There will be plenty of choices this Valentine’s Day season in Ho Chi Minh City ranging from upscale dining to more wallet-friendly feasts, cozy music night to outdoor romantic fun.

The way to a man’s heart is said to be through his stomach. So a romantic dinner, no matter how uncreative the idea may sound, is a Valentine ruling standard.

A candle-lit meal with heart-warming food and sparkling wine will get you and your partner more than a full stomach.

The five-star New World Saigon Hotel is offering couples a special Valentine dining experience with a romantic French full course dinner under the stars, a traditional Chinese menu, and a romantic buffet to choose from.

The price varies from VND682,500 (US$35) to VND936,000(US$ 48) per diner.

For a more mid-range choice, De Nhat Lau restaurant offers a Valentine banquet comprising a Vietnamese menu, live music, wine, and chocolate gifts starting 6.30pm on Valentine night. A table for two costs VND500,000.

Those looking for a more intimate and cozy ambiance can drop by US coffee shop franchise Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street.

On Valentine’s Day evening -- February 14 – a concert by Filipina jazz singer Mariedel will be dedicated to lovers. Five lucky couples will get a spa package for two. Reservations may have to be made in advance.

If you are looking for a sweet Valentine’s Day, head for French bakery La Dorée. On every table will be candles and roses, and couples will be served authentic French dishes including an entrée, a main dish, and cakes for dessert. French love songs will complete the evening which will cost VND500,000 for a pair.


Valentine cake at La Dorée

Duong Nhu café will offer a rendezvous for young people that will include an interactive program with Vietnamese singers and music groups, performances, games, and a lucky draw. Anyone can sing or play music on stage as a gift for their beloved. Customers can have their photo taken for free with their companions. Tickets cost VND100,000 for a person and VND195,000 for a couple.

By District 7’s Starlight Bridge, a small park with a rose garden will host a party at 7:30pm on Sunday, February 13. There will be a buffet, a dance floor with a professional DJ, and the highlight will be the chance for lucky couples to kiss on a hot-air balloon looking down the neon-lit bridge. Tickets are not for sale but can be exchanged for points ac(edited)ulated from buying Close-up products, playing games, and writing love letters on their homepage.



If snuggling into a couch for a TV treat at weekends is not your cup of tea since you are outdoors type lovebirds, a film screening in a large stadium might be a good choice for.
Vietnamese music TV channel YanTV will screen the American romantic comedy “The Proposal” at Phu in Tho Stadium Tan Binh District on Valentine’s Day night.
Free tickets are available at YanTV’s Office at 125/20 Hoa Hung Street, District 10, from February 11.

If a stadium is not big enough to contain your love, and tightly-packed HCMC too falls short, pack your bags for three days and escape to some romantic hideaway for the weekend. Luckily Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday this year.

Saigontourist has announced discounts for its private honeymoon and Valentine tours for couples and newlyweds. Among the many romantic destinations it offers are Da Lat, Ha Long, Sapa, and Nha Trang.

A three-day tour for two to Da Lat, the city of love, costs VND 10.3 million (US$528) and to Con Dao, VND9.5 million.

Details can be found on their homepage.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Quote::

Valentine for singles Singles and those still looking for the love of their life do not have to feel left out this Valentine’s Day. Hello Valentine- The start of new friend ship is a speed-dating event organized just for you by the social network henantrua.com at Co Ba La Café, District 10, starting at 7pm. Single men and women will take part in a game to break the ice before there is a five-minute speed-dating event. Then there will be more games before the audience vote for their favorite couples.

New World Saigon Hotel
71 Le Lai, Dist. 1, HCMC
Tel: (08) 3822 8888
www.saigon.newworldhotels.com

De Nhat Lau Restaurant
18 Hoang Viet street, Tan Binh District, HCMC
Tel: (08)3844.1199

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
94 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Dist. 3, HCMC
Tel: 0933322309

La Dorée Bakery
216 Ly Tu Trong, Dist 1
Tel: (08) 38 22 17 18

Duong Nhu Café
305/16 Le Van Sy, Ward 1, Tan Binh Dist.
Tel: (08)66736331

Phu Tho Stadium
219 Ly Thuong Kiet, Tan Binh Dist., HCMC

Co Ba La Café
207/40-42-44, 3/2 Street, Dist. 10
Tel: (08)38390291