Book your event with us!
The Old Compass is perfect for intimate private events (less than 60 people / 30 seated). In addition to our own programme of events, we’ve organised private talks, birthday and farewell parties, corporate dinners, networking events, meetings and more.
We can be flexible with our space and decoration to create a unique event experience in Saigon.
Please contact us for special booking request at email: info@oldcompasscafe.com
Our past events
(25.09.2026) 40 YEARS OF INNOVATORS – AUTHOR’S TALK WITH SAM KORSMOE
The Doi Moi (Reformation) era marked a historic turning point for Vietnam on various aspects. From opening up an economy to redefining a nation’s future, Vietnam’s transformation since 1986 is nothing short of extraordinary. But behind every major shift in policy, culture, and business, there are real people who dared to build something new. 40 Years of Innovators captures Vietnam’s rise from the ground up and delves deeper into personal stories that are both resilient and incredible throughout this period. Read more…
(16.04.2026) THE BAMBOO CAN BEND BUT NOT BREAK with LE LY HAYSLIP
Le Ly’s journey is one of extraordinary resilience and compassion. Born in a small village near Da Nang, she endured the hardships of war, yet transformed her pain into a lifelong mission of healing and hope. Her new photo book, The Bamboo Can Bend but Not Break, beautifully celebrates these 40 years of service. It is not just a book — it is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a powerful reminder that “Everything is Possible”. Read more…
(09.01.2026) VIETNAMESE MUSICAL HERITAGE – DON CA TAI TU – SOUTHERN VIETNAMESE CULTURAL LIFE
This event features a lecture-demonstration on the earliest known recordings of Southern Vietnamese music, centered on a rare love song performed by a female vocalist from Saigon. The recording was recently rediscovered in a French archive dating back to the 1900 Paris World Exposition. The highlight of the evening is the live performance of this newly found song. Sounds from more than a century ago will be brought to life once again by leading Saigonese traditional musicians. Read more…
(19.12.2026) ATHÉSIA, A NIGHT OF JAZZ WITH A FRENCH CREOLE TOUCH! — LIVE AT THE OLD COMPASS CAFÉ!
Athésia’s shows have been some of our best-loved moments of many years, and we couldn’t be happier to welcome her back to our intimate Saigon venue. She will be singing with Jazz Guitarist Nguyễn Quốc. Be prepared to enjoy a unique and intimate atmosphere where you will be touring the world without leaving Ho Chi Minh. Come and discover the musical aromas of France and the Caribbeans whilst enjoying an escapade in Brazil and New York Jazz clubs. Read more…
(06.11.2025) READING AND LECTURE BY ANDREW LAM: STORIES FROM THE EDGE OF THE SEA
The short story is a thing of beauty. Compressed, yet it holds within it a universe; expansive, but only in a few lines. Vietnamese American author, Andrew Lam, has been in love with this art form since his early days as a young refugee kid devouring books in public libraries in San Francisco. On this event, we celebrated and read from his latest work, Stories from the Edge of the Sea, and hear him discuss this art form, and how he uses them to chronicle stories of love and heartbreaks among Vietnamese in America. Read more…
(16.10.2025) VIETNAM’S REMARKABLE WOMEN – AUTHOR’S TALK WITH IRENE OHLER: BA TRIEU’S 21ST CENTURY DAUGHTERS