Saigon culture

If sampling a taste of Saigon culture is on your travel menu, you will be interested in locating the city’s major outlets for cultural performances. Considering the size of the city, Saigon’s arts offerings are limited. However, if you know where to look, there are some fine shows and acts to be enjoyed.

Music: Vietnamese music can be discordant to the western ear, but rarely boring. Regardless of the unfamiliar harmony, performances provide insight into the local culture and tradition. Vietnam House in Dong Khoi and Blue Ginger in Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, are both excellent music venues.

Theater: a prominent feature in Vietnam’s art’s scene, Water puppet theater takes place in Saigon’s Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theater on a daily basis at 1830 and 2000.

Dance: dance plays a less significant role in Vietnamese culture than in other neighboring countries such as Cambodia and Thailand. However, performances can be enjoyed at restaurants throughout the city, with a particularly good show at Cung Dinh Restaurant in the Rex Hotel.

Film: the chances of viewing an English-language films in Saigon is are on the increase. Aside from the long standing Diamond Cinema, Megastar Cineplex has opened three multi-screen cinemas in the city, including one in Saigon Paragon Plaza and one in Tan Binh District.