March and October offer two special occasions to send wishes, gifts and care to the women you love. So what are March 8 and October 20, how do these celebrations differ, and where can you go to enjoy them? This article answers those questions and suggests suitable places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.
International Women's Day on March 8 and Vietnamese Women's Day on October 20 are both meaningful occasions to recognize women's contributions to their families and society. Although both celebrate women, they have different historical origins and meanings.
March 8 is an international observance associated with the early 20th-century movement by female textile workers in the United States for equality and labor rights. It later became a day for women around the world, carrying a message about women's rights, gender equality and respect.
October 20, meanwhile, has a distinct place in Vietnamese history because it marks the founding of the Vietnam Women's Union in 1930. The day honors the courage, resilience, loyalty and dedication of Vietnamese women in building and defending the country.
March 8 and October 20 are both occasions to celebrate women. (Source: Internet)
Choosing the right destination can make these occasions more memorable and enjoyable. Below are 12 places in Ho Chi Minh City offering a range of activities and experiences.
AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon brings together gift shopping, dining and entertainment in one destination for occasions celebrating women, such as March 8 and October 20.
To find a surprise gift for your mother, wife or girlfriend, explore leading fashion, cosmetics and accessory brands through the AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon Fashion & Sports Store Directory. Stores such as UNIQLO, H&M, Mango, GAP, MLB, Coach, Lacoste, Tommy Hilfiger, Canifa and the sports store ANTA Superstore offer fashionable outfits, premium handbags and authentic perfumes.
After shopping, the family can enjoy a cozy dinner at one of the many restaurants. Explore Japanese grilled dishes and hotpot on the menu at Yakimono, try a variety of other dishes or stop for coffee at popular cafés such as Starbucks, Katinat, Phúc Long, Gong Cha or Highlands Coffee. Complete the day with a recent blockbuster at CGV or have fun at Timezone or Dream Games to make lasting memories with the women you love.
AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon offers shopping, dining and gifts for women on special occasions. (Source: Internet)
Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street is one of the liveliest streets in the city center, with an open setting and striking modern architecture. Visitors can take a leisurely walk, photograph landmark buildings, enjoy street-side coffee or explore its well-known café apartments. It is a popular meeting place for young people and couples who enjoy an energetic atmosphere and want to capture memorable photos.
Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street is a place to stroll, take photos and explore central Ho Chi Minh City. (Source: Internet)
Bùi Viện Walking Street is a lively area known for its music, colorful nightlife and youthful energy. Visitors can try a variety of street food, listen to live bands and join the festive atmosphere. It is especially suitable for groups of friends looking for an exciting evening out.
The lively nightlife on Bùi Viện Walking Street. (Source: Internet)
Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street offers a peaceful reading space beneath leafy trees in the heart of bustling Saigon. Visitors can choose a meaningful book as a gift, read at a charming café and take photos. It is an ideal choice for women who love books and quiet surroundings, as well as for celebrating teachers.
Visitors browse books, read and take photos on Nguyễn Văn Bình Book Street. (Source: Internet)
Bạch Đằng Wharf is a riverside park with open views of the Saigon River and the city's modern high-rise buildings. The renovated area is ideal for a walk in the river breeze, watching a romantic sunset and photographing the city at night. Its spacious setting suits couples on a date and families taking an evening stroll.
The riverside setting at Bạch Đằng Wharf is ideal for a stroll and sightseeing. (Source: Internet)
Combining a visit to Bạch Đằng Wharf Park with a Saigon Waterbus ride lets visitors see the city from a different perspective on the water. You can enjoy views along both banks of the Saigon River, take photos and explore stops along the route. It is a relaxing activity for couples or families during the celebrations.
Visitors board the Saigon Waterbus at Bạch Đằng Wharf to see the city from the Saigon River. (Source: Internet)
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a long-established zoo with mature trees that create a nostalgic sense of nature in the city. Visitors can explore its plant and animal areas, take photos beneath the shade and enjoy a simple picnic. It is especially suitable for families with young children and anyone seeking a green space.
Families and friends explore the green spaces and animal areas at Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. (Source: Internet)
Đầm Sen Cultural Park is a large entertainment destination with thrill rides and landscaped water areas for visitors of all ages. You can try different attractions, explore the aquarium and enjoy performances during the celebrations. It is a good choice for large families and groups of friends who enjoy outdoor activities.
Đầm Sen Cultural Park offers rides and entertainment for visitors. (Source: Internet)
Suối Tiên Cultural Theme Park combines entertainment with cultural and spiritual themes inspired by Vietnamese legends and history across a large site. Visitors can enjoy Tiên Đồng Beach, explore cultural landmarks and try a variety of food. It suits multigenerational families or groups of friends planning a full-day outing.
Visitors explore the landmarks and attractions at Suối Tiên Cultural Theme Park. (Source: Internet)
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts occupies a beautiful historic building that blends French and Asian architectural styles and houses thousands of valuable works of art. Visitors can explore its galleries and take photos with the elegant architecture. It is an ideal destination for women who love art, vintage-style photography and culture.
Visitors explore the exhibition spaces at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts. (Source: Internet)
Crescent Lake and Starlight Bridge form a modern, well-kept urban area with a picturesque lake and a pedestrian bridge illuminated at night. You can stroll across the bridge, enjoy coffee overlooking the lake and take in the fresh air. The setting makes a romantic evening destination for couples.
Crescent Lake and Starlight Bridge offer places to walk, enjoy the view and take photos in Phú Mỹ Hưng. (Source: Internet)
The Saigon Riverfront Park in Thủ Thiêm is a newer riverside park with sweeping views of central District 1 across the river and a bright sunflower field. Visitors can fly kites, watch the sunset, photograph the modern cityscape and join community activities. It suits young people, couples and young families seeking an open space to relax.
People relax and view the city center from the Saigon Riverfront Park in Thủ Thiêm. (Source: Internet)
October 20 (Vietnamese Women's Day) is not a public holiday with a statutory day off from school or work under the Labor Code. Students and employees therefore normally attend school and work, although schools and workplaces often hold activities to mark the occasion.
October 20 is Vietnamese Women's Day, a special occasion to thank, honor and show care for Vietnamese women, including grandmothers, mothers, wives, sisters, teachers and female colleagues.
October 20 has deep historical significance. It recognizes Vietnamese women's courage, creative work and major contributions to building and defending the country, as well as caring for their families.
On International Women's Day, events in Vietnam and around the world may include gender-equality marches, seminars honoring women, gift and flower giving, and special promotions for women at shopping centers and restaurants.
You can give a teacher a gift on October 20 (Vietnamese Women's Day), March 8 (International Women's Day) or, especially, November 20 (Vietnamese Teachers' Day) to express your gratitude for her guidance.
Understanding what March 8 and October 20 are can give you ideas for sending wishes, choosing gifts or planning an outing with the women you love. Depending on their preferences, you can stroll, sightsee, shop or dine in Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to combine several activities in one trip, explore the restaurants, entertainment and promotions at AEON MALL Tân Phú Celadon.