5 Ideas to ‘go green’ on St Patrick’s Day in Vietnam

It’s Sunday, and it’s St. Patrick’s Day…. What an excuse for a night out! These are five ideas to enjoy a perfect St. Patrick’s Day in Vietnam on March 17^th, 2019.

St. Patrick’s Day in Vietnam has just recently been an occasion for Vietnamese people, especially the youngsters, to explore Irish culture and take part in interesting events. If you are a foreigner traveling to our country, do not forget to miss the fun.

Saint Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and it becomes a must-see event for many people around the globe. The day has been made an official Christian feast day since the early 17th century. It commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland and celebrates the heritage and culture of the Irish in general. On this day, you will have to wear a green T-shirt because green attire is a part of the celebration.

Attend Ireland Day 2019 in Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake, the heart of Vietnam’s capital, is definitely a must-go place on this special occasion. This year, Ireland Day 2019 will be organized by the Irish Embassy in Vietnam on Saturday afternoon, March 16^th around Hoan Kiem Lake area. There will be free Irish cultural activities, and cultural and sports events. Especially, the Pen Monument in Hoan Kiem Lake will join over 300 other iconic attractions around the world to ‘go green’ to celebrate Irish National Day. So put on your green T-shirts and join the fun with thousands of local people!

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Vietnam at Saigon Outcast

The St Patrick’s Day Celebration is hosted annually by the Irish society in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2019, this event will be held on March 16th at Saigon Outcast at 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong Street, Thao Dien, District 2. This event will be a highlight of your Vietnam family tour with Irish traditional food and beverage, live singing and dancing performances, and exciting games. You can also have an opportunity to watch Ireland vs Wales 6 Nations Rugby Game on an open-air big screen. The early bird ticket is VND 50,000 dong and entry ticket after 5.45 pm is VND 100,000 dong, including one free beer. The event lasts from 5 pm until midnight.

Meet other Tourists, Backpackers and Expats a Local Bar

Do not forget to enjoy the exhilarating atmosphere of St. Patrick’s Day at some local bars, pubs, and clubs when traveling to Vietnam. Ta Hien Street, or ‘Foreigner Street’ in Hanoi will not disappoint you with fresh beer, many street food such as Nem Chua and Vietnamese bread, and endless parties. Strolling down to West Lake area, Sidewalk, Savage, and The Snug are just some famous pubs where you can meet the expat community and have fun.

Meanwhile in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Vien Street is a cannot-miss spot to look for fun on St. Patrick’s Day. You can find any kind of nightlife entertainment at this ‘street that never sleeps’. There will be some promotional menus at local bars and pubs, and you can enjoy food and cocktails at special price. Besides, you can tantalize your taste buds with local Vietnamese food such as snails and grilled meat, or just grab some craft beer and chat with the locals.

Reserve a Place at a Fancy Hotel

Get ready to warm your stomach with delicious Irish beef, lamb or pork stew with carrots, cabbage, onion, and potatoes! On the St. Patrick’s Day in Vietnam, do not forget to try succulent corned beef and cabbage. This is not an authentic Irish dish; however, it was developed by the Irish – American community. Other impeccable dishes on this day are mashed potatoes, Guinness Irish stew, Irish Shepherd’s Pie, Irish potato cakes, and apple pies. You can book a place at some fancy dining restaurants or hotels such as Sofitel Legend Metropole, JW Marriot in Hanoi or Hotel Equatorial and The Reverie in Ho Chi Minh City.

Spend Time at Some Catholic Churches

Catholic community can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Vietnam at some churches. Here is the list of Catholic churches in Vietnam where you can attend the celebration:

St. Joseph’s Cathedral

Located in Hanoi Old Quarter area, this church was built in 1886 and it was one of the first colonial structures constructed by the French. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral with neo-gothic style. You should definitely visit it on a city tour in Hanoi.

Ham Long Catholic Church

Ham Long Catholic Church was built at the end of the 19^th century on Ham Long Street, hence its name. Together with St. Joseph’s Cathedral and Cua Bac Catholic Church, it is among three major churches in Hanoi.

Cua Bac Catholic Church

A few minutes of walk from the Old Quarter, this church’s original name was Queen of Martyrs. Nestled under the shade of old trees at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung and Nguyen Bieu Street, this place deserves an afternoon walk.

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral

This is one of the iconic spots you should see on a city tour around Ho Chi Minh City. This church includes two high towers of 55 meters and six bronze bells. All materials were imported from France, including red bricks from Toulouse, giving the cathedral a brilliant color.