Word Vietnam January 2015 FA
Word Vietnam January 2015 FA
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contents
wordvietnam.com
JANUARY 2015
056
088
078
THE TALK
INSIDER
BRIEFINGS
012 / A Great Ride
018
FASHION
098 / A New Skate of Mind
098
contents
104
114
178
HCMC
TRAVEL
104 / Hokkaido Dreams
038 / Overscene
145 / HCMC City Guide
Tt c hnh nh v ni dung
trong n phm ny thuc bn
quyn ca n phm Word ca
C.Ty CP TMDVQCTruyn Thng
Dng Hunh. Mi s sao chp
khng c php s b xem l
vi phm lut S Hu Tr Tu hin
hnh ca nh nc Cng Ha X
Hi Ch Ngha Vit Nam.
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trademark. No content
may be reproduced in
any form without prior
authorisation of the
owners.
The editorial and design of WORD is carried out by Duong Huynh Advertising JSC
EDITORIAL
NICK ROSS
Chief Editor
[email protected]
ED WEINBERG
Deputy Editor
[email protected]
MADS MONSEN
Creative Director
[email protected]
HOA LE
Staff Editor
[email protected]
KYLE PHANROY
Photo Editor
[email protected]
DAVID MANN
Staff Editor
[email protected]
FRANCIS XAVIER
Staff Reporter
[email protected]
JULIE VOLA
Staff Photographer
[email protected]
For advertising enquiries please call Ms Bao on +84 938 609 689 or
Ms Giang on +84 934 640 668
MARK ALLAN
Website & Graphic Designer
[email protected]
NGUYEN LOC
Layout Designer
[email protected]
ADVERTISING
VU HA KIM VY
Marketing
[email protected]
JON ASPIN
Staff Writer
[email protected]
ADMINISTRATION
BAO ROSS
General Director
[email protected]
BAO ROSS
General Director
[email protected]
TRANG LE
Chief Accountant
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Sales Executive
[email protected]
CHAU GIANG
Area Sales Manager Hanoi
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85 Cch Mng Thng Tm, Q.1,
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Email: [email protected]
The prelude
Along the way we got
a feel for one vision of
Vietnams future, one
that unsettles some even
as it gives others access
to worlds theyve never
known.
This is one of the
main focuses of Word,
to capture Vietnam as it
grasps its way towards
a future that seems
alternately fantastic
and bittersweet. When
Eden Centre in Saigon
was demolished to
make way for Vincom
Center A, something
was lost. Hang Da
Market in Hanoi went
the same way what
replaced it hasnt quite
worked. But Vietnams
metropolises arent
museums they are
among the worlds
W
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NH XUT BN LAO NG
inbox
The Will of the
People
I have read the
column by Tim
Doling (The Wordie
Awards, p. 88, December
2014). I understand
that, following
representation to the
authorities, the building
may be spared, or
at least the facade.
So, people in Ho Chi
Minh City sometimes
take notice when their
architectural heritage is
threatened. JN
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO AIR? IF SO, REACH OUT AND TOUCH US
AT [email protected] WERE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
Sweet Vibes
Just wanted to
say thank you for
including the Charity
Music Concert in
your November 2014
publication. The
concert was a big
success!
As someone who
has never commented
or written in for any
articles, just wanted to
say I love the article
A Bender with Beckham
(p. 12, December 2014)
by Niko Savvas in
this months issue!
Absolutely hilarious!!
Am still laughing five
minutes after reading
it.
Please send my
thanks to Niko for
providing some
needed relief while
waiting to be seen at a
dental clinic. LH
#wordgate
So the Word magazine
listed their top
restaurants in Vietnam
which many people
including me have
disagreed with, so we
will list our own top 50
list. Please post below
about the restaurants
you love the most in
Hanoi! Time limit is two
weeks for the list then
two weeks for trying and
voting. #FoodiesUnite
#FoodiesAssemble
MO, Foodies in Hanoi
Facebook group
Is this a public show of
support for [name redacted]?
#wordgate ME
I certainly hope not
[name redacted]! Id
prefer if this was a public
Correction
The artwork shown on page 135 of our December 2014 issue should have been
credited to Ngo Van Sac the work is called Up The Stream. We regret the omission.
the talk
LEAD ARTICLE
NATIONAL
Sweet Redemption
I turned the page. It did not look promising
The Axis of Not Cricket. This sounded
wrong on so many levels. But, what an
unexpected surprise. An article which was
basically sending out notice that the cricket
season is upon us and the Saigon cricket
scene needs players. That in itself wasnt
so surprising, because it was cricket season
and Saigon needs players.
It was the kernel of the article that got
Poor Niko
10
11 JAN. SUNDAY
JAN. SATURDAY
HANOI
HCMC
16
JAN. FRIDAY
HCMC
17-25
ROCK BATTLE
20
JAN.
HANOI
CLAP FESTIVAL
5
film, documentary, feature film,
internet video, scripted reality,
TV movies and creative video.
The result of an ongoing
collaboration between French and
Vietnamese artists, entrance to all
screenings is free of charge. For a
schedule, head to clapfestival.com.
The only problem, the website is
only in French and Vietnamese.
Google Translate, anyone?
JAN. TUESDAY
HCMC
LOUD MINORITY
PRESENTS MAC
DEMARCO
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
A Great
Ride
Last months Charity
Scooter Ride brought the
classic bikes out en masse
Santa on a Harley
The next and most important stop was of
course the orphanage, the focus of the event.
Piling in, bike after classic bike, a vintage
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HANOI
The Song Hong Half Marathon had its seventh outing in early December
The Cause
As in 2013, all profits from the Song Hong
race went to ENV, a Hanoi-based NGO
working to increase understanding about
wildlife protection and conservation. This
year will not just be about participants
having fun and running the 21km, 10km
The Winners
5 KM M EN
5 KM W OMEN
10 KM M EN
10 KM W OMEN
21 KM M EN
21 KM W OMEN
briefings
BRIEFINGS
NHA TRANG
Altitude
A launch party in a storm
is a great success
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
Marking A Mark
in Saigon
Making crumbling walls into art
How It Works
Its all about catching the moment, because
the walls are changing all the time, says
Maria. The environment is changing them,
some have been painted over, the cracks get
bigger and bigger.
Flipping through a collection of 30 or 40
wall photos, a customer picks their wall.
Then it becomes yours to design. Without
taking away the original appearance of
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
High Concept
What theyre aiming for is the type of unique
collaboration that the Wellcome Trust has
already stewarded in London, engaging
Vietnamese scientists to work together with
game designers on ideas that are educational
and entertaining. And the edutainment
model has come a long way since the days
of the flawed science-flaunting seen in
Star Wars (theres no sound in space, duh).
Nowadays we have Neil Degrasse Tyson
critiquing the science in Gravity, and science
games actually sell... well, at least the ones
with minimally realistic zombies in them.
The scientists will provide the scientific
concepts, while the game designers will
invoke the Candy Crush gods in pursuit of
briefings
BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL
Grey Areas
The problem with all changes to legislation
is the lack of clarity. So in the UK, for
example, Im allowed to drive on a license
issued overseas for six months. After that I
have to take the British driving test. Will a
similar scenario exist in Vietnam? At present
we dont know.
Holding an international driving permit,
which is easy to apply for in your home
country, means that you are allowed to
drive in 150 countries around the world
and dont have to sit a driving test in any
of those countries. However, they are only
valid for 12 months and while from January,
Vietnamese citizens will be able to apply for
these permits, its not clear if they will be
accepted in Vietnam.
Then theres a question of which countries
actually signed up or ratified the 1968 treaty.
According to the United Nations website
treatys.un.org, 73 countries have agreed to
the convention. This includes all of Western
Europe, the UK, Scandinavia, most of
Eastern Europe, the Russian Foundation,
Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, Chile and South
Africa. But noticeably the US, Canada, Japan,
South Korea, India, Singapore, Malaysia,
Australia and New Zealand are excluded.
If you have a driving license issued in one
Getting Legal
Of course, having a valid driving in license
in Vietnam whether it is issued here or
overseas still means you require two more
pieces of documentation when you take
control of a vehicle. The first is insurance
which is only VND66,000 for 12 months for
A
IT
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HAI PHONG
Let Yourself Go
Duong Giap makes art for the masses
On the Margins
Banh Mi 37
Interview with Nguyen Thi Thanh Tri, 44. Words and
photos by Glen Riley. Translation by Kim Vy
briefings
Charity
The
Celebrity
Chefs
of
the
Month
The Stars
Word caught up with the trio of Frenchmen
the night before the event, at Sofitel Plazas
LOlivier restaurant, where Sakal is
Executive Chef. Alain described for us the
connection he has with KIDS founder Julius
Jasper and says witnessing the street
children here firsthand was heart-breaking,
especially as a father himself. He calls what
Julius has done over the last 15 years here
The Cause
KIDS has been around in Vietnam since
Julian first visited here 15 years ago. As
a new father at the time, the fate of the
street children greatly affected him. At first
through the Womens Charity Association
(WOCA) and his familys business, Studio
Bazaar, Julius bore the costs of KIDS first safe
house, called Sunflower House. That was
in 1998.
Since then there have been four more safe
houses set up, and the charity has maintained
a simple mission the accommodation,
care and education of street children in
Vietnam. Today 120 children are housed,
and there is still close collaboration between
the two charities with WOCA providing
supervisors to work with the children in
each shelter. From there the children receive
adequate food and medical attention, are
loved, go to school and receive extra lessons
in English and computer science. Its Juliuss
great hope that KIDS will be able to give all
the children the same advantages and love
hes given his own children.
And to do that, theyll need your help.
Jon Aspin
To support KIDS, go to kidsinvietnam.org
Sports Digest
IN BRIEF
Shuttler Makes it to
Third Round at US Event
Young player Pham Cao
Cuong lost to seed No. 2
Misha Zilberman of Israel in
the third round of the 2014
K&D Graphics/Yonex Grand Prix
Badminton Championships at the
Orange County Badminton
Club in Califonia, according
to Vietnam News. 18-yearold Cuong, Vietnams sole
representative, was defeated
2-0 (21-19, 21-17). Earlier,
Cuong, ranked No. 282 in the
world, beat Zulhelmi Zulkiffli
of Malaysia, world No. 348,
2-0 (22-20, 21-19) in the second
round of the US$50,000 event.
SPORTS DIGEST
NATIONAL
The Obstacle
Course
Nguyen Garnering
Attention Following MLS
Selection
Former V-League star Lee
Nguyen capped a strong
season in North Americas
Major League Soccer (MLS) by
being named to the leagues
Top XI players as a member of
the New England Revolution,
according to the teams Twitter
account in December. He
joined the likes of French star
Thierry Henry of the New York
Red Bulls, American Landon
Donovan and Robbie Keane
of the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Nguyen is an American who
hails from Texas, but spent
time with Becamex Binh
Duong and Hoang Anh Gia Lai
of the V-League between 2009
and 2012. Numerous European
clubs have been linked to
Nguyen, with Englands
Southampton
and Fulham
squads
among
those
expressing
interest.
Wrestler Reprimanded
for Rushing Ref
Vietnam Professional
Federation (VPF) held a
meeting with leaders of
football teams and a drawing
ceremony in Hanoi in
December to announce the
main competition schedule
for the V-League, according to
Vietnamnet.vn.
Within the framework of
2015 National Cup, a football
match between Binh Duong
and Hai Phong will open the
2015 football season, which
will take place at Binh Duong
sport stadium.
14 domestic football teams
will participate in the V-League,
including Binh Duong, Dong
Nai, Dong Tam Long An,
Hanoi T&T, Hoang Anh Gia
Lai, Quang Nam, Khanh Hoa,
SHB Danang, Song Lam Nghe
An, Than Quang Ninh, Thanh
Hoa, Dong Thap, Hai
Phong and Can
s
Tho.
date
V-League
us upyour
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matches will
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take place from
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Jan. 4 to Sep. 20,
eve vietnam
d
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2015.
to do list
08,17,22
09
UNTIL FRIDAY
15&29
JAN.
23
16&17
FRIDAY
JAN.
CONTEMPORARY JAZZ
FUSION WORKSHOP
Mylene Riou veteran of
New Yorks Alvin Ailey School
and the Rick Odums Jazz
Ballet of Paris is coming to
Dancenter to share her classic
jazz technique and free energycentric contemporary dance
style. For two days shell be
demoing this fusion style to
all comers, as well as focusing
on choreography and other
theatric elements.
Mylene Rious Contemporary
Jazz Fusion Workshop is at
Dancenter 53 Nguyen Dang
Giai, Q2 on Jan. 16, 7pm
to 9pm, and Jan. 17, 9am to
11am. Fees are VND100,000
for professional dancers and
performing arts students,
VND250,000 for the rest of us. For
more info click on dancenter.vn
to do list
PRIME MOVER
23
UNTIL FRIDAY
Emily Navarra
SAVE
The
Date
Thing I posted on
Facebook that got the
most likes
My youngest sister getting
engaged
If my older-yet-still-cool
Mom came to town, I
would take her to
The airport to catch a flight to
Danang. Shes a small town
gal so I think shed enjoy
the central part of the country
more
15-18
FEB.
20-22
MAR.
18&19
APR.
just in
North End Delis Italian Job. Its spicy and damned tasty, too
DJ Vadim
FRIDAY 2ND
Local Suicide
Local Suicide are a DJ duo
based out of Berlin who
specialise in fusing the
electronic sounds of the world
with the soul of their own
home locales expect some
house, electro-swing and
techno. VND100,000 entry.
SATURDAY 3RD
Eclectic Aesthetic &
Optimist Club with Max
Cleo
Eclectic Aesthetic & Optimist
Club residents Nic Ford, Dan
Lo and Hibiya Line will bring
their explosive cocktail of
afrobeat, disco, house and
techno to the dance floor
this month featuring rising
local female DJ talent Max
Cleo. VND50,000 entry.
FRIDAY 9TH
Local Flavour
An all-star lineup of local DJs
SATURDAY 10TH
DJ Vadim
iLL Beats Saigon is holding their first event at The
Observatory with legendary
hip hop producer and DJ,
Ninja Tunes recording artist
DJ Vadim. VND150,000 entry,
VND100,000 for students,
with ID.
FRIDAY 16TH
Toby Tobias
Highly acclaimed DJ and
producer Toby Tobias returns
to play at the new Observatory
for the first time. On his last
visit, he tore up the dance floor
with his rare and select fusion
of disco, house and techno.
Expect more of that. Support
by Hibiya Line and Dan Lo,
VND150,000 entry.
SATURDAY 17TH
Cheezy Gangztaz
This much-loved dapper DJ
duo is back to spin their eclectic mix of hip hop, trip hop,
soul, funk and more all in
their jazzy, wacky style.
FRIDAY 23RD
Liviu Groza
Berlin-based DJ and producer
Liviu Groza is coming to town
for the first time to lay down
his hypnotic approach to techno and house. Serious electronic stuff. Support by Nic
Ford and Elia, VND100,000.
SATURDAY 24TH
San Soda and Gratts
San Soda responsible for
sending the old Observatory
into one of its wildest states
of abandon last April is returning to town with another
powerhouse of the European
underground house scene,
Gratts. Expect an immersion
FRIDAY 30TH
Pablo Valentino
Pablo Valentino, co-founder
of FACES and MCDE record
labels, is coming to town to
lay down his massive mix of
eclectic sounds from swing
and hip hop to house, techno
and more. VND150,000 entry.
SATURDAY 31ST
Cliche Records Night
The Clich team Ocean Lam
and Amadei is flying over
from Hong Kong to reunite
with their Saigon-based counterpart and Observatory resident Hibiya Line. Get a taste
of the sounds emerging from
one of Asias foremost underground labels. VND100,000
entry.
just in
BISTRO MY BANH MI
WELCOME TO CARAVELLE 2.0
FASHION4FREEDOMS HORSE
ANNIVERSARY
Fashion4Freedom is a social enterprise
making very cool shoes by applying their
clever eye for marketability to local craft.
They just won Vietnam Supply Chains
award for small-to-medium-sized enterprise
of the year. But more topically, they make
very cool shoes and theyve just come out
with another.
Country director Rachael Carson says,
Were occasionally asked if F4F has a new
seasonal collection of shoes. We usually
respond by reminding folks that dragons
have been in style for over 700 years, why
would we need something new?
But they did. Taking note of the eastern
traditions which inspire much of our
designs, she says, we decided to celebrate
F4Fs fifth year of development by reigning
in the Year of the Horse. Keep an eye out for
the Tiger in 2015!
Available at The House of Saigon 16-18-20
Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, HCMC. Find out more at
fashion4freedom.com
SAIGONOUTCAST.COM
Saigon Outcast isnt a brand,
but it should be. Where else
can the citys graffiti artists,
skate kids, indie film addicts,
music lovers and general fans of
eccentricity all get together and
indulge their obsessions? Not
many places, and its a need.
Recognising that, Saigon
Outcast has started a new
comic con
jagwar ma
loreto christmas
market
an phu pool
beautifying
Photos by Ed Weinberg
Saigon Outcast took half of the proceeds
from Melting Pot 6 to repair the walls of a
nearby public pool, then add some colour
to do list
03
hanoi
SATURDAY
MIDNIGHT DISCO
Lotus Disco is one of the most talented
young Vietnamese DJ-slash-producers in the
land, and hell be putting his spin on disco
on Jan. 3 at CAMA ATK.
Expect him to drop his best record
collection at this one, in an attempt to turn
back the clock to when old school disco was
free, man, just like this event! Support comes
from Duy Tuan, the best hip-hop DJ in town.
CAMA ATK is at 73 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba
Trung, Hanoi. Doors are at 8pm
10
09
FRIDAY
STRAIGHT NO MIXER
We couldnt have said it better than the press
release on this one: Bring Your Own Records,
Drink For Free! Friday Jan. 9 is CAMA ATKs
night supporting local record-collecting
habits. If you have some tunes you want to
SATURDAY
SYSTEM RUFF
Do you like a little more booty in your
nights out? Are you all about that bass? Well
we may have found your nirvana.
On Jan. 10 System Ruff will be descending
on Madake with DJs Tung Tim, Duy Tuan
and Kap-01 from the Sub Elements crew
along with DJ Slo-Lo and Selecta Elpee from
Skank the Tank Sound System.
This mob of musical misfits and recalcitrant
selectaz are destined to F-up your night, in
the best way possible! Entrance is free, but
bring a straight up attitude and everything
will be fine. No treble.
Madake is at 81 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
The night will kick off around 10pm and go on late
11 SUNDAY
16-31
JAN.
AO DAI INSTALLATION
Goethe Institut is running one of its more
unusual exhibitions this month, thanks to
the work of artist Veronica Witte.
From Jan. 16 to Jan. 31, Witte will
present an elaborate multimedia space
installation using historic ao dais from the
collection of Thai Kim Lan. The ao dais will
be juxtaposed with video and elements
from daily life in Vietnam.
In the interview installation, eight
individuals from a 95-year-old court lady
of the empress to a 19-year-old student
talk with each other about the ao dais
without ever having met. Through this,
Witte develops fictional conversations
about preservation, time and the meaning
of ao dais.
The exhibition runs daily from 9am to
7pm and entrance is free of charge. On Jan.
17 at 7pm, there will also be a talk at the
Goethe Institut with Thai Kim Lan, Veronika
Witte, Tran Duc Anh Son and Tran Quang
to do list
24
hanoi
SATURDAY
ALL MONTH
SAVE
The
Date
04
30
FRIDAY
POSITIVE MASS
This month, join Vietnams social cycling
movement as it heads for only the second
time to a new city Thanh Hoa. Unplanned
beyond a set meeting point and time, Positive
Mass takes you through the streets of different
cities each month, with the enjoyment of doing
it on two wheels. The next Positive Mass will
FEB.
01
MAR.
just in
hanoi
CHRONICLES OF A CORPORATE
HIPPY
Hanoi-based Australian writer and
photographer, Tim McMahon, has released
his first book, Chronicles of a Corporate Hippy,
which is now available on Amazon.
A raw, humorous and heart-felt account of
living and trying to cope in the 21st Century,
Tim believes he has survived it relatively
sane. The work covers some tough subjects
that are normally ignored due to fear such as
depression, death, suicide and breaking free
from the common and expected way of living
that we all seem to hold onto so tightly.
Born to a Christian family in the southern
suburbs of Sydney, Tim spent 15 years
working in corporate IT before walking
away from career, status and family. He has
since lived in Ecuador, Spain and Vietnam.
Through his spiritual odyssey he came
to realise some harsh realisations about
himself, life and his perception of the world
in which he used to live.
For more information on Chronicles, click on
corporate-hippy.com or do a search for the book
on amazon.com
BRIDGING A GAP
By the time you read this, Nhat Tan Bridge,
the 4km-long structure connecting the east
and west sides of the Red River, will have
been opened to traffic.
But when we went along to check in late
December, the workforce was still putting
on the lipstick. Conical-hatted women were
sweeping the highway and planting foliage
in the central reservation, while one of the
site managers explained that the bridge
would be opened on either Jan. 4 or Jan. 6.
He wasnt sure yet.
Linking the Tay Ho and Dong Anh
districts of Hanoi, the bridge will cut the
distance to Noi Bai Airport down to 12km. It
will also provide a vital communication link
between two previously disconnected parts
of the capital.
The opening of the bridge also known
as the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Bridge
has been timed to match the launch of
Noi Bai Airports new passenger terminal,
Terminal 2.
TERMINAL 2
The new terminal at Hanois Noi Bai Airport,
Terminal 2, went into operation on Thursday
Dec. 25, with all international flights
departing from the facility from Dec. 31.
After three years of construction, the
four-storey, US$645.3 million passenger
terminal at Noi Bai International Airport in
Hanoi is the largest of its kind in Vietnam
so far. 996 meters long and with a total floor
THE SMOKEHOUSE
Is it a shift in the global axis of power?
Probably not. But the opening of the Moose
& Roo Smokehouse in the American Club,
an American Embassy-run piece of land in
downtown Hanoi, has certainly arched a few
eyebrows. Run by a Canadian, a Scot and
an Australian, is this a departure from the
Americanism of the club? The answer is no.
Says man at the helm, Keith Thibert,
the menu of this American-style grill
and barbecue joint pays homage to their
landlords, with a distinct US theme. Think
smoked pork ribs, smoked BBQ chicken,
pulled pork and smoked beef brisket, and
you get the idea. Add to this a selection
of American sides and a cocktail menu
CONG CAPHE
Remember the Domino theory? Well it seems
that Communist-themed, Hanoi-based
coffee chain Cong Caphe has taken it to
heart. With the opening of five new cafes at
the beginning of this year, the chain is now
growing its 12 spaces, a huge departure from
the miniscule original that opened a few
years back on Trieu Viet Vuong.
To visit the latest offerings in Cong Caphe
club, head to 46 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem; 8+9 A1
Hoang Cau, Dong Da; 100A Xuan Dieu, Tay
Ho; 101- C6 Tran Huy Lieu, Ba Dinh and 2 Le
Phung Hieu, Hoan Kiem
overscene hanoi
Kilomet 109
The Smokehouse
Insider
MANY FACES // THE RISE OF THE CONVENIENCE STORE // MALL RATS // ANOTHER BURNER IN THE
WALL // FESTIVAL SEASON IN VIETNAM // STANDPOINT THEORIES // MYSTERY DINER HANOI // STREET
SNACKER HANOI // MYSTERY DINER HCMC // STREET SNACKER HCMC // FASHION // HOKKAIDO
DREAMS // 22.5 HOURS IN SEOUL // ART IN SINGAPORE
PHOTO BY KYLE PHANROY
wordvietnam.com | January 2015 Word | 49
insider
MANY FACES
HCMC
It sounds a bit
cheesy, but Im not just
selling stainless steel
hotplates and grills
Im selling a lifestyle
Also, the Vietnamese definitely see it as
a status symbol. They want their shiny new
toy from me so they can have barbecues in
their nice new middle-class villas, and Im
happy to provide that for them.
insider
While in Hanoi they have
yet to make an impact, in
Saigon convenience stores
are everywhere. So, have
they changed the way
people shop? Or is there
something else at play?
Words by Nick Ross
Price Watch
I started at Circle K on Xuan Thuy in Ho
Chi Minh Citys District 2. It wasnt the first
convenience store to open in the area. That
accolade goes to a smaller Circle K that
appeared on Thao Dien in 2012. But its the
larger of the two stores, and certainly the
only one with proper seating.
My first move was to do a price watch on
a small basket of goods. Heres what I found
at Circle K.
330ml can of Coca-Cola VND11,000
500ml bottle of La Vie VND5,500
Xylitol chewing gum VND5,500 or
VND6,000, depending on the flavour
Craven A cigarettes, pack of 20 VND20,000
54g Poca ready-salted potato chips
VND10,500
As I discovered later when I went to my
favourite corner shop, the ramshackle joint
two blocks away on the corner of Quoc
Huong and Le Van Mien, the prices at Circle
K were between 10 and 20 percent higher.
BUSINESS
HCMC
Middle-Income Vietnam
In 1950s America, a time of peace and
prosperity, a new market opened up the
youth market. With a low birth rate in the
1930s and an abundance of jobs, this was the
first time when teenagers and young adults
had money to spend. It was also the first era
in which the word teenager became widely
used.
Suddenly teenagers and college students
had cars, nice cars. They would go to drivethru restaurants or neon-lit diners, could
afford nice clothes, listened to a new kind of
music rock n roll and they began to
hang out.
A similar social revolution has been taking
place in Vietnam. New music mainly
K-pop has taken over YouTube views and
MP3 players. A pop culture has developed
that is growing ever more individual, ever
more varied, ever more exciting.
[Convenience stores]
havent quite changed
the way people shop.
Thats the role of
the supermarket,
the shopping mall
and online shopping.
Rather, they have
created a place for
young people to hang
out on the cheap
Close to Home
At my favourite corner shop, I ask the owner
about business. Shes positive.
Were still doing okay, she explains,
and we still have our regular customers.
This is despite now having two Family
A Matter of Price
As I discovered after I wrote this piece,
Circle Ks prices change depending
on the area in which each store is
located. So, the outlets in District 2 and
Pham Ngu Lao, wealthy areas with a
large numbers of foreigners, are more
expensive. Elsewhere, prices are closer
to market standard. The difference
between the two pricing levels is about
10 percent.
cover story
Mall
Rats
T
The Growing
Middle Class
With a potential market of 90 million
people, international brands are
desperate to enter this country. This
is supported by the market research.
According to Nielsen, between 2012
and 2020 the Vietnamese middle
class will grow by 145 percent.
In fact, in six countries surveyed
in Southeast Asia Vietnam, the
Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia,
Indonesia and Singapore total
consumption during this period will
grow from US$46 billion to US$310
billion. The size of the middle class
will also grow, to 44 million people or
approximately 8 percent of the total
population of all six nations. By 2030
this will more than double.
But those who have arrived have
discovered a simple fact of life.
According to Epinion, two thirds of
households in Vietnam earn less
than VND15 million a month. This
means there is little spending power.
Especially in the urban, working
class areas of Vietnam.
Take the stats further and you get
another reality check. 75 percent
of household spending goes on
savings, holidays, healthcare,
education and daily necessities.
That means of those two thirds who
are earning less than VND15 million
a month, only 25 percent of that
figure can be spent on the kind of
products sold in the malls. Take a
household with an income of VND15
million a month, once the necessities
have been taken care of, they
will only have VND3.75 million of
disposable income left over.
shopping
Relationships
bag test
Brands
At the end of 2012 a scandal broke in the
Vietnamese press. Gucci and Milano,
it was claimed, were importing fake
products from China and passing them off
as real. Little has been written in the media
since then, except that investigations are
ongoing. The suggestion was it may have
been the staff rather than the owners.
But the damage was already done.
The news did no more than reinforce a
commonly held view in Vietnam when
you buy branded products here, you can
never be quite sure that they are the Real
McCoy.
Supersize Me
The Vixens
Appearance
of Retail
Education
Character
8 Observations
During Lunch
Break
Percentage of food court staff observed wearing Crocs: 14 percent
Best place to take a date: Royal City Vinpearl Ice Rink
Number of people observed doing needle point on their lunch break: 2
Handsomest mall security guards: Vincom security guards tend to be the sexiest
Best place in Hanoi to join the 220-metre-high club: Lotte Center Hanoi's 67th floor Top of Hanoi bar
The most comfortable mall caf in Ho Chi Minh City: Paris Baguette in Vincom Center B (leather couches!)
Best Doraemon imagery: Aeon Mall Tan Phus Doraemon Tofu Factory
Best all-season selfie: In front of the Crescent Mall aquarium
Its not very good, and I dont know why. Aeon Mall Tan Phu employee
Not Just
Massage Chairs
wordvietnam.com | January 2015 Word | 67
Aesthetic
Sensibilities
The Kids
are Alright
Mall Date
K-Shop
Confessions of a
Mall Employee
Shopping
with Roubles
The Anatomy
of Success
What Vietnamese
Shoppers Want
insider
ARTS
GRAFFITI
Another Burner
in the Wall
Though they often dont last a week, Saigon Outcasts
artistic experiments are having a permanent effect.
Words by Ed Weinberg.
Photos provided by Linh Nguyen and the artists
Suby One
Age: 35
Years writing: 20
W HAT S
H OW MANY
O UTCAST ?
W HAT S
DONE ?
W HY
DO YOU PAINT AT
O UTCAST ?
Chicko
Crew: 10S
Age: 24
Years writing: 7
W HAT S
W HY
DO YOU PAINT AT
O UTCAST ?
The Beginning
It evolved spontaneously, Linh says.
Outcast was self-built. We didnt have a
space until they came hes referring
to the people whove formed the Outcast
community, the people skating and writing
graffiti on this lazy Tuesday afternoon.
Then they came and built a Totoro oven
[an earth oven in the shape of Studio Ghibli
cartoon character Totoro], they came and did
graffiti, they came and built a ramp, they
came and used the space.
The Saigon Projects crew put the first
paint on wall. They were some of the first
Anoir
Crews: NC + LGS
Age: 19
Years writing: 8 years
W HAT S
H OW
DONE AT
O UTCAST ?
I cant count.
W HAT
USUALLY USE ?
PIECE
W HY
DO YOU PAINT AT
O UTCAST ?
DAOS501
Crews: 10S, NewDay + EVE
Age: Still young
Years writing: 8
W HAT S
W HAT
USUALLY USE ?
W HAT S
W HY
DO YOU PAINT AT
O UTCAST ?
Frenemy
Age: 33
Years writing: 14
W HAT S
H OW MANY
O UTCAST ?
PIECE
W HY
DO YOU PAINT AT
O UTCAST ?
All-City
Outcasts walls have become a lightning rod
for graffiti artists just passing through. Linh
says, We had Regan Ha-Ha one of the
W HAT S
I do characters.
H OW MANY PIECES
AT O UTCAST ?
PIECE
W HY
DO YOU PAINT AT
O UTCAST ?
insider
ARTS
NATIONAL
Festival Season
in Vietnam
From a 40-DJ festival in a national park to a week of topflight indie acts, to Vietnams first comic con,
festival chronicler Ed Weinberg has seen
the future of the festival in Vietnam,
and it is good. Photos by Francis Xavier
and Ed Weinberg
Quest Festival
Nov. 28 30
It was a quest getting to Quest. We started
out too late, and were enjoying the
countryside journey too much to speed
through. We finished our beers at a roadside
com place as twilight settled, and there were
other complicating factors when we hit the
slick of highway gravel at 50km/h.
We had planned on sleeping both nights
in the lakeside tents Quest had clustered in
one of those team-building campgrounds,
right outside of Ba Vi National Park. Instead
we passed the Friday 10km away, in a
small town next to a military hospital. My
passenger Duhwee was waiting for the one
doctor on shift to suture the gash below
his right knee, while I was holding my raw
right arm away from my cream-coloured
T-shirt, red-coloured antiseptic dripping on
the waiting room floor and eventually my
hotel sheets.
When we finally rattled in the next
morning it was like a DIY dreamland.
The grounds were strewn with climbable,
tire-constructed geodesic domes; fairy-tale
wooden bridges and more solidly built
sundecks; three music areas in various
stages of improvisation; psychedelic, twodimensional owls; mountains towering
over everything. The theme was Cosmic
Animals a perfect match for the
experienced festival-goers fancy dress
wardrobe. People swam and drank, waiting
for sunset.
But before the all-night party, before
Alton Millers headlining set of Detroit
underground house, before the mellow
Sunday afternoon scene of hula-hoops, Indian
summer and subaudible bass there was a
sublime moment. In the smallest dance area,
1990s-era hip-hop bounced off a phalanx of
teepees. People danced in between, trailing
feathers and other festival tat. The sun
crept towards the tips of the mountains and
people walked slowly by the waters edge,
contemplating the moment at hand.
Festival FYI
B EST F ESTIVAL S URPRISE
B EST D RESSED
insider
ARTS
NATIONAL
Standpoint Theories
When this music-dance-visuals collaboration enters its second life this year,
it will be in the service of something greater than the sum of its parts.
Words by Ed Weinberg. Illustrations provided by Trung Hoang
HANOI
Halia Hanoi
The Singaporean-inspired Halia is one of the few top-end restaurants on Xuan Dieu.
But with so much local competition, how is it matching up? Photos by David Harris
The Experience
The new digs are impressive. A refined
faade of black tiling and wall-mounted
blossoms flow into a warm entryway where
the restaurants bar is located. As you walk
in, black-attired waiters greet you with a
warm smile and lead you into an opulent
dining room of bronze couches and dark
timber furniture.
THE VERDICT
13
FOOD
12
SERVICE
13
DCOR
STREET SNACKER
HANOI
Pho Ga
Despite being a Hanoi staple, little has been written about pho ga.
Huyen Tran goes back to basics. Photos by Julie Vola
Living Legend
Although good pho ga eateries can be found
everywhere in the capital, for me, one in
particular is a standout Pho Ga Ba Lam.
Just off the junction of Nam Ngu and Phan
Boi Chau, it is the joint close to the legendary
Pho Bo Kiem, the beef noodle joint that
many feel sells the most addictive bowl of
soup in Hanoi.
In the 1980s, Pho Ga Ba Lam was a wellknown destination in Hanoi. At that time,
it was a privilege if someone invited you to
go to Pho Ga Ba Lam, wrote the acclaimed
Vietnamese writer, Nguyen Quang Thieu.
Grandma Lam, the eatery owner and
chef, was a sophisticated dresser her
appearance represented the elegance of the
Trang An people, the old name used for the
people of Hanoi. It was her who created the
recipe that made her eatery famous.
Major international newspapers,
including CBS and CNN rushed to Hanoi for
[her pho] continues Thieu. I even saw the
photos of Pho Ga Ba Lam on their panels,
MYSTERY DINER
HCMC
La Bettola
Our anonymous food reviewer heads to an Italian thats been receiving good reviews.
But will it get the same feedback under a different spotlight? Photos by Kyle Phanroy
A Question of Choice
Some problems you wish happened more,
like poring over the menu for the fourth
time because too many choices beckon.
That menu seduced me dishes I
hadnt seen since the last time Id visited
Italy, ingredients rarer than snow in
Vietnam, enough to reach any taste, yet not
overstretched.
The wine list ran for pages, with countryspanning selections, but I wondered why
the cocktail and spirits section omitted
drinks like grappa and limoncello that are
synonymous with Italy and which Id
seen in the downstairs bar.
Finding Balance
The bread basket and the speed at which
it arrived impressed me, and we dipped
breadsticks and baguette chunks in the
herb-laden oil and vinegar.
My friend gaped at her first taste of the
sangiovese, a classic pan-Italian grape
made into wines from the toe to the Po.
Earthy, with nice tannins and a sparkling
acidity, its bouquet alone was dizzying. For
a house wine, this was a good choice.
The palate-washing tartness would
prove essential later.
Waiters whisked our appetizer La
Bettola in shortly, a substantial board of
rosemary focaccia, roasted, paper-thin
pork, arugula and cherry tomatoes. The
focaccia gleamed with crystals of sea-salt
that over-dominated all the other flavours.
Some flavours need a lighter touch, and
with the salt brushed off, it became a wellcrafted appetizer simple ingredients
melded into a complex experience of taste
and texture.
Our entrees arrived simultaneously, to
THE VERDICT
10
FOOD
11
SERVICE
DCOR
HCMC
Pho or Kho?
A Waiting Game
The Outsider
The Winner
fashion
A NEW
SKATE OF MIND
Photos by Kyle Phanroy
Modeling by Henry Tran
Clothing by Bam Skate Shop (174 Bui Vien,
Q1, HCMC)
When it comes to Vietnams skate kids, skating is a lifetime commitment. Every afternoon in Ho Chi
Minh City, youll see them on the sidewalk on Le Duan, in 23/9 Park and of course at Saigon
Outcast, where this session was captured.
Although skate style has become tied in with indie fashion, for these guys its all about the practical
applications. When we asked Henry to change into another outfit, he said, Nah, Im comfortable
like this until we repeated that it was actually a fashion shoot. And thats the true essence of the
style, with clothes just there to catch the wind.
Winter
in Hanoi
A change in the weather ushers in a change
in the fashion. And with temperatures
starting to dip, time to get out the winter
clothing
Amy
Jacket, shirt and pants
from
Kilometer
109
Bracelet
from
Emporium
travel
TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
Hokkaido Dreams
Where To Stay
I N S APPORO : H OTEL C LUBBY S APPORO
A Short History of
Rock-Paper-Scissors
According to Wikipedia, the game dates
back to Han Dynasty era China (206
BC 220 AD), where it was called
shoushiling hand command. The
three throws switched around a bit upon its
import to Japan, where it started
Snake > Slug > Frog > Snake
before eventually settling into its
modern shape in the late 19th century.
While the jeu Japanois spread through
Europe and the US in the 1920s and
1930s, it is now used to decide court
cases (see 2006 Florida case Avista
Management v. Wausau Underwriters)
and peacefully settle disputes as to who
sits in the middle car seat.
The Japanese version, ever ahead of
the game, is now featured in a strip-poker
type variant called yakyuken, which has
become a minor part of the local porn
culture.
Eruption Bay
We drive out to Lake Toya. The leaves are
changing, the wooded mountains roll past.
The water swirls in this vacation caldera.
The dormant volcanoes vent for holiday
photographers.
We take the Usuzan Ropeway to the
top of Mt. Usu. From the mountaintop,
the changing colours of the leaves give
the mountains a living texture, rippling
through golf courses and roads like
What To Do
IN SAPPORO: THE SAPPORO BEER GARDEN
We Eat Sushi
Back in Sapporo, the Nagoyaka Tei
conveyor-belt sushi restaurant has the
best sushi Ive ever eaten: supple, buttery,
perfectly-balanced and whatever other
good sushi adjectives you can throw at it.
Akiko says, Salmon eggs are a speciality
of Hokkaido.
You say everything is a speciality of
Hokkaido! I counter.
Thats right, Akiko says, undeterred,
because Hokkaido is a seafood paradise.
22.5 Ho
urs in S
eoul
TRAVEL
INTERN
ATIONA
L
A decad
e
on a sto -long resident
pover to
of
North A South Korea,
returne
meric
d to the
capital t a Glen Riley
through
o
differen look at it
t eyes
3
1. Dumplings steaming
2. Doors of Jogye Temple, Insadong
3. Dumpling stand in Insadong
4. Cheongyecheon River
5. The most wired country on earth
6. Lantern advertising
7. Steamed acorns on the street
8. A nation so wired the coffee cue buzzers have TVs
Getting There
The likes of Asian Airlines, Korean Air
and Vietnam Airlines run direct flights
from both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh
City to Seoul. Return flights start at
around US$500 (VND10.5 million).
For a budget option, VietJetAir
launched direct flights from Hanoi in
the summer of 2014.
travel
TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
Art in Singapore
A trip to the Gillman Barracks reveals what is likely the most astonishing collection of
contemporary art in Southeast Asia. Words by Nick Ross. Photos by Kyle Phanroy
114 | Word January 2015 | wordvietnam.com
(Left) One of the palimpsests by awardwinning Chinese artist Sun Xun, on display
at Shanghart Gallery; (Below) A work of
public art in the creation process - part of the
Drive project; (Right) The inside of the Yeo
Workshop during the September exhibition,
Ad Hoc; (Bottom Right) A work of completed
public art on display in Gillman Barracks
The Market
What creates this space is the growing
art market in Singapore. Its not just
Singaporeans who are collecting, but
Americans, Italians, Japanese and French.
People from everywhere. The Lion City,
and in particular Gillman Barracks, is
travel
Our distribution outlets. Look for the colour closest to you for a
copy of Word magazine. It's free just as all other good things in life.
AIRLINES
travel
AIR ASIA
$$$$
Le Lai, Dalat, Tel: (063)
3555888
anamandara-resort.com
DALAT PALACE
$$$$
12 Ho Tung Mau, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 5444
dalatpalace.vn
CUC PHUONG
$
Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh
Binh, Tel: (030) 384 8006
cucphuongtourism.com
$$$$
Tel: (04) 3935 1888
emeraude-cruises.com
Reproductions, of 19th
century paddle steamers,
trawl around Halong Bay
in colonial style. A classic
experience, complete with,
overnight accommodations
in impeccable cabins suites.
LA FERME DU COLVERT
$$
Cu Yen, Luong Son, Hoa Binh,
Tel: 02183 825662
etoile-des-mers.com
LA VIE VU LINH
$
Ngoi Tu Village, Vu Linh, Yen
Bai , Tel: (04) 3926 2743
lavievulinh.com
$
22 Bui Thi Xuan, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 2663
AROUND HANOI
BEST WESTERN PEARL RIVER
HOTEL
$$$
KM 8 Pham Van Dong, Duong
Kinh, Hai Phong, Tel: (031)
388 0888
pearlriverhotel.vn
$$$
Tel: 0933 446542
bhayacruises.com
Experience breathtaking
$$$
Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh,
Tel: (0218) 386 8959
maichaulodge.com
$$
Ha Long Road, Bai Chay
Ward, Ha Long City, Quang
Ninh, Tel: (033) 384 8108
novotelhalong.com.vn
HANOI - INTERNATIONAL
CROWNE PLAZA WEST INTERNATIONAL
$$$
36 Le Duc Tho, My Dinh Commune, Tu Liem, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 6270 6688
crowneplazawesthanoi.com
This premier five-star
property lies beside the My
Dinh National Stadium and
Convention Centre. Boasts
two swimming pools, a spa,
and a fitness centre in its 24
stories.
DAEWOO HOTEL
360 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3831 5555
www.hanoi-daewoohotel.
com
This enormous structure
offers the most modern of
amenities, and with four
restaurants and two bars,
the events staff is well
equipped to handle any occasion. Close to the National
Convention Center, and a
favourite of the business
traveller, Daewoo even
boasts an outdoor driving
range. Shortly to become a
Marriot property.
HOTEL DE LOPERA
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555
[email protected]
Resting just a step away
from the Opera House, the
hotel mixes colonial architectural accents and theatrical interior design to create a contemporary space.
The first boutique five star
in the heart of Hanoi, the
lavish, uniquely designed
107 rooms and suites contain all the mod cons and
are complimented by two
restaurants, a bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI
WESTLAKE
1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6270 8888
www.hanoi.intercontinental.
com
This stunning property built
over West Lake falls in between a hotel and a resort.
Beautiful views, great balcony areas, comfortable,
top-end accommodation and
all the mod-cons make up the
mix here together with the
resorts three in-house restaurants and the Sunset Bar,
a watering hole located on a
thoroughfare over the lake.
Great gym and health club.
JW MARRIOTT HANOI
8, Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, Tu
Liem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3833
5588
jwmarriotthanoi.com
From the expressive architecture outside to the
authentic signature JW
Marriott services inside,
this Marriott hotel in Hanoi
MELIA HANOI
44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 3343
www.meliahanoi.com
Excellently located in central
Hanoi, Melia Hanoi draws
plenty of business travellers and is also a popular
venue for conferences and
wedding receptions. Stateof-the-art rooms, elegant
restaurants, stylish bars,
fully equipped fitness centre with sophisticated service always make in-house
guests satisfied.
PULLMAN HOTEL
$$$$
40 Cat Linh, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3733 0808
pullman-hanoi.com
With deluxe rooms and
suites, a contemporary
lobby, an excellent buffet,
and a la carte restaurant,
this Accor group property
is prestigious and close to
the Old Quarter.
SHERATON
K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu,
Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 9000
www.sheraton.com/hanoi
www.airasia.com
AIR FRANCE
130 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3825 8583
www.airfrance.com.vn
AIR MEKONG
1st Floor, Centre Point
Building, 106 Nguyen Van
Troi, Phu Nhuan
Tel: (08) 3846 3999
www.airmekong.com.vn
AMERICAN AIRLINES
194 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3. Tel: 3933 0330
www.aa.com
CATHAY PACIFIC
5th Floor, Centec Tower,
72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3
Tel: 3822 3203
www.cathaypacific.com/
vn
CHINA AIRLINES
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Tel: 3911 1591
www.china-airlines.com
JAPAN AIRLINES
3rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel,
88 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3821 9098
www.vn.jal.com
JETSTAR PACIFIC
www.jetstar.com/vn
KOREAN AIR
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3824 2878
www.koreanair.com
LAO AIRLINES
93 Pasteur, Q1
Tel: 3822 6990
www.laoairlines.com
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Ground Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1
Tel: 3829 2529
www.malaysiaairlines.
com
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Saigon Tower Bulding,
Room 101, 29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3823 1588
www.singaporeair.com
THAI AIRWAYS
29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3822 3365
www.thaiairways.com.vn
TIGER AIRWAYS
www.tigerair.com
VIETJETAIR
www.vietjetair.com
VIETNAM AIRLINES
27B Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1
Tel: 3832 0320
www.vietnamairlines.com
travel
HANOI MID-RANGE
6 ON SIXTEEN
16 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem
www.sixonsixteen.com
Another boutique hotel to
grace Hanois Old Quarter,
the six rooms here mix contemporary and fresh with
handicrafts and antique.
Breakfast is included and in
the long, lounge restaurant
on the second floor, homestyle Vietnamese fare is
served up with fresh fruit
juices and Lavazza coffee.
$$$
109-111 Hang Gai, Hoan
Kiem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3928
6969
goldensilkhotel.com
Located in the centre of the
Old Quarter, this little slice of
heaven offers complimentary sundries and a replenishable minibar. The Orient
restaurant, serves the finest
in international and Vietnamese cuisine.
hanovahotel.com
A minute from Hoan Kiem
Lake, this glowing pearl in
the heart of Hanoi provides
tranquility with an art gallery
and piano bar.
MAY DE VILLE
24 Han Thuyen, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 2222 9988
Set in the old French Quarter
a short walk from the Opera
House, May de Ville City Centre is a welcome new addition to the capital. Combining
contemporary architecture
with traditional Vietnamese
style and materials, this elegant property has 81 wellappointed rooms including
four suites.
HANOI BUDGET
HANOI BACKBACKERS HOSTEL
48 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 5372
www.hanoibackpackershostel.com
Probably the cheapest, European-style hostel in town,
with bunk-style beds mixed
or single-sex dorms starting at VND150,000, plus
a couple of double suites
from VND250,000. A place
to meet like-minded fold in
the Old Quarter.
HCMC - INTERNATIONAL
CARAVELLE HOTEL
$$$$
19 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
Winner of Robb Reports
2006 list of the worlds top
100 luxury hotels, the Caravelle houses the popular
rooftop Saigon Saigon bar,
and the restaurants Nineteen and Reflections.
DUXTON HOTEL
$$$
63 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2999
saigon.duxtonhotels.com
Famous for its daylong
rotatingmenu buffets, the
Duxton deserves luxury appellation with a pool, gym,
spa, and fine dining.
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON
$$$$$
Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh
City, resides the Asiana with
signature dining options,
an innovative cocktail bar,
exclusive spa and health
club, together with luxury
boutique arcade.
$$$$
2A4A Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 3333
legendsaigon.com
Immaculate architecture,
spacious rooms, and a fine
selection of fine dining, with
buffets specialising in Americana and Pan-Asian cuisine.
$$$$
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Former guests include U.S.
presidents two Bushes,
Clinton and K-Pop sensation Bi Rain. An ongoing event
as well as a hotel, New World
is one of the best luxury
stops in town.
PARK HYATT
$$$$$
2 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
Fabulous in style, prime in
location, everything one
would expect from the Hyatt.
The Square One and Italianthemed Opera restaurants
have garnered an excellent
reputation, as has the landscaped pool.
$$$
242 Tran Binh Trong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3839 7777
equatorial.com/hcm
This massive property
boasts seven dining and
entertainment outlets, a
business centre, meeting
rooms and a comprehensive fitness centre and spa.
The Equatorial also has an
on-site casino.
REX HOTEL
$$$$$
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 7777
hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
53 Vo Truong Toan, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4111
riverside-apartments.com
Situated on the banks of the
Saigon River, a 15-minute
scenic boat ride or 20-minute bus ride from town,
Riversides complementary
shuttle services take you
right in the city centre. With
152 fully equipped serviced
apartments, the property
offers special packages for
short-term stay starting at
VND2.1 million per apartment per night for a onebedroom facility.
RIVERSIDE HOTEL
$$$$$
1819-20 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1417
riversidehotelsg.com
This distinct French architectural wonder offers
complimentary Wi-Fi, airport
pickup or drop off, a 4th floor
ballroom, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the River
Restaurant.
SHERATON
$$$$$
88 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 2828
sheraton.com/saigon
Sheraton boasts one of
the best locations in town,
with firstclass facilities,
an openair restaurant 23
floors above the city and
a live music venue on the
same floor.
$$$$
17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
This 20story building in
downtown Saigon, caters
to upscale business and
leisure travelers seeking a
classic yet contemporary
stay in Saigon.
WINDSOR PLAZA
$$$
18 An Duong Vuong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3833 6688
windsorplazahotel.com
The full ensemble with its
own shopping hub (including
a bank), fine dining, a sauna,
health club, and superb
panoramic views of the cityscape. Also hosts the largest
Oktoberfest in the region.
HCMC - DELUXE
CONTINENTAL
$$$
132-134 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 9201
continentalhotel.com.vn
HOTEL MAJESTIC
$$$
1 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 5517
majesticsaigon.com.vn
NORFOLK HOTEL
$$$
117 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 5368
norfolkhotel.com.vn
Intimate atmosphere and excellent service, this boutique
business hotel is located
minutes from famous landmarks, designer shops, and
is renowned for its fabulous
steaks at its in-house restaurant, Corso.
$$$
167 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3822 4866
novotel-saigon-centre.com
Novotel Saigon Centre has
a contemporary feel, an
international buffet The
Square a rooftop bar, and
a wellness centre including a
swimming pool, gym, sauna
and spa.
$$$
144 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu
Josephs Hotel
Foreign-run,boutique hotel
Next to the cathedral
$$$$$
148 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 8686
pullmanhotels.com
Recently completed on the
site of the old Metropole,
this upscale, contemporary
property boasts 306 signature rooms combining
design, comfort and connectivity. Innovative cuisine,
a great downtown location
and high-tech meeting venues able to host up to 600
guests make up the mix.
EQUATORIAL
$$$$
141 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2185
rexhotelvietnam.com
travel
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 3999 8888
starcitysaigon.vn
The newly-built hotel is near
Tan Son Nhat International
Airport. With spectacular
city views and a comfortablydesigned outdoor swimming
pool, there is little reason not
to choose this shining star.
HCMC - MID-RANGE
ROYAL HOTEL SAIGON
$$
133 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 5914
kimdohotel.com
EMM HOTEL
157 Pasteur, Q3
A sleek, contemporary threestar hotel that mixes vintage
appeal and modern chic
thanks to a subdued palette
of white and grey around two
pop colours: azalea pink
and green hot pepper. Part
of the Thien Minh Group that
includes Victoria Hotels and
Buffalo Tours.
$$$
46 and 73-75 Thu Khoa
Huan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
7926
lanlanhotel.com.vn
$$
195 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2222
thaodienvillage.com
A colonialstyle hotel and
spa offers fine Italian, Thai
and Japanese dining. Manicured gardens and a view
that overlook the bank of
the Saigon River, this is truly
someplace special.
$$$
133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh,
Phu Nhuan, Tel: 08 6256
9966
alcovehotel.com.vn
HCMC - BUDGET
DUC VUONG HOTEL
$
195 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 6992
ducvuonghotel.com
Free WiFi offered in every
room. Low prices, friendly
staff, clean rooms. This modern oasis is only a few steps
from the backpackers area.
DUNA HOTEL
$
167 Pham Ngu Lao Q1, Tel:
(08) 3837 3699
dunahotel.com
$
185/28 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3836 1915
honghoavn.com
$
157 Nguyen Du Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 4648
Looking for something? Missed a previous issue? Find it all online at www.wordvietnam.com. Only a click away.
sinhhuonghotel.com.vn
CUA DAI
$
544, Cua Dai, Hoi An, Tel:
(0510) 386 2231
hotelcuadai-hoian.com/
$$$
Truong Sa, Hoa Hai, Ngu
Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 396 1800
danangbeachresort.com.vn
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 384 7888
furamavietnam.com
$$$$
Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da
Nang, Tel: (0511) 398 1234
danang.regency.hyatt.com
The Hyatt Regency Danang
Resort and Spa is beachfront
with a stunning view of the
Marble Mountains. There
are 182 luxurious residences and 27 private ocean villas, each with a private pool.
$$$
Tam Hai Island, Thon 4, Nui
Thanh, Quang Nam, Tel:
(0510) 354 5105
domainedetamhai.com
$$$
1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An,
Tel: (0510) 391 4555
life-resorts.com
MERCURE DANANG
$$$
Lot A1 Zone Green Island,
Hoa Cuong Bac, Hai Chau,
Danang, Tel: (0511) 379
7777
mercure-danang.com
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang
Tel: (0511) 395 8888
pullman-danang.com
Located on the stunning
white sands of Bac My An
Beach, the stylish Pullman
Danang Beach Resort is
an oasis of activities and
facilities for the modern
traveller. With an idyllic setting, this luxury property is
perfect for a family holiday
or romantic beach getaway.
And with extensive function
facilities, Pullman Danang
also provides the a great location for your next incentive
getaway or event.
$$$$
Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village,
Quang Nam, Tel: (0510) 394
0000
ghmhotels.com
Includes three massive
swimming pools, a gourmet restaurant and elegant
spa on a lotus pond. Each
massive room has its own
espresso machine, pre
programmed iPod and both
indoor and outdoor showers.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5800
angsana.com/en/lang_co
Located on Vietnams South
Central Coast, Angsana Lang
Co commands an unrivalled
beach frontage of the shimmering East Sea. Traditional
Vietnamese design encompasses the resorts contemporary buildings and chic
interiors.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien,
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5888
banyantree.com/en/
lang_co
Built on a crescent bay, The
Banyan Tree offers privacy
and unparalleled exclusivity
with all-pool villas reflecting
the cultural and historical
legacy of past Vietnamese
dynastic periods.
LA RESIDENCE
$$$$
5 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 383
7475
laresidencehue.com
$
66 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 382
6736
hoangphuonghotel.com
NHA TRANG
EVASON ANA MANDARA AND SIX
SENSES SPA
$$$$
Beachside Tran Phu, Nha
Trang, Khanh Hoa, Tel: (058)
352 2222
sixsenses.com/evasonresorts/ana-mandara/
destination
2.6 hectares of private
beachside gardens and
villastyle accommodation
furnished in traditional native woods, this resort offers verandah dining, a pool
bar and the signature Six
Senses Spa.
$
Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hoa, Khanh
Hoa, Tel: (058) 362 2384
junglebeachvietnam.com
On a secluded promontory north of Nha Trang, this
budget place is all about
hammocks, the sea, the jungle and nature.
$$$$
Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong,
Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa, Tel:
(058) 398 9666
mianhatrang.com
$$$
50 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Tel:
(058) 625 6900
novotel-nhatrang.com
This four-star hotel with
154 guestrooms, all with
a terrace and sea view.
Complete with a pool, spa,
restaurant, bar and meeting room that caters for up
to 200 delegates.
$$$
1214 Tran Phu, Nha Trang,
Tel: (058) 382 0999
sunrisenhatrang.com.vn
$$$$
8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
374 3777
allezboo.com
This resort offers exotic
$$$$
54 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7322
blueoceanresort.com.vn
life-resorts.com
COCO BEACH
$$$$
58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7111
cocobeach.net
With charming wooden
bungalows, a private beach,
a swimming pool (both with
attached bars) and a French
restaurant, Coco Beach continues to be run by those who
opened it in 1995.
$$$
24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Tel: (062) 384 7440
miamuine.com
$$$$
Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet,
Tel: (062) 381 3000
victoriahotels.asia
Another beachfront Victoria
chain, the thatchedroof
bungalows and family villas
are set in exotic gardens
with an infinity swimming
pool, a seafood restaurant, spa, beauty salon and
jacuzzi.
PHONG NHA
EASY TIGER AND JUNGLE BAR
$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7844
easytigerphongnha@gmail.
com
A hostel and street-front bar
all in one. Has a pleasant,
airy atmosphere in the bar
and restaurant area while
the 52 dorm beds four
beds to a room go for
US$8 (VND168,000) each a
night.
HO KHANH'S HOMESTAY
$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: 01299 597182
phong-nha-homestay.com
PEPPER HOUSE
$
Tel: 01678 731560
pepperhouse-homestay.com
$$
Hoa Son, Cu Nam, Bo Trach,
Quang Binh, Tel: (052) 367
5135
phong-nha-cave.com
The first western-run farmstay in Phong Nha, this wellappointed travellers joint
has a great bar and restaurant area, a swimming pool
out back and views overlooking paddy fields and
mountains. Rooms start at
VND600,000 for a twin or
double, with a family room
for five costing VND1.4 million a night.
$$
Khuong Ha, Hung Trach, Bo
Trach, Quang Binh, Tel: (052)
367 5999
phongnhalakehouse.com
$$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7016
sgphongnhahotel@yahoo.
com.vn
PHU QUOC
BEACH CLUB RESORT
$$
Ap Cua Lap, Xa Duong To,
Long Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Tel: (077) 398 0998
beachclubvietnam.com
A quaint and popular island
guesthouse featuring a
beachside restaurant, and
includes free Wi-Fi. Motorbike rental, boat trips and
tours are easily arranged.
Discount rates during rainy
season.
$$$$
Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua
Duong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang,
Tel: (077) 399 5895
centarahotelsresorts.com
MANGO BAY
$$
Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc,
Tel: 0903 382207
mangobayphuquoc.com
An ecofriendly approach
with a gorgeous beachside
location, the bungalows are
made of rammed earth, no
TVs or telephones (although
Wi-Fi is available). Excellent
sunsets from the beach bar.
SAPA
CAT CAT VIEW HOTEL
$$
Cat Cat Road, Tel: 0203
871946
catcathotel.com
The best view in town from its
bar restaurant, the Cat Cat
Guesthouse is paradise at
very reasonable rates. The
rooms have big windows,
balconies, and log fireplaces.
travel
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$$
Thanh Kim, Sapa, Lao Cai
Tel: (04) 3715 1005 (Sales)
topasecolodge.com
With its panoramic views of
the surrounding mountains
and valley, Topas Ecolodge
is the perfect place to experience the remoteness and
quiet of the Northern Vietnamese mountains the
landscape, the fresh air and
the ethnic peoples. Guests
stay in private bungalows
with dinner served in a local
stilt house restaurant.
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$
24 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Tel:
0203 872404
topasecolodge.com
For the environmentally
conscientious, 25 individual
lodges rest on hills overlooking valleys. Employing solar
technology and a wastewater facility, the Topas also
organises treks and bicycle
tours.
VICTORIA SAPA
$$$
Tel: 0203 871522
victoriahotels.asia
$$$$
1 Tran Phu, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 335 1553
binhanvillage.com
$$
Nguyen Duc Thuan, Con
Dao, Vung Tau, Tel: (064)
383 0939
condaoresort.vn
HO TRAM SANCTUARY
$$$$
Ho Tram, Ba Ria-Vung Tau,
Tel: (064) 378 1631
sanctuary.com.vn
The spacious villas come
with their own pool and have
direct access to the beach.
Extras include tennis courts,
a mini supermarket, and cycling and motorbike tours.
REX HOTEL
$$
1 Le Quy Don, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 385 2135
rexhotelvungtau.com
$$$$
Dat Doc Beach, Ba Ria-Vung
Tau, Tel: (064) 383 1222
sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao
EXO TRAVEL
66A Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi,
Tel: (04) 3828 2150
exotravel.com
A one-stop, all-in-one travel
agency with an extensive
operational track record in
the Indochina region and
beyond. Providing up-market
services, Exotissimo brings
their clients close to culture
through personalised tours.
Also find travel desks at the
Hilton, Sofitel Plaza and Intercontinental hotels, which
are open on weekends and
holidays.
HANDSPAN TRAVEL
78 Ma May, Hanoi, Tel: (04)
3926 2828
www.handspan.com
Established in 1997, Handspan provides customers
with safe, high quality, diverse, small-group adventure tours to both popular
and isolated locations in
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Has a focus on off-thebeaten-track sustainable
and responsible tourism
initiatives. Also provides to
excursions to more wellworn destinations.
INDOCHINA LAND
SYRENA CRUISES
EXO TRAVEL
41, Thao Dien, Q2. Tel (08)
3519 4111, Ext. 15/17/19
exotravel.com
A reliable and experienced
travel company operating
through Southeast Asia,
Exotissimo brings you personalized tours across the
region, many including insights into culinary customs,
handicrafts and humanitarian initiatives.
HG TRAVEL
47 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3944 8844
www.hgtravel.com
Travel company specialising
in small-group tours around
Vietnam and further afield in
Indochina. Is also the sole
representative agent for
Kenya Airways (for 40 cities
in Africa www.kenya-airways.com), American Airlines
(www.aa.com) and Turkish
Airlines (www.thy.com).
www.cocobeach.net
travel
GINKGO VOYAGE
TRAVEL PROMOS
TERRAVERDE
12/20 Nguyen Canh Di,
Ward 4, Tan Binh District,
Tel: (08) 3984 4754
terraverdetravel.com
If you like cycling through
the Mekong Delta, trekking
in the highlands, or lazing in
a junk on Ha Long Bay all
while making a difference in
peoples lives then this
company will suit you well.
BEENINASIA.COM
www.beeninasia.com
[email protected]
Online travel in Southeast
Asia. Offers you selection of
best hotels and great tours.
Create your own trip or we
can tailor make your itinerary.
TU TRAVEL
60 Hai Ba Trung, Can Tho
City, Tel: 0713 752436
tutrangtravel-mekongfeeling.vn
banyantree.com
We love our golf and spa
treatments here at Word. So when
we heard Banyan Tree Lang Co
were offering unlimited both,
we couldnt keep it to ourselves.
Book for two nights or more
between now and Mar. 29, and
unlimited back rubs, birdies and
body scrubs could be yours. Valid
for any stay between now and
Mar. 31, itll only set you back
VND10.55 million++ per night.
This ultimate package includes
accommodation for two, daily
breakfast, airport transfer and
shuttle service to Hoi An and
Hue.
sixsenses.com
Six Senses Hotel Resorts and Spas set
the benchmark for luxury in Vietnam,
and theyve got some great packages
to enjoy over the Tet holiday period
at all three of their properties. This
includes a 15 percent discount on
spa treatments and 20 percent at
the Ana Beach House restaurant
for those staying at the Evason Ana
Mandara Nha Trang. Packages at
Six Senses Con Dao and Ninh Van
Bay resorts from VND8 million++
both include breakfast and round trip
airport shuttle and boat transfers. In
Nha Trang the Garden View Room
is a steal from VND3.9 million++ on
select dates this month.
Hanoi
RECALLING HANOI // COFFEE CUP // TOP EATS // STUDENT EYE // FOOD PROMOS //
THE ALCHEMIST // THE THERAPIST // MEDICAL BUFF // BOOK BUFF
PHOTO BY JULIE VOLA
hanoi
business
CCIFV
Sofitel Plaza, No 1 Thanh
Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3715
2229
ccifv.org
A business group with over
240 members that supports the French business
community in Vietnam by
listening to their members
needs and expectations. Also
promotes Vietnam to French
companies and helps them in
developing their businesses
here.
EUROCHAM
G/F, Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, 1
Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3715 2228
eurochamvn.org
A confederate organisation
with strong ties to national
business associations in its
member countries, Eurocham looks after and provides advice and support
for the business interests of
European Union members in
Vietnam.
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
CORPORATE SERVICES
ENDO
79, Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3783 2085
endo.vn
Endo offers garment manu-
INSURANCE
IF CONSULTING
CCIFV/Eurocham, Sofitel
Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh,
Tel: (04) 3936 5370
Emergency: 0903 732365
insuranceinvietnam.com
Specialises in medical, employee benefits and personal
lines insurance advice to expatriates. The company has
been operational in Vietnam
since 1994 and offers free
advice and comparative
quotes.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL, HANOI
Hoa Lan Road, Vinhomes
Riverside, Long Bien, Hanoi
Tel: 04 3946 0435
www.bishanoi.com
The British International
School (BIS) Hanoi, is a selective, independent, co-educational day school. It provides
a British style education for
an international student
body operating from a modern purpose-built campus
in the vibrant and cultured
city of Hanoi. The National
Curriculum for England, International General Certificate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) and Advanced Level
(A Level) are taught to English speaking students from
Pre-School to Year 13. The
International Baccalaureate
(IB) Diploma will, pending IB
authorization, be offered
from 2016 onwards.
CONCORDIA INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HANOI
CMC Building, Duy Tan, Cau
Giay, Tel: (04) 3795 8878
concordiahanoi.org
International brand, Concordia, has highly performing
schools in both Hong Kong
and Shanghai at the top tier
of the educational system.
All instructors and teachers
are native English speakers
and admission applications
are accepted throughout
the year.
ETONHOUSE INTERNATIONAL
KINDERGARTEN HANOI
3rd floor, Tower A, Keangnam Landmark, DinhNghe,
Me Tri. Tel: 0965 588888
etonhouse.edu.vn
Thanks to a unique curriculum used in over 100
schools, a stimulating and
motivating environment, and
a child-centred approach,
children at Eton House make
rapid progress and achieve
their maximum potential.
Classes offeredfor students
aged 18 months to 6 years
and there isan Open Door
Policy at all times.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF
VIETNAM
6-7 Nguyen Cong Thai, Dai
Kim Urban Area, Dinh Cong,
Hoang Mai, Tel: 3540 9183
www.isvietnam.org
The International School of
Vietnam (ISV) is a not-forprofit, Pre-Kindergarten to
Grade 12 school serving the
international and local community of Hanoi. ISV accepts
students of any nationality
aged 3 and up. ISV offers
an international education
experience. Highly qualified
and experienced international educators are supported by a 21st-century
campus with the latest in
educational technology
plus excellent resources
for learning. Class sizes are
small.
kinderworld.net
Classes are kept small with
a foreign teacher leading the
class with the assistance of a
Vietnamese teacher according to the teacher-student
ratio. KinderWorld provides
pre school education for
children from 18 months to
below 6 years.
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (SIS)
2D Van Phuc Diplomatic
Compound, 46 Van Bao, Ba
Dinh, Tel: 3726 1601; Block
C3, Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel:
3758 2664; Dilmah Building, Duy Tan, Cau Giay, Tel:
3795 1036
www,kinderworld.net/sis
SIS provides international
education for students from
Primary up to University
Foundation Programme. A
strong curriculum combines
the best aspects of the Singaporean, Australian and
Vietnamese curricula, all
taught by qualified teachers.
Runs various co-curricula
activities and prepares
students for internationally
recognised qualifications:
iPSLE, Cambridge IGCSE &
AS/A Level, GAC
APOLLO
67 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3943 2051
Apollo.edu.vn
Established in 1994, Apollo
offers high-quality and costeffective English language
classes including general
English, English for teens,
English for business communication and a pronunciation
clinic. One of the countrys
BRITISH COUNCIL
20 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3728 1922
britishcouncil.org
The cultural arm of the British governments presence
in Vietnam, the BC offers a
variety of English language
courses business writing, corporate training and
general English in a large
learning centre close to West
Lake.
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
RMIT
Hanoi Resco Building, 521
Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3726 1460
rmit.edu.vn
A leading international provider of skills training and
professional staff development, RMIT offers both short
and long-term courses,
customised courses, and
can provide for either on or
off-campus clients. Known
for its Business MBA which
is open to both Vietnamese
and overseas students.
ALLIED PICKFORDS
Room 302, 12A Ho Xuan
Huong, Tel: (04) 3943 1511
vn.alliedpickfords.com
The international home
moving company helps
make the burden of moving
a lot easier. As the largest
home moving company in
the world, Allied Pickfords
moves over 1,000 families
in over 175 countries every
day. Available with a full
range of services domestic moves, office moves and
storage whether you are
moving within Vietnam or
across the world.
MARKET RESEARCH
CIMIGO
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
KINDERWORLD INTERNATIONAL
KINDERGARTEN
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
hanoi
location services including
home search, orientation,
cultural training, immigration services and records
management. For more information email Vietnam@
santaferelo.com.
SERVICED APARTMENTS
ATLANTA RESIDENCES
49 Hang Chuoi, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: 0912 239085
atlanta.com.vn
Atlanta Residences fully
serviced apartments have
been created to provide a
space where you can feel
at home. Within walking
distance from Hanois Opera
House and Hoan Kiem Lake,
this building offers a panel of
51 spacious apartments for
you to choose from. The serviced apartments here offer
the luxury of a hotel mixed
with the peaceful comfort
and privacy of your home,
under one roof of course.
old quarter
BARS & CLUBS / CAFES / CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES & LIQUOR / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS
DRAGONFLY
FRASER SUITES HANOI
51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3719 8877
Located in the West Lake
area, Fraser Suites Hanoi
consists of 186 apartments, from studios to four
bedrooms, which meet any
lifestyle. With a calming and
warm interior feel, each
apartment features all the
latest amenities. 24-hour security surveillance provides
peace of mind.
SPORTS GARMENTS
SCORE-TECH
44 Ngo 31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: 01203 802832
A 100 percent foreigninvested company offering
personalised sport garments. Using the latest printing technology as well as a
design team from Barcelona,
Score-Tech controls the
whole production process
from producing fabrics and
sewing to printing. Big and
small orders of garments
produced for all sporting
needs.
DANCEHALL LOUNGE
15 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 4926 2177
11am to late
One of the better venues in
the Old Quarter for dancing
on the weekends. Although
crammed into a small space,
cheap drinks and a mix of
chart chits makes Dragonfly
the regular go-to for younger Vietnamese crowds, tourists and the foreign resident
looking to get up on the
dance floor. If you dont feel
like dancing, relax upstairs
with shisha and friends with
one of the two lounges on
the second floor. The sister
venue on Phung Hung has a
bigger menu and an earlier
opening hour (11am instead
of 6pm) but still keeps with
the shisha, pool table and
dance floor combo so popular on Hang Buom.
FATCAT BAR
FUNKY BUDDHA
ELECTRO LOUNGE
2 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3292 7614
8pm to late
IRISH WOLFHOUND
IRISH PUB
4 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 2212 6821
irishwolfhoundpub.com
8am to 2am
The open-air watering hole
with seating on the pavement
is a great spot to enjoy a tall
dark stout or light pilsner at
anytime, day or night. What it
lacks in gaudy decorations,
it makes up for with a constant stream of regulars, occasional live Irish music and
billiards on the third floor.
Has a decent food menu and
even better pizzas.
LA BOMBA LATINA
LATIN BAR
46 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: 0917 245155
LE PUB
BRITISH / INTERNATIONAL
RESTOBAR
25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 2104
7am to midnight
Dark red walls and even
darker brown seating run
through the homely and
casual Le Pub, one of the few
bars in town with a regular
stream of clientele. A long
list of imported beer, Tiger
draft, a decent international
cum Vietnamese food menu,
happy hour specials and live
sport make up the comfortable mix. The venue also gets
involved in the local community through regular events.
MOJITO BAR
POLITE PUB
LONG BAR
5 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3825 0959
5pm to 2am
A bit musty and jaded, despite being one of the oldest
pubs in the city, this staple
watering hole on Bao Khanh
continues to be a hit. Probably the closest thing Hanoi
has to an authentic Englishstyle pub, Polite is frequented by a steady mix of locals
and expats who find solace
in the nightly conversations
at the long bar, billiards and
live football matches.
ROCKSTORE
LIVE MUSIC BAR
61 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
01653 336087
Hanoi's home-made, homegrown version of Hard Rock
Cafe without the stigma and
the expensive prices. Nightly
live music or DJing events
are coupled with creative
decor, a selection of Belgian
Beer and a food menu.
SPY BAR
TEMPLE BAR
TET BAR
LATE-NIGHT BAR
2a Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 3050
THE SPOT
CAFES
JOMA
INTERNATIONAL CAFE
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem
joma.biz
Housed in a two-storey converted, colonial-era villa, the
concept of the third Joma is
the same as at its two other
cafes - fair-trade coffee, payas-you-order at the counter,
and a great selection of
sandwiches, bagels, salads,
cakes, ice-cream and tea.
COFFEE/BAKERY
222 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 3388
joma.biz
7am to 9pm
With two branches, Joma
KINH DO
MOCA CAFE
CAFE / INTERNATIONAL
14-16 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
(04) 3825 6334
8am to 10pm
Set in a deliciously attractive slightly run down colonial villa, the tourist friendly
location gives Moca a large
amount of guidebook-driven
clientele. But dont let this put
you off. The faded but charmingly run down Frenchstyled retro interior, good
WiFi and some of the best
coffee in town makes this
a great spot to while away
a couple of hours. The food
menu mixes Vietnamese fare
with sandwiches, western
and pan-Asian mains.
PUKU
INTERNATIONAL / CAFE
16-18 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 1745
Open 24 hours
This spacious spot on food
street is open around the
clock, offering Aussie-inspired comfort food along
with more eclectic Irish
nachos, cottage pies and
pan-Asian fare. Upstairs
is fit for social gatherings
and live music while the nosmoking downstairs space
is filled with people working
and socialising. Serves as
community centre, catering
both to ravenous backpackers whove just arrived off
the night train from Sapa and
locals looking to meet up.
THE CART
SKATESHOP
84 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3923 1147
Booskateshop.com
CONTRABAND
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
23 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9891
Launched in Hanoi in 2007,
Contraband targets young
hip working women. Garments are made from versatile fabrics that are comfortable to wear and easy to look
after making them ideal for
work and travel. New styles
are introduced each month
with limited production runs,
offering a sense of exclusivity.
LATELIER
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC / LIFESTYLE
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem.
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
RECALLING HANOI
PART NINE
Minh
A House Made of Glass
Location: Tuc Mac Street
There are 16 families in the house. It used
to be a French house, one of the oldest in
Hanoi. After the war with the French, it
was divided into apartments.
I have lived here my whole life: first
with my mother then alone after she
passed away. When I used to come back
home from France where I was studying,
I would always have this strong feeling of
being where I belong, a familiar feeling of
being home.
When I was a child we played on the
hanoi
BY JULIE VOLA
Hien
Vietnam Champion
Location: Van Quan Lake
It was Dec. 28, 2008, the day of the ASEAN
Football Federation cup final between
Vietnam and Thailand. Although we were
preparing for our exams, we couldnt
concentrate on our studies. The first match in
Thailand had put Vietnam ahead of Thailand
by 2-1, making people even more eager for
us to win.
By early evening, we were all gathered
at the caf beside Van Quan Lake. The
restaurant was full of people with flags,
banners and slogans saying Vietnam
Champions. The atmosphere was electric,
particularly during the first half when
Thailand suddenly scored, sending us all into
turmoil at the prospect of losing. Although
hanoi
COFFEE CUP
YOLO
oasting an abundance of
communal seating, funky decor
and a full roster of regular live
music performances, Yolo Caf
Lounge appears to be a venue that lives
by its name. Located a stones throw
from the popular watering hole Barbetta
on Cao Ba Quat, this rollicking cafslash-bar has quickly earned a place in
the hearts of Hanois young (or young at
heart) and trendy.
Fun, unpretentious and unashamedly
quirky, its easy to see why Yolo has
become one of Hanois most visited
hangouts. An endearing use of recycled
furniture antiques and colourful
artwork create a vibrant atmosphere
while a mish-mash of metal rods,
concrete boulders and empty wine bottles
in the entryway show off a wild and
unpredictable side, synonymous with its
acronymic name.
An Oasis of Calm
While the venue really comes alive at
night, by day it slows to become a quiet
oasis tucked away from the hustle and
bustle. The furnished balconies are
perfect for sitting and watching the
hanoi
move to the capital has seen
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
THINGS OF SUBSTANCE
AUSTRALIAN-STYLE UNISEX
5 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 6965
This shops motto Western
sizes, Vietnamese prices,
says it all. While mostly retailing womens separates
in soft cotton jersey and
linen, the store also carries a range of accessories
like embroidered canvas
totes and printed tees. Has
a good selection of unique
mens shirts.
THREE TREES
JEWELLERY
15 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3928 8725
HANDMADE / CHARITABLE
QUILTS
58 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 4607; 13 Hang
Bac, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3926 4831
Mekong-quilts.org
Community development
non-profit quilt shop featuring handmade quilts and accessories. Styles vary from
traditional to patterned and
Asian-inspired. Founded in
2001 and with outposts in
several locations around
the region, the shop employs women in rural areas,
enabling them to make an
income and care for their
families.
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 2645
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
move to the capital will see
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
24 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3938 1155
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
CAFE DE PARIS
FRENCH BISTRO
12 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926 1327
cafedeparis-hanoi.com
8am to 11pm
Thanks to its original tiled
floor, cast iron backed chairs
and wall-hung black and
white photography, there is
something decidedly charming about this tiny Parisianstyled bistro and bar. Serving
up a simple menu of snacks
such as quiche Lorraine,
Paris beurre and croque
monsieur, there is also a selection of classic but unpretentious French mains. Has
a daily specials board and a
decent range of pizzas.
FOODSHOP 45
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN
32 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3993 1399
10am to 10.30pm
A slither of a joint serving
up the same fare that the
lakeside Foodshop 45 location in Truc Bach has become famous for. Selling an
international version of the
mighty curry they even
sell pork and beef here
the menu keeps to the northern part of the subcontinent
with masala, dopiaza, korma
and the more Goan vindaloo
taking centre stage. Also has
a good range of breads and
tandoor-cooked kebabs.
GREEN MANGO
WESTERN / VIETNAMESE
18 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9916
greenmango.vn
7.30am to 11.30pm
GREEN TANGERINE
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 4200; 25 Bat Su,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926
0639
10am to midnight
LITTLE INDIA
LA RESTAURANT
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
25 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 8933
8am to 10pm
The complimentary warm
bread with rosemary is
reason enough to visit this
homely spot featuring hearty
lentil and black bean soups,
along with a range of international and Vietnamese options like New Zealand beef
tenderloin or tofu with chilli
and mushrooms. We arent
quite sure why the Miele
Guide nominated it as one of
Asias finest restaurants as
service is lackadaisical and
tables could use candles to
improve the lackluster ambience, but the immaculately
tasty dishes more than make
up for any quips.
NAMASTE HANOI
PAN-INDIAN
46 Tho Nhuom, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 3935 2400
namastehanoi.com
11am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10.30pm
The latest newcomer to the
Indian restaurants family, Namaste specializes in
dishes from both northern
and southern India using Halal meat throughout. A meal will cost you
between VND150,000 and
VND300,000 and everything
is there, from curries and
breads to soups and desserts. Available to dine in or
out with a free delivery.
thekafe.vn
Spacious, casual, energetic
and beautifully designed, The
KAfe serves up unfussy comfort food that aims to satisfy
the modern urban diner.
Preparing fresh food and
drinks that show respect to
natural ingredients and flavours from around the globe,
this caf-cum-restaurant is
a popular choice for Hanois
metrosexual community.
LA SALSA
IBERIAN / MEDITERANEAN
25 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 9052
8am to 11pm
A small but eternally popular Spanish-themed caf
and bar with an extensive
list of reliable cuisine. Tapas are available, as well
as full courses such as
veal, and duck with currant
sauce. Known for its good,
European-style coffee and
first-floor terrace area with
views over the cathedral.
Has a second garden restaurant on Xuan Dieu.
LITTLE HANOI
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
21-23 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 8333
7.30am to 11pm
MEDITERRANEO
PAN-ITALIAN
23 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3826 6288
10am to 11pm
This long-running, cozy restaurant near the cathedral
serves all the traditional
Italian fare you could need
homemade mozzarella
and fresh pasta, spinach
and ricotta ravioli, cold cut
boards, soups, salads and
fish. Throw in an extensive
wine list, a traditional wood
fire oven and a balcony spot
looking over Hanois trendy
caf scene and youre onto
a winner.
MILLENIUM
PAN-FRENCH
11B Ngo Bao Khanh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3828 7207
10.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10pm
Clean and fresh with a finedining vibe, the Millennium
restaurant is the minimal
and chic result of a Caf Des
Arts makeover. The streets
new go-to for a high standard of eating and drinking
OLD HANOI
GOURMET VIETNAMESE
4 Ton That Thiep, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 8337
10am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Gordon Ramsay once filmed
a show at this restaurant in
a renovated French villa and
now the ribs carry his namesake. But its the twist on old
world favourites, think fried
snail spring rolls and miniature vegetarian banh xeo,
in a casually elegant setting
that make this spot near
the train tracks standout.
Be sure to try the roll-yourown cha ca spring rolls and
check the schedule for live
traditional music.
PROVECHO
SOUTHGATE
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3938 1979
southgatehanoi.com
THE KAFE
TAMARIND
CONTEMPORARY VEGETARIAN
80 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 0580
5.30am to 10.30pm
Perhaps the only restaurant
in Hanoi to cater to vegetarians that doesnt focus on
faux meat. Features a wide
range of juices and shakes
in a crunchy granola backpacker atmosphere. Has
Asian favourites like vegetarian pho, Ma-Po tofu
and Thai glass noodle salad,
along with some falafel and
western influences. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will
find something to try on this
menu.
SPICE
TANDOOR
PAN-INDIAN
24 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3824 5359
11am to 10.30pm
A long-popular, Indianfood enclave specialising
in Northern Indian cuisine.
Has an indoor and upstairs,
white tablecloth aircon
area with a more casual
dining and bar space out
front. Does excellent kebabs
served from an authentic
tandoor oven as well as the
full range of mainly North
Indian curries. Also has a
branch in Saigon and does
excellent set lunches.
ZENITH YOGA
WINE RETAILER
1C Tong Dan, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 1393
Part of the Tan Khoa chain,
the largest liquor and wine
distributor in the country,
the walls here are lined with
a decent selection of wines,
pleasantly arrayed and back
lit. Besides their selection of
new and old world wines
Helpful staff and free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE RETAILER
59 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 7666
warehouse-asia.com
The Warehouse is Vietnams
ultimate premium wine importer, distributor, and retailer, representing many of
the greatest wines from the
best wine-growing regions
on the planet. The portfolio
mixes the best of both old
and new world wines.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
hanoi
TOP EATS
CAU GO VIETNAMESE CUISINE
A Modern Twist
Open less than a year, this Cau Go, meaning
wooden bridge, has already jumped from
#31 to #7 on Trip Advisor, and its easy to
see why. Head chef Dao Thi Bay, who cut
hanoi
HANOI INTERNATIONAL THEATRE
SOCIETY (HITS)
hoan kiem
THEATRE GROUP
hitshanoi.com
LESPACE
PARIS DELI
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MODEL CLUB
CATWALK BAR
45 Hang Bai, Hai Ba Trung
8pm to late
PHUC TAN
RELAX BAR
ROOFTOP
SKYLINE LOUNGE
19th Floor, Pacific Place, 83B
Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3946 1901
8am to midnight
ZONE 17
CAF / BOULANGERIE
6 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 5269
7.30am to 11pm
Time has been good to this
airy, bistro-style caf and
patisserie opposite the Opera House. One of the original international-style establishments to hit the capital,
despite its prime location
prices remain reasonable
espresso-style coffees cost
around VND40,000 and
the cakes and croissants
are moreish. Also does filled
baguettes and a larger cafcum-restaurant menu. Has a
second establishment at 13
Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
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FRENCH-STYLE CONTEMPORARY
Hotel de lOpera, 29 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
6282 5555
Hoteldelopera.com
7am to 2am
La Fe Verte (or the Green
Fairy) is a metaphor for the
decadence of another age,
an allusion to the hallucinatory effects of absinthe. The
signature bar of the Hotel
de lOpra Hanoi where, just
as in Paris at the dawn of the
20th century, the making of an
evening drink a lavish event
of ritual and celebration. Understated lighting, a lounge
atmosphere, great music and
ultra-contemporary interior
design combine to bring a
genuine sense of occasion to
after-dark in the capital.
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HOAN KIEM
DISTRICT
BAMBOO BAR
17D Hong Ha, Hoan Kiem
The first bar in what will
eventually (hopefully) be a
CAFES
CIAO CAF
RESTO LOUNGE
2 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3934 1494
7am to 11pm
A stones throw from the
shores of Hoan Kiem Lake,
this Saigonese franchise
tries its hand with a variety
of different western dishes
at reasonable prices, especially considering the location. Loaded with booths and
a steady, young Vietnamese
crowd, the establishment is
a great place to squash a
sandwich or bowl of pasta
and people watch. Oh, and
they also do coffee, too.
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
5 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 3228;
Opera House, 1 Trang Tien,
Hoan Kiem; Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
KINH DO
CINEMAS
CINEMATHEQUE
ARTS CINEMA
22A Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 2648
Not a movie theatre per se,
but a private film club that
charges a membership fee in
return for entrance to a wide
selection of movies, new and
old. The management has
an eclectic taste and shows
films from all over the world.
EVENT SPACE
21 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 1850
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
23L Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 7782
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
ANGELINA
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Sofitel Metopole Legend Hotel, 56 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 6919
11.30am to 2.30pm and
6.30am to late (restaurant)
11am to 2am (bar)
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN
6A Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3845 5224
aulacdobrazil.com
11am to 2pm, 5pm to midnight
A nicely themed Brazilian
churrascaria steakhouse offering all you can eat grilled
meat and seafood on the
skewer, Au Lac do Brazil is
not for the feint of stomach.
In typical Brazilian rodzio
fashion, waiters bring cuts of
meat to the table for patrons
to pick and choose, all for a
set price. They also offer wine
pairings, a salad bar and an a
la carte menu, with a creative
selection of fruit caipirinhas
on hand to wash it all down.
The prices arent for anyone
on a budget, but the amount
and quality of meat is more
than worth cost.
CAF LAUTREC
MEDITERRANEAN / INTERNATIONAL
Hotel de lOpera, 29 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
6282 5555
6am to 10pm
Featuring both -la-carte
and buffet dining as well
as an innovative Sunday
brunch, this namesake of the
French artist Toulouse-Lautrec provides an exotic ambience for diners to enjoy a
mixture of international and
Mediterranean-style fare.
Has an extensive wine list
to match the cuisine, which
is all served up in a contemporary yet colonial-inspired
environment.
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
11 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 7280
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines
traditional Argentinian recipes and preparation with
great service in a contem-
JACKSONS STEAKHOUSE
STEAKHOUSE / GRILL
23J Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 8388
alfrescogroup.com
9.30am to midnight
Then newest venture from
the team behind Jaspas
and Pepperonis is an all-day
eating and drinking lounge fit
for all occasions. It has three
floors for different vibes
lounge bar, restaurant and
boardroom but fine imported steads can be found
on each, as well as seafood
and a huge wine list. A popular venue.
JASPAS
INTERNATIONAL / AUSTRALIAN
Hanoi Towers, 49 Hai Ba
Trung (4th Floor), Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 8325
alfrescosgroup.com
6.30am to midnight
Recently refurbished, the
Australian-influenced Jaspas is known for its attentive
service, tasty food and large
portions. A place with something for everyone, it has
proved itself to be popular
with both the western and
Asian expat communities
who come back again and
again. The comprehensive
menu is a fusion of western
and Asian cooking. The cocktails come large. The wine is
mainly New World. Also has
a spacious bar and lounge
area that stays open late for
all the live sport.
LA BADIANE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
10 Nam Ngu, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3942 4509
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm to
10pm. Closed Sunday night.
A white-washed, colonial
era villa replete with period
wooden shutters greets you
as you enter this contemporary French restaurant.
Guests can either dine indoors in aircon comfort or
take to the leafy covered
terrace out back with its
walls lined with art and photography from 21st century
Hanoi. The menu here mixes
modern Gallic cuisine with a
touch of Mediterranean and
Vietnam thrown in, all creating an innovative and evocative selection of fare. Has an
extensive wine list and an
excellent, well-priced threecourse lunch menu.
hanoi
STUDENT EYE
CLASS PHOTOS
hanoi
FOOD PROMOS
PROMOTIONS OF THE MONTH
LE BEAULIEU
LUNO DAUTUNNO
CLASSIC ITALIAN
27 Nam Ngu, Tel: (04) 3823
7338
11am to 11pm
This old-favourite Italian
uses traditional wood ovens
to prepare some of the citys
finest pizzas, which range
from VND80,000 to buildyour-own-skies-the-limit.
Set inside a large, thoughtful
space seasoned chefs also
make fresh pastas, soups
and cheeses the latter often bought by other restaurants. Monthly opera nights
make it well worth a visit, as
does the large wine list and
choice of desserts.
NINETEEN 11
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
The Opera House, 1 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3933 4801
nineteen11.com.vn
11am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm
PANE E VINO
PAN-ITALIAN
3 Nguyen Khac Can, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 9080
8am to 10.30pm
Just a stroll away from the
Hanoi Opera House and
Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart
of Hanoi, Pane e Vino serves
up authentic Italian food
and has done for as long as
anyone can remember. Renowned for the highly rated,
oven fresh pizzas and large
variety of pasta and salad
dishes look forward to fine
food done well at this eatery
that has the feel of Europe.
Huge wine lists, friendly staff
and a loveable owner.
PRESS CLUB
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
3rd Floor, 59A Ly Thai To,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934
0888
hanoi-pressclub.com
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm
to 10.30pm. Closed Sunday
lunch
Wooden flooring, paneling
and bold but subtle colours
pervade this traditional but
contemporary, fine-dining
70-seater venue close to
the Opera House. Serving
up quality cuisine for over a
decade, Press Club boasts
a bar area, two private dining rooms, including a wine
room, a library and a vast
selection of cigars, all in an elegant atmosphere. Does four
excellent wine pairing menus,
put together through the aid
of the Press Clubs extensive
new and old world wine list.
Also hosts a popular firstFriday-of-the-month party.
SATINE
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555 ext. 6414
hoteldelopera.com
SUPERMARKET
Ground Floor, Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 2999
DA LOC
WINE RETAILER
96 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 2076; 65 Le
Duan, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3941 2789
Daloc.vn
FIVIMART
SUPERMARKET
27A Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem
HANOI GOURMET
INTIMEX
VIETNAMESE SUPERMARKET
22-23 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
10 Da Tuong, Hanoi Tel: (04)
3943 7226
GROCERY STORE
17 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 3854
hanoi
THE ALCHEMIST
A DIGITAL DETOX
Disconnect!
In todays high tech world we are virtually
plugged in 24/7. Even with our devices
turned off, the amount of electromagnetic
energy constantly running in the
background is enough to affect our quality
of life on various levels sleep, mood,
concentration and overall wellness.
The negative effect of being tethered
to our technology has been presented
in numerous scientific publications,
Connect to Nature
Another way to recharge our body, mind
and spirit is to get outside. There is
growing empirical evidence that direct
exposure to nature is essential for the
physical and emotional health of children
and adults.
Studies show that a 20-minute walk
in nature is enough to not only alleviate
symptoms of depression and boost vitality
levels but also reduce stress and enhance
mental clarity. Nature brings us to the here
and now, it teaches us about the circle of
life and our interconnectedness. Nature
offers us the opportunity to re-establish
our authentic connection to the planet and
thus the universe.
Be Present
Maintaining authentic connections to the
BY KAREN GAY
Unplug Yourself
Just as a dietary detox can help us balance
the bodys systems and enhance our
wellness, so too can a digital detox help
re-establish the equilibrium in our lives as
we reconnect to ourselves, to each other
and to nature.
If you would like to try a digital
detox join the upcoming National Day of
Unplugging and discover the richness of life
off the grid. Visit nationaldayofunplugging.
com for more information.
Karen Gay, A-Roaming Bodyworker, is
a holistic health practitioner practicing in
Hanoi. For information on the types of services
provided, visit a-roamingbodyworker.com
tay ho
ARTS / BARS & CLUBS / BOOK SHOPS / CAFES / CLOTHING / COOKING CLASSES /
CRAFTS & FURNITURE / CYCLING & BICYCLE RENTALS / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES, LIQUOR & KITCHEN PRODUCTS / MEDICAL & DENTAL / EXPAT SERVICES
n
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TAY HO
DISTRICT
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LIQUOR LOUNGE
31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 6377
sontinh.com
8am to 11.30pm
As part of the Highway 4 group, which now
has its offices in the establishments upstairs
areas, this bar-cum-restaurant outfitted
with comfortable, stylish furnishings is famed
for its luxurious rice wine liquors and newly
created cocktail class. Does regular events
on the first floor and also has a creative Vietnamese food menu based on cuisine sold
at other restaurants in the chain.
MADAKE
CONTEMPORARY RESTOBAR
81 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6276 6665
or 0984 002181
With a stunning garden overlooking a peaceful lotus pond, this bar and restaurant is ideal
for those seeking a fusion of Western and
Eastern cuisine. Famed for its many weekday and weekend events, the ambient Asianstyle dcor, weekend DJ nights and general
atmosphere makes Madake a popular West
Lake go-to joint.
SPORTS BAR/GRILL
40 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho , Tel: (04) 6675 9838
tracyspub.com
11am to 12am
This Canadian-run, miniscule sports bar on
the main drag of Xuan Dieu is perpetually
crowded with regulars drinking out front
on plastic stools. Notorious for its mouthwatering burgers, cooked fresh to order,
Tracys is most famous for their draft beers,
claiming to serve the coldest draft beer in
Hanoi, and always in a frosted mug. For those
missing their dose of North American sports,
they play all day via satellite on two plasmas.
BOOK SHOPS
BOOKWORM TOO
CAFES
COFFEE BEAN AND TEA LEAF
hanoi
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
Ground Floor, Syrena Centre, 51B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
COFFEE/BAKERY
43 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6071
joma.biz
7am to 9pm
With two branches, Joma
has brought a little slice
of home to Hanoi for expatriates with a contemporary western feel to the
counter-style service and
atmosphere. The food is
all there too: breakfasts,
salads, soups, ice cream,
muffins, cakes, cereals and
bagels. Starting in Laos in
1996, Joma moved to Hanoi in 2009 and contributes
2 percent of each sale to
charitable organisations.
KUB CAFE
BIKING CAFE
so 12 ngo 264 Au Co, Tay Ho
kub.vn
Think obsession, think motorbikes and you get Kub
Cafe, an industrial, warehouse-style watering hole
bringing thats become a favorite of the motorbike clubs.
Does good on-the-table bia
hoi and runs biking events.
SAINT HONORE
CAFE / BOULANGERIE
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3933 2355
[email protected]
7am to 10pm
Decked out in maroon, dark
browns and cream, this
cafe and French-style boulangerie is best visited in
the morning when that Gallic, fresh-cooked aroma of
bread, croissants and patisseries hits you as you walk
through the door. Serving
all day long, the downstairs
space is split into the bakery
on one side with a small nonsmoking dining space on the
other. The homely upstairs
lounge area has standard tables as well as sofa seating.
Simple but tasty French and
international fare is served
at meal times.
THE CART
CLOTHING
0912 254045
hiddenhanoi.com.vn
A wide range of Vietnamese
culinary classes are offered
in these well-appointed and
clean facilities. The knowledgeable staff will guide you
through the secrets of Vietnamese cooking in an open
air courtyard.
GLOBAL HANDICRAFTS
8 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
Fair trade or bought directly
from the artisans who made
them, Betterworld stocks
unusual handicrafts from
around the world as well as
second-hand books, DVDs
and more.
LA CASA
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Syrena Tower, 51 Xuan Dieu,
Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 4084
lacasavietnam.com.vn
A shop whose speciality
is designing furniture and
other household objects,
this spot has everything from
beds and bookshelves, to tableware and silverware. The
items are all locally made by
skilled artisans from Hanoi
and the surrounding regions.
MEKONG QUILTS
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
36 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6233
With new styles arriving in
store every second day, this
shop offers a huge range of
dresses, shirts, pants, skirts
and accessories in local and
imported fabrics. Clothes fit
all sizes, from petite to average to the generous figure.
Alterations and a made-tomeasure service are available at no extra cost.
HANDMADE / CHARITABLE
QUILTS
9 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3926 4831
Mekong-quilts.org
Community development
non-profit quilt shop featuring handmade quilts and accessories. Styles vary from
traditional to patterned and
Asian-inspired. Founded in
2001 and with outposts in
several locations around
the region, the shop employs women in rural areas,
enabling them to make an
income and care for their
families.
LATELIER
COOKING CLASSES
HIDDEN HANOI
COOKING CENTRE
147 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel:
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
98 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3719 5322
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
COUSINS
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
3 Quang Ba, Tay Ho, Tel:
01238 670098
A contemporary, Frenchinfluenced restaurant selling international cuisine
at reasonable prices in a
spacious, airy atmosphere.
Blackboards, whitewashed,
bare-brick walls, period tiles,
a well-chosen wine list and
an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake make up the
formula.
DA PAOLO
CLASSIC ITALIAN
18 Lane 50/59/17 Dang
Thai Mai, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 6317
11am to 11pm
This airy, contemporary
looking Italian restaurant
next to the famed lawn chair
and coconut caf on West
Lake has all the right ingredients to become a classic.
Run by the long time former
manager of Luna DAutunno,
it features scrumptious
wood-fired oven pizzas from
VND120,000 and other Italian delicacies. Open every
day for lunch and dinner,
delivery is also available.
DALUVA
BICYCLE RENTALS
16 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 3719
Dons-bistro.com
FUSION / MIDDLE-EASTERN
33 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 5831
daluva.com
8am until late
A popular hang-out for expats and trendy Vietnamese in the Xuan Dieu area
on West Lake. This bar and
restaurant offers casual
dining with a classy, MiddleEastern twist, as well as
wine, tapas, events and attractive dcor.
DONS TAY HO
DONS TAY HO
CYCLING COLLECTIVE
29 Nhat Chieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 3156
thbc.vn
A place for bicycle lovers,
THBC is the official supplier
of ORBEA, DEDA, MEKONG
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
99 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6991
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines
traditional Argentinian recipes and preparation with
great service in a contemporary and thoughtfully
designed space over three
floors. Already with venues
in Saigon and Bangkok, the
essence of this popular
chain is quality top grade
meats off the grill. Steak is
the mainstay, but everything
from chicken, pork and seafood is also up for grabs.
Add to this a backdrop of low
Latin music, low, subtle lighting and an extensive wine list
and thats another reason to
head to El Gaucho.
IL FARO
ITALIAN / MEDITERRANEAN
Villa 3, Cong Doan Hotel
Compound, 98 To Ngoc Van,
Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6327 1142
Hidden away in Cong Doan
Hotel, this pan-Mediterranean restaurant owned
by the same people behind
Mediterraneo serves up
an assortment of French,
Spanish and Italian dishes
in a pleasant, white-washed
yet Italian-influenced atmosphere.
INDIA PALACE
NORTH INDIAN
10B Quang An, Tay Ho Tel:
01247 668668
[email protected]
Like a phoenix rising from
the ashes, so India Palace
has once again returned
to Tay Ho, this time on the
strip between Dons and The
Warehouse. Tasty North
Indian fare in a pleasant
environment from the team
behind Tandoor.
J.A.F.A.
HALIA HANOI
SINGAPOREAN / CONTEMPORARY
INTERNATIONAL
29 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3946 0121
thehalia.com
Daily 11am to 11pm
A multi-floored venue with a
bar area and a refined dining
space. The menu includes
Singaporean specialities
such as the shrimp satay
salad and the chilli crab
spaghetti. A pan-European
classical menu mixed in with
light Asian flavours is also
on offer. Has an extensive
wine list.
INTERNATIONAL
G2-G3 Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3758 2400
7am to 11pm
One of the larger and more
comfortable bars in Hanoi,
J.A.F.A. is a great place for
drinking cocktails by the
pool. The beverages are
not the cheapest, but this is
made up for by service and
ambiance. They also have a
full menu featuring familiar
western dishes such as pizza
and cheeseburgers and cater for large parties or dinner functions. Periodic buffets and drink specials are
also offered.
KITCHEN
R&R TAVERN
SAINT HONORE
BOULANGERIE / BISTRO
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3933 2355
sainthonore.com.vn
7am to 10pm
Decked out in maroon, dark
browns and cream, this bakery
and French-style bistro is best
visited in the morning when that
Gallic, fresh-cooked aroma of
bread, croissants and patisseries hits you as you walk through
the door. The downstairs space is
split into the bakery on one side
with a small non-smoking dining
space on the other. The upstairs
lounge area has standard tables
as well as sofa seating. Simple
French and international fare
is served at meal times. Has additional venues at 31 Thai Phien,
Hai Ba Trung and Unimart, 8
Pham Ngoc Thach, Dong Da
TAKEAWAY PIES
2nd Floor (on the left), Syrena
Center, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 1507
[email protected]
Classic Aussie and Kiwi-style
savoury pies and rolls. Available
in three convenient sizes (mini,
regular and large). Enjoy them
hot as a takeaway, or frozen to
keep for later.
EXPAT SERVIES
MAID IN VIETNAM
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Suite 201, 5 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 3112
maidinvietnam.com
Offering a licensed hire service
for trained domestic and office
housemaids, cooks and nannies.
Courses include health checks,
housekeeping, safety, basic 1st
Aid, courses for external maids
and household management for
Vietnamese wives of foreigners.
3718 6281
elitefitness.com.vn
The luxury gym features topof-the-line fitness equipment,
separate cardio and spinning
areas and an indoor swimming
pool with a retractable roof. The
spacious studios and natural
light make it a welcoming place
to squeeze in a work out, but be
prepared to pay. This place is top
of the range.
HANOI CLUB
ELITE FITNESS
L'S PLACE
GROCERY SHOP
3 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 9911
[email protected]
Hanoi Ois Netball Club is a mixed
ability, mixed gender club for
adults wanting to enjoy team
sport while also improving fitness and developing skills. The
club plays every Tuesday from
6pm to 7pm at UNIS. Email for
more information
VIETCLIMB
PUNTO ITALIA
HANOI OIS
CLIMBING CENTRE
40 Ngo 76 An Duong, Tay Ho, Tel:
0914 143185
vietclimb.vn
Although a little hard to find,
VietClimb is a French-owned,
200-meter climbing gym with
state-of-the-art courses. There
are 100 different climbing routes
within the gym that are changed
every few months. They offer
clinics, classes and childrens
events. Membership and group
rates are available, but be sure to
check out the three-month pass.
ZENITH YOGA
COFFEE MACHINES
62 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6258 3510
puntoitalia.asia
Trendy, reliable and stylish coffee machines for the workplace
or home, specialising in authentic Italian coffee. Also sells their
own brand coffee in capsules,
ready ground or as the original
roasted mix of beans.
ANNAM GOURMET
GROCERIES / DELI
First Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 4487
KITCHENWARE
38 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6680 2770
kitchenart.vn
Kitchen Art is a little haven for
all foodies, cooks and bakers
to grow their love and passion
for cooking and baking. Come to
Kitchen Art Store to buy restaurant-grade tools and ingredients
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
28 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho. Tel: (04)
3719 8337
THE OASIS
ITALIAN DELI
24 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 1196
A great place to get all kinds of
imported groceries and homemade foods. All of the breads
and pastas are made in the inhouse kitchen. A great variety of
fresh sauces, a limited, but wellchosen selection of wines and a
fantastic deli and cheese case.
Free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
GROCERIES, LIQUOR & KITCHEN PRODUCTS
com
a-roamingbodyworker.com
Provides various holistic healing modalities. Services include
craniosacral therapy, deep tissue massage, prenatal massage,
healing stones massage, as well
as energy healing including Reiki
and Jin Shin Jyutsu. Workshops
are also available.
NATURALLY VIETNAM
COUNTRY CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3823
8115
thehanoiclub.com
KITCHEN ART
WINE RETAILER
27 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho Tel: (04)
3718 3701
warehouse-asia.com
The Warehouse is Vietnams ultimate premium wine importer,
distributor, and retailer, representing many of the greatest
wines from the best wine-growing regions on the planet. The
portfolio mixes the best of both
old and new world wines.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
A-ROAMING BODYWORKER
karen@a-roamingbodyworker.
SUPERMARKETS
BIG C SUPERMARKET
222 Tran Duy Hung, Cau Giay
FIVIMART
210 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan
Kiem
10 Tran Vu, Ba Dinh
671 Hong Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh
71 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Dong Da
51 Xun Dieu, Tay Ho
93 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung
Online shopping: www.fivimart.
com.vn
INTIMEX
22 & 23 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem
131-135 Hao Nam, Dong Da
17 Lac Trung, Hai Ba Trung
27 Huynh Thuc Khang, Dong Da
METRO
126 Tam Trinh, Yen So, Hoang
Mai
Pham Van Dong, Co Nhue, Tu
Liem
hanoi
THE THERAPIST
hanoi
ba dinh
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS / BOOKSHOPS / CAFES / CLUBS & SOCIETIES / COOKING CLASSES / EAT /
FITNESS & YOGA / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
FOODSHOP 45
Ph
ETE BAR
FRENCH LOUNGE
95 Giang Van Minh, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 0976 751331
10am to midnight
A favourite among those who
roam further west of the
city centre, this multi-storey
restobar has been going
strong for more than two
years. It has balconies, mezzanine seating and a long bar
guarding exactly 50 different
cocktails. For many the Ete
burger is right on the mark
as are the sandwiches, tartines and salads. Its always
crowded especially during the weekends. Amiable
staff, pleasant vibes.
SUMMIT LOUNGE
Ho
BOOKSHOPS
BOOKWORM
BOOK SHOP
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 3711; 1/28 Nghi
Tam Village, Tay Ho Tel: (04)
3829 2322
Bookworm has been the cornerstone of Hanois literary
scene since 2001. It has
been around the block quite
a bit and now shares a space
with Hanoi Cooking Centre.
With over 15,000 new and
second-hand fiction and
nonfiction titles in stock, the
shop also buys used books
and offers free travel advice.
Has a second shop in Tay Ho
CAFES
CAF GOETHE
ARTS CAF
56 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 3734 7395
CONG CAPHE
Ca B
c
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh
(Next to the Flag Tower) Tel:
(04) 3823 3339
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
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BA DINH
DISTRICT
COOKING CLASSES
HANOI COOKING CENTRE
COOKING CENTRE
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 0088
hanoicookingcentre.com
Hanoi Cooking Centre is a
school, retail outlet and caf,
where you can find classes
on not just Vietnamese
cooking, but international
cuisine, held in a beautiful
setting. They also offer culinary tours.
EAT
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN CHURRASCO
6A Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3845 5224
aulacdobrazil.com
Open for over a decade,
Au Lac Do Brazil is home to
the Hanoi's best Churrasco
menu with a wide variety of
meats from Calabrian sausage and picanha through
to D-rump steak and smoked
hams. Pioneering the eat-asmuch-as-you-can theme in
Vietnam, Passadors bring
the meat skewers to your
table, and you, the customer
then choose your accompaniments from the salad bar.
Best washed down with red
wine or a Caipirinha or five.
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN
59 Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3716 2959
10am to 10.30pm
Lakeside location, low bamboo seating and a history
that screams empathy make
this eatery one of the most
popular Indians in town. Selling an international version
of the mighty curry they
even sell pork and beef here
the menu keeps to the
northern part of the subcontinent with masala, dopiaza,
korma and the more Goan
vindaloo taking centre stage.
Also has a good range of
breads and tandoor-cooked
kebabs.
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
575 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3771 6372
10am to midnight
MATCHBOX
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40 Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3734 3098
11am to 11pm
PAN-CHINESE
Fortuna Hotel, 6B Lang Ha,
Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3831 3333
fortuna.vn
11am to 2pm, 5.30pm to
10pm
Elegant and luxurious, May
Man has long been regard-
MING PALACE
PAN-CHINESE
Sofitel Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien,
Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3823 8888
11am to 2pm, 5.30pm to
10pm
A fine dining destination at
the Sofitel Plaza serving
Cantonese and pan-Chinese
cuisine in a sleek modern
setting with private dining
rooms. With more than 80
dim sum selections available
along with Chinese entrees,
Mings is an ideal eatery for
those hungry for higher end
Chinese fare.
THE BISTRO
FRENCH FLAIR
2/2c Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3726 4782
thebistro.com.vn
7.30am to 9pm
A modern eatery offering
western cuisine with shades
of French influence in a comfortable setting. Think gardens in a courtyard, drink
and food deals and a warm
indoor atmosphere you
know, just how the French
do it.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
MEDICAL
298 I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3843 0748
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
On the little street directly
below Kim Ma, with all sorts
of specialists including OB/
GYN, Pediatricians and ENT.
A Medium-sized practice
with both Vietnamese and international doctors, but they
are used to treating expats.
Also a 24-hour emergency
service.
hanoi
MEDICAL BUFF
5 TIPS ON PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES
hanoi
Tel: (04) 3974 3556
vinmec.com
elsewhere
A DONG PHOTO CO
RECREATION
KEANGNAM SWIMMING POOL
CZECH MICROBREWERY
1A Tang Bat Ho, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3972 5088
VUVUZELA
CAF 129
MEXICAN/COMFORT FOOD
129 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3821 5342
7.30am to 9.30pm
FRENCH GRILL
JW Marriott Hanoi, 8 Do Duc
Duc, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Tel: (04)
3833 5588
facebook.com/frenchgrill
Every day 6pm to 11pm
With unique decor, contemporary ambience, a walk-in
wine cooler and a delectable seafood bar, this classy
restaurant offers guests
a service experience with
crafted food difficult to find
in the capital.
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
54 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3796 2647
10am to midnight
CAFES
LEFTIST ARTSY CAFE
152D Trieu Viet Vuong, Hai
Ba Trung
8am to 10pm
With a kitsch, communistdriven theme saturating this
quaint cafe, most patrons
are young Vietnamese bohemians and artsy expats.
Sip on a blended cup of joe
with beans from the Central
Highlands, knock back one
of the many different types
of tea available or sip on
freshly squeezed juice from
the Spartan cups in one of
the hippest cafes on cafe
street. If you like pre-doi
moi nostalgia, here is the
place to go.
HAM HANH
ARTSY CAFE
170 Doi Can, Dong Da
The physical representation of arts, film and music
collective, The Onion Cellar,
this cafe with multiple areas
is as left field as the people
who created it.
KY Y
WILD LOTUS
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
57 Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3944 0204
potsnpans.vn
11.30am to late
Brought to you by a group of
former disadvantaged youth
from Hanois own KOTO, this
unique fine dining restau-
SUSHI RESTAURANT
288 Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3974 5945
asahisushi.vn
ALPHA LAPTOP
95D Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 4418
NGUYEN CAU
ICE SKATING
Royal City, 72A-74 Nguyen
Trai, Thanh Xuan, Tel: 0936
469799
royalcity.com.vn
HI-TECH USA
LASER TAG
77 Hong Mai, Bach Mai, Hai
Ba Trung, Tel: (04) 3627 7106
x-factory-vn.com
DK COMPUTER
29 Ngoc Kha, Ba Dinh Tel:
3772 4772
PICO PLAZA
35 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem
FRENCH HOSPITAL
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da, Tel:
(04) 3577 1100
hfh.com.vn
PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER
CARE AND IT SERVICES
No 3, Alley 8, Hoa Lu,
Hai Ba Trung. Tel: 0983
011081
VIETSAD
34B Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 8771
SWIMMING POOLS
ARMY HOTEL
33C Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3825 2896
FOUR SEASONS
Say...
HANOI CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho
Tel: 3823 8115
www.hanoi-club.com
MELIA HOTEL
44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3934 3343
OLYMPIA
4 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3933 1049
SAO MAI
10 Dang Thai Mai, Tay Ho
Tel: 3718 3161
THAN NHAN
EAT
ASAHI SUSHI
SWIMMING POOL
Landmark 72 Tower, Pham
Hung, Cau Giay, Tel: (04)
3772 3801
landmark72.com
CONG CAPHE
ELECTRONICS
LA VERTICALE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
19 Ngo Van So, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3944 6317
verticale-hanoi.com
hanoi
BOOK BUFF
This month, Bookworms Truong recaps the book groups latest reads on cities
Jerusalem The Biography
HCMC
business
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING / ADVERTISING & MKTG / BUSINESS CONSULTING / BUSINESS GROUPS / CORPORATE GIFTS & SERVICES /
EVENT MANAGEMENT / EXPAT SERVICES / HOUSING & REAL ESTATE / INSURANCE / INTERIOR DESIGN / INVESTMENT & FINANCE /
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS / LEGAL SERVICES / MANAGEMENT TRAINING / MARKET RESEARCH / PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES / PUBLIC RELATIONS /
RECRUITMENT & HR / RELOCATION AGENTS / SERVICED APARTMENTS
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS
TMF GROUP
GREY GROUP
PURPLE ASIA
DENTSU VIETNAM
AB TOWER, 23rd Floor, 76 Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 9005
Dentsu.com.vn
MARKETEERS VIETNAM
PHIBIOUS
RIVER ORCHID
10th Floor HDTC Building,
36 Bui Thi Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3925 2538
riverorchid.com
TBWA\VIETNAM
4th Floor, Saigon Finance
Center, 9 Dinh Tien Hoang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 5315
tbwa.com.vn
BUSINESS CONSULTING
BDG VIETNAM
11th Floor, Capital Place, 6
Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 7858
Bdg-vietnam.com
CONCETTI
33 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3911 1481
Concetti.vn
GRANT THORNTON
28th Floor, Saigon Trade
Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3910 9100
Gt.com.vn
INSPIRED IMAGE
Villa 15, Duong 58, Phu
Nhuan, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel:
0916 352573
Inspiredimage.co.uk
PRISM INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
4th Floor, YOCO Building, 41
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1,
Tel: (08) 7305 0905
prism.com.vn
ROUSE
6th Floor, Abacus Tower, 58
Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 6770
iprights.com
XAGE CONSULTANCY
35A-1-2 Grandview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: (08) 5412
3402; 31st Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Tel: (08) 3911 0454
xageconsulting.com
BUSINESS GROUPS
AMCHAM
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 3562.
amchamvietnam.com
An independent association
of American and international businesses, the objective
of the American Chamber of
Commerce in Vietnam is to
promote trade and investment between the United
States and Vietnam.
CANCHAM
Room 305, New World Hotel,
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824
3754
canchamvietnam.org
Open to all nationalities, the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce aims to create an effective network of business
associates together and to
facilitate discussion forums
about business in Vietnam.
NORDCHAM
17th Floor, Petroland Tower,
12 Tan Trao, Q7, Tel: (08)
5416 0922
nordcham.com
HCMC
CINEMAS
Showcasing the latest
Hollywood blockbusters
and 3D cinematic sensations, chains such as
Megastar Media, Lotte
and Galaxy Cinema offer
the most up-to-date and
modern cinema-going
experiences in Saigon.
For those partial to more
esoteric and independent flicks, smaller outlets such as Cinebox and
Idecaf carry little known
Vietnamese and European
efforts.
CINEBOX
240 Ba Thang Hai, Q10
Tel: (08) 3862 2425
cinebox.vn
LOTTE CINEMA
13th Floor, Diamond Plaza,
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 38227897
3rd Floor, Lotte Mart, 469
Nguyen Huu Tho, Q7
Tel: (08) 3775 2521
lottecinemavn.com
GALAXY CINEMA
230 Nguyen Trai, Q1
Tel: (08) 3920 6688
116 Nguyen Du, Q1
Tel: (08) 3823 5235
246 Nguyen Hong Dao,
Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 3849 4567
galaxycine.vn
IDECAF
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1
Tel: (08) 3829 5451
idecaf.gov.vn
MEGASTAR CINEMA
Level 5, Crescent Mall,
Nguyen Van Linh, Phu My
Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5412 2222
Level 10, CT Plaza, 60A
Truong Son, Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 6297 1981
Level 5, Parkson Paragon,
3 Nguyen Luong Bang,
Phu My Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5416 0088
megastar.vn
EVENT MANAGEMENT
CENTERPIECE EVENT ORGANIZERS
Tel: 0906 761190
centerpiece-vn.com
[email protected]
Centerpiece is an independent event planning company
run by expatriates that can
plan any event from private
parties, to corporate events
to weddings.
EVECOO
Tel: 0988 297990
evecoo.vn
THE CATERERS
46D Vuon Lai, Tan Phu, Tel:
(08) 3812 6901
thecaterersvietnam.com.vn
Offers everything from canaps and cocktails, buffets
and set menus to barbeques
and wedding catering. Combines excellent food, event
management and exclusive
venues to make any kind of
event a success.
EXPAT SERVICES
121/21 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7237
HAPPY HOUSE
RESIDENT VIETNAM
ENDO
406/16 Cong Hoa, Tan Binh,
Tel: (08) 6292 2045
endo.vn
Endo offers garment manufacturing for local resorts,
restaurants, hotels, golf
courses, travel agencies
and apparel shops. They
also manufacture giftware
from polos and hoodies to
keychains, card holders and
menu covers.
SNAP
SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL
REALTY
CREATION
International Plaza Building,
Room 16B8, 343 Pham Ngu
Lao, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 7553
EASY SAIGON
Tel: 0932 112694
easysaigon.com
The Easy Saigon website is
a useful real estate website
helping expats to find apartments in Ho Chi Minh City.
Enquiries via their website
are welcome.
KNIGHT FRANK
Suite A, level 7, VTP Office
Building, 8 Nguyen Hue, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 6777
knightfrank.com.vn
Founded in 1896, Knight
Frank has grown to become
the worlds largest privately
owned global property agency and consultancy. In Vietnam, they offer commercial,
residential and residential
development services.
THE NEST
369/6 Do Xuan Hop, Phuoc
Long B, Q9, Tel: 0903 198901
thenest-vietnam.com
Wellknown property
search and real estate
agency with a useful website
listing properties available
for rent and sale, orientated
towards expats. Website is in
English, French and Spanish.
INSURANCE
BAOVIET INSURANCE
49D Phan Dang Luu, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 3510 1661
baoviet.com.vn
IF CONSULTING
IFC Building, 3rd Floor, 1A
Me Linh Square, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 7362
insuranceinvietnam.com
Independent advisors that
represent top reputable
medical insurers provide
you with the best suitable
medical cover for individual,
family or company needs.
NAMHOUSE CORPORATION
48A Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: 0989 007700
namhouse.com.vn
Expert in providing rental
properties, constructions
and interior decoration,
especially in District 2. Supports professional services
and aftersales.
IGLOBALASSIST
Tel: 0934 874271
Iglobalassist.com
CHUMS HOUSE
LIBERTY INSURANCE
15th Floor, Kumho Asiana
Plaza, 39 Le Duan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3812 5125
libertyinsurance.com.vn
PRUDENTIAL
25th F, Saigon Trade Centre,
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 1660
prudential.com.vn
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
ABC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
(ABCIS)
Saigon South Campus 1 (Primary & Secondary), Tel: (08)
5431 1833; Saigon South
Campus 2 (Foundation Stage
& Early Primary), Tel: (08)
5431 1833
theabcis.com
Rated as outstanding by
British government inspectors, academic results puts
ABCIS among the top 8 percent of schools worldwide.
Provides education for two
to 18 year olds in a supportive and friendly environment.
bisvietnam.com
Inspected and approved
by the British Government,
BIS provides a British style
curriculum for an international student body from
pre-school to Year 13. The
school is staffed by British
qualified and trained teachers with recent UK experience. Fully accredited by
the Council of International
Schools and a member of
FOBISIA, BIS is the largest
international school in Vietnam.
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
13C Phong Phu Commune,
Binh Chanh, Tel: (08) 5412
3456
cis.edu.vn
The first Canadian international school in Vietnam
serves local and foreign
students from Kindergarten
to grade 12. Talented, certified teachers implement the
internationally recognised
Ontario curriculum to create a student-centred learning environment promoting
academic excellence.
CITYSMART
Horizon Tower, 214 Tran
Quang Khai, Q1, Tel: (08)
3526 8833
7 Street 2, Cu Xa Do Thanh,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3832 8488
citysmart.vn
CitySmart delivers a range
of diverse, internationallyrecognised educational
programmes, as well as life
skills and character building
for comprehensive development.
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (AIS)
Xi Campus, 190 Nguyen Van
Huong, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519
2727; Thao Dien Campus,
APSC Compound, 36 Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: (08) 3744
6960; Thu Thiem Campus,
264 Mai Chi Tho (East-West
Highway), An Phu, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3742 4040
aisvietnam.com
The Australian International
School is an IB World School
with three world-class campuses in District 2, offering
an international education
from kindergarten to senior
school with the IB Primary
Years Programme (PYP),
Cambridge Secondary Programme (including IGCSE)
and IB Diploma Programme
(DP).
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (BIS)
246 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2335
EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (EIS)
730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, Thao
Dien, D2, HCMC, Vietnam.
Tel: (08) 7300 7257
[email protected]
www.eishcmc.com
Located in the heart of Thao
Dien, District 2, the EUROPEAN International School
Ho Chi Minh City offers a
supportive and challenging
academic education from
Early Years to Grade 12
based on the IB curriculum.
EIS is a Nobel Talent School
and is part of the Nobel Education Network. The school
educates global citizens to
enjoy learning, inquiring and
caring for others.
HCMC
BUSINESS BUFF
THE FUTURE IS NOW
BY SHANE DILLON
cacao plant takes years to yield a crop, making it extremely difficult for small farms
which collectively produce the majority of the
worlds supply to profit. With increased
environmental impact on crops over the coming years, the chocolate bar could become as
expensive as caviar.
HCMC
Minh Khai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827
7008
gymboreeclasses.com.vn
RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL SAIGON
74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7,
Tel: (08)3773 33171 ext
120/121/122
renaissance.edu.vn
Renaissance is an International British school providing an inclusive curriculum
based upon the British curriculum complemented by
the International Primary
Curriculum and International Baccalaureate. It is a
family school with first-class
facilities including a 350seat theatre, swimming pool,
mini-pool, play-areas, gymnasium, IT labs, music and
drama rooms, science labs
and an all-weather pitch.
MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2639
montessori.edu.vn
Aiming to encourage childrens engagement with their
surroundings, MIS offers
children from age three to 12
a classic Montessori education as well as a variety of
extracurricular activities.
SMARTKIDS
1172 Thao Dien Compound,
Q2, Tel: (08) 3744 6076; 26,
Street Nr. 10, Thao Dien, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3898 9816; 15 Tran
Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3519 4236
smartkidsinfo.com
This international childcare
centre provides children
ages 18 months to six years
with a high quality education
in a playful and friendly environment.
LATELIER
VAS
INTERIOR DESIGN
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND
REMODELING
Tel: 0936 330869 (Darren
Hawk)
Thinking about upgrading a
bathroom? Perhaps a new
colour in the living room?
Maybe even a new wood
floor? Professional Painting
and Remodeling can help
with these and many other
projects. Provide international standards of quality
as well as professional and
timely service at reasonable
rates. Call today to schedule
a free evaluation.
THE ETHICAL
INVESTMENT GROUP
27 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 0907
ethicalinvestmentgroup.
co.uk
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
VLS SAIGON
EMBERS ASIA
VUS
LEGAL SERVICES
ALLENS
Suite 605, Saigon Tower, 29
Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
1717
vietnamlaws.com
VINACAPITAL
INDOCHINE COUNSEL
G&H
6th Floor, Yoco Office Building, 41 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 9919
ghmsglobal.com
A 100 percent foreigninvested company focusing on
management services and
consulting with inhouse
programmes to meet the
particular requirements of
its clients. Offers teambuilding and academicbased
business and management
programmes.
XAGE CONSULTANCY
35A-1-2 Grandview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: (08) 5412
3402; 31st Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3911
0454
xageconsulting.com
MEKONG RESEARCH
NIELSEN
TNS VIETNAM
58 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3930 6631
Tnsvietnam.vn
With over 11 years in the
marketplace, TNS Vietnam
offers all three major market
research services customisation, access panels
and media monitoring to
a range of local and international clients.
PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
DRAGON IMAGES
MARKET RESEARCH
CIMIGO
9 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 3822 7727
cimigo.vn
An independent marketing
and brand research specialist operating in the Asia
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
ILA VIETNAM
146 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3521 8788
ilavietnam.com
A foreign-owned education
and training company that
offers a range of educational
programmes, such as English-language tuition, university pathway programmes,
corporate training, teacher
training and overseas study
HCMC
JOB SEARCH
LABOUR SUBLEASING IN VIETNAM
BY NICOLA CONNOLLY
HCMC
PUBLIC RELATIONS
MATTERHORN COMMUNICATIONS
Level 5, 273-273B Ben
Chuong Duong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3838 5517
matterhorncommunications.com
Providing public relations
and communications support to international and
local firms operating in
Vietnam. Specialising in
corporate communications,
media relations, corporate
social responsibility and media and issues management
and training.
VIETNAMWORKS.COM
130 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 5404 1373
vietnamworks.com
RELOCATION AGENTS
ALLIED PICKFORDS
RECRUITMENT & HR
ADECCO VIETNAM
11th floor, Empire Tower, 26
- 28 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3915 3430
adecco.com.vn
Adecco is the world leader in
human resources solutions.
Established in Vietnam in
2011, Adecco offers a wide
array of global workforce
solutions and specialises in
finance & legal, sales, marketing & events, IT, engineering & technical, and office.
RESIDENT VIETNAM
VERO PUBLIC RELATIONS
CITYVIEW
SAIGON EXPRESS
AGENCY LIMITED
7th Floor, 6-8 Doan Van Bo,
Q4, Tel: (08) 3826 8850
seal.com.vn
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON RESIDENCES
Crn. of Nguyen Du & Le Van
Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 8888
intercontinental.com/saigonres
Adjacent to the InterContinental Asiana Saigon youll
find 260 luxurious and spacious residential suites. The
residences offer panoramic
views of the downtown area.
NORFOLK MANSION
1719-21 Ly Tu Trong, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 6111
norfolkmansion.com.vn
Offers a wide choice of luxurious and modern furnished
accommodation with attentive and discreet service.
Facilities include an outdoor
swimming pool, a gym, sauna
and steam room, as well as
two on-site restaurants.
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
53 Vo Truong Toan, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4111
Riverside-apartments.com
Over four Saigon Riverbank
hectares, Riverside Apart-
SEDONA SUITES
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9666
sedonahotels.com.sg
SHERWOOD RESIDENCE
127 Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3823 2288
sherwoodresidence.com
Sherwood Residence is a
luxurious serviced apartment property where modern living spaces meet prime
location, comfort and class,
with fivestar facilities and
service.
THE LANDMARK
5B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2098
thelandmarkvietnam.com
65 serviced apartments located in the city centre overlooking the river. Also has a
comprehensive health club
for tenants and members,
a squash court and a 16th
floor swimming pool.
SERVICED APARTMENTS
SOMERSET SERVICED RESIDENCES
SCORE-TECH
SERVICED APARTMENTS
CROWN RELOCATIONS
2nd Floor Coteccons Office
Tower, 236/6 Dien Bien
Phu, Binh Thanh, Tel: (08)
3840 4237
crownrelo.com
HCMC
BODY
AND
TEMPLE
BY PHIL KELLY
2) Dont Sit
3) At The Gym
4) Dont Be Dehydrated
We live in a hot climate. Water is often
the most neglected nutrient. Dehydration
HCMC
downtown
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
DANCE / NIGHTCLUB
2B-C-D Thi Sach, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 6124
apocalypsesaigon.com
BEER REPUBLIC
BLANCHYS TASH
RESTOBAR / NIGHTCLUB
95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
0909 028293
Blanchystash.com
BOOTLEG DJ CAF
BOUDOIR LOUNGE
BROMA
COCKTAILS / ROOFTOP
41 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 6838
Bromas medieval rooftopcocktail lounge conglomeration is a magnet for the
citys weirdest and coolest
events/random moments.
A sophisticated cocktail
menu and quite possibly the
best lamb burger in town.
Check out their bun bo Hueinspired cocktail.
CARMEN
CUNHOUSE
LOUNGE BAR
Hem 36, Chu Manh Trinh, Q1,
Tel: 0908 033982
GAME ON
SPORTS BAR
115 Ho Tung Mau, Q1 Tel:
(08) 6251 9898
gameonsaigon.com
ICE BLUE
EXPAT BAR
54 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2644
Expats keep returning to
this smoky dive bar, largely
due to its amicable service,
brewsky-downing atmosphere, and spirited dart
games. A mainstay in the
local darts league.
LA HABANA
LA FENETRE SOLEIL
LAST CALL
AFTERHOURS LOUNGE
59 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 3122
LEVEL 23 NIGHTSPOT
OBRIENS
PACHARAN
PARK LOUNGE
Huu
C
Ng
uy
en
Le
ng
Th
an
g8
Le
Lo
i
ng
Ng
.H
ue
Ham Nghi
District 2
t
Kie
n
Va
Vo
saigon.park.hyatt.com
An elegant, ground floor
venue in The Hyatt, perfect
for social and business
gatherings. As well as nightly
live music, serves afternoon
tea staples including warm
scones with generous portions of homemade jam and
clotted cream.
PHATTYS
AUSTRALIAN / SPORTS
46-48 Ton That Thiep, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 0796
phattysbar.com
From its roots as the famed
Caf Latin, Phattys has
become the go-to, Aussie
beer-guzzling / sports viewing emporium, showing everything from international
cricket to Aussie rules and
serving an array of pub grub
favourites.
SAIGON RANGER
SAIGON SAIGON
cT
ha
n
Da
o
District
10
Ma
Du
h
an
Ng
uy
en
Ca
ch
Tr
u
Th
i
ie
n
an
Ba
Du
Bi
e
Ha
i
Hu
ng
LE RENDEZ-VOUS DE SAIGON
District 3
Kh
ai
Ph
APOCALYPSE NOW
FUSE
lastcallsaigon.com
If youre in need of dense,
soulful atmosphere and
maybe an artisanal cocktail on your way back from
wherever, Last Call is your
stop and fast becoming
that of the similarly inclined.
Great happy hour deals for
early evening starters.
Tr
an
TOP-END INTERNATIONAL
Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
International dcor blends
seamlessly with local
themes. Style joins forces
with a wide-ranging drink
menu and hip dance tunes to
create one of the most tasteful if pricier bars in Saigon.
To
n
Ho
DRUNKEN DUCK
an
g
in
h
en
Ti
Binh Thanh
in
h
District 4
STORM P
DANISH / INTERNATIONAL
5B Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 4738
Stormp.vn
HIP RESTOBAR
31B Ly Tu Trong, Q1 Tel:
0903 369798
facebook.com/thecubesaigon
A sleek, industrial looking
restobar with edgy dcor
and just a hint of Spanish
style. Tapas, sangria, Iberian-influenced cocktails and
an emphasis on all things
Latin.
THE OBSERVATORY
BAR, ART & DJ SPACE
5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4, (Opposite Elisa Boat)
Known for its late night parties and focus on international artists, Observatory
is now at a bigger space in
District 4. Complete with a
new balcony overlooking
the Saigon River and an even
larger sound system, The
Observatory is a key node
in the Asian underground
music circuit.
THE ORIENT
VASCOS
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL
Landmark Building, 5B Ton
Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9698
Headed up by well-known
chef Andy Ertle, Vesper Bar
is a sophisticated yet downto-earth wine and cocktail
bar. Serving creative, Japanese-influenced tapas to
supplement the drinks, the
subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this
a great drinking and dining
venue
VINO
VINYL BAR
HCMC
COFFEE CUP
THE WORKSHOP
Absolute Perfection
Their attention to detail is staggering.
Van Anh works the syphon like a
master chemist approaching alchemy,
meticulously adjusting the gas to keep
the process running at the optimal rate.
Ask for it iced and theyll actually take a
scientific scale and weigh the cubes for a
perfect ratio.
As my first taste of real coffee, Im
instantly converted. Besides the syphoned
Red Bourbon, we also have a Chemex
pour of Typica Dalat. Both are remarkably
distinct one packing fruity notes, the
other slightly floral. Everything I normally
dislike about coffee is absent; the overly
bitter taste, the rasping at the back of the
mouth and the mid-afternoon jitters.
Our coffees are very high quality, says
Huong, so they have less caffeine. I have
to sample every cup I make so I know this
is true!
And with that endorsement, we
order another. Eyeing up the list of food
offerings, we contemplate staying all day.
In the company of Huong and her team,
its very tempting. Simon Stanley
The Workshop is at 27 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Ho
Chi Minh City. For more info visit facebook.
com/the.workshop.coffee
HCMC
vinylbarsaigon.com
A small but popular bar
with all the shenanigans of
the nightlife scene set to a
backdrop of classic 60s, 70s
and 80s tunes. Has a darts
area out back and is a popular space for watching the
live English Premier League.
WINE BAR 38
WINE EMBASSY
XU
ZANZBAR
EUROPEAN / MEDITERRANEAN
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2772
Auparcsaigon.com
Set in a shophouse-style
building, Au Parc offers a
chic colonial space to indulge in sensibly priced European and Mediterranean
food complemented with
good coffee and excellent
desserts.
BACH DANG
BASKIN ROBBINS
CASBAH
MIDDLE EASTERN
59 Nguyen Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 5130
This secluded Middle Eastern coffeehouse has both
cozy indoor and rooftop
seating to admire views of
the city. With such a prime
downtown location, expect
prices to match.
CENTRO
INTERNATIONAL
Metropolitan Building, 235
Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3508
7285
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures
customers into the flagship
store of this international
caf chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating and a menu
to satisfy any sweet tooth.
FRENCH
5 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 9117
Known for its fantastic
street-side seating opposite
the park on Le Duan and savoury crepes, this hang out
caf will impress you with its
location as much as its food.
FANNY
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL
80 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3915 3704
saigongivral.com
GOODY
GUANABANA SMOOTHIES
HAGEN-DAZS
LUSINE
CONTEMPORARY / FRENCH
First Floor, 151 Dong Khoi,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6674 9565; 70B
Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521
0703
lusinespace.com
French-style wooden decor
compliments the spacious,
whitewashed contemporary
interior of LUsine. A simple,
creative menu combines
with reasonably priced coffee, and a fashion store and
art gallery out back. Second
location on Le Loi.
M2C CAFE
44B Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2495
facebook.com/m2ccafe
At M2C (Modern Meets
Culture), everything gets a
touch of modernity. From
the rich menu of Vietnamese food and drinks, shows
immense local culture, done
with a modern flare. Be seen
here at one of the latest popular joint in town.
PLANTRIP CHA
TEA ROOM
8A/10B1 Thai Van Lung
Street, Q1
Tel: 0945 830905
Tea, tea and more tea, all in
a contemporary, quirky environment. At Plantrip Cha
customers go on a sensory
journey to experience the
tastes and smells of teas
from across Asia, Europe,
America and the Middle East.
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
158 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 4990
Second-storey coffeehouse
offers a quiet atmosphere
to chill out or read from
their book-nook collection.
Comfortable couch seating,
open table space and a cappuccino costs VND40,000.
TRUNG NGUYEN
INTERNATIONAL VIETNAMESE
80 Dong Khoi, Q1
trungnguyen.com.vn
INTERNATIONAL
5 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08)
3911 5599
This two-storey building with
a mezzanine level boasts an
industrial style complex with
block walls, steel structures
and huge glass windows.
The mid-range menu offers
over 40 options from appetizers to desserts.
DEBENHAMS
GALLERY VIVEKKEVIN
GINKGO
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
10 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521
8755
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnamthemed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
wires and motorbikes to
creative, Siddharta-style
imagery.
saigoncookingclass.com
Learn to cook quality Vietnamese cuisine with local specialist Hoa Tuc. The
three-hour lesson, conducted by an English-speaking
Vietnamese chef, includes a
trip around Ben Thanh Market to gather fresh ingredients for the class.
HIGH-END FURNITURE
Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 4201
bellavitafurniture.com
IPA-NIMA
BOCONCEPT
LUSINE
DIABOLO
LIFESTYLE / ACCESSORIES
First floor, 151 Dong Khoi,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6674 9565
lusinespace.com
Exclusive labels, elegant and
sophisticated clothing and
casual high-quality cottons
are stocked at this boutique/
caf. Lifestyle accessories
include shoes, homewares,
knickknacks, cameras, stationery and a range of vintage bicycles.
MANDARINA
TAILOR-MADE SHOES
171 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 5267
SONG
T&V TAILOR
TAILORS
39 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 4556
triciaandverona.com
VESPA SHOP
VESPA PRODUCTS / HELMETS
Unit 66, Saigon Square, 7-9A
Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Stocks a wide range of Vespa-inspired tidbits and memorabilia including t-shirts,
riding gear, Italian helmets,
Respro face masks, DVDs,
books, bags, magazines,
posters and more. Rental
scooters and bikes available.
COOKING CLASSES
SAIGON COOKING CLASSES BY
HOA TUC
74 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8485
DANISH FURNITURE
68-70 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 6604; The Crescent
Mall, 101 Ton Dat Tien, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5413 7357
boconcept.vn
EM EM
SOUVENIRS
38 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 4408
8am to 9.30pm
MEKONG CREATIONS
NGUYEN FRERES
NIK-NAKS / CRAFTS
2 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 9459
8am to 8pm
EMBROIDERED PRODUCTS
83 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 9079; 42 Le Loi, Q1.
(08) 3824 7456
ninhkhuong.vn
SAPA
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
1st Floor, 68 Le Loi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 2210 3110
mekong-quilts.org
NHA XINH
HOME FURNISHINGS
2nd Floor, Saigon Centre,
HCMC
TOP EATS
TUKTUK THAI BISTRO
Taste Test
Arriving early for Friday lunch,
photographer Francis and I were treated to
a not-on-the menu Christmas special poh
taek hoi naang rom a lemongrass and thailime leaf soup with dried chilli, holy basil,
enoki mushroom and the freshest oysters
Ive had in a long time. Ask for it, because
the combination of textures, the fragrant
sweetness of the broth and a punchline of
juicy flavour from each oyster sent my taste
buds into a welcome overload.
Accompanying that was a tasting plate
of crispy whitebait, braised pork belly,
Chinese sausage and authentic Thai
vegetables around a kapi shrimp paste
fried rice the khoa kluk kapi (VND85,000).
Consider it a lighter-on-its-feet version
of a Spanish paella you dont want to
end making sharing it a considerable
compromise.
Next to this was a unique take on what
to do with blood cockles. Wrap them up
in coriander, lemongrass and shallots,
add mango, ginger, a bunch of smokedried chilli and call it the yam hoi kraeng
(VND110,000). This was contemporary
Thailand on a plate, easily delivering the
most spice kick of the day, and made us
both reach for our hibiscus flower and chia
seed juices.
To finish we were delivered a reassuring
vegetarian tom yam hed (VND65,000). A
more salty counterpoint to what we had
just eaten, it still achieved that warm fuzzy
feeling you get when you know youve just
eaten great food.
Sometimes, though, its the little things
that you remember most fondly, and in
TukTuks case its the juices, served up jamjar style and often with condiments of their
own, that almost steal the show --- almost.
Coming off a mild hangover (I do have
the reputation of the journalistic profession
to maintain), the lemongrass and pandan
juice (VND40,000) was quite simply cool
liquid gold. Utilising pandan leaf that
Saran assured me was sourced from his
home country, it works in perfect harmony
with the citrus lemongrass, rounding out a
mildly sweet, slightly nutty floral finish that
made me giddy between the nose, mouth
and brain.
As I sipped it while waiting for Francis
to show up, my mood went from slightly
embarrassed to be getting paid to eat at this
place, to completely excited to be eating
there again, and it delivered. Jon Aspin
TukTuk Thai Bistro is at 17/11 Le Thanh Ton,
Q1, HCMC facebook.com/tuktukthaibistro
HCMC
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
6115
www.nhaxinh.com
EUROPEAN-STYLE FURNITURE
3B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 6657 0788
thefurniturewarehouse.
com.vn
EAT
3T QUAN NUONG
VIETNAMESE BBQ
Top Floor, 29 Ton That Thiep,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 1631
AL FRESCOS
INTERNATIONAL
27 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
38238424
alfrescosgroup.com
The downtown outlet of
one of Vietnams most successful restaurant chains,
Al Frescos offers international, Australian-influenced
comfort fare in a pleasant
environment with efficient,
friendly service to match.
Excellent delivery service.
ASHOKA
AU PARC
EUROPEAN / CAF
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2772
auparcsaigon.com
Consistently tasty European
caf fare think deli-style
sandwiches, salads and
mezzes, plus coffees and
juices served at a popular park-side Le Duan location with classic cream and
green-tiled dcor.
BAHDJA
87-89-91 Ho Tung Mau, Q1,
Tel: 0122 763 1261
bahdjarestaurant@gmail.
com
Located just beneath Au Lac
Saigon Hotel, Bahdja is Saigons first ever Algerian restaurant, serving authentic,
multi-ethnic Berber North
African and Mediterranean
cuisine cooked and served
in a traditional Algerian style.
Best experienced in a group,
this small but pleasant restaurants soothing ambience
is matched by the owners
genuine hospitality and
complimented by an array of
tasty tajines and couscousbased dishes. Make sure to
try the excellent Moroccan
wine, too.
BARBECUE GARDEN
VIETNAMESE / BARBECUE
135A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 3340; 134-136
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1
barbecuegarden.com
BASILICO
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Kumho Plaza,
Cnr. Nguyen Du and Le Van
Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9099
intercontinental.com/saigon
BIBI@ALIBI
5A Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 6257
The legendary chef Bibis
newest creation, a convivial
restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine using fresh
products bought early morning at the market by Bibi himself. Delicious meats and fish
dishes together with the famous tarte tatin.
BLACK CAT
AMERICAN
13 Phan Van Dat, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2055
blackcatsaigon.com
Creatively named burgers,
tasty Vietnamese-styled
sandwiches, spiced up
cocktails, mains and more,
all served up with a Californian edge at this small but
popular two-storey eatery
close to the river.
BLANCHY STREET
BOMBAY INDIAN
INDIAN MALAY
57-59 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel:
0903 863114
BROTZEIT
GERMAN / RESTOBAR
Level 1, Kumho Link, 9 Le
Duan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 4206
brotzeit.co/kumholink
BUN CHA
26/1A Le Thanh Ton, Q1
CORSO
STEAKHOUSE / INTERNATIONAL
117 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 5368
norfolkhotel.com.vn
Although a hotel restaurant,
the enticing range of US and
Australian steaks plus great
grill and comfort food menu
in this contemporary eatery make for a quality bite.
Decent-sized steaks start at
VND390,000.
DRAGON NOODLE
JAPANESE NOODLES
29 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3521 0008
ELBOW ROOM
AMERICAN
52 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 4327
elbowroom.com.vn
The comfort food on offer at this striking US-style
diner ranges from meatball
baguettes to chilli burgers,
pizzas, blackened chicken
salads and a selection of
more expensive international mains.
EL GAUCHO
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
5D Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 1879
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an Argentinian
steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade
spicy sausage, skewers,
burger dishes and everything that can come off a
grill.
CIAO BELLA
NEW YORK-ITALIAN
11 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 3329
saigonrestaurantgroup.com
New York-style Italian restaurant offering a range
of tasty and affordable antipasti, pastas, and pizzas.
GANESH
GOLDEN ELEPHANT
CLASSIC THAI
34 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 8554
[email protected]
GOURMETS DELIGHT
GRILLBAR
AIRCON STREETFOOD
122 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 7901
facebook.com/grillbareaterycafe
Take a New York-style industrial atmosphere, add to
it a range of grilled dishes,
typical of the barbecue fare
youd find on the street, and
then add in three types of
rice and a range of organic
products. Close to Ben
Thanh Market, this is com
binh dan
HOA TUC
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba
Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825
1676
Highly rated restaurant
with stunning outdoor terrace. Specialities include
pink pomelo squid and crab
salad, mustard leaf prawn
rolls, fishcake wraps and
barbecue chicken in ginger,
onions and a lime leaf marinade.
HOANG YEN
PAN-VIETNAMESE
7 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 1101
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
Ground Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3915 6066
hogsbreathcafe.com.vn
Mixing hearty pub grub
such as burgers, salads
and prime rib steaks with a
sports bar atmosphere, this
Australian chain also offers
regular promotions and a
4pm to 7pm happy hour. Excellent outdoor terrace.
INAHO
SUSHI / SASHIMI
4 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 0326
INTERNATIONAL FUSION
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba
Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827
0931
Alfrescosgroup.com
Although a chain restaurant,
the international offerings
here are consistently good
and creative. Excellent service, an attractive outdoor
terrace area, and a good
kids menu. Check out their
pepper steaks.
KABIN
CANTONESE
Renaissance Riverside Hotel,
815 Ton Duc Thang. Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 0033
marriott.com
Offers authentic, gourmet
Cantonese cuisine in an elegant, classic setting, with
striking dcor and the bonus of views over the Saigon
River. Dishes range from
VND80,000 to VND900,000.
KOH THAI
LE BANH MI
12 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 1036
HCMC
A food blogger and self-styled chef, this month Riccha Arora gets exotic
about 45 minutes.
4) Once cooked, strain out broth from
the lamb, mint and cilantro leaves and keep
aside. We will use this broth for cooking the
rice.
HCMC
LOLIVIER
FRENCH/MEDITERRANEAN
Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
Exuding a southern Gallic atmosphere with
its tiled veranda, pastel-coloured walls and
ficus trees, this traditional French restaurant
has quarterly Michelin star promotions and
an award winning pastry team.
LA BETTOLA
LITTLE ITALY
84 Ho Tung Mau Q1, Tel: (08) 3914 4402
labettolasaigon.com
Located in the heart of Saigon, La Bettola is
the only restaurant in town managed by two
Italian chefs and an Italian waiter. A woodfired pizza oven, a downstairs bar and a
stylish, elegant setting on the second floor
are part of the mix. As is the home-made
mozzarella, ricotta cheese, ravioli magro,
tortelli mushrooms, pappardelle and mascarpone cheese for the tiramisu, which is
made fresh every day. Has a great selection
of Italian wine.
LA CUISINE
FRENCH / MEDITERRANEAN
48 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 2229 8882
lacuisine.com.vn
This intimate, open-kitchened restaurant
bathed in white specialises in a mix of contemporary Mediterranean and French cuisine. Has a small but well thought out menu,
backed up with an extensive wine list.
LA HOSTARIA
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN
17B Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 1080
lahostaria.com
This downtown hideaway with rusticstyle
decorative trawls features fresh, light regional cuisine from across Italy. Try the carpaccio misto di pesce and agnello dantico.
Also specializes in excellent wood-fired
pizzas.
LE BOUCHON DE SAIGON
LUONG SON
PAN-VIETNAMESE
31 Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1330
PASHA
MAY RESTAURANT
19 21 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 3686
[email protected]
7am to late
Casual yet stylish, May places internationalstyle wining and dining in the heart of historic
Saigon. Subtle lighting, comfortable seating,
an extensive wine and cocktail list, and beautifully crafted comfort food from Europe, the
Antipodes and Asia all make up the mix at this
multi-floored restaurant and bar. Check out
their set lunches and happy hour.
MARKET 39
INTERNATIONAL BUFFET
Ground Floor, InterContinental Asiana Saigon, Crn. of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
MOGAMBO
PAN-AMERICAN / TEX-MEX
50 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1311
[email protected]
NAM GIAO
HUE CUISINE
136/15 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 38
250261; 116 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 9996
namgiao.com
TURKISH / INTERNATIONAL
25 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 3677
pasha.com.vn
Sumptuous, Turkish-themed restaurant
close to the mosque with Islamic-style white
dome dcor and comfortable, cushioned
seating.Authentically Turkish cuisine with a
sprinkling of western fare thrown in.
PENDOLASCO
PAN-ITALIAN
36 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel: (08) 6253 2828
pendolasco.vn
Opening out into a large, leafy terracottatiled garden area, this trattoria-style Italian
restaurant serves up quality homemade
pasta, risotto, gnocchi, excellent pizza and
grilled dishes. Another branch downtoan at
87 Nguyen Hue, Q1.
PIZZA 4PS
EUROPEAN/ASIAN FUSION
8/15 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 9838
pizza4ps.com
This quirky but highly rated Italian / Japanese fusion pizza parlour serves wacky yet
delicious pies such as tuna curry pizza and
calamari seaweed pizza, as well as more
traditional varieties.
NINETEEN
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
Ground floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son
Square, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
OMG!
OSAKA RAMEN
LE JARDIN
CLASSIC FRENCH
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 8465
Unpretentious but tasty French fare in a
relaxed garden setting within the French
cultural centre. The robust, bistro-style cuisine is very well-priced, and excellent, cheap
house wine is served by the carafe.
LUCCA
TRATTORIA-STYLE ITALIAN
88 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe, Q1, Tel: (08)
3915 3691
A contemporary trattoria in the heart of
Saigon, serving home-cooked Italian cuisine
with New York flair in a beautifully designed
space with high ceilings. The menu features
both traditional antipasti and substantial
main courses.
JAPANESE NOODLES
18 Thai Van Lung, Q1; SD04, Lo H29-2, KP My
Phat, Phu My Hung, Q7
OPERA
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
A contemporary, casual, trattoria-style restaurant with al fresco dining overlooking
the Opera House. Specialising in both traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine,
the restaurant also features an impressive
breakfast menu.
PACHARAN
SPANISH / EUROPEAN
97 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 6924
HCMC
PROPAGANDA
QUAN BUI 2
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE
17A Ngo Van Nam, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 1515
With its leafy roof garden
and chic interior, Quan Bui
offers a wide selection of
Vietnamese cuisine which is
cooked in their open kitchen.
REFINERY
REFLECTIONS
RIVERSIDE CAF
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
Renaissance Riverside,
815 Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 0033
Offers versatile allday dining of international quality,
with the bonus of being able
to watch the action on the
river sidewalk. Features
SAIGON CAF
INTERNATIONAL / BUFFET
Level 1, Sheraton Saigon
Hotel and Towers, 88 Dong
Khoi, Q1 Tel: (08) 3827 2828
sheratonsaigon.com
SEOUL HOUSE
KOREAN
33 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 4297
[email protected]
PAN-CHINESE / CANTONESE
Norfolk Mansion, 17-19-21
Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 2221
shangpalace.com.vn
Featuring over 200 dishes
and 50 kinds of dim sum prepared by chefs from Hong
Kong, Shang Palace has nine
private dining rooms and a
main dining area seating
over 300. Good for events.
SQUARE ONE
TOP-END INTERNATIONAL /
VIETNAMESE
First Floor, Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
An atmospheric Ho Chi
Minh City restaurant featuring simple and authentic
Vietnamese and Western
cuisine offered from an
impressive display of integrated show kitchens to
serve guests in five different
dining areas. Open for lunch
and dinner.
TANDOOR
SKEWERS
INTERNATIONAL / MEDITERRANEAN
9A Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 4798
skewers-restaurant.com
Simple, unpretentious
Greek-influenced, international cuisine ranging
from the zucchini carpaccio through to the saganiki,
a range of dips, mousaka,
osso buco and lamb chop
skewers. Also has an excellent upstairs cigar room.
SORAE
TEMPLE CLUB
PAN-VIETNAMESE
29-31 Ton That Thiep, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3829 9244
Templeclub.com.vn
Once a hotel for Indian dignitaries visiting old Saigon,
the elegant and atmospheric Temple Club is one
of the citys best-preserved
buildings. Serving quality
Vietnamese and Indochine
cuisine at reasonable prices.
TOKYO BBQ
JAPANESE BARBECUE
15A6 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2527
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL / TAPAS-STYLE
Landmark Building, 5B Ton
Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9698
Headed up by well-known
chef Andy Ertle, Vesper Bar
is a sophisticated yet downto-earth wine and cocktail
bar. Serving creative, Japanese-influenced tapas to
supplement the drinks, the
subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this
a great drinking and dining
venue
WARDA
MIDDLE-EASTERN
71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 3822
[email protected]
The deep colours, Arabic dcor and cushioned outdoor
terrace area give this popular venue its unique touch.
The food is good, too, taking
in tabouleh, houmous, falafel
and mutabbal, shwarmas
and more. Sells authentic
shisha.
YAMANEKO
JAPANESE / OKINAWA
13/1 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 8433
yamanekovn.com
Funky Yamaneko down an
alley off Le Thanh Ton offers delicious, unpretentious
Okinawan fare alongside
mainland staples. Does a
great set lunch deal.
NUTRIFORT
GENERAL FITNESS
2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3825 8560
nutrifort.com
Offers fitness classes and
personal training with excellent facilities. Group classes
include power yoga, pilates,
circuit training, martial arts
and spinning. There is also a
spa and a restaurant serving
caloriecalibrated meals.
TOP-END PAN-CHINESE
1st Floor, InterContinental
Asiana Saigon, crn.of Hai Ba
Trung & Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
Skillful chefs prepare authentic hand-pulled noodles,
fresh dim sum and hot wok
dishes within an impeccably
designed open kitchen, as
diners look on. Stylish and
spectacular.
SHERATON FITNESS
INTERNATIONAL
43 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 0094
FITNESS CENTRE
Queen Ann Building, 2830
32 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291
5999
Cfyc.com.vn
GALLERIES
BLUE SPACE & PARTICULAR ART
GALLERY
97A Pho Duc Chinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 3695
bluespacearts.com
DOGMA
8A/9C1 Thai Van Lung, Q1
dogmacollection.com
The home of Vietnamese propaganda art and a collection put together over the last two decades
by art collector Dominic Scriven,
the majority of the work comes
from the war period when provocative poster art was used to
inspire and motivate. Sells prints
of the originals and related products.
BACCHUS CORNER
WINE SHOP
158D Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829
3306
bacchuscorner.com
A range of spirits, whiskies
and wines at affordable prices.
Wines come from all over the
world with an especially good
selection from France, Chile
and South Africa. Also has an
excellent range of single malts,
top shelf tequilas and has an
onsite wine tasting machine,
the Enomatic, the first of its kind
in Vietnam.
DALOC
WINE SHOP
74E Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
5404 3575
daloc.vn
BUTCHERS
73 Le Thi Hong Gam, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 4376
kimhai.vn
PHUONG HA
GROCERS
58 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3914
1318
RED APRON
WINE SHOP
22 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 0021
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE SHOP
15/5 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8826
One of the busiest wine retailers
in town. In addition to their excellent range of wines, they also
stock imported beers, bottled
mineral water and spirits.
VEGGYS
VINIFERA
WINE SHOP
7 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3521 0860
viniferavn.com
WINE SHOP
74/17 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
6299 1315
Professional advice on selecting
and tasting wines. Also offers
regular popular wine courses.
The outdoor terrace area is the
perfect spot to sample a new
vintage.
HAIRDRESSERS
VENUS
41 Nguyen Trung Ngan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 6298
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.com
Fullservice 24hour healthcare provider with highlyqualified doctors handling everything
from emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and outpatient care, checkups, travel
medicine and medical evacuations.
FV SAIGON CLINIC
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
3rd Floor, Bitexco Financial
Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
6290 6167
fvhospital.com
Stateoftheart medical centre located in District 1. Experienced American, French, and
Vietnamese doctors provide the
full spectrum health care. Plus
sports medicine, cosmetic treatments, skin care and surgical
consultations.
INDOCHINE SPA
69 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 7188
Indochine-spa.com.vn
Indochine Spa provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere with
aromatic scents and lulling melodies. Customers are pampered
by qualified therapists using
natural French products in a
clean and pleasant environment.
JASMINE
45 Ton That Thiep, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 2737
Jasminespa.vn
Sparelated salon with a good
reputation for quality and comfort offers washes and leisurely
haircuts from VND330,000 plus
a range of related services including massage and some excellent treatments.
THANH SANCTUARY
Nguyen Du Villas, 111 Nguyen Du,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 0885
THE SPA
GLOW SPA
129A Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 8368
glowsaigon.com
Modern and bright downtown
spa, offers massages lasting
from 30 minutes, to two-hour
hot stone therapy, includes one
suite with a Jacuzzi bath; offers
hand and foot care and a hair
styling area.
XUAN SPA
Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son Square, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3824 1234
hyattpure.com
HCMC
FOOD PROMOS
PROMOTIONS OF THE MONTH
A dish from the foie gras buffet every Friday at The Sheraton
Epicure is a noun
Hotel Equatorial
epicure.com.vn
A person who cultivates a discerning
taste for good food and wine is called an
Epicure. Theyre also a catering company
based in District 2, happy to take
your bookings to let the festive season
continue! They want you to know that
whether you are hosting a dinner party
for friends at home, a relaxed summer
garden party, a barbecue or a lavish
reception, their blend of experience,
planning and attention to detail will
ensure a successful occasion every time.
So there you have it, check them out next
time you need a discerning palate at your
party.
equatorial.com/hcm
Youve gotten your small break, but soon
there will be more shopping to do. Hotel
Equatorial wants to be part of the solution
not part of the problem, which is why
theyre offering their top-notch Tet Hamper
and takeaway Tet goodies from Jan. 2 to
Feb. 19. And thats not all from Jan. 10 to
Feb. 20 take in a little Tet preview at Chit
Chats Tet Buffet, priced at VND798,000++.
HCMC
BAKERY
117 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 1992
crumbs.com.vn
Dubbed the local bakery,
Crumbs serves up a variety
of baked goods including baguettes, muffins, cheese and
garlicbased buns and loafs,
meatfilled pastries, sweet
pastries, healthconscious
breads and more. There is
also a breakfast menu and
variety of sandwiches available.
KOREAN BAKERY
59 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3914 4350
BIA HOI
33 Bui Vien, Q1
INTERNATIONAL / COMFORT
FOOD
40/24 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8452
With a free book exchange,
and tasty Sunday night
roasts, the tiny Bread &
Butter is a perfect place for
homesick expats and beer
enthusiasts (excellent HueBrewed Huda beer served
here exclusively in Ho Chi
Minh City).
GO2
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
187 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 9575
GODMOTHER BAR
RESTOBAR / VIETNAMESE /
WESTERN
129 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3832 4589
godmothersaigon.com
Only a couple blocks from
the bru-haha of Bui Vien,
Godmothers is a small watering hole with big attractions including excellent
mojitos, good food, and the
weekly Optimus Club featuring international DJs.
LE PUB
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
175/22 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 7679
Warm colors, artsy dcor
and a friendly ambiance
combine to create a perfect
UNIVERSAL BAR
LONG PHI
FRENCH / RESTOBAR
207 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2704
French-run but universally
appealing, Long Phi has been
serving the backpacker area
with excellent cuisine and
occasional live music since
1990. Excellent late-night
bistro cuisine.
SAIGON VIBRATIONS
REGGAE BAR
143 Nguyen Trai, Q1
facebook.com/saigon.vibrations
Just off The Pham, this intothe-early-hours reggae
inspired joint holds regular themed nights all in the
name of that most special
of sounds the one from
Jamaica.
SEVENTEEN SALOON
SPOTTED COW
CAFES
BOBBY BREWERS
INTERNATIONAL
45 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 4090
bobbybrewers.com
Choose from a full range
of caf beverages and a
fast-food style menu as you
watch the latest Hollywood
hits in their upstairs lounge.
Check website for movie locations and schedule.
INTERNATIONAL
157-159 Nguyen Thai Hoc,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3837 9347
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures
customers into the flagship
store of this international
caf chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating and a menu
to satisfy any sweet tooth.
INTERNATIONAL / SPORT
111 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7670
Alfrescosgroup.com
Spotted Cow delivers the
fun-loving atmosphere that
its playfully decorated black
and white spotted interior
promises, as well as decent
international comfort food,
a range of happy hours, live
sports, and darts.
THI CAF
SOUVENIRS / CLOTHING
1B Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
2210 2084
8am to 10.30pm
T&R TAVERN
DIVE BAR
57 Do Quang Dau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 9839
BLUE DRAGON
GINKGO
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
54-56 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
6270 5928
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnam-
HCMC
TOP EATS
HCMC
themed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
wires and motorbikes to
creative, Siddharta-style
imagery.
CORIANDER
MARATHON
LA CANTINA
BUDGET CLOTHING
147 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7442; 123A Bui Vien,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 0019
PAPAYA
BUDGET CLOTHING
232 Bui Vien, Q1
papaya-tshirt.com
THAI / VIETNAMESE
16 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08) 3837
1311
TEX-MEX / VIETNAMESE
175/3 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
U.BEST HOUSE
TRAVEL GEAR
163 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1, Tel:
0978 967588
Ubesthouse.com
ITALIAN / TEX-MEX
175/1 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
EAT
BABAS KITCHEN
BURRITO REVOLUTION
CHIS CAF
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40/31 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2502
Chiscafe.com
This affable caf is a rarity
in the backpacker area for
its genuinely good musical
playlist. Excellent, buildyour-own breakfasts, baked
potatoes, toasties, Vietnamese fare and more. Has a
popular motorbike rental
service.
VEGAN
9 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 2538
One of the citys oldest eateries (established in 1925)
does some of the cheapest
and tastiest vegan cuisine in
town, all cooked up without
onions, garlic or MSG.
MARGHERITA
ORANGE
BUDGET CLOTHING
152 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3820 2620
9am to 10pm
TIN NGHIA
SISTERS CAFE
VIETNAMESE/WESTERN
185/30 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: 0903 643446
Light wood paneling, beige
walls and locally themed
artwork help to create a
fresh and airy ambience in
this caf-cum-restaurant
that is owned by the woman
behind Chis Caf. Also does
visa extensions and motorbike rental.
ZEUS
GREEK / KEBAB
164 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 3248
ZOOM CAF
AMERICAN / TEX-MEX
169A Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 3897
vietnamvespaadventures.
com/cafe_zoom
This corner-located Vespainfatuated venue is a caf
and restaurant by day and
a sidewalk drinking joint
by night. Friendly staff and
American deli-style and Cajun fare makes it a regular
expat haunt.
GALLERIES
GALERIE QUYNH
65 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8019
galeriequynh.com
In addition to working with
artists based in Vietnam,
Galerie Quynh also exhibits the work of artists from
around the world. This wellestablished gallery supports
education through talks, lectures and publications.
HCMC
A WORLD
OF
GOOD
BY DANA MCNAIRN
HCMC
district 1
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
Binh Thanh
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Le
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Ham Nghi
District 2
Hu
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Da
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District
10
t
Kie
Tr
an
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Va
District 4
Vo
CHILL SKYBAR
HOA VIEN
CZECH BREWHOUSE
28 Mac Dinh Chi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8605
hoavien.vn
BOOKS
LIBRAIRIE FRANCAISE NAM
PHONG
82 Truong Dinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 7858
Nam Phong Bookstore was
founded at the of end 2002 in
Ho Chi Minh City as the first
and only francophone bookshop in the whole of Vietnam.
Only books written in French
are for sale, covering for all
ages and tastes. A catalogue
is available at namphongsaigon.com
MZ CLUB
SAIGON VIBRATIONS
Du
Ng
uy
en
Ma
Du
Ba
h
an
Ng
uy
en
Kh
ai
Ph
n
Bi
e
To
n
Ho
Ha
i
Ca
ch
in
h
en
Ti
District 3
an
g
REGGAE BAR
143 Nguyen Trai, Q1
facebook.com/saigon.vibrations
Saigons first reggae bar
located close to The Obser-
CAFES
(A) CAFE
15 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Da
Kao, Q1, Tel: 0903 199701
Settle into the Javanesestyle interior and enjoy possibly one of the best brews
in Saigon. Using own grown
and specially sourced Dalat
beans, speciality coffee such
BANKSY CAFE
1st Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: 01699 990003
[email protected]
A small but swanky cafe,
Banksy promises a young
and vibrant hideout in an
old 1960s-era apartment
building. Remember to head
up the steep stairs within to
dig into their secret stash of
clothes and accessories.
INTERNATIONAL
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3833 3648
coffeebean.com.vn
HCMC
Large portioned coffee
lures customers into the
flagship store of this international caf chain. The
contemporary, yet generic
atmosphere is bolstered by
comfortable seating and a
menu to satisfy any sweet
tooth.
DECIBEL
INTERNATIONAL
79/2/5 Phan Ke Binh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6271 0115
Decibel.vn
Trendy without pretense,
this two-floor, relaxed caf
offers beautiful decor and
unique original events like
live music, film screenings, and art exhibits. Great
prices and food with daily
specials.
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL / FRENCH
97 Nguyan Huu Cau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3844 3295
saigongivral.com
I.D. CAF
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
34D Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2910
Idcafe.net
Centrally located near Ben
Thanh Market, i.d offers
casual caf dining with a
wide variety of food and
beverages. Where modern
design and a warm ambience meet for coffee.
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
76A Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
2718
The outdoor, well-aired terrace is the centrepiece of
this popular, contemporary
caf. Enjoy live music on
weekends as you sip on reasonably priced Vietnamese
or espresso-based coffee.
LE PETIT CAF
FRENCH
112 Pham Viet Chanh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6291 2067
MOCKINGBIRD CAFE
4th Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: 0935 293400
facebook.com/mockingbirdcoffee
Sitting atop of a number of
cafe establishments in an old
apartment complex, Mockingbird is just the place for a
romantic time over mojitos,
or good ol caffeine-infused
relaxation.
THINGS CAFE
CAF IF
COBALT
COOKING CLASSES
OVERLAND CLUB
35Bis Huynh Khuong Ninh,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3820 9734
overlandclub.jp
Sunday 1.30pm to 5pm
The Overland Club organises
pottery classes, VietnameseJapanese cooking classes,
cultural art events and
monthly special activities,
such as the Soba Festival,
pottery painting classes, the
art of decorating paper and
multinational cuisine days.
CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS
1 Nguyen Van Trang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 1495
gayavietnam.com
Set in one of the most attractive post-World War II
buildings in the city, Gaya has
a reputation for chic and sophisticated indoor and outdoor sofas, pod seats, lamps
and tableware, with all products both constructed and
designed locally. You can
find a wide range of mirrors
and lacquerware with bowls,
vases and contemporary
Asian-style boxes as well as
a fantastic selection of linenembroidered bedding in all
colours and designs. Prices
here match the quality of the
products.
EAT
27 GRILL
VIETNAMESE FRENCH
38 Dang Dung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3846 9853
MSG-free traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a
French twist, cooked fresh
to order. Dishes include noodle soup, steamed ravioli and
beef stew, stir fries, hot pots
and curries.
GRILL-STYLE RESTAURANT
Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 2372
chillsaigon.com
Besides the spectacular
views, the cuisine at 27 Grill
is a real draw, with steaks
and other international
grill-style fare in a refined
yet contemporary atmos-
ROOFTOP RESTOBAR
Floor 30-31, Pullman Saigon
Centre, 148 Tran Hung Dao,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 8686
pullman-saigon-centre.com
A tapas-style contemporary
international menu in an
equally modern chic space,
Cobalt also has panoramic
views over the city thanks to
its 30th-floor location. Has a
focus on wine matching and
tasting. A hotel restaurant
with a difference.
DYNASTY
CANTONESE / PAN-CHINESE
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Elegant surroundings, top
quality ingredients, attentive service and comfortable,
roundtable dining makes Dynasty one of the top Chinese
restaurants in town, with a
classic dim sum menu.
LION CITY
SINGAPOREAN
45 Le Anh Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 8371
lioncityrestaurant.com
Friendly, authentic fivestorey Singaporean eatery,
plating up the likes of nasi
lemak, mee rebus, and awesome chicken curry, as well
as specialities like frog porridge, chilli crab and fish
head curry.
MAY RESTAURANT
INDOCHINE VIETNAMESE
3/5 Hoang Sa, Q1, Tel: (08)
3910 1277
May-cloud.com
Meaning Cloud, May utilises homemade recipes
and broths developed by the
restaurateurs father, such
as pan-fried duck breast
served with nuoc mam and
ginger, and 1940s style
spring rolls. This is the Saigonese cooking of old set in
an Indochine atmosphere.
6290 8899
Traditional pan-Southeast
Asian favourites served in
a visually arresting setting
within a French colonial-era
villa, just minutes from the
backpacker area. Reasonably priced, with healthy
juices and smoothies.
PAN-SOUTHEAST ASIAN
1 Cao Ba Nha, Q1, Tel: (08)
AMERICAN / FRENCH
2527 Nguyen Dinh Chieu,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 7373
steakhouse.com.vn
NYSW is well known for
serving up formidable prime
signature cuts of New York
strip steak, rib eye, double
strip loins and chateaubriands along with sophisticated sides, in a glitzy, Hollywood-esque atmosphere.
PARKVIEW
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Flagship restaurant of The
New World Hotel, serving
lavish buffets all day. Many
cooking stations ranging
from Chinese to Italian, sushi and seafood, to salads,
cold cuts, cheese plates and
desserts.
QUAN BUI
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE
8 Nguyen Van Nguyen, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3602 2241
Make sure to try the sauted
shrimps with cashew nuts
and crispy fried tofu with
lime wedge, at this popular,
high-quality eatery where all
food is served in traditional
crockery.
QUAN UT UT
US-STYLE BARBECUE
168 Vo Van Kiet, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 4500
facebook.com/quanutut
Its a no-brainer, right?
American-style barbecue in
a contemporary Vietnamese,
quan nhau-style setting. Of
course it is, which is why
Quan Ut Ut is constantly
packed with grill-obsessed
diners going for the burgers, meats off the barbecue
and Platinum pale ale served
on tap.
Manor Apartments, 91
Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 3514 0253
Steve Chipman, who had a
hand in establishing gyms
at the Sofitel hotels in Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City, is behind Star Fitness one of
Vietnams largest and bestequipped gyms.
GALLERIES
CRAIG THOMAS GALLERY
27i Tran Nhat Duat, Q1, Tel:
0903 888431
cthomasgallery.com
Located in a quiet corner
of District 1, Craig Thomas
Gallery offers a compelling
mix of up-and-coming and
established local artists. In
operation since 2009, its
founder has been promoting
Vietnamese art for a decade.
WE LINK
COUNSELLING
64 Ho Hao Hon, Q1, Tel: (08)
6291 2900
[email protected]
Psychological counselling services for individual,
group and family. Diverse
counsellors and therapists,
using Cognitive Behaviour
Therapy, Art Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy. For
adolescents and adults. Vietnamese, English, French
and Spanish spoken.
SAN ART
3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh, Tel:
(08) 3840 0183
San-art.org
San Art is an independent,
artist-run exhibition space
that offers residency programmes for young artists, lecture series and an
exchange programme that
invites international artists/
curators to organise or collaborate on exhibitions.
re.com
MEDICAL
& DENTAL
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and out
patient care, checkups,
travel medicine and medical
evacuations.
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
79 Dien Bien Phu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 4545
HAIR BAR
CONTEMPORARY SALON
68 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel:
(FREEPHONE) 1800 1108
hairbar.vn
A unique themed hair salon
where stylists use no scissors but styling equipment
only, giving female clients the
opportunity to get their hair
done on the run. Of course,
they have to look fabulous,
too. Fortunately this is one of
Hair Bars specialities. Check
the salon out on Facebook:
facebook.com/hairbarvn.
SPA TROPIC
HCMC
two pieces of each particular
item. Also has a great range
of imported fabrics up on the
2nd floor and an in-house
sewing room for cushions,
sofas and curtains. Offers
custom-made furniture and
delivery within four weeks.
Home dcor orders are also
available.
district 2
DISTRICT 2
CHI LAI
Ni
Thao Dien
i
u
g
H n
hQ
Bn
Ng
uy
n
V
n
Xa
Binh Thanh
Ngu
o
Xun Th
y
Xun Th
BAKERY
244 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 6281 8392
The baking arm of the wellknown Bakers on Thao Dien,
Voelker. Provide flash frozen breads and patisseries
such as croissants, pain au
chocolat, pain raisins, pizza
dough, pates feuillete and
much more. Serves the hospitality industry in Phu Quoc,
Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and
Ho Chi Minh City.
VOELKER
BAKERY
39 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
6296 0066
voelker-vietnam.com
Frenchrun bakery selling
probably the tastiest range
of patisseries, breads, quiches and pies in town. The signature passionfruit tart is
a must try.
Xa
DISTRICT 2
BMV PUB & GRILL
38 Quoc Huong, Q2 Tel:
01299 839314
facebook.com/bmv.pubgrill
With its seven TVs, full-size
mezzanine area, pool table
and aircon lounge space,
BMV is the perfect place in
District 2 to relax and watch
the sports. Has live music on
Thursday and Friday nights,
and is home to the only German Hofbrau Beer Garden in
Thao Dien.
BUDDHA BAR
RESTOBAR
7 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3345 6345
Buddhabarsaigon.com
Just across the lane from
McSorleys, this pub with an
eccentric European tilt and
some nice, authentic cuisine
draws an older crowd with
darts, pool and weekly poker
tourneys.
MCSORLEYS
IRISH BAR
4 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0126
9026006
Standing in the former home
of Gaudi, McSorelys is full of
surprises, including a beautifully backlit swimming pool,
reggae parties, comedy
nights, and sporting events
projected onto the patio wall.
SAIGON OUTCAST
SPORTS BAR
Ground Floor, The Vista,
628C Hanoi Highway, Q2
dtdentertainment.com/thefanclub
12 quality screens and eight
draught beers, music spun
by DJs, excellent burgers,
quiz nights and barbecues.
All in an attractive, contemporary environment.
CAFES
AGNES CAFE
CAF EVITA
VESPA SHOP
AGNES CAF
BAAN THAI
PAN-THAI
55 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 5453
baanthai-anphu.com
Subtle lighting and comfortable sofa-like seating at this
An Phu eatery. The menu
has a whole page dedicated
to tom yum soup as well
as firey larb moo and Laotian som tam. Thai cuisine
cooked up by no-holdsbarred Thai chefs.
BOAT HOUSE
Th
Tr
BAKEUP ATELIER
Ni
nh
Song H
g
n Hon
Hu Cnh
BAKERIES
Nguy
n
uy
Ng
No
Trn
nh
Song H
n No
Xa
Mai Ch
ng
H
ng
c H
Qu
y n Vn
Binh Thanh
Th
HOME FURNISHINGS
175 Ha Noi Highway, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3519 4543
chilai.com
This well-known Vietnamese
furniture brand is a good
choice for most families with
its respected high-quality
designs and competitive
prices. Located on the corner of Pham Ngoc Thach
and Dien Bien Phu, the spacious showroom specialises
in sofas and other furniture
such as table sets, shelves
and kitchen cabinets. There
is a large selection of carpets as well as numerous
choices of curtains and accessories.
EAT
FEELING TROPIC
GAYA
CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS
3 Tran Ngoc Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 6281 9680
gayavietnam.com
Set in a typical suburban
villa, Gaya sells chic and
sophisticated indoor and
outdoor
sofas, rugs, lamps, jewellery, scents, bedding, lacquerware and tableware,
all in a showroom-style
environment designed to
give you a sense of how to
construct that perfect interior. Also boasts a wine and
champagne bar that serves
up finger food, both indoors
and out front in the garden
by the pool.
HOME FURNISHINGS
81 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3519 4640/4643
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
40 Lily Road, An Phu Superior Compound, Thao Dien,
Q2, Tel: (08) 3744 6790
TATTOO ARTISTS
With tattoos becoming increasingly popular, over
the past few years there
has been an increase in
the number of tattoo studios around the city.
Customers have the
choice of picking their
own tattoo out of the
many look books on offer
in the studios or bringing
in their own design. Most
of the studios offer bodypiercing services as well.
Pricing depends on size
and style.
SAIGON INK
SAIGON TATTOO
TATTOO SAIGON
TATTOO TAM BI
HCMC
DELIVERY
BEN STYLE
CHEZ GUIDO
DOMINOS PIZZA
EAT.VN
www.eat.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
EL GATO NEGRO
HUNGRYPANDA.VN
www.hungrypanda.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
KFC
LOTTERIA
LA CLOSERIE DELISA
LU BU
CONTEMPORARY MEDITERRANEAN
97B Thao Dien, Q2 Tel: (08)
6281 8371
luburestaurant.com
Drawing inspiration from
the great cuisines of Europe, The Mediterranean
and The Orient, this contemporary, Australian-run
restaurant bathed in white
focuses on wholesome,
fresh ingredients, with
breads, cheeses, pickles,
pastas and preserves made
on site daily from scratch. A
well-conceived wine list supplements the excellent fare.
Has petanque on the terrace.
SCOOZI
TACO BICH
www.tacobich.com
Homemade Mexican fare
WILLY WOOS
VIETNAMMM
MEKONG MERCHANT
TAMAGO
AUTHENTIC JAPANESE
39 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4634
[email protected]
Located on the main drag
in Thao Dien, Tamago has
indoor and out door seating,
a terrace and private rooms.
They have a ladies night on
Tuesdays as well as a Teppanyaki themed night on
Saturday evenings. Have a
second restaurant in Mui Ne.
THE DECK
THE LOOP
AQUABIKING
65 Truc Duong, Lang Bao
Chi, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0909
008985
aquafit.vn
CHIARA SQUINZI
Tel: 01278 163620
laholista.com
Experienced health coach
and corporate & school wellness coach. Can help clients
achieve health and weight
goals through an innovative
holistic approach of food,
body and mind. Email [email protected] for info.
PENDOLASCO
PAN-ITALIAN
36 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel:
(08) 6253 2828
pendolasco.vn
Saigons longest running
Italian restaurant, classic fare is combined with a
special contemporary menu
that brings together a fusion
of European dishes, cooked
up with Italian flair. Excellent Facebook-based delivery service. Go to facebook.
com/Pendolasco2 for full
menu and info.
BOXING / FITNESS
49A Xa Lo Ha Noi, Q2. Tel:
0947 77 13 26
Cyril-and-you.com
This sports centre in An Phu,
started by fitness guru Cyril
features the same personalized mentorship Cyrils
clients love. Includes yoga,
boxing and fitness for kids
and adults every day. No
membership fees. Pay for
classes in installments of
10. Also has kids activites
classes. Monday to Friday
every week at 4pm. All activities are safe and run by
Cyril himself.
100%
NUTRIFORT (NTFQ2)
GENERAL FITNESS
34 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 6672
nutrifort.com
A well-appointed gym also
offering fitness classes and
personal training with excellent facilities. Group classes
include power yoga, pilates,
circuit training, martial arts
and spinning. Also has a restaurant serving caloriecalibrated meals.
HAIRDRESSERS
CONCEPT COIFFURE
48 Tran Ngoc Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3519 4625
Conceptcoiffure.vn
Open daily from 9am to 8pm
Hair stylist and colourist specialist Sandrine has relocated her long-standing flagship
salon Venus Coiffure to a villa
in Thao Dien. A full range of
services is offered including
a dedicated kids salon.
KIDS
FIRSTBIKE VIETNAM
www.firstBIKE.com.vn
FirstBIKE balance bikes for
two to five-year-olds eliminate the need for training
wheels or stabilisers, and
support proper balance development.
WINE SHOP
Corner of Thao Dien & Duong
PARKSON PLAZA
35-45 Le Thanh Ton, Q1.
Tel: (08) 3827 7636
9.30am to 10pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
SAIGON SQUARE
77-89 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia,
Q1
9am to 9pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics
SAIGON TAX
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
95 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 2000
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and out
patient care, checkups,
travel medicine and medical
evacuations.
Trading Centre
135 Nguyen Hue, Q1. Tel:
(08) 3821 3849
9am to 9.30pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Souvenirs,
Restaurant
VINCOM CENTER
70-72 Le Thanh Ton, Q1.
Tel: (08) 3936 9999
9am to 10pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
ZEN PLAZA
54-56 Nguyen Trai, Q1 Tel:
(08) 3925 0339
9am to 10pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
AUTHENTIC SPA
Thao Dien Village, Nguyen
Van Huong, Q2, Tel: 3744
2222
DIAMOND PLAZA
SAIGON CENTRE
SHOPPING MALLS
www.vietnammm.com
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
HCMC
ing renders a great spot to
relax. The mouth-watering
western menu is on the expensive side.
district 3
ACOUSTIC
LIVE MUSIC
6E Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3930 2239
Though only 1km from the
city centre, Acoustic is well
off most foreigners radars.
Come see the Vietnamese
house band play nightly, as
well as performances from
overseas bands and guest
artists.
Th
n
CLOUD 9
u
S
Ph
Th
Bi
n
Du
nh
n
u
i
X
Tr
Th
i
n L Lai
B
uy
g
N
Qu
nh
Showcases a variety of different types of music anything from rock, pop and rap
to Latino as well as the everlasting songs of Metallica,
Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Santana
and Guns n Roses. Covered
live by well-known, Vietnambased Filipino bands. Music
starts at 8.30pm.
ONTOP BAR
Novotel Saigon, 167 Hai Ba
Trung, Q3, Tel: (08) 3822
4866
Located on the 20th floor
with stunning views of the
city, houses an upscale,
contemporary interior and
an outdoor terrace. A good
venue to chill out in a relaxed and casual, yet hip
ambience.
n D
u
Du
n
Kh
ai
in
h
ng
Nguy
S
u
Th
Cn
g
L
Thi
WOODSTOCK BAR
Th
n
g
Tr
Na
m
u
Ng
Ca
o
L Thi T
ng
Ph
i
n
n
i
ng
Kh
i
te
et
lm
Ca
ng
i
Ha
a
Ngh
i
Th
Ba
Th
i
Ha
Tr
n
g
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
40C Tran Cao Van, Q3, Tel:
SKATEWEAR / STREET
148 Dien Bien Phu, Q3, Tel:
0903 641826
Bamskateshop.com.vn
BOO
STREETWEAR
187A Hai Ba Trung, Q3
boo.vn
CRAFTS
& FURNITURE
i
Kh
nh
Th
n
Th
V
n
n
Bi
C
ch
Ba
Ph
District
10
Ng
h
a
Ho
n
g
District 1
Ha
i
y
n
Th
n
g
g
nh
n
i
H
ng
ng
Ti
Tr
n
Tr
n
Vn
Kh
i
C
ch
h
n
Sa
Na
m
K
i
nh
Th
H o
ng
Tr
n
g
V
V
Ng
n
uy
T
n
n
Th
M
in
h
Kh
a
Hi
Th
n
g
hT
hn
g
M
ng
nh
Sa
L
Ch
n
C
ch
L Ch
ng
Ha
i
ng
Th
Ho
V
n
Sa
Hong
TEA ROOM
335/31 Dien Bien Phu, Q3,
Tel: 0169 3583563
operationteavietnam.com
Traverse a wooden bridge
over a bamboo-shaded goldfish pond to enjoy high quality tea, starting at VND35,000,
in this quaint, open-air tearoom. Tea and tea-ware
available for purchase.
V
n
T
Ng
n
uy
n
Th
Binh Thanh
DISTRICT 3
OPERATION: TEAROOM
BUDS
ICE-CREAM PARLOUR
171 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3932 2778
budsicecream.com.vn
HIDEAWAY
INTERNATIONAL
41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3822 4222
Hideawaycafe-saigon.com
Hidden in a colonial building
with an outdoor courwrd,
the ample soft, sofa seat-
ATC FURNITURE
ECO-FRIENDLY FURNITURE
SR1: 268B Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia, Dist.3, HCMC, Tel: (08)
39326455
SR2: 30A Nguyen Huu Canh,
Binh Thanh, HCMC, Tel: (08)
38403946
atc-craft.com
Filled with the scent of nature, is it what you are looking for to spice up the living
space of your home? Come
to ATC FURNITURE, you will
find a wide range of moderndesigned products (sofas,
chairs, beds...) manufactured
from eco-friendly materials
(water hyacinth & rattan). Our
outdoor (poly rattan) wickerfurniture range is suited
to your balcony or garden
space. A hanging (hammock)
chair is irresistible for complete relaxation after a long
day at work.
HCMC
SPORTS
REMIX DECO
INDOOR FURNITURE
222 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 4190
remixdeco.com
EAT
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
CRICKET
ECCS (THE ENGLISH CRICKET
CLUB OF SAIGON)
Richard Carrington, Tel:
0909 967 353
[email protected]
eccsaigon.com
[email protected]
SSC (SRI LANKA SPORTS CLUB)
Suhard Amit, Tel: 0988
571 010
[email protected]
FOOTBALL
AND
RUGBY
SAIGON RAIDERS
Saigonraiders.com
SAIGON SAINTS
saigonsaints.com
SPORTS GENERAL
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
saigonhash.com
VIETNAMESE STEAKHOUSE
200 Bis Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3; 157 Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia, Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 3917
Namsonsteak.com
HIGHWAY 4
NORTHERN / PAN-VIETNAMESE
101 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3602 2069
highway4.com
Named after the mountain
highway that skirts the Chinese-Vietnamese border to
the north, Highway 4 serves
up authentic north Vietnamese cuisine. Also does
excellent Son Tinh branded
rice wine.
JOIE DE VIVRE
WESTERN / FRENCH
292/10, Cach Mang Thang
Tam, Q3 Tel: (08) 6260 0066
facebook.com/joie.vn
SQUASH
PHO HOA
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
gauloisdesaigon.com
XROCK CLIMBING
OLYMPIQUE SAIGON
BRAZILIAN CHURRASCO
238 Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3820 7157
aulacdobrazil.com
Open for over a decade, Au
Lac Do Brazil is home to the
city's best Churrasco menu
with a wide variety of meats
from Calabrian sausage
and picanha through to
D-rump steak and smoked
hams. Pioneering the eatas-much-as-you-can theme
in Vietnam, Passadors bring
the meat skewers to your
table, and you, the customer
then choose your accompaniments from the salad bar.
Best washed down with red
wine or a Caipirinha or five.
PHO EATERY
260C Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3829 7943
SHRI
CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN
23rd Floor, Centec Tower,
7274 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3, Tel: (08) 3827 9631
A breezy terrace, indoor
bar and separate dining
room with sweeping views
over central Saigon make
up this enormous, comfortable space. A well-thought
out and romantic venue,
with excellent food.
SUSHI / SASHIMI
53-55 Ba Huyen Thanh
Quan, Q3, Tel: (08) 3930
0039
sushidiningaoi.com
Sushi Dining AOI offers fullblown Japanese-style sushi,
sashimi, and other dishes
such as tempura, pork cutlet and cold soba noodles
in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Good value set
lunches. Probably the best
sushi in town.
TIB
HUE / VIETNAMESE
187 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 7242
Tibrestaurant.com.vn
VIET CHAY
VEGAN
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, 339
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3
vietchay.vn
YOGA
Tel: 0909 648193
[email protected]
michellelloyd.com
American trained and licensed massage therapist
and certified yoga instructor. Dedicated yoga and
massage spaces in Districts
2 and 3. Private and group
yoga classes. Home visits
available.
BELLY DANCE
No 96, Street 2, Cu Xa Do
Thanh, Q3, Tel: (08) 3832
9429
saigonbellydance.com
HAIRDRESSERS
YKC HAIR STUDIO
DANCENTER
53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519 4490
dancentervn.com
Children and teenagers can enjoy jazz, ballet, hip-hop,
funk, belly dancing, salsa and in multi-level classes at
this modern dance studio.
PIANO CLASSES
Tel: 01225 636682
[email protected]
SAIGON MOVEMENT
Tel: 0987 027 722
[email protected]
TAE KWON DO
BP Compound, 720K Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0903 918 149
VINSPACE
6 Le Van Mien, Q2, Tel: 0907 729 846
vin-space.com
HCMC
pain, sports injuries, and all
types of foot problems. We
also provide effective treatment for Flat foot syndrome
in children and adult.
phu my hung
PANORMA FITNESS
L in
V
n
Tr
nh
C
Ph
Nguy
c
n
n
V
n
T
n
Tr
n
L
n
uy
gB
g
n
n
Ti
t
nD
T
Ng
Ph
YKC SPA
n
T
H Huy Tp
n
B
g
n
L
Nguyn c C
EASTERN MEDICINE
187 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3932 6579
n
uy
Nguyn Vn Linh
Nguyn
ng Ch
Ng
Linh
n
uy
Ng
Nguyn Vn
DISTRICT 7
BAKERIES
LAMOUR
SAVOURE
BAKERY
Grand View, SD 4-1, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7
SIMRANS
BAKERY
SL15-1 Grand View, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: 0908
828552
simrans.sg
EXPAT BAR
SA8-1 Parkview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5412 3282
A downstairs pool table, an
open, street side terrace and
specials on Tiger draft, this
fun but slightly run-down
joint is a local haunt for many
a resident of Saigon South.
PEACHES
CURRY PUB
S57-1 Sky Garden 2, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08) 5410
0999
Known as the Curry Pub,
this pleasant Saigon South
watering hole mixes the beer
PHU MY HUNG
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
HOSPITAL
ng
yn
Ch
N gu
BAKERIES / BARS & CLUBS / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS, DANCE
& YOGA / INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
RUBY SOHO
CARTOON BAR
S52-1 Sky Garden 2, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 3900
mekong-creations.org
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
S17-1 Sky Garden , Nguyen
Van Linh, Q7, Tel: (08) 6271
7758
mekong-quilts.org
EAT
BOOMARANG BISTRO SAIGON
INTERNATIONAL / GRILL
CR2 3-4, 107 Ton Dat Tien,
Phu My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6592
boomarang.com.vn
Australian themed but Singaporean-owned eatery and
bar on The Crescent with
great terraced seating specializing in huge-portioned
international fare, all set in
a contemporary, spacious
environment.
EL GAUCHO
HIGH-END FURNITURE
The Crescent Mall, 101 Ton
Dat Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 5413
7355
bellavitafurniture.com
MEKONG CREATIONS
PAN-VIETNAMESE
The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat
Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 2210 2304
MING DYNASTY
NATHALIES
THE TAVERN
HOANG YEN
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
Unit CR1-12, The Crescent,
Phu My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6909
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an Argentinian
steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade
spicy sausage, skewers,
burger dishes and everything that can come off a
grill.
THAI / VIETNAMESE
S9 Hung Vuong 3, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 0822
nathaliesrestaurant.com
INTERNATIONAL
15-17 Cao Trieu Phat, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: 0948
901465
bizuhotel.com/main/pages/
scottbinhs.php
Serving creative, all homemade comfort food, this
restaurant boasts a full bar,
ice-cold beer and an international wine list to complement meals. Has a focus
on the creative use of local
ingredients.
FV HOSPITAL
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
6 Nguyen Luong Bang, Saigon South Parkway, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5411 3333
Emergency: (08) 5411 3500
fvhospital.com
International hospital
whose standard of health
care matches that found
anywhere, with 19 fulltime
French doctors and 58 Vietnamese doctors, providing
expertise in 30 medical and
surgical areas, especially
maternity care.
EASTERN MEDICINE
432 Pham Thai Buong, Q7,
Tel: 0906 684 969
D n Drive
"D n ny n t mt nhu cu p ng vi
nhng g ang din ra trong Gillman Barracks,"
c gii thch. "Kin thc ngh thut y phong
ph v chng ti c rt nhiu ngh s xung quanh
ang lm vic, nhng khu vc ny khng dnh cho
ngi bnh thng. Singapore c mt khong
cch gia nhng g m ngi ta hiu bit v vn
ha, hoc thm ch lin quan n vn ha. y
l ni Drive tp trung. V vy, ti ngh rng n s
tuyt vi khi lm cho ngh thut y cng dnh
cho tt c mi ngi khc. "
Mc tiu ca Drive l tm kim cc ngh s
to ra cc tc phm ngh thut cng cng c
trng by trn cc bc tng ca tri. iu ny
sau s c lin kt vi cc cuc tn mn ngh
thut l c hi cho mi ngi i b di s
hng dn tham quan ngh thut trong khu
vc cc cuc ni chuyn ca cc ngh s, hi
tho v cc cuc trao i ca cc nh ph bnh ni
ting. D n kt thc vi mt bui l trao gii vo
ngy 23 thng 1.
Tuy nhin, Audrey sn sng tha nhn, vic tm
kim cc ngh s cho d n rt kh khn. Ngh s
Singapore, c cho hay, mun c tr tin. Tuy
nhin, d n nh Drive l mt d n tin phong,
ch hin hu do cc nh ti tr. Khng c li ch
l ngh thut,
kt hp vi kin trc
thuc a kho lo
ca thi i cng
nh hng cy xanh
bao quanh cho n
chng ti khi chng
ti xung xe, lm cho
chng ti ngc nhin
trn mt, ming nh
thnh ch O.
L Do
Hon Thnh
17-25
THNG 1
H NI
L HI V TAY
20
THNG 1
H CH MINH
23
THNG 1
SN ART PHIN 7
VIETNAM
The Inside
Story of the
Guerrilla War
Chapter 4: Integrated with the Enemy
For the next 12 issues, Word is presenting excerpts from
Wilfred Burchetts seminal account of the American War.
A close friend of Ho Chi Minh, Burchett was the only
westerner to be embedded with the Viet Cong frontlines
in the early 1960s. This work was written in 1964
In the Mekong Delta
It became a standard joke during the latter
phase of my travels to ask from time to time
whether I was in liberated or controlled
territory and, if troops were around, to ask if
they were theirs or yours. On numerous
occasions I stayed in hamlets which were
liberated while on the other side of a river
or strategic highway was another hamlet
belonging to the same village which was
enemy-controlled. In one such case, I
asked the head of the local village committee
if the enemy ever came over to have a look.
Yes, he replied with a broad peasants
grin, in this region we let them send in
a patrol from time to time and even the
district chief may come because officially
they pretend this is their hamlet and we do,
too; in fact they know its ours. They round
up a few local people and threaten them:
We know youre all Viet Cong here. You just
watch your step. Well fix you some day.
But the people say: What can we do if
you abandon us? How can we help it if the
Viet Cong come? Why dont you come back
and have a garrison again?
The district chief can only fume and
rage. He knows very well that if a garrison
is reinstalled, it will be the very people hes
speaking to who will either win the troops
over by propaganda or will wipe out the
post one night. But he dare not play too
tough. He remembers what happened to
his predecessor who was a thorough despot
and murdered many patriots until he was
dealt with himself. He also knows that if his
troops start any rough stuff, most of them
would never leave the hamlet alive. He can
do nothing about that either.
So, living integrated with the enemy
was not only a phrase I was often to hear,
City Demonstrations
One of the forms of coordinating political
with military struggle, as Nguyen
Huu Tho explained it, was that of mass
demonstrations to thwart enemy military
activity, or to support that of the Front. From
one early spontaneous example, a whole
system was worked out.
Villagers of Trang Bang District of Tay
Ninh Province had been tipped off that
troops were on their way to their village
on a mopping up operation. The whole
population left en masse, old people and
children, everyone with all the belongings
they could carry, driving their pigs and
buffalo ahead of them and poured into the
district centre with 800 buffalo.
They occupied the whole town, paralysed
traffic and at the office of the district chief,
they said: We heard troops are coming to
destroy our village. We dont dare remain
there. You are the government, you must
protect us. Find a place for us to sleep. We
must have rice and food for the children.
The district chief, who always combines
the functions of district military commander,
had to call off the operation and spent the
next few days getting the town cleaned up
from what the pigs and buffalo left behind
them.
Word of this soon spread and similar
actions started to take place on a more
scientific basis. Le Thi Thieu, a dimpled,
peach-skinned young beauty from Ben Tre
Province southwest of Saigon and justly
famed for the beauty of its women is
known throughout the Delta as an efficient
organiser of demonstrations.
After the success at Trang Bang, she
said, we in Ben Tre decided to calculate
the exact space of the streets and squares of
all district centres and even the provincial
Cannon-Spikers
Apart from those who organise or participate
in the actions at district and provincial
centres, there are in every village groups of
women known as cannon-spikers.
In one cannon-spiking operation I heard
of, the village women and children raced
towards the artillery team as they were
making their preparations, driving pigs and
buffalo ahead of them, carrying chickens
under their arms; within minutes, chickens
were all over cannon and shells, pigs and
buffalo were milling around. Women and
children jammed in around the guns and
squatting on the piles of shells were wailing
and shouting: If youre going to shell our
village, this is the only safe place for us
to be. Such incidents multiplied by the
thousand build up to a terribly effective
politico-military weapon, wielded with
consummate courage and skill.
Every night in some part of South Vietnam
or another, wherever there are Saigon posts
there are hundreds or thousands of girls,
megaphones in hand, seeping around in the
grass or trees around the posts. Whenever
possible the girl at any particular post will
have a relative inside. She starts the evening
programme by chanting a poem, evoking
memories of home and village life. There
may be a couple of shots fired in her general
direction, as the first response. She will call
her relative by name:
Chanh, Chanh, its your cousin Thi Lan.
Why do you shoot? Im only a village girl. I
dont have any arms. I thought you and your
friends must be lonely and bored there, so I
came to chant some poems.
The programme continues with softly
chanted poems and songs, carefully chosen
village tearjerkers.
Then: Chanh, Chanh. Are you listening?
Theres good news from your village. Little
Chi has done very well at school. By the way,
your village has been liberated and a nice bit
of paddy field along the river has been set
aside for you. Some of your friends in the
army, too.
More songs and poems. Chanh, why
dont you give up this dishonourable life,
leave the bad road you are on and come back
to your village. Be on the side of the people,
before it is too late. Why should you get
yourself killed for the Yankees? There may
OPINION
Even the
Toothpaste is Not Real
Authenticity is a concern in todays shopping environment. Well, Niko Savvas
can tell his Prada from his Praduh, but subtler doubts have been eating
away at his existential well-being...
broken sunglasses.
A man offers you what might be
a perfectly good Rolex for US$25
(VND525,000), and you turn him down.
Who are you to say if it is genuine or not?
The sock in which he keeps it looks thick
and well-kept, the perfect kind of sock for
holding luxury timepieces. His sales pitch
is flawless, yet you cannot bring yourself to
buy the watch.
Even in the most fashionable designer
boutiques, doubt and paranoia are hiding
behind the mannequins. What looks like an
expensive leather handbag might really be
a pile of cleverly arranged scorpions, ready
to inject you with blood-curdling poison the
instant you pick it up. A silk tie? Perhaps
either that or radioactive barnacles from a
Mekong trawler pressed flat and painted
silver.
I wish that, like Mr. Thoai, I could take a
shopping trip to Singapore, where the only
things buyers must fear are unscrupulous
store owners and their vaguely worded
warranty agreements. But writing pays far
less than factory work, and while he needed
only an iPhone (he even declined to accept
most of the cash and gifts collected on his
behalf, saying he didnt want to take too
much), I need everything.
If anybody in Singapore is reading this,
please send toothpaste.
Authentic Rolexes, non-scorpion-made leather
handbags and lots and lots of toothpaste can be
sent to Niko Savvas, c/o Word offices
FINAL SAY
NATIONAL
Dead Mall
Malls are a relatively new phenomenon in Vietnam and unlike their dying cousins
worldwide, they still see their glory days being ahead of them.
But, Katie Jacobs asks, do they have the ingredients for lasting success?
The Hypothesis
When setting out to write this article the
question was clear with a decline in
retail and growing pressure from global
e-commerce, what are local mall investors
doing to fight competition and ensure
profitability? I quickly realised, however,
that understanding the global shopping
mall industry was not nearly so simple,
nor the correlation between rising online
spending and declining in-store shopping
so direct. As I delved into the research it
became clear that not all shopping malls
around the world are in decline (although
many of them are), and just because a
slew of new high-end malls are opening
in Vietnam, it doesnt mean they are all
successful.
So, as Vietnam ventures further into the
development of mall culture, how will
Evaluating E-Commerce
In the past decade, online shopping and
e-commerce have become easier, cheaper
and more secure. Increasing numbers
of consumers are turning away from
brick-and-mortar stores and logging
online to find what they need. Even my
grandmother in rural Australia bought
online recently. Instead of driving to
several stores to find a specific battery for
her vacuum cleaner, she was able to get
exactly what she wanted in minutes. And
it was cheaper.
And slowly but surely, e-commerce
is coming to Vietnam. The Vietnamese
Ministry of Industry and Trades 2013
Index reported that the country is leading
the e-commerce market in Southeast Asia.
In Search of Consumers
Although Vietnamese malls increasingly
incorporate the same destination
environment of entertainment, dining and
accommodation being employed half a
world away, the local market is lacking
the two crucial pillars that have ensured
successful malls abroad remain profitable.
Unlike the US, where consumers still buy
high-end products in-store, the wealthy
The Christmas lights in Saigon... are all North Poleapproved, elf-strung and catgut-crafted err, theyre fine.
comes sooner!
commercialistic, capitocracy-dominated
nature. But heck, its a living!