asialife HCMC 1 - AsiaLIFE Magazine

asialife HCMC 1

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Yu Chu – 1st floor 

For more information or to make 

a reservation, please call (84 8) 3520 9099 

email: dine@icasianasaigon.com 

or visit intercontinental.com/saigon

AsiaLIFE volume 34 

26 

front 

06 News & Events 

12 Dispatches 

14 Q&A with Geoff King 

16 Street Smart: Vo Van Tan 

20 Photo Essay: On the Face of It 

The man behind the An Phu Neighbours Google group takes our 

questions. We head down Vo Van Tan and discover a treasure trove of 

goodies. And in this month's photo essay, we feature the beautiful faces 

that tell many stories captured by Miguel Lopez on his travels through 

the region. 

on the cover 

24 Of All Things Slow 

26 In Slow Motion 

32 The Great Escape 

34 Eat, Procrastinate, Love 

We all think that our lives in HCM City are less hectic or stressful 

because we're blessed with luxuries perhaps not available back home. 

Nothing could be further from the truth, making it important for us to 

realise the importance of slowing down for the good of our minds, 

bodies and spirits. We give you the low down on how to do this. 

storyboard 

38 Softball by Sundays 

40 The Good Healer 

42 Cash for 'Tash 

44 Free Ny 

This month we profile a softball league, a Theta healer, an elephant 

who hopefully is headed to her new home and a group of brave souls 

who grew out their facial hair for a good cause. 

Getaways 

46 The City that Never Sleeps 

Our travel feature on Mumbai demonstrates how the city is the nerve 

centre of India. 

food 

back 

50 Sterling's Saigon 

51 Au Manor De Khai 

52 Hai Lua 

53 The Snap Cafe 

Richard Sterling regales us with stories that are bound to enthrall. We 

check out Au Manor De Khai, Hai Lua and The Snap Cafe. 

style & design 

54 Behind the Design: 

Moevenpick Hotel 

56 She's Got The Look 

We're impressed by the cool designs at Moevenpick. A renown make-up 

artist with the Body Shop visits us in HCM City and creates four unique 

looks on one model. 

60 The List 

96 Spotlight 

98 Street Guide 

106 Pub Quiz 

To sign off, we capture a glimpse of HCM City nightlife; preview what's 

new in film, music and literature; and challenge your brain power with 

the Pub Quiz. 

Cover 

Art Direction 

Johnny Murphy 

Photography 

Fred Wissink 

Models 

Nguyen Kim Hoa 

Jake Houseago 

Anh Thi 

Brian Le 


1 asialife Cambodia 

note from the editor 

Muna Khan 

I stopped making new year’s resolutions 

when I stumbled upon 

this quote by the writer Anais 

Nin: “I made no resolutions for 

the New Year. The habit of making 

plans, of criticising, sanctioning 

and moulding my life, is too 

much of a daily event for me.” 

However, in the spirit of a new 

beginning in HCM City, at AsiaL- 

IFE, I have vowed to reduce the 

number of vices to a respectable 

number in a bid to take greater 

care of myself, be a better person. 

I have been thinking of this 

for some time and the lead up 

to this resolution resulted in the 

birth of this Slow Issue (What, 

me Modest). It is a reminder of 

sorts to make good on the promise 

we make to ourselves to slow 

down, relax more, spend quality 

time with the family, nature, less 

with the bartender. It’s a mistake, 

as Dr Rafi Kot points out in the 

lead story, to assume that our 

lives in Southeast Asia are easier, 

slower, not as hectic because 

of the luxuries at our disposal 

(domestic staff, job perks, lesser 

accountability). Find out how 

and why daily stresses can lead 

to exhaustion or depression and 

ways to help combat that. And 

to help you in that direction, we 

also guide you to destinations 

that are best suited for slowing 

down and for the truly stressed 

“I have no time for a holiday” 

person, we highlight restaurants 

in town where you can leave your 

troubles behind and enjoy a leisurely 

meal without worrying that 

the wait staff will spit in your face 

if you don’t vacate your seats 30 

seconds after settling your bill. 

Where we don’t slow down is 

in our travel feature on Mumbai, 

a city that rarely sleeps and is a 

real jewel in the subcontinent, 

not to mention the nerve centre 

of the film industry known as Bollywood. 

There are two new sections 

I would like your feedback on: 

"Dear AsiaLIFE" and "Two of 

Us". To start "Dear AsiaLIFE" we 

asked former managing editor 

Tom DiChristopher to dispatch 

us a postcard from New York 

City and tell us how he’s readjusting 

to life from Vietnam. 

It was great to hear from him. 

Expect to hear more tales of 

re-adjustments from newbies 

who’ve bid Vietnam adieu. In 

“Two Of Us” we shine the spotlight 

on a relationship between 

two people, fairly straightforward 

stuff here but prepare to be 

moved by our first ‘couple’, a 

teacher and her blind student. 

If you’d like to recommend 

relationships of note, or send us 

a postcard, get in touch. 

Finally, a special mention of 

Ny the elephant who we hope 

will find joy and love in her new 

home when she retires from the 

circus. No one deserves freedom 

and happiness more than her. 

Except maybe me, for ridding 

myself of nasty habits and negative 

thoughts. 

Guy Gonyea 

Guy Gonyea is an award-winning photographer based 

in Vietnam for over six years. Originally from Phoenix, 

Arizona in the U.S., Guy first travelled to Vietnam in 

2002 doing landscape photography and eventually 

moved to HCM City and set up Guy Gonyea Photography 

in 2004. Guy has received awards for his 

commercial work in London, Cannes & Singapore. His 

client list includes Samsung, Honda, Coca Cola and 

Vietnammobile. 

Next time you're across the border, 

check out the latest issue of AsiaLIFE 

Cambodia or download it from 

www.asialifeguide.com. 

012011 

ISSUE49 

Vinz Sebastian 

With just a stroke of his brush, Vinz Sebastian 

can transform you from ordinary to extraordinary. 

Breezing through beauty school, Vinz lectured in an 

academy before joining The Body Shop as its Senior 

Make-Up Artist/Trainer. Being involved in countless 

shoots, spreads, bridal makeovers and runways, he 

has become one of the most sought after make-up 

artists. Vinz is also very active in running make up 

workshops. 

www.asialifeguide.com 

Find AsiaLIFE articles on 

4 asialife HCMC

Including: 

. 1 night stay at Evason Ana Mandara 

Daily Breakfast Buffet 

. 

. 

Refreshing welcome drink & fruit basket 

Round trip shuttle Bus Airport transfers 

Free internet facilities 

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US$ 196++/ night for Garden View Room 

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& Asian residents only 

Surcharge US$ 50++ per night on 03-08 Feb 2011 

Tel: +84 58 3 524 705 - Fax: +84 58 3 524 704 

Email: reservations-nhatrang@sixsenses.com

volume 34 

NEWS 

Ala Mezon Now Open 

Later 

Ala Mezon will now open from 

11.30 am until at least 1 am, 

serving lunch until 2.30 pm and a 

snack menu later in the afternoon. 

Ala Mezon is located at 10 Chu 

Manh Trinh, District 1. 

L’anmien Opens Café in 

Saigon 

L’anmien Dining Café has opened 

in the AB Building at 76 Le Lai, 

District 1. A wide range of Western 

and Asian cuisine is available, 

as well as an extensive drinks 

menu. Throughout the launch period, 

the café will offer discounted 

prices. 

Madame Tussauds Opens 

in Bangkok 

Renowned museum Madame 

Tussauds has opened on the sixth 

floor of Siam Discovery in Bangkok. 

A fully interactive and unique 

experience, the attraction uses 

state of the art technology and 

dramatic backdrops to showcase 

a range of incredibly lifelike wax 

figures. 

The Bangkok museum features 

a royal room where wax figures 

of HRH Prince Mahitala Thibed 

Adulyadej Vikrom Phra Baroma 

Rajajanok and Somdej Phra 

Srinagarindra Boromarajajonani 

are displayed. And visitors can 

get up close and personal with 

more than 70 international and 

local celebrities, historic figures 

and world leaders like Princess 

Diana and Queen Elizabeth to 

arts and science personalities like 

Beethoven, Einstein and Sunthorn 

Phu. Visit madametussauds.com/ 

bangkok. 

Citibank Introduces Travel 

Credit Card 

Citibank has launched its Premier- 

Miles Credit Card, the first travel 

credit card in Vietnam. Customers 

can earn miles, which can then be 

redeemed for flights with several 

airlines. What’s more, Premier 

Miles never expire. For more 

information and to find out other 

unique benefits of the Citibank 

PremierMiles Card visit citigroup. 

com or citi.com. 


100th Day of School Celebration 

at ISSP 

International School Saigon 

Pearl students will celebrate the 

school’s 100-day anniversary 

on January 28. The day will be 

filled with language, art, math 

and problem solving activities 

and competitions centred on 

the number 100. What’s more, 

students will donate food items to 

disadvantaged families. Visit issp. 

edu.vn. 

BoConcept Opens First 

Showroom in Vietnam 

Last month, well-known Danish 

furniture brand BoConcept 

opened its first showroom in 

Vietnam in the centre of District 

1 at 68-70 Dong Du. Established 

in 1952 and with stores located 

worldwide, BoConcept stocks 

an array of classic and minimalist 

furniture and accessories. 

Visit boconcept.vn 

TEDx at RMIT 

TED conferences are known 

worldwide for bringing leaders 

in technology entertainment 

and design onto a platform to 

discuss "ideas worth spreading". 

Audiences have the opportunity 

to listen to inspirational speeches 

that they would normally not have 

the chance to experience—videos 

from such events are all the rage 

on YouTube, for example. Independently 

held TED conferences 

are known as TEDx and just last 

year, 230 such events were held 

in 80 countries. Vietnam will host 

its second TEDx event (the first 

was in May) in HCM City sometime 

in January (the date will be 

announced soon on their website 

tedxsaigon.) This event's theme 

is on women and will include a 

live conference between Saigon 

and Washington DC. This event 

will feature speakers like Truong 

My Hoa, the former vice president 

of Vietnam, Merilyn Liddell, the 

president of RMIT, Nguyen Phuc 

Thuy Tien, a legal executive 

and My Tam, a performer and 

philanthropist. Seats are limited 

to a certain number to ensure a 

truly productive and engaging 

experience for participants and 

audience members. For more 

information email communications@tedxsaigon.com. 

The Body Shop Launches Limited Edition 

Make Up Line 

The Body Shop has collaborated with the London College of 

Fashion to produce a new cruelty-free make up and accessories 

line called Brush With Fashion. Available from early 2011 in 

must-have Spring colours, the collection includes products like 

Illuminating Face Base and Lightening Touch, Tailored Cheek 

Tint, brush on eye colour, Super Volume Mascara, and Hi-Shine 

Lip Treatment. The collection also features a handy Mini Brush 

Kit plus a selection of make-up bags and beauty tools. The Body 

Shop is located at 87 Mac Thi Buoi in District 1. Visit thebodyshop.com 


Steiff & Playmobil Creative Store Opens 

at the Crescent 

This new interactive toy store, located at the Crescent in Phu My 

Hung, stocks two German brands—Steiff, a renowned teddy bear 

maker and Playmobil, a toy manufacturer. A large portion of the 

space is dedicated to a playground, giving kids the opportunity 

to play while parents peruse. And to celebrate its grand opening, 

throughout January each customer will be given a play voucher 

worth 50,000 VND. Steiff & Playmobil Creative Store can be found 

at14A-B Crescent Residence 2, 107 Ton Dat Tien, District 7. 

Visit teddy4life.net 

Crafty English 

GLOBAL ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATE 

Saigon-based fashion designer and artist Tracey Kociuruba will 

launch weekly craft classes for kids in Phu My Hung starting 

January 9 with fabric decoupage. Classes are organised a month 

in advance and those enrolled in the first lessons will walk away 

with snow globes (January 16), homemade playdough creatures 

(January 23) and felt finger puppets (January 30). Classes are US 

$25 per child for a two-hour session from 9 am till 11 am. Bookings 

must be made for the entire month and the cost includes all 

materials. An extra English-language component is included for 

non-native speakers. 

Tracey will also offer private drawing classes for adults if interest 

is expressed. She can be contacted on 0904 688 374. 


L’Apothiquaire Stocks New Lip Products 

They’ll be safe 

in our hands 

Traditional French day spa L’Apothiquaire now stocks Sara Happ 

products including The Lip Scrub and The Lip Slip. The Lip 

Scrub (560,000 VND) eliminates dry, flaky skin leaving lips soft 

and moisturised and is available in almond, peppermint, cinnamon, 

cacao, brown sugar and vanilla bean. The Lip Slip (560,000 

VND) is a hydrating balm made with crushed pearl and infused 

with sweet almond, jojoba and macadamia nut oils. 

Emeraude Expands Halong Bay Opportunities 

Our smallest patients - respecting their 

needs is our biggest concern 

Our three Full-time Pediatric Specialists are 

on hand for all your childrens medical needs 

Emeraude Classic Cruises will debut its new three-day/two-night 

itinerary this month after joining forces with Cat Ba Island-based 

travel company Slo Pony. The unique package mixes cruising 

aboard picturesque Halong Bay with an adventure programme 

that caters for all levels of activity. Options range from the relatively 

soft trek through Butterfly Valley on Cat Ba Island, to more 

intense kayaking and finally, climbing the Bay’s soaring limestone 

karsts. And with Halong Bay in the running for a position in the 

New 7 Wonders of Nature list, the views from up top the rock 

formations are simply stunning. Buffet breakfast, lunch and 

dinner is included plus a top-deck viewing of the acclaimed film 

Indochine. For cruise reservations, phone 3934 0888 or email 

sales@emeraude-cruises.com 

• Primary pediatric emergency responses 

• Routine childhood development assessment 

• Post natal examinations 

• Immunisation advice 

• Vaccination 

• Nutritional counselling 

• New mother support 

• Pre-school check-ups 

Family Medical Practice HCMC 

Diamond Plaza: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, HCMC 

For appointments and emergency care 24 hours: 

(84 8) 3822 7848 

www.vietnammedicalpractice.com 

Your health. Our care. 

• Emergency Medicine • Medical Evacuations • General Practice • Internal Medicine • Pediatrics 

• Obstetrics & Gynecology • Orthopedic & Trauma Surgery • Cardiology • ENT • Tropical Medicine 

• Radiology • Imaging • Ambulance Service • In-house Laboratory • Acupuncture • First Aid Training 

• Child Birth Education • Saigon International Mother Baby Association • Medical Check-ups

Phnom Penh Events & Openings 

Download the latest issue of AsiaLIFE Cambodia at www.asialifeguide.com. 

Tourism Takes Off 

For the second time in history, 

the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 

will take place in Phnom Penh 

from January 15 to 21. The ATF 

focuses on a regional effort to 

promote tourism throughout 

the 10 member countries of the 

Associate of Southeast Asian 

Nations (ASEAN). More than 

1,600 delegates are expected to 

attend, including ASEAN ministers 

and their counterparts from 

China, Japan, South Korea, and 

India. Venues will include the 

Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra, 

Diamond Island, NagaWorld, 

the Peace Palace, Royal Palace, 

Grand Phnom Penh Golf Club, 

and Raffles Hotel Le Royal. As 

the country is set to reach a 

new record of tourist arrivals 

in 2011, it is an apt time to 

highlight the manifold holiday 

opportunities in the Kingdom of 

Wonder. 

 

Starring Cambodia 

If you happen to come across 

lights, cameras, and action in 

the streets of Phnom Penh, 

you’ve stumbled upon the filming 

of A Billion Star Hotel. Production 

commenced at the end 

of December and is expected 

to wrap on January 20. French 

director Quentin Clausin set out 

to portray the joy of living, as 

practiced the Cambodian way, 

through the storyline of a New 

York fashion photographer’s 

week spent in the Kingdom of 

Wonder. Produced by Cambodian 

film companies Express Films 

and 391 Films in cooperation 

with American production company 

Critical Density Media, the 

film’s cast and crew are nearly 

all Cambodian, a great achievement 

for the local film industry. 

Details of the grand premier in 

Phnom Penh will be announced 

at a future date. 

 

A Tribute to the Masters 

Next month will see a musical 

tribute to the grand masters of 

Cambodian music at the Bayon 

Temple in the Angkor complex. 

Led by teenage soprano bosbaPANH, 

a host of Cambodian 

and international performers will 

put on a festival of music and 

dance including Cambodian ballads, 

jazz and Ramayana dance 

on Febuary 25 and 26. The 

first night will feature a gourmet 

dinner prepared by leading 

Cambodian chef Luu Meng (US 

$80 to $100). Tickets for the 

second night are US $20. Tickets 

are available from Monument 

Books and Lucky Stores in both 

Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, 

from the McDermott Galleries 

in Siem Reap, and from T&C 

Restaurant, Café Sentiment and 

Malis and Yi Sang Restaurants 

in Phnom Penh. Visit bosbapanh.com. 

 

Giant Puppet Project 

Preparations are underway for 

this year’s Giant Puppet Project 

Parade, which will take place 

on Febuary 19 in Siem Reap. 

The parade is a massive event 

involving up to 600 children 

from local NGOs in and around 

Cambodia’s major tourist town. 

Under guidance from artists 

from the United Kindom and 

Phare Ponleu Seplak in Battambang 

the children construct the 

puppets. The fifth annual parade 

will feature giant animals, 

insects and people. Themes are 

based on educational, cultural 

or ecological ideas such as road 

safety, endangered species, 

hygiene and environmental 

awareness. The Parade is an 

entirely non-profit event, and 

anyone wishing to support it or 

visiting the workshops can do 

so by contacting info@giantpuppetproject.com. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VO VAN TAN 

HO 

CON RUA 

PHAM NGOC 

THACH 

TRAN CAO VAN 

DIAMOND 

PLAZA 

 

 

 

 

HAN THUYEN 

 

LE DUAN 

NOTRE DAME CATHEDVRAL 

POST 

OFFICE 

LE DUAN 


EVENTS 

Vietnam & Australia Concert 

To celebrate Australia Day, the 

Australian Government has 

organised a special concert at the 

Conservatory of Music. The performance 

will take place on January 

20 and will feature successful 

Australian-Vietnamese pianist Van 

Anh and Australian Idol Thanh 

Bui. Talented local performers 

Luu Hong Quang—who plays the 

piano—and Diva Hong Nhung will 

take to the stage, too. For tickets 

please contact Ms Hang at 3521 

8100 or email chau-thuy.hang@ 

dfat.gov.au. 

Kiteboard Tour Asia Lands 

in Mui Ne 

The Kiteboard Tour Asia is set to 

return to Mui Ne again from January 

12 to 16. Held on the beach in 

front of Sankara, the competition 

welcomes kiteboarders of all 

levels to enter. The course racing 

and freestyle entry fees are US 

$50 each. Kiteboarding makes for 

great spectator sport, too, so be 

sure to snag a prime position on 

the sand. Visit kiteboardtour.asia/. 

Farmer’s Market at Nutrifort 

On January 15 and 16 from 9 am to 3 pm, a farmer’s market 

will be held at Nutrifort Fitness (34 Nguyen Dang Giai, District 2). 

Organic produce will be available for purchase as well as ecofriendly 

products, stationery, jewellery, clothing and accessories. 

For details call 3744 6675. 


dispatches 

Travel news from around the region and beyond 

Cool Reads 

It is billed as the biggest literary event in Asia and for its 

seventh year, the Jaipur Literary Festival is unlikely to fail 

on its promise of attracting bigwigs in literature. This year’s 

line up includes Orhan Pamuk, JM Coetzee, Kiran Desai, 

Ruskin Bond, Richard Ford, Jay McInerney, Mohsin Hamid, 

Jung Chang and Candace Bushnell (hey, Sex and the City 

is literature). The five-day event—just show up if you are 

in the neighbourhood January 21 to 25, it’s free—isn’t just 

boring literary events or roundtable discussions featuring 

writers waxing eloquently about each other—there’s music, 

poetry and film screenings too. It explains why former Vanity 

Fair editor and now editor of The Daily Beast Tina Brown 

described it as the “greatest literary show on earth”. 

jaipurliteraturefestival.org 

Ships Ahoy 

Now in its eighth year, the Phuket International 

Boat Show (PIMEX) is considered the largest 

in-water boat show in the region and plans to 

attract more visitors during the three-day event, 

January 6 to 9. The event brings together the 

biggest names in the region’s marine industry 

and provides a good platform for boat-makers— 

from 20 feet to over 100 feet—and buyers. 

phuketboatshow.com 

New Year, Hong Kong Style 

If you’ve not planned your Tet holiday, consider Hong Kong. 

The bustling city that never sleeps is actually a great destination 

for Chinese New Year where a night parade on Tsim 

Sha Tsui East in Kowloon hosts some of the island’s best performers. 

The fireworks over Victoria Harbour make for some 

of the most beautiful sights you’ll see in Asia. The following 

day sees other colourful floats with performers, dancers and 

street musicians accompanying them through the district. 

The city is at its festive best during these holidays. 

discoverhongkong.com 


Soaring Eagles 

Fans of the Eagles—the beloved band that made “Hotel 

California”, “Desperado”, “Take It Easy”, “One Of These 

Nights” and “Heartache Tonight”, must sings at karaoke— 

will be touring Southeast Asia providing you with a chance 

to see them in Singapore (February 24) or Hong Kong (March 

18). Tickets for the former venue are priced between S $168 

to S $499 while Hong Kong ticket prices start from HK $588 

to HK $2,088. For more information on online bookings visit 

lushington.com 

Yogic Treats 

Yogis of all levels are bound to find serenity at a five-day retreat at 

the Tamarind Springs Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui in Thailand. The 

programme offers Hatha and Kundalini yoga and meditation along 

with a diet regimen that is healthy and pure as well as massages 

at a day spa. Each person is given a consultation with the retreat 

leader followed by five days of yoga, sun salutations, meditations, 

a visit to a herbal steam cave, customised massages and some 

entertainment too—not all work and no play. Because the retreat 

wants to keep itself small, it is limited to 12 persons so it is best 

to book well in advance and secure yourself a spot. Prices start at 

$2,290 for single occupancy or $2,090 for sharing. 

tamarindsprings.com 



The man behind An Phu Neighbours Google Group shares his 

insight on the online community he is Webmaster of. 

Photos by Ho Quang. 

Tell us about the history of the 

APN Neighbours group What 

prompted you to become its 

Webmaster 

The group was started by An 

Phu expat residents in August 

2007. I inherited it after volunteering 

to become its Webmaster 

as one of the founders was 

leaving. The list was originally 

much more focused on the local 

An Phu neighbourhood. When 

I took over there were 700 

members—there are now more 

than 2,300 from all over the city. 

I am a big believer in communities 

and the importance of 

helping others. There are very 

few ways to bring expat communities 

together, and I hope 

APN helps to do just that. 

Are you surprised by its popularity 

I am surprised. I think part of 

its success is the low barrier to 

entry and the simplicity of a 

mailing list format. I often think 

whether this is the best format, 

and for now I really can't think 

of anything that would work 

better. 

How has your editorial (posting) 

policy evolved Do you 

struggle with what you can or 

not allow to be posted Recently, 

for example, animal sales 

were banned but information 

on outlet sales is available. 

How, and where, do you draw 

a line 

I've tried not to make too many 

rules, but it's becoming harder 

and harder as the number of 

messages increases. 

I generally frown on advertising 

for businesses. If you're 

making money, you can factor 

in the cost of advertising in a 

publication like AsiaLIFE. Of 

course there are exceptions. 

For restaurant openings, 

clothing sales, and events, I 

think about how else they might 

inform people, and whether the 

community will be interested. 

I try to allow informative messages 

while frowning on marketing, 

but it is a hard balance. 

And I don't have the time or a 

team to review all messages, 

so things slip through that I 

wouldn't allow if I was actually 

making a decision. 

I have my own strong values, 

but I did consult the community 

about the animal breeders' ban. 

They were overwhelmingly on 

the side of banning breeders. At 

least one other HCM City online 

community had already taken 

the lead (ha). 

In the end, the community 

only works when most 

members agree with most of 

my decisions. If enough people 

disagree the community will 

fracture. 

What, in the time you have 

monitored APN, have you 

learned about the neighbours 

Are there types in the online 

community that you can 

label—the bored housewife, 

the know it all etc 

There is incredible diversity 

among the neighbours. They do 

tend to resist classification. 

There are definitely some 

people with too much time on 

their hands and there are also 

clearly some people who are 

finding expat life extremely 

challenging. Also, some people 

don't seem to realise that the 

expat community is quite small, 

and they burn bridges in spectacular 

ways by writing unfair 

or inappropriate content. I'm 

always amazed at what people 

will write on APN in front 

of an audience of over 2,000 

neighbours when I'm sure they 

wouldn't stand up in a theatre 

and say the same things. 

Are there any discussions/incidents 

online which illustrate 

"expats behaving badly" 

The occasional racism, or xenophobia, 

of some expats drives 

me crazy. 

I really like Vietnam. I've 

lived here long enough to see 

a lot of people come and go. 

I'm sure it's a pretty hard place 

to live if you don't want to be 

here but it's always important 

to remember that bad experiences 

are about individuals or 

situations, not about Vietnam, 

and they can happen anywhere, 

in any country. 

Describe the funniest/most 

ridiculous exchange between 

neighbours... 

There are certainly some ridiculous 

opinionated ones. The most 

memorable for me began with 

an innocent question from one 

home schooling parent looking 

for other home schooling 

parents. The first response was 

a late-night alcohol-induced 

rant against home schooling 

and it just deteriorated from 

there with back and forth arguments 

on the pros and cons 

of home schooling with many 

people sharing their strongly 

held opinions. By the end of 

the 'debate' I even had one 

neighbour accusing me of being 

a bad parent for spending time 

answering their emails rather 

than being with my children 

(I'm a stay-at-home dad). When 

everything was finally calm it 

was revealed that the original 

poster had a child with special 

needs, so it wasn't even a question 

of schooling preferences. 

Do you have any plans to venture 

into new neighbourhoods 

If I was going to change the approach, 

I would look for a better 

way to deal with the volume of 

messages rather than splitting 

the city up geographically into 

'new neighbourhoods'. Perhaps 

a 'market' list for buying and 

selling, for example. 

Some new neighbourhood 

lists (PhuMyHungNeighbours, 

SaigonPearlNeighbors, etc) 

have been started by other 

people in the last year, but what 

I often see is the same message 

being posted to all the lists. 


Nam Phan 

Street Smart: 

Vo Van Tan, District 3 

Stretching between Hai Ba Trung and Cao Thang in District 3, Vo Van Tan is home 

to countless Vietnamese restaurants; some with histories spanning decades. Beth 

Young investigates with help from Hanh Nguyen. Photos by Alex Belikov. 

War Remnants Museum 

28 Vo Van Tan 

The War Remnants Museum 

offers an insight into the American 

War and the many atrocities 

that were committed. Outside, 

various war craft are assembled 

and inside photographs are 

displayed, many graphic, 

depicting the pain and suffering 

that unfolded throughout. Upstairs, 

a video plays on a loop 

and mostly describes the war’s 

aftermath; the effect of Agent 

Orange features heavily. A visit 

is essential for anyone touring 

HCM City and especially for 

expatriates living here. 

Nam Phan 

34 Vo Van Tan 

khaisilkcorp.com 

Another Khai Silk enterprise, 

Nam Pham specialises in authentic 

Vietnamese-style cuisine 

with a keen focus on seafood. 

It’s an imposing four-storey 

structure painted pale yellow 

with teak shutters on the 

outside and opulent furnishings 

inside. A timber staircase winds 

all the way up and each floor is 

gorgeous in its own right. Oriental 

rugs adorn the slate-grey 

floors and terracotta bowls are 

piled atop each other to create a 

uniquely Asian feel. 

Hu Tieu 

46/102 Vo Van Tan 

Miss Hoang has been serving 

up piping hot bowls of hu 

tieu—Chinese rice noodle soup 

with pork and seafood—for two 

decades. Her tiny restaurant 

scales a wall down an alley off 

Vo Van Tan and foldout stainless 

steel tables and red plastic 

stools are the décor of choice. 

According to Miss Hoang the 

secret to tasty hu tieu is all in the 

measurements: too much water 

and the broth loses its concentration. 

A bowl goes for 27,000 

VND. Open 6 am to 1 pm and 3 

pm till late. 

Mercury Café 

65 Vo Van Tan 

Mercury Café is an absolute 

tack-fest. Still, it’s a popular 

haunt for young Vietnamese— 

males especially—who fill the 

air with cigarette smoke and 


Hu Tieu Pho Le Bam Skate Shop 

Mercury Café 

Bam Skate Shop 

chatter. A fake rock wall with attached 

waterfall features prominently 

as do neon-coloured fairy 

lights. Up and coming Vietnamese 

singers like Bao Thy, Quang 

Vinh and Dong Nhi perform 

here often, as well. However, it’s 

well worth a visit just to check 

out the manager—a man who 

rocks what is surely the slickest 

mullet in town. 

Bam Skate Shop 

228 Vo Van Tan 

bamskateshop.com.vn 

Bam stocks all that’s hip in 

the skating scene: streetwear 

for men and women, funky 

fluorescent hi-top sneakers and, 

of course, skateboards. All the 

paraphernalia needed to keep 

the nifty mode of transport 

maintained and rolling is 

available, too. Bam Skate Shop 

is also located at 174 Bui Vien, 

District 1. 

Pho Le 

303-305 Vo Van Tan 

Pho Le has been ladling beef 

pho for more than two decades 

and has earned a reputation as 

one of the best joints in HCM 

City. And it’s a plaudit owner 

Miss Le agrees with fully. What 

makes her noodle soup so good 

It’s all her, she says. According 

to the lady herself, she’s a darn 

good cook and what’s more, 

doesn’t scrimp on ingredients. 

Try a bowl for 35,000 to 40,000 

VND. 

Marc 


marc.com.vn 

Marc stocks adorable designs 

for women including bright 

summer dresses that begin at 

about 200,000 VND. Colourful 

printed fabric is a favourite of 

the chain store, whose designs 

are popular among young Vietnamese 

girls. The cuts are great 

and there’s a vast array of cute 

blouses on offer, too. 

Lien Hua 


Here, Phnom Penh-style hu tieu 

is served. Hailing originally 

from China, then Cambodia, 

the Vietnamese embraced the 

dish, tweaked it slightly and 

Nam Phan 


then called it their own. The 

owners of Lien Hua brought 

their own recipe with them from 

Cambodia about 40 years ago. 

Hu tieu nam vang is hearty, with 

quail eggs, chilli and pungent 

minced garlic added to the fragrant 

pork and seafood broth. 

The lack of fish sauce, which 

is added to almost every meal 

in Vietnam, makes this dish 

unique. A serve costs between 

55,000 to 70,000 VND. 

Desino 


desino.it 

A luxurious emporium selling 

all things leather, Desino stocks 

elegant bags, wallets and accessories. 

The attention to detail 

and craftsmanship is apparent 

and there’s no doubting the 

Italian brand uses top-quality 

materials: the scent of leather 

fills the air completely. 

Desino 

Desino 


Including: 

. 1 night stay at Evason Ana Mandara 


. 

. 


Round trip shuttle Bus Airport transfers 

Free internet facilities 


US$ 196++/ night for Garden View Room 

US$ 249++/ night for Superior Seaview Room 

US$ 300++/ night for Deluxe Seaview Room 

US$ 353++/ night for Deluxe Beachfront Room 

US$ 377++/ night for Ana Mandara Suite 


. 

. 

Terms & Conditions: 



Applicable for Vietnamese nationals, Expatriates 

& Asian residents only 

Surcharge US$ 50++ per night on 03-08 Feb 2011 

Tel: +84 58 3 524 705 - Fax: +84 58 3 524 704 

Email: reservations-nhatrang@sixsenses.com

On the Face of It 

Photos by Miguel Lopez 

Miguel Lopez’s portraits—taken 

during the course of his travels 

within Vietnam, Malaysia and 

Thailand—vividly capture the 

universality of the human spirit 

in all its goodness. “Photography 

is for me all about people,” 

he says. “When you are a long 

way from home on travel assignments, 

it is impossible not to 

engage with the human being, 

his/her expressions, looks, behaviours. 

It kind of reminds me 

that we are here just for a little 

while, that every photograph 

keeps the human alive forever, 

perhaps it is the only way to be 

immortal.” 

On these pages, Lopez 

captured images that he wanted 

immortalised: of children who 

followed him around in a 

narrow street behind Cholon 

market, of travellers in Bangkok’s 

train station, of rickshaw 

drivers in Malacca, of people in 

camps outside Cu Chi. All these 

“ordinary people” had faces that 

told stories of their hardships 

and hope for the future—and 

they smiled throughout it all, 

which is how they will always 

be remembered. 






By M. Khan. Photos by Fred Wissink. 

No matter what language it is told in, or how long the tale, in the end, 

the tortoise always wins the race. 

We are all rational educated adults who are up to date on information 

on how stress affects our bodies and mental well-being. We are equally 

aware that we are hostage to the technological gadgets that have been 

created for our convenience and to make us more efficient and effective 

workers, but we know that our reliance on them causes much havoc. 

We know we need to slow down in this fast paced life—and we’re not 

talking about a weekly trip to our favourite salon or a night’s getaway 

to the beach. We’re talking about incorporating a slower paced lifestyle 

into our lives so that we can actually enjoy it, warts and all. 


Gillian (names changed), 37, mother of two 

finds herself constantly tired, despite her 

daily workouts at the gym, twice a week 

swims and yoga once a week. “I’m a stayat-home 

mother with a busier life than when I 

was working and had no help in Sydney.” 

Russell, thirtysomething, works in sales 

and has a busy social life, which he can’t 

seem to extract himself from—and he knows 

he has to, “for the sake of my liver”, he says 

with a chuckle. 

Sarah says she is always on the go, 

despite seemingly easier work hours as a 

teacher and two-day weekend. “I have a lot 

more work-stuff to do and because I don’t 

want to turn into a homebody, I find myself 

stretched too thin socially.” 

Andrew, 26, a recent resident of Saigon 

and banker, finds himself in front of the TV 

most nights of the week, watching the latest 

episodes of his favourite shows, a beer 

and take-away his sources of solace and 

comfort—because he’s just too exhausted. 

There are scores of similar stories echoing 

the same sentiment: busy lives depleting 

peoples’ energy levels and/or increasing 

stress and frustration. These stories occur 

every day, in every city, including HCM City 

and break many myths associated with the 

notion that life in Southeast Asia is an easier 

one, relatively stress free given the comforts 

of household help and cheaper cost of living. 

Nothing could be further from the truth. 

That is what long-time expat and general 

director of Family Medical Practice Dr Rafi 

Kot says. Everyone is smart enough to 

understand the importance of slowing down 

but realising it is difficult. He cites an example 

of spontaneous activity, and how they often 

tend to leave lasting impressions. “Here, it’s 

not so easy to get up and go somewhere or 

do something.” 

There are many challenges to living in a 

foreign country, from learning new languages 

and social mores to simpler tasks like 

adjusting to traffic. However, Dr Kot believes 

HCM City throws greater challenges than for 

example, Hanoi nationally and even Phnom 

Penh and Bangkok regionally, because of 

its lack of space—and therefore places to 

escape to. (Despite its cosmopolitan nature, 

Bangkok has many public parks he says.) 

“One of the easiest ways to slow down,” 

he says, “is to walk your dog, but can one 

do that in a leisurely manner here Hanoi is a 

bustling cosmopolitan but it has parks and its 

lakes bring serenity; I can’t advise patients to 

go for a walk in the park here so am forced 

to tell them to get away for a weekend—a 

change of environment usually does wonders 

for a short period. And I don’t mean going 

away to Phan Thiet because if your experience 

is going to be affected by complaints 

of the ride there and back or the traffic en 

route, it defeats the purpose of getting away. 

I advise people to look into low-cost carriers 


and get away to Hong Kong or a place that 

is opposite of here [to wind down].” 

Inevitably, stress takes a toll on one’s 

body. Ailments can take the shape of 

sleeping disorders, digestive issues, mild to 

chronic pains, respiratory problems (brought 

on by air pollution) to more serious diseases. 

In the good news, despite the seemingly 

psychosomatic-related ailments present, 

people in Vietnam aren’t popping muscle 

relaxants, sleeping pills or pills meant for 

psychiatric issues. Dr Kot adds that the 

drug manufacturing company for one such 

popular drug in the west recalled its product 

because there was no market here. 

In a world where the number of drugs 

being created in the mental health industry 

is rising, this is certainly cheer-worthy. 

As is peoples’ desire to take time out for 

themselves, to care for their minds and 

bodies—as evidenced, for example, by more 

yoga options in the city. Yoga is a no-brainer 

example of slow activity that’s good for your 

body and mind. Its meditative aspect discourages 

mind-wandering and/or idleness, 

which are common side effects of busy lives 

dominated by technology or addiction to 

social media. 

INDULGE 

To really pause, indulge in a half-day relaxation package at traditional French day 

spa L’Apothiquaire. A welcome pot of their organic herbal tea is served upon arrival, 

after which a foot pressure treatment, full body massage and personalised facial is 

administered. Visit lapothiquaire.com. 

And if you’re looking to loosen knots and ease pain, give the talented Hieu at 

Golden Hands Health and Beauty Centre in An Phu a try. Specialising in osteopathy 

and Thai massage, Hieu is a trained masseuse with 18 years experience. A half-hour 

session goes for 250,000 VND. Visit goldenhandsvn.com. 

LISTEN 

In an era of bite-sized music downloads and MP3 players, listening to music has 

become mostly a soundtrack for us while we do other things. When was the last 

time you actually sat down and listened to an entire album Just listened Take the 

chance to reacquaint yourself with the mind-boggling inventiveness of Sgt. Pepper’s, 

the majestic soundscapes of Dark Side of the Moon, or the restless energy of Exile on 

Main Street. Dig out your old CDs (if you still have them; or better yet, the vinyl), sit in 

the beanbag, plug in the earphones and enjoy. 

Yoga Living 

Michelle Lloyd has been teaching yoga for 

three years and talks about its therapeutic 

values and how this ancient, gentle exercise, 


WALK 

which incorporates meditation, is essentially 

about slowing down. On a personal level, 

she has seen its benefits on herself, from 

when she began practicing to teaching it. “It 

has had a huge impact on my relationships 

and I find myself able to interact with people 

better; I’m not so quick to react, but rather 

pause, breathe and respond,” she says citing 

one example, adding that watching it have a 

beneficial impact on her students brings her 

much joy. “I have seen it transform people 

in a very positive manner. They may come 

in to practice yoga because they want to 

lose weight but over time they find that the 

practice provides a much more profound and 

wholesome effect on their physical, spiritual 

and mental health. This is what keeps them 

coming back to their practice.” 

I ask whether the mushrooming of yoga 

Getting off the motorbike or out of the taxi and using some leg power has numerous 

advantages. Apart from the obvious health benefits, taking the time to walk the 

streets will give you a new perspective on the city. Driving in HCM City requires a lot 

of concentration, so it is naturally difficult to really take in your surroundings. All those 

hidden gems, the great café or quirky boutique, you miss while speeding by will make 

themselves known. Taking the time to stop and chat means you might also get to 

know your neighbours a little better. 

COOK 

The ‘slow’ movement originated around the idea of taking time to prepare and eat 

quality food. It sounds great in theory, but being time poor is the very problem we 

struggle to overcome. The answer is simple: the stockpot, crockpot or slow cooker 

as it is variously known, is widely available and can help you create delicious, slowcooked 

meals without the arduous preparation. Put the ingredients in the pot in the 

morning and when you come home from work dinner is ready to serve. Countless 

recipes are available online at sites such as slowandsimple.com. 

outlets in HCM City is indicative of a demand 

for more places where people can go to 

switch gears. She thinks so and adds that 

such spaces encourage one to “turn down 

the volume of your internal dialogue, chatter 

and tune into the breath.” She stresses 

that yoga allows people to connect with 

themselves for the time they practice it 

which in turns gives them a moment’s of 

silence, peace—“whether that moment is 

five minutes or the entire yoga session,” 

she adds. “Coming to a studio to practice 

provides the environment where people can 

learn how to slow down and enjoy peace 

of mind, methods which can be taken with 

them when they leave the yoga mat and go 

about their daily lives. Bringing awareness to 

your breath throughout the day, five minutes 

at your desk, for a taxi ride, whatever... That 

also is a huge part of the yoga practice.” 

Slow Food, Slow Pleasure 

The importance of eating well—and slowly— 

cannot be stressed enough. Again, it is a fact 

we are all too aware of but find difficult to 

implement. While Vietnam may not be beset 

by the scourge of fast food, or reliance on 

processed convenience food, and meals are 

fairly healthy (and for some of lucky ones, 

prepared by staff) slow food isn’t just about a 

meal that is leisurely prepared. The slow food 

movement began in 1989 by Falco Portinari 

as a reaction to fast food and the damages it 

would cause to the body and eating culture. 

He propagates the ideology that taste must 

be developed, not denigrated as is wont to 

happen on reliance to fast food. “We are 

enslaved by speed and have all succumbed 

to the same insidious virus: Fast Life, which 

disrupts our habits, pervades the privacy of 

our homes and forces us to eat fast foods,” 

he writes on his website. 

Granted that eating fresh healthy food, 

which is fairly in abundance here in its fruit 


READ 

Instead of turning on the idiot box, or trawling the Internet for hours on end, find a 

good book. Relaxing and enjoyable, reading is a sure-fire way to slow down. The 

accusation that HCM City has little to offer in the way of top-quality reading material 

is no excuse. Borrow from a friend whose returned from a trip home, invest in a Wi- 

Fi-powered Kindle or even nip down to the backpacker quarter for a cheap book. 

Otherwise, visit Amazon and have the latest titles delivered to your door within 

three weeks. 


and vegetables, is paramount but so is eating 

it in a leisurely manner, on the table (not 

in front of the TV), amongst friends and family. 

Slow eating (i.e. chewing longer) encourages 

better digestion. It also gives moment 

to pause and reflect, or enjoy instead of the 

frenzy that eating in a rushed manner while 

thinking of the task(s) ahead. 

Studies have also shown that eating slowly 

can lead to weight loss without you doing 

anything—in one study it stated that you 

could lose up to 20 pounds a year without 

altering your diet or exercise regimen by eating 

slowly as it takes 20 minutes for the brain 

to recognise that it’s full. 

The pleasures of slow dining are catching 

on with the resurgence of the slow cooker, 

and contrary to popular opinion in the 1970s, 

they do not strip food of flavour. A recent 

article in the Guardian talked about there being 

864 titles on Amazon’s site dedicated to 

recipes for slow cookers. 

Nice and Slow 

Joanne, 30-something, talks about how 

much of a difference daily dinner with the 

family, gadget free, on the table with proper 

china and silverware, has made on their relationship. 

“My husband and I actually know 

what is going on in our teenagers’ lives. 

It’s not just about their activities or everyone’s 

social lives and who needs the driver 

when; we really do talk over the table about 

holidays we want to take, news back home 

and even gossip about the neighbours,” she 

says with a laugh, adding that sometimes 

the obvious solution (i.e. family dinner) can 

evade you. 

William Shakespeare summed it up well 

when he wrote: “Wisely, and slow. They 

stumble that run fast.” As we usher in 2011, 

and make notes about resolutions we hope 

not to break, take a moment to reflect on 

how you can incorporate slow into your life— 

and how it will enhance your life. 

PLAY 

Skip the computer games, put that I-Phone away and enough with Plants verse 

Zombies. Instead gather a group of friends for a good old-fashioned board game tournament. 

Whether it be Scrabble, Cluedo or Monopoly, playing board games forces 

social interaction: great conversation and laughs are sure to be had. Add nibbles and 

drinks and it’s a great formula for a party. Head to Hideaway Café on Pham Ngoc 

Thach in District 3 to borrow from their great selection or buy your own for cheap at 

any one of the Fahasa outlets located in the city. 

LEARN 

Take some time out to learn a new skill. Embrace your surroundings and give 

speaking the local language a go. Lessons are offered at the University of Social 

Sciences and Humanities at 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang in District 1. Difficult, yes, but the 

feeling of accomplishment is well worth mastering the tricky pronunciation and pesky 

words beginning with “ng”. 

Exercise both body and mind with Tai Chi or Qi Gong. Both are ancient Chinese 

methods of harnessing energy and can elicit startling results: an increased sense of 

relaxation is just the beginning. Contact the HCM City Qi Gong Club at eckhartdutz@ 

mac.com for information about their free courses. Tai Chi sessions are held in most 

public parks across HCM City. 



AsiaLIFE recommends 

properties where slowing 

down is on the menu. 

Soneva Kiri, Thailand 

Thailand is blessed by stunning beaches, many of which regularly 

feature in the top ten categories of publications worldwide. But the 

remoteness of the locale of the Soneva Kiri by Six Senses is seemingly 

unrivalled. Guests are flown on the resort’s airplane from 

Bangkok to the property on the island of Koh Kood where unspoiled 

beaches and a sense of absolute nothingness await. Sure, one can 

take in the beauty of the surroundings by walking around the island 

but for the more restless, there’s plenty of water sports, including 

diving on hand. Anyone familiar with the Six Senses knows that 

their spas are rather heavenly so this is a great place to truly unwind 

and rejuvenate without any threat of being awoken by noise. 

sixsenses.com/soneva-kiri 

Mango Bay, Phu Quoc 

Nestled in the remote environs of Phu Quoc Island, Mango Bay 

prides itself on being an eco-conscious property committed to working 

with island locals to preserve the community. Built in 2004, the 

tropical property has stunning views of the bay, a restaurant that 

serves up great meals and the serenity that is required for a true 

'switch off' experience. Simple cottages, complete with four-poster 

beds and mosquito netting, outdoor showers and stone paths 

leading up to them aid in creating an ambience of old-fashioned 

resorts; with none of the false luxe trappings found in other 'fancier' 

places. Here, one can while away the hours in the lush gardens, get 

a massage on the beach, or for some form of activity, take a boat ride 

around the fishing village. 

mangobayresort.com 


Kamu Lodge, Laos 

This eco-tourist resort defines the term rather well. It is accessible 

by a three-hour boat journey from Luang Prabang—and that is the 

only way one can get there; no short cuts and once here, no running 

away to any bright lights, big city. But judging from the pictures that 

speak of lush green, scenic surroundings and only the sounds that 

nature have to offer, who would want to leave Built in 2009, the 

Lodge consists of 20 traditional canvas roof tents, which are quite 

plush inside—and travellers rave about the menu on offer. While the 

emphasis is on pure relaxation, there are activities like rice planting 

and even gold panning (January to June) along with interacting with 

the locals to keep you ‘busy’. 

kamulodge.com 

Terres Rouge Lodge, Cambodia 

The hotel probably received its greatest boost when Time magazine 

said it had “the best bar in the middle of nowhere.” But Terres 

Rouge has more than just its bar, Le Jovial Jarai. Located in the 

mountainous Ratanakiri, the hotel, which used to be a former provincial 

governor's lakeside home, is owned by a former French paratrooper 

who has taken advantage of the location’s remoteness and 

surroundings and created a space that promises relaxation, without 

the danger of one getting cabin fever. The hotel’s interiors deserve a 

special mention—stunning antique furnishings, open-style Balinese 

bathrooms—give the feeling that one has stepped back in time when 

life was sans any of the modern trappings that enslave today. One 

can hike, kayak or indulge in other sporting activities nearby but if 

it’s slices of serenity you’re after, you won’t find it elsewhere. (Photo 

by Nathan Horton.) 

ratanakiri-lodge.com 

Mekong Pandaw Cruise, Cambodia 

to Vietnam 

Nothing says slow like a riverboat journey down the Mekong River. 

And if you’re on the Pandaw ships which are built like colonial river 

steamers, then it’s also a feeling of being stuck in a time warp— 

except, of course, all the amenities are luxe. Large spacious rooms 

in teak and brass furnishings and scrumptious meals enhance the 

journey, which can literally be spent just watching the environs go 

by, metamorphosing along the route. The four day, three night cruise 

from Saigon to Phnom Penh includes brief stop overs for touristy 

things—visiting a floating market, a tour of Margerite Duras’ lover’s 

home to name two examples—but for those seeking to remain as 

close to nature as possible, with the sounds of the water to soothe 

the nerves, nothing will stop you from staying aboard and daydreaming 

your time away. (Photos by John Mc Dermott.) 

pandaw.com 

Dalat Palace, Dalat 

Stating the obvious always has a lame sound to it but in certain 

instances, one needs to do it in case the obvious has been relegated 

to the back of the mind in the frenzy of all that is upcoming and 

new. But a classic is a classic and the Dalat Palace (formerly Sofitel 

Dalat) is one example of an obvious property one can escape to. For 

starters, it is old world charm personified; its ambience too seems 

steeped in history. Then there’s Dalat itself, green and serene, it is 

an ideal destination to escape the heat of HCM City—the thrill of 

fireplaces in the rooms are enough to get you planning your next 

trip. With little to do but go for walks to take in the scenery of the 

mountains or Xuan Huong Lake, this is an idyllic locale in which 

to gather thoughts and introspect—or stuff yourself silly and sleep 

till noon. 

dalatpalace.vn 


EAT, PROCRASTINATE, LOVE 

AsiaLIFE rounds up the finer restaurants where no one is in a hurry 

to throw you out. Photos by Ho Quang and Fred Wissink. 

BoatHouse 

40 Lily Road, APSC Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2 

Tel: 3744 6790 

Located on the Saigon River, the BoatHouse drinks in 

prime waterfront views. Umbrella-shaded tables are 

spread across the large outdoor deck and a small indoor 

dining room fronts the popular venue. Live music is 

often hosted here and a boat service runs across the 

river for those interested, too. Remarkably fresh and 

inspired dishes made with choice local and imported 

ingredients are served up, as well. Favourites include 

the sirloin burger and pan-fried fish and chips and 

matched with a glass of vino from the vast collection 

are best-enjoyed late afternoon as the sun sets. 

The Deck 

38 Nguyen U Di, D2 

Tel: 3744 6632 

Another riverfront restaurant, The Deck boasts a sleek 

minimalist dining space and bar. With the comfortable, 

cushioned rattan sofas and chairs that occupy the 

wide timber verandah and an unadulterated view of 

the foliage-covered island across the way, The Deck 

feels far removed from HCM City’s frantic pace. 

What's more the retractable roof combats rainy-season 

downpours. Sitting inside doesn’t restrict the view at 

all, thanks to total glass frontage. The menu is Pan- 

Asian with a focus on seafood and the cocktails are 

generous and delicious. 


La Camargue 

191 Hai Ba Trung, D3 

Tel: 3520 4888 

With a history spanning 15 years, La Camargue is 

one of Saigon’s preeminent fine dining restaurants. 

Serving classic Continental cuisine in a luxuriously 

refurbished French colonial villa tucked away down an 

alley off busy Hai Ba Trung, it is a must-visit. The villa 

is divided into several areas: a cozy interior on garden 

level, the spacious lounge bar and an airy terrace and 

balcony on the first floor. This gives diners the option 

to move about and enjoy the restaurant’s uniquely 

quaint atmosphere. And with its extensive wine list it's 

easy to while away an evening at La Camargue. 

New York Steakhouse and Winery 

25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 

Tel: 3823 7373 

The interior of this restaurant is an Art-Deco 

masterpiece and reason enough to linger over your 

meal. Sliding into one of the padded booths is to step 

back into early 20th century New York. The quality of 

the steaks is second to none and the extensive wine list 

invites you to linger a little longer and enjoy another 

glass. The downstairs wine bar means you can pop 

in just for a drink or adjourn there after your dinner. 

There is also a small cigar room with a selection of 

Cuban cigars. 

Pacharan Tapas and Bodega 


Tel: 3825 6024 

Straddling Hai Ba Trung and Lam Son Square, 

Pacharan is a beautifully designed four-floor tapas 

restaurant and bar. Serving superb, authentic Spanish 

fare, wine exclusively from Spain and Sangria by the 

jug, the vibe is completely Mediterranean. Polished 

copper and dark wood completes the ambience. 

The ground floor is a deli serving Spanish snacks, 

pastries and coffee; the middle two levels house the 

restaurant. Up top, the penthouse bar affords a great 

view of downtown and the lounge-style atmosphere is 

conducive to a relaxing drink among friends. 


Sandals 


Tel: 3827 5198 

Sandals brings the essence of the gorgeous Sailing Club 

in Mui Ne and Nha Trang to downtown HCM City. 

The three-flour space has subtle blonde wood accents 

and cozy seating throughout and is lit in places with 

flickering tea candles. The upstairs dining area slash 

rooftop terrace bar looks out over the street below and 

epitomises casual elegance and the menu—mostly 

seafood—is inspired and surprising value for money. 

Cocktails here are a must-try, especially the passionfruit 

margaritas. They alone promise a long night at Sandals. 

Skewers 

9A Thai Van Lung, D1 

Tel: 3822 4798 

A class act in every respect, Skewers’ rustic 

Mediterranean feel provides a welcome respite from the 

hustle and bustle of HCM City. Likewise, the traditional 

Mediterranean food is simple and hearty. The wine 

list is truly epic with dozens of wines from around the 

world. One of the best reasons to spend a few hours 

here is the magnificent cigar room on the second floor. 

The expansive space is filled with leather sofas and 

armchairs, a wide choice of cigars, and what would 

have to be one of the most impressive selections of 

whiskeys in the city. 

Warda 

71/7 Mac Thi Duoi, D1 

Tel: 3823 3822 

63 Xuan Thuy, D2 

Tel: 3519 4416 

This restaurant, located at the end of an alley in District 

1 (and now with another location in An Phu), is like 

a black hole for time. Step inside the dimly-lit rooms 

decorated with a Middle Eastern flourish and a whole 

evening can slide by in a haze of apple-scented smoke 

from the hookah pipe. The upstairs dining room has 

comfortable and sturdy seating including some tables 

with lounges and cushions on which you can recline 

after having your fill of the Moroccan-inspired food. 

Downstairs is a bar and pleasant courtyard area out 

front of the restaurant. Warda is lively, relaxed and 

enticing all in one. 


SOFT- 

BALL 

BY 

SUN- 

DAYS 

The Saigon International Softball 

League played their first overseas 

tournament in Bangkok recently 

and exceeded all expectations 

considering their relatively short history. 

By Beth Young. Photos by Fred Wissink. 

Every Sunday a group of 

expatriates gather at the Taipei 

School in Phu My Hung to 

play softball. What began 

about five years ago as a casual 

pick-up squad at RMIT has 

now evolved into a fullyfledged 

league, its six teams 

comprised of players hailing 

from across the globe. 

Together the Asian Tigers, 

Lipton Spirits and Reds— 

teams with mostly Western 

members—plus the Saigon All 

Stars, who represent Japan, 

and two Taiwanese sides—the 

Tornadoes and another from 

Binh Duong—are looking to 

grow the sport’s following in 

Vietnam. 

And while their official history 

as a legitimate outfit spans 

only two years, the Saigon 

International Softball League 

impressed the region recently 

at a tournament in Bangkok. 

There, they displayed not only 

their prowess on the field, but 

a positive attitude and a level 

of sportsmanship that spectators, 

umpires and competitors 

alike commended. 

An established competition 

since the early '90s, the 

Bangkok International Softball 

Tournament lures teams from 

Asia and the Middle East, plus 

seasoned players from as far 

afield as the United States. The 

winners of 2010’s three-day 

event, the Fatboys, even had 

professional softballer Jeff Hall 


“Their games are about 

getting together on 

Sundays, a bat in one hand 

and a beer in another.” 

on their side—an athlete with 

a line of bats named after him. 

Still, the Sundays—as 

they named themselves to 

pay homage to their weekly 

matches—made it right up until 

the end. Coincidentally, the 

last day, and the tournament’s 

decider, was a Sunday. As 

Rob Flynn, the Lipton Spirits’ 

captain says with a laugh, “we 

would’ve had to change our 

name to the Saigon Saturdays 

if we didn’t make it through”. 

Luckily, they did; quite an 

achievement considering 16 

teams were vying to fill the six 

available slots. 

Not expecting to get so far, 

most players only packed two 

uniforms, Tiger Jeff Thrash 

included. After winning three 

games on the second day 

and with a pass to the third, 

he says sniff tests had to be 

employed all round. “It was 

a matter of, which one smells 

better” he says. 

Now that the league knows 

they have what it takes to 

compete on an international 

stage, they’re looking forward 

to participating in other tournaments. 

Next on the agenda 

is a tour to Jakarta in May. 

The real dream, though, 

according to both Flynn and 

Asian Tigers’ captain Matt 

King, is to play host. A lack 

of facilities, however, and 

difficulties in obtaining visas 

for visitors, means that for 

the moment, at least, that goal 

will remain just out of reach. A 

somewhat more attainable ambition, 

they say, is to encourage 

Vietnamese to embrace the 

game. Already, they’ve trained 

one team of RMIT students 

named the Royals. Currently, 

they’re working towards representing 

the nation by playing 

baseball and even have 

Olympic ambitions, but King 

says when they first started 

playing “they were terrible”. 

By the end of their first season, 

though, they had beaten every 

single team on the squad at 

least once. 

The Royals are a shining 

example of softball’s reach and 

the relative ease in which newcomers 

can grasp the game. 

King warns that while it’s easier 

to pick up than hard-hitting 

baseball, for example, practice 

is needed to master crucial 

techniques. “You can’t expect 

to walk in and be a star.” 

Certainly, there is a degree 

of competitiveness in the 

league, but more than anything 

their games are about 

getting together on Sundays, 

a bat in one hand and a beer 

in another. Thrash sums up 

the sport’s appeal best: “It’s 

something to look forward to 

at the end of the week. It’s a 

release.” 

For further details or information 

on how to join the league, 

visit saigonsoftball.info. 


Jodie Eastwood uses a form of 

healing that taps into the universe’s 

energy. Muna Khan gives it a go. 

Photos by Huynh Ho Quang. 


I am somewhat apprehensive 

about the theta session I am due 

to have, despite healer Jodie 

Eastwood’s calm and friendly 

persona. She’s putting me at ease 

as we prepare for the session but 

having read up on theta healing 

and its claims of instant cures, 

there’s the skeptical part of me 

that’s saying run. 

Theta healing combines 

quantum physics and metaphysics 

with prayer to the universe’s 

energy. It is a process of changing 

one’s subconscious belief 

system by altering the state 

of consciousness. The healing 

occurs in the theta brainwave 

(this is where the brain’s activity 

slows from active beta waves to 

theta levels) and the healer enters 

the subconscious mind to “fix” 

or shift the problems they believe 

are buried deep. 

Theta healing supports four 

levels of belief explains Eastwood. 

First, core beliefs that we 

learn from our parents. Second, 

genetic beliefs that are teachings 

carried over generations. Third, 

history beliefs that shed light on 

our past lives and finally, beliefs 

held on this level are accumulated 

from experiences and information 

an individual has been 

exposed to on a deeper level and 

carries forward fromone incarnation 

to another. The healer talks 

to the client, accesses her brain 

waves to command a healing, 

and identifies which belief 

system has a problem, a bug, 

which they then rectify during 

the healing. 

I imagine what readers may 

be thinking right about now: this 

is hogwash. There are plenty of 

naysayers out there, certainly 

on the Internet, who dissmiss 

theta healing as fake, its pioneer 

Vianna Stibal as a fraud and its 

followers as kooky. But there are 

just as many testimonials from 

people who have benefitted 

immensely from theta healing— 

Stibal who claims to have cured 

herself of cancer using theta 

healing, which she now teaches 

to others. 

But at this point, it is yours 

truly who is seated in front of 

Eastwood, with an open mind 

and hope that perhaps theta healing 

will help me to quit smoking. 

I tell Eastwood how, despite my 

desires to be healthy, I am unable 

to rid myself of my addiction. I 

am thus surprised (even if it is 

obvious later on) that my addiction 

ties into my self-esteem. We 

go further into the recess of my 

memory to identify where these 

negative feelings stem from. 

What takes me aback is how a 

clear-cut memory emerges—almost 

as if from nowhere—which 

is where these feelings of selfdoubt 

emanate from. Eastwood 

removes these negative thoughts 

to replace them with positive 

ones. We talk more, she asking 

questions after she is in the theta 

wave; some make perfect sense 

(I am spooked how her diagnosis 

of a minor health issue that’s 

been nagging me is echoed by 

my acupuncturist only three 

days later) while others don’t. 

Eastwood’s aura is that of a 

healer: she is warm, caring (she 

paused several times during the 

session to check on how I was 

doing) and doesn’t have a hint 

of arrogance or “know-it-all” 

attitude you’d find with, say, a 

televangelist. She has a realistic 

approach towards theta healing, 

and even healing in general saying 

“I believe everyone has the 

ability to heal.” 

Eastwood has always been 

interested in the spiritual aspect 

of life and been a searcher but 

“things never fell into place until 

four years ago,” she says. During 

"I believe everyone has 

the ability to heal." 

her studies on meditation, she 

came across theta healing and 

decided to pursue the practice 

because it was what spoke to her 

the most. “It is a mix of psychic 

awareness, core healing, the 

universe’s energy and ultimately 

counselling. People walk away 

knowing the core of the issue.” 

Since she began practicing 

full time earlier this year, (after a 

year-and-a-half of learning and 

practice) Eastwood has treated 

people for various physical 

ailments like low energy, severe 

depression and back problems. 

K, who was treated for low 

energy and varicose veins says 

of her healing “[Eastwood] gave 

me much more than [treatment 

to physical ailment], by teaching 

me how our thoughts create 

everything in our lives, including 

health and happiness. Now I feel 

like I have the freedom to create 

the life I want and achieve all of 

my dreams.” 

Another client said of her 

session “I notice that I no longer 

have any forced reactions to 

whatever my partner or anyone 

else says or does. That is bliss!” 

M says “I feel light and I can 

feel my heart again! I'm feeling 

like a child learning again. Old 

friends I met [told me] ‘you 

look so good! You look young! 

Amazing!” 

As we begin to wrap up our 

session, I definitely feel invigorated 

and am filled with a sense 

of urgency to quit smoking. 

Eastwood reminds me that it is 

an uphill battle—and she’s not 

referring to my addiction but 

my belief system “Letting go is 

hard but if you have an open 

mind and heart, it is possible to 

shift our belief system into one 

that works for you”. Since then, 

I have significantly reduced my 

tobacco intake and feel more confident 

about quitting by the new 

year. I also find myself questioning 

my intentions in general a lot 

more. I suppose my mind is open 

to all sorts of possibilities. 

Eastwood charges $60 for a 45 

to 60-minute session and can be 

reached by email at jodieastwood@ 

gmail.com. 


A campaign to raise funds for a home for the elderly saw men ditching their razors 

and growing out their facial hair. By Brett Davis. Photo by Huynh Ho Quang. 

Growing facial hair to raise 

money for a worthy cause 

is not your usual charitable 

activity. However, some brave 

souls at RMIT University last 

month took the plunge to bring 

the ‘Movember’ campaign to 

Vietnam. 

The idea was originally 

hatched several years ago in 

Australia to raise awareness 

and support for men’s health, 

and now reaches almost every 

corner of the globe. Participants 

raise money through donations 

and sponsorship for growing 

a moustache (or ‘mo’) for the 

month of November. 

Some 20 men, all staff 

members at RMIT University, 

signed on to sport some lip hair. 

Towards the end of the month, 

ballot boxes with photos of guys 

were placed around the campus 

to collect donations and votes 

for the ‘Best Mo’. 

Ian Handsley, an RMIT Learning 

Skills Advisor and one of the 

organisers of the local campaign, 

said around 20 million 

VND had been raised. 

He said some of the RMIT 

students were initially a bit 

perplexed at the idea of growing 

a moustache for charity. “Once 

they got it the students were 

really cool. A lot of students 

voted and donated, which was 

awesome,” he said. 

Because there was no official 

Movember chapter in Vietnam, 

the group decided to support 

other charitable endeavours 

rather than the usual men’s 

health groups. 

“We thought there were more 

pressing needs [in Vietnam], 

so we looked for something 

smaller and more local,” Handsley 

said. 

With assistance from the 

University’s community 

engagement office, they chose 

to support the Lam Quang 

Pagoda rest home in District 8. 

A handful of Buddhist nuns at 

the pagoda care for almost 100 

elderly women who have no 

relatives. 

RMIT Senior Lecturer Nhan 

Nguyen said he was told the 

rest home sometimes had to get 

by on a food budget of as little 

as 5,000 VND per person each 

day. 

“That was really the inspiration 

for me to do something,” 

he said. 

Nguyen said many charities 

supported children or the handicapped, 

but the elderly were 

sometimes overlooked because 

they were traditionally taken 

care of by family members. 

The money raised by the Movember 

effort will go towards 

buying essentials for the rest 

home such as food, beds and 

mosquito nets. 

There are also plans for some 

small comforts for the residents. 

Many of the women are bedridden 

and there is little to do in 

the way of entertainment. 

“One day I was visiting the 

home,” Nguyen explains,” and 

this old lady said to me ‘Uncle, 

please give us TV’.” 

If you would like to assist the 

Lam Quang Pagoda rest home 

contact Nhan Nguyn at nhan. 

nguyen@rmit.edu.vn. 



FREE NY 

The HCMC Circus Theatre is going animal free 

and Ny the elephant is making her escape first. 

By Beth Young. Photo by Fred Wissink. 

For most of her life, Ny the 

elephant has performed at 

the HCMC Circus Theatre on 

Pham Ngu Lao. Between shows 

she is locked up in a concrete 

enclosure, held captive by a 

heavy chain with very little 

give. It’s been like this ever 

since Sony presented her as a 

gift to the Vietnamese Government 

17 years ago. Another 

elephant was also part of the 

package, and together So and 

Ny became circus acts, their 

names a perpetual reminder of 

the company’s gesture. 

Sadly, So coped poorly with 

the conditions and was taken 

away to an unknown location. 

Ny, now 20, remains, but 

hopefully for not much longer. 

Thanks to animal welfare 

organisation Wild Life at Risk 

(WAR) and a group of concerned 

expatriates, she may 

soon be returning to a more 

natural habitat. If all goes to 

plan, the elephant sanctuary 

currently under construction 

at Cat Tien National Park will 

become her new home once 

she’s officially retired. 

Lori Burke, the creator, coproducer 

and director of new 

circus act "Xin Chao", says it’s 

about time. Just a few weeks 

ago, Ny tried to break down the 

steel gate that surrounds her 

enclosure, and very nearly succeeded. 

After the many stunts 

she’s been forced to perform 

over the years—balancing onefooted 

on a spinning table and 

kicking soccer balls through 

hoops—it’s easy to understand 

her desperation to get out. “Can 

you imagine how cruel [the 

trainers] must’ve been to her, to 

make her do things like that” 

Burke says. 

Still, Ny’s departure signals 

a new beginning for her, and 

also, for the other “performers” 

who live and work at the circus. 

With the decision made to 

become animal-free, the caged 

monkeys and dogs kept behind 

the big top will be rescued and 

rehabilitated in time, too. “I 

think it’s going to be a happy 

story,” Burke says, and it’s one 

that she hopes will encourage 

further steps forward for animal 

welfare in Vietnam. 

To contribute to the cost of Ny’s 

rehabilitation please email WAR at 

info@wildlifeatrisk.com. 


The City That 

Never Sleeps 

Whether you call it Mumbai or Bombay, the spirit 

of the city rises above and beyond its name, writes 

Ramya Sarma. Photos by David Berkowitz. 

The average denizen of the 

big bad city that is Mumbai 

will usually be found walking 

briskly along on any working 

day, busy trying to get from 

here to there without losing too 

much time. He or she will be 

headed purposefully to a destination 

without really bothering 

too much about obstacles in the 

way, crossing streets without 

watching the lights but nimbly 

dodging traffic, hopping over 

dividers and fences, swerving 

around other pedestrians and 

occasionally muttering what 

could be a curse, a prayer or 

even just that age-old question 

that will never find a satisfying 

answer: Is it Mumbai or do we 

still say Bombay 

For the native of the city, 

Mumbai comes naturally, 

since the founding deity of the 

settlement is Mumba Devi, after 

whom it was named. Her temple 

is still seen in the middle of 

a very densely populated area 

where streets are small, narrow, 

winding and full of adventure, 

called Kalbadevi. A visit to her 

shrine is a must for travellers 

and those coming back to the 

city alike—in fact, whenever 

I return to Mumbai after an 

extended stay elsewhere, I go 

see the goddess and pay my 

respects, as if to assure myself 

that I am indeed home. 

The Portuguese named 

the city Bom Bahia, or good 

harbour, after an exclamation 

by a soldier who sailed to its 

shore in 1508. When the British 

took over, getting the land as 

a dowry from the Portuguese 

princess Catherine de Braganza 

when she married Charles II in 

1661, they had a little difficulty 

being authentic in their pronunciation 

and called it Bombay 

instead. That name stuck for 

many years, going back to the 

more vernacular version only in 

1995, when the local government 

decided that it was time to 

truly throw off all vestige of the 

Raj. Though nothing could be 

done with the British legacy of 

the spectacular Indo-Saracenic 

architectural styles of so many 

significant buildings, from the 

main railway station, Chhatrapati 

Shivaji Maharaj Terminus, 

or Victoria Terminus, to the 

Prince of Wales museum (now 


given an Indian name—Chhatrapati 

Shivaji Maharaj Sangrahalaya) 

and the General Post 

Office (still called the GPO), 

the letterheads of all functionary 

offices could be changed. 

And they were, using ‘Mumbai’ 

and making a lot of people 

for whom Bombay came more 

naturally, from individuals to 

companies like Bombay Dyeing, 

for instance, very unhappy. 

But the spirit of the city—call 

it Mumbai, officially, or Bombay 

—rises above and beyond its 

name. A visitor flying in at 

night will be able to look down 

to see a galaxy of lights of all 

colours, in a way symbolizing 

the many cultures and communities 

that have made the metropolis 

home. The airport is at 

the edge of Asia’s largest slum 

development—a paradox in 

itself—a maze of tiny alleyways 

winding through shanties piled 

willy-nilly around, above and 

alongside one another, where 

some of the most expensive 

products in the world are made 

for export to the west, from 

carpets to jewels to exquisitely 

worked garments to leather 

goods. 

Mumbai was originally a 

string of seven islands that 

have gradually been joined by 

causeways and reclamation 

of land from the sea to make 

one long, narrow collation 

of concrete structures. Often 

dubbed “city of gold,” the 

region is a destination for 

millions of migrant workers, 

from construction labourers 

to would-be-actors, who 

come to Mumbai to find their 

own Eldorado. Many have no 

homes, spending their lives on 

the streets, in dark warehouses 

or in slum colonies, which make 

a startling contrast to the towering 

luxury apartment blocks 

that tower overhead. The city is 

indeed a golden one, but only 

for a lucky few who have struck 

it rich and found super-success. 

It is also called the “city that 

never sleeps,” since the roads 

are rarely empty, business never 

stops and life is an endless 

circle. 

The city is a study in contradictions. 

South Mumbai, called 

SoBo by the young elite, has 

a high snob value. It is where 

the original wealthy folks built 

homes—many of these charming 

mansions and bungalows 

are now multi-storey apartment 

blocks where a single 

square foot of space is not just 

exorbitantly expensive, but 

rarely—if ever—available for 

sale. The city stretches long and 

narrow towards the western 

suburbs, known mainly for the 

film industry and its stars, or 

towards the foothills of the Deccan 

plateau, where a satellite 

city called Navi Mumbai (New 

Bombay) has taken root across 

the creek on to the mainland. 

Beaches edge much of the 

coastline, with treacherous 

quicksand and sharks making 

some of them dangerous, while 

others are dotted with tourists, 


sun-worshippers, vendors and, 

of course, multi-star hotels. 

Perhaps the most significant of 

these is the Taj Mahal Palace 

and Tower, in an area known as 

Colaba. Situated right across the 

road from the famous Gateway 

of India, built to commemorate 

a British royal’s arrival in the 

country, the hotel was created 

by an industrialist-entrepreneur 

who vowed to make it better 

than anything any foreigner 

had ever conceived. Today, 

the Taj, as it is fondly known, 

is a landmark the world over, 

and often the location for that 

special celebrity visit, special 

wedding, that special anniversary, 

any special celebration. 

The Mumbai resident has a soft 

spot for its beauty, its elegance 

and its cachet, and many of us 

felt personally violated when 

terrorists attacked in November 

2008, defiling its corridors with 

bullets and blood. The Oberoi 

and Trident, too, were similarly 

assaulted at the time, even as 

so many of us watched, horrified, 

in person, on television, in 

print. But recovery was quick, 

though not easy, and Mumbai 

showed off its spirit once again. 

We are now back to normal, 

though rather more wary than 

before, and raring to go, to 

show off to the world what 

the city that never sleeps is all 

about. 

For many, Mumbai is synonymous 

with Bollywood, the 

world where dreams can, and 

often do, come true. The Hindi 

film industry, with its epicentre 

in the western suburbs of the 

city, is home to famous faces 

like Shahrukh Khan, Aishwarya 

Rai, Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir 

Khan and others. Film City, 

located in the jungle-clad hills, 

is where stories are created and 

captured for gawking audiences 

all over the world. The television 

world has its own share of 

star power, and has its focus not 

too far away, in Andheri, Malad 

and Goregaon, beaming a new 

culture into homes everywhere. 

Mumbai is as famous for its 

street food as it is for its stars— 

in business, in films, on television 

or in style. What Anthony 

Bourdain called the “Bombay 

burger” is the ubiquitous vadapau, 

a heavy, rounded, spicy 

potato cake stuffed into soft 

bread and munched in alternation 

with a tear-inducingly 

hot fried green chilli. Almost 

every street will have its share 

of stalls serving up steaming 

plates of fragrant and astonishingly 

germ-free food, from the 

soya-and-chilli sauce drenched 

Chinese noodles to the soft 

white rice cakes, or idlis, eaten 

with sharp coconut chutney, to 

the crunchy-tangy texturallyrich 

bhelpuri. There will be 


zunkha-bhakar, rice pancakes 

eaten with a hot, polenta-like 

gramflour paste, and puribhaji, 

fried wheat pancakes with 

spicy potatoes, and, of course, 

sugarcane juice, sweet, cold, 

refreshing and a real treat on a 

hot day. Cutting chai, half-full 

glasses of thick, sweet, spiced 

tea will seal the stomach and 

help the digestion. And kulfi, 

a creamy frozen treat related 

closely to ice-cream, will demand 

a return trip. And if you 

happen to live and work in the 

city, you will very likely use the 

dabbawalla service, endorsed by 

corporate biggies and lauded 

by Prince Charles, and now 

considered a model of high-efficiency 

networking and business 

management. This is run by an 

ever-increasing group of men 

who bustle from home to office 

to home again, delivering lunch 

boxes with foolproof speed and 

organization. 

Perhaps a symbol of Mumbai 

is the commuter train system, 

which the dabbawallas use to 

best effect. The electric-powered 

carriages wind their way like 

heavy metal worms through 

the heart of the city, taking 

hordes of professionals from 

home to work and back every 

day. A ride on one of these 

is fascinating, fast, efficient, 

exciting, the easiest way to get 

from A to B without taking too 

long over it and avoiding the 

traffic that makes Mumbai such 

a nightmare to travel in. There 

is always something to see out 

the windows—and doors—of 

the train; and there is so much 

happening inside too, from 

card games to prayer sessions 

to kitty parties to an occasional 

baby birth, a fight, even a death 

or two as the unwary dash 

across the tracks. 

And the train is where much 

of Mumbai’s go-getting character 

can be seen—there will be 

a fisherwoman from the Koli 

community sitting by the door, 

her ears glinting with heavy 

gold and her bejeweled fingers 

holding up a brand new, hi-tech 

mobile phone to her ear. There 

will be an aspiring television 

actor learning her lines, patting 

her carefully arranged hair into 

place, her clothes and makeup 

all set to go. There will be an executive 

barking orders over the 

phone while his fingers scuttle 

over the keyboard of his laptop. 

And there will always be a 

couple staring longingly into 

each other’s eyes as they are 

pressed together in the crush of 

the second-class compartment. 

This is the city that never 

sleeps, the city of gold, the city 

where dreams can come true. 

This is Mumbai. As the song 

goes, “Yeh hai Mumbai, meri jaan!” 

(this is Mumbai, my dear!) 


The Book Of Proverbs 

I have always held that the 

culinary art can reveal a culture 

just as surely as any other art or 

social activity. It's just as good a 

window into a people's soul as 

its literature, poetry, film, painting 

or sculpture. And you don't 

have to speak the language. A 

willing palate and an adventurous 

appetite are all you need to 

delve into a foreign society, and 

even come to feel at home. 

When I came here in 1991, 

the simple getting here was difficult 

for anyone, but especially 

for Americans. There was very 

little transport into or out of the 

country, the roads were bad, the 

restrictions on travel, once you 

got here, onerous. 

And as a U.S. citizen I had 

no diplomatic representation 

here. I had to send my passport 

to the Vietnamese embassy 

in Mexico City to get a visa. 

When I finally arrived, most of 

the few tourists I encountered 

were Scandinavian backpackers 

wearing blond dreadlocks 

and baggy Nepali PJ trousers. I 

met only one fellow American: 

a drugged-out war vet looking 

for his lost love. 

And the American war was 

still visible. The landscape was 

still scarred with bomb craters 

and wreckage. Buildings were 

still pockmarked with bullet 

holes. The common tool box 

carried by workmen and artisans 

was a discarded American 

ammunition box. Amerasian 

children still haunted the 

streets, along with old soldiers 

missing limbs or eyes. Everything 

needed fixing up. It 

seemed as though the war had 

ended only recently. All was 

gray and colourless. Except the 

food. 

Everywhere I went, food 

burst forth, vibrant with colour 

and verve. Nothing was put on 

a plate without meticulous care. 

Presentation was as important 

as taste and aroma. A man told 

me that when you eat, “you 

must first eat with your eyes.” 

Even if you have very little, and 

only the humblest of fare, you 

must observe the civilising and 

uplifting power of cuisine. Yes, 

everyone was poor, and opportunities 

for advancement few. 

It was hard times. But no one 

would allow that to interfere 

with the art, the pleasure, the 

community, even the sanctity 

of cuisine. The art of cuisine 

affirmed life, maintained hope 

even in the darkest days. It 

spoke of a people who never 

yield to adversity. 

And yet I found that the role 

of cuisine in this culture goes 

beyond even that. In the first 

days of my arrival I told no one 

that I was American. I wanted 

no one to equate me with the 

still visible signs of the bitter 

war. I didn't want to have to 

explain the unexplainable. But 

within a week, it came out that 

I was from the USA. And the 

news spread. It seemed the 

whole city knew who I was. 

I was astonished at how well 

I was treated. Many people 

even told me they were glad to 

see me, that they hoped other 

Americans would come to visit. 

I was deeply grateful for their 

kindness, though I wondered at 

their sincerity. One is required 

here to keep up appearances. 

But one day I found myself 

in a little restaurant eating 

delicious, chewy sausage balls 

wrapped in tangy la-lot (betel) 

leaves and grilled to crispness. 

The place was bright and airy 

and beautiful silk paintings 

decorated three of the walls 

and a buffet lined the fourth. 

It was groaning with the most 

beautiful dishes. It was a a 

display of life and love of life 

and all good things. A Vietnamese 

man purchased his lunch 

and, though other tables were 

empty, he sat down with me, 

certainly knowing who I was. 

In the first days of my arrival I told no 

one that I was American. I wanted no 

one to equate me with the still visible 

signs of the bitter war. I didn't want to 

have to explain the unexplainable. 

He smiled a greeting but said 

nothing. We ate in silent company, 

smiling politely now and 

then. It was clear to me that the 

man wanted nothing more than 

to eat with me, though I could 

not fathom why. 

Finishing his meal, he pointed 

to one of the silk paintings, a 

still life of a table set with food 

and what I took to be a grace 

written beneath. He smiled 

again and spoke, apparently 

trying to explain the painting to 

me. I nodded and smiled, but 

he was insistent and got up and 

pointed to the words under the 

picture. He gesticulated and 

gestured and explained. I finally 

took out my notebook and 

copied it down, and he seemed 

satisfied. He even patted the 

notebook as I put it back in my 

shirt pocket. 

He went his way. I put the inscription 

in a pouch along with 

some recipes and other things 

to be translated when I got 

back home, and forgot about 

it. Back in California, I showed 

those notes to a Vietnamese 

neighbour. When he looked 

at that last scribbled bit, he 

smiled. “An old, old proverb,” 

he said. “In food, as in death, 

we feel the essential oneness of 

humanity.”

Au Manor De Khai 

Fine French dining served in plush 

colonial surroundings. By M. Khan. 

Photos by Fred Wissink. 

Khai is arguably Vietnam’s 

biggest lifestyle brand, selling 

quality goods in clothing, 

accessories, homeware and 

dining with three restaurants— 

Nam Kha, Cham Charm and 

Au Manor De Khai which 

re-opened in October last year. 

The brand Khai has come to be 

equated with all that is good 

in aesthetics and Au Manor 

De Khai is no exception—the 

restaurant is beautiful. And 

judging by the response of 

visitors at its re-opening, its 

renovation deserves a few 

accolades. 

Khai defines Au Manor as 

a “design restaurant”, a place 

where high-level entrepreneurs 

and professionals can come 

together and relax in fine 

ambient settings. Khai adapted 

aspects of the design restaurant 

by adding his own flair to create 

Au Manor—those familiar with 

Khai’s designs will see that 

level of detail in the seemingly 

small things. Much of the food 

is imported: the foie gras from 

France, the lobster from Maine 

(where it is kept in cold water 

reefs) and the truffle fungus 

from Périgord. Khai’s attention 

to detail can also be found in the 

menu, which he creates and is 

well executed by his chef. 

The premises is a colonial 

villa that’s been restored 

with plush black and white 

interiors—from the tiles to 

the dining table settings to 

the very impressive bar, it’s 

elegance personified. The 

dining room upstairs seats 

very few and this is what is 

lovely about the indoor space 

for it allows an intimate dining 

experience. There’s no fear of 

tight spaces between diners or 

eavesdropping here. 

What is truly impressive, 

however, is the outdoor space: 

the tables outside (along with 

two lounges) make for a great 

al fresco dining option or work 

just as well for aperitifs or post 

meal drinks. Fred and I were 

lucky to dine outside in lovely 

cool climes and after a drink or 

two, the noise from the traffic 

outside drowned out. 

Onto the most important 

ingredient of an eatery: the 

food. Here too Au Manor De 

Khai did not disappoint. The 

complimentary tuna starter 

was delicious as the pan 

fried goose liver served with 

roasted apple and raspberry 

vinegar sauce (370,000 VND). 

A complimentary strawberry 

sorbet with vodka served on a 

large block of ice came next as 

a break between courses and to 

help cleanse the palate. We had 

a scrumptious grilled Wagyu 

beef tenderloin served with 

mix mushroom sauce (1,500,000 

VND). And dessert was a moist 

chocolate cheesecake with 

raspberry sauce (160,000 VND). 

It was a very good meal and 

worth a second visit, soon too. 

251 Dien Bien Phu, District 3. Tel: 

3930 3394 

6 pm to 10 pm 


The Snap Café 

A kid-friendly cafe that caters to adults, too. 

By M. Khan. Photos by Fred Wissink. 

It’s got to be tough to be 

known as “that kids café”— 

despite an extensive evening 

menu and a plethora of events 

that do not cater to children. 

But shaking off that image as 

a kid-friendly place is perhaps 

The Snap Cafe’s greatest challenge 

at this point. 

The café was started by Dan 

Salter in late 2009 as he was 

looking for a family-friendly 

eatery and none was really 

around—at least not as he 

envisioned it. The former engineer 

cum entrepreneur with 

investments in real estate went 

about building the café himself 

from scratch. Today the rustic 

café (which reminded me of 

being in Africa with his high 

thatched bamboo ceilings, 

alfresco dining and long 

picnic tables plus sofa lounges) 

exudes warmth—and a place 

where kids and adults can feel 

at home. 

The menu too has seen an 

evolution. Salter, who loves to 

cook, initially wanted a basic 

European style menu, home 

cooking, but soon realised that 

as the clientele expanded and 

reflected the various nationalities, 

the menu had to, too. 

Today he serves up an eclectic 

mix of the staples: the popular 

burger (140,000 VND), sausages 

and mash (in vegetarian too, 

both at 140,000 VND), various 

pastas (120,000 VND) and, the 

green curry chicken (130,000 

VND) and Pad Thai curry 

(130,000 VND) to name a few of 

their mains. 

The weekend brunch is a festive 

time and the menu consists 

of the usual suspects: a big 

breakfast can be had (The Full 

Monty at 120,000 VND) or you 

can make your own; blueberry 

pancakes go for 70,000 VND. 

Other food items include sandwiches 

(the roast beef deserves 

a special mention at 80,000 

VND), soups and salads and, 

you guessed it, a kid’s menu 

too. A special mention should 

be made of the wines they sell 

by the carafe (lighter on pocket 

and head next morning) and 

the dips and nibbles platter 

(70,000 VND). 

The Snap Café’s luscious 

space works in its favour, not 

just as an eatery and play area, 

but for the several events they 

host—be it movie nights, TV 

screenings of shows or major 

sporting events, to private 

parties. The generous space 

creates an intimate yet relaxed 

ambience. The café is also 

home to several outlets which 

will welcome new additions in 

the new year: thus far there’s 

a furniture outlet, a jewellery 

store and Oasis Deli which has 

a cold cut and cheese platter 

on the café’s menu too (130,000 

and 140,000 VND, respectively). 

Both Salter and Shawn 

Bader, the manager, have 

ambitious plans for the space 

and café—expansion being 

big on the cards, especially 

for the menu. They hope to 

include weekly menu specials, 

and branch out into different 

international cuisines, Indian 

being one example. And with 

a creative chef at the helm, it 

seems possible—and the kids 

will be alright too. 

The Snap Cafe 

32 Tran Ngoc Dien 

Thao Dien, District2 

Open 8 am to 11 pm 


Hai Lua 

An open-air Vietnamese restaurant serving country-style 

cuisine. By Beth Young. Photos by Ho Quang. 

Hai Lua translates as “hick” 

in English and the alfresco 

restaurant on Ngo Van Nam in 

District 1 prepares traditional 

Vietnamese delicacies in the 

same rustic manner as those 

who reside in the countryside. 

With a history spanning more 

than a decade from humble 

beginnings on nearby Ly Tu 

Trong, Hai Lua is a HCM City 

institution and has a reputation 

for serving quality local fare— 

especially seafood. Plucked 

live from large tanks, the vast 

selection of marine life is as fresh 

as can be. 

The new location—opened 

since last Tet—backs onto the 

new Saigon Square and sports 

an open kitchen at the forefront. 

Here, patrons can request a 

dish (made easier for foreigners 

with pictures and an attached 

English description), which is 

then cooked straightaway in full 

view. And judging by the mostly 

Vietnamese crowd, the chefs’ 

prowess behind the wok can be 

commended. 

Adventurous eaters can 

challenge their palates with 

semi-hatched duck eggs (10,000 

VND each), field mice or 

stewed goat penis with Chinese 

medicine (630,000 VND per 

serve). Otherwise, the slightly 

peppery squid steamed with 

ginger (125,000 VND) is a great 

place to start. Kept hot atop a 

burner, the muc, as its known in 

Vietnamese, is tender and tangy. 

The Thai hotpot (205,000 

VND) is another main worth 

sampling. Absolutely bursting 

with seafood—octopus, 

prawns, clams—plus straw 

mushrooms and morning glory, 

the spicy broth is seasoned with 

lemongrass. And sea cucumber 

makes an interesting, yet not so 

tasty, addition. 

A definite must-try is the 

grouper with soybean jam (prices 

set at market rate). With mouth 

wide-open and sharp teeth on 

display, the fish is a macabre 

sight but the soft flesh that falls 

from its bones is delicious. Mixed 

with the sweet sauce, nutty 

soybeans and vermicelli that sits 

on top, a visit to Hai Lua would 

be remiss without ordering at 

least one to share. 

With options like this Hai Lua 

gives an authentic Vietnamese 

dining experience and a slice of 

country life within the city’s core. 

10 Ngo Van Nam, District 1 

Tel: 3823 0306 

Open 10 am to 11 pm 


Behind the Design - Moevenpick Hotel 

The Moevenpick completes its makeover and proves 

how functional art can be adapted in the hospitality 

sector. By Brett Davis. Photos by Fred Wissink. 


Hotels are practical things, a 

place to lay your head at the 

end of a journey. Occasionally, 

they can even be beautiful in a 

distant sort of way. It is not often 

though that they take a bold 

design step that is moving more 

in the direction of functional art. 

The Swiss hotel group 

Moevenpick closed their HCM 

City property for several 

months last year to perform a 

major makeover. The result is 

a top-to-bottom redesign that 

has reinvigorated the hotel and 

turned the heads of new and 

regular guests alike. 

Moevenpick General Manager 

Knuth Kiefer explained the 

goal was to create an overall design 

that set the hotel apart from 

the competition in Vietnam. 

“In Hong Kong or Singapore 

you will see things like this but 

not in Vietnam,” he said. 

The result was a collaborative 

process, with an original design 

from a Thai firm supplemented 

with ideas from numerous 

sources including the property 

owner and construction project 

manager. 

However, only a little way 

into the conversation with 

Kiefer it is obvious the general 

manager’s personal flair was a 

significant influence on the final 

design. Purple sofas provide 

an arresting counter-note in the 

gleaming white lobby, and the 

striking shade is a recurring 

theme through much of the new 

design. It also happens to be 

Kiefer’s favourite colour. 

“I like colours that are 

different—purple, turquoise, 

lime green. I like contrast and I 

think it worked quite well with 

a white lobby,” he said. 

Around 2,500sq metres of 

floor space was added to the hotel 

through the reconstruction. 

The front entrance was moved 

forward and more glass added 

to bring in extra light. Even new 

uniforms were designed to give 

a more stylish, less formal feel. 

The changes have been well 

received by the vast majority 

of the hotel’s guests. Kiefer 

said the hotel was looking to 

move away from its more staid, 

colonial-looking past and attract 

a higher-end corporate guest. 

The transition from the past to a 

bright new future could not be 

more dramatic. 


She's 

Got 

The 

Look 

Make up looks by 

Vinz Sebastian. 

Photography by 

Guy Gonyea. 

All products courtesy of 

The Body Shop. 

Base 

All In One Face Base 

Eyes 

Spring Trend 2011 Eye Palette 01 

Shade: Boho Beauty 

Liquid Eyeliner 01 Shade: Black 

Big & Curvy Mascara 

Brow & Liner Kit 02 

Shade: Brown/Brunette 

Cheeks 

Baked-To-Last Bronzer 01 

Shade: Golden Bronze 

Lips 

Delipscious Sheer Lip Colour 02 

Shade: Sheer Toffee 


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Love Gloss 02 Shade: Golden Coral 


Base 

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SPF 25 

Loose Face Powder 

Eyes 

Baked-To-Last Eye Colour 07 

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Divide & Multiply Mascara 

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Oil Free Balancing Foundation Spf15 

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listings 

hotel & 

travel 

AIRLINES 

Air Asia 

254 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3838 9810 

www.airasia.com 

Asia’s largest low-cost airline operates 

one daily flight between HCM City-Hanoi, 

as well as international flights to Bangkok, 

Phuket, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. 

Air France 

130 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 0981 

ext. 82 

Fax: 3822 0537 

www.airfrance.com.vn 

An airline with a vast and effective global 

network. Now flies direct to Paris. 

Cathay Pacific 

72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 

Tel: 3822 3203 

www.cathaypacific.com 

Hong Kong-based airline makes three 

flights daily to HCM City and two flights 

daily to Hong Kong’s international airport. 

Fares start at about $300. 

Jetstar Pacific 

www.jetstar.com 

Budget branch of Australian Qantas 

flies into Can Tho, Danang, Hanoi, Hai 

Phong, HCM City, Hue, Nha Trang and 

Vinh and operates cheap flights from 

HCM City to Siem Reap and Bangkok. 

Check out Friday Fare Frenzy online 

promotion from 2 to 5 pm every Friday. 

Malaysia Airlines 

www.malaysiaairlines.com 

Offers daily flights from Hanoi and HCM 

City to Kuala Lumpur for about $200 

round trip, with four economy class fare 

levels: low, basic, smart and flex. 

Philippine Airways 

229 Dong Khoi, D3 Tel: 3822 2241 

www.philippineairlines.com 

Operates daily service from HCM City 

to Manila, offering fare options through 

the PAL Econo Light Class. 

Royal Brunei 

Level 4, 129A Nguyen Hue, D1 

Tel: 3914 6868 

www.bruneiair.com 

Royal Brunei provides scheduled 

service across Asia, the Middle East, 

United Kingdom, Australia and New 

Zealand. 

Thai Airways 

65 Nguyen Du, Tel: 3829 2810 

29 Le Duan, D1 

www.thaiair.com 

Bangkok-based airline connects twice 

daily between the Thai capital and HCM 

City and Hanoi. Multiple daily flights 

are also operated from both to Phnom 

Penh and Phuket. 

VASCO 

Vietnam Airlines office, 116 Nguyen 

Hue, D1 Tel: 3842 2790 

www.vasco.com.vn 

Though it’s primary business is cargo 

shipment, Vietnam Air Service Company 

(VASCO) flies daily from HCM City to 

Con Dao and makes connections to 

lesser-known cities like Ca Mau, Tuy Hoa 

and Chu Lai. Buy tickets at the Vietnam 

Airlines office. 

Vietnam Airlines 

Hanoi: 94 Tran Quoc Toan 

Tel: 942 0848 

HCM City: 116 Nguyen Hue, D1 

Tel: 3832 0320 

www.vietnamair.com.vn 

The domestic route map is extensive, 

with several flights daily between major 

and less touristed cities throughout 

Vietnam. Flies internationally throughout 

Asia and to Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, 

Sydney, Melboure, Los Angeles and San 

Francisco. 

CON DAO 

ATC Hotel 

16B Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830 666 

Rustic little 4-room, family-run guesthouse 

in converted French administration 

building. Rooms are simple, with 

exposed rafters inside and balconies 

outside. Bungalow accommodation is 

also available. 

Con Dao Resort 

8 Nguyen Duc Thuan Tel: 06 4830 949 

www.condaoresort.com 

Modern hotel with 45 rooms and seven 

villas set on 2km of private beach. Onpremise 

facilities include restaurant, bar, 

beach-view swimming pool, tennis court 

and volleyball. Organizes outdoor activities 

and tours. 

Saigon Con Dao Resort 

18-24 Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830 155 

www.saigoncondaoresort.com 

Opened in summer 2009, Saigon Tourist’s 

82-room hotel has a restaurant, 

swimming pool, tennis court and health 

club with sauna. Another 30 villas are 

available in the adjacent sister hotel, a 

renovated colonial-era administration 

building. Tours organized by hotel. 

DALAT 

Ana Mandara Villas Resort & Spa 

Le Lai, Ward 5, Dalat Tel: 063 3555 888 

www.anamandara-resort.com 

Luxury 35-acre resort encompasses 17 

restored early 20th-century villas and 

65 rooms set in the rural highlands. La 

Cochinchine Spa offers wide range of 

treatments. Le Petite Dalat Restaurant 

serves Vietnamese and fusion cuisine. 

Heated swimming pool, art gallery and 

cooking classes in organic garden. 

Blue Moon Resort & Spa 

4 Phan Boi Chau Tel: 06 3578 888 

www.bluemoonhotel.com.vn 

An attractive 65-room, country-style 

resort with extensive gardens for strolling 

or al fresco dining, as well as restaurant 

serving local Dalat dishes. On-premise 

bike rental, fitness centre, sauna and 

indoor heated pool. 

Mercure Dalat 

7 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 777 

www.mercure.com 

Built in 1932 as the Hotel Du Parc, this 

144-room resort pairs French colonial 

architecture with modern amenities. Cafe 

De Le Poste serves French home-style, 

international and Vietnamese cuisine. 

Facilities include tennis court and sauna 

Sofitel Dalat Palace 

12 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 444 

www.accorhotels-asia.com 

Stately lakeside hotel was built in 1920s 

and retains the period’s aesthetic. It 

encompasses 38 rooms, five suites, a 

gourmet restaurant, brasserie, piano bar 

and Larry’s Bar. Golf can be arranged, 

and there’s tennis, boules, snooker and 

billiards on premise. 

activities 

Phat Tire Ventures 

73 Truong Cong Dinh Tel: 63 3829 422 

www.phattireventures.com 

Runs guided trips for hiking/trekking, 

mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking 

and canyoning in the highlands surrounding 

Dalat. Also operates mixed trip 

adventure packages and ropes course 

set among pine forest with 100+ metre 

Flying Fox zip line. 

Dalat Easy Rider Tours 

70 Phan Dinh Phung 

dalateasyriders@yahoo.com 

escape take flight with travel promotions around the region 

Park Hyatt Saigon 

For an escape close to home indulge in 

a signature New Year treatment package 

at the Park Hyatt Saigon’s Xuan Spa. The 

package includes a 40-minute soothing 

honey and oat body wrap, followed by an 

80-minute apricot blossom treatment and 

health juice and costs 2,050,000 VND++. 

Call 3520 2357 or email opera.saiph@ 

hyatt.com. 

Evason Ana Mandara 

Spend one night in a Garden View Room 

at the Evason Ana Mandara in Nha Trang 

for US $196 ++ (based on twin share for 

a minimum two-night stay). The package 

includes daily buffet breakfast, a refreshing 

welcome drink and fruit basket plus round 

trip shuttle bus airport transfers and free 

use of the resort’s Internet facilities. The 

deal is valid from January 16 until February 

28 and this rate applies for bookings 

from December 7 onwards. Call 58 3 

524 705 or email reservations-nhatrang@ 

sixsenses.com. 

Six Senses Ninh Van Bay 

The Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is offering 

a night in a Hill Top Villa for US $310 

++ (based on twin share for a minimum 

two-night stay). The package includes 

daily buffet breakfast, shuttle bus and 

boat transfers, a bottle of sparkling wine 

on arrival plus a welcome drink and fruit 

basket. Complimentary services include 

snorkelling and kayaking. The deal is valid 

from January 16 until February 28 and this 

rate applies for bookings from December 

7 onwards. Email reservations-ninhvan@ 

sixsenses. 

Palm Garden Resort 

The Palm Garden Resort in Hoi An will 

offer a Tet Holiday Package from January 

27 until February 10 for US $149++ per 

person for a twin share room. The deal 

includes two nights in a Superior Garden 

View Room, daily buffet breakfast at Terrace 

Café, round-trip airport transfers plus 

a visit to Hoi An Ancient Town and choice 

of family cooking class or Vietnamese 

conversation course. Call 510 3927 927 

or email reservation@pgr.com.vn. 

Ana Mandara Dalat 

Spend two nights in a Villa Room at the 

Ana Mandara Dalat for US $398/room/ 

night. The Valentine Getaway package 

includes round trip airport transfers, daily 

breakfast, a picnic lunch at Tuyen Lam 

Lake, romantic dinner, couples massage 

at La Cochinchine Spa and a special gift 

at turndown. A 10 percent discount on 

extra food and spa use is included plus 

access to the resort’s heated swimming 

pool and gym. Valid all February, except 

for the 2nd to the 7th. Call 063 3555 888 

or email reservasion-dalat@anamandararesort.com. 

Mango Bay 

Honeymoon at eco resort Mango Bay 

on Phu Quoc Island for US $165. The 

package includes two nights stay in a 

Plantation Bungalow with daily breakfast. 

Airport transfers are included and a 20 

percent discount will be offered for use of 

the wellness centre. The deal is valid from 

May 5 until June 30, 2011. Call 0903 382 

207, email mangobay@hcm.vnn.vn or visit 

www.mangobayphuquoc.com. 


www.dalat-easyrider.com 

Ride pillion with English-, French- or 

German-speaking tour guides on motorbike 

adventures that start in Dalat and 

snake through mountains, jungles and 

deltas, lasting anywhere from three to 21 

days. Trips terminate in Nha Trang, Hoi 

An, Hanoi, Mui Ne or HCM City. All hotels 

and entrance fees included. 

HANOI 

Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi 

1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho Tel: 04 6270 8888 

www.intercontinental.com 

Located on the waterfront with contemporary 

Vietnamese design, restaurants, 

business services, fitness centre including 

exercise classes and pool. 

Hanoi Hilton Opera 

1 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem 

Tel: 04 3933 0500 

www.hilton.com 

Housed in a colonial-style building that 

complements the adjacent Opera House, 

this luxury hotel features modern amenities, 

business services, outdoor pool and 

fitness centre. Vietnamese specialties are 

served at Ba Mien, and Chez Manon does 

Japanese and pan-Asian. 

Melia Hanoi Hotel 

44B Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: 04 3934 3343 

www.meliahanoi.com 

Located in the city centre with 306 

comfortable guestrooms elegantly decorated, 

complete with a host of modern 

amenities. Dining includes Asian cuisine 

at El Patio and El Oriental, snacks at Cava 

Lounge and tapas at Latino Bar. 

Mercure Hanoi La Gare 

94 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem 

Tel: 04 3944 7766 

www.accorhotels.com 

Situated in the Old Quarter with 102 

bright, spacious and modern rooms, 

Brasserie Le Pavillion restaurant serves 

Vietnamese and international cuisine. 

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi 

83A Ly Thuong Kiet 

Tel: 3822 2800 

www.moevenpick-hotels.com 

Conveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’s 

business district, a 40-minute drive 

from Noi Bai International Airport and only 

5 minutes from the city centre, Mövenpick 

Hotel Hanoi is the latest five-star hotel in 

town, tailored to meet the needs of discerning 

guests and especially corporate 

travellers. 

Nikko Hotel 

84 Tran Nhan Tong Tel: 04 3822 3535 

www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn 

Luxury hotel offering spacious rooms, elegant 

furnishings, international fine dining 

from Europe, China and Japan. 

Sheraton Hotel Hanoi 

K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho 

Tel: 04 3719 9000 

www.starwoodhotels.com 

“Resort within a city” boasts 299 spacious 

guest rooms with panoramic views, fitness 

centre, international restaurant and 

Hemisphere Vietnamese restaurant. 

Sofitel Metropole 

15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem 

Tel: 04 3826 6919 

www.sofitel.com 

Located downtown. Colonial-style hotel 

with well-regarded restaurants/bars serving 

French & Vietnamese cuisine, plus 

Italian steak house. 

HO CHI MINH CITY 

Caravelle Hotel 

19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 

www.caravellehotel.com 

One of the city’s most prestigious venues. 

Features a casino, Reflections Restaurant 

and al fresco 9th-floor Saigon Saigon Bar. 

Duxton Hotel 

63 Nguyen Hue D1 Tel: 3822 2999 

www.duxtonhotels.com 

Located in downtown Saigon. Facilities 

include spa, beauty salon, Zanadu Health 

Club, gym, outdoor swimming and main 

restaurant, The Grill. 

Equatorial 

242 Tran Binh Trong D5 Tel: 3839 7777 

www.equatorial.com/hcm 

On the intersect of 4 districts, with 333 

rooms, Orientica Seafood restaurant and 

bar, Chit Chat cafe, pool (swim-up bar), 

gym. 

InterContinental Asiana Saigon 

Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, D1 

Tel: 3520 9999 

saigon@interconti.com 

www.intercontinental.com/saigon 

305 rooms/suites with floor-to-ceiling 

windows, five restaurants/bars, meeting/ 

banquet facilities, spa/health club and 

lounge with panoramic view. 

Legend Hotel 

2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Tel: 3823 3333 

www.legendsaigon.com 

Located by the river with fitness centre, 

outdoor pool, kids play centre, Crystal 

Jade Chinese restaurant and jazz bar. 

Möevenpick Hotel Saigon 

253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan 

Tel: 3844 9222 

www.moevenpick-saigon.com 

Has 278 well-appointed rooms/suites, 

five restaurants/bars, meeting/banquet 

facilities and a shopping arcade as well as 

a popular e-gaming centre. 

New World Hotel 

76 Le Lai, D1 Tel: 3822 8888 

www.newworldsaigon.com 

Located in the city centre, with gym, 

outdoor pool, tennis court, event space 

and Dynasty Chinese restaurant. 

Park Hyatt 


www.saigon.park.hyatt.com 

Luxury colonial-style hotel includes 21 

suites, lobby lounge with live music, Xuan 

Spa, pool, gym, international dining at 

Square One. 

Renaissance Riverside 

8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Tel: 3822 0033 

www.renaissancehotels.com 

349 rooms/suites with panoramic views 

over Saigon River. Conference/banquet 

facilities, rooftop pool, gym, two 

restaurants. 

Sheraton 

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 

www.sheraton.com/saigon 

Luxury downtown hotel with Level 23 bar, 

Mojo cafe, Li Bai Chinese restaurant, fine 

dining at The Signature on the 23rd floor. 

Sofitel Saigon Plaza 

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555 

www.sofitel.com/2077 

One of the city’s top hotels with in-room 

Wi-Fi, two restaurants with international 

cuisine, two bars, six conference rooms, 

outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre. 

Villa Hotel at Thao Dien 

195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 

Tel: 3744 2222 

www.thaodienvillage.com 

Colonial-style boutique hotel and spa with 

fine dining on the banks of the Saigon 

River in expat enclave. 

Windsor Plaza 

18 An Duong Vuong, D5 

Tel: 3833 6688 

services@windsorplazahotel.com 

www.windsorplazahotel.com 

Located in a main shopping hub. Four 

restaurants, modern discotheque, conference 

centre, casino, health club, shopping 

centre, supermarket, Chinese restaurant. 


activities 

Saigon Scooter Centre 

25/7 Cuu Long, Tan Binh District 

Tel: 4848 7816 

www.saigonscootercentre.com 

One-stop rental service with a wide selection 

of scooters/motorbikes available 

for around town travel or long trips 

Vietnam Vespa Adventures 

169 De Tham, D1, Pham Ngu Lao 

Tel: 3920 3897 

www.vietnamvespaadventures.com 

Headquaters located in Cafe Zoom. 

Offers 3-day trips to Mui Ne, 8-days to 

Nha Trang or half-day tours of HCMC on 

classic Vespas. 

HOI AN & DANANG 

Le Domaine de Tam Hai Resort 

Tel: 0510 3545105 

www.domainedetamhai.com 

Occupying an island close to Hoi An, the 

resort features 12 villas, a private beach, 

and two restaurants serving French and 

Vietnamese cuisine. 

Life Resort Hoi An 

1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An 

Tel: 0510 3914 555 

www.life-resorts.com 

Within walking distance of Hoi An. 

Rooms are chic and minimalist, offering 

all the mod cons. Two restaurants, two 

bars and an outdoor pool. 

Nam Hai 

Tel: 0510 3940 000 

www.ghmhotel.com 

Luxury resort accommodation from 

single villas to sumptuous five-room 

dwellings with private pools. Facilities 

include 8 private spa villas; 3 beachfront 

swimming pools; library; and tennis, 

basketball and badminton courts. 

Palm Garden Resort Hoi An 

Lac Long Quan Street, Cua Dai Beach, 

Hoi An 

Tel: 0510 3 927 927 

www.palmgardenresort.com.vn 

Set on 5 hectares of landscaped tropical 

garden in an enviable beach location, 

the Palm Garden Resort offers an 

exceptional green environment with over 

400 species of palm trees and plants 

along the famous Cua Dai Beach in the 

UNESCO-recognized world heritage site 

of Hoi An Ancient City. 

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa 

Cua Dai Beach Tel: 0510 3927 040 

www.victoriahotels-asia.com 

Set on its own stretch of beach with 

105 rooms spread through a traditional 

fishing village design of small “streets” 

and ponds. 

activities 

Hoi An Motorbike Adventures 

Tel: 0918 230 653 

www.motorbiketours-hoian.com 

Two-wheeled tours of the Central 

Highlands, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Monkey 

Mountain and more on a fleet of Minsk 

dirt bikes and fully and semi-automatic 

motorbikes. Customers can drive or be 

driven on half- to five-day trips. 

Phat Tire Ventures 

619 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 0510 391 1700 

www.phattireventures.com 

Offers rappelling and rock climbing at 

Marble Mountains, as well as walking 

and mountain biking excursions, from 

two-hour countryside trips to two-day 

cycling trips to Hue. Also does cultural 

and historical tours and car trips to My 

Son Holy Land. 

Vietnam Sailing 

88 Nguyen Thai Hoc Tel: 0918 255 521 

www.vietnamsailing.com 

Foreign-operated company operates 

chartered coach or private tours to 

Cham Islands aboard a Corsair Sprint 

750 Trimaran. One-day cruises or twoday 

excursions with beach camping by 

campfire are available. 

HUE 

Celadon Palace Hue 

105A Hung Vuong Tel: 054 3936 666 

www.celadonpalacehue.com 

Grand building inspired by Indochine 

Nobel House with panoramic views, international 

restaurant, lounge/bars, pool, 

ballroom and wedding planning. 

Imperial Hue 

57 Dang Dung Tel: 054 3522 478 

www.imperial-hotel.com.vn 

Opulent high-rise hotel with panoramic 

views of the city and Ngu Binh Mountain. 

Facilities include swimming pool, gym, 

Royal spa, Prince Club casino and business 

centre. 

Mercure Hue Gerbera 

38 Le Loi Tel: 054 3946 688 

www.mercure.com 

Overlooking the Perfume River, this 

centrally located hotel has 110 contemporary 

rooms. Local Hue cuisine and 

international fare served at Le Bordeaux, 

and drinks served up top at Sky Bar or in 

the ground-floor Lobby Bar. 

Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa 

130 Minh Mang Tel: 054 3885 461 

www.pilgrimagevillage.com 

Boutique resort with hut, bungalow and 

villa accommodation draws on natural 

environment and local culture. Features 

Vedana spa, two restaurants serving 

Vietnamese & Western food and imported 

wines and three bar/lounges. 

NHA TRANG 

Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara 

Ninh Van Bay, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa 

Tel: 058 3728 222 

www.sixsenses.com/hideawayanamandara 

An island hideaway accessible only by 

boat, 58 private pool villas, international 

and local restaurants, wedding services, 

water sports and scuba diving. 

Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang 

Beachside, Tran Phu, Nha Trang 

Tel: 058 3522 222 

www.sixsenses.com/evasonanamandara 

Beachside resort set in 26,000 square 

metres of tropical garden, with 74 guest 

villas, three restaurants, Six Senses Spa. 

Novotel Nha Trang 

50 Tran Phu Tel: 058 625 6900 

www.novotel-nhatrang.com 

Each of the 154 rooms has a terrace with 

seaviews in this modern hotel located 

in the city centre. The Square serves 

international cuisine in a dining room 

overlooking the bay. 

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa 

26 - 28 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Khanh 

Hoa Tel: 58 388 0000 

www.sheraton.com/nhatrang 

Luxury hotel with 284 ocean view rooms, 

six restaurants and bars, club lounge, 

infinity edge swimming pool, spa, yoga 

studio, cooking school, Sheraton Adventure 

Club and (connected at) Link@ 

Sheraton. 

PHAN THIET 

Princess D’Annam Resort and Spa 

Khu Hon Lan, Tan Thanh, Ham Thuan 

Nam, Binh Thuan 

Tel: 062 3682 222 

www.princessannam.com 

Located on Ke Ga Bay with 57 exclusive 

villas, eight swimming pools, two restaurants 

and 1,800 square metres spa 

complex. 

The Sailing Club 

24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui Ne, 


Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3847 440 

www.sailingclubvietnam.com 

Open bar overlooking the sea, spacious 

rooms, restaurant, swimming pool and 

day spa. 

Victoria Phan Thiet Resort and Spa 

Mui Ne Beach Tel: 84 62 3813 000 


Located on a private beach, 60 cosy 

bungalows, natural spa experiences 

among other great activities on offer at 

the resort. 

activities 

C2Sky Kitesurfing 

Sunny Beach, 64-66 Nguyen Dinh 

Chieu Tel: 0916655241 

www.c2skykitecenter.com 

Operates two schools roughly 500m 

apart, staffed by IKO-certified instructors. 

Offers a half dozen course types, as well 

as instructor training. Equipment rental 

and repair. 

Jibes Beach Club 

84-90 Nguyen Dinh Chieu 

Tel: 062 3847 008 

www.windsurf-vietnam.com 

IKO-licensed kitesurfing centre offers 

highly structured kitesurfing classes 

taught by experienced watersportsmen. 

Also offer windsurfing lessons and retails 

in watersports equipment (bodyboards, 

kayaks, surfboards, windsurfs). 

Mui Ne Cooking School 

Sunshine Beach Resort, 84 Tuyen 

Quang Tel: 062 383 0755 

Al fresco classes begin with a trip to 

Rang Market and focus on the provincial 

cuisine of Binh Thuan, like banh xeo 

(crepes with beef or seafood) and goi hai 

san (seafood salad). 

Surfpoint 

217 Nguyen Dinh Chieu 

www.surfpoint-vietnam.com 

Offers private and group kiteboarding 

courses and equipment rental (from 

$40-50/hr). Also runs group and private 

surfing lessons, as well as kayaking trips 

to Song Quao Lake. 

WindChimes School 

Saigon Mui Ne Resort, 56 Nguyen Dinh 

Chieu 

www.kiteboarding-vietnam.com 

Surf school situated on 235m of beach 

offers kiteboarding, windsurfing and surfing 

classes in multiple languages taught 

by IKO-certified instructors. Equipment 

rented and trips organised. Satellite 

school at Bamboo Village Resort. 

PHU QUOC 

Freedomland 

Ong Long Beach Tel: 077 3994 891 

freedomlandphuquoc.com 

Secluded lodging in six different bungalow 

types built from natural materials 

sourced from the island. Private or 

shared bathrooms, no air-conditioning or 

hot water. Boat trips and scooter tours. 

La Veranda 

Ward 1, Duong Dong Beach 

Tel: 077 3982 888 

www.laverandaresort.com 

Set amid tropical gardens along a beach. 

Features a highly-rated spa, beach grill, 

Vietnamese, Asian and European cuisine. 

Mango Bay 

Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc 

Tel: 0903 382 207 

www.mangobayphuquoc.com 

Low-cost seaside resort with ecological 

outlook promotes nature activities, forest 

walks, snorkelling, open-air seafood 

restaurant. No TV or telephone. 

SAPA 

Topas Eco Lodge 

24 Muong Hoa Tel: 020 3871 331 

www.topasecolodge.com 

Overlooking the Hoang Lien Mountains, 

Topas is comprised of 25 white granite 

and golden hardwood lodges powered 

by solar energy. Premises include restaurant 

in traditional Tay stilt house, and 

Topas offers a range of outdoor activities, 

including mountain biking and trekking. 

Victoria Sapa Resort 

Sapa District, Lao Cai Province 

Tel: 020 0871 522 


Mountain chalet perched over the village 

wth cosy but modern guestrooms overlooking 

the lawn and garden. Ta Van restaurant 

overlooks Mount Fansipan and 

Ta Fin bar has a stone hearth fireplace. 

Connection from Hanoi by private train. 

SCUBA DIVING 

Note: AsiaLIFE only lists dive centres 

recognized by international dive training 

programs, such as the Professional 

Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) 

and Scuba Schools International (SSI). 

We strongly advise against diving with 

unaccredited dive centres in Vietnam. 

Rainbow Divers 

55 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 3744 6825 

www.divevietnam.com 

Diving tours and career/instructor development 

offered by Vietnam’s first PADI 

centre. established in the mid-90s. All 

courses can be started at the state-ofthe-art 

dive centre in An Phu, from beginner 

pool work and theory to divemaster 

and instructor certification. Operates dive 

centres in Nha Trang, Whale Island, Hoi 

An and Phu Quoc. 

Octopus Diving 

62 Tran Phu, Nha Trang 

058 826 528 

www.divenhatrang.com 

PADI/SSI dive centre based in Nha Trang 

and affiliated with the Sailing Club Co., 

with additional centres in Mui Ne and Hoi 

An. Offers a range of services, including 

children’s Bubblemaker classes, courses 

in specialised techniques and divemaster 

certification. 

VUNG TAU 

Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa 

Ho Tram Village, Xuyen Moc 

Tel: 06 4378 1525 

www.hotramresort.com 

Located about 45km from Vung Tau in 

the Phuoc Buu Reserve Forest, Ho Tram 

Beach Resort & Spa boasts uniquely 

designed bungalows and villas. 

River Ray Resort 

159-163 Thuy Van Tel: 06 4362 8888 

www.imperialhotelvietnam.com 

Victorian-style hotel with 152 rooms, 

outdoor pool, shopping mall and fully 

serviced gym. 

TRAVEL AGENTS 

Buffalo Tours 

Suite 601, Satra House, 58 Dong Khoi 

D1 Tel: 3827 9170 

www.buffalotours.com 

Tailor-made itineraries, community-based 

tourism, cultural tours, adventure trips, 

golfing and premium trips offered by locally 

run and well-respected travel agent. 

Exotissimo 

HCMC: 20 Hai Ba Trung St, D1 

Tel: 3827 2911 

infosgn@exotissimo.com 

SD5-2 Grand View, Nguyen Duc Canh, 

Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5412 2761/62 

pmh@exotissimo.com 

HANOI: 26 Tran Nhat Duat St, 

Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3828 2150 

infohanoi@exotissimo.com 

www.exotissimo.com 

French-owned agency specializing in 

flight bookings, package holidays and a 

range of well-run cultural and historical 

tours of Vietnam and Southeast Asia. 


listings 

food & 

drink 

BAR RESTAURANTS 

Ala Mezon 

10 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 6291 0447 

www.alamezon.vn 

Colourful four-storey venue serves fusion 

French-Japanese cuisine, as well as 

cocktails and wine by the glass. Space 

spans a restaurant, lounge and main bar 

and spacious, airy rooftop. Open from 

11:30 am to late. Lunch served from 

11:30 am to 2:30 pm then snack menu 

is available. 

Bread & Butter 

40/26 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3836 8452 

Lunch menu of American classics 

(California burritos, po boy sandwiches), 

Brit pub dinner (bangers & mash, fish & 

chips) and Sunday evening roast. Serves 

Huda Beer from Hue. Closed 2:30 pm to 

5 pm and Mondays. 

Bernie's Bar & Grill 

19 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 2684 

Serves a solid menu of certified Angus 

and imported Aussie steaks, fresh 

pasta, thin crust pizza, sandwiches and 

mains in an old school steak house 

setting. Drink menu includes smoothies, 

cocktails, premium wines and spirits and 

Saigon's largest martini. 

Buddha Bar 

7 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2080 

An Phu institution serves up tasty meals 

and good drinks in a friendly, chilled environment. 

Plenty of room to relax inside 

or out, plus a pool table on premise. 

Cafe Latin 

17 Dong Du, D1 

In its third location, this expat favourite 

continues to deliver good food, an 

extensive drink list and a comfortable 

atmosphere. Two levels to watch sport 

on or simply unwind. Said to serve the 

best chicken parmigiana in Vietnam. 

Corso Steakhouse & Bar 

Norfolk Hotel, 117 Le Thanh Ton, D1 

Located in the chic Norfolk Hotel Corso 

Steakhouse & Bar is well known for its 

steak imported from the US and Australia. 

Good destination for both lunch 

and dinner. 

K Cafe 

28 Do Quang Dau, D1 Tel: 3913 4673 

www.kcafevietnam.com 

This down-to-earth bistro-bar is a haven 

for French-speaking emigrés looking for 

an alternative in the backpackers’ area. 

Prop up the bar with a beer or Ricard, 

or tuck into the tasty Gallic fare. Good 

atmosphere for conversation. 

La Habana 

6 Cao Ba Quat, D1 Tel: 3829 5180 

www.lahabana-saigon.com 

This charming little place has seating 

indoors and outdoors, upstairs and 

downstairs to fit your dining pleasure. 

Relaxed environment with frequent live 

music. Offers Spanish and Cuban fare 

including paella and a tapas fiesta comprising 

three plates. Open late daily. 

Le Pub 

175/ 22 Pham Ngu Lao, D1 

www.lepub.org 

One of Pham Ngu Lao’s favourite 

watering holes, Le Pub also has a good 

menu of well-executed pub grub and 

international favourites. Hearty breakfast 

is available all day and specials are 

offered daily. 

Mogambos 

50 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 1311 

This restaurant has been around since 

the mid-1990s, which offers an insight 

into its enduring quality. Specializes in 

American grain-fed steaks, hamburgers 

and salads served in a pleasant 

atmosphere. 

O’Brien’s 

74/A2 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3829 3198 

A large Celtic-style pub popular with 

media types that has an interior done in 

brickwork and wood, and an upstairs 

dining area. Draught beer is happy 

hour between 3 pm and 7 pm. Great 

pizzas. 

Pasha Bar & Restaurant 

25 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 08 629 136 77 

www.pasha.com.vn 

Turkish–Mediterranean restaurant 

located in heart of HCMC serves halal 

and high quality food with ingredients 

imported from Turkey, Spain, Singapore, 

Egypt, New Zealand, Japan and France. 

Long happy hour half price by glass. 

Various shisha flavours. 

Peaches: The Curry Pub 

Sky Garden 2, S57-1, Phu My Hung, 

D7 Tel: 5410 0999 

Serves up dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, 

Malaysia, China, Japan, Singapore 

and Indonesia with a focus on healthy 

preparation and fresh produce. 

Phatty’s 

46-48 Ton That Thiep, D1 

Tel: 3821 0705 

www.phattysbar.com 

Jaspa’s Steve Hardy and Ben Winspear’s 

sports bar has five widescreen 

TVs, a large drop-down screen and lots 

of pub grub and beer for fans looking to 

take in a game or two. 

Qing 

110 Pasteur, D1 

www.qing.com.vn 

Sophisticated downtown bar just off Le 

Loi specializes in Asian tapas, Asian/ 

South American fusion dishes and a 

few delectable deserts. Variety of good 

wines by the glass or bottle. 

Sheridan’s Irish House 

17/13 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 

0793 

www.sheridansbarvn.com 

Cosy Irish pub with authentic Irish decor, 

a pleasant atmosphere and regular 

live music. Wide range of classic pub 

feast broaden your palate with promotions around town 

Caravelle Hotel 

On January 17, Michelin Star chef Jean 

Baptiste Natali will showcase his talents 

at Reflections Restaurant in the Caravelle 

Hotel. A la Carte meals, including deepsea 

scallops, roasted duck liver and 

pastrami brisket, will range from 160,000 

to 432,000 VND ++. Call 38234999 or visit 

caravellehotel.com. 

Market 39 

Each Sunday, the InterContinental Asiana 

Saigon’s Market 39 will prepare a brunch 

from 12 noon till 3 pm including a wide 

selection of Western and Asian meals and 

fresh seafood. For 596,000 VND ++ per 

person the brunch includes free flow of 

soft drink and juices (children aged 6 to 12 

receive a 50 percent discount). For an extra 

200,000 VND, the brunch includes free flow 

of Veuve Clicquot champagne, white and 

red wine and Tiger beer. 

Shang Palace 

The Norfolk Mansion’s signature Chinese 

restaurant Shang Palace will prepare 

traditional delicacies to celebrate the Lunar 

New Year. Specialties like Yu Sheng—raw 

salmon with shredded vegetables—will be 

available on January 16 and 17. Call 3823 

2221, email reservation@shangpalace.com. 

vn or visit shangpalace.com.vn. 

Orientica Restaurant 

The Equatorial Hotel’s Orientica Restaurant 

has unveiled a new menu boasting 

Chinese-inspired favourites like Peking 

roasted duck, Singaporean-style wok-fried 

crab with chili and tomato sauce, cod 

fish steamed with soy sauce and seared 

Australian beef fillet with caramelised onion 

in barbeque and mustard sauce. A la Carte 

items range from 120,000 VND ++ to 

1,450,000 VND ++. Call 3839 7777 ext. 

8333. 

Lotus Court 

Lotus Court—the Moevenpick Hotel’s 

signature Chinese restaurant—is offering a 

Dim Sum Brunch on Sunday for 250,000 

VND ++ per person. A vast selection of dim 

sum is prepared in full view of patrons. Call 

3844 9222 ext 168. 

Yu Chu 

Yu Chu, on the first floor of the 

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, will offer a 

daily all you can eat Chinese buffet from 6 

pm till 10.30 pm for 400,000 VND ++ per 

person. Diners can choose from more than 

30 authentic Cantonese and Peking dishes. 

TOTT Bar & Restaurant 

Throughout January, Top of the Town Bar 

& Restaurant at the Windsor Hotel will 

serve up Churrasco—Latin Americanstyle 

roasted beef, pork, lamb and fish for 

280,000 VND ++ per person. The price 

is subject to VAT and service charge. 

Call 3833 6688 ext 2626 or email tott@ 

windsorplazahotel.com. 

Pasha 

Turkish restaurant Pasha at 25 Dong Du 

has several offers throughout January. On 

Sunday, kids eat free per every paid adult 

meal; on Mondays buy one chicken shish 

kebab and get one free and on Tuesdays 

buy one pizza and get one free. Call 6291 

3677 or visit pasha.com.vn. 

Opera Restaurant 

From January 10, the Park Hyatt Saigon’s 

Opera Restaurant will prepare an antipasti 

lunch buffet with choice of main courses 

and desserts. The buffet is available from 

12 noon until 2.30 pm, Monday to Friday 

and costs 470,000 VND ++ per person. 

Cal 3520 2357 or email opera.saiph@hyatt. 

com. 

Centro Caffe Bar & Ristorante 

Each Friday from 6 pm till 9 pm, newly 

renovated Centro at Lam Son Square 

will host a wine tasting. The wine will be 

matched with Italian appetizers and a DJ 

will play from 9 pm onwards. 


grub, East Asian dishes and a fantastic 

breakfast fry-up available from 8 am. 

Storm P Bar & Restaurant 

5B Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3827 4738 

www.stormp.vn 

This friendly hangout is a favourite with 

both the Scandinavian community and 

English-speaking expats. Offers Danish 

cuisine to go with the drinks. 

The Tavern 

R2/24 Hung Gia 3, Bui Bang Doan, D7 

Tel: 5410 3900 

Boasts good international food, a pool 

table, dartboards and sports coverage 

on large screens. Outdoor seating on 

mutiple levels. Second floor sports 

lounge hosts DJs at the weekends. 

Vasco’s Bar 

74/7D Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 

2888 

Chic bar decked in deep reds that gets 

packed to capacity on weekends. Open 

Monday to Saturday with live music on 

Fridays. Food menu by chef with over 

10 years experience at La Camargue. 

Also does excellent pizza. 

ZanZBar 


Funky, modern interiors and varied 

international breakfast, lunch and dinner 

cuisine. Imported beers, cocktails, 

gourmet espresso coffee, and happy 

hours make ZanZBar a great after-work 

spot. Open late. 

CAFES 

Annam Cafe 

16-18 Hai Ba Trung 

Cosy corner cafe with free Wi-Fi overlooking 

Hai Ba Trung. Serves a slate of 

gourmet sandwiches, coffee and wine. 

Bobby Brewer’s 

45 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3920 4090 

70 Nguyen Cong Tru, D1 Tel: 3821 

8100 

86 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 6299 

1990 

www.bobbybrewers.com 

This is an attractive fast-food style 

coffee shop with friendly staff and good 

lattes. All the coffee is roasted on the 

premises and there are comfortable 

couches and travellers aplenty making 

it a chilled place to hang out. 

Cafe Terrace 

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 

This funky café is frequented by trendy 

types attracted by the leather lounges, 

outdoor terrace and 52 non-alcoholic 

fruit concotions. 

Cay Da Cafe 

Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel 

Saigon 


Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 118 


Stocks the Moevenpick’s chef’s most 

delicious cakes, pastries, ice cream 

and sandwiches. 

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 

12-14 Thai Van Lung, D1 

94 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 

Nowzone, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, D5 

Metropolitan Bldng, 235 Dong Khoi, 

D1 

International café chain with a wide 

variety of coffees and teas, as well as 

light snacks and food. Also sells freshroasted 

coffee beans and tins of whole 

leaf tea. 

Illy Café 

111A Pasteur, D1 Tel: 2220 2388 

Fax: 2220 2389 

Grand View Shop SA1-1, SB2-1 

Nguyen Duc Canh, D7 Tel: 5412 3292 

Fax: 5412 3293 

An Italian-style coffee bar that serves 

Illy—a world-renowned espresso blend. 

Makes classic coffees like the cappuccino 

as well as innovative alcoholic and 

non-alcoholic cocktails. Also serve light 

Italian cuisine and desserts. 

Jubarcalypse 

35 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 7930 

Jubarcalypse has an interesting underground 

design. Playing jazz music, it’s 

the perfect place to re-energize with 

a refreshing selection of juices and 

snacks. 

Loaves and Fishes 

5 Street 11, Thao Dien, D2 

Tel: 3547 0577 

Coffee house on a side street near 

Riverside Apartments serves up drinks 

and serves the full line of Western-style 

baked goods from Harvest Baking. 

Mojo 

88 Dong Khoi, D1 

www.sheratonsaigon.com 

A top-end cafe with an attractive interior, 

outdoor terrace at street level and 

comfortable lounges upstairs. Good 

business coffee or lunch venue. 

Paris Deli 



Tel: 3821 6127 

Grand View Building, Nguyen Duc 

Canh, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 412 

2179 

Petite boulangerie/cafe decked out with 

French-style furnishings. Offering tasty 

French and international dishes with a 

range of lunchtime specials at reasonable 

prices. 

That’s Café 

Rivergarden, 170 Nguyen Van Huong, 

D2 

The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat Tien, Phu 

My Hung, D7 

Hailing from the U.S., That’s Café is 

a new Khai Silk initiative. Claiming to 

provide the best coffee in town in a 

comfortable and friendly atmosphere, 

it’s a great place to hold a business 

meeting or catch up with friends. 

Une Journee A Paris 

234 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3827 7723 

15B Ngo Quang Huy, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 0128 608 9551 

A Parisian-style café that serve French 

cuisine, coffee and pastries like fondant 

chocolat, baba au rhum and tropezienne. 

Free Wi-Fi. Open Monday to 

Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm. 

X Cafe 

53 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3914 2142 

212 A2 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 

9307 

Bright, spacious foreign-run cafe decorated 

in the style of an Alpine chalet. 

Popular with local makers and shakers, 

has a great open-plan upstairs area and 

two outdoor terraces. Regular live music 

and homemade ice cream. Nguyen Trai 

location includes children’s playground. 

Catering available. 

Zenta 

41 Mac Dinh Chi, D3 

A large, extravagant, kitsch cafe with 

several rooms resembling airport 

departure lounges. Customers, though, 

tend to gravitate to the more attractive 

outdoor terrace with its pond and 

waterfall-style water features. 

WHERE COFFEE MAKES HISTORY 

GRAND OPENING 

January 2011 

THE FIRST STORE IN HA NOI 

75 CAU GO, HANG BAC WARD, 

HOAN KIEM, HA NOI 

TEL:04 39352065 FAX: 04 39352065 


imbibe 

street gourmet 

Banh Chung 

Drink to Good Health 

By Beth Young 

Banh chung is a traditional 

Vietnamese cake made 

from glutinous rice, green 

bean and pork. It is an essential 

element of the family 

altar on Tet and making and 

eating banh chung during 

this time is a well-preserved 

tradition. Aside from Tet, it 

is eaten all year round and 

is one of the national dishes 

of Vietnam. It goes for 

20,000 to 100,000 VND, 

depending on its size. 

Hanh Nguyen 

Grown originally in the south 

west of France, Tannat—an 

especially thick-skinned red 

grape—has been keeping the 

region’s population alive longer. 

That’s because the littleknown 

variety contains several 

unique natural compounds 

that are said to halt wrinkles, 

contribute to cardiovascular 

health and even protect 

against cancer. 

JB Baudron, sales and 

operations manager at 

The Warehouse, calls this 

phenomenon the “French 

Paradox”. Though foie 

gras, creamy cheese and 

cassoulet—a local delicacy 

that mixes white beans, goose 

fat, pork and duck sausage 

with tomato sauce—comprise 

the food of choice, the area’s 

inhabitants are defying logic 

with their good health. 

A bottle of Madiran, 

the most famous Tannat 

drop—and the one most 

widely drunk in France—goes 

for 594,000 VND at The 

Warehouse. Very similar to 

Madiran is Saint Mont (which 

ranges in price from 235,000 

to 594,000 VND). Baudron 

says both wines are dark 

crimson in colour with a floral 

yet woody bouquet owed to 

a year spent aging in oak barrels. 

And because of the high 

level of tannin evident in all 

wines made from this supergrape, 

they have a crisp, fresh 

and light texture. 

Interestingly, Tannat grapes 

have also travelled from 

France to Uruguay. There, 

a thriving Tannat industry 

spanning 200 years produces 

juicier wine with fruity, berry 

notes, spicy accents and a 

longer finish. The Warehouse 

stocks Monte de Luz—a 

smoky variety best served 

with beef (309,000 VND). 

Regardless of where the 

wine hails from it is generally a 

full-bodied brew that Baudron 

says improves enormously 

with age. When kept in the 

bottle for up to two decades, 

he says Tannat wines develop 

serious complexity. The aromatic 

berry and wood flavours 

will remain, but will be joined 

by hints of leather, tobacco 

and dried fruit. What’s more, 

the tannins will melt away, 

creating a smoother finish that 

Baudron enthuses is “well 

worth the wait”. 

CHINESE 

Dragon Court 

11-13 Lam Son Square, D1 

Tel: 3827 2566 

Open until 2am, this vast, no-frills eatery 

gets packed with hungry locals who 

savour generous portions of tasty dim 

sum. All the Chinese staples are here. 

Expect a good feed for under 100,000 

VND per person. 

Dynasty Restaurant 

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 

Tel: 3822 8888 

Fine Chinese dining in an opulent restaurant 

reminiscent of the Middle Kingdom’s 

imperial days. Delicacies clock 

in at 500,000 VND, but most dishes fall 

between 80,000 to 180,000 VND. 

Huy Long Vien 

99 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 7799 

www.huylongvien.com 

A magnificent Chinese restaurant with 

a leafy slate-tiled courtyard, Chinese 

lanterns and a labyrinth of water works. 

Lunchtime dim sum is 120,000 VND, 

while the a la carte menu runs higher 

with Chinese specialties such as Peking 

duck for 400,000 VND. 

Kabin 

Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 8-15 Ton 

Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033 

Elegant dining space with beautiful 

decor and great views over the river 

offers extensive lunch and dinner menus 

featuring authentic gourmet Cantonese 

and Szechuan dishes and an assortment 

of dim sum at lunchtime. 

Li Bai 

Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 

Tel: 3827 2828 

Imperial-styled restaurant named after 

a famous Chinese poet. Excellent lunch 

time dim sum buffet for USD $17.00. 

Nightly à la carte menu with dishes going 

from 100,000 VND. 

Lotus Court 

1st floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon 


Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 168 


Dim Sum and exciting Cantonese cuisine 

in a unique and elegant setting. 

Ming Dynasty 

23 Nguyen Khac Vien, Phu My Hung 

Tel: 5411 5555 

Decorated in Ming Dynasty-style; offers 

100 dim sum varieties and 300 dishes 

prepared by a chef from Hong Kong. 

The restaurant’s Imperial Buffet costs 

USD $39 per person and includes free 

flow of wine. 

Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant 

Windsor Plaza Hotel, 18 An Duong 

Vuong, D5 Tel: 3833 6688 

Beautiful wood paneling, colourful 

hanging lanterns and a sparkling mineral 

gallery make for a relaxing dining experience 

at the Windsor. Feast on roasted 

Pi Pa duck, giant grouper and steamed 

king prawns. Be sure to check out 

monthly specials. 

Ocean Palace 

2 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3911 8822 

Both traditional and trendy Chinese 

dishes are prepared by chef from Hong 

Kong and served in an opulent 280-seat 

dining room in this restaurant opposite 

the zoo. Intimate private rooms and 

larger party rooms available for booking. 

Shang Palace Restaurant 

Norfolk Mansion, 17-19-21 Ly Tu Trong, 

D1 Tel: 3823 2221 

www.shangpalace.com.vn 

An upscale Chinese restaurant with a 

spacious and welcoming atmosphere. 


The menu boasts a wide range of Hong 

Kong Cantonese cuisine, including both 

dim sum, a la carte and set menus, 

regularly changed by the creative chefs. 

Thao Li Restaurant 

Grand View C, Nguyen Duc Canh, Phu 

My Hung Tel: 5412 5999 

Daily Dim Sum Buffet costs USD $9.90 

per person, starting from 11 am. The 

daily A La Carte Dinner Buffet costs 

$14.90 per person; includes more than 

55 dishes. 

Truyen Ky 

261B Dao Duy Tu, D10 

Small homestyle Chinese restaurant 

specializing in the salty Hakka cuisine of 

southeastern China, including tofu and 

chilis stuffed with fish paste. 

Yu Chu 

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner 

of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 

Tel: 3520 9099 

dine@icasianasaigon.com 

Specializing in authentic Cantonese 

and Peking cuisine. Award-winning chef 

prepares dishes including handmade 

noodles, dim sum and wok-fried items. 

Wide selection of live seafood. Five 

interactive kitchens. 

DESSERT PARLOURS 

Bo Gia (The Godfather) 

29 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 

20 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1 

299 Nguyen Van Troi, Tan Binh 

Does brisk lunchtime trade with its 

selection of more than 25 ice cream 

favours and Vietnamese noodle and rice 

dishes. 

Ciao Cafe 


With a number of branches downtown 

(21 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and 26 Tran 

Cao Van, among others), this popular 

cafe offers a mixture of food, drinks 

and books. Boasts about 20 ice cream 

specials and serves crepes, sodas and 

shakes. 

Fanny Ice Cream 


Tel: 3821 1633 

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, 

D1 

www.fanny.com.vn 

Tranquil open-terraced heaven for icecream 

lovers. Menu contains fresh fruit, 

ice cream, sherbets and sorbets (coconut, 

caramel and Bailey’s ice-cream and 

mango sorbet are standouts). All you 

can eat first Friday of the month. 

Ministry of Food 

30 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3827 7898 


D1 

Two-floor dessert house specializing in 

Italian and Japanese treats serving a 

wide array of ice cream flavours using 

milk from Japan’s dairy capital. Also 

serves sandwiches and bento boxes. 

New Zealand Natural 

3rd Floor, Parkson Department Store 

39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 

4th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan 

1st Floor, Saigon Superbowl, 843 

Truong Son, Tan Binh 

www.newzealandnatural.com 

Serves flavours ranging from chocolate 

ecstasy, fruits of the forest and boysenberry 

dream by the scoop. 

Yogen Fruz 




D1 

Panorama Apartments, Ton Dat Tien, 

Phu My Hung, D7 

www.yogenfruz.com 

Frozen yoghurt parlour is decked in 

mod-meets-IKEA decor and serves nofat, 

and low-fat fro-yo blended with fresh 

fruits, soft serve and smoothies. 

FRENCH 

Annamite French Restaurant 

21 Tu Xuong, Ward 7 D3 

Tel: 6277 8332 

annamite-restaurant.com 

The new VN restaurant area of D3 opens 

a classic French dinning option, led by 

ex Caprice chef. Snug atmosphere with 

a classic touch . French favourites such 

as escargot in garlic butter, Pan fried 

goose froie gras, duck in port wine, 

poached river sole with saffron sauce 

and classic flambé crepes. 

Au Manoir de Khai 

251 Dien Bien Phu, Q3 Tel: 3930 3394 

This top-end contemporary French 

restaurant is set in a picturesque colonial 

villa with a lush courtyard and a lavish 

interior. Full of private rooms and opulent 

lounge areas, this unique eatery is the 

brainchild of Vietnamese fashion guru 

Hoang Khai of Khai Silk fame. Offers up 

dishes such as lobster consomme, panfried 

duck liver, salmon medallions with 

Moet and escalope de foie gras. 

Cote D'Azur 

12T3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao. 

D1 Tel: 3911 5473 

www.cotedazur.vn 

Authentic French cuisine in delightful 

surroundings, the brasserie's menu 

offers delectable dishes. Cote d'Azur's 

ambience gives it a homely feel and it 

also offers catering services. 

La Bordeaux 

F7-F8, D2 Road, P25, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 3899 9831 

www.restaurant-lebordeaux.com.vn 

French fine dining in an elegant, intimate 

Where the game’s always on! 

NFL, College Football, NHL, Football, Rugby and More. 

Takeout and Free Delivery. 

28/4 Bui Vien Str. Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Dist 1. 

Phone: (08) 665 663 38 - (08) 665 663 28 

OPEN 

24/7 

12 T3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St. Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh City 

T/F: 08 39 11 54 73 E: brasserie@cotedazur.vn 

www.cotedazur.vn 


ecipes 

Salmon is great for a burst of protein mid-week. This 

scrumptious glaze will give it an extra kick. 

2 salmon fillets 

2 tsp sugar 

1⁄2 cup light soy sauce 

2 red chillies, sliced 

2 tsp ginger, grated 

2 cloves garlic, minced 

4 tbs sesame oil 

2 tbs cooking oil 

Soy Glazed Salmon 

ONE 

Put all ingredients in a ziploc bag excluding cooking oil. Shake until 

fillets are marinated evenly. 

TWO 

Take out fillets, pour excess marinade in a pan and let thicken. 

THREE 

Heat oil, pan-sear fillets (4 minutes on each side). 

FOUR 

Pour glaze over the salmon and serve. 

SERVE WITH 

Brown rice + a side of greens. 

serves 2 | prep time: 10 minutes 

TRY THIS 

Use teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce in the marinade, just omit sugar. 

For more information contact Elizabeth Png-Reade at 

elizabeth.png-reade@electrolux.com 

Recipes provided by 

loft space with dark wood and linendraped 

tables. Expect simple, classic 

dishes prepared to perfection. Rotating 

seasonal menu. 

La Camargue 

191 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3520 4888 

Boasts a reputation for excellence in fine 

dining for more than 10 years. Modern 

French and Italian cuisine is served in 

a colonial-style alfresco dining space. 

An extensive wine list allows diners to 

choose the perfect pairing. 

La Fourchette 

9 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3829 8143 

Rustic downtown restaurant, with a 

good longstanding reputation for serving 

good traditional French fare at reasonable 

prices. Open 12 am to 2 pm and 

from 7 pm to 10 pm. 

La Nicoise 

42 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3822 8613 

Small French-style bistro, with pretty 

mosaic tiled bar and tables. Offers 

a good range of teas, coffees and 

espresso-based drinks. Lunch menu 

changes daily, but always encompasses 

traditional French food. Open until 10 

pm. 

Le Jardin 


This delightful restaurant in a picturesque 

garden setting is open for lunch 

and dinner and serves excellent French 

food at reasonable prices. Main courses 

cost about 60,000 VND and a carafe of 

house wine costs 50,000 VND. 

L’en Tête 

139 Nguyen Thai Binh, D1 

Tel: 3821 4049, 0903 188 091 

This stylish bistro and gallery serves up 

a large selection of French fare representing 

an excellent selection of classic 

French fish and meat dishes, as well 

as international cuisine. Live music on 

Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays 

starting at 8 pm. 

Olivier Restaurant 

Level 2, Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555 

Imaginative French cuisine cooked up 

in a blend of classic and contemporary. 

Executive Chef Martin Becquart 

prepares a solid but creative selection 

of French favourites with an extensive 

range of fish and meat dishes. 

Ty Coz 

178/4 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3822 2457 

Homely and attractive venue specializes 

in classic French cuisine. Does excellent 

three-course business set meals for and 

sells carefully selected seafood. 

INDIAN 

Ashoka 

17/10 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 

1372 

33 Tong Huu Dinh, D2 Tel: 744 4144 

S9-1 lo R13 - KP Hung Vuong 2, D7 

Tel: 5410 1989 

Ashoka is one of the city’s most popular 

and enduring Indian restaurants with a 

reputation for good food and service at 

a reasonable price. 

Ganesh 

15 - B4 Le Thanh Ton, D1 

Tel: 3822 3017 

Casual dining with takeaway available, 

Ganesh serves up both North and 

South Indian culinary traditions. Very 

reasonably priced, with vegetarian 

curries from 40,000 VND and chicken 

dishes from 64,000 VND. 

Mumtaz 

226 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3837 1767 

Reasonably priced north and south 

Indian fare in a clean, light and spacious 

setting. Vegetarian curries go for around 

30,000 VND while meat dishes cost 

between 45,000 VND and 55,000 VND 

each. Excellent kebabs. 

Saigon Indian 

73 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 5671 

Popular venue with an enormous menu. 

Serves both southern and northern 

Indian dishes like tandoori, biryani, dosa 

and idly snacks, plus a wide range of 

vegetarian dishes. Offers a set lunch 

menu. Cater service is available. 

Tandoor 

74/6 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3930 4839 

www.tandoorvietnam.com 

Part of a chain of restaurants covering 

Hanoi and Saigon, Tandoor features a 

large selection of standard northern Indian 

dishes, including a good vegetarian 

selection. Excellent cheap set lunches 

and reasonable prices all around. Will 

organize catering for events. 

INTERNATIONAL 

Al Fresco’s 

21 Mac Dinh Chi D1 Tel: 3823 8427 

27 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3822 7317 

D1-23 My Toan 3, D7 Tel: 5410 1093 

400 Nguyen Trai, D5 Tel: 3838 3840 

www.alfrescosgroup.com 

Theme restaurant boasting a range of 

Tex-Mex, Italian and Australian-style 

BBQ dishes. Huge portions and tasty 

Australian ribs coupled with a good 

atmosphere and helpful staff. Good 

lunch menu. 

Amigo Grill 

55 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 0437 

Outstanding steaks made with Australian, 

U.S. and Argentine beef, served 

in a cosy, family-friendly environment 

with large tables and banquette seating. 

Dishes like leg of lamb and seafood 

are also on the menu. Open 11 am to 

11 pm. 

Au Lac Do Brazil 

238 Pasteur, D3 Tel: 3820 7157 

36/19-21 Pham Van Nghi-Bac, D7 

Tel: 5410 5566 

www.aulacdobrazil.com 

A Brazilian barbecue restaurant that 

takes meat seriously. The mixed grills 

and rodizio are fantastic and served 

in generous portions. No meat-eater 

should miss the churrasco: 12 cuts of 

meat carved at your table, plus unlimited 

salad. 

Au Parc 

23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772 

Lavishly decorated brasserie borrowing 

from Moroccan and French styles and 

popular during lunchtime with expats. 

Specializes in Middle Eastern and North 

African food. The salad menu is a favourite, 

and a great range of lush smoothies 

and juices are on offer. 

Black Cat 

13 Phan Van Dat, D1 Tel: 3829 2055 

628 An Binh, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 3898 9837 

Tiny but popular District 1 restaurant 

serving up an excellent selection of 

Western and Vietnamese fare and an 

extensive range of sandwiches and 

burgers. The District 2 location also 

features a slate of sushi and Mexican 

food, and the District 7 outpost has a 

full barbecue menu. 

BoatHouse 

40 Lily Road, APSC Compound, 

36 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6790 

Riverside restaurant with umbrellashaded 

tables spread across outdoor 

deck and small indoor dining room. 

Serves remarkably fresh and inspired 

dishes made with choice local and 

imported ingredients—favourites include 

the sirloin burger and pan-fried fish and 

chips. 

BoatHouse Cafe 

37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9182 


BoatHouse’s sister eatery for takeaway 

and delivery service. Offers 

coffee, breakfast sandwiches, juices, 

smoothies, pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, 

burgers and fish and chips. 

Byblos Restaurant & Shisha Lounge 

11 Ngo Duc Khe, D1 Tel: 3825 7781 

www.byblos.com.vn 

Downtown restaurant serves a menu 

of Lebanese starters, salads and mains 

served in a casual dining room. Catering 

available. Events and weekly belly 

dance show hosted. 

Cafe Saigon 

Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel 

Saigon 


Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 234 


An international buffet with unique food 

concepts that is perfect for gathering 

family and friends. 

Cepage 

Lancaster Building 22 Le Thanh Ton, 

D1 Tel: 3823 8321, 3823 8733 

www.cepage.biz 

One of the city’s premier venues, Cepage 

delivers an up-market bar, wine 

lounge and restaurant in one sleek 

package. Sells several wines by the 

glass with several hundred bottles to 

choose from. Mixes some of the city’s 

best cocktails. 

Cham Charm 

3 Phan Van Chuong, Phu My Hung 

Tel: 5410 9999 

The highlight of this upscale, beautifully 

decorated Asian restaurant is a special 

seafood buffet that includes Portuguese 

oysters, Alaskan crab, lobsters, sushi, 

sashimi, Japanese-style seafood, 

Langoustine prawns, American Angus 

beef and much more. Errazuriz wines 

are also included in the buffet. Part of 

the Khai Silk chain. 

The Deck 

38 Nguyen U Di, D2 Tel: 3744 6632 

Serves upmarket takes on regional 

specialties made with fresh local and 

imported products. Well-designed, 

minimalist dining space and bar on the 

river are a serious draw. 

Domino’s Pizza Vietnam 

117 Nguyen Duc Canh, My Duc, D7 

Tel: 3939 3030 

www.dominos.vn 

www.facebook.com/DominosPizzaVietnam 

Domino’s delivers hot and fresh pizzas 

to your home within 30 Minutes. Open 

11 am to 11 pm, Sunday to Thursday 

and 11 am to midnight, Friday to 

Saturday. 

The Elbow Room 

52 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3821 4327 

elbowroom52@yahoo.com 

American-style bistro offering a wide 

range of appetisers, soups, salads, 

sandwiches, mains and desserts, plus 

an extensive wine menu. Open daily 

7.30 am to 11 pm. Breakfast served 

all day. 

Gartenstadt 

34 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 3623 

Opened in 1992, it’s the first venue in 

town to offer German food with specialities 

such as pork knuckle and authentic 

German sausages prepared fresh each 

day. Also offers imported German 

draught beer. 

Good Eats 

NTFQ2, 34 Nguyen Dang Giai 

Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6672 

Easteran and Western dishes are low in 

saturated fat and made from all-natural 

ingredients. Organic vegetables, herbs 

and spices accompany meals. Even the 

French fries are healthy. 

Hard Rock Cafe 



Tel: 3520 9099 

www.hardrockcafe.vn 

Popular theme restaurant/live music 

venue serves large portions of pub fare 

including salads, fajitas and burgers. 

Rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia adorns the 

walls in classic Hard Rock-style and the 

rock shop sells themed shot glasses, 

T-shirts and jewellery. 

Hideaway Cafe 

41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 

Tel: 3822 4222 

www.hideawaycafe-saigon.com 

Stylishly decorated and relaxing restaurant 

and cafe serving an eclectic range 

of tasty European-style food. Dine al 

fresco in the charming courtyard. 

Jaspa’s 

33 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 9926 

www.alfrescosgroup.com 

Unpretentious brasserie-style restaurant 

specializes in Australian-influenced 

international fusion cuisine. Full range of 

drinks including Australian and French 

wines and good cocktails. Hosts monthly 

Spam Cham networking event. 

Juice 


Bright and stylish deli-style restaurant 

serving salads, sandwiches, quiches 

and meat pies with French fries and 

potato salad. Also has daily lunch and 

dinner menu. Excellent smoothies and 

juices, as well as novelty drinks like 

wheatgrass shooter and Cannonball 

cocktail. 

Juice Bar 


Tel: 3914 0631 or 3915 3603 

www.juicebar.vn 

Serves healthy smoothies made with 

yoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetable juices 

and wholesome sandwiches. Also sells 

vitamins and supplements. 

Kita Coffee House 

39 Nguyen Hue, D1, Tel: 3821 5300 

Four-level restaurant serving a wide 

menu of mains, pastas, salads, 

sandwiches, soups and appetizers for 

Come and Enjoy the Festive Season 

Christmas Menu US$49 (adults), US$29 (kids) 

New Year's Eve Menu US$51 

Book before Dec. 15 and get 5% off on tables 

of 1 to 5 and 10% off on tables of 6 or more 

To find us, walk through the arch at 

74 Hai Ba Trung and discover our 

beautiful secluded courtyard. 

Telephone 

3823 0509 

Open 7 Days 

English live sports channels • Free wi-fi • Dips • Meze • 

Homemade pide bread • Kebabs • Koftes • Steaks • 

Shawarma • Sandwiches • Vegetarian • Turkish & Italian 

pizza’s • Pasta • Seafood • Turkish delights • Drinks • Shisha 

Open 10am - 2am 

Delivery 11am - 11pm 

For company function please call or sms Ms Vi 090 712 9430 

25 Dong Du, D1, HCMC 

call 08 629 136 77 or info@pasha.com.vn 

WWW.PASHA.COM.VN 


47 Phan Chu Trinh St. 

Ben Thanh Ward D1 HCM City 

www.babyspoonvn.com 

lunch and dinner, as well as a variety of 

coffee and fresh fruit juices. Includes a 

bright ground floor cafe, sophisticated 

Old World second floor bar and rooftop 

dining. Set dinner served from 5pm. Also 

in Vincom Center. 

Market 39 


Ground Floor, Corner Hai Ba Trung and 

Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 


Seven interactive live kitchens offering 

French, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian 

cuisines, including a bakery, French patisseries, 

pancakes, tossed salads, grilled 

steak, seafood, wok-fried items, noodles 

and pasta dishes. 

Mekong Merchant 

23 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 4713 

Set in a courtyard, this rustic Australianstyle 

brasserie has brought modern 

international cuisine to suburban An Phu. 

Popular for weekend brunches. Weekly 

specials and seafood flown in from Phu 

Quoc. 

New York Steakhouse & Winery 

25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 

Tel: 3823 7373 

New-york@steakhouse.com.vn 

www.steakhouse.com.vn 

Chic dining venue designed in a classic 

New York City Art Deco. Open every day 

until late. Specializes in certified U.S. 

Black Angus steak, and features a fully 

stocked wine cellar. Guests are invited to 

bring their own wine on BYOB Mondays. 

Orientica 

Hotel Equatorial, 242 Tran Binh Trong, 

D5 Tel: 3839 7777 

www.equatorial.com/hcm 

Top-end seafood and grill restaurant 

boasting modern decor. Good service 

and excellent food presentation make this 

a pleasant alternative to the downtown 

scene. 

Pacharan Tapas and Bodega 


This tapas restaurant and bar serves up 

superb Spanish fare crafted from authentic 

imported ingredients. The exclusively 

Spanish wine list is extensive and Sangria 

is half price during happy hour from 5 pm 

to 7 pm and all day Wednesday. 

Pinocchio Restaurant 

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 

Tel: 3993 9199 

Email: info@pinocchio.vn 

A quiet place in the Vincom Center 

to indulge in pizza, pasta, salad and 

international and Vietnamese mains for a 

reasonable price. 

The Refinery 

74/7C Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 0509 

Authentic bistro with cane furniture outside, 

informal indoor restaurant section 

and a bar area. Cuisine is light, modern 

European. The menu spans a price range 

to suit most budgets. 

Reflections 

Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square, 

D1 Tel: 3823 4999 

Contemporary fine dining that combines 

Asian flavors with classic Mediterranean 

cuisine in an ambiance of understated 

elegance and European style. Special 

culinary events include guest chefs from 

Michelin-star establishments around the 

world. Private rooms are available. 

Riverside Cafe 

Renaissance Riverside, 8-15 Ton Duc 

Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033 

International venue opening onto the bustling 

river sidewalk, open for breakfast, 

lunch and dinner, and particularly noted 

for its sumptuous buffet selection which 

combines Asian, Western and Vietnamese 

cuisine. 

Sandals 


www.sailingclubvietnam.com 

Casual dining in evocative 3-floor space 

with blonde wood accents and cosy 

seating throughout. Kitchen turns out 

elegant and inspired fare at surprising 

value for money: meal-sized salads; filling 

burgers, wraps and sandwiches. 

Signature Restaurant 

Level 23, Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, 

D1 Tel: 3827 2828 

Fine dining with panoramic views over 

central HCM City. Food is stunningly 

presented, top-end European cuisine 

with Asian influences cooked by German 

chef Andreas Schimanski. A la carte or 

five-course set menu available. 

Skewers 

9A Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 4798 

www.skewers-restaurant.com 

Rustic Mediterranean restaurant where 

subtle colours and exposed brickwork 

combine with jazzy tunes. Serves tabouleh, 

falafel, couscous and kebab. Highly 

rated for its grilled meats, bread and dip 

combos, soups and pastas. 

Square One 

Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square, 

D1 Tel: 3520 2359 

Specializing in high-end Western and 

Vietnamese cuisine, Square One serves 

charcoal-grilled meats and seafood, 

as well as steamed and wok-cooked 

Vietnamese fare. 

VillaFB 

79 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1 

Tel: 3823 3822 

www.villafb.com 

Refurbished villa with a spacious designled 

indoor dining room and an elegant 

enclosed courtyard. Serves bun noodle 


street gourmet 

Houses & Villas 

For rent in Dist.2, HCM: An Phu, 

Thao Dien, & Tran Nao 

Save time: 

See all pictures 

& details online. 

Updated daily. 

www.snap.com.vn 

Banh Bo Hap 

Banh bo hap is a sweet, 

chewy steamed white cake 

made from rice flour, water, 

sugar, and yeast. The texture 

of this steamed cake is 

chewy and sticky and it is 

sweet with a slightly tangy 

dishes for breakfast and lunch before 

switching to a menu of Eastern and 

Western fine dining for dinner. 

Warda 

71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 3822 

Chic, middle-eastern themed eatery 

swathed in oranges and reds serving 

Lebanese cuisine prepared by Damascan 

chef, Nouman. Mezze and tapas 

are the main draw, but you can also puff 

on hookas post-meal. 

Xu Saigon 

71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 

8468 

www.xusaigon.com 

Inspired restaurant with an F&B director 

with a passion for mixing Vietnamese 

cooking with flavours and styles from 

around the world. Sleek but sparsely 

designed, the restaurant serves nouveau 

takes on Vietnamese cuisine. 

aftertaste. Added coconut 

milk gives banh bo hap a 

fragrant aroma. Banh bo 

hap is generally eaten as 

a dessert and costs about 

3,000 VND per piece. 

Hanh Nguyen 

ITALIAN 

Baby Spoon Cafe & Restaurant 

Head Office: 47 Phan Chu Trinh, D1 

Tel: 3822 3356 Fax: 3822 3357 

SB 2-1 Parkview, Phu My Hung, D7 

Tel: 5412 0145 

Level 3, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, 

D1 

While Baby Spoon is primarily Italian, 

a vast selection of international cuisine 

is served in this Japanese-inspired 

restaurant. 

Basilico 

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, 

Ground Floor, Corner Nguyen Du and 

Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 


Contemporary and casual trattoria-style 

restaurant specializing in authentic Italian 

dishes and homemade desserts. 

Centro Caffe & Ristorante 

11-13 Lam Son Square, D1 


6 Thai Van Lung, D1 

This is home of Illy coffee in Vietnam. 

Offers modern and traditional Italian 

cuisine in three central locations with 

lunchtime set menus and regular wine 

tasting evenings. Good spot for business 

coffee meetings. 

Good Morning Vietnam 

197 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3837 1894 

Popular authentic Italian restaurant with 

additional outlets around the country. 

Specializes in thin-crust pizza, pasta and 

a range of Italian dishes. Good selection 

of Italian wines. 

La Hostaria 

17B Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 1080 

Rustic eatery specializing in top-end 

traditional cuisine from various regions 

in Italy. Main courses from 130,000 

VND with daily specials on offer. Serves 

excellent pizza. 

Opera 

Ground floor Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 Lam 

Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234 

Slick, contemporary eatery with exposed 

brick and glass. The space revolves 

around an island kitchen from which 

chefs produce gourmet Italian fare. Internationally 

trained chefs work with the 

freshest and finest ingredients around to 

produce some superb dishes. 

Pepperoni’s 

111 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3920 4989 

Attractive pizza and pasta restaurant 

from the same chain as Al Fresco’s. 

Good cheap buffet lunches on weekdays 

and all-round large and tasty 

portions. 

Pomodoro 


A family-oriented Italian restaurant 

serving traditional fare are surprisingly 

reasonable prices. Offers daily lunchtime 

specials and has an extensive wine list. 

Sarpino’s 

125 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7788 

Tasty American-style pan pizza in a 

pleasant and fresh Italian-themed 

environment. Four sizes available, from 

personal to extra large, with a large 

range of toppings. Also serves pasta, 

soups, wings and salads. 

Scoozi 


Italian pizza restaurant affiliated with 

Centro Caffe serving tasty gourmet pizzas 

prepared in a wood-fired oven. The 

delicious creations restore one’s faith in 

HCM City’s ability to turn out a quality 

pie. 

Villa Romaine 

Thao Dien Village 195 Nguyen Van 

Huong D2 Tel: 3744 6857 

Set on the banks of the Saigon River, 

Villa Romaine offers traditional Italian 

pizzas and pastas in an alfresco setting 

with an excellent wine list. Open till 

midnight Sunday to Thursday and till 1 

am Friday and Saturday. 

JAPANESE 

Dragon Hot Pot 

122-124 Ho Tung Mau, D1 

Tel: 3915 1001 

info@dragonhotpot.vn 

Japanese hot pot restaurant serving 

motsu nabe, Japanese barbeque and 

lots of sake and shoju. 

Iki 

Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon 


Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 127 


LOUISIANE 

BREWHOUSE 

Beachside Nha Trang 

Asian & Western Cuisine 

Swimming Pool & Private Beach 

www.louisianebrewhouse.com.vn 


AsianGourmet 

A great range of food from around 

the world, with emphasis placed on 

BBQ’d Asian dishes. 

41 Vo Truong Toan, D2 Tel: 6280 6870 

Independently 

voted one of the 

top 3 restaurants 

in Vietnam 

One of the fastest-growing 

innovative function and 

food service organisers. 

Tel: Robert (English) 012 2303 9633 

Ms. Huong (Vietnamese) 091 398 1128 

Email: info@saigoncateringco.com 

www.saigongourmetgroup.com 

A Japanese restaurant that turns the 

notion of the common hotel sushi eatery 

on its head thanks to an affordable menu 

and a fun atmosphere. 

K Cafe 

74 A4 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 5355 

Small, cosy and cheery, this café is noteworthy 

for its cracking hand rolls. Salmon 

skin rolls are also a treat. The assorted 

sushi and sashimi, tasty and beautifully 

presented, costs around USD $8. Leave 

some room for homemade yoghurt. 

Kuru Kuru Sushi 

129 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3824 3566 

Sushi restaurant with colour-coded 

menu and items served from a rotating 

conveyor belt. Helpful place mats in both 

English and Vietnamese break down 

prices and explain how to choose your 

food. Very affordable prices. 

Nishimura 

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 Nguyen 

Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 

Exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimi 

from a globetrotting chef with three 

decades’ experience. A wide range of 

cooked dishes and monthly meal promotions 

are also available. Set lunches cost 

about USD $15. 

Okinawa Yamaneko 

13/1 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8433 

www.yamaneko-vn.com 

Part restaurant, part Japanese pub serving 

up a variety of Okinawa favourites like 

sashimi with sea grapes, namakari and 

goya champuru plus sushi and soba. 

Sakae Sushi 

Nowzone @ Royal Centre, Level 4 

235 Nguyen Van Cu, D1 Tel: 3504 0054 

Healthy, affordable and quick service 

kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi makes for a 

fun dining experience. Extensive menu 

also includes beef, chicken and vegetarian 

options. 

The Sushi Bar 


3A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3911 8618 

This brightly lit Japanese-style restaurant 

serves over 40 varieties of sushi at reasonable 

prices. Sit at the sushi bar or in 

private rooms upstairs. Open until 11.30 

pm, delivery available on request. Popular 

with expats and locals alike. 

Tama-Gawa 


Huong D2 Tel: 08 37446857 

Anh Phu’s only Japanese restaurant, 

Tama-Gawa serves fresh sushi and other 

delicacies. Set lunches begin at 120,000 

VND. 

Zen 


Located amid the sea of Japanese 

restaurants on Le Thanh Ton Street, Zen 

offers a wide range of Japanese dishes. 

The yakitori station grills up fantastic 

steak and quail’s eggs, and the chilled 

udon noodles are also a standout. 

KOREAN 

25 Si 

8A/6D Thai Van Lung, D1 

Tel: 3824 6921 

Traditional Yasik-style drinking restaurant. 

Winter and summer scene murals 

fill the walls of this dual level eatery. 

Large menu with favs like budae jjigae, 

a mix of chilli paste, Spam, hot dog and 

tofu, as well as super spicy duruchigi. 

Hana 

8 Cao Ba Quat, D1 Tel: 3829 5588 

Japanese-Korean fusion in the heart 

of District 1. Contemporary decor with 

a private, yet open feel. Broad menu 

including cooked and raw fish and 

traditional hot pot with fish eggs, rice 

and vegetables. 

Kim Bab Chun Gook 

R4 42 Hung Phuoc 2, Phu My Hung 

Tel: 6296 9057 

Korean boonshik/snack food eatery 

serving up a wide variety of light but 

substantial foods including dumplings, 

rameyon and fish cakes. 

Kumdo 

6A Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 

Tel: 3824 3253 

Korean beef barbecue served in small, 

welcoming dining rooms with barbecues 

built into tables. Large selection of raw 

meat specialties. 

SOUTHEAST ASIAN 

Chaba Thai 


Huong D2 Tel: 3744 6857 

Cosy restaurant nestled in the middle of 

Thao Dien Village offering authentic Thai 

food. Open daily for lunch and dinner. 

Lac Thai 

71/2 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 7506 

An elegant restaurant tucked in an 

alleyway and decorated with art-deco 

furniture. Authentic Thai cuisine prepared 

by two Thai chefs. Food is tasty but less 

spicy than you’d find in Thailand. 

Little Manila 

S2-1 Hung Vuong 2, Phu My Hung, D7 

Tel: 5410 0812 

Small, no -frills eatery with outdoor 

and indoor seating located on a quiet 

street. Serves a range of dishes from the 

Philippines (pictured on menu for those 

unfamiliar) and draught San Miguel. 

Thai Village Sharksfin Restaurant 

38 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3825 6706 

Restaurant serving authentic Thai-Theochew 

cuisine including their specialty: 

whole braised shark’s fin in clay pot. 

The Red Dot 

21 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 5123 

Aptly titled, this Singaporean restaurant 

serves decent chicken rice, char kway 

teow, chili crab, and a handful of Malaysian 

specialties. 

Thai Express 

8A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 6299 1338 

www.thaiexpress.com.vn 

Modern restaurant with a massive menu 

of Thai specialties served in moderate 

proportions. The menu inludes chef’s 

recommendations and background on 

Thai cuisine. Warning: some dishes will 

test your tongue’s threshold. 

VEGETARIAN 

An Lac Chay 

175/4 Pham Ngu Lao, D1 

Tel: 3837 0760 

Apropos of the backpacker district, this 

little restaurant offers no frills and a vast 

menu. Though meat dishes are available, 

it specializes in vegetarian Vietnamese 

and quirky “backpacker favourites.” 

Hoa Dang 

38 Huynh Khuong Ninh, D1 

Swish vegetarian restaurant on a quiet 

street that serves up nutritious dishes, 

including meatless versions of bun bo, 

pho and steamboat. Cosy bar serving 

non-alcoholic drinks, fruits and other 

sweets. 

Saigon Vegan 

378/3 Vo Van Tan, D3 Tel: 3834 4473 

Rustic vegan restaurant with extensive 

menu of healthy food at moderate prices. 

Lots of tofu dishes and soya chicken/ 

beef, soups, banh bao and more. Also 

has a kids menu. 

Tib Chay 

11 Tran Nhat Duat, D1 Tel: 3843 6460 

Intimate spot with a big menu of Vietnamese 

vegetarian appetisers, salads, 

soups, rice/noodle mains and desserts 


Viet Chay 

339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 

Tel: 3526 5862 

Upscale vegetarian restaurant specializes 

in fake meat dishes. The attractive 

dining room is suffused with natural light. 

Located within the walls of Vinh Nghiem 

Pagoda. 

VIETNAMESE 

Cha Ca La Vong 

3 Ho Xuan Huong, D3 Tel: 3930 5674 

36 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3915 3343 

Two HCM City ouposts of the legendary 

Hanoi original serve only one dish: the 

eponymous and delicious cha ca la vong, 

fish pan-fried at the table with turmeric 

and dill and served with cold noodles and 

peanuts. 

Com Nieu 

19 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 6288 

The house specialty, com nieu (smashed 

rice), comes with a shattered-crockery 

and flying-rice show at this well-known 

restaurant, prominently featured in 

Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. An 

extensive and tasty selection of southern 

Vietnamese cuisine rounds out the menu. 

Hoa Tuc 


This comfortable high-end restaurant 

serves traditional Vietnamese fare with a 

contemporary, classy twist. Expect to find 

your local favourites as you’ve never experienced 

them before. Beautifully plated, 

this is Vietnamese cuisine at its best. 

Hoi An 


Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesy 

of two sumptuously decorated colonial 

villas, a bamboo-clad walled courtyard 

and a menu spanning the three main 

regions of Vietnam. Specialities include 

abalone soup and a raw fish salad. Four 

VIP rooms. 

Lang Nuong Nam Bo 

285/C145 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10 

Tel: 3862 2569 

Warehouse-sized quan well-regarded 

among locals serves everything from beef, 

chicken and fish to porcupine, weasel and 

field mouse. Great destination for intrepid 

gastronomes. Has standard hot pot, rice 

and noodle dishes too. 

Mandarine Restaurant 

11A Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 3822 9783 

Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesy of 

two sumptuously decorated colonial villas, 

an antique wooden stair and a menu 

spanning all regions of Vietnam. Traditional 

music performances are available for 

dinner. 

Marina 

172 Nguyen Dinh Chieu 

tel: 3930 2379 

www.ngocsuong.com.vn 

Swish seafood restaurant with al fresco 

and indoor seating and a vast menu of upmarket 

Vietnamese dishes. Features 10 

set menus at varying price scales. 

Nam Phan 

34 Vo Van Tan, Q3 Tel: 3933 3636 

Well known at its previous corner location on 

Le Thanh Ton, Nam Phan continues to serve 

modern Asian cuisine including asparagus 

and crab meat soup, stewed bellyfish in 

pineapple and grilled duck breast in orange 

sauce. Set in a restored colonial villa, the interior 

is alive with reproductions of Cham-era 

bas-reliefs and is inspired by Euro-Zen. 

Nghi Xuan 

5/9 Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3823 0699 

Located down an alley just past Hai Ba 

Trung, featuring an attractive open first-floor 

and upstairs dining rooms with dark wood 

furniture and carved woodwork. Serving Hue 

staples, crab and prawn spreads and an 

impressive array of wines and cocktails. 

Ngon Vietnamese 


Huong D2 Tel: 3744 6857 

Located at the picturesque Thao Dien 

Village, Ngon offers authentic Vietnamese 

cuisine including alfresco cooking and 

dinning with traditional music on Thursday 

nights and traditional water puppet 

show on Saturday nights. 

Papaya 

68 Pham Viet Chanh, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 6258 1508 

www.chi-nghia.com 

Hanoian classics mingle with new interpretations 

created by Chi Nghia, whose 

experience and dedication to clean, fresh 

ingredients set Papaya's menu apart. 10 

am to 11 pm, 7 days. 

Ngon Restaurant 


The long lunchtime queues tell the story: 

good food at low prices. More a food 

court than a restaurant, this has become 

a major favourite for its airy decor combined 

with cheap and tasty noodle, rice 

and other standard dishes. 

Quan Nuong 3T Barbecue 


A favourite with both locals and expats, 

this rooftop restaurant above the Temple 

Club offers an extensive menu of meat, 

seafood and vegetarian dishes. Try the 

beef wrapped around tasty melting 

cheese or deliciously fresh skewered 

prawns. 

Temple Club 

29 – 31 Ton That Thiep, D1 

Tel: 3829 9244 

This high-end restaurant attached to an 

elegant lounge bar is a must-try for its 

art deco atmosphere as much as for its 

food. Mains go from around VND80,000 

to VND150,000. 

Tib 


100 Nguyen Luong Bang, Phu My 

Hung, D7 Tel: 5413 6868 

www.tibrestaurant.com.vn 

Popular up-market dining spot serving 

Hue cuisine in an attactive dining room 

that draws on traditional architecture. Call 

for reservations. 

Tib Express 

162 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 

Tel: 3822 5038 

Serves a large selection of Tib’s Hue-food 

menu in a more casual dining rooom and 

at significantly lower prices. Specializes in 

bun bo Hue. 

Wrap & Roll 


SA1–1, My Khanh 1, 

Nguyen Van Linh, D7 

Attractive downtown venue that brings 

street-style food into air-conditioned 

and uncluttered comfort. Choose prewrapped 

appetisers such as the cha gio 

(spring rolls) or roll-it-yourself mains with 

ingredients like pickled shrimps, beef on 

sugar cane, fish, grilled eel and pork. 

nightlife 

BARS & LOUNGES 

See bar restaurant listings for more 

popular watering holes. 

Acoustic Bar 

6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, D3 

Tel: 3930 2239 

A Volkswagen Bug tries to scale the wall 

outside this well-priced music venue 

popular with college-age Vietnamese and 

the occasional expat. 

Amber Room 

59 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 6291 3686 

info@theamberoom.com 

A true London meets New York lounge, 

with chilled out tunes during the day and 

more funky vibes at night. A pleasant 

meeting place for drinks and a bite to eat. 

Boston Sports Bar 

28/4 Bui Vien, D1 

Tel: 6656 6338/6656 6328 

Sports bar featuring North American 

food. Satellite TV, free pool and darts. 

Catering services and private room available 

for parties. Takeout and free delivery. 

Open 24 hours. 

Ciao Lounge 

2nd Floor, 74-76 Nguyen Hue, D1 

Trendy and attractive lounge bar with a 

mixture of retro and modern decor and 

a pleasant atmosphere to boot. A great 

escape from central Saigon but quite 

touristy. 

Cranberry Café & Pub 


Upmarket,quiet lounge great for private 

parties. Brickwork and cranberry-red 

chairs speak to the bar’s name, with a 

cocktail range and Tigers in blissfully 

frosted mugs. 

Level 23 

23rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel 

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 

One of the best views of the city from 

this upmarket terrace bar and lounge. 

Excellent cocktails don’t come cheap but 

the atmosphere is great with live music 

throughout the week and a live DJ every 

Monday. 

The Library 



Tel: 3520 9099 


Unwind with a glass of wine or a cup of 

tea. The Library provides a welcoming 

atmosphere for those in search of calm, 

comfort and personalized service. 

M52 Bar 


Sparsely-appointed venue with reasonably 

priced drinks noted for packing a punch. 

Owners Annie and Ms. Van are never too 

busy to check on their patrons, and the 

busy bartenders are quick with a smile. 


Number Five Bar 

44 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 6300 

Number Five Bar is older than it looks, 

having formerly been located at 5 Ly Tu 

Trong. The bar attracts a regular clientele 

of established expats. 

Park Lounge 

Park Hyatt Hotel 


Elegant lounge bar, with classic songs 

played every night by international musicians. 

The salubrious surroundings are 

matched by the range of the drinks, with 

vintage wines from USD $6 to $10 per 

glass. Tiger is $4.50 a bottle. 

Purple Jade 



Tel: 3520 9099 

Chic lounge blends the stylistic 

influences of contemporary design and 

opium dens. Hosts live music and serves 

special drinks, including Shaoxing and 

Maotai rice wines and an exclusive selection 

of luxury spirits. 

Q Bar 

Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, D1 

With low ceilings, intimate cubbyholes, 

colonial arches, gold paint, ultraviolet 

lighting and clubhouse beats, this is a 

bar that has a reputation for being a 

place to be seen. Great outdoor terrace 

and late-night indoor opening. 

QD Bar & Lounge 

138 Ton That Dam, D1, Tel: 3821 5338 

Sophisticated lounge with New and Old 

World wines served by the bottle or 

glass, modern decor and floor-to-ceiling 

windows overlooking Ton That Thiep. 

Saigon Saigon Bar 

9th floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son 

Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 

Popular bar usually packed out with tourists 

and business travellers searching 

for some delicious cocktails and a great 

view of the city skyline. Cuban band 

Warapo plays every night except Monday 

from 8.30 pm until late. 

Samsara Club 


A laid-back cosmopolitan drinking and 

dance venue with comfy lounge chairs 

around low-lying tables and an island bar 

bedecked in extravagant white-feather 

decorations. Pink neon gives the joint a 

contemporary edge. 

T&R Tavern 

57 Do Quang Dau, D1 

Classic expat dive bar with pool table, 

darts and comfortable yet simple decor. 

Daily happy hour and sportsfans can 

catch games on the big screen. 

Vibe Billiards & Lounge 


Tel: 3925 2599 

Sleek bi-level lounge with Scandinavian 

design, Bansky-esque murals and 

top-notch billiards and snooker tables, 

paid for by the hour. Hosts league play, 

half-price Mondays, ladies’ nights and 

DJ events. 

Voodoo Lounge 

92 Ho Tung Mau, D1 

Voodoo paintings adorn the white walls 

at this small, attractive bar south of Sunwah 

Tower. A daily happy hour, plenty 

of stool space and a pair of dartboards 

make it a good place to grab a drink. 

Yoko 

22A Nguyen Thi Dieu, D3 

Tel: 3825 1901 

Compact and popular joint with nightly 

live music boasts a refreshingly eclectic 

range of Western styles, with most songs 

sung in English. 

BREWHOUSES 

Alderbrau 

98 Nguyen Du, D1 

Small brewhouse decorated with antique 

brewing miscellanea, with an enclosed 

garden for outdoor swilling the small 

range of house brews and bottled imports. 

The kitchen dishes up sausages, 

German fare, and Vietnamese dishes. 

Gammer Czech Beer 

107 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 8619 

www.biatuoitiepvn.com 

Attractive, multi-story Czech beer hall 

furnished with heavy wood and outfitted 

with a few flat screen TVs tuned in to 

sports. Dark and blonde beers are available, 

as well as a full menu of Vietnamese 

food from mussels to rabbit. 

Hoa Vien 

28bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Tel: 3829 0585 

www.hoavien.vn 

Expansive beer hall serves up pilsner 

beer crafted from malt, hops and yeast 

from the Czech Republic. There’s also 

a large food menu and imported Pilsner 

Urquell. 

Lion Brewery 

11C Lam Son Square, D1 

Tel: 3823 8514 

Microbrewery featuring traditional German 

brew technology and German fare 

like pork knuckle and wurst. Good spot 

to meet friends and enjoy a hearty meal 

and a whole lot of beer. 

NIGHTCLUBS 

Fuse Bar 

3A Ton Duc Thang, D1 

A popular bar that plays primarily hiphop 

music. Every Tuesday Fuse hosts a 

ladies night where women drink for 

free and two bottles of wine can be 

purchased for 2 million VND. 

Lush 


A large and lavishly decorated bar and 

club popular on weekends. Good DJs 

playing the latest in beat-based music 

and the city’s beautiful people add to 

the sights and sounds. It’s on-par with 

Western clubs in both ambience and 

drinks prices. 

Velvet Bar 

26 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1 

Hip-hop and Viet trance club with both 

bottle service and bottle beer that isn’t 

prohibitively expensive. Circular center 

bar is ringed with tables, and VIP areas 

and sofa seating line the walls. 

at home 

BAKERIES 

Crumbs 

54 Truong Dinh, D1 Tel: 3825 7199 

www.crumbs.com.vn 

info@crumbs.com.vn 

Eat-in bakery offering a wide range of 

muffins, whole-grain breads and pastries. 

Many of the breads are dairy-free, 

baked fresh daily with unbleached white 

flower, no added sugar. 

Harvest Baking 

30 Lam Son, Tan Binh Tel: 3547 0577 

harvestbaking@yahoo.com 

This authentic bakery offers a range 

of specialty baked goods for delivery. 

Offering bagels, scones, breads, 

desserts,cakes, tarts and more. 

Chocolate fudge cake and cinnamon 

rolls with cream cheese icing highly 

recommended. 

La Dorée 



Reminiscent of a luxurious Parisian 

bakery, La Dorée prepares and serves 

a variety of colourful breads baked with 

green, beige and brown buckwheat 

seeds plus baguettes, fougasse, le 

dieppois sandwiches and le montagnard. 

Must-try desserts include tiramisu, 

chocolate mousse and Monté Carlo. 

Pat A Chou 


25 Thao Dien, D2 

The home of the long and crusty 

baguette. Supplies many restaurants 

but also sells wholesale. The miniature 

patisseries such as crème brulée and 

cheesecake are worth a taste. Opens 

at 6.30 am. 

Schneider’s Finest 

27 Han Thuyen, D1 

Tel: 3829 1998 

www.schneiders-finest.com 

Traditional German bakery bakes 45 

different kinds of breads, rolls and 

baguettes and a wide range of danishes, 

pastries and cakes. Catering available. 

Tous Les Jours 


Part of the Korean bakery chain, Tous Le 

Jours stocks a superb range of freshly 

baked good from sugary treats like pain 

au chocolat to superior quality baguettes 

and loafs. 

Voelker 

17 A7 Le Thanh Ton, D1 

Tel: 7303 8799 

39 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 6296 0066 

Small bakery turns out sweet and salted 

pies and mousses in addition to baguettes 

and a range of Western sweets. 

CATERING 

Au Parc Catering Services 


Catering services available every day of 

the year for birthday cakes, dinner parties, 

wine tastings and corporate events. 

For a custom-made quotation e-mail 

auparc@hcm.vnn.vn or call Quynh on 

0908 196261. 

Saigon Catering 

84 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 8388 

Provide services of catering, banquets, 

event planning, BBQ’s, daily deliveries 

and cocktail parties. For a custom-made 

quotation e-mail SaigonGG@gmail.com 

or call Huong on 0913 981128. 

The Caterers 

46D Vuon Lai, Tan Phu 

Tel: 3816 2901 

sales@thecaterersvietnam.com.vn 

www.thecaterersvietnam.com.vn 

Catering company offering extensive 

services from location sourcing, décor 

designing and food catering. All functions 

can be catered for, from low-key 

barbeques at home to full-blown weddings 

and parties. 

Xu Catering 

71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1 

Tel: 3824 8468 

www.xusaigon.com 

From the brains behind Xu Restaurant 

and Lounge comes this new catering 

service, promising the highest standards 

in service. Everything from the menu to 

the comprehensive bar service and the 

staff is tailor-made to your specifications. 

COOKERY CLASSES 

Caravelle Hotel Cooking Classes 

Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square, 

D1 Tel: 3823 4999 

Full-day Vietnamese cooking classes for 

groups of up to 20 people. The classes 

 

& 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


include a visit to the market with the 

sous chef. Costs USD $45++ each for 

a minimum 10 people. 

Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc 

The Courtyard, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, D1 

Tel: 3825 8485 

i.briosca@saigoncookingclass.com 

contact@saigoncookingclass.com 

Cooking classes available from Tuesday 

to Sunday 10 am-1 pm/2 pm-5 

pm. Students make an entire meal that 

includes traditional dishes like pho and 

cha gio, as well as more creative fare. 

Conducted by Vietnamese chef in English, 

Japanese or French on request. 

Cost is $45. Market visit with the chef 

on request. 

Vietnam Cookery Centre 

362/8 Ung Van Khiem, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 3512 1491 

Well-known Vietnamese cooking 

classes with half-day and more indepth 

eight-day courses. Students 

work in a comfortable kitchen area with 

their own stove and workspace. Eightday 

course costs USD $160. 

GROCERIES 

Annam Gourmet Market 

16-18 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3822 

9332 

41A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2630 

SB2-1 My Khanh 4, Nguyen Duc 

Canh, D7 Tel: 5412 3263 / 64 

www.annam-gourmet.com 

Boutique grocer with wide selection of 

foreign foods; Annam-brand coffee, tea 

and spices; and household products. 

Wine and premium beer, full deli counter, 

produce, dairy-frozen and baked 

goods on second floor. Cosy café 

serves coffee, drinks and sandwiches. 

Au Parc 


A fine deli counter displaying a 

wide selection of cheeses, roasted 

vegetables, dips and some tempting 

sweets. The shelves along the side 

wall also showcase a solid selection 

of dried goods and some imported 

condiments. 

Bellany Gelato & Sorbet 

Tel: 0122 774 3132 

New Italian gelato and sorbet brand 

made entirely from local fresh fruit and 

adapted to contain minimal fat and 

sugar. Delivers to Thao Dien, An Phu 

residents from 4 pm to 9 pm in just 30 

minutes. 125 ml, 450 ml and 2.8 litre 

packages are available and there are 

15 flavours to choose from. 

Classic Fine Foods 

17 Street 12, D2, Tel: 3740 7105 

www.classicfinefoods.com 

Luxury food primarily imports for 

wholesale, but also takes orders for 

its range of dry goods, cheese, meat, 

poultry and seafood from private 

clients. 

Gastro Home Delicatessen 

100 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward, D2 

Tel: 6281 9830 

Deli filled with fresh French-inspired 

delights ranging from salads to fish and 

vegetarian, meat and poultry dishes. 

Open 7 days from 9.30 am to 9 pm. 

Kim Hai Butchery 


Tel: 3821 6057 or 3914 4376 

Excellent chilled imported beef, lamb, 

veal and other meats sold at reasonable 

prices. 

Le Cochon D’Or 

32 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3829 3856 

French-style charcuterie selling quality 

cold cuts, smoked sausage and a 

range of cheeses at very reasonable 

prices. 

Metro 

An Phu, D2 Tel: 3740 6677 

www.metro.com.vn 

Warehouse wholesaler located just off 

the Hanoi Highway in D2 between the 

Saigon Bridge and the tollbooths. Sells 

bulk food, fresh fruit and vegetables 

and meat, as well as paper products, 

cleaning supplies, housewares--basically 

everything. 

Organik 

11A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 090 273 3841 

arlene@organikvn.com 

www.organikvn.com 

Online grocer based out of Dalat selling 

a range of organic vegetables and groceries, 

as well as imported all-natural 

products such as cereal, soymilk and 

tea. Operates a retail shop in An Phu. 

Veggy’s 

29A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8526 

Sky Garden 

Pham Van Nghi, Bac Khu Pho, D7 

Riverside Apartments 

53 Vo Truong Toan, Thao Dien, D2 

Popular expat market with a huge 

walk-in fridge area stocked with fresh 

fruit and vegetables, dairy products 

and a range of meats. Imported 

canned and dried foods, wines, beers, 

soft drinks, spirits and snacks also 

available. 

LIQUOR & WINE 

Bacchus Corner 

158D Pasteur, D1 

Reliable wine and liquor store owned 

by Tan Khoa Wines with a good range 

of spirits, whiskies, wines and more all 

at decent prices. English-speaking staff 

can help with selections. 

Red Apron 

22 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 3823 

0021 

Large wine and spirits wholesaler, with 

90,000 bottles stored in its five locations 

around the country. Sells wine 

from all around the world, particularly 

France, Chile, Italy and Australia. Exclusive 

distributor of such fine brands 

as Taittinger Champagne. 

The Warehouse 

178 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 8826 

924 Tran Hung Dao, D5 Tel: 6261 

1525 

www.warehouse-asia.com 

One of the city’s premier wine distributors, 

The Warehouse is an aptly 

named, stylish wine store that stocks a 

full range of both New and Old World 

wines, sparkling wines, Champagne, 

spirits, imported beers and accessories. 

Provides advice and delivery 

Best in Italian Cuisine. 

Extensive Wine Collection. 

79 Hai Ba Trung D1 

Tel: 08-382 38998 

www.pomodoro-vietnam.com 

Au Manor De Khai 


nutrifort health feed 

Change Your Mind, Body, Spirit 

By Nutrifort’s Nicole Hawkins 

This time of year, it’s always a 

good mental exercise to reflect 

over the past year, and at the 

same time, plan for the year 

ahead—whether for your personal 

or professional life. For 

many of you who have put off 

your fitness (body and mind) 

resolutions, perhaps I can help 

you change your mind. 

What if fitness, in addition 

to shaping your body, 

also sculpted your mind, 

sharpened it, opened it, even 

changed it What if exercise 

swept you up into a backand-forth 

of brain and brawn, 

taking off pounds and putting 

on wisdom What if moving 

your body helped you stretch 

your confidence and flex remnants 

of character long buried 

in your life's rubble Wouldn’t 

you give it a try 

Each time you go for a run, 

get on a bike, or simply take 

the dog out for a walk, you 

are building on your fitness 

programme. It doesn’t have to 

be hard core, or competitive, 

it just needs to be something 

you do for your body and enjoy, 

so that you keep doing it a 

few days a week… for the rest 

of your life. We all know the 

benefits of exercise for your 

body, but it has therapeutic 

effects on the mind. Once you 

get over the hurdles of muscle 

pain and stiffness, the mental 

confidence that emerges is 

truly the most rewarding kind. 

Start with a list of physical 

things you love to do (by 

yourself or with someone or a 

group). Whether it’s dancing in 

front of a mirror, playing with 

your dog or even shopping 

with a friend, make a habit of 

doing an activity you love every 

day. Then find something 

to laugh about during these 

activities, and you will reap 

even more benefits. 

Be patient with yourself, 

and allow time for your body 

to adjust to the changes—no 

change is too small. Love and 

care for your body for giving 

you life. And look at every 

reflection with appreciation— 

appreciation for every curve, 

love handle, strength, organic 

sensuality and sexuality. If 

you couldn’t make it to your 

spinning class today, get to it 

tomorrow and enjoy a slice of 

chocolate cake today. Trust 

that you are exactly where you 

are meant to be and feel good 

about yourself in your own 

body. 

At its core, fitness is a mental 

challenge and conquering it 

shows you have passion and 

hope. So for the new year, I 

dare you to stand straighter, 

walk lighter, breathe deeper 

and feel better than ever 

before. 

listings 

culture 

CLASSES 

AngelsBrush by Vin 

Tel: 0983377710 

Shyevin@mac.com 

Oil painting course gives learners the 

opportunity to work from the different 

objects; explore different mediums, 

materials and techniques; and interpret 

line, tone and colour. Instructor works 

with students on individual basis. 

Creative Writing Classes 

Tel: 090 448 2957 

kate_orson@hotmail.com 

Writer Kate Orson teaches creative writing 

courses for fiction, non-fiction and 

travel writing. Beginners and experienced 

writers are welcome. 

Helen Kling Oil Painting 

189/C1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, 

D2 Tel: 0903 955 780 

hk.painter@gmail.com/helenkling@ 

yahoo.com 

www.helenkling.com 

Helene is a French painter who teaches 

beginners (children and adults) various 

techniques and the art of working with 

different mediums. She is also a fantastic 

tool for advanced artists who are looking 

to increase their creativity. Both day and 

night courses are available. Helene has a 

permanent exhibition at FLOW, located 

88 Ho Tung Mau, D1. 

Printmaking 

alphagallery@bluemail.ch 

Classes are held at Alpha Gallery taught 

by the gallery owner Bernadette Gruber, 

who offers the chance to learn monotype, 

intaglio and etching techniques. 

CINEMAS 

Cinebox 

212 Ly Chinh Thang, D3 Tel: 3935 

0610 

240 3 Thang 2, D10 Tel: 3862 2425 

Cinebox cinemas show both original 

language films with Vietnamese subtitles 

and the dubbed versions. 

Galaxy Cinema 

116 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3822 8533 


www.galaxycine.vn 

Large, modern cinema that shows the 

latest foreign releases in English (with 

Vietnamese subtitles). 

IDECAF 


French cultural centre and cinema 

theatre. Showcases French movies with 

English and Vietnamese subtitles. Also 

hosts movies and documentaries from a 

number of overseas film festivals. 

Lotte Cinema 

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 

Tel: 3822 7897 

LotteMart, 469 Nguyen Huu Tho, D7 

Tel: 3775 2520 

www.lottecinemavn.com 

Modern cinema with four-way sound 

system. D7 location houses luxury 

theatre Charlotte with 32 seats and eight 

sofas. 

me phim 

HCM City-based film initiative that 

provides support to local filmmakers and 

hosts regular film screenings/discussions. 

Email dduukk@gmail.com for information 

or join the Facebook group. 

Megastar 

Hung Vuong Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong, 

D5 Tel: 08 2222 0388 

CT Plaza, 60A Truong Son, Tan Binh 

Tel: 6297 1981 

www.megastarmedia.net 

State-of-the-art cinema complex screening 

the lastest blockbusters with plush, 

reclining seats. All movies shown in original 

language with Vietnamese subtitles. 

GALLERIES 

a little blah blah 

OUT-2 STUDIO, L6 FAFILM Annex 

6 Thai Van Lung, D1 

albbsaigon-2010.blogspot.com 

Operates as an engine for contemporary 

art by organizing projects, exhibitions, 

screenings and talks. Runs one major 

art project each year and a reading room 

with more than 1,000 texts on art, design 

and creative culture. Free for everyone 

and open Tue to Sat 10 am to 6 pm. 

Blue Space Contemporary Arts 

Center 

97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1 

Tel: 3821 3695 

bluespaceart@hcm.jpt.vn 

www.bluespacegallery.com 

Busy, working gallery with easels 

propped up outside situated in the 

grounds of the beautiful Fine Arts 

Museum. Holds regular exhibitions by 

local artists. 

Duc Minh Gallery 

31C Le Quy Don, D3 Tel: 3933 0498 

Housed in an opulent colonial mansion, 

private museum and art gallery showcases 

the private art collection of Vietnamese 

business tycoon Bui Quoc Chi. 

Containing more than 1,000 pieces that 

range from traditional to contemporary. 

Galerie Quynh 

65 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3836 8019 

www.galeriequynh.com 

The city’s only international standard 

gallery, housed in a modern, two-floor 

space. Organizes regular exhibitions 

featuring established, emerging local/ 

international contemporary artists, publishes 

original catalogs in both English 

and Vietnamese. 

Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum 

97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1 Tel: 3829 4441 

btmthcm@hotmail.com 

Institution housing contemporary/traditional 

works by Vietnamese and foreign 

artists. Pieces date from as early as 

the 7th century. Includes Vietnamese 

antiques, art crafted by the Cham and 

Funan peoples. 

San Art Independent Artist Space 

3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3840 0898 

hoa@san-art.org 

www.san-art.org 

Artist-run, non-profit exhibition space 

featuring contemporary work by young 

Vietnamese artists. San Art hosts guest 

lecturers and curators. A reading room 

of art books and magazines is open to 

the public. 

TuDo Gallery 


www.tudogallery.com 

Hosting permanent exhibitions of works 

by the city’s artists, Tu Do deals in oils, 

silk paintings and lacquerware. More 

than 1,000 pieces on show. 


listings 

sports & 

leisure 

Sport Street 

Huyen Tran Cong Chua, D1 between 

Nguyen Du and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai 

Services include mending and restringing 

broken tennis rackets. Products range 

from badminton birdies and rackets to 

basketball hoops, free weights, roller 

blades, scooters, soccer jerseys and all 

manner of balls. 

Trophies & Custom Signage Street 

Le Lai, D1 between Truong Dinh and 

Nguyen Thai Hoc 

Offers custom engraving on trophies and 

plaques made of plastic, wood, metal 

and glass. 

CRICKET 

Saigon Cricket Assocation 

Social cricket league plays 25 overs a 

side matches Sunday mornings at RMIT’s 

District 7 pitch. Season runs November 

through May, with friendly games throughout 

the pre-season. Practice on Saturdays 

and Sunday afternoons. 

Australian Cricket Club 

Terry Gordon 

terrygordoninasia@yahoo.com.au 

saigonaustraliancricketclub@yahoo.com 

www.saigoncricket.com 

English Cricket Club 

Richard Carrington 

Richard.carrington@pivotalvietnam.com 

info@eccsaigon.com 

www.eccsaigon.com 

Indian Cricket Club 

Manish Sogani, manish@ambrij.com 

United Cricket Club 

Mr. Asif Ali, asif@promo-tex.net 

keshav.dayalani@rmit.edu.vn 

DANCING 

DanCenter 

46/2 Nguyen Cuu Van, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 3840 6974 

www.dancentervn.com 

Modern, centrally located studio with foreign 

trained dance instructors. Classes for 

kids age 5+ in jazz, ballet, hip hop and tap 

dance. Classes for adults in yoga, jazz, 

hip hop, salsa, belly, tap and capoeira. 

Salsa Dancing at La Habana 

6 Cao Ba Quat, D1 

www.salsaigon.com 

salsaigon@gmail.com 

Six-week salsa package at 350,000 

VND for single persons and 550,000 for 

a couple, run by Urko. Lessons every 

Tuesday (beginners L.A. style at 7.30 

pm; intermediate L.A style at 8.30 pm). 

Registration required. 

FITNESS & YOGA 

AIS Sports Centre 

36 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 3744 6960, ext 126 

sportscentre@aisvietnam.com 

www.aissportscentre.com 

Features six-lane, 25-metre pool, basketball 

and netball courts, astroturf hockey/football 

area and outdoor gym equipment. Available 

for party hire, with BBQ included on request. 

Membership packages available. Kids swim 

club and adult masters programmes. Rainbow 

Divers offers scuba diving courses for 

children and adults. Free morning yoga. 

California WOW Xperience 

Parkson Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong, D5 

28/30-32 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 6291 5999 

The world’s biggest fitness centre chain 

is one of Saigon’s most modern places 

to get your sweat on. Located in Hung 

Vuong Plaza, CWX offers a huge work-out 

area and all kinds of classes including 

spinning, KickFit, yoga and more. 

Caravelle Club Spa 

19 Lam Son Square, D1 

Tel: 3823 4999 

Modern and stylish gym with lots of cardiovascular 

machines and free weights. 

The swimming pool is a great place for 

a dip, and the massage parlour, sauna, 

steam room and jacuzzi are there for 

winding down. 

Christophe Guillemin 

Tel: 0909 365525 

azia_shop@yahoo.fr 

www.azia-shop.com 

French fitness instructor offers his training 

assistance both at home or in your gym 

to help with everything from weight loss to 

muscle building. Also does cardio training 

sessions at An Phu swimming pool on 

Saturday at 11 am. 

Curves 

15 Trinh Van Can, D1 Tel: 3821 0319 

www.curvesvietnam.com 

Curves is a women’s only fitness franchise 

with over 10,000 locations and four million 

members. The centre offers a famous 

30-minute total body workout that they 

say will burn up to 500 calories. Features 

training on ‘double positive’ resistance 

equipment. 

Daphne Chua 

Tel: 012 6662 6467 

yogadaphne@gmail.com 

www.daphnechua.com 

Classes taught by a Yoga Alliance certified 

teacher from Singapore that focus on 

breathing and body awareness, combined 

with fluid movements to perfectly balance 

body and mind. Hatha, Restorative and 

Vinyasa classes are offered in group and 

private sessions. 

Diamond Plaza 


The city’s largest department store has 

a well-equipped gym with steam room, 

jacuzzi, massage parlour and swimming 

pool. The gym costs from USD $90 per 

month. 

Diamond Way Buddhism Meditation 

Group 

Tel: 093 804 3753 

Email: SaigonGompa@gmail.com 

www.diamondway-teachings.org 

Meditation group using methods of 

Tibetan Buddhism. Diamond Way or 

Vajrayana Buddhism guides practitioners 

to experience the nature of their own mind 

to reach Enlightenment. 

Equinox Fitness & Leisure Centre 

Equatorial Hotel, 242 Tran Binh Trong, 

D5 Tel: 3839 7777 

Decent-sized 3rd-floor gym with modern 

cardio and weights machines, sauna, 

steambath, jacuzzi, and large 4th floor 

pool great for swimming laps. 

Hollywood Fitness World 

H3 Building, 384 Hoang Dieu, D4 

Tel: 3826 4639 

One of the latest & best workout environments 

in the city, suitable for all ages and 

fitness levels. Personal training is offered. 

Erick Tony Varin, Fitness and Swimming 

Instructor 

Tel: 0939 026 540 

Erickforcearca@hotmail.com 

French instructor offers individual adapted 

programmes at home or at your gym, including 

weight loss, muscle gain, athletic 

training and post-traumatic treatment. 

Swimming and aqua aerobics classes for 

groups or individuals are also offered.

Live healthy! 

Looking ahead to the New Year 

…planning your resolutions 

Come and see us, we can help. 

To make an appointment, call our clinics: 

HCMC: 08 3829 8424 Hanoi: 04 3934 0666 

Vung Tau: 064 385 8776 

December is healthy living month 

at International SOS 

• Thinking of getting fitter 

• Thinking of giving up smoking 

• Need your medications reviewed 

• Want to have your health checked, without a load of tests 

Friendly helpful medical advice tailored to you and your family. 

K1 Fitness and Fight Factory 

346 Ben Van Don, D4 

Tel: 0918 337 111 

www.teamminetti.com 

Fitness centre teaching English and 

Thai boxing, karate, Vietnamese martial 

arts, judo, fencing, grappling, and mixed 

martial arts with classes for both adults 

and children. All training conducted by a 

professional foreign instructor. 

L’Apothiquaire Fitness Centre 

64A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3932 5181 

www.lapothiquaire.com 

Internationally-certified teachers offer daily 

classes in Sivananda, Iyengar, Power, 

Yoga, Abdo-Pilates, Taebo and Aqua- 

Aerobics. Peaceful swimming pool, sauna 

and steam room. 

La Cochinchine 

Rex Hotel, 146 Pastuer, D1 

Tel: 3825 1812 (ext 7477) 

New and affordable fitness centre located 

in the heart of the city. This gym has a 

wide range of weight machines, as well as 

many cardio machines, including treadmills, 

cross-trainers and bikes. A good 

variety of classes are available, including 

yoga and aerobic dance. 

Michelle Lloyd Yoga 

Tel: 0909 64 8193 

michelleglloyd@gmail.com 

www.michellelloyd.com 

E-RYT200 certified yoga instructor offering 

Vinyasa yoga classes at various locations 

around the city. Private and corporate 

yoga programs available. Contact Michelle 

for more information on her current schedule 

and special events. 

Nutrifort 

2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 

Tel: 3825 8560 

news@nutrifort.com/www.nutrifort.com 

Comprehensive health and fitness centre 

offering customized exercise, nutritional 

counseling to members. Specializing in 

weight loss programs, core/body alignment 

training with Pilates equipment. 

Healthy snacks available. 

NTFQ2 Spa 

34 Nguyen Dang Giai, D2 

Tel: 3744 6672 

Therapeutic massage with a focus on 

sports massage to increase circulation, 

remove lactic acid build-up, restore flexibility 

and relieve back pain. 

Park Hyatt Fitness Centre 


Luxury health centre with the full range of 

facilities including swimming pool, steam 

room, jacuzzi and fitness centre. Threemonth 

peak membership costs USD 

$810++ and off-peak is $450++. 

Patricia Romero, ERYT200 

Phu My Hung, An Phu 

Tel: 090 387 2832 

saigonease@yahoo.com 

Alignment-based yoga classes that infuse 

elements from the Ashtanga and Iyengar 

traditions. Group and private classes. Also 

specialising in therapeutics and restorative 

yoga. Patricia has been teaching yoga in 

Saigon since 2002. 

Renaissance Hotel Health Club 

8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Tel: 3822 0033 

Stylish health club with gym, swimming 

pool, steam room, massage parlour, 

pool-side bar and an outstanding view 

of the city. Costs USD $140 a month, or 

$10 a day. 

Saigon Fitness Club 


Tel: 3822 8888 

The modern Nautilus-equipped gym is 

staffed by highly-qualified instructors to 

cater for your fitness needs. Features a 

swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, golf 

driving range, jogging track, sauna, and 

massage rooms. 

Sheraton Fitness 

Level 5, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, 

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 

sheraton.saigon@sheraton.com 

www.sheraton.com/saigon 

Sheraton Fitness features a team of 

trained professionals and new Technogym 

equipment. Members have full use of 

leisure facilities and receive discounts 

at hotel bars and restaurants and Aqua 

Day Spa. 

Star Fitness Gym 

Manor Apartments, 91 Nguyen Huu 

Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0255 

This 1,600sqm gym is apparently the 

biggest in Vietnam. Has a good range 

of machines for any type of workout. 

Membership involves one time entry fee 

plus monthly subscriptions and gives free 

access to regular fitness classes. 

Sofitel Saigon Plaza Fitness Centre 

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555 

Small but well-equipped gym with helpful 

staff and quality equipment. Membership 

costs USD $700++ for six months and 

$1,300++ for a year. Also runs a number 

of fitness classes including yoga. 

Yoga & Meditation Centre 

335 Dien Bien Phu, D3 

Tel: 3929 1706 

www.ymc.org 

Professional team of Western and local 

teachers show you how to practice a 

combination of yoga and meditation with 

a range of classes such as Hatha, Yin, 

Vikram, Ashtanga yoga and Pilates. 

Yoga Living 


Tel: 098 880 4598 

info@yogaliving.com.vn 

www.yogaliving.com.vn 

Yoga studio offering hatha, vinyasa, power 

and ashtanga yoga. Schedule can be selfmade 

by members. 

FOOTBALL & RUGBY 

Australian Rules Football 

Tel: 093 768 3230 

www.vietnamswans.com 

vietnamswans@gmail.com 

The Vietnam Swans play regular 

international footy matches around Asia. 

Training sessions are held weekly in HCM 

City (2.30 pm Saturday, RMIT D7) and 

Hanoi (midday, Saturday, UN International 

School, Ciputra). All skill levels and codes 

welcome. 

Les Gaulois de Saigon 

www.gauloisdesaigon.com 

info@gauloisdesaigon.com 

A new team of French footballers, the side 

invites players and their families to come 

and join in their friendly training sessions, 

where everyone can get together and 

enjoy the sport while making new friends. 

Contact Sebastien on 0919 691785 or 

Romain on 0908 060139. 

RMIT Vietnam 

sports.recreation@rmit.edu.vn 

A new player on the SIFL scene with 

a team made up of students from the 

University. They have their own football 

ground on-site consisting of two brand 

new pitches. Contact Landon Carnie. 

Saigon Raiders 

jon.hoff@saigonraiders.com 

Sociable football side who are always on 

the lookout for new talent for their weekly 

matches and training sessions. The team 

participates in the Saigon International 

Football League and also has regular 

fixtures against local teams in the outlying 

provinces and also participates in international 

tournaments. 

Saigon Rugby Club 

Tel: 0903 735 799 

www.saigonrfc.org 

saigonrugbyfootballclub@yahoo.com 

Social, mixed touch rugby played 


every Saturday afternoon for adults at 

RMIT from 4 pm until 6 pm. Regularly 

welcomes visiting teams and tours the 

region for men’s contact and women’s 

touch rugby tournaments. Beginners 

welcome. 

Saigon Saints 

chris@saigonsaints.com 

www.saigonsaints.com 

Expat football club of all ages, which has 

been running since 1995 and plays in the 

SIFL. Regularly venture on international 

tours especially to Bangkok and Manila 

and play in other local and international 

tournaments. The players train weekly, 

and new players are encouraged to join. 

GOLF 

Dalat Palace Golf Club 

Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Dalat 

Tel: 063 3821 101 

dpgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com 

The most beautiful course in Vietnam, 

combining the crisp mountain air with 

an environment of stately pine trees. 

Overlooking Xuan Huong lake, the 7,009- 

yard course is an enjoyable challenge for 

golfers of all levels. 

Dong Nai Golf Resort 

Trang Bom Town, Trang Bom 

Tel: 061 3866 288 / 3677 590 

www.dongnaigolf.com.vn 

Large golf resort with 27 holes, plus a 

villa complex, bar, sauna. jacuzzi and 

billiards. The resort sits on 160 hectares 

of land in Dong Nai Province, about 50 

kilometres from the city. Membership 

starts at USD $2,000 a year. 

Ocean Dunes Golf Club 

1 Ton Duc Thang, Phan Thiet 

Tel: 062 3821 995 

odgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com 

Designed by Nick Faldo, the 6,746-yard 

par-72 course winds through seaside 

dunes, with the variable coastal breezes 

changing its character each day. An 

enjoyable and eminently playable course 

and has become a favourite venue for 

expatriate tournaments. 

Saigon South Golf 

Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu, D7 

Tel: 5411 2001 

sgs.golf@yahoo.com.vn 

Nine-hole mini golf course and driving 

range set amongst attractive gardens 

just behind FV Hospital. Membership 

starts from USD $700 for 6 months. 

Visitors’ greens fees for a round of golf 

are around USD $16 before 5 pm and 

$19 after. Club, shoe and umbrella hire is 

also available. 

SaigonSports Academy League 

Tel: 093 215 3502 

greg@saigonsportsacademy.com 

www.saigonsportsacademy.com 

12-week, 5 a side community football 

league with Adult, U18, U14, U10 and 

U7 divisions. Matches held at Thao Dan 

Stadium in District 1. Corporate, local 

and expat teams compete in adult division 

with cash prize for champions. 

Song Be Golf Resort 

77 Binh Duong Blvd, Thuan An 

Tel: 0650 3756 660 

info@songbegolf.com 

www.songbegolf.com 

Located 22 kilometres from the city centre, 

the premier golf course in the area 

features an 18-hole, 6,384-metre course. 

Also has tennis courts, a swimming pool, 

and a gymnasium. 

Vietnam Golf and Country Club 

Long Thanh My Village, D9 

www.vietnamgolfcc.com 

This facility consists of two courses of 

18 holes each, one of which is designed 

in a more traditional Asian style, and the 

other in international style. Has other 

attractions such as boating, tennis and a 

restaurant area. 

LEISURE 

Hash House Harriers 

www.saigonh3.com 

Running club that meets every Sunday at 

2 pm at the Caravelle Hotel to go on a run 

in different locations out of town with their 

traditional balance of exercise and beer. 

Phun Runner 

info@phun-run.com 

Social running group that meets Saturdays 

at 7 am for a scenic run around 

Saigon before breakfast. Great way to 

explore the city, meet fellow runners and 

get fit for future events. Check website for 

rendezvous points. 

Saigon International Dart League 

www.thesidl.com 

A highly popular group in town, the darts 

club runs a competitive year-long league 

for 16 pub-based teams. There are some 

excellent players in this sociable and international 

group. See website for details 

of how to join and latest 180 scores. 

Saigon International Softball League 

sisl@saigonsoftball.info 

www.saigonsoftball.info 

The league plays slo-pitch softball every 

Sunday (usually at the Taiwanese School 

in Phu My Hung) and always welcomes 

newcomers. 

Saigon Pony Club 

Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2 

Tel: 0913 733 360 

A standout facility offering pony rides, 

riding lessons, horse clinics and pony 

rentals. Also hosts events and birthdays. 

Senior Expat ChitChat 

Weekly “Coffee Talk” meetings among 

seniors at the Palace Hotel Café (56 – 66 

Nguyen Hue, D1) each Tuesday from 10 

to 11.30 am. The informal group is for 

local expatriates and English-speaking 

foreign travellers who meet to share 

experiences and make new friends. Call 

club organizer Sheldon Pruss at 0932 

031 837. 

Squash 

The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Tel: 3822 2098 ext 176 

www.thelandmarkvietnam.com 

One of three squash courts in town. 

Membership is open to non-Landmark 

residents and drop-in players. Lessons 

and racquets are available for additional 

fees. Balls are provided. Book in advance 

or phone for further information. 

Ultimate Frisbee 

RMIT, 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7 

www.saigon-ultimate.com 

Join in this exciting popular sport every 

Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm in 

Saigon South. Pan-Asian competitions 

also organised for the more experienced. 

Contact David Jensen at 0909458890 

Vietnam Hobby Brewers 

hobbybrewer.vietnam@gmail.com 

www.hobbybrewer-vietnam.de.tl 

Small group of beer enthusiasts gather 

bi-monthly at microbrewery to talk beer, 

share brewing tips and sample homemade 

suds. The group is keen on taking 

on new members with an interest in 

learning how to brew. 

X-Rock Climbing 

Phan Dinh Phung Sport Centre 


Tel: 6278 5794 

503A Nguyen Duy Trinh, D2 

Tel: 2210 9192 

www.xrockclimbing.com 

Offering safe and professional climbing for 

anyone aged 4 and up. Featuring mountain 

climbing routes rated from beginner 

to advanced, climbing and belay-safety 

courses and training, birthday parties, 

corporate team building. 

Happy new year 

(*) More information, please contact consultant or www.en.marianna.com.vn 

Let our doctors take care of you 


listings 

health & 

beauty 

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 

American Chiropractic Clinic 

8 Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3930 6667 

www.vietnamchiropractic.com 

A chiropractic, physiotherapy, foot 

care clinic staffed by American-trained 

chiropractors speaking French, English, 

Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Treats 

back pain, neck pain, knee pain, also 

specializing in sports injuries, manufacture 

of medical grade foot orthotics. 

Ciro Gargiulo 

CARE1 Executive Health Care Center 

The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, 

Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757 

care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com 

www.care1.com.vn 

A holistic approach is used by this 

acupuncturist and traditional medicine 

practitioner to rebalance the body’s 

energy fields. A wide range of ailments 

are treated including back pain, allergies 

and insomnia. 

Institute of Traditional Medicine 

273-275 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan 

Dr. Le Hung is the man to see at this 

well-established traditional hospital & 

training centre. He speaks good English 

and provides excellent treatments in a 

clean environment. The Institute also 

provides acupuncture lessons at USD 

$30 per day. 

COSMETIC TREATMENT 

Cao Thang Lasik & Aesthetic Clinic 

135-135B Tran Binh Trong, D5 

Tel: 3923 4419 

A modern clinic offering a comprehensive 

range of optical services. Specializes in 

LASIK correctional procedures, costing 

from USD $700 to $1,100 for both eyes. 

English spoken. Open seven days a 

week. 

FV Hospital Cosmetic Surgery 

45 Vo Thi Sau, D1 Tel: 6290 6167 

6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7 

Tel: 5411 3366 

www.fvhospital.com 

International-standard cosmetic procedures 

from simple dermabrasion and 

chemical peels to collagen injections, 

nose and eye shaping, liposuction, and 

breast enhancement. Procedures carried 

out by French and Vietnamese doctors 

using the latest equipment. 

Parkway Shenton International Clinic 

Suite 213-214, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Owned by the Singapore-based 

healthcare giant Parkway Holdings, this 

aesthetics clinic offers a range of both 

surgical and non-surgical treatments 

including dental reconstruction. 

DENTAL 

European Dental Clinic 

127 Dien Bien Phu, Dakao, D1 

Tel: 3823 8680 

Expat English and French-speaking 

dentist. Performs full range of dental 

treatment including whitening, aesthetic 

fillings, porcelain crowns, full ceramics, 

veneer and orthodontic treatment. 24- 

hour emergency line: 0909 551 916 or 

0918 749 204. 

Koseikai Dental Clinic 

3rd floor, 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan, D1 

Tel: 3910 6255 

info@koseikai.com.vn 

www.koseikaidentist.com 

A member of Dental Clinic Vietnam, 

provide full range of dental services 

with the latest in technology, delivery of 

laboratory work and new technologies 

now available. 

Starlight Dental Clinic 

Dr. Philippe Guettier & Associates 

2Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, D1 

Tel: 3822 6222 

doe.linh@gmail.com 

With 10 years’ experience providing 

dental treatment to expat and Vietnamese 

patients, this well-known dental 

surgery is staffed by both foreign & 

local practitioners. Au fait with the latest 

treatments and techniques, the surgery 

prides themselves on their high standard 

of equipment & sterilization. 

Westcoast International Dental Clinic 

27 Nguyen Trung Truc, D1 

Tel: 3825 6999 

71-79 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 6777 

info@westcoastinternational.com 

www.westcoastinternational.com 

Canadian-run dental clinic staffed by 

French, Japanese, English and Vietnamese 

speaking dental professionals. 

See Medical listings for hospitals with 

dental services. 

HAIR & SALON 

Anthony George for London Hair & 

Beauty 

FIDECO Riverview Building 

14 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6475 

www.aglondonsalon.com.vn 

Top British stylist George brings his 

unique flair to hair in District 2. The modern, 

stylish and professional salon is host 

to a staff of professionally trained beauty 

therapists. Uses Dermalogica, Schwarzkopf 

and L’Oreal products. Shampoo, 

cut and blow-dry starts at USD $26; mini 

facials from $12. 

Lloyd Morgan International Hair 

Studio 

234 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2 

Tel: 090 8422 007 

International stylist Lloyd Morgan is one 

of the best in town. He’s been in the 

business for over 30 years and brings his 

expertise to this established, top-notch 

salon. 

Qi Spa 


Tel: 3844 1719 

Caravelle Hotel Tel: 3824 7150 

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, 

Tel: 3997 5437 

High-end salon and spa offers the 

standard range of services in a calming 

atmosphere with good service. Waxing, 

nail services, hair dressing as well as 

luxurious facial and massage treatments 

on offer. 

Souche 

2nd Floor, Saigon Trade Centre 

37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 0372 

A top-end beauty salon using the 

Dermatologica line of skincare products. 

Specialises in personalized facial care 

treatments from USD $30 and medicated 

acne treatments from $40. Waxing and 

other aesthetic services are also available 

in a pleasant atmosphere with excellent 

service. 

Sunji Matsuo Hair Studio 

Saigon Paragon, 3 Nguyen Luong 

Bang, D7 Tel: 5416 0378 

Celebrity hairstylist Sunji Matsuo’s Singapore-based 

hair salon has a variety of 

hair services including scalp treatments, 

rebonding and hair extensions. 

MEDICAL 

CARE1 Executive Health Care Center 

The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, 

Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757 

care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com 

www.care1.com.vn 

Sister clinic of Family Medical Practice, 

CARE1 is an executive health care centre 

questions for the coiffeur 

Of Cuts and Volume 

By Lloyd Morgan 

Q: What cutting methods 

does a stylist have in their 

arsenal and when are they 

best used 

A: A hair stylist will enlist any 

number of cutting methods, 

depending on the desired 

outcome and in most cases, 

more than one technique will 

be used. 

Uniform layers are the same 

length and sit evenly across 

the head. Graduated layers, 

on the other hand, fall at different 

lengths from short to 

long. To achieve this look, the 

stylist will cut the hair at various 

angles, including convex, 

concave, horizontal, left and 

right diagonal. 

All cuts have one or more 

of these angles; the real art 

though is fine-tuning the 

method by either point thinning 

or texturising. Point thinning 

involves cutting the ends 

of the layers to reduce weight 

and allow the hair to bounce 

up. Texturising involves cutting 

the layers into smaller sections 

to give a more ‘choppy’ effect. 

The basic one layer bob is 

a great example of a do that 

uses all the cutting methods 

mentioned above. In this style, 

the hair lies flat with no movement 

except on the outside 

line. 

That, of course, is just one 

style; there are countless others 

and it is best to speak with 

your stylist to decide what 

works best for your particular 

needs. Depending on your hair 

type—fine, thin, straight, wavy 

or curly—and how your locks 

react to humidity, for example, 

will dictate the stylist’s plan of 

attack. 

Q How I can add more body 

to my fine hair 

A: I’ll give you a few tips but 

it will depend on how much 

time you want to spend on 

your hair and how handy you 

are with it. First, after washing 

your hair, make sure the 

conditioner does not go on 

the root area as that will add 

weight to it. Blow dry your hair 

about 60 percent and comb 

mousse through it using a 

wide-tooth comb, and not 

your fingers, as this ensures 

even application of the product. 

Put your head upside 

down, and using your hands 

blow dry your hair and once 

dry, throw your head back up 

and move your hands through 

your hair, upwards and backwards. 

Spray your hands with 

hair spray, bring your head 

back down, and rub your head 

with your fingertips much like 

a scalp massage. This helps 

increase volume in your hair as 

the hairspray gives the roots 

extra life while the mousse 

thickens the shaft. 

Lloyd Morgan runs the Lloyd 

Morgan International Hair 

Studio at 234 Nguyen Van 

Huong, Thao Dien, D2. Contact 

him at 0908 422 007 or 

lloydskate@hotmail.com. 


offering comprehensive preventative-care 

checkups in a modern and professional 

setting. State-of-the-art technology provides 

fast and accurate diagnoses. 

Centre Medical International (CMI) 


Tel: 3827 2366 

www.cmi-vietnam.com 

Located downtown next to the cathedral, 

the centre provides a high standard 

of medical care from qualified French 

and Vietnamese physicians. Its range 

of services include general and tropical 

medicine, cardiology, gynaecology, osteopathy, 

pediatrics, psychiatry, speech 

therapy and traditional Eastern medicine. 

Columbia Asia Saigon Clinic 

8 Alexandre de Rhodes, D1 

Tel: 3823 8888 

Respected multi-specialty clinic with 

foreign and local physicians. Doctors on 

call 24 hours a day. Standard checkups 

cost between 400,000 VND and 

800,000 VND. 

Family Medical Practice HCMC 


Tel: 3822 7848 

www.vietnammedicalpractice.com 

Leading international primary healthcare 

provider, with a 24-hour state-of-the-art 

medical centre and highly-qualified multilingual 

foreign doctors. Extensive experience 

in worldwide medical evacuations 

with car and air ambulance on standby. 

Also in Hanoi and Danang. 

FV Hospital 

6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7 

Tel: 5411 3333 

www.fvhospital.com 

A foreign-owned international-standard 

hospital with a mixture of French and 

Vietnamese physicians. Offers quality 

services, comprehensive patient care 

and is particularly well regarded for 

its maternity care. Full array of dental 

services from examination, cleaning and 

whitening to fillings, cosmetic procedures 

and implants. 24-hour emergency line: 

3411 3500. 

International SOS 

167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 

Tel: 3829 8424 

www.internationalsos.com 

Globally-renowned provider of medical 

assistance and international healthcare. 

Specializes in offering medical transport 

and evacuation both within and outside 

of Vietnam for urgent medical cases. 

Foreign and Vietnamese dentists. Has 

multilingual staff. 

Victoria Healthcare International 

Clinic 

135A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan 

Tel: 3997 4545 

79 Dien Bien Phu, D1 Tel: 39104545 

Well-regarded clinic offering general 

examinations and specializing in pediatrics, 

digestive diseases, cardiology and 

women's health. Offers a membership 

program and cooperates with most 

insurance companies in Vietnam and 

abroad. Open with doctors on call 24/7. 

New Pet Hospital 

53 Dang Dung St, D1 

Tel: 6269 3939 

This veterinary hospital is equipped with 

the state-of-the-art equipment including 

digital X-ray machine, color-ultrasound 

machine, inhalation anesthetic system 

and blood analyzer. It also provides 

boarding and grooming services. 

SKINCARE 

Avon 

186A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 

Tel: 3930 4018 

www.vn.avon.com 

HCMC branch of the world’s largest 

direct seller of cosmetics occupies the 

ground floor of District 3 villa, selling 

brand names like Anew, Skin-So-Soft 

and Avon Natural. 

The Body Shop 


31 Nguyen Trai, D1 

www.thebodyshop.com 

Internatioanl cosmetics retailer with 

strong commitment to environment 

sources natural ingredients from small 

communities for its line of more than 600 

products. 

L’Apothiquaire 

100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 

Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza 

Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza 

The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat Tien, D7 

64A Truong Dinh, D3 


Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082 


info@lapothiquaire.com 

French-made natural products for all 

types of skin. Also offers exclusive 

natural Italian skin, body and hair care 

from Erbario Toscano. Available at all 

L’Apothiquaire outlets. 

L’Occitane en Provence 


French cosmetics company with a 30- 

year history offering a range of bath and 

massage oils, essential oils, body and 

hand care products are especially well 

known. Also has outlets in all the major 

downtown shopping malls. 

Marianna Medical Laser Skincare 

149A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel:3526 4635 

www.en.marianna.com.vn 

Professional Laser Clinic in Ho Chi Minh 

City, Marianna owns the excellent experts 

in Aesthetic Medicine and the modern 

technologies such as Laser, Botox, 

Filler and all solutions can help you more 

beautiful and younger day by day. 

Sian Skincare Laser Clinic 

71–77 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel:3827 6999 

info@sianclinic.com 

www.sianclinic.com 

Skincare laser clinic offering the latest 

in non-surgical esthetic treatments 

including Botox, laser, acne treatments, 

hair loss regrowth, hair removal, skin 

rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments. 

Led by Dr. Tran Ngoc Si, a leading 

esthetic dermatologist from the hospital 

of Dermatology of HCMC. 

SPAS 

Aqua Day Spa 

Sheraton Saigon, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 

Tel: 3827 2828 

Recently revamped luxury eight-room 

spa with a holistic approach to treatment, 

using natural Harnn products 

plus hot stone therapy and seaweed 

treatments. 

La Maison de L’Apothiquaire 

64A Truong Dinh, D3 

Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082 

info@lapothiquaire.com 


Traditional French day spa in colonial villa 

with professional therapists and state-ofthe-art 

treatments. Complimentary use of 

swimming pool, sauna and steam bath. 

Has fitness centre and organic garden 

restaurant and offers gentlemen’s care. 

Authentic Spa at Thao Dien 


Tel: 3744 6453 

Located on the banks of the Saigon 

River, offering day spa and fitness facilities 

with a riverside pool. 

Xuan Spa 

Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son Square, D1 

Tel: 3824 1234 

Beautiful spa with highly rated Swedish 

massage and water therapy including 

the unique 60 minutes Vichy shower to 

soften and smooth skin or the Indian Shirodhara 

with special oil for 45 minutes. 

Spa packages aimed at rejuvenation, 

calming, and hydrating are also available. 


SSIS: An Education That 

Opens Doors To The Future. 

SAIGON SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 

Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam 

Telephone: (84-8) 5413-0901 - Fax: (84-8) 5413-0902 

Email: info@ssis.edu.vn - www.ssis.edu.vn 

listings 

family 

ACTIVITIES 

Alpha Gallery 

10 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 

Printmaking classes for both adults and 

children run by Swiss artist Bernadette 

Gruber. Six-week courses start with 

the basics and swiftly move students 

towards producing proofs and final prints 

from copper plates they have created. 

Freedom of expression is encouraged and 

other mediums are also explored. 

Conservatory of Music 

112 Nguyen Du, D1 

The established training centre for professional 

musicians offers private piano 

and violin lessons to foreigners in the 

evenings. 

Rubba Duckies Swim School 

rubbaduckiesswim@hotmail.com 

Parent and infant water familiarisation 

classes in a group environment from six to 

48 months. Classes take place at Somerset 

Apts., D1; Riverside, D2; APSC, D2 or 

AI D2 and D3. Email for schedule. 

Saigon Movement 

An Phu Tel: 098 702 7722 

saigonmovement@gmail.com 

Sports and creative movement classes for 

kids 2 to 11. Classes improve children’s 

total body awareness through a variety of 

games and sports-based activities. Phu 

My Hung schedule starts in September. 

Saigon Pony Club 

Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2 

Tel: 0913 733 360 

Close to X-rock climbing centre, kids 

from three and upwards can ride one 

of the stable’s 16 ponies. Lessons with 

foriegn teachers last 45 minutes and cost 

350,000 VND for kids from age six. 

The Performing Arts Academy 

19A Ngo Quang Huy, D2 

Tel: 090 339 0675 

info@paa.com.vn 

www.paa.com.vn 

Enrolling aspiring learners 6 and up for 

instruction in guitar, singing, piano, flute, 

clarinet, saxophone and drums. ABRSM 

qualified. Group dance and drama 

session also available. Offering Tiny Tots 

music enrichment & dance program for 

ages 3-5. 

Tae Kwondo 

BP Compound, 720 Thao Dien, D2 and 

Riverside Villa Compound, Vo Truong 

Toan, D2 

phucteacherkd@yahoo.com 

Private and group classes are run after 

school three times a week by the friendly 

Mr. Phuc. Anyone over the age of five 

is welcome to join in the course, which 

costs USD $50 for 12 classes/month with 

a $25 fee for non-members. Contact Mr. 

Phuc directly on 0903 918 149. 

BABY EQUIPMENT 

Babyland 


Quality products including car seats, 

buggies, prams and travel cots and a 

good selection of baby toys. Carries 

Avent bottles and sterilizer sets, and a 

small range of educational books. Prices 

are higher than the other places, but so 

is the quality. 

Maman Bebe 


Tel: 3825 8724 

www.mamanbebe.com.vn 

Stocks an assortment of modern strollers 

and car seats. Also sells various utensils 

and practical baby products. Small 

selection of clothing for ages newborn to 

14 years. 

Me & Be 

230 Vo Thi Sau, D3 

40 Ton That Tung, D1 

141D Phan Dang Luu, Phu Nhuan 


101-103 Khanh Hoi, D4 

287A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan 

The closest thing to Mothercare the city 

has to offer. Stocks a substantial range 

of apparel for babies including bottles 

and sterilizers, cots (including travel cots), 

clothing, toys, safety equipment and 

more, all at reasonable prices. 

Me Oi 

1B Ton That Tung, D1 

A small shop adjacent to the maternity 

hospital bursting at the seams with everything 

you need for your baby. Clothing, 

footwear, bottles, nappies, nappy bags 

and toys all at reasonable prices. 

CLOTHES 

Be Happier 

181 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Dist 

A small outlet providing children’s clothes 

from 1 to 6 years old, using only cotton. 

Mid to high-range prices for quality 

apparel. 

Children Planet 

90 Vo Thi Sau, D1 

Mid to high-range prices for quality apparel, 

imported material from Singapore. 

Offering from the age of 5 to 14 years old 

boys and girls. 

Dabs Kids Fashion 


A good selection of both casual and 

formal clothing for kids aged five to ten. 

Party dresses, simple T-shirts, trousers 

and more are all good quality and very 

reasonably priced. Backpacks and other 

accessories are also on sale. 

DLS Paris 

17/5 Le Thanh Ton, D1 


Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 



A superb range of unique and beautiful 

clothing for young children (from newborns 

to pre-school age) at high to midrange 

prices. The quality compensates 

for the price. Bedding, baby equipment 

and furniture and organic and natural 

supplies also kept in stock. 

Kiko 


Wide range of Japanese imported elastic 

cotton for children, newborns to 14 

years old. Kiko also has an outlet on the 

second floor of Parkson Plaza. 

La Maison 


On the second floor of this upscale 

furniture store is a lovely range of pretty 

dresses and other cotton apparel for 

kids, from babies to pre-school age. 

Prices are reasonable. 

Little Anh – Em 

41 Thao Dien, D2 

A French brand made in Vietnam offering 

a wide selection of colourful, simply 

packaged and thoughtfully collated 

“sets” of garments for girls and boys 

from newborn to 10 years old. Lifestyle 

pieces also available include sleeping 

bags, bedroom accessories and bags. 

Ninh Khuong 

44 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3824 7456 

83 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 9079 

220 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3920 3224 



Tel: 3930 9183 

www.ninhkhuong.vn 

Well-known hand-embroidered children’s 

clothing brand using 100% cotton. Newborn 

to 10 years old (girl) and fourteen 

years old (boy). Also stocking home 

linens. Prices are reasonable. 

Peekaboo 



Locally designed apparel for girls, ages 1 

to 10. Materials include cotton, wool and 

satin. High to mid-range prices. 

REVE 

Villa Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton, 

District 1, Tel: 3825 7307 

High-end cashmere, lace, and cotton 

clothes designed by a French mother/ 

daughter team. All pieces are handmade 

and tailored for infants to kids 2 years 

of age. 

Small is Beautiful 

227 Le Thanh Ton, D1 

Tel: 38 23 87 54 

contact@smallisb.com 

www.smallisb.com 

This newly opened boutique aims to be 

the chic shop for kids in the city. There 

is a selection of brand name clothing, 

accessories and creative toys. Clothing 

comes from international designers such 

as Baby Dior, Sonia Rykiel and DKNY. 

Tuti Bella 

Vincom Center, 70 - 72 Le Thanh Ton, 

District 1 


49A Nguyen Trai, D1 

Tel: 3993 9088 

www.tutibella.net 

Self-described as a “chic and trendy 

children boutique.” Carries high-end 

causal clothes, formal wear, shoes and 

accessories for ages 1 to 12 years. 

EDUCATION 

ABC International School 

2,1E Street, KDC Trung Son, Binh Hung, 

Binh Chanh Tel: 5431 1833 

abcintschoolss@vnn.vn 

www.theabcis.com 

UK standards-based curriculum awards 

diploma with IGCSE’s & A Levels certified 

by Cambridge Universit examinations 

board. From playgroup to pre-university 

matriculation. Served by 80+ British 

teachers. Good facilities and extra-curricular 

activities. 

ACG International School 

East West Highway, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 3747 1234 

www.acgedu.com 

Part of the Academic Colleges Group’s 

international network of schools, ACG 

offers comprehensive education from 

kindergarten to senior high school and a 

range of extracurricular activities. International 

curricula (IB PYP and Cambridge 

International Examinations). 

The Australian International School 

Saigon 

Cherry Blossom 1 & Lotus 1, APSC 

Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2 

Tel: 3744 6960 

Middle & Senior Campus 

21 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 

Tel: 3822 4992 

enrolment@aisvietnam.com 

www.aisvietnam.com 

An international curricula and PYP/MYP 

candidate school. Senior students follow 

IGCSE and Cambridge A levels. Only 

school in Vietnam authorized to deliver 

University of New South Wales Foundation 

Studies grade 12 curriculum. Wellresourced 

classrooms, highly trained and 

experienced expatriate teachers, outfitted 

for academic, sport, creative activities. 

British International School 

Primary Campus 

43 - 45 Tu Xuong, D3 



ask auntie emily 

Policing Parents 

By Emily Huckson 

Dear Auntie Em: My threeyear-old 

and I are friends with 

our neighbour whose child is 

the same age as mine. They 

came over for a visit the other 

day and things were going 

very well until we witnessed 

our little guest grab a toy from 

my daughter and run off with 

it. I was hoping her mother 

would step in but—surprise!— 

she did nothing. In such situations 

do I to let it go or swoop 

in to restore the toy 

- Unsure 

Dear Unsure: As tempting 

as it may be to discipline the 

other child, there could be 

consequences such as your 

neighbour asking you to mind 

your own business. At worst, 

the kids could witness two 

grown adults defending their 

young, and the result might 

be ugly. 

Is there ever a time or place 

to discipline other people’s 

kids And does it matter who 

those people are—strangers, 

friends or relatives 

The basic rule of thumb is: 

Don’t do it. Especially when 

it comes to friends and relatives, 

the fallout can poison 

relationships for a long time. 

But like all rules, this one has 

exceptions. Most parents 

agree it’s OK if the situation 

calls for immediate action—in 

the case of a physical fight 

or dangerous situation, for 

example. It may also be OK if 

you’ve been given permission 

from the child’s parent or caregiver 

to step in. But be aware 

that each situation is unique 

and may call for a different 

approach. 

While you say both of you 

were watching, that doesn’t 

necessarily mean you were 

both actively observing. There 

is a chance your friend didn’t 

really see what her daughter 

had done. In that case, bring 

it to her attention and say out 

loud, so the children can hear, 

“Oh Dear! Your daughter just 

grabbed a toy from my daughter 

and ran away with it…what 

can we do to make it right” 

I am a big promoter of ‘over 

speak’. This means speaking 

in proximity of the children to 

an adult (and not speaking 

to the children—making it as 

if the children ‘accidentally’ 

overheard the conversation). 

I have found, with this age, 

I get better results when using 

'over speak' with other adults, 

rather than directly speaking to 

them. Two to three year olds 

are very curious, usually ‘don’t 

miss a beat’ and are really 

tuned in to what adults say 

amongst themselves. 

Email your questions about 

childhood development to 

auntie-em@asialifehcmc. 

com 

Secondary Campus 


Tel: 3744 2335 

www.bisvietnam.com 

With campuses all over the city and 

expansion underway, BIS offers a mixture 

of both English and International curriculabased 

education alongside excellent 

facilities and extra-curricular activities. 

Senior students follow the IGCSE and IB 

programmes. 

German International School 

257 Hoang Van Thu , Tan Binh 

Tel: 7300 7257 

info@giss.vn / www.giss.vn 

A bilingual school with native German and 

English teachers. The language program 

is followed in both German and English, 

alongside the German curriculum. Extra 

curricular activities are available for all 

primary school students. 

International School HCMC 

28 Vo Truong Toan, D2 

Tel: 3898 9100 

www.ishcmc.com 

One of 136 schools around the world 

to be accredited as an IB World School. 

Offers all three of the IB programmes from 

primary through to grade 12. The school 

is fully accredited by CIS and NEASC 

and has a strong focus on community 

spirit and fosters an awareness of other 

languages and cultures. 

International School Saigon Pearl 

92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh 

District Tel: 2220 1788/89 

www.issp.edu.vn 

Opening in August, 2011, the single 

purpose-built campus will cater for nursery 

through grade five. In the second year, 

sixth grade will be added. ISSP’s longterm 

strategic plan includes complete 

middle and high schools. In the spring of 

2011 ISSP will host the Western Association 

of Schools and Colleges (the largest 

American accreditation agency in Asia). 

Accreditation will allow children to easily 

transfer to schools abroad. 

The Little Genius International Kindergarten 

102 My Kim, Phu My Hung, D7 

Tel: 5421 1052 

Kindergarten with U.S.-accredited curriculum, 

modern facilities and 

attractive school grounds. 

Montessori International School 

International Program 

42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, D2 

Tel: 3744 2639 

Bilingual Program 

28 Street 19, KP 5, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 6281 7675 

www.montessori.edu.vn 

Montessori utilizes an internationally 

recognized educational method which 

focuses on fostering the child’s natural 

desire to learn. The aim is to create an 

encouraging environment conducive to 

learning by developing a sense of self and 

individuality. A wide array of curriculum/ 

extra-curricular activities are on offer 

including Bilingual programs. 

Renaissance International School 

74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7 

Tel: 3773 3171 

www.rissaigon.edu.vn 

IB World school, one of Vietnam’s international 

schools operating within the framework 

of the British system. RISS provide a 

high quality English medium education in 

a stimulating, challenging and supportive 

environment. The purpose built, modern 

campus has excellent facilities. 

RMIT 

702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7 

Tel: 3776 1369 

Australian university located in District 7, 

offers a highly regarded MBA and undergraduate 

courses in various fields. 

Saigon South International School 

Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7 

Tel: 5413 0901 

www.ssis.edu.vn 

An International school environment offering 

an American/international program in a 

large, spacious campus, to children from 

age 3 to grade 12. Great facilities, extracurricular 

activities and internationally 

trained teachers giving unique opportunities 

to learn. 

Saigon Star International School 

Residential Area No. 5, Thanh My Loi 

Ward, D2 

Tel: 3742 STAR Fax: 3742 3222 

enroll@saigonstarschool.edu.vn 

www.saigonstarschool.edu.vn 

Offers a British primary curriculum approved 

by Cambridge University and integrated 

Montessori programme for nursery 

and kindergarten. Qualified, experienced 

teachers and small class sizes cater to 

individual needs and abilities. 

Singapore International School (SIS) 

No.29, Road No.3, Trung Son Residential 

Area, Hamlet 4, Binh Hung Ward, 

Binh Chanh District 

Tel: 5431 7477 

44 Truong Dinh, D3 

Tel: 3932 2807 

Ground floor, Somerset Chancellor 

Court, 21 - 23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, 

D1. Tel: 3827 2464 

The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh 

Thanh. Tel: 3514 3036 

www.kinderworld.net 

Students play and learn in an environment 

where the best of Western and Eastern 

cultures amalgamate to prepare Kinder- 

World’s students for today’s challenging 

world drawn from both the Singapore and 

Australian curriculum. The school offers 

International Certifications such as the 

iPSLE, IGCSE and GAC. 

SmartKids 

1172 Thao Dien Compound, D2 

Tel: 3744 6076 

26 Street 10, D2 

Tel: 3898 9816 

www.smartkidsinfo.com 

An international childcare centre that 

provides kindergarten and pre-school 

education for children aged between 18 

months and 6 years. A fun and friendly 

environment, the school focuses on learning 

through play. 

Stamford Grammar 


Tel: 3930 7343 

4Bis Phung Khac Khoan, D1 

Tel: 3822 3339 

www.stamfordgrammar.com 

enquiry@stamfordgrammar.com 

International kindergarten following a 

Singapore curriculum for children from 

18 months to 6 years of age. Taught by 

Vietnamese and native English-speaking 

teachers. Outdoor play areas, swimming 

pool, music and art & craft rooms where 

students can play and learn in a safe 

environment. 

The American School 

172 - 180 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 

Tel: 3519 2223 

info@tasvietnam.edu.vn 

An independent and private collage 

preparatory school with a highly individualized 

and personalized program, 

The American School of Vietnam offers a 

strong, US based curriculum for Kindergarten 

through Grade 12. 

ENTERTAINMENT 

Diamond Plaza 


The top floor arcade and bowling alley is 

bound to keep your little ones entertained 

for hours with an impressive array of video 

games. Some child-friendly dining options 

too, with Pizza Hut on hand, a KFC 

and a New Zealand Natural ice cream 

concession. 

Gymboree Play & Music 

Somerset Chancellor Court 


Tel: 3827 7008 

www.gymboreeclasses.com.vn 

The Gymboree Play & Music offers 

children from newborn to 5 years old the 

opportunity to explore, learn and play in 

an innovative parent-child programmes. 


Parkson Plaza 

39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 

Arcade game after arcade game line the 

top floor here with a bowling alley and a 

decent food court thrown in on the floor 

below. A good place to take the kids after 

trawling through Parkson’s numerous 

concession stands. 

Vincom Center 


A six-storey shopping centre that houses 

the world’s most famous luxury brands 

plus more than 250 fashion retailers and 

various restaurants. Each level has a coffee 

corner to help weary shoppers recoup 

while looking over the city. Open daily 

from 9 am to 10 pm. 

Vinpearl Games 


Features fun and games for a wide range 

of ages. Air hockey, sports games and 

traditional arcade video games and a 

small children’s play place. 

PARTIES 

A2 


Well-known toy shop that also does a 

substantial line in fancy dress costumes 

and partywear. Also has a concession at 

An Phu Supermarket. 

Beatrice’s Party Shop 


A lovely little shop selling everything you 

need to throw your little ones a good 

party. A catalogue of entertainers showcases 

a number of party favourites such 

as magicians, circuses and more. 

Nguyen Ngoc Diem Phuong 

131C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 

A curious shop stocking a range of handmade 

fancy dress costumes such as 

masks, superman outfits and much more. 

The stock changes seasonally, so this is 

a good place to stock up on Halloween, 

Christmas and other holiday-specific party 

costumes. 

The Balloon Man 

Tel: 3990 3560 

Does exactly as his name suggests – balloons. 

Great service has earned this chap 

a reputation around town for turning up 

almost instantly with a superb selection of 

balloons. Also provides helium balloons. 

listings 

living 

BUSINESS GROUPS 

AmCham 


Business Centre, Room 323 

Tel: 3824 3562 

www.amchamvietnam.com 

AusCham 

TV Building, Suite 1A, 31A Nguyen 

Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3911 0272 / 73 

/ 74 

www.auschamvn.org 

British Business Group of Vietnam 

25 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 8430 

execmgr@bbgv.org 

www.bbgv.org 

CanCham 



Tel: 3824 3754 

www.canchamvietnam.org 

Citibank 

Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, 

D1, HCMC 

Tel: 3824 2118 

International Center, 17 Ngo Quyen, 

Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Tel: 3825 1950 

Citibank Vietnam offers a wide range 

of banking services to both consumer 

and corporate clients. Services include 

corporate and investment banking, 

global transaction services, and consumer 

banking. In Vietnam for 15 years, 

Citibank has a presence in both HCMC 

and Hanoi. 

Eurocham 

257 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh 

Tel: 3845 5528 

www.eurochamvn.org 

German Business Group 


www.gba-vietnam.org 

Singapore Business Group 

Unit 1B2, 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, 

D1 Tel: 3823 3046 

www.sbghcmc.org 

Swiss Business Association 

42 Giang Van Minh, Anh Phu, D2 

Tel: 3744 6996 

Fax: 3744 6990 

Email: sba@hcm.vnn.vn 

www.swissvietnam.com 

Hong Kong Business Association 



Tel: 3824 3757 / 3822 8888 

www.hkbav.com 

NordCham 

Bitexco Building, 19-25 Nguyen Hue, D1 

Tel: 3821 5423 

www.nordcham.com 

CAMERAS 

Hung Hai 

75 Huynh Thuc Khang, D1 

A good place to purchase hard-to-find 

gear and some rare equipment, mainly 

auto focus lenses. 

Le Duc 

5B Huynh Tinh Cua, D3 

A shop for all your professional accessory 

needs. From lighting equipment to tripods 

and reflectors, the shop offers the best 

equipment and service in HCM City. 

Pham The 

11 Le Cong Kieu, D1 

An authorized service centre for Nikon 

camera that also specializes in repairing 

all camera makes. Measurement equipment 

and spare parts also available. 

Shop 46 

46 Nguyen Hue, D1 

Small shop run by photographer and 

collector. The owner’s more collectible 

pieces are pricey, but entry-level manual 

focus SLRs from the 70s and 80s are 

affordable. 

COMPUTERS 

Computer Street 

Luong Huu Khanh, D1 between Nguyen 

Thi Minh Khai and Nguyen Trai 

This stretch of District 1 is literally wall to 

wall with small shops selling computers, 

printers, monitors and everything computer 

related, more so toward the NTMK 

end of the drag. 

iCenter 

142A Vo Thi Sau, D3 

Tel: 3820 3918 

Professional, polished Apple retailer and 

repair centre with an attractive showroom 

featuring some of the latest in accessories 

and audio. English-speakers on staff. 

Honours Apple service plans. 


finance 

Future World 


Authorized reseller of Apple computers 

and products, as well as some off-brand 

items like headphones. Excellent service 

and English-speaking staff. Accepts credit 

cards. 

Phong Vu Computer 

264C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 

Tel: 3933 0762 

www.vitinhphongvu.com 

The biggest and busiest of the PC stores 

in town. Known for good, efficient service, 

in-house maintenance and after-sales 

repair on the second floor. 

SYS Vi Tinh Saigon 

96C Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1 

www.vtsaigon.com 

A superb place with an excellent reputation 

for after-sales service with competent 

English speaking staff and a wide range 

of products and services. Freeware and 

shareware also available on the store 

website. 

promotes excellence in business leadership 

and management by bringing to 

Vietnam proven international executive 

education and professional development 

programmes. 

Phuong Nguyen Consulting 

TPC Business Center, 92-96 Nguyen 

Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 2391 

www.pnp-consulting.com 

Specializing in business facilitation, 

conferences, education counselling, 

market-entry research and IT/business 

consulting. 

Prism Information Technology 

Services 

Level 4, YOCO Building, 41 Nguyen Thi 

Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3829 6416 

info@prism.com.vn 

A foreign-owned information and communications 

technology company that 

offers value-added IT solutions. Enables 

local businesses to attain and maintain 

international IT standards to be more 

competitive in the marketplace. 

Rouse & Co. International 

Abacus Tower, 58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, 

D1 Tel: 3823 6770 

www.iprights.com 

Global intellectual property firm providing 

a full range of IP services including patent 

and trade mark agency services. 

Saigon-Expat Tax Services 

23 Phung Khac Khoan, D1 

Tel: 0938 220 255 

luckyviv8888@yahoo.com 

An IRS-enrolled agent specialising in the 

preparation of U.S. personal income tax 

returns. Also provides Vietnam tax and 

business legal consulting. 

Star Management Limited 

92-96 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3897 2765 

www.starlimited.com 

Business advisory services for companies 

investing in Vietnam, business 

project advancement and a range of 

business development services. 

TMF Vietnam Company Limited 

Unit 501, 5th Floor, Saigon Trade 

Center 

37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Tel: 3910 2262 ext. 113 

Fax: 3910 0590 

www.tmf-group.com 

With headquarters in Amsterdam and 

Rotterdam, TMF Vietnam specializes in 

accounting outsourcing and consulting. 

Total Wealth Management 

66/11 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 

Tel: 3820 0623 

www.t-wm.com 

Specialists in selecting and arranging 

tax-efficient savings and pension plans 

for expatriates. Offers councel on private 

banking services, wealth protection in 

offshore jurisdictions, currency risks and 

hedging strategies. 

Towers Watson Vietnam (formerly 

Watson Wyatt and SMART HR) 

Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue, Suite 

808, D1 

Tel: 3821 9488 

Global HR consulting firm specializing in 

executive compensation, talent management, 

employee rewards and surveys, 

HR effectiveness and technology, data 

services and total rewards surveys. 

Bye Bye 2010 

By Paul McLardie 

I was talking to a friend who 

runs the Saigon office of one 

of the major shipping agents 

in Vietnam about the last 

year and how our respective 

businesses have coped during 

2010. One of the things 

we agreed on was how it has 

not been easy lately for businesses 

in Vietnam. With the 

change in the dollar price, 

the instability of Foreign Direct 

Investment (FDI), and the 

general conditions of carrying 

out business, it's been a bit 

rough. 

This is not surprising, 

and it's not just two mates 

talking over a coffee at his 

office. The World Bank has 

carried out an investigation 

into which economies are 

the easiest to do business in. 

Vietnam came in at number 

78, between the Bahamas 

and China. Vietnam placed 

well above the supposedly 

more developed countries 

such as the Russian Federation 

and Italy, but well behind 

the local competition such as 

Thailand (19) and Singapore 

(1). The good news is that 

where Vietnam competes 

for attention to gain FDI, its 

neighbours are lagging well 

behind: Cambodia (147), 

Laos (171), Indonesia (121), 

Philippines (148). 

While Vietnam lags behind 

in the ease of setting up and 

starting a business, it has 

recently made good strides in 

areas such as getting credit 

and trading across borders. 

My friend and I agreed that 

the new year will be easier 

than 2010. The fluctuations 

in the price difference 

between the dong and dollar 

should lessen and with the 

government looking at the 

possibility of opening up 

the local gold market to 

imports, this should lessen 

the requirements of the black 

market. 

Banks in Vietnam are 

required to hold U.S. dollars. 

At present, we all know that 

the dong is not a transposable 

currency on the world 

markets so there is a reliance 

on U.S. dollars. The more 

people use the banks (and 

black market less), even if it 

is just for exchanging dollars, 

the less panic and runs on 

gold the economy will have. 

Support the Vietnamese 

economy by using banks that 

you feel you can trust. Not 

only will it be safer for you, 

but it will also help alleviate 

the crippling inflation that has 

been a large part of the problems 

in 2010. It helps the 

economy and hopefully will 

leave you with a few more 

dong left in your pocket after 

your trip to the supermarket. 

Paul McLardie is a partner 

at Total Wealth Management. 

Contact him at Paul. 

mclardie@t-wm.com 

CONSULTING 

Concetti 

33 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1 Tel: 3911 1480 

www.concetti-vn.com 

Consulting and research company for 

technology transfer and investment. 

Embers-Asia Ltd. 

Level 9, Nam Giao Building, 80-8 Phan 

Xich Long, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3995 9163 

www.embers-asia.com 

With a focus on experiential learning, 

Embers-Asia has been creating and 

delivering high-performance training and 

development solutions for 

corporations, embassies, international 

schools and NGOs throughout Southeast 

Asia since 2002. 

Ernst & Young 

Saigon Riverside Office Center, 2A-4A 

Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3824 5252 

www.ey.com 

Professional service firm specializing in 

advisory, assurance, tax, transactions and 

strategic growth markets. 

Flamingo Corporate Services 

Tel: 2217 1662 

Email: info@flamingovn.com 

www.flamingovn.com 

Specializes in business immigration, 

providing services like visas, work and 

resident permits, police clearance, APEC 

cards, authentication and legalization of 

work experience certificates and degrees 

in Vietnam and abroad. 

Grant Thornton 

Saigon Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc 

Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9100 

www.gt.com.vn 

International business advisors specializing 

in auditing, management consulting, 

corporate finance, risk management and 

information technology. 

IF Consulting 

IBC Building, 3rd Floor 

1A Me Linh Square, D1 

4th Floor, 5 Ba Trieu 

Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi 

Tel: 3827 7362 Fax: 3827 7361 

Email: pascal@insuranceinvietnam.com 

Private insurance and finance. 

Indochine Councel 

Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1 

Tel: 3823 9640 

www.indochinecounsel.com 

Business law firm specializing in legal 

services to corporate clients in relation 

to their business and investment in 

Vietnam. 

International Management Initiative 

for Vietnam (IMIV) 

info@imiv.org 

www.imiv.org 

The International Management Initiative 

for Vietnam (IMIV), a non-profit initiative 

within VinaCapital Foundation that 

DECOR 

Antique Street 

Le Cong Kieu Street, D1 between 

Nguyen Thai Binh and Pho Duc Chinh 

A variety of antiques and faux antiques 

from Thailand, China and Vietnam 

including silverware, compasses, lighters, 

brass knockers, urns, vases, abacuses, 

religious and pagan statues, candlestick 

holders, furniture and watches. 

Asian Fish 


Boutique-style arts and crafts store sell- 


ing locally made gifts and souvenirs, all 

designed by the Japanese owner. Products 

include clothing, bags, crockery, 

sandals, chopsticks and jewellery. 

Aquarium Street 

Nguyen Thong Street, D3 between Vo 

Thi Sau and Ly Chinh Thang 

Dedicated street has everything one 

needs to display fish: tanks, decor, feed, 

filters and the fish themselves. 

Budget Housewares Street 

Corner of Pasteur and Nguyen Dinh 

Chieu 

Stock up on shower heads, kitchen 

supplies (juicer, spatula, grater, etc.), 

coat racks, clothes hangers, pots, pans, 

champagne flutes, bowls, coolers, trash 

bins, ironing boards, magazine racks 

and the like. 

Chau Loan 

213 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 7991 

Gallery based in a colonial shophouse 

stocking mainly Vietnamese-themed oil 

paintings and images of Buddha. Also 

deals in better-known reproductions. 

Decosy 

112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917 

Producer of a large selection of European 

styled furniture and interior fittings, 

specializing in wrought iron and patine 

(distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks 

a wide-range of decorative accessories, 

crockery and fixtures. Custom design 

services available upon request. 

Dogma 

175 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3836 0488 

www.dogmavietnam.com 

Located upstairs from Saigon Kitsch, this 

art gallery deals in Vietnamese propaganda 

posters, apparel, accessories and 

random paraphernalia. Large prints are 

sold at USD $60 each and small prints 

cost $25. 

Minh Boutique 

15 Nguyen Thiep, D1 

Lacquerware pieces, tea boxes, teapot 

warmers, ice buckets and sake drinking 

sets all handmade in Vietnam. Also sells 

a range of silverware, egg holders and 

ice tongs. 

OUT-2 STUDIO 

L6 Fafilm annex 


STUDIO@OUT-2.com 

www.out-2.com 

Studio space for independent designers 

to showcas their wares, sell their work 

and meet with clients. Open Monday t 

Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. 

Sapa 


Offers a better selection of hill tribe 

handicrafts than most of its rivals. 

Concentrates mainly on the hand-woven 

clothing of the indigenous tribespeople 

of the region. There is also a line in 

ladies’ shoes and the standard range of 

silk wraps and bags. 

Vietnam-Quilts 

64 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3914 2119 

www.mekong-quilts.org 

NGO enterprise specializes in quilts and 

sells a range of appealing handmade 

products created by underprivileged 

women in Binh Thuan Province. 

ELECTRONICS 

Hi End Audio 


A standout that stocks the very latest 

and greatest in home entertainment. 

Retails in everything from giant plasmascreen 

TVs to audio equipment. Most 

top brands are available. 

iDEAS Shopping Centre 

133-141AB Cach Mang Thang Tam, D3 

The largest of the electonics stores 

along the street, the three-storey iDEAS 

sells every type of electronic and home 

appliance imaginable. Offers proper warranties. 

Staff speaks some English. 

Nguyen Kim Shopping Centre 

63-65 Tran Hung Dao, D1 

Tel: 3821 1211 

www.nguyenkim.com 

Stocks DVD/CD players, cameras, 

TVs, hi-fis and more from Sony, Sanyo, 

Panasonic, Philips and other major 

manufacturers. Also a good place to 

pick up electronic kitchen supplies like 

coffee makers and rice cookers, as well 

as large and small appliances, from hot 

water heaters to regrigerators. 

Phong Vu 

125 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D1 

Tel: 6290 8777 

www.vitinphongvu.com 

Two-storey electronics store retails in 

international products conveniently 

grouped by brand. Carries computers, 

home audio, printers, hard drives and 

more, as well as a variety of mobile 

phones, handheld electronic devices 

and accessories. 

Savico 


One-stop electronics and home appliance 

superstore. All products have a 

one to three-year warranty. 

Tech Street 

Huyen Thuc Khang Street between Ton 

That Dam and Nguyen Hue, D1 

Sells compact discs, DVDs, electronic 

money counters, video games and 

systems, Discmans, mp3 players and 

portable DVD players. 

FURNITURE 

Appeal 


A small, upscale shop that offers modern 

accents for the sleek dining room. 

The colours of the over-sized vases and 

fruit bowls are either glistening red or 

lacquered black. 

AustinHome 

20 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3519 0023 

Outstanding quality and style for your 

home. The shop says its products are 

hand-picked by an American furniture 

expert from the best factories in Vietnam. 

Upholstery, accessories, antiques 

and more. 

Catherine Denoual 

15C Thi Sach, D1 Tel: 3823 9394 

Beautiful showroom with clean lines and 

a sumptuous array of bedroom products 

including bedside lamps, linens, pillowcases 

and duvet covers. 

Decosy 

112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917 

Producer of a large selection of European 

styled furniture and interior fittings, 

specializing in wrought iron and patine 

(distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks 

a wide-range of decorative accessories, 

crockery and fixtures. Custom design 

services available upon request. 

El Gallery 


Traditional decor with a modern twist. 

Offers a variety of mid- to high-range 

furniture, rugs, lighting, art and accessories 

from around the world, plus interior 

design services. Also imports furniture 

to Vietnam for export to Europe and the 

United States. 

Esthetic 

11 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 3514 7371/7372 

Fax: 3514 7370 

esthetic@vnn.vn 

www.estheticfurnishing.com.vn 

Design and manufacture as order with a 

mixture of antique and modern furniture. 

Friendly staff speak excellent English. 

Furniture Outlet 

3A Ton Duc Thang, D1

Tel: 2243 7955/3911 0104 

Wide selection of well-crafted and carefully 

constructed pine wood pieces at 

good prices, aimed at customers craving 

a taste of Europe. 

Furniture Street 

Ngo Gia Tu, D10 between Ly Thai To 

and Nguyen Chi Thanh 

Very affordable furniture can be found on 

this stretch: couches, mattresses, desks, 

chairs, etc. It often takes some looking to 

find a gem. A connected sidestreet, Ba 

Hat, features woodworkers’ shops. 

Gaya 

1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 

Tel: 3925 1495 

www.gayavietnam.com 

Four-floor store featuring the work of 

foreign designers: home accessories and 

outdoor furniture by Lawson Johnston, 

linens by Corinne Leveilley-Dadda, 

furniture and lighting by Quasar Khanh, 

laquerware decor by Michele De Albert 

and furniture and decor by vivekkevin. 

Linh’s White 

37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9863 

Furniture shop that focuses on solid 

wood furniture and decorative items 

ranging from pillows and lamps to 

bedding. Also offers kids’ furniture and 

custom pieces. 

Rare Decor 


137/1 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 3840 6304/5 

Leading home furnishings company in 

Vietnam, supplying high quality, unique 

products. Also offer custom made 

furniture, accessories and lighting for 

commercial projects and home use. 

Remix Deco 


Tel: 3930 4190 

www.remixdeco.com 

Boutique furniture store in sprawling 

white with modern furniture including 

sofas, tables and seating from around 

the world. Featured designers include 

Le Corbusier, Ray & Charles Eames, 

Philippe Starck and Ludwig Mies Van 

der Rhode. 

The Furniture Warehouse 

3B Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Tel: 6657 0788 

namtran121@yahoo.com, ttpnam@ 

webtnl.com 

Offers a range of reasonably priced Italian, 

European and French colonial sofas, 

indoor/outdoor wooden furniture, lighting 

and interior décor, as well as custom 

designs based on clients’ specifications. 

All at international quality export. 

The Lost Art 

31 Nguyen Cong Tru, D1 

Tel: 3829 0134 

Extensive product range as well as 

comprehensive interior design service, 

from initial conceptualization to design, 

manufacture and installation of unique 

products. 

Thien An Furniture 

90A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 

Tel: 3910 5650 

A range of beautiful furniture with a 

distinct traditional flavor from colourful 

silk lampshades, wooden carved beds, 

screens, chests and more. 

Tran Duc Homes 


Tel: 7300 0777 

Level 5, Wonderbuy Center, 27b 

Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 

Tel: 6291 8485 

B2-25, Vincom Center, 70-72 Le Thanh 

Ton, D1 

Tel: 3993 9700 

Wood solutions partner for high-end 

residential and resort projects. Experienced 

in manufacturing and installing 

wooden modular housing, interior fittings 

and contemporary indoor and outdoor 

furniture. 

LEGAL 

Allens Arthur Robinson 

Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 

Tel: 3822 1717 

www.vietnamlaws.com 

Australian law firm for law translation 

services and legal advice on foreign 

investment and business in Vietnam. 

Baker & McKenzie 


Tel: 3829 5585 

www.bakernet.com 

International law firm providing on-theground 

liaison and support services 

to clients interested in investigating, 

negotiating and implementing projects 

in Vietnam. 

Frasers International 


Tel: 3824 2733 

www.frasersvn.com 

Full service commercial law firm providing 

international and Vietnamese legal 

advice to both foreign and local clients 

specializing in transactions in Vietnam. 

Indochine Counsel 

Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1 

Tel: 3823 9640 

www.indochinecounsel.com 

Business law practitioners specializing in 

mergers & acquistions, inward investment, 

and securities & capital markets. 

Limcharoen, Hughes and Glanville 

Havana Tower, 132 Ham Nghi, D1 

Tel: 6291 7000 

www.limcharoen.com 

Full service international law firm with head 

office in Thailand. Main focus on real estate 

in Asia. 

Lucy Wayne & Associates 

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 4395 

www.lwavietnam.com 

Law firm providing legal services across the 

board from entertainment and environmental 

law to health care and real estate. 

Phillips Fox 


Tel: 3822 1717 

Full service law firm providing legal services 

in healthcare, education, crime, banking 

and hospitality among others. 

Pricewaterhousecoopers Legal 


Tel: 3823 0796 

www.pwc.com/vn 

Part of a network of international legal and 

financial advisors, PWC gives both specialist 

and general legal advice with a focus on 

mutli-territory projects. 

Rödl & Partner 

Somerset Chancellor Court 


Tel: 3824 4225 

www.roedl.com 

European legal firm assisting foreign 

investors with structuring/establishing companies, 

investment projects, and mergers 

& acquistions. 

LIGHTING 

Caodong Design Boutique 

37bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1 

207L Vo Thi Sau, D3 


Spanking new store with a range of beautiful 

items ranging from interesting lighting 

with decorative table lamps with handpainted 

paper shades and some lovely 

leather boxes and gift ideas. 

Light House 


Tel: 3914 2662 


Small retail shop is packed with ceiling and 

wall light fixtures, and a good selection of 

desk and ceiling lamps. Most of the stock 

is decidedlly modern and sleak. 

Luxury Light 

1483 My Toan 1, Nguyen Van Linh, 

Phu My Hung, D7 

For those who really want to bring a touch 

of luxury to their homes, this place deals 

with Italian imported lighting from the ultra 

- modern to the traditional Murano style 

chandeliers. Extremely expensive reflecting 

the quality of the design and workmanship. 

Mosaique 


One of the best and most diverse selections 

of lamps in town with everything from 

the ordinary decorative lotus silk lamp 

to more inventive and original designs in 

lacquer and silk. 

Treasure Light 

18A Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 

Tel: 3822 4315 

www.treasure-light.com 

High-end lighting shop specialising in fine 

lacquered lamps. Designs are sophisticated 

and minimilast. Wide selection of table 

lamps, wall lamps, floor lamps and ceiling 

lamps. 

MOTORBIKES 

Automotive Street 

Ly Thai To Street, D10 starting at Dien 

Bien Phu and running southeast 

Services include mending motorbike seats 

and sound system installation. Products 

range from zebra print motorbike seat covers 

to car and motorbike tyres, hubcaps, 

rims, subwoofers and sound systems by 

Xplode. 

Bike City 

480D Nguyen Thi Thap, D7 

Luxury motorcycle shop carries a range of 

accessories, including apparel. Sells Vemar 

helmets, a brand that passes rigorous 

European Union standards. 

Protec Helmets 

18bis/3A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 

248C Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan 

417B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 

American nonprofit manufacturer makes 

helmets with densely compressed polystyrene 

shell with ABS, PVC or fiberglass 

exterior, available with polycarbonate 

shatter-proof shield. Lots of options for 

kids. 

Zeus Helmets 

Founded in Taiwan to manufacture cool, 

comfortable helmets that meet worldwide 

safety standards. Basic models feature 

thermo-injected shells constructed from 

lightweight ABS composite with interiors 

lined with moisture-absorbant brushed nylon. 

Shops selling authentic Zeus helmets 

are located on Pham Hong Thai near Ben 

Thanh Market. 

REAL ESTATE 

Ava Residence 

40/10 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2 

Tel: 6281 8440 

www.avaresidence.com 

Modern serviced apartments located 

5 minutes from the British International 

School and Australian International School. 

Affords a great view over the Saigon River. 

Many facilities available including a swimming 

pool, Jacuzzi and gym. 

CB Richard Ellis 

Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 

Tel: 3824 6125 

www.cbre.com 

International property consultants and developers 

with both commercial and private 

properties for sale, lease and rent. 

Chamber Property Consultants 

Tel: 0168 349 9991 

www.chamberproperty.com 

IT SERVICES 


Chamber Property Consultancy has more 

than 100 houses and flats available for rent 

in HCMC. Contact them today for more 

information. 

Diamond Plaza 

34 Le Duan Street 

Tel: 3822 1922 

lntdung@diamondplaza.com.vn 

Located in the heart of District 1, connected 

to Diamond PLaza. Services 1- to 

4-bedroom apartments with gym, swimming 

pool and panoramic views of the city. 

EasySaigon.com 

www.easysaigon.com 

Real estate website helps expats find 

apartments in HCMC. 


Residences 

Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Nguyen Du, D1 

Tel: 3520 8888 

saigon@interconti.com 

www.intercontinental.com/saigonres 

Contemporary residential space in the 

heart of the major business and cultural 

area in District 1. There are 260 one, two 

or three-bedroom units plus health club 

and outdoor swimming pool. 

Namhouse Corporation 

24 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, D2 

Tel: 0989 007 700, 0989 115 511 

www.namhouse.com.vn 

Provides rental properties, construction 

services and interior decorating. Supports 

professional services and after-sales. 

Thao Dien Village 


Tel. 3744 2222 

A riverside complex of internationalstandard 

hospitality and F&B outlets with 

a boutique hotel, four restaurants featuring 

Italian, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese 

cuisine, an event house, meeting rooms 

and a day spa with well-equipped healthclub. 

The Nest 

Tel: 090 319 8901 (Laurence) 

Tel: 090 793 3000 (Thuong) 

laurence@thenest-vietnam.com 

thuong@thenest-vietnam.com 

www.thenest-vietnam.com 

Real estate agent maintains a wellorganized 

and frequently updated website 

listing apartments, villas, townhouses 

condos and offices. Renters/buyers can 

receive regular updates via email. 

Platinum1 

Star Building, 33 Mac Dinh Chi, D1 

Tel: 3911 8193 

www.platinum1corp.com 

Your one-stop agency for housing and 

office space in the city with pre-viewing 

selection before the visit and full support 

throughout your lease. 

Riverside Apartments 

53 Vo Truong Toan, D2 

Tel: 3744 4111 

www.riverside-apartments.com 

One of the first luxury serviced apartments 

in town located next to the Saigon River 

set in lush tropical gardens. 

Saigon Properties 

Ground floor, 15-1A Le Thanh Ton, D1 

Tel: 3823 7502 or 0903 946 517 

www.saigonproperties.com 

Real estate company with 15 years of 

experience. Provides various services 

including leasing and sales, property management, 

interior design and specializes in 

investment properties. 

Saigon Village 

523 To Hien Thanh, D10 

Tel: 3865 7249 

www.saigonvillage.vnn.vn 

Fully furnished villas and apartments in a 

tranquil, leafy complex cordonned off from 

the pressures of HCMC. 

Savills Viet Nam 

Level 18, Fideco Tower, 81-85 Ham Nghi, 

D1 Tel: 823 9205 

www.savills.com.vn 

Savills Viet Nam is a property service provider 

that has been established in Vietnam 

since 1995 offering research, advisory 

services, residential sales, commercial 

leasing, asset management, retail advisory, 

valuation, investment advisory and more. 

Sherwood Residence 

127 Pasteur St., D3 

Tel: 3823 2288 

Fax: 3823 9880 

Hotline: 0917470058 

leasing@sherwoodresidence.com 

www.sherwoodresidencecom 

Sherwood Residence is a luxury serviced 

apartment property and the first property 

certified by the Vietnam National Administration 

of Tourism. Modern living spaces 

meet prime location, comfort and class 

with 5-star facilities and service. 

Snap 

Tel: 0989 816 676 

www.snap.com.vn 

Online Real Estate service providing 

information on rental properties exclusively 

in District 2. Full listings online. 

RECRUITMENT 

First Alliances 

#609, Saigon Trade Center 

37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 

Tel: 3910 2080 Fax: 3910 2079 

www.firstalliances.net 

cv@firstalliances.net 

As Vietnam’s most established recruitment 

consultancy, First Alliances operates 

across all major industry sectors and at 

all levels of seniority. Also providing HR 

outsourcing solutions for staffing and 

payroll,overseas employment and education 

services. 

HR2B / Talent Recruitment JSC 

Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu, 

D3 Tel: 3930 8800 

www.hr2b.com 

HR consulting advises businesses on 

how to improve employee productivity. 

The search team specializes in matching 

senior level Vietnamese professionals and 

managers to top level opportunities in both 

major cities. 

Navigos Group 


Tel: 3825 5000 

www.navigosgroup.com 

Recruitment agency offering a complete 

portfolio of HR services including executive 

search, HR advisory, training, online recruitment, 

and print recruitment advertising. 

Opus Vietnam 

2A Rolanno Offices, 128 Nguyen Phi 

Khanh, D1 Tel: 3827 8209 

www.opusasia.net 

Established in HCMC in 2005, Opus 

services local and multinational companies 

seeking to recruit high quality personnel. 

An Associate of Horton International, one 

of the world’s leading search groups with 

over 30 offices worldwide. For more info 

contact info@opusasia.net. 

TMF Vietnam 

Saigon Trade Center, Unit 2811, 37 Ton 

Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9229 / 9222 

hang.bui@tmf-group.com 

www.tmf-group.com 

With more than 3,300 professionals working 

out of 86 offices in 65 countries, TMF 

provides independent accounting and 

corporate secretarial services to companies 

worldwide. 

Vietnamworks.com 


Tel: 5404 1373 

www.vietnamworks.com 

Excellent section on advice for jobseekers 

focusing on topics such as resume writing, 

cover letters, interview technique and 

more. 

RELOCATION AGENTS 

Allied Pickfords 

Satra Building, Room 202, 58 Dong Khoi, 

D1 Tel: 0122 5141 848 

aurelien.jouve@alliedpickfords.com.vn 

http://vn.alliedpickfords.com 

Moving and relocating services company 

specializing in business and office moves. 

Overseas and specialist movers also 

available. 

Asian Tigers Transpo International 

Room 201 and 202, 216 Nguyen Thi 

Minh Khai, D3 Tel: 3930 9484 

Tel: 3945 0891 

matt.king@asiantigers-vietnam.com 

www.asiantigersgroup.com 

International moving agency, homesearch, 

orientation, settling in programs and work 

permit assistance. 

Crown Worldwide Movers 

48A Huynh Man Dat, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 3823 4127 

www.crownrelo.com 

International moving company serving 

diplomats and private customers, employees 

and expats, providing domestic and 

iternational transportation of household, 

office and industrial goods. 

Santa Fe Relocation Services 

Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu, 

D3 Tel: 3933 0065 

www.santaferelo.com 

Provides a range of services including 

home/school search, language/cultural 

training, tenancy management and immigration/visa 

support. 

STATIONERY 

Custom Signage Street 

Le Lai, D1 between Truong Dinh and 


Offers custom-designed signs and custom 

engraving on trophies and plaques made 

of plastic, wood, metal and glass. 

Fahasa 

40 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3822 5796 

Bookstore chain carries an expansive 

stock of office and home stationary; a onestop 

shop for basic needs. 

Pi-Channel 

45B Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3822 0253 

www.pi-channel.com 

Boutique shop carries up-market collections 

of pens and notepads, as well as 

desktop organisers, clocks, calendars and 

frames. Corporate services offered. 

Established since 2001 

Design, Interior/External Decorations of High Quality Wood Products 

Manufacturing for Export, Construction Projects, Retails,... 

Copy-Antique Productions, Modern Designs and Made to order 

More than 10 years experience 

Devoted premium services/after sales services, every time, every where 

11 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 19, Binh Thanh Dist, HCMC 

Tel: (84 8) 3514 7371 / 7372 – 

Fax: (84 8) 3514 7370 

Hot line: Ms. Nhat Thu Director - 0903 849 232 

Email: esthetic@vnn.vn 

Website: www.estheticfurnishing.com 


people matter 

Integrity at Work 

By Gary Woollacott 

Up until a couple of days before 

writing this column, I was 

struggling to come up with a 

topic. Then an unexpected 

resignation in the Thailand 

office put me into business 

recovery mode where I had to 

go through hundreds of emails 

to check that everything had 

been properly followed up 

on, filed in the right places, 

or deleted if it was no longer 

useful. 

What I discovered during 

that task was unexpected: a 

series of emails with another 

colleague (at that stage still 

employed) trashing the company 

and its image, mocking 

me and my business efforts. 

I wasn’t pleased, as you 

can imagine, and although I 

have very thick skin, it was 

still upsetting. Luckily I had a 

three-day business trip immediately 

thereafter and this 

gave me a chance to plan my 

move, without any emotion 

coming into it—which may 

have happened had I reacted 

immediately. 

I’m old enough not to worry 

too much what people think 

about me (we can't be friends 

with everyone, after all) and 

we don't have to like people 

to be able to work with them. 

However, it is totally unacceptable 

to have these exchanges 

on the company’s email. 

When your employer owns 

the hardware and the software 

that you use every day, it 

has a perfect right to inspect 

its property at any time it 

chooses. So if you are using 

your work email to trash your 

employer and/or your boss 

and you get found out, then 

expect to be fired on the spot. 

Most people’s contracts 

have a clause about 

terminating employment 

without notice in the event 

of misconduct or where 

there has been a breach of 

professionalism—and that is 

exactly what happened, much 

to the person’s surprise. He 

was asked to leave immediately, 

only pausing to take his 

personal belongings and that 

was it. We had changed his 

passwords so that nothing 

could be altered within our 

system—and then reading his 

old emails provided another 

set of shocking surprises: we 

are better off without him. It 

was very poor behaviour for 

someone who was entrusted 

to develop business for the 

company. Now he doesn't 

have a job. Don't let that be 

you. 

As usual, let me know if 

you have any particular topic 

you would like to see covered 

here. 

Gary Woollacott is the Chief 

Representative for Opus Executive 

Search in Vietnam and 

Thailand. He can be reached 

at +84 8 3827 8209 or gary@ 

opusasia.net. Opus is an 

associate of Horton International. 

listings 

fashion 

ACCESSORIES 

Accessorize 

48 Dong Du, D1, Tel: 3822 1081 


www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/accessorize 

Fashion-forward accessories including 

necklaces, handbags, wallets, flip-flops, 

sunglasses, hair accessories, belts and 

more. 

Alfred Dunhill 


A timeless style in male luxury providing 

formal and casual mens accesories 

tailored for the discerning man. Also 

stocking handcrafted leather goods. 

Anupa Boutique 

17/27 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 7307 

anupaboutiquevietnam@anupa.net 

The ever-changing boutique retails in 

the elegant design of anupa accessories 

made from high-quality leather. Collections 

available range from men, women, 

executive, travel, spa, yoga, board games, 

boxes and semi-precious stone jewellery. 

Collection changes on weekly basis. Also 

carries childrens wear, toys, furniture and 

homewares. 

Bally 

Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1 


www.experience.bally.com 

Flagship store in the Rex Hotel providing 

luxury Italian-made accessories for men. 

Among these are shoes, belts, wallets 

and a collection of male jewellery. 

Banana 

128 Ly Tu Trong, D1 

Women’s accessories and more, from 

bags, clutches and belts to clothes and 

jewellery, all at reasonable prices. 

Cartier 

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan 

This well-known designer brand displays 

a wide range of accessories for men. Famous 

for its watches, Cartier also stocks 

pens, key rings, belts and sunglasses. 

Cincinati 

177P Dong Khoi, D1 

www.cincinati.vn 

info@cincinati.vn 

Vietnamese brand of genuine leather 

bags, shoes, accessories and personal 

goods for men and women such as 

notebooks for a classic vagabond look. 

Quality leather from crocodile, horse, 

snake and fish made with excellent local 

craftsmanship. 

Cleo-Pearls 

30 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2 

Tel: 091 3587 690 

Jewellery designer Birgit Maier operates 

Cleo-Pearls from her home, specializing 

in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key 

holders and bag accessories. All pieces 

created with gemstones, fresh water 

pearls and beads. 

Coconut 


Bags of all shapes and sizes rule the 

roost in this small shop. Made of silk and 

embroidered to the brim, these unique 

bags start at about USD $30, and many 

are suitable for both day and night. 

Creation 

105 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 5429 

A two-storey shop selling scarves, 

intricate handbags (from USD $30), tailormade 

silk dresses and tops. Has a wide 

range of materials on the second floor. 

Prices start from $65 for an ao dai with 

simple embroidery. 

Deanh Jewellery 

Eden Mall, 106 Nguyen Hue, D1 

Tel: 3827 6039 

Gorgeous selection of gold accessories 

imported from Turkey and Italy. Also has 

a selection of simple ring designs to set 

your precious stones in. 

Gallery vivekkevin 

FAFILM Building, 6 Thai Van Lung, D1 

Tel: 6291 3709 

info@vivekkevin.com 

www.galeryvivekkevin.com 

Handcrafted pendants, necklaces, rings 

and bracelets. The gallery’s focus is on 

design, craftsmanship and finish, as well 

as educating clients on the intricacies of 

each piece. 

Gucci 

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 6688 

Located on the main shopping street in 

HCMC, this flagship store brings Florentine 

fashion to an array of luxury leather 

goods such as briefcases, luggage and a 

selection of men’s shoes for office or more 

casual occasions. 

Ipa-Nima 

85 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 3652 

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai 

Well-known Hanoi-based fashion brand. 

Founder Christina Yu is a former lawyer 

turned designer who produces eclectic 

and eye-catching handbags. Also stocks 

costume jewellery and shoes. 

J. Silver 

803 Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7 

Tel: 5411 1188 

Make a statement without being ostentatious 

with handcrafted silver jewellery from 

the boutique store. Expect big, interesting 

pieces that are simple yet glamorous. 

Laura V Signature 


Tel: 7304 4126 

www.laurav.net 

Vintage designs aplenty with everything 

from jewellery and hair accessories to 

funky styled sunglasses, umbrellas and 

colourful maxi dresses. 

Lovely Lien Jewellery 

20 Le Loi, D1 

A small and unassuming jewellery store 

with beautiful and reasonably-priced 

necklaces, bracelets and earrings. You 

can also bring your own precious stones 

or ask the designers to make something 

unique for you. 

Louis Vuitton 

Opera View, corner of Dong Khoi and Le 

Loi Tel: 3827 6318 

Designer brand name housing traditional 

craftsmanship of luxury leather goods for 

men and women. An array of bags, wallets, 

cuff links and watches are available. 

Mai O Mai 

4C Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 4007 

A superb little place with beautiful jewellery 

and accessories to suit all budgets. 

Silver necklaces, bracelets, rings and 

more in both classic and imaginative 

designs, as well as gorgeous handembroidered 

bags. 

Mont Blanc 

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan 

Notable for fine writing instruments, Mont 

Blanc also houses cuff links and other 

male accessories 

Therese Jewellery 

Sheraton Hotel, 88F Dong Khoi, D1 

www.theresejewelry.com 

Small, glitzy retail outlet. Sells everything 


from diamond earrings to gold and silver 

wedding rings. Of special note is the 

selection of jade Buddhas in varying sizes, 

with the larger ones costing USD $250. 

The friendly staff speak excellent English. 

Scorpion 

Vincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le Thanh 

Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9889 

www.scorpionbag.com 

Selling high-end leather products for 

both men and women, including shoes, 

handbags, belts and other accessories. 

Features a variety of leather in bright 

colors and styles. 

Tic Tac Watch Shop 

72 Dong Khoi Tel: 0838 293519 

www.tictacwatch.com 

Elegant show room displaying some of 

the world’s most recognized Swiss brands 

such as Rolex, Tag Huer, Baume & 

Marcer, Omega and Hirsch. On-site watch 

repair service and complementary watch 

evaluation available. Also carries a small 

collection of vintage Rolexes. 

Tombo 


Of all the embroidered and sequined 

bags, shoes and tidbits (or “Zakka” 

shops) that can be found in Dong Khoi, 

this shop’s has products that are prettier 

than most. Shoes can be custom-made 

and the sales staff is friendly. 

Tumi 

Rex Hotel, 151 Nguyen Hue 

www.intl.tumi.com 

Tumi houses an opulent selection of 

Italian-made luggage geared towards 

men. Briefcases, messenger bags and 

backpacks are among those on display. 

Umbrella 

35 Ly Tu Trong, D1 and 4 Le Loi, D1 

Tel: 6276 2730 

www.umbrella-fashion.com 

Sophisticated boutique showcasing 

a diverse range of imported women’s 

accessories. Also houses women’s garments 

from office wear to cocktail and 

party creations. 

Luggage Street 

Le Lai Street, D1 between Ben Thanh 

Market and Truong Dinh. 

Duffle bags, backpacks, messenger bags 

and carry-on suitcases are all available on 

this stretch of District 1. 

ACTIVE WEAR 

China Beach Surf Club 


Stocks famous surf and surf-inspired 

brands like Reef, Rip Curl and men’s wear 

from Volcom. It has everything you’d need 

for a visit to the beach and more. There 

are string bikinis, tees, board shorts, caps 

and thongs, just to name a few. 

Pinko 

Rex Hotel, 146-148-150 Pasteur, D1 

Tel: 3827 2240 

Spacious and simple store displaying 

women’s sportswear imported from Hong 

Kong and China. Body lotion and perfume 

imported from America. 

Roxy and Quiksilver 


The original active living and extreme 

sports brands, Roxy and Quiksilver products 

combine form and function. Choose 

from outdoor gear to cool indoor clothes. 

TBS Sports Centre 


This store stocks a range of good sports 

clothes and equipment from big name 

brands such as Puma, Adidas, Ecco, Nike 

and Converse. 

Volcom 


Chic and funky ladies’ apparel brand from 

America. Lots of tank tops, minis and 

shorts for day tripping with girlfriends or 

lazing on the beach. 

READY TO WEAR 

unisex 

2bling 

246 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan 

Specializes in urban streetwear, with 

a range of t-shirts, sneakers, baseball 

caps, hoodies and more. Tees are both 

imported from around Asia and designed 

in-house. 

BAM Skate Shop 

174 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 0903 641 826 

In addition to a range of decks, wheels 

and trucks, this small shop is stocked 

with bookbags, skate sneakers, track 

jackets and t-shirts emblazoned with your 

skateboard company of choice. 

Bo Sua Local Streetwear 


Tel: 3993 9599 

www.bosua.vn 

An offshoot of the Boo street-style skater 

fashion brand made popular in Hanoi, this 

brand translated as “Cow Milk” features 

fun colourful t-shirts, women’s casual 

wear and sneakers that celebrate the 

quirky street life of Vietnam. 

“ello 


This tiny little shop on Phu Nhuan’s hipster 

fashion strip is stocked with some of the 

coolest trend items in HCMC. Carries a 

frequently refreshed selection of T-shirts, 

skinny pants and women’s tops. 

FCUK 





Tel: 3914 7740 

www.frenchconnection.com 

Trendy UK brand with a selection of 

fashion-forward dresses for women and 

smart workwear and funky casual wear 

for men, all at middle-market prices. 

Hagattini 

1A Pham Ngoc Thach, D1 

Tel: 2244 8105 

www.hagattini.com 

Vietnamese brand housing clothing for all 

occasions. Normal to office wear, casual 

to party outfits using materials imported 

from Hong Kong and designed and made 

in Vietnam. 

Konheo 

32 Dinh Tien Hoang, Binh Thanh 

Tel: 6653 4187 

info@konheo.com 

www.konheo.com 

Founded and run by a group of local 

Mekong Creations specialises in unique locally produced household and gift items, 

including papier mache, silk, bamboo, and water hyacinth products. Mekong Creations 

also produces items for luxury French brand Terre d’Oc and has permission to sell these 

designs locally. 

Mekong Creations is a project of parent NGO Mekong Plus, that supports community 

development programmes in remote villiages in Vietnam and Cambodia. 

The key objective is to generate employment for women. All profits 

from products sold are returned to the villages. Mekong Creations 

focus is to provide rewarding employment, increase family 

incomes and improve conditions for children in these remote 

communities. 

Our producers are trained in production techniques for their 

field and supported in design and marketing by Mekong Plus. 

All products are made in the villages allowing more time to be 

spent with families. 

Vietnamese guys, this T-shirt store flaunts 

simple-cut T-shirts with playful prints and 

humorous printed texts. Also does custom 

made t-shirts for 160,000 VND. 

Levi’s Flagship Store 

19–21 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3500 1501 

The 320-square-metre retail space spread 

over three levels offers the city’s largest 

and most exclusive collection of Levi’s 

bottoms, tops and accessories. 

L’Usine 

151/1 Dong Khoi, D1 

Lifestyle store and cafe housed in a period 

building restored to evoke the aesthetic 

of an early 20th-century garment factory. 

Carries an exclusive, frequently refreshed 

line of imported men’s and women’s fashion, 

including T-shirts and footwear, and a 

range of unique accessories. Entrance via 

the street-level Art Arcade. 

112 Xuan Thuy 

Ward Thao Dien 

District 2 

Ho Chi Minh City 

Tel/Fax. (+84) 8 62.819.917 

shop-hcm@decosy.biz 


Lu.Xu.Bu 


Well known among the HCMC hipsterati, 

this trendy shop is mostly given over to 

T-shirts (many by young, Bangkok-based 

designers), but also carries jeans, button 

shirts and more. 

Miss Sixty & Energie 


Local outlet of the Miss Sixty brand hugely 

favoured by Hollywood’s young starlets. 

Also stocks clothes from its men’s label, 

Energie. 

Orange 


Funky little boutique carries unique 

accessory pieces a good selection of 

T-shirts with quirky, unique graphics for 

very reasonable prices. A smaller outpost 

is located at the corner of Pasteur and Le 

Thanh Ton in District 1. 

Rok Factory 


www.rokexchange.com 

Small shop founded by local artist/ 

photographer carries streetwear for the 

rock-oriented lifestyle, including T-shirts, 

hoodies, socks and accessories. 

Replay 




Tel: 3925 0252 

Wide variety of shoes, clothing, denim 

for teens and university-age men and 

women. Carries boots, sandals, pumps 

and sneakers at mid-range prices. 

Runway 


Tel: 3993 9988 

runway.sg@global-fashion.vn 

Massive and minimalist design-led interior 

lets ultra high-end designer garments 

stand out. Carries men's, women's and 

children’s clothing, swimwear, shoes, accessories 

along with home décor. Brands 

include Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, 

Sergio Rossi and Eres. 

See By Harajuku 


Tel: 090 986 8622 

Small, friendly store stocking both men’s 

and women’s streetwear, channelling Japanese 

and Korean fashion trends. Bright 

and funky T-shirts and maxi dresses, as 

well as accessories and footwear. New 

stock every month. 

Versace 

26 Dong Khoi 

Designer brand in men’s formal wear. 

Houses suit jackets and trousers, shirts 

as well as an array of men’s accessories. 

Also stocks womens clothing and shoes. 

VOV 



www.vovietchung.com 

Retail base for Vo Viet Chung, one of 

Vietnam’s best-known designers. VOV is 

known for blending traditional form with 

contemporary cuts, colours and textures. 

men 

Lucas 

69A Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3827 9670 

Fashion store housing contemporary 

designs in casual, office and evening wear 

imported from Hong Kong. 

Massimo Ferrari 

42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3 

Tel: 3930 6212 

Bespoke menswear shop also boasts 

its own brand of contemporary preppy 

attire tailored for the tropics. Carries a 

line of European-quality shoes, bags and 

accessories designed in-house, as well 

as exclusive Orobianco unisex bags, 

designer fragrances and eyewear. 

Mattre 


This local men’s clothes shop has some 

funky tops and jeans for more fashionforward 

males. Apparel in sizes that fit 

the typical Western man’s frame are often 

available. Another store is located on Hai 

Ba Trung and Ly Tu Trong 

Milano 

Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi 

www.milanogoods.com 

A conjoining shop with D&G offering a 

selection of men’s shoes and accessories 

with a sideline in women’s clothing. D&G 

provides a collection of menswear, from 

casual jeans and T-shirts to uniquely 

designed suit jackets. 

Mizada 


mizada07@yahoo.com 

An A-to-Z collection of men’s clothing 

with an influx of new fashion arriving on 

the racks regularly. Carries smart, casual 

shirts, trousers, jeans and jackets, as well 

as bags and scarves. 

New Urban Male 


www.newurbanmale.com 

Caters to a wide range of consumer 

tastes from beach duds to streetwear. 

The goods include international men’s 

brands such as Havaianas, C-IN2, Jabs 

Waterboys, Rebel Jeans and aussieBum. 

Also carries men’s grooming products. 

Timberland 


Sells everything the brand is known 

for, from heavy-duty boots to tops and 

trousers that are both smart and casual. 

The emphasis is on muted tones and 

unobtrusive logos for men who don’t like 

to show off. 

women 

Axara 

Vincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le Thanh 

Ton, D1 



Tel: 3993 9399 

www.axara.com 

Carries women’s clothing suitable for 

work, weekends or evening. Luxurious 

fabrics and simple cuts and styles all at 

reasonable prices. Also carries handbags 

and accessories. 

Balenciaga 

Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue 

Tel: 6291 3572 

Sporting modern shapes and elegant 

items crafted from natural, raw and 

artificial materials. 

BCBGMAXAZRIA 


American brand sells women’s day 

dresses and tops, evening gowns and 

wear-to-work attire in many prints and 

colours. Also carries a small selection of 

accessories, sunglasses and watches. 

Bebe 

Saigon Center, 65 Le Loi, D1 

Tel: 3914 4011 

www.bebe.com 

An international brand that specializes 

in contemporary, modern tees and sexy, 

elegant dresse, tops and party attire. 

Bon Mua Boutique 


Tel: 3993 9888 

www.itamoda.com.vn 

Luxury women’s clothing store with racks 

organized by designer. Carries small 

collection of unique pieces from designers 

such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Alberta Ferretti, 

Blumarine, Valentino, Philosophy and 

Brunello Cucinelli. 

Caro 

Zen Plaza, 54-56 Nguyen Trai, D1 

Local designs and tailoring of elegant tops 

and dresses with a distinctly Eastern influence. 

Provides a range of attire for both

the office and a night out. The friendly 

staff is eager to help find an outfit for any 

occassion. 

Chloe 

Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue, D1 

Tel: 6291 3582 

Parisian-influenced fashion house specializes 

in simple, traditional designs with a 

feminine and fashionable twist. Jeans, 

satin dresses and a wide array of accessories 

are on display. 

Contraband 


Ready-to-wear brand for hip, modern 

women. Range includes office wear to 

evening wear. The collection is updated 

each month with new international trends. 

Dieu Thanh 


140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851 

www.dieuthanh.com 

Experienced tailor shop also carries its 

own line of clothing. Once specialized in 

swimwear and cotton clothing but has 

expanded to sell business suits, evening 

dresses, luxury fabrics and accessories. 

ER-Couture Boutique 

43 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2411 www. 

er-couture.com 

erolskov@er-couture.com 

Exclusive Scandinavian brand offering 

designer garments. Versatile fashion for 

women in European sizes 34-44. Each 

style is released in limited quantities and 

can be tailored to individual taste. 

Esprit 


Outpost for the international brand of 

colourful, preppy men’s and women’s 

casual wear. 

Etam 


Famous all over the world for their French 

style. There’s a large range of shirts, 

T-shirts, dresses and more. Also available 

in Zen Plaza and Diamond Plaza. 

Gaya 

1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 Tel: 3925 1495 

Carries a range of couture and pret-aporter 

garments and silk and organza 

dresses in vibrant colours created by 

Cambodia-based designer Romyda Keth. 

Geisha Boutique 


enquiry@geishaclothing.com 

Facebook: Geisha Boutique 

Australian fashion label offering a contemporary 

range of casual and evening 

wear with an Asian influence. Printed tees, 

singlets, shorts, skirts, jeans, summer 

scarves, dresses, silk camisoles and satin 

maxi dresses. 

Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery 

2nd floor, 43 Ton That Thiep, D1 

Australian designer Tracey Kociuruba 

creates intricately embellished statement 

pieces in her Easten-European inspired 

shop slash studio. 

Kiwi 

74/1 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 3822 1191 

Small and intimate shop with a modern 

collection of fashion items geared towards 

the young and active urban female. The 

showroom has a wide collection, from 

casual clothing to office wear. 

Kookai 

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi 

French brand stocking classic, feminine, 

styles with a twist. Gypsy day dresses and 

classic little black dresses at mid- to highrange 

prices are perfect for twenty- and 

thirty-something women. 

La Senza 

47B–47C Nguyen Trai, D1 

Tel: 3925 1700 

65 Le Loi, Saigon Centre, D1 

Tel: 3914 4328 

www.lasenza.com 

Boutique carrying a wide range of bras, 

panties, pyjamas, accessories and lounge 

wear. 

Labella 

85-87 Pasteur, D1 

This three-storey shop will take care of all 

your wardrobe needs: affordable clothes, 

shoes, bags and lingerie, all well made 

and fashionable. 

Le Samedi 


Boutique retailing in clothes imported 

mainly from Italy and France, from cocktail 

dresses to chiffon skirts. 

Lulu Lacy 

www.lululacy.com 

Boutique label featuring retro designs in 

high-quality fabrics. Website frequently 

refreshed with latest offerings, including 

maxi-dresses, tailored blouses and shorts. 

Shop online or request a party at your 

house. 

Mai Lam 

132-134 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2733 

www.mailam.com.vn 

Boutique store housing an eclectic mix of 

vintage designer clothes and accessories 

made in Vietnam. Specializing in handsewn, 

multi-dimensional embroidery, the 

re-design of the traditional ao dai and an 

army vintage collection. 

Mango 




A favourite with fashion-conscious 

women, this mid-range store stocks 

clothes from simple tees and jeans to 

evening wear. 

Marc Jacobs 

Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue , D1 

Tel: 6291 3580 

This spacious shop with high-ceilings carries 

up-market clothes, shoes and accessories 

from the internationally recognized 

designer brand. 

Minh Hanh 

24 Dong Khoi, D1 and 114B Nguyen 

Hue Tel: 3824 5774 

www.mhminhhanh.com 

Hand- and machine-embroidered fashion 

made from natural fabrics and materials 

wed traditional Vietnamese elements with 

modern trends. Local celebrities frequent 

this shop. 

Muse Boutique 


Boutique store carries well-known international 

brands like Miss Sixty, BCBG, Rock 

Republic, True Religion, Tbags and Killah. 

Nang Boutique 

181 Dong Khoi, Room 209, D1 

iheartnang@gmail.com 

Houses an assortment of mix-and-match 

skirts, floral dresses, chiffon lace-trimmed 

gowns and accessories, such as hats, 

shoes, bags, scarves and jewellery. 

Ngan 

23 Ly Tu Trong, D1 

The Ngan collection includes high-quality 

evening gowns and swimwear made 

locally. Also stocks a new line of men’s 

casual wear. 

Nino Max 

189B Hai Ba Trung, D1 

A local popular brand of active-casualwear 

t-shirts, jeans and khakis. Local pricing. 

You can also find their other outlets in 

Zen Plaza and Diamond Plaza. 

Peacock 

35 Ton That Thiep Tel: 3829 7045 

Moulin Rouge-themed boutique housing 

an interesting selection of women’s 

clothes designed and produced in Vietnam, 

including dresses, shirts and t-shirts, 

as well as jewellery. 


femme fashion 

New Year, New Fabulous You 

By Adrian Nguyen 

Time flew by this year; it feels 

like I was writing this same 

column just yesterday. This 

time I’m dedicating this to all 

the women who have come 

up to me at parties to talk 

about trends. So let’s glam up 

for 2011. 

Colour crush 

If you love pink, this will be 

your season—honeysuckle 

is the colour for spring. I’m 

loving this and I have been 

collecting all shades of it since 

autumn. You will see it in my 

wardrobe as well as in my collections. 

Coral and beeswax 

are also making it big so start 

refreshing your closet now. 

Polka dot 

Just like stripes, polka dots 

have always been around but 

this season they’re coming on 

a little bit stronger—and we 

see them everywhere, from 

Giles to Moschino to Louis 

Vuitton. But if you don’t really 

have a Gisele Bundchen body 

then just wear one item with 

the dots or you’re gonna end 

up looking like your six-yearold 

daughter. 

Tassel/fringe 

It’s making a big impact right 

now among fashionistas. 

Choose the sleek and smooth 

form of fringe and if you don't 

want to look like a piece of 

furniture, then choose the tassels 

for your accessories like 

bags, shoes, or belts while 

reserving the fringe for your 

dresses. Check out Gucci and 

Roberto Cavalli Spring 2011 

for inspiration. 

Seventies 

Will this decade ever be 

forgotten because it keeps 

reappearing on the fashion 

scene Sometimes I feel like it 

was never really gone—I think 

it’s the most fabulous decade. 

I shouldn't need to give you 

tips on this—don't we all 

know what the Seventies look 

like Look out for my friend 

Boma, she’ll show you how 

do it right. 

Bob/bang 

If the clothes can be seventies, 

then why not your hair 

The bob is back after a hiatus; 

this time it’s got a softer feel 

to it and more retro-inspired 

evidenced by the more 

rounded shape. It needs to 

be neatly blow-waved under 

a straight edge. And while 

you’re at it, give yourself 

bangs too. Look up Jane 

Birkin. They don't name a bag 

after her for no good-reason! 

I hope these tips are 

enough to get you into the 

New Year with panache. If you 

bump into me around town, 

I’ll be more than happy to talk 

style and fashion. Have a very 

happy and stylish new year. 

Adrian Nguyen is a designer 

and the owner of the Valenciani 

brand. Email your fashion 

questions to adrian.ngn@ 

gmail.com

Rana Abodeely 

Villa Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton, District 

1, Tel:3825 7307 

Luxury resort wear in soft, feminine styles. 

Made with 100% Vietnamese silk with 

signature glass bead detailing. Comfort, 

ease and elegance are the main forms of 

the collection. 

Shae 

101-103 Nguyen Trai, D1 

www.shaeny.com 

New York brand housing streetwear 

such as cardigans, dresses, shorts and 

accessories. 

Signature Boutique 


Houses some of the world’s most recognized 

luxury fashion brands: Roberto 

Cavalli, Versace, D&G and Missoni. 

Song 


76D Le Thanh Ton 

Offers women’s fashion designs by Valerie 

Gregori McKenzie, including evening 

dress, tops and hats. 

Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery 

43 Ton That Thiep in District 1, 2nd fl. 

Tel: 3915 3242 

www.traceykociuruba,com 

Eastern European-inspired fashion 

boutique with eclectic yet elegant designs 

with intricate hand-spun details—50sstyle 

jumpsuits with bustier necklines, 

silk kaftans and high-waisted shorts and 

skirts. 

Valenciani 


Tel: 3821 2788 

66-68 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 7302 4688 

valenciani.sg@gmail.com 

www.valenciani.com 

Homegrown luxury boutique carries silk 

dresses, velvet corsets, chiffon shawls 

and a range of accessories, all designed 

in-house. 

SHOES 

Aldo 


Offering a wide selection of affordable 

footwear from mid- to high-range prices. 

Carries office-appropriate and party-ready 

heels and flats, as well as a range of accessories 

and bags. 

Catwalk 

80 Pham Hong Thai 

Tel: 3829 6819 

www.catwalkshoes.com 

Carries a unique range of Spanish shoes 

and bags. 

Charles & Keith 

10 Mac Thi Buoi, 18-20 Nguyen Trai 

Tel: 3925 1132 


www.charleskeith.com 

Singapore brand housing youthful and 

trendy shoes of a contemporary, high 

fashion design. 

Converse 



122 Ba Thang Hai, D10 

Tel: 3827 5584 

www.converse.com.vn 

Sells iconic Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell and 

All-Star sneakers and Converse brand 

clothing and accessories. Also at department 

stores around HCMC. 

Dr. Marten’s 


Air Wair sandals and shoes here feature 

the classic yellow stitching and chunky 

rubber soles. Also stocked with clothes 

and accessories by Replay and Kappa 

tracksuit tops. 

Footwear Street 

Ho Xuan Huong Street, D3 between 

Cach Mang Thang Tam and Ba Huyen 

Thanh Quan 

Le Thi Hong Gam in D1 between Pho 

Duc Chinh and Calmette 

Selection ranges from leather loafers to 

plastic thongs and everything in between. 

Nine West 



Stocks an extensive range of designer 

footwear for women. Handpicked by a 

global community of independent trendsetters 

and stylists. 

TAILORS 

Fabric Street 

Hai Ba Trung, D1 across the street from 

Tan Dinh Market. 

Spools upon spools of fabric manufatured 

locally and abroad, with more than ample 

variety of textures, colours and materials 

to choose from. 

Massimo Ferrari 

42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3 

Tel: 3930 6212 

Traditional Italian sartorial techniques are 

employed to offer a full wardrobing service 

and custom tailoring for men. Stocked 

with imported fabrics primarily from Italy. 

In-office and workplace fittings available. 

Thuy Nga Design 

7 Lam Son Square, D1 

Conveniently located at the Opera House, 

this local boutique is a one-stop shop 

for both men and women. The range 

includes clothes, men’s and women’s accessories 

and costume jewellery. 

Uyen 

13 Nguyen Thiep, D1 

An excellent option with English-speaking 

staff and a good selection of fabrics 

(although the price takes a dip if you bring 

your own) and some off-the-rack staples 

to copy. Reasonable prices. 

LINH‘S WHITE 

PLEASANT LIVING MINIMALISM 

37 THAO DIEN 

(OPPOSITE AN PHU SUPERMARKET) 

67 XUAN THUY - DISTRICT 2 

PHONE: (84) - 62819863 

- 62818488 

E : linhnguyen@hbdecor.com.vn - www.linhfurniture.com 


Photos by Fred Wissink and Ho Quang. 

Saturday Night Vasco's 

Santarchy Pub Crawl 

Geisha Cafe Opening 

Movember @ Peaches

Street Guide 

3 Thang 2 D1 

Alexandre de Rhodes 

C4 

Ba Huyen Thanh Quan C1, C2, D2, D3 

Ban Co 

D1 

Ben Chuong Duong 

E4 

Ben Van Don 

E4, E5 

Bui Thi Xuan 

D3 

Bui Vien 

E3 

Cach Mang Thang Tam C1, D2, D3 

Calmette 

E4 

Cao Ba Nha 

E3 

Cao Thang 

D1, D2, E2 

Chu Manh Trinh 

C4, C5 

Co Bac 

E3 

Co Giang 

E3 

De Tham 

E3 

Dien Bien Phu B4, C3, C2, D1, D2 

Dinh Cong Trang 

B3 

Dinh Tien Hoang 

B3, B4, C4 

Do Quang Dau 

E3 

Do Thanh 

D1 

Doan Nhu Hai 

E5 

Doan Van Bo 

E4, E5 

Dong Du 

D5 

Dong Khoi 

C4, D4, D5 

Hai Cua 

B5 

Huynh Tinh Cua 

B2 

Huynh Van Banh 

B1 

Khanh Hoi 

E4 

Ky Con 

B3, C3, C4, D5 

Hai Trieu 

C5 

Ham Nghi 

D4, C5 

Han Thuyen 

C4 

Ho Hao Hon 

E3 

Ho Huan Nghiep 

D5 

Ho Tung Mau 

D4, D5 

Ho Xuan Huong 

C3, D2 

Hoa Hung 

B1 

Hoang Dieu 

E4, E5 

Hung Vuong 

E1 

Huyen Tran Cong Chua 

D3 

Huynh Man Dat 

B5 

Huynh Thuc Khang 

D4 

Ky Dong 

C1, C2 

Le Cong Kieu 

D4 

Le Duan 

C4, C5 

Le Hong Phong 

D1 

Le Lai 

C3, C4, D3 

Le Loi 

D4 

Le Quoc Hung 

E4, E5 

Le Quy Don 

C3 

Le Thanh Ton C4, C5, D3, D4 

Le Thi Hong Gam D4, E3, E4 

Le Thi Rieng 

D3 

Le Van Phuc 

B3 

Le Van Sy 

C1, C2 

Luong Huu Khanh 

D2, E2 

Luu Van Lang 

D4 

Ly Chinh Thang 

B2, C2 

Ly Thai To 

E1 

Ly Tu Trong C4, C5, D4, D5 

Mac Dinh Chi 

B3, C4 

Mac Thi Buoi 

D5 

Mai Thi Luu 

B4 

Mai Van Ngoc 

B1 

Me Linh 

B5 

Nam Ky Khoi Nghia B2, C2, C3, D4, E4 

Ngo Duc Ke 

D5 

Ngo Thoi Nhiem 

C2, D2 

Ngo Van Nam 

C5 

Nguyen Binh Khiem B4, B5, C5 

Nguyen Cong Tru 

E4 

Nguyen Cu Trinh 

E2, E3 

Nguyen Dinh Chieu B4, C3, C4, D1, D2, D3 

Nguyen Dinh Chinh 

B1 

98 asialife HCMC 

Nguyen Du 

Nguyen Hai Tu 

Nguyen Hue 

Nguyen Huu Canh 


Nguyen Huu Cau 

Nguyen Khac Nhu 

Nguyen Khoai 

Nguyen Ngoc Phuong 

Nguyen Phi Khanh 

Nguyen Sieu 

Nguyen Son Ha 

Nguyen Tat Thanh 

Nguyen Thai Binh 


Nguyen Thi Dieu 

Nguyen Thien Thuat 

Nguyen Thong 

Nguyen Thuong Hien 

Nguyen Trai 

Nguyen Trung Ngan 

Nguyen Trung Truc 

Nguyen Truong To 

Nguyen Van Cu 

Nguyen Van Hai 

Nguyen Van Lac 

Nguyen Van Thu 

Nguyen Van Troi 

Pasteur 

Pham Hong Thai 

Pham Ngoc Thach 

Pham Ngu Lao 

Pham Viet Chanh 


Phan Dinh Phung 

Phan Ke Binh 

Phan Van Han 

Pho Duc Chinh 

Phung Khac Khoan 

Suong Nguyet Anh 

Tan Vinh 

Thach Thi Thanh 

Thai Van Lung 

Thi Sach 

Thu Khoa Huan 

Ton Duc Thang 

Ton That Dam 

Ton That Thiep 

Ton That Tung 

Tran Binh Trong 

Tran Canh Chan 

Tran Cao Van 

Tran Dinh Xu 

Tran Hung Dao 

Tran Khac Chan 

Tran Khanh Du 

Tran Minh Quyen 


Tran Nhan Ton 

Tran Nhat Duat 

Tran Phu 

Tran Quang Dieu 

Tran Quang Khai 

Tran Quoc Thao 

Tran Quoc Toan 

Tran Van Dang 

Truong Chinh 

Truong Dinh 

Tu Xuong 

Vinh Khanh 

Vo Thi Sau 

Vo Van Tan 

Vuon Chuoi 

Xo Viet Nghe Tinh 

Yersin 

C4, D3, D4 

B4 

D4, D5 

B2 

C5 

B3 

E3 

F3 

B5 

B3 

C5, D5 

D2 

E5 

D4, E4 

D3, E3, E4 

D2, D3 

D1, E1, E2 

C1, C2, D2 

D2 

D3, E2 

C5 

D4 

E4, E5 

E2 

B3 

B5 

B4, C3, C4 

B1 

C2, C3, C4, D4 

D2, D3 

C3 

D3, D4, E3 

B5 

E2 

B2 

B4 

B4, B5 

D4, E4 

C3, C4 

D2, D3 

E4 

B3 

C5 

C5 

D4 

C5, D4, D5, E4 

D4 

D4 

D2, D3 

E1 

E2 

C4 

E2, E3 

D4, E2, E3 

B3 

B2, B3 

D1 

C1 

E1 

B3 

E1 

B1, B2 

B3, B2 

C2, C3 

B2, B3, B2 

C1, C2 

C3 

C2, D3 

C2, C3, D2 

E4, E5 

B3, C2, C3 

C3, D2, D3 

D2 

B4, B5 

E4 

A 

Airport 

3km 

B 

Tran Van Dang 

C 

Tan Binh 

0.5km 

Hoa Hung 

District 11 

2km 


Tran Nhan Ton 

Huynh Van Banh 


Dien Bien Phu 

Le Hong Phong 

Saigon 

Train Station 

Lan Anh 

Sports & 

Leisure Club 

Ly Thai To 



Hung Vuong 

Nguyen Van Troi 

Cach Mang Thang Tam 

3 Thang 2 

Ban Co 

Nguyen Th ong 

Nguyen Thien Thuat 

Tran Binh Trong 

Ng Dinh Chinh 

Tran Phu 

Le Van Sy 


DISTRICT 10 

D 

E 

1 

PHU NHUAN 

An Duong Vuong 

Tran Van Dang 

Cao Thang 

Do Thanh 

DISTRICT 5 

Huyn h Van Banh 

Ky Dong 

University 

of Natural 

Sciences 

V 

Ng. Thuong 

. Chuoi 

Nguyen Van Cu 

Teacher 

Training 

University 

Ly Chinh T hang 

Hien 

Vuon 

Chuoi 

Market 

Nguyen Trai 

2 

Phan Dinh Phung 

Truong Dinh 

Tu Xuong 

Nam Ky Kh 

Vo Thi Sau 

Nguyen Son Ha 

Dien B 

Nguyen Thi Minh K 


Nguyen Tho 

Nguyen Dinh 

V 

DISTR

4th Floor ONG&ONG Building 

159 Phan Xich Long St 

Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District 

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam 

3 

Gia Dinh 

Hospital 

4 

5 

Ky Khoi Nghia Nam Ky Khoi Nghia 

Tran 

Sau Vo Thi Sau 

Dien Bien Phu 

yen Thong 

en Dinh Chieu 

Minh Khai 

Nguyen Trai 

Tran Khanh Du 


Ba Huyen Thanh Quan 

Ngo Thoi Nhiem 

Luong Huu Khanh 

Suong Nguyet Anh 

Ton That Tung 

Thai Binh 

Market 

Cong Quynh 

Tran Dinh Xu 

War 

Remnants 

Museum 

Cultural Park 

Cach Mang Thang Tam 

Cao Ba Nha 

Ng. Huu Cau 

Le Thi Rieng 

Nguyen Trai 

Do Q. Dau 

Le Lai 

Thach Thi Thanh 

D. C. Trang 

Vo Van Tan Vo Van Tan 

Cao Thang 

N. V. Hai 

Cu Lao 

Quoc ToanTran Quoc Toan 

Ho Xuan Huong 

RICT 1 

Ngu yen Huu Canh 

Hoa Lan 

Tran Nhat Duat 

Nguyen Thi Dieu 

Hai Ba Trung 

Tran Quoc Thao 

Nguyen Gia Thieu 

Bui Thi Xuan 

Nguyen Cu Trinh 

Tran Khac Chan 

Le Quy Don 

Phan Xich Long 

DISTRICT 3 

Pham Ngu Lao 

Ho H. Hon 

Truong Quyen 

Bui Vien 

Co Bac 

Tran Quang Khai 

Le Van Tam 

Park 

Pham Ngoc Thach 

Pasteur 

Truong Dinh 

Vo Huy Tan 

Re-unification 

Palace 

Huyen Tran Cong Chua 


De Tham 

Ng Kh Nhu 

Ng. Phi Khanh 

L. V. Phuc 

Co Giang 

Thu Kh Huan 

Pham Hong Thai 

De Tham 

Le Thi Hong Gam 

Tran Hung Dao Tran Hung Dao 


Ly Tu Trong 

Ng HaiTu 

Nguyen Van Thu 

Alexandre De Rhodes 

Nguyen Du 

Nguyen An Ninh 

Mac Dinh Chi 

Nguyen Dinh Chieu 

Tran Cao Van 

Ben 

Thanh 

Market 

Bus 

Station 

Central 

Post Office 

Le Loi 

Nguyen Binh Khiem 

Hoa Lu 

Stadium 


Hai Ba Trung 

Town Hall 

HTV 

television 

Le Duan Le Duan 

Pasteur 

Nguyen Trung Truc 

Ky Con 

Phan Ke Binh 

Nguyen Thai Binh 

Yersin 

Han Thuyen 

L. V. Lang 

Ng. Cong Tru 

Mai Thi Luu 

Dong Khoi 

Le Cong Kieu 

Pho Duc Chinh 

Calmette 

Ben Van Don 

BINH THANH 

Nguyen Du 

Hoang Sa 

Ham Nghi 

Le Loi 

Ton Th at Thiep 

T. T. Dam 

Xo Viet Nghe Tinh 

Chu Manh Trinh 

Ly Tu Trong 

Nguyen Hue 

Ton Duc Thang 

Thi Sach 

Le Quoc Hung 

Mac 

Thai Van Lung 

Dong Du 

Ngo 

Ng Sieu 

Cao Ba Quat 

Pham Van Han 

Le Thanh Ton Le Thanh Ton 

Pasteur 

Truong Sa 

DISTRICT 1 

Huynh Thuc Khang 

Vinh Khanh 

Hoang Dieu 

Ho Tung Mau 

Ng. Cong Tru 

Nguyen 

Trung Ngan 

Ng Truong To 

Hai Trieu 

Zoo & Botanical 

Gardens 

Nguyen Binh Khiem 

Phan Van Dat 

Thi Buoi 

H.H.Nghiep 

Duc Ke 

Doan Nhu Hai 

Doan Van Bo 

Ngo V 

DISTRICT 4 

Nguyen Cuu Van 

an Nam 

Nguyen Tat Thanh 

Nguyen Ngoc Phuong 


Ton Duc 

Thang Museum 

Thu Thiem 

Ferry Port 

(for District 2) 

HCM City 

Boat Quay 

(for Vung Tau) 

asialife HCMC 99 


Huynh Man Dat 

Saigon Bridge 

& Highway 1 

3km 

Cat Lai Ferry 

9km 

District 7 

& Nha Be 

Nguyen Van Lac 

Me Linh 

Vung Tau

oxoffice 

The Tourist Gulliver’s Travels The Green Hornet Tangled 

Two of Hollywood’s biggest 

stars—Johnny Depp and 

Angelina Jolie—come together 

in The Tourist, an action packed 

movie that’ll have your head 

spinning judging by the trailer. 

The sexy Jolie with her English 

accent gets involved with the 

sexy Depp, a tourist travelling 

through Europe on a train, and 

has a fling. Except that it’s not 

a fling, it’s the beginning of a 

nightmarish journey for Depp 

who’s inadvertently caught 

in a web of intrigue. It turns 

out that Jolie is being spied 

on by Scotland Yard, which 

wants access to the criminal 

Alexander Pierce and only has 

Jolie as its lead to him. Poor 

Depp is like collateral damage 

in all this—which provides for 

a fast-paced plot, fun action, 

good ole’ fashioned humour and 

all the stuff that a lazy Sunday 

afternoon action flick brings. 

It doesn’t hurt that the most 

beautiful names in Hollywood, 

including Paul Bettany, lead the 

way. 

Opening Dates 

Written in 1726 by Jonathan 

Swift, Gulliver’s Travels plot 

is perhaps one of the best 

known worldwide and one 

that filmmakers aren’t afraid to 

adapt. Here, Gulliver is played 

by Jack Black, a rather brave 

choice given that Black usually 

plays buffoon-ish roles. Gulliver 

is a travel writer en route to 

Bermuda for an assignment 

when he gets tossed onto an itty 

bitty island inhabited by itty bitty 

people played by Jason Segal, 

Emily Blunt and Billy Connolly. 

Because the plot is well known, 

you know what happens and 

since Black is involved, you 

can expect much of the hilarity 

he has come to be associated 

with—are we ready for Gulliver 

to be played by the lovable and 

big-bellied Black It seems 

audiences are as first reviews 

showed that Black plays the 

role of a man worshipped as a 

god by the itty bitty people with 

aplomb. 

The Green Hornet, a classic 

character has appeared in print, 

radio and film (and gave the 

world Bruce Lee) returns, this 

time played by Seth Rogen. The 

vigilante crime-fighter, whose 

real identity is only known by his 

faithful butler Kato (Jay Chou), is 

Britt Reid, a successful publisher 

by day, and crime-fighter at 

night in his Black Beauty vehicle 

(souped up machine complete 

with high tech gadgets that 

deliver knock out blows of 

varying degrees). The film also 

stars Cameron Diaz who plays 

Britt’s secretary, a smart and 

witty role she plays as well as 

can be expected. Screenwriters 

Rogen and Evan Goldberg 

who delivered great scripts 

with Superbad and Pineapple 

Express do so here as well with 

lots of hilarious dialogue between 

the hero and his sidekick. Michel 

Gondry, who directed the sweet 

Be Kind Rewind last, does a 

surprising job with this action 

flick, proving that he’s the right 

man for any job. 

The classic story of Rapunzel 

gets a cheeky makeover 

in Disney’s 3D animation, 

Tangled. We all know the story 

of Rapunzel (played by Mandy 

Moore) a young princess whose 

hair has magical powers to 

rejuvenate for which reason a 

wicked witch (Donna Murphy) 

steals her and locks her up in 

a tower. Rapunzel aches to 

get out and see this real world 

and is, one day, startled by a 

surprise visitor, Flynn (Zachary 

Levi), a bandit on the run. They 

talk and enter a deal: he’ll escort 

her through the forest to the 

kingdom (and her family) after 

which she will return the items 

he has stolen which are in her 

possession. The couple are on 

the run from several people: the 

wicked witch, the goons Flynn is 

on the run from and the guards 

who want him too. It proves to 

be an entertaining adventure. 

CINEMAS 

G: Galaxy 

www.galaxycine.vn 

M: Megastar 

www.megastarmedia.net 

T: Thang Long 

www.giaitrithanglong.com/cinema 

Gulliver’s Travels (January. 14) 

The Tourist (January. 31) 

The Green Hornet (January 21) 

3D Tangled (January 28) 

Gulliver’s Travels (January 14) 

The Green Hornet (January 21) 

The information on this page was 

correct at the time of printing. Check 

cinema websites for screenings. 


ookshelf 

Mary Ann in 

Autumn 

By Armistead Maupin 

Doubleday 

Fans of the beloved Tales of the City stories that first appeared 

in the San Francisco Chronicle in the 1970s before becoming 

novels will be thrilled to hear of the latest one, Mary Ann 

in Autumn, where the folks of 28 Barbary Lane are reunited, 

older and wiser—after a 21-year hiatus. Now in their fifties and 

dealing with issues related to aging—attending to a partner with 

Alzheimer’s—or infidelity as Mary Ann discovers her husband 

having an affair with her life coach on Skype so Maupin hasn’t 

lost his touch of keeping things culturally and technologically 

relevant. There’s a great deal of hilarity that one has come to associate 

with the Tales series: absurd plotlines and eccentric but 

lovable characters who are now navigating through traditional 

relationships in difficult times. Can this novel appeal to a newer 

generation perhaps unfamiliar with Maupin’s earlier work No. 

It’s strictly for those who have followed his work and are coming 

to terms with being unhip, much like the folks of Barbary Lane. 

Decoded 

By Jay Z 

Spiegel & Grau 

It's easy to think Jay Z's book (memoir cum social commentary 

on rap) is as glossy as everything else is in his life. The 

man remains guarded about his marriage to Beyonce so you 

may be right to assume that he's selective in his decoding of 

himself. However, Decoded is a brutally honest account by the 

rapper of his early life at least. Learning about how he began 

to write down rhymes from an early age, to his working the 

streets as a crack dealer to becoming the man who has more 

hits than Elvis Presley in a compelling manner makes this a 

fascinating read. It is poignant to read about how he wanted to 

"dirty up" the blockbuster song "Empire State of Mind", which 

is the new anthem to the city like Frank Sinatra's "New York, 

New York" was. The book is worth reading for an insight into 

the evolution rap with mentions of the greats in the industry as 

seen by Jay Z as well a long footnote section to understanding 

his own lyrical process. 

An Object of 

Beauty 

By Steve Martin 

Grand Central 

Is there anything Steve Martin can’t do—and that too effortlessly 

The comedian, actor, musician and accomplished 

writer weaves a tale around the art world in his new novel An 

Object of Beauty. Martin is no stranger to art as he owns an 

impressive collection, which includes Picasso, Seurat, Edward 

Hopper and de Kooning. Like his novella Shopgirl, Beauty 

centres around a young woman, Lacey Yaeger, but this heroine 

is fiercely ambitious in her quest to rise at Sotheby’s. We also 

meet artists, critics, buyers and are provided an entertaining 

insight into the art world, complete with artspeak. There is also 

a mystery element that runs through the plot, of an art theft that 

occurs, which adds pizzazz to the storyline. Martin’s observations 

on the art world today make for insightful reading—and 

given his background, there’s plenty of humour in it too. "New 

galleries sprouted in Chelsea overnight lacking only fungi 

domes," he astutely notes. 

Decision Point 

George W. Bush 

Crown Publishers 

The former president couldn't have chosen a better title to 

his autobiography as he waxes lyrical about major decision 

points in his life—from going sober in 1986, to running for 

government, to choosing to invade Iraq and why he made 

the choices he did during the financial crisis in 2008. He has 

ostensibly done this in the hope that his legacy is remembered 

as one that kept America safer—which is why he defends his 

decision to attack Iraq and sanction waterboarding suspects in 

Guantanamo Bay, to quote just two examples. He cites "being 

blindsided" by his government on frequent occasions, like Abu 

Ghraib. While it is poignant to read about the conversation 

between father and son during Christmas 2002, in which senior 

Bush tells junior about avoiding war, unless he has no other 

choice, there's still an impersonality to it. Perhaps the funniest 

moment in the book, is when he talks about taking his dog for 

a walk after retiring and having to pick up the poo himself. 


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Haruki Murakami 

By Nora Lindstrom 

I don’t like science fiction 

or fantasy. I can gulp down 

novels at a rate of one a day, 

but these need to be anchored 

in reality and fact. At least that 

used to be the case until I 

came across Haruki Murakami. 

The prolific Japanese writer 

blends fact with fiction like no 

other, writing novels and short 

stories so extraordinary yet 

at the same time so real that 

they make you doubt your own 

understanding of reality. 

Take Hard-boiled Wonderland 

and the End of the 

World for example. Written in 

1985, the novel is a dream-like 

fantasy that follows parallel 

narratives told in alternate 

chapters; one set in the surreal 

technology-powered world of 

the Hard-boiled Wonderland in 

which human brains store and 

encrypt data, while the other 

follows the narrator in End of 

the World, an equally fantastic 

place where inhabitants are 

not allowed to have shadows 

nor, it transpires, minds. 

The two storylines eventually 

converge, concluding the 

mindboggling exploration of 

the mind, leaving the reader 

to question his or her own 

existence. 

Murakami was 29 when he 

wrote his first fiction novel, 

Hear the Wind Sing. His major 

breakthrough came eight years 

later in 1987, with the publication 

of Norwegian Wood, one 

of his less surreal books. The 

novel became a best-seller in 

Japan, the tale of love and loss 

attracting young readers in 

particular. In 2006, he received 

the Franz Kafka Prize for his 

magical yet down-to-earth 

novel Kafka on the Shore. 

Despite his success, the 

reclusive author is considered 

a bit of a controversial figure 

in Japan. The country’s literary 

establishment is not keen on 

his tales that often explore 

themes of alienation and 

loneliness in Japanese society. 

References to western culture, 

which permeate his works, 

also rile the purists. 

Yet at a global level, he is 

loved. Widely expected to 

receive the Nobel Prize for Literature, 

he has been described 

as one of the world’s greatest 

living novelists. I certainly think 

he is. And I suspect there are 

other Murakami-fans in Cambodia 

too. Why else would 

several of the capital’s bookshops 

carry copies of books 

by the author, often for as little 

as US $3 a piece 


adar 

Luck of the Draw 

chatroulette.com 

Chatroulette combines blind and speed dating, albeit across a computer 

screen. Similar to Skype, the website displays video and allows participants 

to speak or type to one another. The only difference: Chatroulette, as its name 

suggests, is a gamble. Hit play to see a live feed and then click next to trawl 

through countless random strangers from around the world. Some log in for 

a legitimate chat, others to play pranks. Beware though. You’re bound to see 

some nudity. Us AsiaLIFE staffers met with a young man from Tennessee, 

two Turkish lads, a couple drunken Brits and a dancing buffoon before seeing 

some full frontal action. It was a little disconcerting, to say the least. Aside from 

the depravity, Chatroulette is addictive, great for a laugh and provides a quick 

snapshot into the lives of others. 

Today, I gave my ex-girlfriend two concert 

tickets to show her I still care about her and 

want to win her back. She sold them. FML 

Life’s the Pits 

fmylife.com 

FMyLife is hilarious. People who’ve had beyond crappy days post their experiences 

on the website, giving visitors the opportunity to rate the anecdote (“I 

agree, your life sucks” or “You totally deserved it”). Divided into categories— 

love, money, kids, work, health, intimacy and miscellaneous—each spiel begins 

with the word “today” and ends with a short, yet effective “FML” (f**k my life). 

Take this corker, written by a woman from Victoria, Australia: “Today, I discovered 

I am the ‘before picture’ in an Internet weight loss advert. FML.” Or the 

slightly more disgusting: “Today, I was playing around with my sister’s kitten. As 

a joke I put him underneath the sheets and farted. He attacked my nuts. FML.” 

A trek through FMyLife will make even the most downtrodden character feel 

better about themselves. 

Snarky Snaps 

peopleofwalmart.com 

People of Walmart documents the white trash (for lack of a more polite term) 

that roam through the massive American super centres dotted across the 

United States and Canada. A little mean, perhaps, but downright funny are 

the sneaky snaps taken of unsuspecting victims. Think a heavily overweight 

woman with protruding belly rolls from a skintight pink tank top, an elderly 

man wearing a hotdog hat, a granny towing a child through the aisles behind a 

scooter and a series of pantless wonders. It’s all class. The stories’ section is 

funny, too, and gives Walmart-goers a forum to share their own up close and 

personal experiences. The bunch behind the site have now released a book 

called Shop and Awe—a picture collection of Americans in their natural shopping 

habitat. 


THE TWO OF US 

Loreto Vietnam Australia programme coordinator Trish Franklin shares a close bond 

with her student Nguyen Thanh Vinh—a young man who lost his sight as a baby. 

They tell Beth Young their story. Photo by Fred Wissink. 

Trish 

I came to Nguyen Dinh Chieu 

School—it’s a school for blind 

and disabled children in 

District 10—to teach English 

12 years ago. When I first 

came to Vietnam, Loreto built 

a very small school with only 

two classrooms in Hoc Mon 

District. While we were waiting 

for funds to build another I 

decided to contribute part of 

my time. I came down here and 

asked the then principal if she 

would like me to teach English. 

She said yes straightaway 

When I first taught the blind 

children I was a little nervous 

because I didn’t know how 

to teach colour, for example. 

I learned quickly that they 

already know these terms in 

Vietnamese, so you teach them 

as words more than something 

you see. To help them imagine, 

I say red colour is hot and blue 

colour is cool and green colour 

is very fresh. 

I started teaching Vinh when 

he was seven. The first time 

I met him I thought he was 

such a cute little boy; he was so 

sweet and had this confidence 

about him, this spirit. It looked 

to me like he was sure he 

would be successful in life. 

He has continued to work 

really hard and now his English 

is amazing. 

My fondest memories of Vinh 

are from when he was very, 

very small. He was so cute, 

with such courage and strength. 

I took many photos of him 

because I thought he was the 

most beautiful little boy. And he 

ran everywhere, even though 

he couldn’t see: around the 

playground, to the toilet, over 

to have a drink. Sometimes 

he’d crash into something, but 

it never frightened him. He 

was always having fun—such a 

mischievous little boy. 

He was great with his 

friends, too, pulling them out 

into the yard, almost as if to say, 

“Get on with life. We’re blind, 

but we don’t care I really 

do remember him as that little 

boy and I can’t believe that he’s 

now 16. When I look at him 

I feel so proud. He’s worked 

so hard and he’s a very good 

young man. 

Vinh 

When I was 19 months old I was 

standing drinking milk from 

a glass when I fell. The glass 

broke and hurt my eyes. My father 

took me to the hospital and 

the doctors took the glass out 

but after that, I was blind. Now I 

can’t see anything but a dark red 

colour and very big things, but I 

can feel. I wish I could see, but I 

was a child when I was blinded 

and I’m used to it now. 

I came to live at Nguyen Dinh 

Chieu School when I was in Year 

1. There are 250 children at the 

school and 85 boys and girls are 

lodgers. My family live in Long 

An Province, which is about 60 

kilometres away. I see them once 

every two months. I used to 

miss them lots—I cried so much 

the first time I had to sleep at 

school—but now I’m used to it. 

I’ve lived here for a long time 

so I think they’re used to it, too. 

Now my school is my home and 

my friends are my brothers and 

sisters, like my family. 

When I first met Miss Trish 

I thought she was very happy 

and loved children very much. 

I felt so comfortable with her. 

I felt surprised that she could 

speak Vietnamese. I thought her 

pronunciation wasn’t so good. 

Now it’s better, but it’s not 

perfect yet [laughs]. 

She taught me to speak 

and sing in English. My best 

memory is in Year 3 or 4 when 

Miss Trish took my hand and 

told me that I was very beautiful 

in English. I felt so happy and 

hoped that my English would 

improve so I could talk with 

native speakers. 

I also remember Miss Trish 

bringing me back many gifts 

after visiting Australia. She 

bought me candy and toy kangaroos. 

Many of the Australian 

teachers who work here have 

bought me kangaroos, so now I 

have six! 

Now I’m in Year 11. Next year 

I will have to stop sleeping at 

school and find my own place 

to live. I’m a little scared but 

I think I must practice living 

by myself. I want to continue 

studying at university and I 

want to become an English 

teacher. Miss Trish made me 

love English. 


New York City 

It was a strange sight: a Tiger 

Beer bottle perched on the coffee 

table in my Brooklyn apartment. 

For a moment, I thought I’d 

been ambushed, that I was the 

target of a sloppy plot to kidnap 

and repatriate me to Vietnam. 

(Kevin, are you there Dean Trav 

John Justin Matt Come out.) 

It turns out there was a 

simpler explanation: my new 

roommate Ben has a taste for 

the Southeast Asian suds. I 

shouldn’t have been so surprised; 

one can procure just 

about any gustatory artefact 

from the bodegas of the five 

boroughs. But to see that 

blue-and-gold feline stalking 

me more than 9,000 miles from 

where I’d last faced him shook 

me. 

It was just another sign that 

my East Coast and Far East 

lives were overlapping, more 

proof that I’d crossed over into 

the Vietnamese version of the 

Twilight Zone. 

Just two weeks after departing 

Tan Son Nhat Airport, I 

had my first Saigon reunion. 

With my good friend Linh in 

Toronto visiting family and 

my former Cao Thang housemate 

Erin having relocated to 

L.A., we joined a crowd that 

included San Art co-founders 

Dinh Q. Le and Tiffany Chung 

at the Museum of Modern Art. 

Officially we were there to see 

Dinh’s exhibit, The Farmers and 

the Helicopters, but we soon 

retired to a nearby restaurant, 

just as we’d sometimes done 

after openings at San Art. We 

descended on that unfortunate 

Chinese establishment, rowdily 

commandeering an expanse of 

flattops, and proceeded to do 

what Saigonites do best: take 

our good old time. Management 

was none too pleased. 

The following night, Linh, 

Erin and I connected with 

Maggie and Brendan, the 

dynamic duo behind AsiaL- 

IFE’s illustrated Wildlife issue 

from March 2010. Our meeting 

point A seedy karaoke joint in 

Chinatown where we belted out 

80s classics beneath the glow of 

a retro reel of made-for-karaoke 

scenes. Toss in a few shots of 

Halong Bay and we could have 

been at the Saigon Hotel. 

These first few weeks I’ve 

lived in a sort of limbo between 

Saigon and New York. But life 

goes on. I’ve begun to do the 

hard stuff: adjust to the cold, 

stop calling soccer “football”, 

and—perhaps hardest of all— 

find an East Coast Vietnamese 

restaurant that approximates 

the tastes and textures of home. 

The hunt, thus far, is not going 

well. If I get really desperate for 

a taste of HCM City though, I’m 

pretty sure Tiger Beer tastes the 

same here. 

Sincerely. 

Tom DiChristopher 


pub quiz 

Changes 

1) What is the city of Madras 

now known as 

2) How is Saloth Sar better 

known 

3) Which musician changed his 

name to a symbol 

4) Which European country 

changed from left to right 

hand traffic at 5am on Sep. 

3, 1967 

5) What did Richard Starkey 

change his name to 

Regional Capitals 

6) Name a Canadian capital 

with a colour in its name. 

7) Which Australian state capital 

was named after a German 

born queen 

8) What is New York State’s 

capital 

9) In England what is the county 

town of Hampshire 

10) What is the provincial 

capital of Mondulkiri 

Back in Black 

11) Whose television career 

began in the 15th century 

and ended during World 

War I 

12) Which is the only football 

team to only win the English 

Premier League title once 

13) The Black Gate is the only 

large entrance to which 

fictitious land 

14) What are Canadian 

company Research In 

Motion famous for 

15) In Germany it is called 

Blutwurst. What is it called in 

the U.K. 

I've got the Blues Again 

16) "Real Gone Kid" was the first 

top ten hit for which group 

17) Who is the subject of the film 

Lady Sings The Blues 

18) In The Goon Show, who 

provided the voice for 

Bluebottle 

19) The Blue Mountains are in 

which Australian state 

20) Which river originates at 

Lake Tana in Ethiopia 

Beginnings 

21) In which country does the 

Mekong begin 

22) In which swimming stroke 

do competitors begin in the 

pool 

23) In which city did the Velvet 

Revolution begin 

24) Which annual sporting event 

begins in Putney 

25) Which game begins with an 

auction 

Which Cities 

26) 

27) 

28) 

29) 

30) 

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or Whitehorse 7) Adelaide 8) Albany 9) Winchester 10) Senmonorom 11) 

Edmund Blackadder 12) Blackburn Rovers 13) Mordor 14) Blackberry 15) 

Black Pudding 16) Deacon Blue 17) Billie Holliday 18) Peter Sellers 19) 

New South Wales 20) Blue Nile 21) Tibet (China) 22) Backstroke 23) Prague 

24) University Boat Race 25) Contract Bridge 26) Berlin 27) Kep 28) Kula 

Lumpur 29) New York 30) Pisa 

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Pub Quiz Answers 



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