13 things to do in Saigon in December 2022
The last month of the year is finally here, and that means a ton of exciting new activities that you can join to end 2022 on a high note.
From dance parties and Christmas markets to big music events, here are 13 things to do in Saigon in December 2022 for an exciting time.
1. Afro Paradise – dance to Afrobeat music and stand to win free drinks
Image credit: Banana Mama
If you’re in the mood for dancing to fresh music, try out Afro Paradise, a dance party with funky Afrobeat music at Banana Mama, a rooftop bar with an expansive view of Saigon for a drop-dead gorgeous party.
The music for this party will be managed by 3 DJs, and the party will give out free shots to the best dancer on stage, so get your dancing shoes ready for a chance at free booze!
Image credit: Banana Mama
Besides dancing and free drinks for winners, you can also try out the bar’s various signature burgers with homemade buns, ranging from VND150,000 to VND200,000 (~USD6.09,~USD8.12).
Address: 10th floor – WMC Tower – 102 ABC Cống Quỳnh Street, Phạm Ngũ Lão Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: Friday, 2nd December 2022
Opening hours: From 4pm till late
Price: Free entry
Contact: Afro Paradise’s event page
2. What SUP – paddle along the river for a unique sightseeing experience
Image credit: What SUP
Stand-up paddleboarding has recently become more and more popular in Vietnam, giving us fun exercise and a chance to see some rare, gorgeous sights on your journey down our rivers.
This month, you can try out this unique sport at the Chèo SUP event, organized by What SUP.
Image credit: What SUP
Not only is it a great water sport if you have gotten sick of the chlorine-filled smell of swimming pools, but you’ll also be able to witness some beautiful sights along the river route, so be sure to bring your waterproof bags for some great pictures to bring home.
Addresses:
Chèo Sup Chill: 1017 Bình Quới Street, Ward 28, Bình Thạnh District, Hồ Chí Minh City
Chèo Sup Tropical: Area X51 Phạm Hữu Lầu Street, Phú Mỹ Ward, District 7, Hồ Chí Minh City
Dates:
Chèo Sup Chill: 3rd – 4th December 2022
Chèo Sup Tropical: Every weekend in December 2022, including 1st Jan 2023
Opening hours: 6.30am-9.30am, 3pm-6pm
Price: VND280,000 for a 2-people SUP (~USD11.36)
VND390,000 for a 1-person SUP (~USD15.82)
Contact: Chèo Sup Chill’s event page | Chèo Sup Tropical’s event page
3. Indika Saigon – open mic night and live music
Image credit: Indika Saigon
Indika Saigon is a hub for local artists that is also a great place for drinks and good food, with a unique vibe to accompany your experience.
This place is best visited when events are going on at the hub. And coincidentally, there will be a live music event and open mic night on 3rd and 5th December 2022 if you’re looking to have a peek at this exciting establishment.
Image credit: Indika Saigon
The live music event will feature the appearance of Coffee Money – a new band in the local music scene. So give them some support and check out this newly debuted band!
If you’re looking for something fresh to inspire you, then the Open Mic night will get that covered, potentially a combination of comedy, poetry, and even live music if someone brings their instruments. If you’re feeling brave enough, practice beforehand and get on the stage yourself!
Address: 43 Nguyễn Văn Giai, Đakao Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date and time:
Live music: Saturday, 3rd December 2022, 7.30pm
Open Mic Night: Monday, 5th December 2022, 7pm
Price: VND50,000 including free beer for the live music event
Free entry for the Open Mic night
Contact: 089 946 83 70 | Indika Saigon’s Facebook
4. Balade en plein air №32 : Saïgon et ses Environs à vélib – Riding your bicycle on a 45km journey back and forth to Bình Dương Province
Image credit: CLB Tiếng Pháp Sài Gòn
On the chance that your legs are itchy for a long marathon, take a gander at this: a biking trip organized by the local French language club Bienvenue au Club Francophone de Saï Gon.
This trip will take you outside of the city and allows you to visit some interesting locations, including the famous pottery village Lái Thiêu, before biking your way back to Saigon, racking up an impressive 45km journey.
Of course, this being a long journey, you will need to bring your supplies, as well as your bicycle and biking gear. Be sure to bring your helmet, biking shoes, and clothes that are appropriate for long travel, as well as some cold juices to replenish your sugar level throughout the trip.
Image credit: CLB Tiếng Pháp Sài Gòn
For those who do not have their bicycles, the event organizer said that you can hire one from the nearby bicycle-sharing service. This will require you to have a 3G-enabled phone with the TNGO app installed. For more info, check out the app here!
It is estimated that the trip will take from 8.30am to 3pm, ending when the group returns to the center of Saigon. Since this event requires no registration, the group will start their trip on time, so be sure to set your alarm and get to the meeting spot early to make sure you’re not missing out on the fun.
Address: Bike-sharing station in front of the Hai Bà Trưng gate at Lê Văn Tám Park, Đakao Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: Saturday, 3rd December 2022
Opening time: Meeting at 8am, departure at 8.30am
Price: Free, no need for registration
Contact: Balade en plein air №32 : Saïgon et ses Environs à vélib’s event page
5. X-No8 Exhibition & Khởi Sinh Lacquer Collections – Vietnamese lacquer art exhibition with gorgeous art.
Image credit: X-No8 Alternative Art Space
Vietnamese lacquer painting, also known as sơn mài, is one of the rarer forms of art that not a lot of people might have seen. So the upcoming X-No8 Exhibition & Khởi Sinh Lacquer Collection might be a chance for you to see what this uncommon technique looks like in person.
Image credit: X-No8 Alternative Art Space
This event is free for all to enter and will feature 33 lacquer paintings made by the local artist trio Trần Dân, Trần Hiền, and Lại Minh Huyên. We suggest going with a friend or date so you can debate on which piece is your favorite.
Address: Nam Thi House, 152 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: 4th to 9th December 2022
Opening hours: 9am-7pm
Admission fee: Free
Contact: X-No8 Exhibition & Khởi Sinh Lacquer Collections’ event page | X-No9 Exhibition’s Facebook
6. Au Patio – Christmas market with handmade crafts and free wine
Image credit: Au Patio
Au Patio is a cafe-bistro that is hosting a Christmas Market with free wine and a discount on food, most of which are light snacks that are great with the accompanying wine, so if you’re looking for a new fancy place to drink, this bistro might be the place for you.
Image credit: Au Patio
Besides wine and food, you will find a variety of items at the Chrismas Market, such as handmade decorations, clothes, and chocolate, good for when you’re still looking for an ideal Christmas gift.
Address: 31A Lý Tự Trọng Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: Saturday, 10th December 2022
Opening hours: 2pm-8pm
Price: Free to enter
Contact: Christmas Market’s event page
7. Go Fencing With Joshua – a must-try-sport for weapon lovers
Image credit: Saigon Fencing Club
Fencing on TV always seems like a cool thing that most people would love to have a try at least once in their life. Lucky for you, there’s an upcoming fencing event organized by Saigon Fencing Club, welcoming all newbies and beginners to this exciting sport.
Image credit: Saigon Fencing Club
If you’re planning to participate, be sure to register before Thursday 1st December 2022, as well as inform the organizer of your jacket size and dominant hand so they can prepare the appropriate fencing gear. Don’t forget to dress up in jogging pants or leggings so your legs get protected from the incoming sword strikes.
Address: 01 Phan Văn Đáng Street, Thạnh Mỹ Lợi Ward, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh City,
Date: Sunday, 4th December 2022
Opening hours: 4pm-6pm
Price: VND250,000/person
Contact: Go Fencing With Joshua’s event page
8. FÊTE DE NOEL – acoustic performances and holiday-themed workshop inside a European restaurant
Image credit: L’Usine
If you’re looking for a Christmas-themed experience, then look no further than the FÊTE DE NOEL hosted by European cafe L’Usine Thảo Điền.
You can listen to live acoustic performances, participate in holiday-themed workshops to bring home some handmade crafts, and check out various products on sale at the venue.
Image credit: L’Usine
Besides that, you can also check out the various products on sale at the venue. You will often find a variety of items at L’Usine such as fashionable clothes, a diverse range of perfumes, and a variety of other miscellaneous items, so if you’re looking for a chic holiday gift, check out this event.
Address: 24 Thảo Điền Street, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: 10th-11th December 2022
Opening hours: 2pm-6pm
Price: Free
Contact: FÊTE DE NOEL’s event page
9. Những Thành Phố Mơ Màng 2022 – A music festival with many great artists
Image credit: Những Thành Phố Mơ Màng
If you’re a fan of exciting music festivals, or have never been to one before, then you might want to end the year with a blast at the Những Thành Phố Mơ Màng 2022 music festival.
Image credit: Những Thành Phố Mơ Màng
This event will feature 16 artists and bands that have left an lasting impact on the local music scene, including some of our personal favorites such as indie-pop hit Chillies, punk rock group 7UPPERCUTS, and pop-punk band Đá Số Tới.
Address: Saigon Exhibition and Convention Center (SECC), 799 Nguyễn Văn Linh Street, District 7, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: Sunday, 18th December 2022
Opening hours: 5pm-10pm
Price: VND499,000/standing ticket. Buy one here.
Contact: Những Thành Phố Mơ Màng 2022’s event page
10. LÔCÔ ART MARKET – support local artists and get some colorful crafts
Image credit: LÔCÔ Art Market
We believe that art markets are the best place to find hidden gems, and Lôcô Art Market is where you can go to witness colorful craftsmanship and bring home a variety of items that will spice up your personal aesthetic, from clothes, paintings, zines, to pins, stickers, and other handmade crafts.
Image credit: LÔCÔ Art Market
This art market will feature the work of many local artists, so if you’re a fan of any of them, this market might be the chance for a proper meet & greet with your idols.
Address: Amanaki Hotel,10 Nguyễn Đăng Giai Street, Thảo Điền Ward, District Thủ Đức, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: 9th- 11th December 2022
Opening hours: 1pm-9pm
Price: Free
Contact: LÔCÔ ART MARKET’s event page
11. Pink Room Records Label Night- dance to funky music at this Christmas party on a rooftop bar
Image credit: The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a popular rooftop bar with a gorgeous view of Saigon, and they’re planning a dance party called Pink Room Records Label Night on 10th December 2022, with deep and funky beats on the rooftop, and smooth techno indoors.
Image credit: The Lighthouse
The night party will feature the works of two record producers, as well as some local artists, so if you’re looking forward to learning about new talents inside the music scene, this event might be what you’re looking for!
Address: The Lighthouse on level 6, 104 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: Saturday, 10th December 2022
Time: 10pm-6am
Price: VND100,000
Contact: Pink Room Records Label Night’s event page
12. Meet the Crafters: Christmas Market 2022 – handmade products, food tasting, and DIY workshops
Image credit: The Hive Villa Saigon
Meet the Crafters: Christmas Market 2022 is organized by The Hive – a coworking space in District 2. There will be a lot of things going on at this market, including a market for clothes, beauty products, and handmade crafts, as well as DIY workshops and food tastings that you can participate in.
Be sure to check in early if you’re interested, as the first 200 attendees who post a photo of the event on social media will get free gifts, such as tote bags, mugs, and cookies.
Address: The Hive Villa Saigon, 29 Nguyễn Bá Lân Street, Thảo Điền Ward, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: Saturday, 10th Dec 2022
Opening hours: 10.30am-6pm
Price: Free
Contact: Meet the Crafters: Christmas Market 2022’s event page
13. Đêm Mê – Enchanting Night – LGBT-themed night party and dating event
Image credit: Trans Dot
If you’re feeling lonely on Christmas, or can’t find a good spot with a friendly atmosphere for a date, then the Đêm Mê – Enchanting Night event organized by FTM Vietnam Organization and TRANS DOT might be the party for you.
Image credit: Trans Dot
Featuring a drag show, alcoholic drinks, and spontaneous dating activities, this event might be a fun way for you to meet up with new people.
Address: MCafe, 40 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, District 2, Hồ Chí Minh City
Date: Sunday, 11th December 2022
Opening hours: 6.45pm-10.30pm
Price:
- Single ticket: VND169,000
- Couple tickets: VND299,000/pair
- Tickets at the door: VND200,000
Contact: Đêm Mê – Enchanting Night’s event page
Things to do in Saigon in December 2022
We hope that these selections will give you something new in HCMC to participate in.
Now that December has come, let’s try and end it with a blast so you can remember 2022 as a great year.
Also check out:
Cover image adapted from: Những Thành Phố Mơ Màng, X-No8 Alternative Art Space, What SUP, and Saigon Fencing Club