Saigon weekend: what to do and where to go

French movie "Les Yeux sans visage" (Eyes without a face)

"Eyes Without a Face" is a timeless French horror film that delves into the themes of identity, obsession, and madness. The film centers around the character of Dr. Génessier, a brilliant but deranged surgeon who is haunted by his daughter Christiane's disfigurement caused by a car accident.

"Les Yeux sans visage" poster. Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

"Eyes Without a Face" will be screened at DCiné Cinema, at 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on August 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at VND60,000 ($2.50) per person, and the movie is restricted to viewers aged 18 and above.

Music event "Sinh to paradise"

The "Sinh to paradise" event, organized by NODEY and Friends, combines street art and skateboard culture. "Sinh to paradise" encompasses three main activities: a graffiti contest, a skateboard contest, and an after party featuring DJ music.

"Sinh to paradise" poster. Photo courtesy of Arcan

Individuals can participate in the graffiti contest to express their own artistic visions. Attendees can admire the captivating street art pieces and capture photos alongside them.

During the skateboard contest, spectators will marvel at the tricks and skills demonstrated by professional skateboarders on dedicated ramps. The event will conclude with an after party, providing attendees the chance to dance and enjoy guest performances.

Scheduled for August 5, from 1 p.m. to midnight, the event will take place at Arcan, 236/29/2H Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 17, Binh Thanh District.

Pet health clinic popup

R House will be hosting a health clinic popup event. This event features Pet Health Clinic, a veterinary hospital chain with 26 branches across Vietnam. During the event, attendees' dogs can receive free consultations, general checkups, and vaccinations.

"Pet health clinic’s pop up" poster. Photo courtesy of R House - Diner & Lounge

Those interested in participating should reserve a slot through the provided link and bring their dogs, along with their vaccine book (if available), leash, collar, and muzzle (for adult or aggressive dogs). Participants are advised to keep unvaccinated dogs on a leash at all times to prevent any potential risks or accidents.

The event will take place on August 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at R House, situated at 24/2/2 Tran Ngoc Dien Street, Thao Dien Ward, District 2.

Matcha tea brewing and wagashi tasting

Plantrip Cha, a tea house in District 3, will be hosting a workshop on matcha tea brewing and wagashi tasting. The event aims to introduce participants to the art and culture of Japanese tea and desserts.

A poster of a Japanese tea and wagashi workshop. Photo courtesy of Saigon Healthy Lifestyle - SHL

The workshop will cover the basics of matcha tea, from ingredient selection to proper brewing techniques, and explore the rich flavors and depth of matcha. Wagashi, a traditional Japanese dessert, will be served during the workshop. Made from ingredients such as red bean paste, sugar, and glutinous rice flour, Wagashi has a long history and is considered an art form in Japanese cuisine.

The workshop will take place on August 6, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Plantrip Cha, 1st Floor, 88 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3. The registration fee is VND350,000 ($15) per person for early bird registrations before August 5, and VND380,000 for registrations after that date. Participants will also receive gifts during the workshop.

Chocolate workshop

Binon Saigon Branch, a chocolate store that offers chocolate made in a factory in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province that borders HCMC, is hosting a Chokotto Chocolate Experience this Saturday.

"Making Chocolate Workshop" poster. Photo courtesy of Binon Saigon Chocolate

The event starts with a brief introduction to the process of making chocolate from cacao beans, followed by a hands-on experience of placing chocolate in a mold and hardening it. The event is recommended for children over 5 years old. Children under 5 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

The workshop will be held on two Saturdays every month, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Binon Saigon Chocolate Store, 12H Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1. The fee is VND250,000 ($10.50) per person.