Peeking into Artsy Saigon

Art, Cities, Photo Essays, Vietnam

On one weekend, I explored Ho Chi Minh’s “Art” district to see what was in store and came back pleasantly surprised.


A tall blonde looks on at me from the wall, straight out of a noir novel while elsewhere a monkey runs along the wall. I am in the 3 A Alternative arts area of Ho Chi Minh, which is an interesting hipster-ish addition to the city. The 3 A Alternative arts area includes a number of galleries, homeware shops and hip cafes along with loads of murals and outdoor art. It’s a popular place for a photo-op, so seeing a lot of people posing for photos should be no surprise on weekends.

The 3A Alternative area is home to a number of galleries and weekend shutterbugs
The 3A Alternative area is home to a number of galleries and weekend shutterbugs
A large mural by a small hip cafe
A large mural by a small hip cafe
An edgy mural stares out from a wall
An edgy mural stares out from a wall
Some artwork at the 3A Alternative art area
Some artwork at the 3A Alternative art area
A thieving monkey runs along the wall
A thieving monkey runs along the wall
This art installation uses water in 5 gallon cans to create different tones of music
This art installation uses water in 5 gallon cans to create different tones of music
Some girls check if they got the perfect selfie with the artwork
Some girls check if they got the perfect selfie with the artwork
Giant ice cream eating octopus !!!
Giant ice cream eating octopus !!!
The monster train arrives in this huge mural
The monster train arrives in this huge mural
A mural in the parking area
A mural in the parking area

More Information

Getting There

The 3 A Alternative arts area is located at 3a Ð Ton Duc Thang in Ho Chi Minh. It’s right next to the Le Meridien Hotel. The entrance to the place passes by a 7-11, and you might be almost forgiven for missing it. But step a little in and the murals begin to present themselves on the walls and you know you have arrived at the right place.

Things to do

The area has lots of interesting murals and artwork outside. In addition to this galleries typically have art exhibitions as well. Finally you can also grab a bite or some fine organic tea or aromatic coffee in one the many hip cafes and restaurants that dot the area.

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