Weekends in Ho Chi Minh City, as usual, promise numerous bustling activities at frequent venues.

Visitors are advised to take a look at the following recommended destinations in Ho Chi Minh City that can enrich one’s living experiences on two weekend days.

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

On the occasion of weekend holidays, book enthusiasts can spend a little time dropping by the book street on Nguyen Van Binh Road in District 1, HCMC to participate in the “Reading Day” program at 8 a.m. this Sunday morning.

The event is an effort by the management board for the book street to promote reading culture among local youths and children and create a healthy playground for kids after stressful school hours. 

Furthermore, visitors can join the closing ceremony of the New Year 2018 Calendar exhibition at 9 a.m. on the day.

After nearly one week on display, the exhibition featuring hundreds of creative calendars with amazing designs from local calendar producers has captured huge attention of city dwellers and those from abroad. 

The event is part of a series of activities to celebrate the traditional day of the publishing and printing industry in Vietnam (October 10, 1952-2017).

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, adjacent to the landmark Central Post Office in downtown HCM City, was officially opened for public viewing in early 2016. 

Since then, the modern convergence point for bookworms has been a special cultural venue in the heart of the city and heaped praise from not only local youths and children but also a large number of international tourists owing to a wide variety of artistic and recreational activities.

Hotel Equatorial HCM City, 242 Tran Binh Trong Street, District 5

Those craving for great curiosity into the Greek culinary culture should head to Chit Chat at the Cafe Restaurant on the ground floor of the Hotel Equatorial HCMC in District 5 during the weekend to join a Greek Culinary Week where they can explore a sumptuous buffet night featuring well-known signature dishes of Greece.

Notably, the event will have the presence of Greek-Australian pastry chef George Diakomichalis, who is famous for the TV show titled “It’s all Greek to me”. The chef is expected to bring to the Hotel Equatorial a wealth of fine dining knowledge from his abundant experience and passion.

Gastronomers will be provided with a special opportunity to meet up and exchange with the renowned chef to get a glimpse into his cooking art and Greek culinary culture.

The buffet is available from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

CGV Hung Vuong Plaza: 126 Hung Vuong Street, District 5

The movie “The Foreigner” (or Ke ngoai toc in Vietnamese), directed by New Zealand TV and film director Martin Campbell, will be screened at 8:10 a.m., 3:10 p.m. and 7:50 p.m. this Saturday at CGV Hung Vuong on the seventh floor of the Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza.

The film features renowned stars such as Jackie Chan, Pierce Brosnan, Michael McElhatton, and Charlie Murphy.

The nearly-two-hour movie tells a story about a humble businessman whose long-buried past erupts in a revenge-fueled vendetta as his young daughter - the only person left for him to love - is cruelly murdered in a politically-motivated terrorism. 

From a caring and loving father, he is forced to turn into a serious criminal to seek justice for his unfortunate daughter.

The movie will have Vietnamese subtitle. Children under 18 years old are not allowed to watch the movie.

Further information about ticket prices can be found at https://www.cgv.vn.

Saigon Times