Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

By Quynh Tran   January 2, 2024 | 05:57 pm PT
Visitors braved the heat, waiting nearly half an hour in line to explore Dino Cafe in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1.
Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Located at 2bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, the cafe is adorned with almost 20 life-sized dinosaur models and has quickly become a bustling attraction since its opening just a week ago.

The 1,500 m2 cafe features dinosaur models representing various species complemented by greenery, transporting guests to an era millions of years in the past.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

On New Year's Day, the line for entrance tickets extended nearly 100 meters. To shield patrons from the sun, the staff placed large umbrellas in the courtyard, where everyone queued for their turn.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Quynh Chi (C), a 43-year-old woman from District 7, said: "The hot weather is a bit uncomfortable, but everyone lined up politely."

She learned about the cafe through social media and decided to treat her son to a dinosaur-themed adventure.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

The average wait time at the ticket counter was around half an hour, with children's tickets priced at VND100,000 ($4), half of the price for adults, excluding drinks.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Most of the dinosaur models housed in the cafe are not just static displays: they can move and emit lifelike sounds. The centerpiece, a massive Tyrannosaurus rex standing 9 meters tall and stretching 13 meters in length, mirrors real-life proportions.

The dinosaur model stands on a 1.5-meter-high platform with stairs for direct interaction. During busy times, people may need to wait in line to see it.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Crafted with a steel frame and 3D-printed bodies, the models are realistic in appearance and size, featuring a diverse range of species from carnivores to herbivores.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Families with young children predominantly populate the area around the dinosaur models.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Chi Thien, a 9-year-old boy (pictured), happily touches the dinosaur's head.

Some initially frightened children soon found excitement in the presence of these gigantic creatures that once roamed the Earth.

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Hai Ngoc from District 10 takes a selfie with her sone and a dinosaur.

"My baby enjoyed every model. It provided my child with experiences beyond learning about dinosaurs from books. I plan to return on a less crowded day for a more comfortable visit."

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

Within the cafe, tables bustle with tourists enjoying meals, drinks, and dinosaur-themed cartoons. The place also offers various children's play areas, including statue and sand paintings, rock climbing, and electric animal rides, with beverage prices ranging from VND25,000 to VND65,000 ($1 to $2.60).

Fossils and fun at HCMC dinosaur cafe

In the future, the cafe plans to expand its offerings by adding more dinosaur models and introducing dinosaur riding services for children.

Open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, the cafe provides ample parking space.

During holidays, because of the high customer volume, visitors may need to find alternative parking lots since the shop's parking area is frequently full.

 
 
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