Do you have any ideas in your head about where to surprise your date or to confess to your crush on Saint Valentine’s Day? If you still find this mission impossible, this article is your North Star.
Valentine’s Day is upon us and if you’re like me, you might just be getting around to thinking about your plans! Do you have any ideas in your head about where to surprise your date or to confess to your crush on Saint Valentine’s Day? If you still find this mission impossible, this article is your North Star. In this article, I come up with some ideas about cute gifts ideas to send your other half, some places to spend time with each other as well as some restaurant suggestions for a lovey-dovey dinner with candle lights. Check them out!
Best activities to do together
I believe lovers don’t need a day to show their love as that is something we should do every day. But, sometimes our hectic lives take over our time, work might invade our mind, and we forget our important person. It’s never too late to show them you care! On Valentine’s Day, try to spend time with him or her and do some fun activities like:
1. Making pottery at Meow Pottery Workshop and Art
Meow Pottery Workshop is a ceramic-making class. Meow classes are open every day of the week from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 2 PM to 3 PM. The tuition fee here is extremely reasonable, only about 150,000 VND/person for the introductory class. When you’re done, leave your work to be fired, it usually takes 2-3 weeks for you to get your finished product.
Make a memento for your relationship to mark this special day and care for each other. Try a small teacup! If you want to get your couple creative juices flowing, register now.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Address: 402/19 Le Van Sy, Ward 14, District 3
- Phone: 090 694 5001
- Business hours: Tue – Sun : 9.00 AM – 6.00 PM
- Website: https://www.meowpottery.com
- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/meowpottery/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/1818326171776579/meow-pottery-workshop/?hl=en
2. Making jewelry at Vietnam Silver House
Update: Temporarily closed
Matching rings or bracelets become more meaningful when you make them on your own. Vietnam Silver House offers a silver jewelry workshop, in which the skillful artisans will instruct you on how to make a piece of jewelry step by step. You are provided with the necessary tools and material. All you have to do is be creative to make your dream bracelet come true.
For a session of two to three hours, it costs around 35 USD. You can keep your “masterpiece” after finishing it.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Address: 68 Nghia Thuc, Ward 5, District 5, HCMC
- Phone: 028 3924 6568
- Business hours: 8 AM – 8 PM
- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/VietnamSilverHouse/
- Website: http://vietnamsilverhouse.com/
3. Making a dollhouse with The Gioi Ti Hon
This cute store sells dollhouse kits, ready to be assembled and decorated. You’ll find all the materials you need such as wood, grass flower, metal cloth, electronics, and led light, including an assembly manual that describes the details. Each box has informative instructions in Vietnamese. But you don’t have to worry because there are accompanying pictures that detail everything from how to paint to how to build.
This activity does not require artistic skill, it’s a hobby that only requires passion and patience. At first glance, this may seem childish, but the magic happens when you and your partner create a house together. That is a special DIY wood model, you will be addicted to making it perfect as soon as you start.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address: 225 Xom Chieu, Ward 15, District 4
- Phone: 028 668 01 052
- Business hours: Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM – 6 PM
- Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thegioitihon.com.vn/
4. Taking a walk at Vinhomes Central Park
Vinhomes Central Park is a new hangout spot for many people who live in Saigon. Inspired by the famous Central Park in New York, Vinhomes Central Park is very greeny and poetic.
This is also one of the most ideal places to admire the sunset in Saigon. You can have a picnic on the grassy hill or leisurely watching the fish swimming under the wooden bridge. So if you are a park lover back in your hometown, don’t miss out on a chance to visit with your loved one.
5. Wandering around Nguyen Hue Street
I still remember taking my Japanese friend to Nguyen Hue street. He said that one day he would take his girlfriend here just to walk around with their hand held tight, watching the chaotic traffic on the two sides of the pedestrian street. Such scenery inspired me to write a small chick flick story afterward.
You can surprise your partner by telling them to wait for you on Nguyen Hue Street, and then show up with a big bouquet of flowers and a kiss. After wandering around Nguyen Hue, you can try some good food at Chanh Bistro nearby or drink a whiskey sour at the hidden Firkin Bar on Mac Thi Buoi street just around the corner.
Best restaurants for a romantic date
There are many fancy restaurants around Saigon that are suitable for a date. I have mentioned a few in this article. I also picked up a few more options to make it easier for you. Read more to find out!
The Deck
You’ve seen Titanic, and while this ship isn’t going down, this famous riverside restaurant in District 2 still brings all the romance. With open space and a view overlooking the Saigon River, dinner here will be a lovely change of pace for a romantic evening.
The Deck specializes in European dishes and is recognized for its excellent beef steak and craft beer. Note that it is advisable to book a table in advance so that you can sit towards the river, when it is nighttime, you can see the street lights very clearly in the distance.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address: 8 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien Ward, District 2
- Phone: 028 3744 6632
- Business hours: 8 AM – 11 PM
- Website: http://www.thedecksaigon.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedecksaigon
Jardin Des Sens Saigon
Update: Temporarily closed
Located on one of the busiest roads in Saigon, everyone has to stop by Au Manoir De Khai to be impressed by its nearly hundred-year-old ancient architecture, but you might miss it. If you drive past it and don’t see a restaurant, you won’t recognize it is a high-class eatery because it’s hiding behind a wall.
The restaurant is simply decorated in a sophisticated Gothic style, on the dining table are displayed candles and flowers. The menu here is set in the same manner as a five-star restaurant, including a gift, appetizer, main dishes, and dessert. If you’re still wondering, Au Manoir De Khai is the ideal place for a traditional romantic evening of longtime couples.
Note that you should call to book a few days in advance to make sure there is a place on February 14th.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address: 251 Dien Bien Phu, Ward 7, District 3
- Phone: 028 3930 3394
- Business hours: 12 PM – 2 PM and 6 PM – 10 PM
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDSSAIGON/
The LOG restaurant
It’s true, Saigon is bustling and it will surely be crowded with couples on Valentine’s Day. The LOG restaurant – the luxurious “tree house” in the heart of District 1, is the perfect way to escape it. This is always the place where fine-dining loving couples hit high prices because the food quality, simple and elegant layout style, as well as clever service and respect for customer privacy meet to create the perfect dining experience.
Located on the top floor of Gem Center, this restaurant has a cozy indoor space and an outdoor table surrounded by greenery. Couples can choose to enjoy dinner under the romantic pale yellow lights or to lift a glass under the night sky of Saigon.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address: Rooftop, Gem Center, 8 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Da Kao Ward, District 1
- Phone: 097 500 22 88
- Business hours: 6 AM – 11 PM
- Website: https://www.thelog.com.vn
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thelogrestaurant/
Shri Restaurant & Lounge
This is probably one of the most luxurious “places” for couples that is extremely suitable for a romantic confession or marriage proposal.
Located on the top floor of a 23-storey building in the heart of District 1, Shri owns a beautiful Saigon view at night. This is a high-class restaurant, so the quality of food and service is top notch. Shri specializes in serving Western dishes, cocktails, and mocktails for those who can’t drink alcohol.
Another plus point is that the bar is open until midnight, so couples can have a leisurely dinner while watching romance into the late night.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address: 72 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 6, District 3
- Phone: 028 3827 9631
- Business hours: 10:30 AM – 12 AM
- Website: https://shri.vn/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/shri.skydining/
Yo’s Restaurant
If you want to have a romantic dinner on a tropical beach bar but you both don’t have time to travel, Yo’s Restaurant backyard garden is an island in the heart of the city! The owner had to deliver a whole fishing boat from Nha Trang city to Saigon before building her restaurant. The ocean theme also comes alive with real white sand. Coming here for dinner is ideal because the restaurant is at its most beautiful.
When the sun dips and dims, Yo’s Restaurant will be lit by thousands of string lights. I recommend trying the sweet and sour seafood salad, freshwater shrimp curry, and raw oysters with ceviche sauce as they have a very special flavor that you can’t find anywhere else.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address: 06 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Da Kao Ward, District 1
- Phone: 093 269 65 66
- Business hours: 7 AM – 11:30 PM
- Website: https://www.yos.com.vn/yos.saigon
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pg/yos.saigon/
Vegan option
In case you are vegetarians, here are some elegant and delicious places to try.
Chay Garden
Not only is this a delicious vegetarian restaurant in Saigon, Chay also has a small garden with a cool space to bring you back to the stillness of your soul. Open up to nature and enjoy the value of pure green cuisine to forge a sincere connection.
Right in the middle of bustling Saigon, nestled in a small alley, you can find Chay Garden restaurant with a green and quiet space. Take a break from the chaos of life, enjoy the quiet time with your loved ones or just go for a romantic evening to yourself.
In the middle of a small, spacious garden of Chay Garden, each guest can easily find their own small corner to enjoy early morning coffee cups, sip some light afternoon tea in the afternoon, and open up a conversation. Or use this time for quiet reflection and creativity.
MORE INFORMATION:
- Address: 52 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3
- Phone: 0898 855 667
- Business hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nhahangvuonchay/
Hum Vegetarian
Hum Vegetarian is a first class vegetarian restaurant in Saigon. It has been consistently rated by TripAdvisor in the top 10 best restaurants in Saigon which is probably one of the best affirmations for the quality of the restaurant. Everything from the space, the quality of the food, the service, and the price are worthy of your romantic night out.
This restaurant is as luxurious as any restaurant in a five-star hotel. Vietnamese features such as lotus, dinghy, and coconut tastefully decorate the space. It is extremely crowded at all times, both with foreign visitors making up more than 50%, and the rest being entrepreneurs and office workers.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address:
– 32 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3
– 02 Thi Sach, District 1
– 32 Duong D10, Thao Dien Ward, District 2
- Phone: 0898 855 667
- Business hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Website: http://humvietnam.com/
Phuong Mai vegetarian restaurant
Phuong Mai Restaurant is located right in the city center, behind Ben Thanh market. This restaurant is completely separate from the noisy world outside, giving you a feeling of tranquility and comfort. The space consists of two floors, the upper floor is luxurious and more private. It also has a small garden on the balcony, with a view of the iconic Bitexco.
The dishes at Phuong Mai restaurant are very charming, taste the sweetness of the vegetables. I really like the minced mushroom with pancake, steamed oyster mushroom, Thai hot pot, and pineapple fried rice. The price is quite reasonable, from 35,000 – 85,000 VND for most items and from 165,000 to 195,000 VND for hot pot.
MORE INFORMATION
- Address: 86F Vo Thi Sau, Tan Dinh Street, District 1
- Phone: 028 3822 3166
- Business hours: 9 AM – 9 PM
- Website: https://phuongmaichay.com/
- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/nhahang.chay.ngon.phuongmai.chay.quan/
- Tripadvisors
These suggestions come from my own experience during Valentine’s Day in Saigon. I hope it will be one of the most memorable pieces of your love story. Should you fancy a drink after dinner, find the best rooftop bar here!
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