11 Unusual Date Ideas to Try in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

In the middle of a hectic urban scene in District 3 there’s a strange cement structure in the middle of a giant roundabout. It doesn’t really look like a lake, but there is actually some water in there. Every night, hundreds of young people park their motorbikes to hang out here, sharing food and drinks and stories. As far as Vietnamese dating goes, it doesn’t get much more authentic than this.

Hidden off of Thao Dien Street in District 2, Jump Arena Trampoline Park is a great place for new couples to show off their athleticism and bouncing skills. There’s a rock-climbing wall, basketball nets for aerial dunks and foam pits where brave customers can flip and twist safely. If you don’t share a laugh with somebody while leaping around on trampolines, maybe it wasn’t meant to be.

You can find these relics of the colonial era scattered throughout District 1. The best times are definitely in the morning or around dusk, since it’s hellishly hot during the midday hours.

There are a couple different bars and pubs around the city that host weekly quiz nights. It’s a great way to chat in a fun atmosphere, and for a bonus, you can show off all your esoteric knowledge. Let your special someone know you’re not a dummy.

Instead of crawling through arduous small talk, why not put your brains to work to solve a puzzle? Relationships are about teamwork, so see if you have chemistry by getting through a series of challenges. If you explode into a fit of tears and rage and try to kill each other, at least you’ve learned that you aren’t compatible!

Usually on dates you spend long stretches gazing into each other’s eyes, building an intimate bond through subtle body language. But not here. Instead, you’ll listen for nuances in their voice, learning to trust your other senses as you enjoy a delicious meal.

Book onto a Ho Chi Minh dinner experience to make the most out of your date night.

There are plenty of restaurants and bars for couples to meet at, but for a different experience, choose a corner store near you. Most have seating and all the snacks could ever want. This is an authentic way to date like many young Vietnamese who have no time left after long hours of working and studying.

Probably the most interesting way to see the city is from the Saigon River. You’ll have time to chat and get to know each other as you float past wonderful scenes of urban glitz and natural beauty.

Check out these amazing boat tours that Ho Chi Minh has to offer.

Whether you’ve got rhythm or not, dancing is a great way to cut through any awkward tension and share some laughs, because everyone’s vulnerable on the dance floor. Speed things up with some salsa lessons to get sweaty and maybe a bit intimate as you shake and glide through the steps.

Nobody really looks good in a safety harness – straps digging into your thighs and groin – but this is a fun way to share some exercise and chat between climbs. There’s a couple different spots around the city, so get out there and show your date how athletic you are.

If you’re already a great cook, then this will be a great chance to display your culinary prowess while picking up a few new recipes at the same time. If you have no idea what you’re doing in the kitchen, then this is your chance to start getting better. Either way, a cooking class is a unique way to share a meal on your date.

Be sure to book ahead onto one of these top-rated cooking classes for the ultimate tasty date.