Hanoi's post-Tet weekend: Dragon exhibition, special holiday menu

Hanoi Swing Out

The February event 'Hanoi Swing Out' provides an opportunity to engage in swing dance sessions on the rooftop of COMPLEX 01.

'Hanoi Swing Out' has been revamped and now includes new taster classes and group dance performances. The goal is to offer participants a deeply engaging experience with swing dancing, focusing not only on the physical elements of the dance itself but also on providing an opportunity for participants to delve into the cultural aspects and context of swing dancing.

The event at COMPLEX 01 (3rd floor, 29 Alley 31 Lane 167, Tay Son Street, Dong Da District) will run from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 16 and includes a 30-minute Taster Class. The fee is VND50,000 (US$2) per person, payable at the door, and it includes mineral water.

Talk show and workshop "The story of Hang Trong"

The Hang Trong Ward People's Committee presents an event exploring the historical and cultural significance of Tet. Attendees will engage in a talk show program discussing Tet's evolution and traditional practices. A buffet featuring northern snacks will also be provided.

Participants will also engage in the craft of making lucky cards, employing the techniques of Hoa Kim Sa Painting, a technique derived from the art of Phap Lam. This method involves applying decorative enamel to copper or copper alloy products, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

The event is scheduled for Feb. 18, starting at 8:30 a.m. It will take place at Nam Huong Communal House at 75 Hang Trong Street, Hoan Kiem District. Admission to the event is free.

Exhibition "Draw the Dragons"

The "Draw the Dragons" exhibition takes place at the Temple of Literature and the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Relic, showcasing the Lunar New Year mascot - the dragon - through the creative lenses of various illustrators.

"Draw the dragons" exhibition poster. Photo courtesy of Tired City

The Temple of Literature exhibit displays 80 illustrations from over 75 artists, each providing a unique perspective on the dragon theme. The Thang Long Imperial Citadel features 30 dragon works by over 25 artists.

The event is scheduled from Jan. 20 to Feb. 20 at the Temple of Literature, located at 58 Quoc Tu Giam Street, Van Mieu Ward, Dong Da District, and from Jan. 21 to Feb. 25 at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel Relic, situated at 19C Hoang Dieu Street, Dien Bien Ward, Ba Dinh District. Admission to the event is free.

Scented candle making workshop

InterContinental Hanoi Westlake presents a scented candle making workshop titled "Healing & Chilling."

Participants of the candle making workshop will receive a tea set. Photo courtesy of Intercontinental Hanoi Westlake

Two participation options are available: VND600,000 ($24) per person, including a tea set for one, or VND999,000 ($40) per couple, including a tea set for two.

The workshop will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 17, at the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, situated at 5 Tu Hoa Street, Quang An Ward, Tay Ho District.

Tet fusion menu at Backstage

Backstage, a MICHELIN Selected restaurant, presents a Tet menu featuring dishes that honor northern Vietnamese culinary traditions while infusing a modern twist. The menu includes classic flavors such as sticky rice cake banh chung with pickled shallot, confit pork, dry bamboo soup, and pork confit khau nhuc from Lang Son Province.

A set of Tet menu offerings at the Backstage. Photo courtesy of Capella Hanoi

The set menu is priced at VND1,850,000 ($75) per guest and is available from Feb. 1 to Feb. 19. Backstage is located within Capella, at 11 Le Phung Hieu Street, Hoan Kiem District.