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

 Saigon's New Year weekend offers an array of events, from art exhibitions and cabaret shows to local artisan fairs and piano recitals, ensuring a fun start to 2024.

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.

Local artisanal fair

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. PhotThe 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.o courtesy of Phien Cho Xanh - Tu Te

Exploring the enchanting stone park

A picturesque corner of the stone park within Nui Chua National Park in Phan Rang – Thap Cham City, Ninh Thuan Province - PHOTO: NHAN TAM

Situated approximately 30 kilometers northeast of downtown Phan Rang – Thap Cham City, the stone park belongs to the Nui Chua National Park, recognized as a world biosphere reserve in the scenic south-central province of Ninh Thuan. This unique park is a haven for nature enthusiasts, boasting an array of captivating stone formations and distinctive trees.

The park’s authorities say that the granite blocks found here were shaped nearly 100 million years ago. Over time, extensive weathering has sculpted these granite terrains into a breathtaking assortment of forms. Depending on the imagination of each visitor, the stones may take on the appearances of elephants, fish, human statues, chairs, and more.

A visit to the stone park offers the chance to marvel at the sea’s beauty from elevated vantage points, inhale the crisp, invigorating air, and bask in the sheer grandeur of Mother Nature—a truly wondrous experience.

 

Elevate Your Festive Escape: Unveiling Tranquility with Exclusive Holiday Retreats

 

Disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of ordinary life, many seek refuge in the lush and tranquil spaces offered by An Lâm Retreats. Here, verdant expanses and serene surroundings conspire to embark guests on a one-of-a-kind journey

n the serene enclave of An Lâm Retreats, the grandest symphony is the melodic serenade of birds harmoniously echoing amidst the swaying foliage or the rhythmic cadence of the gentle waves. This idyllic haven transforms into an impeccable sanctuary for those seeking refuge in the embrace of nature, providing a respite from the bustling urbanity of the festive season.

In the year’s final month, December unfailingly brings a rush of hurried sensations, laden with the urgency to conclude something significant before the onset of the new year. This inadvertently propels us into the whirlwind of stress, often overlooking the deserving respite and rejuvenation one rightfully merits after a year of dedicated endeavours.

This holiday season, choose An Lâm Retreats Saigon River for a refined staycation near Ho Chi Minh City or unwind at An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay, set against the pristine Ninh Van Bay. The picturesque natural landscapes of each resort, coupled with the unparalleled attentiveness of the An Lam Team, present compelling reasons to transcend indecision.

Health is the premier gateway leading us towards a state of equilibrium

Health is the root of all happiness. This simple philosophy is the guiding thread that weaves a better life from the inside out. As such, two Retreats under An Lâm Retreats continuously elevate and rejuvenate health and wellness experiences – from gentle spa treatments to profound practices such as meditation, yoga and trekking – offering you the opportunity to refine your ability to absorb energy from nature and awaken the fresh wellspring of vitality, ensuring you step into the new year with joy and fulfilment.

Relaxing the body and mind in the embrace of nature offers a pathway to rejuvenate a positive and dynamic energy flow

Especially at An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay on Hon Heo Peninsula, Khanh Hoa Province, meditation activities are thoughtfully varied, leveraging the secluded space and tranquil nature to amplify their effects. Choose from Mindfulness Meditation, Christmas Bell Meditation, or Sunrise Meditation based on your preferences. Additionally, the Retreat introduces trending wellness activities such as aerial yoga, Bosu ball workouts, and numerous stretching classes, including simple acupuncture, for guests to continue practising after their vacation. For those seeking mental rejuvenation, indulging in a cocktail under the starry sky or visiting the garden to learn the art of crafting nutritious beverages is a perfect addition to the experience.

An Lâm Retreats Ninh Vân Bay embraces a serene and romantically infused natural landscape, featuring tranquil natural streams and an expansive stretch of beach. This idyllic setting is tailored for those seeking privacy and seclusion, providing an exclusive retreat for discerning individuals

“The Joy of Family: A Complimentary Path to Restoration”

The alignment of year-end celebrations globally with the essence of “reunion” is not fortuitous; instead, it’s a recognition that joy amplifies in the company of cherished ones during these occasions of merriment and travel. Elegantly, weariness and tension gracefully recede, making way for warm embraces, shared sentiments, and the profound connections of familial ties throughout this distinguished festive season.

To create a delightful surprise this festive season, guests can explore a unique duo of menus exclusively crafted for Christmas and New Year’s Eve or join a buffet celebration by the Saigon River and Ninh Van Bay. Indulge in vibrant evening music performances, exciting activities for children, and a unique countdown experience to welcome the new year in style with loved ones. 

An Lâm Retreats also emphasizes various activities for children, notably the Christmas cookie-making class that delights the young guests

In fostering familial bonds, both Retreats introduce an elevated array of holiday engagements, encompassing exclusive Christmas cookie crafting classes and an upscale trek to the stream in the company of Santa Claus. These bespoke activities seamlessly complement the Retreat’s routine offerings, ranging from cinematic experiences to tranquil sunset viewings. Deliberately curated for discerning travellers, these experiences epitomize the seamless fusion of luxury and tradition, making the juncture between the departing and incoming years an indelibly sophisticated affair.

Giving to Receive: A Paradigm of Regenerating Joy

A distinctive shift from previous years is underway in the festive season at An Lâm Retreats Saigon River this year. For the first time, the Retreat will have a corner dedicated to showcasing and retailing handcrafted products from the “Tu Tam” orphanage. This charitable initiative, seamlessly integrated with the Retreat’s exclusive offerings, heralds a new era of compassion and communal spirit, epitomizing a holiday celebration marked by opulence and altruism.

Beyond mere financial aid, our little guests will have an exceptional performance on the afternoon of December 25 in the serene greenery of An Lâm Retreats Saigon River. This philanthropic initiative, seamlessly blending with the resort’s lush environment, adds a touch of meaningful festivity to the holiday spirit.

Embark on a journey to An Lâm Retreats during Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024, believing that your feet and heart will wander together in a truly special and unforgettable way.

Please contact for more information:

(+84) 028 7309 7686 | anlam.com