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Shopping

• Experience the diverse shopping landscape of Ho Chi Minh City while attending CUTE 2025. The city's premier shopping destination, Ben Thanh Market, offers an authentic Vietnamese marketplace experience where you can find traditional crafts, local textiles, and unique souvenirs. For a modern shopping experience, visit Vincom Center, featuring international brands and air-conditioned comfort. Saigon Square provides excellent middle ground, offering quality local fashion and accessories at reasonable prices.
• When shopping in traditional markets, bargaining is both expected and part of the local culture. Start at about 50% of the initial price and negotiate friendly. Most modern malls and shopping centers accept major credit cards, though it's advisable to carry some cash for small purchases and traditional markets. The best shopping hours are between 10:00 and 20:00, when all establishments are open and the weather is most comfortable.
• For convenience, several shopping facilities are located within walking distance of the conference venue, including a convenience store and a small souvenir shop at Crescent Mall. Our conference information desk can provide you with a detailed map of nearby shopping locations and specific recommendations based on your interests.

Eating out

• Ho Chi Minh City offers a rich culinary experience ranging from street food to fine dining. Near the conference venue, you'll find an excellent selection of both local Vietnamese cuisine and international restaurants. Local specialties include pho (Vietnamese noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and com tam (broken rice), available at numerous restaurants around the university area. For international options, the nearby Crescent Mall and SC Vivo City food court offer Japanese, Korean, and Western cuisine.
• For convenient dining during the conference, several restaurants within walking distance of the venue offer quick, quality meals perfect for lunch breaks. These establishments understand English menus and are accustomed to international guests. We recommend using popular food delivery apps like Grab Food or Shopee Food for dining at your hotel, with English interfaces available.
• For your dining comfort and safety, we suggest choosing busy restaurants, drinking only bottled water, and carrying translation cards if you have specific dietary requirements. While tipping isn't mandatory in Vietnam, it's appreciated in upscale restaurants.