12 hours exploring colorful cultural and artistic programs in Saigon

I. Morning: Explore the History and Culture of Saigon

Independence Palace (8:00 AM – 9:00 AM)

Start your day with a visit to the Independence Palace, which holds many important historical marks of Vietnam during the war and the years of rebuilding the country. The guided programs and reenactments of historical events here will take you on an emotional journey.

City Sightseeing Bus Tour with the Double-Decker Bus (9:00 AM – 9:30 AM)

Whether the weather is sunny or rainy, the unique double-decker buses are always available at the City Theater to ensure a comfortable journey at any time.

You can choose from two daytime tours to explore Saigon: SAIGON - GIA DINH or SAIGON - CHO LON.

◾ Link to book the double-decker bus tickets for Saigon city tour: https://ticketgo.vn/event/ve-xe-bus-2-tang-ngam-canh-tai-tp-ho-chi-minh-vietnam-sightseeing

Visit Quang San Art Museum – Explore Vietnamese Culture (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM)

Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Tuesday - Sunday)

Location: Quang San Art Museum, 189B/3 Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.

Link to book tickets: https://ticketgo.vn/event/ve-vao-cua-bao-tang-nghe-thuat-quang-san-quang-san-art-museum

Quang San Art Museum is the first private art museum in Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing and preserving over 1,500 valuable works of art with historical and cultural significance. The museum aims to serve the public's interest in fine art and create a strong cultural space for dialogues and deep thoughts about art and culture.

II. Afternoon: Enjoy Local Cuisine and Join Workshops

Taste Delicious Dishes at Local Specialty Restaurants (11:30 AM – 12:30 PM)

Saigon is famous for its diverse cuisine, influenced by many cultures. You can try dishes like Pho (beef noodle soup), Com Tam (broken rice), or Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) at popular spots like Quán 3C, Quán Ốc Đào, or high-end restaurants in the Pham Ngu Lao area.

Terrarium Workshop – Create Your Own Garden (2:00 PM – 1:45 PM)

Terrarium Workshop isn’t just a hobby but also a soul-healing therapy. At the 9X Garden workshop, you'll feel the warmth and peace that nature brings. You can unleash your creativity while designing unique, personal terrariums.

Time: Saturdays and Sundays with two sessions:

Morning: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Afternoon: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Location: 9X Garden, 479/38 Phan Văn Trị, Ward 5, Go Vap District, HCMC

Link to buy tickets: https://ticketgo.vn/event/workshop-terrarium-tu-tay-tao-nen-khu-vuon-cua-rieng-minh

Alternatively, you can experience the Moss Frame Workshop – Draw with Moss and immerse yourself in the green moss, the brown wood, the black stone, and other special colors to create your own moss art.

Time: Daily sessions

Morning: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

Afternoon: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Location: 53/104 Trần Khánh Dư, Tân Định Ward, District 1

Link to buy tickets: https://ticketgo.vn/event/workshop-moss-frame-net-ve-tu-reu

III. Afternoon: Explore Saigon with Special Art Programs

Water Puppet Show at Rồng Phương Nam Theatre and Check-in with Iconic Landmarks (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
If you've never seen a water puppet show, Saigon is the perfect place to experience this unique art form. The water puppet performances at the Rồng Phương Nam Theatre will take you into a lively, engaging space that combines music and acting.

In the late afternoon, you can stroll around Bến Bạch Đằng Park and take photos with Saigon's iconic landmarks like Ba Son Bridge, Landmark 81, Bitexco Tower, Nhà Rồng Wharf, and the Flag Tower.

Ba Son Bridge

IV. Evening: Experience Culture and Relax with Music in Saigon

Vietnamese Bamboo Circus ticket - À Ố Show (6:00 PM – 7:00 PM)

Program Duration: 60 minutes

Link to book tickets for the À Ố Show: https://ticketgo.vn/event/vo-dien-xiec-tre-a-o-show

The "Circus Storytelling" format, using bamboo as the main prop, combined with live, emotional music, recreates cultural activities in Vietnam. The Vietnamese Bamboo Circus has become a unique art form, captivating hundreds of thousands of audiences around the world.

Jazz Music at SAXN'ART CLUB (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Buy tickets: https://ticketgo.vn/

End your day with some relaxation at SAXN'ART CLUB, a renowned jazz music venue in the city known for its vibrant music scene. The club hosts live jazz performances by talented local and international musicians, showcasing various styles of jazz, including traditional jazz, bebop, fusion, and contemporary jazz. The soothing music and romantic atmosphere will help you unwind after a busy day.

Saigon is not only home to famous landmarks but also a hub for many exciting art programs. In just 12 hours, you can explore and enjoy a variety of cultural and artistic activities. Plan your trip and get ready for an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city!