1. When is the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (Gio To Hung Vuong) and what is its meaning?
The Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (Gio To Hung Vuong) is one of the important traditional holidays of the Vietnamese nation, held annually on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month. This is an occasion for people across the country to remember and express gratitude for the merits of nation-building by the Hung Kings (Vua Hung), the first kings who laid the foundation for the Van Lang (Van Lang) nation. In 2026, the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day falls on April 26, 2026, becoming a public holiday for people to participate in cultural activities, festivals, and tourism.
Hung Kings' Commemoration Day is one of the most important traditional holidays of the Vietnamese nation (Source: Collected)
This holiday not only carries historical significance but also embodies the spirit of drinking water, remembering its source, fostering community cohesion, and reminding future generations of the ancestors' tradition of building and defending the nation. Annually, many commemorative activities, incense offering ceremonies, and cultural programs are organized in various localities across the country, especially at the Hung Temple historical site in Phu Tho.
2. Why Choose to Travel Near Saigon During the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day
2.1. Short Break Suitable for Day Trips
The Hung Kings' Commemoration Day holiday is usually not very long, so many tourists opt for destinations near Ho Chi Minh City for convenient travel. Locations within a 100-200 km radius from Saigon allow tourists to easily take day trips or 1-2 day excursions, saving time while still ensuring memorable travel experiences.
2.2. Many Meaningful Historical and Spiritual Destinations
The area around Ho Chi Minh City boasts numerous historical, cultural, and spiritual tourist spots that hold special significance during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day. Destinations like Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh, ancient pagodas, historical sites, or eco-tourism areas offer opportunities for both sightseeing and learning about traditional cultural values.
Furthermore, the weather in the Southeast region during the third lunar month is typically dry and mildly sunny, which is very conducive to outdoor activities, picnics, or pilgrimages. Consequently, choosing to travel near Saigon during the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day not only makes the trip more convenient but also provides a meaningful experience, combining relaxation, nature exploration, and cultural discovery.
3. Where to Go Near Saigon for a Meaningful Hung Kings' Commemoration Day Trip
If you are wondering where to go near Saigon for the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day, the following destinations will offer a meaningful journey, combining historical experiences, entertainment, and cultural exploration.
3.1. Cu Chi Tunnels
Located about 60-70 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the famous historical sites attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. This structure was built during the resistance war with a system of tunnels stretching for hundreds of kilometers, playing a crucial role in the defense strategy of the Vietnamese army and people.
Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the famous historical relics attracting a large number of tourists (Source: Collected)
When visiting the tunnels, tourists have the opportunity to explore the network of underground tunnels, learn about the life and combat tactics of the army and people during the war. In addition, many experiential activities such as crawling through tunnels, visiting the weapon exhibition area, or trying sport shooting also bring a realistic and attractive feeling.
3.2. Suoi Tien Theme Park
Suoi Tien Theme Park is one of the famous theme parks in Ho Chi Minh City, notable for its combination of Vietnamese folklore and modern entertainment activities. The space here recreates many images from national legends and history through unique architectural works.
Visitors to Suoi Tien can visit prominent areas such as Tien Dong Ngoc Nu Palace, Hell Cave, Bat Giac Tower, Thuy Te Palace, and Heaven's Gate. In addition, there are many attractive games such as roller coasters, bumper cars, water slides, or a water park. With a spacious area, many trees, and rich entertainment activities, Suoi Tien is a suitable choice for families and friends on holidays.
3.3. VinWonders Grand Park
VinWonders Grand Park in Thu Duc City is one of the new emerging entertainment spots near Ho Chi Minh City, especially attracting tourists on major holidays. This entertainment complex is designed in a modern park model with many diverse experience areas, from thrilling games to gentle entertainment activities.
VinWonders Grand Park is designed according to a modern park model with many diverse experience areas (Source: Collected)
Here, visitors can participate in outstanding games such as roller coasters, giant spinning discs, water parks, and fairy gardens. Not only that, on the occasion of Hung Vuong's Ancestor Commemoration Day, the amusement park often organizes many art performance programs and cultural activities recreating the atmosphere of traditional festivals. Thanks to its spacious area, cool green landscape, and modern service system, VinWonders Grand Park offers a complete entertainment experience for visitors during the holiday.
3.4. Can Gio
Can Gio is an ideal destination for nature lovers who want to enjoy a peaceful space during Hung Vuong's Ancestor Commemoration Day. Located about 50 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, it is famous for the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. The vast mangrove ecosystem with many characteristic flora and fauna offers a unique ecotourism experience.
Visitors to Can Gio can participate in many interesting activities such as visiting the mangrove forest, exploring Monkey Island, experiencing fishing, catching crabs, or enjoying fresh seafood at seaside restaurants. In addition, tours to learn about the lives of local fishermen also help visitors better understand the culture and traditional fishing methods of the Southern region's coast.
3.5. Ba Den Mountain Tay Ninh
If you are looking for where to go near Saigon for Giỗ Tổ, Ba Den Mountain (Tay Ninh) is a prominent destination chosen by many tourists. This mountain, about 986m high, is known as the "First Heavenly Mountain" and is the highest mountain in the South, located about 100km from Ho Chi Minh City. Due to its not-too-distant location and majestic mountain scenery, it has become a familiar destination for short trips combining sightseeing and pilgrimage.
Currently, the Sun World Ba Den Mountain tourist area has invested in a modern cable car system, making the journey to the summit more convenient. From the cable car cabin, visitors can observe the panoramic view of the mountains and the Tay Ninh plains stretching into the distance. Upon reaching the summit, visitors can visit the large square, admire the 72m-high statue of Bodhisattva Tay Bo Da Son – a prominent spiritual work amidst the high mountain space and also a familiar check-in point for many tourists.
Buddhist devotees pay homage and worship the statue of Kanakamuni Buddha (Cau Na Ham Mau Ni) (Source: Collected)
Besides, the Udambara garden with the statue of Kanakamuni Buddha (Cau Na Ham Mau Ni) over 7m high placed in the middle of a lake and a landscape waterfall is also a notable attraction on the top of Ba Den Mountain (Nui Ba Den). The serene space and Buddhist-inspired architecture create a meaningful resting place for pilgrims. Additionally, from the high points on the mountaintop, visitors can also cast their eyes to admire the panoramic view of the Tay Ninh (Tay Ninh) plains and Dau Tieng Lake (Ho Dau Tieng) in the distance.
The **Hung Vuong Ancestor Commemoration Day** (Ggio To Hung Vuong) is an ideal time to visit Ba Den Mountain (Nui Ba Den) as the weather is usually pleasant, favorable for sightseeing, pilgrimage, and nature exploration. Thanks to the combination of high mountain scenery, spiritual structures, and developed tourism services, this place becomes a suitable suggestion for a short trip near Ho Chi Minh City (TP.HCM) during the holiday. book Sun World Ba Den Mountain cable car tickets now to enjoy a memorable trip on the occasion of Hung Vuong Ancestor Commemoration Day (Ggio To Hung Vuong) with your family and loved ones!
3.6. Binh Chau Hot Springs
Binh Chau Hot Springs (Suoi nuoc nong Binh Chau) in Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, about 150 km from Ho Chi Minh City (TP.HCM), is a suitable destination for a resort trip during the holiday. This ecological tourist area is famous for its natural hot spring system with temperatures up to 82°C, containing many minerals beneficial to health.
Visitors here can experience many relaxing activities such as hot spring bathing, mud bathing, jacuzzi bathing, or boiling eggs at the natural hot spring well – an interesting experience that many tourists love. Besides the bathing area, the tourist area also has a primeval forest, a lake, and many walking paths to help visitors immerse themselves in nature.
Binh Chau Hot Springs is famous for its natural hot mineral spring system (Source: Collected)
With a quiet space and diverse resort services, Binh Chau Hot Springs is an ideal choice for families, couples, or travelers looking for a relaxing place during the Hung Vuong Ancestor Commemoration holiday near Saigon.
4. Travel tips near Saigon during the Hung Vuong Ancestor Commemoration holiday
4.1. Plan and book services early during holidays
During the Hung Vuong Ancestor Commemoration holiday, travel demand increases, causing services such as hotels, entrance tickets, cable cars, or experience tours to be quickly fully booked. Therefore, booking services about 1-2 weeks in advance will give you more choices regarding time, location, and suitable prices.
Additionally, you should check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure outdoor activities such as nature tours, picnics, or photography go smoothly. Having a clear plan helps minimize potential risks and optimize your experience during the holiday.
4.2. Prepare suitable clothing and items
Appropriate clothing will make your trip near Saigon more comfortable and convenient. When visiting spiritual sites or historical relics, visitors should choose polite and modest attire to suit the cultural space.
For outdoor activities, you should bring sports shoes, hats, sunglasses (Source: Collected)
For outdoor activities such as visiting the beach, trekking, or walking in an ecological area, you should bring sports shoes, hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect your health. Additionally, essential items like drinking water, a power bank, and personal medication will help you be more proactive throughout your journey.
4.3. Choose a reasonable itinerary to avoid crowds
During major holidays, many tourist destinations often become crowded, especially during peak hours. Therefore, you should depart early or choose to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid congestion.
Besides, building a flexible itinerary also helps the trip go more smoothly. You can combine multiple nearby destinations in the same journey to save travel time and enjoy diverse experiences. With a reasonable plan, the Giỗ Tổ trip near Saigon will become more relaxed, interesting, and memorable.
Hopefully, the suggestions above have helped you answer the question Where to go near Saigon for Giỗ Tổ to enjoy a meaningful and complete holiday. Each destination offers its own memorable experiences. Plan accordingly and take time to explore these interesting places to make the Giỗ Tổ Hùng Vương holiday more complete and memorable.
