Ho Chi Minh City: 5 vibrant check-in spots for the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse), blending traditional and modern colors.

Ho Chi Minh City is more bustling than ever in the days leading up to the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 with the emergence of well-invested cafes in traditional styles. From the image of the incense villages of Hue to the spring atmosphere of the Northwest highlands, the cafes below are top choices for those looking for the perfect backdrop for New Year's photos.

Nham Coffee: Recreating Thuy Xuan incense village in the heart of the city.

Nham Coffee continues to assert its position in the "race" of festival decoration with an impressive traditional craft village concept at all its branches. The most outstanding highlight is at the Gia Dinh Ward branch (formerly Binh Thanh District), where the cafe skillfully recreates the atmosphere of the famous Thuy Xuan incense village of the ancient capital of Hue.

Here, bundles of incense sticks, dyed a vibrant red, are meticulously arranged to form giant flower arrangements. The combination of the red incense and the elegant Thanh Tien paper flowers creates a poetic and nostalgic atmosphere. For the most stunning photos, visitors should visit the cafe during hours with natural sunlight.

Coffee Stories: Bringing the Flavors of Northwest Vietnam to the City

"Coffee Story" brings a fresh perspective by recreating the festive atmosphere of the highlands right in its spacious garden setting. Bright red couplets intertwine with the golden hues of dried corn stalks, creating a characteristic backdrop of the northern mountains and forests.

Every corner of the cafe is adorned with blossoming peach and plum branches, making it an ideal location for photoshoots in both traditional and modern attire. The abundant natural light in the garden allows photography enthusiasts to easily capture stunning images without much editing.

Mê Coffee & Tea: A dazzling display of red envelopes and lanterns.

Mê Coffee & Tea made a strong impression with its transformation, featuring a series of giant red envelopes covering the entire facade. The street next to the shop was also decorated with hundreds of shimmering lanterns, creating a powerful visual effect both day and night.

In particular, the cafe has updated its display with the Year of the Horse mascot and many matching red-themed decorations. Whether it's a gentle, dreamy concept under the sun or a luxurious concept under the night lights, Mê Coffee & Tea fully meets the needs of its customers.

Hin Coffee: A small corner of Northern Vietnam with a cinematic feel.

If you love the traditional Northern Vietnamese style, Hin Coffee is a must-visit. The cafe is stunning with its sprawling drying yard and rustic thatched-roof, mud-walled houses. This is a very popular backdrop this Tet holiday season thanks to its high aesthetic appeal and artistic flair.

The cafe also scores points for its thoughtfulness in providing accessories such as traditional Vietnamese hats, conical hats, and fans, helping customers complete their poses without needing elaborate preparation. The combination of golden corn stalks and red fragrant flowers adds depth to each photograph.

Sori Cafe & More: Elegant and refined

In contrast to its rustic style, Sori Cafe & More offers a luxurious and elegant atmosphere for Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). This year's theme is a blend of the softness of silk and the antique charm of ceramics, creating a sophisticated setting for fashion enthusiasts.

Right from the entrance, diners will be impressed by the background of red shutters combined with fresh flowers and lanterns. The interior space is spacious and airy with many unique concepts, allowing visitors to comfortably pose for photos without worrying about crowds.