Ho Chi Minh City's Mid-Autumn Festival Vibes: 7 Photogenic Check-in Spots

Ho Chi Minh City is adorned with a variety of photogenic check-in spots to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival (Tet Trung Thu). These locations range from cafes and shopping centers to the iconic lantern streets, offering spaces that blend tradition and modernity. Local guide Hoang An has recommended seven spots based on criteria such as spaciousness, proximity to the city center, ease of access, and suitability for family and friend gatherings. Dinh Son Tra: This 160-year-old temple on Nguyen Phi Khanh Street has transformed into a Mid-Autumn Festival check-in point, decorated with dozens of handmade lanterns. Highlights include lantern clusters inspired by the story "Coc Kien Troi" (The Toad Sues Heaven) and carp lanterns mimicking designs from the Ly Dynasty unearthed at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel. The temple is open daily from 2:00 PM to 8:30 PM until October 11, with an entrance fee of VND 139,000 for adults and VND 75,000 for children. Com Cam Thi Restaurant: With two branches on Ho Hao Hon and Tong Huu Dinh streets, this eatery is ideal for enjoying Vietnamese cuisine and gathering with friends and family. During Mid-Autumn Festival, the space is decorated with a moon theme, combining traditional lanterns and furniture to create a nostalgic backdrop for photos. It operates daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with dishes priced between VND 100,000 and VND 200,000. Me Coffee: A popular choice among young people in Ho Chi Minh City for photos, Me Coffee has set up numerous themed corners for the festival. Customers can enjoy drinks and take pictures in a festive atmosphere. The menu includes various teas, drinks, and cakes priced from VND 35,000 to VND 65,000. Some specialties like Tam Hoa plum tea and custard apple tea are creatively named and decorated. The cafe is open 24/7 and offers ample free parking. Hhin Coffee: Located in the An Suong residential area, this cafe attracts many young people for Mid-Autumn Festival photos. Its spacious interior and outdoor area are decorated with lanterns and paper fans, complemented by classic European-style corners. The cafe offers a package for VND 70,000 per person, including a drink and unlimited photo time. Visiting on weekday mornings is recommended to avoid crowds, and contacting the cafe in advance is advised due to its distance from the center. Cam Coffee: Situated on Bui Dinh Tuy Street, Cam Coffee is decorated in a Northern Vietnamese traditional style, offering many Mid-Autumn Festival photo opportunities. The space combines traditional elements with handcrafted lanterns, evoking the ambiance of past moon festivals. The seating areas are arranged with nostalgic furniture and decorative items, with traditional lanterns serving as a focal point. The cafe is particularly charming in the evening when its lights are on. Takashimaya Shopping Center: This central shopping mall on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street is a popular spot for young people to take photos during the Mid-Autumn Festival. Its interior and lobby areas are decorated with festival-themed displays, including lantern clusters and moon-colored motifs. Its central location allows visitors to combine sightseeing, shopping, dining, and photography in one outing. Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street: Located in the Cho Lon area, Luong Nhu Hoc Street is a familiar destination for Ho Chi Minh City residents during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This street, less than 300 meters long, is lined with shops selling lanterns of all colors and designs, creating a vibrant spectacle when lit up at night. Traditional lanterns made from paper, bamboo, and rattan are sold alongside modern designs. Many families, friends, and tourists visit to admire, purchase lanterns, and take photos. The street gets crowded from the evening, especially closer to the festival. Visitors are advised not to stand in the middle of the road or obstruct shop activities. Source: VnExpress