If you are like me, then movies are a big part of your life. I tend to watch anything that I can get my hands, and I try to go to the movie theaters as often as I can.
Do you like to sit down, clear
I know this might sound weird to you, but whenever I go to a new country, I always want to experience the movie theater. I did it in Japan and Vietnam and will do it in any country I visit.
The one thing that always gets on my nerves is trying to decide on the movie theater. Either past experiences are not good, or the price is just too much.
We are probably the same. Always looking at which movie theater has the best screens, most movies, the lowest price, trust me, I know. With movie theaters a big part of my life, I am always looking for a good film, especially the cheapest.
Well, have no fear, here I have done the hard work for you. I will tell the best movie theaters, how to get super cheap experiences. If you are ever on a date in Vietnam or want to hang out with friends, these will be golden and sure to impress anyone.
There are five famous movie theaters that I think about when watching a movie in Vietnam. These are
All Movie Theaters
You would probably agree that all cinemas as pretty much the same, with a little difference here and there. But, It is imperative that you understand what to expect at a Vietnamese theater.
Don’t worry about movies being only in Vietnamese. They have films in English, with Vietnamese subtitles. Most Vietnamese movies have English subtitles, so you do not miss any of the excitement. They might even have a film with French or Korean subs as well — a little bit for everyone.
I remember a friend of mine wanted to see a Vietnamese movie; this was the first time I ever went to a movie theater. I was very nervous at first, wondering would I be able to understand the movie. She just smiled and said, do not worry; there are English subtitles. They like foreigners, and they will cater to you.
You can even play tricks with your friends; If you want to know how then continue reading.
In Vietnam, they release American movies on opening day, the same date as in America. Since Vietnam is twelve hours ahead of America, you can see the film ahead of your American friends.
See where I am going? You can “predict” what will happen. You will amaze your friends as you predict movies more than once. Watching movies ahead of time is just one of the perks of living in Vietnam.
When you go to buy tickets, it is not like America. In America, you can just buy a ticket and walk in to see the movie, but in Vietnam, you have assigned seating. You have to choose your seats ahead of time. You should plan ahead as the film can sell out, or you’re stuck with horrible seating. It is one of the annoying things about movie theaters, but it is how this culture works.
If you think that all movies cost the same, then you are wrong. They have regular seating at the bottom, VIP seating in the middle, and top. Then some theaters will have a special place to sit at the very top for an even higher price. Most of the time it is called couple sitting. Don’t for one second think that it is costly; they are all under 7 dollars.
As you know, concession stand food is so expensive that it feels like you have to take a loan out, only to buy some popcorn. Well, it is the same in Vietnam, although a lot cheaper, but there is one difference. You can bring your food. If you ever tried that in America, they would kick you out of the theater or have the food and drink confiscated.
Although it is technically wrong, It seems they look the other way when you walk in. My Vietnamese friends have told me time and time again, not to do it, or I will get into trouble. So far, I have never had any issues.
CGV Movie Theater
If you have ever been a big fan of Korean movies like I am, then you have heard of CGV. But did you know that CGV is also a movie theater? So what exactly does CGV have to offer? What is a CGV movie theater?
It is by far the one that I frequent the most, because of the locations and the deals. They have more theaters than any other place in Vietnam. They span over 59 locations throughout the country.
You can see almost any Vietnamese movie with English subtitles. You can also see most American movies with Vietnamese subtitles. It is handy if you are ever going to study Vietnamese.
They also show foreign movies, for example, Korean or Chinese films. If you are thinking like an American Cinema, where it will only have English subs, think again. It will have both English and Vietnamese subtitles. Do not always expect English subtitles to be there. Sometimes foreign movies will only have Vietnamese subtitles. You can check the listing to find out.
One funny, but
They also have random deals that you should check out. Here is the CGV offer link to the different sales they have. Each deal varies by month, so keep checking each month to see what new deals they have.
You might worry you will have trouble finding the movie the theater is showing or where to see the film. Do not worry; you can access the website in both Vietnamese and in English. My most favorite thing that they have to offer are different screens.
The different Movie Screens
I will go into different screens of CGV in a separate post. If you want to see what I have to say about those screens, I will post something here in the future. Their cinemas include 4D, L’amour screen, Gold Class, Sweetbox, and much much more. I have only experienced a few but plan to experience as many as I can. They are super amazing each with their own perks.
For Example in the gold class, you can lie down on a bed and have a blanket, you will even get
CGV has different popcorns
In America there is a small variety of popcorn, but in this theater there are four different kinds, sweet, caramel, cheese and chocolate. Chocolate and Caramel are definitely the best, they taste as they should
This cinema is at the top of my list and the one that you should check out.
Lotte Cinema
This next one is probably the second-largest cinema in the country. They used to be the largest a few years back but were out-resourced by CGV. They have over 39 locations throughout Vietnam. If you have not guessed it, a Korean company owns the Lotte Cinema.
They have made shopping centers. They even have a fast food restaurant called Lotteria. A review on Lotteria is coming soon.
I have only been to this theater a few times. Although they do not have as many deals as CGV, they still have some excellent deals. Here is their website for deals
From what I hear, they only have a VIP Cinema as compared to the nine different cinemas that CGV has. I have never been to a VIP Cinema, but when I do, I will certainly mention it.
They also show Vietnamese movies with English subtitles. They also have English movies with Vietnamese subtitles. If you happen to watch a Korean or Chinese or any other film, they will have English subs as well.
They have an English website, which can be a little confusing, but every month just like CGV, they have deals. I would definitely check out the bargains.
National Cinema
This one is the most interesting to visit, I believe. This cinema is enormous, spanning three floors, even having a cafeteria on two of the levels. The cinemas are on all three floors. It is honestly one of the biggest cinemas I have ever been too. The reason is mainly because it is a national cinema owned and funded by the government.
This cinema is where you can get the cheapest tickets. The price ranges between 55.000-70.000 each day, and students can get in for even less.
This theater will sometimes shows free Emmy award-winning movies. The government does this because they want people to be culturally aware of good films. I remember I took as many tickets as I could and saw at least ten movies that week.
It was truly amazing to see Emmy award-winning movies from all over the world.
Once again, most of all, the movies shown are using Vietnamese and English subtitles so that everyone can enjoy them.
Another good thing about this cinema is they have a clock on the wall. If for some weird reason, you have an appointment or have somewhere to be, then you can always check the time. It stops all the annoying phone users.
The only bad part is that it is not as high-tech as some of the other movie theaters and not as clean. Some technical difficulties can sometimes occur at this theater. I would kind of describe it as
If you are a budget movie watcher, then this place is definitely for you.
BHD Star movie Theater
I honestly cannot write much about this place as I have been here only once with my friend. I even thought about not including it in this writing, but because it is a famous theater in Vietnam, I have decided to include it.
The place is beautiful and even has crane games you can play while waiting for your movie. The theaters are far from where I live, so I only go when a friend wants to go.
It has a card you can get that allows you to obtain points to use towards payment of future movies.
The theaters are generally very big and sound amazing. The staff are very courteous and kind as well. I was told by a friend of mine that they always thank you for coming because they know you can go to a different theater.
Like all the other theaters, the movies can be in English with Vietnamese subtitles, so anyone can enjoy them.
The last one is for romantic dates or when you want the theater all to yourself. What is this one called? Well, let’s read to find out.
Coffee Movie Theater
When it comes to a stressful day or a romantic date, a coffee movie is definitely the place to go. You can choose your own film, new or old from any country. As long as it is government approved and has Vietnamese subtitles, then you can watch it. They will download it and bring you to your particular room. If they cannot find it, but you have it on your computer, you can bring your laptop and watch it there.
Don’t be sad if they don’t have your movie. I remember I tried to watch the village, but they did not have it. I wanted to find it online with Vietnamese subtitles for my friend, but to no avail.
In the room, they have a massive screen with surround sound speakers. If you have ever felt like the theater was too cold or too hot. Well, in this small personal theater, you can control the air and the volume.
If you want to see an English movie, they will have Vietnamese subtitles. If you’re going to see a foreign film, they have English and Vietnamese subtitles.
They tend to be a little more expensive than a theater, but I think it is worth it. You can be as loud or quiet as you want to. You can also watch a movie in peace and not worry about other people being too loud.
They also have drinks and food that you can order hence the word coffee movie. I usually get a coffee and something to eat.
You can easily find them anywhere, just type in cafe phim or coffee movie on google maps and soo many will pop-up.
This is definitely the place to go for a relaxing time, as well as have the theater to yourself.
What are you looking for?
So if you are looking for a relaxing movie, a private screening, or an excellent date, then these movie theaters are the place to go. They are very similar to and even better than an American experience for half the price. This is something you definitely should experience for yourself.
Links to all movie theaters
- CGV Movie theater
- Lotte Cinema Theater
- National Cinema Hanoi
- BHD Star Theater
- Chua Lang Cafe Phim (No specific website each Coffee Movie has their own (This one is for Chua Lang)
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