Saigon's New Year charms this weekend: art, cabaret, and culinary experiences

Exhibition "Mystical Topography"

The exhibition "Mystical Topography" features the works of Le Ba Dang, a renowned Vietnamese artist recognized in Europe during the latter half of the 20th century. Dang's visual language system challenges traditional artistic perspectives, through various artistic methods to create his distinctive style.

An artwork on display at the "Mystical Topography" exhibition. Photo courtesy of Annam Gallery

The artworks resemble topographical maps, depicting landscapes like paddy fields, mountains, and seas. A series on this event titled "Nature Prays Without Words", created in the late 1960s, drawing inspiration from Daoist philosophy. In these artworks, Dang uses subdued colors and a luminous void to convey abstraction.

The exhibition is scheduled from Dec. 16 to Jan. 28 at Annam Gallery, 371/4 Hai Ba Trung Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. Operating hours are from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with an entrance fee of VND70,000 ($2.90) per person.

New Year celebration

Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery invites guests to celebrate the New Year with a variety of events. The Social Club Rooftop Countdown Party takes place on Dec. 31, starting at 7 p.m. until late, at the Social Club Rooftop Bar on the 24th floor. Admission to the party is VND1,500,000 ($60), including one drink.

Diners can enjoy a variety of fresh seafood from the New Year menus. Photo courtesy of Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery

Additionally, the Saigon Kitchen Restaurant offers a New Year lunch buffet on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the 2nd floor. The buffet is priced at VND850,000 ($35).

For those seeking an evening celebration, the Saigon Kitchen Restaurant hosts a New Year's Eve seafood buffet dinner on Dec. 31 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The dinner is priced at VND2,380,000 ($97), including a free flow of red, white, sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks, and juices.

The New Year's Day seafood buffet dinner on Jan. 1, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., is priced at VND1,790,000 ($73)

Hôtel des Arts Saigon - MGallery is located at 76 - 78 Nguyen Thi MinhKhai Street, District 3.

The "Local artisanal fair" provides a platform for local businesses to showcase and sell products made from indigenous resources, emphasizing green, clean, and safe technology. It features high-quality Vietnamese goods meeting established standards.

Visitors can gain hands-on experience in programs, including crafting household items from loofah at a local artisan fair. Photo courtesy of Phien Cho Xanh - Tu Te

The event offers regional culinary performances and hands-on experiences with traditional crafts such as Thai ethnic brocade weaving, beeswax painting, brocade weaving, and silk weaving by the Thai and Hmong ethnic groups. Workshops will guide attendees in making handmade products.

The fair runs from Dec. 29 to 31, operating daily from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Workshops and hands-on experience areas, guided by artisans, are open daily from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. The venue is the Reunification Palace at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1.

Piano recital "Elysium"

The "Elysium" piano recital seeks to offer a musical experience marked by casual and peaceful tones. The event includes piano performances featuring compositions by various artists, including Paul de Senneville & Oliver Toussaint, Beethoven, Badelt/Radnich, Chopin, Schuman, Tchaikovsky, and Czerny.

The ticket price for the recital is VND200,000 ($8), covering a tea break. Attendees are expected to dress politely, and the event is not suitable for children under 8 years old.

The performance is scheduled for Dec. 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., at Steinway & Sons Exclusive Gallery in Crescent Mall, 101 Ton Dat Tien Street, District 7.

New Year’s Eve cabaret - Midnight Follies

The "Midnight Follies" is a New Year's Eve event at Clay Saigon, a Mediterranean restaurant, transformed into a Cabaret. The event features a curated menu with a five-course dinner, including cocktails, wines, and champagnes.

The night starts with a DJ Set at 7 p.m., followed by the Cabaret Show at 8:30 p.m., and concludes with another DJ Set until 2 a.m. Early arrival is recommended for a complete experience.

Canadian lobster kelp confit, accompanied by an array of vibrant sauces. Photo courtesy of CLAY Saigon

The menu offers a five-course dinner with a welcome drink at VND2,480,000 ($100), featuring dishes like Hokkaido scallop and caviaroscietra, Japanese red tunaotoro and foie gras, Canadian lobster kelp confit, andbafun sea urchin.

There's also a vegan menu at VND1,480,000 ($60). Bottle packages range from VND4,200,000 to VND13,500,000 ($170 to $550).

Booking in advance through the restaurant's Facebook page is suggested, and free entrance is available after midnight. The event is scheduled for Dec. 31, at Clay - Cocktails & Cuisine, at 18 Number 6 Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2.