — Visitors at the Vietnamese Currency Exhibition currently taking place at the State Bank

Performing Arts: A Symphony of Tradition and Modernity

"Memories of the Fire God" Circus (Gia Dinh Park): A real-scene performance combining adventurous circus acts, fire dances, and light. Ticket prices from 180,000 VND - 400,000 VND.
Water Puppetry: CityHouse suggests 3 locations to watch water puppetry in HCMC:
- Saigon Water Puppet Theater: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1.
- Phuong Nam Water Puppet Theater: 374 Tran Phu, District 5.
- Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1.

Water puppetry at Golden Dragon Theater — Cultural space of Water Puppetry at the Golden Dragon Theater. Source: klook.com

Green Journey: "Escaping" the City within the City

Ly Thai To Park No. 1: A destination of quiet beauty with a central lake architecture simulating a falling "water drop."
Peri-urban Eco-tourism: Monkey Island, Dan Xay Eco-tourism area (Can Gio), or Cu Chi Tunnels.
In-city Picnics: Van Thanh, Binh Quoi, or Dam Sen are ideal choices for family outings.

Lush Ly Thai To Park No. 1 — Green space at Ly Thai To Park No. 1

Capturing April's Mark: From "Newspaper" Photobooths to Vibrant Flags

The spirit of April 30th permeates every corner of the street:

"April 30th Morning News" Photobooth: Instant photo experience with unique templates simulating old newspaper front pages.
Flag-themed Cafes: Coffee corners "change clothes" with proud red and yellow star flag decor.

CityHouse believes that the beauty of heritage and the heartbeat of history will be the most precious footage you record this April.