Nestled on the busy street of Nguyen Tat Thanh in District 4 opposite to HCMC University of Law, the fair is home to more than 30 stalls selling typical fruits of the Mekong Delta such as mangosteen, durian, rambutan, watermelon, longan, grapefruit, and avocado as well as those imported from foreign countries such as New Zealand apples, Australian oranges and US cherries.
The fair also introduces to international tourists the richness of Vietnamese vegetables and fruits and promote unique cultural traits of the Southern region associated with cultural symbols such as bamboo, folk music and ao ba ba (a shirt used by southern people).
Apart from trading activities, the venue is awash with scores of exhilarating entertaiment activities such as music performances at 7 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, lucky draws and dance shows.
In addition, visitors to the fair are offered ample opportunities to enjoy wonderful dishes made from fresh fruits and admire the art of making unique fruit juices as well as explore numerous street food stalls selling fried fish balls, fried sausages, French fries and corn fried with small shrimps, with prices ranging from VND10,000 to VND25,000.
Le Hung, a 37-year-old visitor residing in HCM City’s District 1, tells the Daily that the event not only serves as a place for fruit business but also contributes to introducing Vietnamese food and tourism images to the expat community as the site boasts impressive features from Southern culture-themed space to the images of pleasant staff dressed in ao ba ba and music performances highlighting the colors of Southern culture.
Hoang Tuyet Nhung, a housewife living in HCM City’s District 3 who came to the event last Saturday night along with her husband and two daughters, says the site is expected to capture the attention of many guests, especially those from abroad thanks to its convenient location in close proximity to the city center.
A highlight of the fair is that most of fresh fruits there are sold at a lower price than in traditional markets and supermarkets, which may enchant a large number of budget-minded housewives, Nhung adds.
Phuong Mai, a 26-year-old owner of a stall selling fruit juices and smoothies at the fair, explains that the event which is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. on two weekend days is always crowded with guests, especially local youths and families at night as scores of visitors wish to discover the animated atmosphere with acoustic music shows and enjoy tasty street foods while viewing the sparkling Saigon River at night.
Tourists should not miss a chance to take a tour to Saigon Fruit Fair located at 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street in District 4.
