“Pho of Love” Brings Comfort and Community to Bau Bang, Ho Chi Minh City

Thousands of residents from Bau Bang commune and surrounding areas gathered on March 7th and 8th, 2026, for the “Pho of Love” event, enjoying a heartwarming meal and live musical performances despite unseasonal heavy rainfall. The event, organized by Tuoi Tre newspaper and Saigon Tourist Group, aimed to provide a meaningful experience for workers and foster a sense of community in the rapidly developing industrial area.

A Community United by Pho

Despite a significant downpour beginning at 5 p.m. On March 7th, thousands flocked to the central administrative square of Bau Bang commune to partake in the event. Attendees enjoyed “5-star” pho and performances by popular Vietnamese singers including Minh Hoang, Nguyen Phi Hung, Quynh Hoa and Quoc Dai. The event provided 12,000 free bowls of pho and 350 gifts to employees and executives as a token of appreciation for their contributions.

Pho: A Culinary Ambassador

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tran Xuan Toan, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Tuoi Tre newspaper, emphasized the cultural significance of pho. He stated that pho is not only a beloved dish for Vietnamese people but as well a symbol of Vietnamese culinary culture, highly sought after by both domestic and international tourists. Toan described pho as one of Vietnam’s leading “culinary ambassadors.”

Supporting Workers and Promoting Tourism

The “Pho of Love” program aimed to provide a positive experience for workers after long hours and to promote Vietnamese cuisine and tourism. Nguyen Thi Anh Hoa, Chairwoman of the Board of Directors of Saigontourist Group, highlighted the event’s role as a bridge for sharing and an example of corporate social responsibility. Hoa stated the event went beyond simple food activities.

Performances and Appreciation

The event featured performances by several popular artists. Singer Minh Hoang opened the show with a song titled “Day of Eating Pho” and expressed his enthusiasm for participating. Singers Quynh Hoa and Quoc Dai also enjoyed the pho before taking the stage. Nguyen Phi Hung concluded the concert with a series of popular songs, interacting with the audience and creating a lively atmosphere.

Bau Bang: A Growing Industrial Area

Bau Bang commune, part of Ho Chi Minh City, covers an area of 84.09 km² and has a population of 42,219 as of December 31, 2024. The area is a key industrial development zone, home to the approximately 2,500-hectare Bau Van industrial, service, and urban complex. The “Pho of Love” event was seen as a way to support the well-being of the large workforce contributing to the region’s economic growth.

Participating Businesses

Several hotels and pho restaurants participated in the “Pho of Love” campaign, including Rex Hotel, Hotel Grand Saigon, Hotel Majestic Saigon, Hotel Continental Saigon, Hotel Royal Saigon, Hotel First, Hoa Viet Joint Venture (Vietnam Golf & Country Club), Saigon Tourist Tourism and Hotel Vocational School, Saigon Tourist Travel Services Company, Saigon Tourist Cable Television Company, Pho Phat Tai, Pho Thin Bo Ho, Pho Phu Gia and Pho Ta (Binh Tay Food).