Saigon weekend: what to do and where to go

By Phuc Trinh May 5, 2023 | 01:21 am PT

Beat the heat this weekend with some cool activities in Saigon, such as French movies, musical cabaret, a painting workshop, Cinco de Mayo and free-flow champagne.

French movie "Lost Illusions" (Illusions perdues)

French cinema rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

The poster for "Lost Illusions." Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

"Lost Illusions," a film adaptation of Honoré de Balzac’s novel, tells the story of Lucien de Rubempré, a young poet who leaves his provincial home to pursue his literary dreams in Paris. There, he encounters the corruption and influence of the press, the art world and high society, and loses his integrity and his love in the process. The film won seven César Awards, including Best Film and Best Adapted Screenplay.

"Lost Illusions" will be shown at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets cost VND60,000 (US$2.56) per person. The movie is restricted to those 18-year-old and up.

Musical cabaret

Enjoy a night of Broadway magic at the first cabaret show by Impact Theater Saigon. The show, titled "Bringing it Home: My All-time Fave Broadway Playlist'', will feature songs and stories from classic and modern musicals such as "Les Misérables," "West Side Story," "Dear Evan Hansen," "Wicked," and "The Hunchback of Notre Dame."

The poster for "Bringing It Home: My all-time fave Broadway playlist." Photo courtesy of Impact Theater Saigon

Cabaret is a type of entertainment that combines music, theater, and dance in short segments during the show. Performers will sing, act and dance on stage.

The show will take place on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. at the seventh floor of Amazing Center, 51 Yen The St., Ward 2, Tan Binh District. Tickets start from VND550,000 per person.

Painting workshop

A two-hour art workshop that aims to help participants express their emotions in a healthy and therapeutic way will be held at Lang Spot this Sunday. The workshop will teach visitors various techniques such as color choice, mark making, and using textures to convey different feelings.

Participants will also do a short body scan meditation to identify an emotion they are feeling and create a piece inspired by that emotion.

Participants show their works at a painting workshopt at Lang Spot. Photo courtesy of Lang Spot

The workshop is open to anyone over 12 years old with any level of experience, and is limited to 12 participants. Drinks will be available for purchase at the venue.

The workshop will be held in Lang Spot, Number 18, Street 47, Thao Dien Ward, District 2. The fee is VND450,000 per person, which includes all paints and media.

Cinco de Mayo celebration

If you love Mexican food, music and culture, you won't want to miss the Cinco de Mayo celebration at The Long @ Times Square. It runs from Thursday to Saturday, where visitors can enjoy a variety of Mexican dishes and drinks, and a festive atmosphere with themed decor and staff uniforms.

The poster for "Cinco de Mayo". Photo courtesy of The Reverie Saigon

Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It is celebrated with parades, music, food and drinks in Mexico and other parts of the world.

The event will be held in The Long @ Times Square, 36 Nguyen Hue St., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

Free-flow champagne and live music

Indulge in free-flow Champagne Delamotte, cocktails, beers and canapé at SEI Dining Lounge not only at weekends, but every day from 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. SEI Dining Lounge is a fusion of Japanese culture, art and Asian cuisine. You can also enjoy a live band in a stylish and elegant setting that combines modern and classic elements.