Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Word Vietnam September 2014 FA
Word Vietnam September 2014 FA
wordvietnam.com
SEPTEMBER 2014
062
092
058
THE TALK
INSIDER
BRIEFINGS
In Hanoi, motorbike taxis now come
with a meter
014 / Xe Om So
CULTURE
FASHION
014
078
106 / Futura
EARLY YEARS
PRIMARY
SECONDARY
74 Nguyen Thi Thap, District 7, HCMC
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our IGCSE pupils 2014
100% pass rate
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pupil Yoon Ki Hoon for
achieving 8 As
contents
120
116
186
HCMC
030 / To-Do List
TRAVEL
112 / Teaching English in Sudan
038 / Overscene
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KATIE JACOBS
Writer
The layers of history and complexities that
are evident just walking around the streets
and nem cua, and bicycles overflowing
with flowers, and drinking beer on the street.
Wait, I can only pick one!
Tt c hnh nh v ni dung
trong n phm ny thuc bn
quyn ca n phm Word ca
C.Ty CP TMDVQCTruyn Thng
Dng Hunh. Mi s sao chp
khng c php s b xem l
vi phm lut S Hu Tr Tu hin
hnh ca nh nc Cng Ha X
Hi Ch Ngha Vit Nam.
Nh xut bn Lao ng
175 Ging V, H Ni
T: + 84 4 3851 5380
Fax: + 84 4 3851 5381
Chi nhnh pha Nam
85 Cch Mng Thng Tm, Q.1,
TP. HCM
T: +84 8 3839 0970
Fax: +84 8 3925 7205
Email: cnnxbld@vnn.vn
The prelude
lthough well
received,
our last
few issues
have been quite
serious, which is why
we decided to do
something lighter this
month. Its a simple
concept to create a
cover story that helps
us to remember what
makes Vietnam the
country it is.
The idea came
after a recent trip
back to the UK. I
normally love going
home and get great
pleasure returning
to customers. But
every time she enters
information into the
computer, she gets a
negative response. Her
retort to the customer?
The computer says
noooo.
That is how it felt
getting things done
in the UK, the fourth
richest country in the
world. In a nation that
we call developed,
when it comes to
bureaucracy it is
anything but.
And this is one of
the reasons I love
Vietnam. I can get
inbox
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO AIR? IF SO, REACH OUT AND TOUCH US
AT EDITOR@WORDVIETNAM.COM WERE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
Cover Story
The Elements of
Style
This is the problem with looking at architecture, at the buildings that surround us we
tend to see them at one point in time, without
their historical context and without any notion of the grand or not so grand ideas that
were behind their creation. In doing so, we
forget the problems its architects were trying
to solve, and what those solutions evolved
into. Even among explorers, Cook says,
we dont pay enough attention to process.
Top front cover this month. Loved the balance of colours and the detail you used in there. It
was perfect. DG
Great issue. Please pass on my compliments to the team. DB
Wasted Time
Your story on electronic
communication is very
accurate (Wasted Time, p10,
August 2014). My wife and
I spent nine days in Japan
and while I can praise
many things they do, as
well as their honesty and
efficiency, I was unable
to be online unless in a
hotel lobby or at rare hot
spots in the underground
shopping areas. While
they [the government
and private companies]
are working on it and
do offer alternatives, in
fact what does currently
exist seems to be from
the talk
The Book
At the end of 2009 we wrote extensively about the
problems with using Facebook in Vietnam. The issue was
that the powers that be just didnt know what
to do with it, this phenomenon that
was taking the country by storm.
Here was this website that seemed
to strike a chord with the very
nature of being Vietnamese at the
time which, by country, Facebooks
growth rate was fastest in Vietnam.
Despite difficulty of access, its
popularity continued to soar. Make
the book undesirable, and it became
something to be desired.
The five years since have seen
an explosion in the sites usage.
Vietnam has 18 million Facebook
users 20 percent of the population.
And Vietnamese of all ages, particularly the young, seem
to spend their lives on the website.
The key to its popularity, though, is not just networking,
making friends and keeping in touch with people. Its
Facebooks troll-like ability to let you speak your mind.
And if you so wish, through faking your avatar, to speak
it anonymously. Whereas a decade ago people watched
their tongues, especially in public, now people seem to do
the opposite. Saying what you think in a public forum is
an attractive prospect, especially from the safety of your
computer or smartphone. In Vietnam, people, especially
the young, have taken to this like a fish takes to water.
Now they see self-expression as the norm.
The younger generation of today is growing up with
a freedom of speech, a freedom of expression that was
unknown in the past. Yes, there are boundaries but
arent there everywhere? Its something that must be
lauded no longer are automaton-like thought processes
the norm. This has been led by access not only to Facebook,
but also to LinkedIn and Twitter and Skype and Viber and
many more.
Forget Generation X or The Beat Generation. Todays
Vietnamese youth are the Facebook Generation, a
generation brought up on a different worldview to that of
the not-so-distant past. Nick Ross
The Facebook
Generation
With the popularity
of the book in
Vietnam has
come immense
change
05
27
FRIDAY
GOETHE1.
INSTITUTS
GERMAN FILM FEST
4.
16
TUESDAY
SHANE FILAN
In memory of recently-deceased
Olympic gold medalist Andrew
Bart Simpson, a worldwide
effort is on to launch the most
sailcrafts in the world, in
the name of charity and the
pursuit of a Guinness World
Record. Vietnams contribution
is organised by Jibes, and
happening in Mui Ne all day.
Dinghies and windsurfers are
all encouraged to take part,
as are sailors and non-sailors.
Although its all in the service
FRANK GOSSNER:
THE ARCHAEOLOGIST
OF AFRICAN VINYL
21 SUNDAY
3.
SATURDAY
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HANOI
At the beginning of August, Viet Pride staged its biggest show of solidarity yet
Faces of Pride
briefings
o
S
m
O
Xe
S
FING
BRIE
I
HANO
A Xe Om Revolution
Appearing at the beginning of the year in Hanoi, xe om
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HANOI
Attimi: Images
of the Ordinary
Barbara Pellizzari turns her eye from the city scenes of
her last show to the moments happening within
briefings
HANOI
e
iv
s
s
a
M
e
r
o
M
Getting
BRIEFINGS
On the eve of breaking into the mainstream, the founder of Hanoi Massive talks
community, hangovers and finding interesting stuff to do in short, all of the things
youll find in an average scroll down the Hanoi Massive Facebook group page
,
or
This is a fun morning for everyone and a great team building event with
procceeds going to charities the length of Vietnam.
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
The End
of
an Era
Another Saigon landmark
is being replaced. But at
what cost?
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
In Transition Nha Lo
ha Lo is an apartment complex
most skip over, passing the street
markets and roadside eateries near
the intersection of Co Bac, Co
Giang and De Tham. At first glance, this
cluster of housing also known as Chung
Cu Co Giang may make one wary due to
the ill repair of the neighbourhood. But
there is a beautiful charm to this late
1930s French-built complex. Much like
any developing city, this relic of Saigon
will soon disappear to make way for new
development.
When I visited, a local resident acted
as my escort. She was born in this area,
and grew up in a time when this part of
Long Exposure
I have visited this community several times
over the last five years photographically,
briefings
BRIEFING
HANOI
TropFest
Hanoi
The worlds largest film
festival comes to Hanoi
SE
OF
WO
VIETNAM
RD
L FIE FA C E
MAKE
ey
n
o
y o ur m
briefings
BRIEFING
NATIONAL
ick Ahlmark,
whos produced
and directed
docs for The
Guardian, Vice and Al
Jazeera English, followed
Vo Trong Nghia for two
weeks to film Greening
The City, his contribution
to the Rebel Architecture
series that focuses on
architects around the world
challenging conventions.
Debuting last month on Al
Jazeera English and this Sep.
8 on Al Jazeera YouTube,
the film gives Nghias
idealism the attention it deserves.
Vietnams most
recognisable
young architect
gets the
documentary
treatment
in Al Jazeera
Englishs Rebel
Architecture series
A Grain of an Idea
Stephens desire to conserve the snow leopard
started on a 2005 trip to Nepal. Previously
working on the commercial side for Formula
1 team Jaguar Racing, and then in the drinks
industry, the former city lawyer decided
to take a redundancy package when his
employers, Allied Domecq, were bought up
and split into separate companies.
I was 35 years old and wanted to do
something different, he recalls. I got a nice
payout and I thought, Im going to do all
these things I wanted to do go to Argentina
to learn the tango, go trekking in The
Himalayas.
It was when he was in The Himalayas that
he found out about the existence of the snow
leopard.
The Conservation
Snow Leopard Vodka supports a range of
conservation initiatives.
Charity
of
the
Month
Stars of Vietnam
When Juergen Eichhorn first saw the painful side of the northern province of Hai
Duong, it happened by chance. Hes still unsure if it was an accident or destiny.
Brick by Brick
Fast-forward seven years, and Juergen
has continued with his accidental, fated
mission. With Pauls help, they restored
this childrens home piece by piece. They
brought in furniture and kitchen appliances,
education and training.
In four years, Juergen says, we set
up 32 classrooms equipped with various
machinery to teach the children useful
trades. Education and training gives these
children a chance in life. Today they are
able to build chairs and tables themselves.
The local industries support them, and the
kids find placements where they can earn a
living.
In 2013, Stars of Vietnam was born.
With operating costs funded by the Italian
restaurant Ristorante Italia (1 Pham Hung,
Thanh Binh, Hai Duong, italia.vn) and the
tourism service AEA (aea.vn), Juergen has
helped set up in Hai Duong. 100 percent of
the money reaches the poor ones, he says.
With increased awareness and support,
Stars of Vietnam has started to help with
more of Hai Duongs larger problems. In
particular, theyve concentrated on the
plight of those affected by Agent Orange, the
terrible legacy of which has sprawled over
generations in Hai Duong.
Cat of the
Month:
Sharky
to do list
02
03
TUESDAY
MARKETING
AND MEDIA FOR PROS
National Day
CARAVELLE HOTEL
caravellehotel.com
If a restaurants going to
shine, it better do it when the
spotlight is on. Caravelles
Opera 1 & 2 have taken that
lesson to heart, and their
chefs are coming together to
give you food fireworks over
four action stations and a
variety of sea and land-based
offerings all of Vietnams
rich natural resources. Or
just kick back with a glass
of free-flow house wine and
enjoy one of Saigons coolest
views VND1.2 million++
per person.
WEDNESDAY
05
06
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
ENCOUNTERS
OF THE STIMULATING
KIND
After wrapping up the pilot
run of the multi-disciplinary,
workshop-and-lecture-based
Encounter programme,
San Art is soliciting 15
more participants to take
part in a new edition.
The applications close
on Saturday Sep. 6. The
types of theorists and
professionals that will work
with participants represent
the Global South, and have
different perspectives to
share on similar challenges.
This year, people like
Filipino film director/writer/
actor Kidlat Tahimik will
speak as will South African
Ntone Edjabe writer,
journalist, DJ and founder
of Chimurenga, an awardwinning pan-African literary
magazine. And thats not
the only interesting part. If
last years programme was
any indication, the other
participants will also have
some different perspectives
to share, coming from
backgrounds as diverse
as social entrepreneurship
and architecture, computer
programming and fine arts.
Learn more or apply at sanart.org
11 THURSDAY
20 YEARS
LOOKING BACK, 2 YEARS
LOOKING FORWARD
With nearly 20 years of history
in Vietnam, AusCham has rare
perspective amongst expat
business types. This month on
Thursday Sep. 11 theyre sharing
it with real estate professionals,
with a full day of market
insights, expert talks, discussions
of law changes and networking
opportunities.
Speakers include Nguyen
12 FRIDAY
LEARN TO COOK
JAPANESE AT BLANCHYS
Hoa Tucs Saigon Cooking Class
has joined up with Blanchy
Street to present one of the most
unique cooking classes Saigon
has to offer Japanese cuisine
as prepared by resident world
beating chefs Martin Brito and
Yogo Oba. Taking place on Friday
to do list
13
15
SATURDAY
TOM SMITH AT
VINGALLERY
UK artist Tom Smiths
mixed-media oils dance on
their canvases, channeling
mythologies, forgotten rites,
landscapes that ripple with
power, individuals that ripple
with aura. His new VinGallery
show Nevertheless presents pieces
BERLIN TECHNO
EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
The kind souls in Berlin knew
we were starving for some
of their deep house, so they
decided to send a peace offering
Oskar Offermann. Known for
his association with legendary
nightclub Berghain/Panorama
Bar, as well as the two record
17
MONDAY
19
FRIDAY
WEDNESDAY
26
27
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
AUSSIE RULES?
Not to be outdone by the noisy
neighbours, as in previous years
on Saturday Sep. 27 the Vietnam
Swans are putting on their very
own AFL Final party, in this
instance within the spacious
confines of Game On.
Including a free-flow of beer,
wine and soft drinks as well as
an all-day buffet with yes, you
event will feature multiple megascreens, a buffet, all the beer and
wine you can drink from 10am to
4pm, raffles, auctions and an afterparty back at Phattys.
The AFL Grand Final celebration
hosted by the Saigon Saints AFL
Club is on at The Sheraton on
Sep. 27, 10am to 4pm. Tickets are
VND1.9 million each, or VND19
million for a table of 10 call
Chris Paget on 0903 735799 or
Darren Cotter on 0913 803517 for
more details
to do list
28
SUNDAY
BBGV FUN RUN
ALL MONTH
ALTERNATIVE ARTS
BAZAAR
PRIME MOVER
Zoe Butt
general?
Im in the art scene, based in Ho
Chi Minh City, and its growing
quite impressively. Many of the
contemporary artists that I have
worked with at San Art have
gone on to do marvelous projects
abroad with museums, art fairs
and independent organisations.
Many more creatives, not just
from the visual arts, but also from
architecture, design, fashion,
music, engineering, anthropology
to name but a few, have become
a part of our activities and its
exciting to see the community
diversifying like this.
SEMINAL POP-PUNKERS
THE LEMONHEADS ARE
COMING!
For those of us born before the
1990s, The Lemonheads and
their messy, awesome, charming
sounds represent the path
alternative-rock could have
taken. Word contributor Evan
Hudson went so far as to say,
oh sh_____t this is awesome!
my favorite Evan in the world
If my older-yet-still-cool
Mom came to town, I
would take her to:
Caf RuNam on Mac Thi Buoi
she would totally love the interior
and outdoor garden settings. She
would also love Villa Song in
District 2 a stunning boutique
hotel on the river. Then to Cholon
to visit the myriad of temples.
just in
TRAVEL IN STYLE
Ginkgo Voyage part of the
Gingko family, which includes
the T-shirt and concept store
has just arrived on the streets
of District 1, and its looking for
some fellow travellers. Managed
by a team with more than 15
just in
Mooncake Madness
We know weve been yelling ourselves hoarse about mooncakes so sue us, we like them. Stop by
the following spots until Sep. 8 if you do, too.
ANNAM GOURMET
annam-gourmet.com
Annam Gourmet is getting
into the mooncake game with a
wisdom that belies their years,
and some delicate and vibrant
looking mooncakes to boot!
Stop by Annam to discover
whats inside those clever
interlocking boxes it might
just be the nicest thing the
moons done for you all year.
RENAISSANCE
RIVERSIDE
renaissance-saigon.com
Kabin has long been known
for their mooncakes those
tasty turns on tradition like
Green Tea Custard Azuki, Pearl
of Harmony, Pure Lotus and
Imperial Ivory. Get on the gravy
train with the mooncakes of
kings, and the people who stay
at the hotel.
SHANG PALACE
shangpalace.com.vn
This time of year, Shang Palace
puts on their thinking cap to
SHERATON
sheratonsaigon.com
White lotus, panda lotus,
green tea lotus, X.O., date,
cranberry, pomelo and mixed
nut varieties are enough
to get us howling at the
moon, making moon eyes,
and whatever other silly
expressions we can think of
all to say, they sound good!
They come with or without
eggs, and with a bold assertion
that the perfect balance
between sweet and sour
flavours in the new pomelo
and cranberry varieties will
be definitely loved by the
ladies. Get these dazzling
mooncakes for VND998,000++
per box of four.
snow leopard
Le Pubs Birthday
Photos by Glen Riley
Apocalaughs Now
to do list
04
hanoi
05
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
WHISKEY WEEKENDS
Exit Marrakech
06
SATURDAY
NOVOLAB
New wave, post-rock and even
space rock? The mind boggles.
Set to be one of the more unusual
gigs this month, Novolab will be
taking to the stage at RockStore
on Saturday Sep. 6.
A new live-music project
coming from the Hoi An-Danang
area, Novolab are a two-piece
invention, mixing guitars and
bass with computer-generated
drums, a synth sequencer and
sound design. As it stands thats
all we know, except that this is
likely to be a unique show.
Novolab will play from 9pm.
Entrance is free. RockStore is at 61
Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
to do list
07
hanoi
17
SUNDAY
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER MOVIES
THBC Spanish Tapas Bar
(44 Lane 31 Xuan Dieu,
Tay Ho) is continuing their
season of movies celebrating
Spanish culture every Sunday
throughout September.
With all films shown in
Spanish and accompanied by
English subtitles, entrance is
free and even if you are not
sure about the films you can
still indulge in the finer arts of
12 FRIDAY
QUEER DISCO
13
SATURDAY
ROCKSTORE
TURNS ONE
18
THURSDAY
A SPANISH FEAST
The Hanoi Cooking Centre
(HCC) are putting on a Spanishinspired dinner. Starting at
7pm, the Iberian-style feast will
cost US$24 (VND504,000) per
19
SHOWCASING THE
ORDINARY
FRIDAY
AMCHAM HANOI
NETWORKING EVENT IN
DANANG
DUNE RATS
Self-styled Australian poppunk-surf rock band, The
Dune Rats, will play CAMA
ATK on Friday Sep. 19.
Supported by Hanoi punk
rock outfit, The Offensive,
the Brisbane-based outfits
ear splitting sounds and
on-stage antics have given
them a cult following in their
native Australia. Despite the
to do list
20
OF ART
hanoi
SATURDAY
works of art celebrating the
Hmong and Red Dzao people
and their culture. Using images
of objects, animals, people and
landscapes that are familiar to
the children in their everyday
lives, she has created a unique
body or work.
During the festival, many of
Sapas other artists will open
their private studios to visitors.
There will also be an exhibition
of paintings at the Sapa Museum
for the whole month. This is a
great opportunity to meet the
artists, ask them about their work
and make a special purchase.
For more information on the
festival, please go to sapa-tourism.
com
SAPA FESTIVAL
JUNIOR MASTERCHEF?
The Hanoi Cooking Centre
(HCC) are continuing their
cooking classes made just for
kids. For US$15 (VND315,000),
on Saturday, Sep. 20 your little
ones can role up their sleeves,
get creative and learn to cook a
range of simple dishes in a safe
Masterchef? Not exactly. But HCC are offering a chance for your kids to learn to cook
26
FRIDAY
POSITIVE MASS
The monthly bike ride inspired
by the Critical Mass phenomenon
that has reached 300 cities
worldwide continues this month
on Friday, Aug. 26 at 8pm.
Titled Positive Mass or Dap
Cho Suong, the ride will pedal
off in Hanoi at St. Josephs
Cathedral on the junction of
Nha Tho and Nha Chung. From
ALL MONTH
hands on an iPad.
One of the last makers of
these fascinating oddities a
lady called Ms. Mai has
rekindled her love affair with
the art form after a four-year
hiatus and has produced a
limited edition of ships. These
are now being exhibited at both
Bookworm and Bookworm Too.
The ships come in four sizes
and can be bought for various
amounts depending on the
quality of the work.
Ms. Mais tin ships can be
viewed at Bookworm (44 Chau
Long, Ba Dinh) and Bookworm
Too (Lane 1/28, Nghi Tam Village,
Tay Ho). For more information
visit bookwormhanoi.com
PIKNIC ELECTRONIK
After three years of becoming
Hanois favourite electronic
music purveyor and weekly
outdoor event, Piknic Electronik
continues every Sunday
throughout September at
Softwater in An Duong.
Bringing its tradition of good
music and even better vibes to
the capital, the Piknickers enjoy
it all where its meant to be on
a lawn next to a river and in the
late afternoon and early evening
JAZZ AT DONS
If youve ever heard the
sounds of jazz and modern
classics played with a classy
edge floating over the waters
of West Lake, then the
likelihood is that they come
from the Oyster Bar on the top
floor of Dons Tay Ho.
Played nightly from
Wednesday to Saturday, Mikes
Tip Box Band is a collection of
both professional and student
jazz musicians who are using
the small, outdoor stage to blast
just in
hanoi
KAFE VILLAGE
One year after opening
KAfe, the urban caf and
restaurant on Dien Bien Phu,
the successful caf concept is
expanding to a second location
on Ha Hoi close to Tran Hung
Dao.
Opened in late August,
KAfe Village is carrying
the same food philosophy,
serving up unfussy, hearty
comfort food together with
creative and simple drinks and
desserts, all in a fresh urban
setting. Located in a converted
two-storey French villa, and
A LA FOLIE MY DINH
BORNGA
Also new to the just-opened
Lotte Centre is BORNGA, a
well-known Korean chain
restaurant started by celebrity
chef, Jong Won Paik.
Now with 30 outlets around
the world, Chef Paik created
the menu after researching
and developing a variety of
dishes that are true reflections
of the taste and style of
Korea. Among the highly
recommended list is the dish
ANNAM EXPANDS
Having developed its
delicatessen, supermarket and
caf concept in Saigon, Annam
Gourmet is now bringing the
successful model to its groundfloor store in the Syrena Center
in West Lake.
Five times bigger than its
previous installment, the new
Annam will not only sell a
larger range of products, but
will also include a tea and
coffee counter, a bakery and
pastry section, a caf, and a
large selection of cold cuts and
SCHOOL FOOD
The opening of the Lotte Centre
on Lieu Giai has brought with it
a number of new restaurants to
the Hanoi dining scene.
Of these one of the best known
is School Food, a casual dining
restaurant from South Korea that
has more than 80 outlets around
the world in destinations as farflung as Hong Kong, Indonesia,
Thailand, Japan and the US.
Serving up dishes like carbonara
tteokbokki, bibimbap, squid ink
mari and more, School Food
opened up on the sixth floor
overscene hanoi
TropFest Hanoi
Who is William
Onyeabor?
Piknic Electronik
the talk
This is
the Month That Was
It may have been the end of the summer last month, but Vietnam certainly
didnt pause for breath. Heres what happened over the 31 days of August
the talk
70%
95%
The percentage of
people who share
their copy with up to
three other people
The percentage of
survey respondents
who live in Vietnam
1/4
8 in 10
The percentage of
Word readers who are
Vietnamese. The combined
percentage of readers who
are British, American and
Australian is just over one
half
24
to
40
40+
HANOI
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voucher at Namaste
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1 x two-night stay for two
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Tran Ngoc
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at Xuan Spa, Park Hyatt
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Insider
SAVAGE INDEPENDENCE // TWO LIVES SAVED // UPWARDLY MOBILE // 101 THINGS TO LOVE ABOUT
VIETNAM // HEAVEN ON EARTH // THE B-BOY WORLD CUP // VIDEO BLOGGING IN VIETNAM // A WISE
DRAFT // MYSTERY DINER HANOI // STREET SNACKER HANOI // FASHION // TEACHING ENGLISH IN
SUDAN // GIVE VIENTIANE A CHANCE // AIRPORT STORIES
PHOTO BY NICK ROSS
insider
MANY FACES
HANOI
Savage Independence
As the founders and driving forces behind Hanoi art space Manzi, Tram Vu and
Bill Nguyen are helping to define Vietnamese art for a new generation.
Words by Katie Jacobs. Photo by Nick Ross
The Future
As the conversation continues, the
comfortable and respectful relationship
between Bill and Tram becomes increasingly
apparent. Although from different
generations Tram was born in 1973 and
Bill in 1988 the duo work seamlessly
together, ideas and topics bouncing between
them as they finish the others sentences and
talk over each other. I ask if they are artists
themselves.
I was trained in fine arts, Bill says
he graduated from Nottingham Trent
University in 2009. But I havent really
made much recently.
Yes, you have, cuts in Tram. You have
done many things, especially in performance
art.
Yeah, but they were really just
experiments, he says.
Tram brushes over his modesty. I think
Bill will be a very important curator in the
future of Vietnam, she says. He has a good
critical mind and understands the scene. But
more importantly, he can understand the
artist. I think he could be one of the best.
I dont know, I have a long way to
go, Bill says, shrugging. I feel like I
dont belong anywhere but I feel like
this rootlessness is really important in my
work, so I can sneak in between places of
knowledge and link different worlds.
Theyve both seen the local art scene
slowing down. 2006 was a big time for
contemporary art in Vietnam, but since then
it has been very slow, says Tram. They
havent seen much from the recent university
graduates and they lament the old fashioned
education many young artists are receiving.
There is no depth to their work, they are
not taught to think critically, says Bill.
But a new generation of innovative new
artists could be just around the corner.
There is the potential for Bills generation
insider
INSIDER
HCMC
An Undeniable
Impact
One-year-old Nguyen
Bao Longs case isnt
as extreme as Thais.
Long, who also has
Downs syndrome,
was born with a hole
in his heart between
the lower chambers,
otherwise known as
a ventricular septal
defect. His condition
is very treatable, and
it most likely wont
require any open-heart
surgery. If everything
goes according to plan,
hell only have to stay
at the hospital for two
days.
Yet the surgery fees
are still hefty. Longs
operation will cost
nearly VND74 million,
a price that his parents
cant afford. According
to the Heart Institutes
file, Longs mother
sells vegetables at
the market, while his
father works in construction. Their whole
family lives in a garage of sorts they rent
out in District 12; surrounded by a few
sturdy walls, its covered in front by sheets
and tarp. They moved to Ho Chi Minh City
eight years ago from the north, hoping to
find work.
The CMI has agreed to pay about 60
percent of the operation costs, while
Longs health insurance will cover the rest.
This money is only for the surgery, though,
and it doesnt provide any help for the cost
of medicine and the hospital room fee.
According to Dr. Do Thi Kim Chi, if
the hole in Longs heart isnt closed, the
blood stream flowing through will make it
larger and larger. He will have difficulty
growing, and he wont have good health,
THE CITY
HCMC
Upwardly
Mobile
The story of the street Phan Xich Long
shows how urban regeneration can
revitalise an area. Words by Nick Ross.
Photos by Francis Xavier
Regeneration
If ever an area in this country has benefited
from urban regeneration its Phu Nhuan,
and in particular the streets in the vicinity
of Phan Xich Long. Located on the edge
of Nhieu Loc Canal, rewind ten years and
the place was a mess. The canal smelt,
emitting a constant odour of sulphur that
got stronger with the rain. The houses here
were rundown, many without proper water
systems. And even though this was the place
to go for Ho Chi Minh City street food it
was the first area in town where you could
This once dusty building site is now a middle class area you just
need to look at the villas on the side streets to see the wealth
buy almost every dish around Vietnam
the place was unwholesome.
The change started with the regeneration
of the Nhieu Loc Canal Basin. A project
sponsored by The World Bank, not only
was the canal dredged and cleaned up, the
main sewerage system around the canal area
was dug up and replaced. The disruption,
particularly around Le Van Sy and Nam Ky
Khoi Nghia on the other end of Phu Nhuan,
lasted for just under a decade. Traffic was
diverted, roads were dug up, and oddly,
no-one quite understood what work was
actually being done. Theyre putting the
electric cables underground, was the main
prognosis.
Early Morning
Its 7am and just opposite the front gates
of Rach Mieu Sports Centre, the exercise
afficionados are in full throttle. From
inside the sports centre the background
music of an aerobics or step class blasts
out of the speakers. Members here have
a choice of sports and exercise options
yoga, ballroom dancing, billiards, gym
work, swimming, aikido, kick boxing,
taekwondo. Outside on the park by the
canal, the exercise facilities are free.
Three women take it in turn on one of
the mini parks, non-electronic walking
machines. Next to her a man is in full
sweat mode on the cross trainer while
a woman in between dressed in beige
brown pyjamas is rolling her wrist and
Cover Story
No.2
No.3
Coconuts
Cafs
No.4
Flower
Markets
Long Bien
Bridge
No.5
No.6
Pagoda Yellow
CenturyNo.7
Old Temples
No.8
Paddy Fields
No.9
Alleyways
Ngo, Kiet and Hem
No.10
Countryside
Churches
No.11
Duong Lam
No.12
West Lake
The Wild,
No.13
Wild North
No.14
Wildlife
From remote
mountainous regions and
stunning limestone karst landscapes to dense
forest and picturesque coastline, Vietnam
is famous for her diverse ecosystems and
habitats. But Vietnam is not just blessed with
a high level of biodiversity it is blessed
with unique, endemic species that are still
National
No.15
Parks
Grandmas
No.16 Wearing
Pyjamas
No.17
Hanoi Rock
City
No.18
Cargo Bar
No.19
Saigon
Outcast
No.20
Sailing Club
No.21
The American Club
No.22
CAMA ATK
No.23
Vietnamese
No.24
Women
No.25 Motorbikes
No.27
Plastic
Stools
Xe Om
No.26
Drivers
wordvietnam.com | September 2014 Word | 67
No.28
Wearing
Raincoats
No.29
Water
Puppets
No.30
Vietnamese
Dong
No.33
Floating
Markets
No.35
Bum
No.34
Guns
Ballroom Dancing
in the Park
Waltz, tango, rumba or quickstep.
Who needs Strictly Ballroom or Come
Dancing when you can do it yourself
in Hanois parks?
No.31
Rice Wine
No.32
Auspicious
Days
The Smell of
Bun Cha and
Suon Nuong
No.36
No.37
Autumn in
Hanoi
No.41
Green Tea
No.39
Funeral
Music
No.42
Temple Food
No.43
Da Cau
(Jianzi)
No.45
Humidity
No.46
Beach
Weather
No.49
Japanese
Cuisine
No.50 Noodles
No.51
Kim Chi
Korea is in Vietnam in
a big way. Not just in
terms of investment, factories, a large
expat population and construction, but
also with its pop culture and, of course,
its cuisine. So popular is the Korean guise
that for years Vietnamese food processing
companies have been producing their own
version of kim chi. Its not as good as the
original, but its not far off.
No.52 Banh Mi
No.47
Cultural
No.54
Centres
Touring musicians, art exhibitions, upand-coming DJs and foreign film festivals
these are just a few of the activities
on offer at the various cultural centres
around Vietnam. With a wide array of
entertainment, the centres offer a place to
learn about different cultures, meet people
from around the world and perhaps even
study a foreign language. Venues such
The Rainy
No.55
Season
Manzi Arts
No.56 Caf and
Gallery
No.57
Suzanne
Lecht
No.58
Mountain
Cold
Art
No.59 San
Experimental and
No.60
Craig
Thomas
No.61
Quynh
Pham
No.62
The Gang
of Five
Expat Bands
No.64
No.65
The Business
Climate
Cheap
Cigarettes
The Bitexco
No.68
Tower
No.67
No.71
BBQ
Restaurants
Names
No.72
The Tones
No.73
Dialects
No.74
Tuc Ngu
No.75
No.66
The Metal
Scene
The
Vietnamese 'Yes'
Beachside
No.76
Resorts
No.77 Sapa
No.78 Ha Giang
No.79 Ninh Binh
No.80 Halong Bay
No.81 Hoi An
No.82 Dalat
No.83 Con Dao
No.84 Phu Quoc
No.85
Buildings for
Trees
Reasonably
No.88 priced
five-stars
No.89
Indochinese
Architecture
No.87
Art Deco
Very Cheap
3G
Another
No.93 Side of
Vietnam
Expats in
No.94 Ho Chi Minh
City
No.95
Hanoi
Grapevine
No.96
Hanoi
Massive
No.98
Historic
Vietnam
No.99
And of
other things
Zone 9
No.92
No.86
No.101
No.90
Tube
Houses
The Word
insider
HA GIANG
SPECIAL
Heaven on Earth
Ha Giang is touted by those whove travelled there as the most beautiful place in
Vietnam. Nick Ross took a trip up to the countrys most northerly province
to find out for himself
The Rain
As we enter the national geopark and start
heading up into the Dong Van Highlands,
the clouds are low, sitting like cotton wool
in between the mountains, or looming
grey and sullen above. Its been spitting
and the road is slippery, but the scenery is
spectacular at every turn.
Oh its so nice when the suns out and
the skies are blue, says Zoom at a photo
stop. Dont worry, tomorrow. Its always
bad weather on the first day I arrive.
For me the clouds and the drizzle create
atmosphere what passes in front of
my eyes is already what I came here for.
Mountains, lush greenery, valleys, small
houses and villages. Its the feeling, too,
the emotion of being out of the town and
in the wild. City life already belongs to
another world.
Were getting wet, but its surface water
wet, a glistening film appearing over our
waterproofs. Zoom has a full raincoat
kit trousers and jacket. Hoa has a
Moon Rock
Its morning in Yen Minh and the town is full
of ethnic minorities. Some are Hmong, some
are Tay, some are Red Dao. I stand opposite
a gas station and watch as they rock up to
fill their bikes, or amble down the street
with baskets or young kids strapped to their
backs. Out of the corner of their eyes they
watch me back.
Unlike elsewhere in Vietnam, the Hmong
here wear a mixture of traditional garb.
Some women proclaim their ethnicity
through their brightly coloured headscarves;
others through pleated dresses or the blouses
they wear. The men are uniformly dressed
in hemp-woven black shirts. The Red Dao
women, however, are in full traditional dress
black garments with a red lining. Their
men look like they could be Vietnamese.
As we head out of town and up the first
set of inclines, there are more people, more
ethnic minorities, all walking. Its market
day, Im told. Theyre headed in and out of
town. Mostly walking, many are carrying
heavy loads up the side of mountains. Only
a few are on motorbikes.
The inclines get steeper, the houses
disappear, the roads start to wind. Still there
Lung Cu
Were at Lung Cu, the most northerly point
in Vietnam, and were talking about the
village we just passed through. Is it M
L, meaning cross-eyed mother or Ma L
cross-eyed ghost? Were so tired from
our rain-drenched motorbike drive, which
meandered through mountain passes and
regal valleys. When we settle on cross-eyed
ghost, we dont discuss its strangeness.
We dont need to.
The scenery here is breathtaking. It defies
words. You can describe it, yes rolling
hills, dark mountains, black rock, deep green
foliage, terraced fields, winding roads, alpine
furs, adobe houses and with a role of the
tongue you can add colour, verbiage for all
the foliage, flowers for all the mountains.
But words can only capture the emotion this
place evokes, not the place itself. Everything
that is not the mountains is small, tiny, a dot
on an imposing horizon. Man is just a speck
of dirt on the majesty of nature.
But here, in the space where Vietnam
sticks up into China like a sore thumb, were
Banh Cuon
Theres an Old Quarter in Dong Van, a
French Quarter with century-old houses.
And in one of them lives a woman selling
possibly the best banh cuon I have ever
tasted.
What do you call it? I ask her. Banh
cuon Ha Giang?
She laughs. Its just banh cuon, she says,
But you can call it banh cuon Dong Van if
you wish.
The wet rice paper is folded with an egg
inside it and is then served up with a bowl of
pork broth with chopped spring onions and
gio lua (pork sausage). Its spicy, its filling,
its wholesome. And it tastes delicious. I
could eat this all morning.
Do they sell this elsewhere? I ask Zoom.
Yes, she says, but this place is the best.
Heaven on Earth
Just two kilometres out of Dong Van town
you enter the district of Meo Vac. The
Vietnamese press has labeled Ma Pi Leng,
the pass we are about to go through, as
Heaven on Earth. Its majestic. Its huge.
Its awe-inspiring. Its a place that makes
your jaw drop. Its what tourists should be
coming to this country to see. Instead Sapa
and Halong Bay fall onto itineraries. Ma Pi
Leng and the Dong Van Highlands dont
come close. In a way Im relieved.
Even with the clouds settling in the
ravines, and the Nho Que River flowing
1,500m below; with the terraced paddy
fields, the colour of the ethnic minorities
and all the superlatives and emotion you
can throw at this collection of mountainous
valleys, its not heaven on earth. But its
would be double.
The market is packed, mainly with
ethnic minorities only occasionally do
I hear people speaking Vietnamese. Men
are parading their wares, trying to sell
cows and calves while the women look
on, commenting, gossiping and making
the decisions. A fight breaks out, man
against woman. A crowd gathers but
the argument is not in Vietnamese and by
the time I get over the woman is in tears.
No-one is coming to her aid.
Im confused, overwhelmed with a
feeling of not belonging I rarely feel in
other situations in Vietnam. I decide to
leave.
Information
To get to Ha Giang you need to can catch
an overnight bus from My Dinh Bus Station
in Hanoi. The journey takes nine hours.
Motorbikes can be hired in Ha Giang City.
Alternatively, hire a car in Hanoi.
For more information on Zooms tours, go
to zoomzoomtravelvn.com or pop into her
office at 23 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
insider
DANCE
NATIONAL
Hip hop dancing has taken Vietnam by storm and, with the biggest
breakdancing event on the planet qualifying two Vietnamese teams for the finals,
it might be time for Vietnam to take the world by storm. Owen Salisbury reports
from Ho Chi Minh City on the Vietnamese qualifying round
A Fated Battle
The final qualifying battle matched
powerhouse Hanoi crews S.I.N.E.
and BigToe, who have something of a
history. S.I.N.E won the Southese Asian
Championship in 2013 and a trip to Germany
for the international finals. BigToe won in
2010, making it to that years finals in France.
S.I.N.E. was formed in 2011 by 16
breakaway BigToe members, led by 26-yearold Pham Khanh Linh. Linh started dancing
10 years ago and has competed in every
Vietnamese BOTY since it debuted in 2005.
A Brief History
From its origin in early 1970s New York,
hip-hop culture has become a force in nearly
insider
TRENDWATCH
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Reality Bites
In July, the unexpected death of v-logger
Toan Shinoda, due to health issues, came
as a shock to his fans. Condolences and
expressions of mourning flooded Facebook
for weeks. Since hed started v-logging in
2011, the 27-year-old had become one of
the most popular YouTube personalities in
Vietnam for his humour and wordplay. His
series of fake news segments, in which he
imitated the scandals of teenagers or world
political figures such as President Obama
or leader Kim Jong-Il of North Korea, used
to crack people up. They now bring a bittersweetness.
The intimacy of v-logging is greater than
that generated through most other digital
broadcasts, which is why Toans death hit
many so hard. Someone they had looked
at as a friend, who they had seen so many
sides of, had gone, and there was no real
way to reach closure.
Professional V-loggers
Cam Fright
Staying Relevant
As popular v-loggers with a huge amount
of subscribers, all those mentioned
are considered real influences among
teenagers and college students. They are
invited to do advertising or guest at events
for companies whose target audience is
young people.
It [v-logging] brings me many projects
that I would never have thought of,
says Thanh. Like playing in a movie,
even music videos. Im now completely
financially independent from my parents.
This is one of the things that led JV to
make a similar choice. I felt like if I came
back to Vietnam at the right time, he says.
There were a lot more opportunities than
in the US to look for a job. So I took those
chances when I still could. Perhaps after
some time, Ill go back to America. But for
now, Im happy here.
But its not always easy to earn money.
Last year, JV was criticised by some
viewers for integrating too much
product placement into his v-logs. As the
culture develops, many v-loggers JV
included feel they should have better
control of their clients demands. When
possible, this means keeping advertising
separate from their personal channels.
Maintaining popularity in this foreverchanging virtual world is also a constant
concern. Different approaches not
just the traditional sitting and talking in
front of the camera in a bedroom have
become common.
V-logger He Always Smiles made his
fame by always appearing with a cartoon
box with a smiley face inside while
blogging. Recently, a new v-logging group
called Doodle Dude has started using
sketches to tell stories, rather than show
their faces on camera. Thanh Huyme aims
to create comic books based on v-logs,
while JV plans to use short comedy
sketches. New equipment better
cameras, separate microphones, tripods,
lights and even filming assistants is also
employed to create videos with an edge.
Its all towards one goal not to be
a flash in the pan. In the end, Thanh
says, I want to become like some foreign
YouTubers who can maintain their v-logs
for a long time. I dont want to let my
channel soar up and then die quickly.
NATIONAL
A Wise Draft
With draft beer suddenly becoming the drink of choice in Vietnams big cities,
Nick Ross organises a pub crawl with some of the key players in the local beer
industry. Heres what happened. Photos by Glen Riley
Table Service
Weve gone through Platinum, Sapporo and
Red Rock. Now were on Gau Den, a tasty
black beer brewed by Gary in Vietnam. Its
the only dark beer of its type on tap.
I love beer clubs, says someone.
Theyre great for attracting a more diverse
group of customers and women feel more
comfortable here.
Yeah, says someone else. Its better for
them than going to the nightclubs. There they
end up drinking too much spirits and getting
in trouble.
We all nod in agreement. The way the
service staff at nightclubs keep your glasses
N ATIONWIDE
Sapporo
San Miguel
Red Rock
Gau Den
Carlsberg
Tiger
Bitburger
Krombacher
H ANOI O NLY
Budvar
MYSTERY DINER
HANOI
Salt n Lime
THE VERDICT
12.5
FOOD
9.5
SERVICE
DCOR
STREET SNACKER
HANOI
Mien Tron
The perfect dish for the Hanoi Autumn, mien tron or mixed
glass noodles is more complex than you may think.
Words by Huyen Tran. Photos by David Harris
Language Barriers
According to Hanh shes had a number of
interesting experiences with foreign diners.
The most common problem she encounters
is communication.
Many a time, foreigners come to my
eatery, she says. They find it hard to say
the name of things they like as we have so
many ingredients on the plate.
The day before I spoke to Hanh a foreign
man came in. He tried to explain that
he couldnt eat all of the vegetables, but
struggled to make himself understood.
They have trouble [expressing
themselves], but they still find the dish
delicious. It makes their experience with
my mien tron unforgettable.
The eatery is located at 7B Ly Quoc Su,
Hoan Kiem, Hanoi and is open from around
9am until 8.30pm. A serving of mien tron
ranges from VND25,000 to VND40,000
depending on whether you order meat, fish
patty, pork roll, beef or everything
fashion
FUTURA
Clothing
by
Romyda
Keth
Photos
by
Francis
Xavier
Nguyen
Van
Accessories
Trang
by
Q1,
Urban
by
Ariele
Gold
HCMC)
Chick
instagram.com/urbanchickvn
Dress:
VND5,590,000
Earrings:
(same
as
VND230,000
first
page)
satierF
ssenisub
a saw eh
elbanu
.sdrocer
ypareht
xe ot yrt
Earrings:
VND130,000
Bracelet:
VND200,000
Lena
dress:
VND3,870,000
fo
tsoptuo
dehsillebme
a ot tpada ot skees ti
ekam ot ,dlrow gnignahc
sa ni txetnoc sti fo esu
sa yaw a eurt dna tcerid
Earrings:
Ambition
dress:
VND200,000
VND3,999,000
Earrings:
VND180,000
Bracelet:
VND250,000
Liz
VND3,665,000
dress:
inredoM
oos eht
rauqdaeh
rtnecipe
aG ,cihc
aerg eht
sinredoM
ot tpada
Necklace:
VND300,000
Earrings:
VND130,000
Daria
VND2,838,000
dress:
Earrings:
VND100,000
Pigalle dress:
VND3,548,000
travel
TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
Teaching English
in Sudan
After a few years spent in the English-teaching game in Vietnam, Danny Armstrong
decided to take his talents to Sudan where he found a hard-scrabble people and a
land he would grow to love.
A Hard Century
Sudan is suffering. There is no way to
escape this harsh reality. The country, which
was once the geographically largest in
Africa, was cut in half when South Sudan
gained independence in 2011 after years
of civil war which in simplified terms,
was a battle between the ethnically Arab
Muslim powerbase in Khartoum and the
Christian and Animist Africans of the south.
The country split, which the majority of
Sudanese I know mourn as a dark day in
history. South Sudan has since degenerated
into ethnic violence between the majority
A Questionable Learning
Environment
Khartoum is not easy on the eye. It is by
far the ugliest and dirtiest city I have ever
seen. The concept of waste disposal is
Getting There
Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines
fly to Sudan via Doha and Istanbul
respectively. A return trip from Vietnam
will cost from US$1,255 and up.
Arranging visas takes between four
to six weeks. Tourists will need to get
sponsorship either from a friend or
relative, a travel agency or a hotel. For
more information go to sudan.net.
travel
TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
Give Vientiane
a Chance
Julie Vola explores the Laotian
capitals overlooked charms,
and finds them to be many
Excursions
I want to go to the Buddha Park, 25km
outside the city. A tuk-tuk is a bit too
expensive for just two people, so we rent a
motorbike for the afternoon.
The way to the park is almost straight, and
quite an adventure once you are out of the
city limits. Half the road isnt paved, but its
fun to drive on the dirt rocky road. For my
bum, however...
The park is an amazing collection of
Hindu and Buddhist sculptures. The ornate
statues seem to be centuries old, but they
were actually built in the late 1950s by Luang
Pu (Venerable Grandfather) Bunleua Sulilat,
Getting There
If youre not going to fly the oneway fare from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh
City to Vietnam is around US$200
(VND4.2 million) then try coming
from Bangkok by train. Its easy. The
overnight train journey to Nong Khai on
the border takes 11 to 12 hours. After
going through customs, you catch
a minibus to travel the last 13km to
Vientiane. The price of the final leg is
included in the train ticket.
Alternatively, you can travel via
24-hour bus journey on a sleeper from
Hanoi, for about VND550,000. Buses
leave nightly at 7pm from the central
bus station. There are also daily buses
running to Vientiane from Danang, Hue,
Ha Tinh and Vinh.
Check seat61.com for train details
and trip reports.
travel
TRAVEL
INTERNATIONAL
Airport Stories
travel
Our distribution outlets. Look for the colour closest to you for a
copy of Word magazine. It's free just as all other good things in life.
AIRLINES
travel
AIR ASIA
$$$$
Le Lai, Dalat, Tel: (063)
3555888
anamandara-resort.com
DALAT PALACE
$$$$
12 Ho Tung Mau, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 5444
dalatpalace.vn
$$$
Tel: 0933 446542
bhayacruises.com
Experience breathtaking
tours of the serene Halong
Bay, aboard reproduction
wooden junks. Two or three
night trips with a wide range
of cabin styles: standard, deluxe, or royal.
CUC PHUONG
$
Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh
Binh, Tel: (030) 384 8006
cucphuongtourism.com
$$$$
Tel: (04) 3935 1888
emeraude-cruises.com
Reproductions, of 19th
century paddle steamers,
trawl around Halong Bay
in colonial style. A classic
experience, complete with,
overnight accommodations
in impeccable cabins suites.
LA FERME DU COLVERT
$$
Cu Yen, Luong Son, Hoa Binh,
Tel: 02183 825662
etoile-des-mers.com
LA VIE VU LINH
$
Ngoi Tu Village, Vu Linh, Yen
Bai , Tel: (04) 3926 2743
lavievulinh.com
$
22 Bui Thi Xuan, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 2663
AROUND HANOI
BEST WESTERN PEARL RIVER
HOTEL
$$$
KM 8 Pham Van Dong, Duong
Kinh, Hai Phong, Tel: (031)
388 0888
pearlriverhotel.vn
$$$
Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh,
Tel: (0218) 386 8959
maichaulodge.com
$$
Ha Long Road, Bai Chay
Ward, Ha Long City, Quang
Ninh, Tel: (033) 384 8108
novotelhalong.com.vn
HANOI - INTERNATIONAL
plimentary Wi-Fi.
$$$
36 Le Duc Tho, My Dinh Commune, Tu Liem, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 6270 6688
crowneplazawesthanoi.com
This premier five-star
property lies beside the My
Dinh National Stadium and
Convention Centre. Boasts
two swimming pools, a spa,
and a fitness centre in its 24
stories.
DAEWOO HOTEL
360 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3831 5555
www.hanoi-daewoohotel.
com
This enormous structure
offers the most modern of
amenities, and with four
restaurants and two bars,
the events staff is well
equipped to handle any occasion. Close to the National
Convention Center, and a
favourite of the business
traveller, Daewoo even
boasts an outdoor driving
range. Shortly to become a
Marriot property.
HOTEL DE LOPERA
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555
contact@hoteldelopera.com
Resting just a step away
from the Opera House, the
hotel mixes colonial architectural accents and theatrical interior design to create a contemporary space.
The first boutique five star
in the heart of Hanoi, the
lavish, uniquely designed
107 rooms and suites contain all the mod cons and
are complimented by two
restaurants, a bar and com-
INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI
WESTLAKE
1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6270 8888
www.hanoi.intercontinental.
com
This stunning property built
over West Lake falls in between a hotel and a resort.
Beautiful views, great balcony areas, comfortable,
top-end accommodation and
all the mod-cons make up the
mix here together with the
resorts three in-house restaurants and the Sunset Bar,
a watering hole located on a
thoroughfare over the lake.
Great gym and health club.
JW MARRIOTT HANOI
8, Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, Tu
Liem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3833
5588
jwmarriotthanoi.com
From the expressive architecture outside to the
authentic signature JW
Marriott services inside,
this Marriott hotel in Hanoi
is the new definition of contemporary luxury. Lies next
door to the National Convention Centre.
MELIA HANOI
44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 3343
www.meliahanoi.com
Excellently located in central
Hanoi, Melia Hanoi draws
plenty of business travellers and is also a popular
venue for conferences and
wedding receptions. Stateof-the-art rooms, elegant
restaurants, stylish bars,
fully equipped fitness centre with sophisticated service always make in-house
guests satisfied.
PULLMAN HOTEL
$$$$
40 Cat Linh, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3733 0808
pullman-hanoi.com
With deluxe rooms and
suites, a contemporary
lobby, an excellent buffet,
and a la carte restaurant,
this Accor group property
is prestigious and close to
the Old Quarter.
SHERATON
K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu,
Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 9000
www.sheraton.com/hanoi
Surrounded by lush gardens, sweeping lawns and
tranquil courtyards, this
peaceful property features
picturesque views of West
Lake and is less than 10
minutes from downtown.
In addition to the luxurious rooms, the hotel offers
an outdoor swimming pool
www.airasia.com
AIR FRANCE
130 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3825 8583
www.airfrance.com.vn
AIR MEKONG
1st Floor, Centre Point
Building, 106 Nguyen Van
Troi, Phu Nhuan
Tel: (08) 3846 3999
www.airmekong.com.vn
AMERICAN AIRLINES
194 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3. Tel: 3933 0330
www.aa.com
CATHAY PACIFIC
5th Floor, Centec Tower,
72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3
Tel: 3822 3203
www.cathaypacific.com/
vn
CHINA AIRLINES
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Tel: 3911 1591
www.china-airlines.com
JAPAN AIRLINES
3rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel,
88 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3821 9098
www.vn.jal.com
JETSTAR PACIFIC
www.jetstar.com/vn
KOREAN AIR
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3824 2878
www.koreanair.com
LAO AIRLINES
93 Pasteur, Q1
Tel: 3822 6990
www.laoairlines.com
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Ground Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1
Tel: 3829 2529
www.malaysiaairlines.
com
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Saigon Tower Bulding,
Room 101, 29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3823 1588
www.singaporeair.com
THAI AIRWAYS
29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3822 3365
www.thaiairways.com.vn
TIGER AIRWAYS
www.tigerair.com
VIETJETAIR
www.vietjetair.com
VIETNAM AIRLINES
27B Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1
Tel: 3832 0320
www.vietnamairlines.com
travel
HANOI MID-RANGE
6 ON SIXTEEN
16 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem
www.sixonsixteen.com
Another boutique hotel to
grace Hanois Old Quarter,
the six rooms here mix contemporary and fresh with
handicrafts and antique.
Breakfast is included and in
the long, lounge restaurant
on the second floor, homestyle Vietnamese fare is
served up with fresh fruit
juices and Lavazza coffee.
$$$
109-111 Hang Gai, Hoan
Kiem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3928
6969
goldensilkhotel.com
Located in the centre of the
Old Quarter, this little slice of
heaven offers complimentary sundries and a replenishable minibar. The Orient
restaurant, serves the finest
in international and Vietnamese cuisine.
$$$
35-37 Hang Trong, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 0999
hanovahotel.com
A minute from Hoan Kiem
Lake, this glowing pearl in
the heart of Hanoi provides
tranquility with an art gallery
and piano bar.
MAY DE VILLE
24 Han Thuyen, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 2222 9988
Set in the old French Quarter
a short walk from the Opera
House, May de Ville City Centre is a welcome new addition to the capital. Combining
contemporary architecture
with traditional Vietnamese
style and materials, this elegant property has 81 wellappointed rooms including
four suites.
HANOI BUDGET
HANOI BACKBACKERS HOSTEL
48 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 5372
www.hanoibackpackershostel.com
Probably the cheapest, European-style hostel in town,
with bunk-style beds mixed
or single-sex dorms starting at VND150,000, plus
a couple of double suites
from VND250,000. A place
to meet like-minded fold in
the Old Quarter.
HCMC - INTERNATIONAL
CARAVELLE HOTEL
$$$$
19 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
Winner of Robb Reports
2006 list of the worlds top
100 luxury hotels, the Caravelle houses the popular
rooftop Saigon Saigon bar,
and the restaurants Nineteen and Reflections.
DUXTON HOTEL
$$$
63 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2999
saigon.duxtonhotels.com
Famous for its daylong
rotatingmenu buffets, the
Duxton deserves luxury appellation with a pool, gym,
spa, and fine dining.
limousine services.
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON
$$$$$
Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh
City, resides the Asiana with
signature dining options,
an innovative cocktail bar,
exclusive spa and health
club, together with luxury
boutique arcade.
$$$$
2A4A Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 3333
legendsaigon.com
Immaculate architecture,
spacious rooms, and a fine
selection of fine dining, with
buffets specialising in Americana and Pan-Asian cuisine.
$$$$
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Former guests include U.S.
presidents two Bushes,
Clinton and K-Pop sensation Bi Rain. An ongoing event
as well as a hotel, New World
is one of the best luxury
stops in town.
PARK HYATT
$$$$$
2 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
Fabulous in style, prime in
location, everything one
would expect from the Hyatt.
The Square One and Italianthemed Opera restaurants
have garnered an excellent
reputation, as has the landscaped pool.
$$$
242 Tran Binh Trong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3839 7777
equatorial.com/hcm
This massive property
boasts seven dining and
entertainment outlets, a
business centre, meeting
rooms and a comprehensive fitness centre and spa.
The Equatorial also has an
on-site casino.
REX HOTEL
$$$$$
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 7777
hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn
The five-star hotel and serviced apartment complex
offers: 14 instant offices,
seven meeting rooms, a
600-capacity ballroom, spa,
outdoor swimming pool, a
gym, 24-hour fine dining,
24-hours room service, and
RIVERSIDE HOTEL
$$$$$
1819-20 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1417
riversidehotelsg.com
This distinct French architectural wonder offers
complimentary Wi-Fi, airport
pickup or drop off, a 4th floor
ballroom, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the River
Restaurant.
SHERATON
$$$$
17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
This 20story building in
downtown Saigon, caters
to upscale business and
leisure travelers seeking a
classic yet contemporary
stay in Saigon.
WINDSOR PLAZA
$$$
18 An Duong Vuong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3833 6688
windsorplazahotel.com
The full ensemble with its
own shopping hub (including
a bank), fine dining, a sauna,
health club, and superb
panoramic views of the cityscape. Also hosts the largest
Oktoberfest in the region.
HCMC - DELUXE
CONTINENTAL
$$$$$
88 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 2828
sheraton.com/saigon
Sheraton boasts one of
the best locations in town,
with firstclass facilities,
an openair restaurant 23
floors above the city and
$$$
132-134 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 9201
continentalhotel.com.vn
This charming old hotel has
been fted in literature and
in film. In the heart of Saigon,
this is the first choice to highlight Vietnamese culture.
HOTEL MAJESTIC
$$$
1 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 5517
majesticsaigon.com.vn
NORFOLK HOTEL
$$$
117 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 5368
norfolkhotel.com.vn
Intimate atmosphere and excellent service, this boutique
business hotel is located
minutes from famous landmarks, designer shops, and
is renowned for its fabulous
steaks at its in-house restaurant, Corso.
$$$
167 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3822 4866
novotel-saigon-centre.com
Novotel Saigon Centre has
a contemporary feel, an
international buffet The
Square a rooftop bar, and
a wellness centre including a
swimming pool, gym, sauna
and spa.
$$$
144 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 3999 8888
starcitysaigon.vn
The newly-built hotel is near
Tan Son Nhat International
Airport. With spectacular
Josephs Hotel
Foreign-run,boutique hotel
Next to the cathedral
$$$$$
148 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 8686
pullmanhotels.com
Recently completed on the
site of the old Metropole,
this upscale, contemporary
property boasts 306 signature rooms combining
design, comfort and connectivity. Innovative cuisine,
a great downtown location
and high-tech meeting venues able to host up to 600
guests make up the mix.
EQUATORIAL
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
$$$$
141 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2185
rexhotelvietnam.com
Brimming with history the
Rexs openair fifthfloor
bar is Saigon highlight. A recent renovation, of this now
five-star property, boasts
designer fashion and a shopping arcade.
travel
city views and a comfortablydesigned outdoor swimming
pool, there is little reason not
to choose this shining star.
HCMC - MID-RANGE
ROYAL HOTEL SAIGON
$$
133 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 5914
kimdohotel.com
EMM HOTEL
157 Pasteur, Q3
A sleek, contemporary
three-star hotel that mixes
vintage appeal and modern
chic thanks to a subdued
palette of white and grey
around two pop colours:
azalea pink and green hot
pepper. Part of the Thien
Minh Group that includes
Victoria Hotels and Buffalo
Tours.
$$$
46 and 73-75 Thu Khoa
Huan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
7926
lanlanhotel.com.vn
$$
195 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2222
thaodienvillage.com
A colonialstyle hotel and
spa offers fine Italian, Thai
and Japanese dining. Manicured gardens and a view
that overlook the bank of
the Saigon River, this is truly
someplace special.
$$$
133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh,
Phu Nhuan, Tel: 08 6256
9966
alcovehotel.com.vn
HCMC - BUDGET
DUC VUONG HOTEL
$
195 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 6992
ducvuonghotel.com
Free WiFi offered in every
room. Low prices, friendly
staff, clean rooms. This modern oasis is only a few steps
from the backpackers area.
DUNA HOTEL
$
167 Pham Ngu Lao Q1, Tel:
(08) 3837 3699
dunahotel.com
$
185/28 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3836 1915
honghoavn.com
$
157 Nguyen Du Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 4648
sinhhuonghotel.com.vn
Looking for something? Missed a previous issue? Find it all online at www.wordvietnam.com. Only a click away.
CUA DAI
$
544, Cua Dai, Hoi An, Tel:
(0510) 386 2231
hotelcuadai-hoian.com/
$$$
Truong Sa, Hoa Hai, Ngu
Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 396 1800
danangbeachresort.com.vn
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 384 7888
furamavietnam.com
$$$$
Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da
Nang, Tel: (0511) 398 1234
danang.regency.hyatt.com
The Hyatt Regency Danang
Resort and Spa is beachfront
with a stunning view of the
Marble Mountains. There
are 182 luxurious residences and 27 private ocean villas, each with a private pool.
$$$
Tam Hai Island, Thon 4, Nui
Thanh, Quang Nam, Tel:
(0510) 354 5105
domainedetamhai.com
$$$
1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An,
Tel: (0510) 391 4555
life-resorts.com
MERCURE DANANG
$$$
Lot A1 Zone Green Island,
Hoa Cuong Bac, Hai Chau,
Danang, Tel: (0511) 379
7777
mercure-danang.com
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 395 8888
pullman-danang.com
Located on the white sands
of Bac My An beach close
to both Danang and Hoi An,
the welcoming and modern
Pullman Danang Beach Resort is an oasis of activities
and facilities for a dynamic
escape. Perfect for a family
holiday or a romantic beach
getaway.
$$$$
Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village,
Quang Nam, Tel: (0510) 394
0000
ghmhotels.com
Includes three massive
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5800
angsana.com/en/lang_co
Located on Vietnams South
Central Coast, Angsana Lang
Co commands an unrivalled
beach frontage of the shimmering East Sea. Traditional
Vietnamese design encompasses the resorts contemporary buildings and chic
interiors.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien,
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5888
banyantree.com/en/
lang_co
Built on a crescent bay, The
Banyan Tree offers privacy
and unparalleled exclusivity
with all-pool villas reflecting
the cultural and historical
legacy of past Vietnamese
dynastic periods.
LA RESIDENCE
$$$$
5 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 383
7475
laresidencehue.com
$
66 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 382
6736
hoangphuonghotel.com
NHA TRANG
EVASON ANA MANDARA AND SIX
SENSES SPA
$$$$
Beachside Tran Phu, Nha
Trang, Khanh Hoa, Tel: (058)
352 2222
sixsenses.com/evasonresorts/ana-mandara/
destination
2.6 hectares of private
beachside gardens and
villastyle accommodation
furnished in traditional native woods, this resort offers verandah dining, a pool
bar and the signature Six
Senses Spa.
$
Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hoa, Khanh
Hoa, Tel: (058) 362 2384
junglebeachvietnam.com
On a secluded promontory north of Nha Trang, this
budget place is all about
hammocks, the sea, the jungle and nature.
$$$$
Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong,
Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa, Tel:
(058) 398 9666
mianhatrang.com
$$$
50 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Tel:
(058) 625 6900
novotel-nhatrang.com
This four-star hotel with
154 guestrooms, all with
a terrace and sea view.
Complete with a pool, spa,
restaurant, bar and meeting room that caters for up
to 200 delegates.
$$$
1214 Tran Phu, Nha Trang,
Tel: (058) 382 0999
sunrisenhatrang.com.vn
$$
Tel: (058) 384 0501
whaleislandresort.com
$$$$
8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
374 3777
allezboo.com
This resort offers exotic
Balistyle, thatched roof
honeymoon villas, 55 spacious suites, deluxe rooms,
fresh seafood, Vietnamese
cuisine, Thai and international cuisine, kite surfing
and parasailing.
$$$$
54 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7322
blueoceanresort.com.vn
life-resorts.com
COCO BEACH
$$$$
58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7111
cocobeach.net
With charming wooden
bungalows, a private beach,
a swimming pool (both with
attached bars) and a French
restaurant, Coco Beach continues to be run by those who
opened it in 1995.
$$$
24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Tel: (062) 384 7440
miamuine.com
$$$$
Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet,
Tel: (062) 381 3000
victoriahotels.asia
Another beachfront Victoria
chain, the thatchedroof
bungalows and family villas
are set in exotic gardens
with an infinity swimming
pool, a seafood restaurant, spa, beauty salon and
jacuzzi.
PHONG NHA
EASY TIGER AND JUNGLE BAR
$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7844
easytigerphongnha@gmail.
com
A hostel and street-front bar
all in one. Has a pleasant,
airy atmosphere in the bar
and restaurant area while
the 52 dorm beds four
beds to a room go for
US$8 (VND168,000) each a
night.
HO KHANH'S HOMESTAY
$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: 01299 597182
phong-nha-homestay.com
PEPPER HOUSE
$
Tel: 01678 731560
pepperhouse-homestay.com
$$
Hoa Son, Cu Nam, Bo Trach,
Quang Binh, Tel: (052) 367
5135
phong-nha-cave.com
The first western-run farmstay in Phong Nha, this wellappointed travellers joint
has a great bar and restaurant area, a swimming pool
out back and views overlooking paddy fields and
mountains. Rooms start at
VND600,000 for a twin or
$$
Khuong Ha, Hung Trach, Bo
Trach, Quang Binh, Tel: (052)
367 5999
phongnhalakehouse.com
$$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7016
sgphongnhahotel@yahoo.
com.vn
PHU QUOC
BEACH CLUB RESORT
$$
Ap Cua Lap, Xa Duong To,
Long Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Tel: (077) 398 0998
beachclubvietnam.com
A quaint and popular island
guesthouse featuring a
beachside restaurant, and
includes free Wi-Fi. Motorbike rental, boat trips and
tours are easily arranged.
Discount rates during rainy
season.
$$$$
Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua
Duong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang,
Tel: (077) 399 5895
centarahotelsresorts.com
MANGO BAY
$$
Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc,
Tel: 0903 382207
mangobayphuquoc.com
An ecofriendly approach
with a gorgeous beachside
location, the bungalows are
made of rammed earth, no
TVs or telephones (although
Wi-Fi is available). Excellent
sunsets from the beach bar.
SAPA
CAT CAT VIEW HOTEL
$$
Cat Cat Road, Tel: 0203
871946
catcathotel.com
The best view in town from its
bar restaurant, the Cat Cat
Guesthouse is paradise at
very reasonable rates. The
rooms have big windows,
balconies, and log fireplaces.
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$$
Thanh Kim, Sapa, Lao Cai
Tel: (04) 3715 1005 (Sales)
topasecolodge.com
With its panoramic views of
the surrounding mountains
and valley, Topas Ecolodge
is the perfect place to experience the remoteness and
quiet of the Northern Vietnamese mountains the
landscape, the fresh air and
the ethnic peoples. Guests
stay in private bungalows
travel
with dinner served in a local
stilt house restaurant.
REX HOTEL
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$
24 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Tel:
0203 872404
topasecolodge.com
For the environmentally
conscientious, 25 individual
lodges rest on hills overlooking valleys. Employing solar
technology and a wastewater facility, the Topas also
organises treks and bicycle
tours.
VICTORIA SAPA
$$$
Tel: 0203 871522
victoriahotels.asia
$$$$
1 Tran Phu, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 335 1553
binhanvillage.com
$$
Nguyen Duc Thuan, Con
Dao, Vung Tau, Tel: (064)
383 0939
condaoresort.vn
HO TRAM SANCTUARY
$$$$
Ho Tram, Ba Ria-Vung Tau,
Tel: (064) 378 1631
sanctuary.com.vn
The spacious villas come
with their own pool and have
direct access to the beach.
Extras include tennis courts,
a mini supermarket, and cy-
$$
1 Le Quy Don, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 385 2135
rexhotelvungtau.com
$$$$
Dat Doc Beach, Ba Ria-Vung
Tau, Tel: (064) 383 1222
sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao
EXOTISSIMO
66A Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi,
Tel: (04) 3828 2150
www.exotissimo.com
A one-stop, all-in-one travel
agency with an extensive
operational track record in
the Indochina region and
beyond. Providing up-market
services, Exotissimo brings
their clients close to culture
through personalised tours.
Also find travel desks at the
Hilton, Sofitel Plaza and Intercontinental hotels, which
are open on weekends and
holidays.
HANDSPAN TRAVEL
78 Ma May, Hanoi, Tel: (04)
3926 2828
www.handspan.com
Established in 1997, Handspan provides customers
with safe, high quality, diverse, small-group adventure tours to both popular
and isolated locations in
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Has a focus on off-thebeaten-track sustainable
and responsible tourism
initiatives. Also provides to
excursions to more wellworn destinations.
SYRENA CRUISES
51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3719 7214
www.syrenacruises.com
If youre thirsty for a Halong Bay experience while
enjoying luxury comfort,
Syrena Cruises could be the
quencher youre looking for.
Forget drinking games and
backpackers by relaxing on
one of the two wooden boats
from the fleet. Alone, as a
couple or with a group, 34
luxurious cabins and suites
are all ready for action. All
you have to do is decide on
how long you want to holiday for.
EXOTISSIMO
41, Thao Dien, Q2. Tel (08)
3519 4111, Ext. 15/17/19
exotissimo.com
A reliable and experienced
travel company operating
through Southeast Asia,
Exotissimo brings you personalized tours across the
region, many including insights into culinary customs,
handicrafts and humanitarian initiatives.
HG TRAVEL
47 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3944 8844
www.hgtravel.com
Travel company specialising
in small-group tours around
Vietnam and further afield in
Indochina. Is also the sole
representative agent for
Kenya Airways (for 40 cities
in Africa www.kenya-airways.com), American Airlines
(www.aa.com) and Turkish
Airlines (www.thy.com).
www.cocobeach.net
paradise@cocobeach.net
INDOCHINA LAND
61 Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3715 2852
www.indochina-land.com
travel
TRAVEL PROMOS
FLY VIETNAM
flyvietnam.com
TERRAVERDE
12/20 Nguyen Canh Di,
Ward 4, Tan Binh District,
Tel: (08) 3984 4754
terraverdetravel.com
If you like cycling through
the Mekong Delta, trekking
in the highlands, or lazing in
a junk on Ha Long Bay all
while making a difference in
peoples lives then this
company will suit you well.
The Banyan Tree in Lang Co, just north of Danang
TU TRAVEL
60 Hai Ba Trung, Can Tho
City, Tel: 0713 752436
tutrangtravel-mekongfeeling.vn
Locals Go To Lang Co
@ Banyan Tree, Angsana
banyantree.com, angsana.com
This National Day and the whole
month after, Vietnams first
integrated resort is serving up
the savings, in the finest seaside
trappings the central coast has to
offer. Stay a minimum of three
nights in Banyan Trees lagoon
pool villas at a reduced rate
starting at VND6.3 million++ per
night, and get a one-time Do It
Yourself BBQ to really feel at home.
Or try Angsanas three-night deal
starting at VND3 million++ per
night, with a complimentary set
dinner. These specials are good
now through mid-December for
Vietnamese residents.
Year-End Gatherings
@ InterContinental Asiana Saigon
icasianasaigon.com
Where else should you take
your team than the World Travel
Awards Leading Conference Hotel
2013, Leading Business Hotel 2013
and Leading Hotel 2013 for the
whole country? Until Feb. 28,
the InterCon is rewarding you
for making the right choice with
incentives like welcome cocktails
and VIP rooms, conference
backdrops and hotel rooms with
Saigon as backdrop. Contact
trannguyenthuy.tram@ihg.com to
figure out how you can add even
more to one of Saigons premiere
MICE destinations.
Hanoi
RECALLING HANOI // COFFEE CUP // FOOD PROMOS // THE ALCHEMIST // THE THERAPIST //
MEDICAL BUFF // BOOK BUFF
PHOTO BY DAVID HARRIS
hanoi
old quarter
BARS & CLUBS / CAFES / CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES & LIQUOR / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS
DRAGONFLY
DANCEHALL LOUNGE
15 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 4926 2177
11am to late
One of the better venues in
the Old Quarter for dancing
on the weekends. Although
crammed into a small space,
cheap drinks and a mix of
chart chits makes Dragonfly
the regular go-to for younger Vietnamese crowds, tourists and the foreign resident
looking to get up on the
dance floor. If you dont feel
like dancing, relax upstairs
with shisha and friends with
one of the two lounges on
the second floor. The sister
venue on Phung Hung has a
bigger menu and an earlier
opening hour (11am instead
of 6pm) but still keeps with
the shisha, pool table and
dance floor combo so popular on Hang Buom.
FATCAT BAR
FUNKY BUDDHA
ELECTRO LOUNGE
2 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3292 7614
8pm to late
IRISH WOLFHOUND
IRISH PUB
4 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 2212 6821
irishwolfhoundpub.com
8am to 2am
The open-air watering hole
with seating on the pavement
is a great spot to enjoy a tall
dark stout or light pilsner at
anytime, day or night. What it
lacks in gaudy decorations,
it makes up for with a constant stream of regulars, occasional live Irish music and
billiards on the third floor.
Has a decent food menu and
even better pizzas.
LA BOMBA LATINA
LATIN BAR
46 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: 0917 245155
LE PUB
BRITISH / INTERNATIONAL
RESTOBAR
25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 2104
7am to midnight
Dark red walls and even
darker brown seating run
through the homely and
casual Le Pub, one of the few
bars in town with a regular
stream of clientele. A long
list of imported beer, Tiger
draft, a decent international
cum Vietnamese food menu,
happy hour specials and live
sport make up the comfortable mix. The venue also gets
involved in the local community through regular events.
MOJITO BAR
THE CART
POLITE PUB
LONG BAR
5 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3825 0959
5pm to 2am
A bit musty and jaded, despite being one of the oldest
pubs in the city, this staple
watering hole on Bao Khanh
continues to be a hit. Probably the closest thing Hanoi
has to an authentic Englishstyle pub, Polite is frequented by a steady mix of locals
and expats who find solace
in the nightly conversations
at the long bar, billiards and
live football matches.
ROCKSTORE
LIVE MUSIC BAR
61 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
01653 336087
Hanoi's home-made, homegrown version of Hard Rock
Cafe without the stigma and
the expensive prices. Nightly
live music or DJing events
are coupled with creative
decor, a selection of Belgian
Beer and a food menu.
SPY BAR
TEMPLE BAR
TET BAR
LATE-NIGHT BAR
2a Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 3050
THE SPOT
CAFES
CAFE PHO CO
JOMA
INTERNATIONAL CAFE
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem
joma.biz
Housed in a two-storey con-
COFFEE/BAKERY
222 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 3388
joma.biz
7am to 9pm
With two branches, Joma
has brought a little slice
of home to Hanoi for expatriates with a contemporary western feel to the
counter-style service and
atmosphere. The food is
all there too: breakfasts,
salads, soups, ice cream,
muffins, cakes, cereals and
bagels. Starting in Laos in
1996, Joma moved to Hanoi
in 2009. Joma contributes
2 percent of each sale to
charitable organisations.
KINH DO
MOCA CAFE
CAFE / INTERNATIONAL
14-16 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
(04) 3825 6334
8am to 10pm
Set in a deliciously attractive slightly run down colonial villa, the tourist friendly
location gives Moca a large
amount of guidebook-driven
clientele. But dont let this put
you off. The faded but charmingly run down Frenchstyled retro interior, good
WiFi and some of the best
coffee in town makes this
a great spot to while away
a couple of hours. The food
menu mixes Vietnamese fare
with sandwiches, western
and pan-Asian mains.
PUKU
INTERNATIONAL / CAFE
16-18 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 1745
Open 24 hours
This spacious spot on food
street is open around the
clock, offering Aussie-inspired comfort food along
with more eclectic Irish
nachos, cottage pies and
pan-Asian fare. Upstairs
is fit for social gatherings
and live music while the no-
SKATESHOP
84 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3923 1147
Booskateshop.com
CONTRABAND
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
23 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9891
Launched in Hanoi in 2007,
Contraband targets young
hip working women. Garments are made from versatile fabrics that are comfortable to wear and easy to look
after making them ideal for
work and travel. New styles
are introduced each month
LATELIER
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC / LIFESTYLE
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem.
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
move to the capital has seen
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
THINGS OF SUBSTANCE
AUSTRALIAN-STYLE UNISEX
5 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 6965
This shops motto Western
sizes, Vietnamese prices,
says it all. While mostly retailing womens separates
in soft cotton jersey and
linen, the store also carries a range of accessories
like embroidered canvas
totes and printed tees. Has
a good selection of unique
mens shirts.
THREE TREES
JEWELLERY
15 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3928 8725
HANDMADE / CHARITABLE
QUILTS
58 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 4607; 13 Hang
Bac, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3926 4831
Mekong-quilts.org
Community development
non-profit quilt shop featuring handmade quilts and accessories. Styles vary from
traditional to patterned and
hanoi
Asian-inspired. Founded in
2001 and with outposts in
several locations around
the region, the shop employs women in rural areas,
enabling them to make an
income and care for their
families.
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 2645
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
move to the capital will see
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
24 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3938 1155
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
CAFE DE PARIS
FRENCH BISTRO
12 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926 1327
cafedeparis-hanoi.com
8am to 11pm
Thanks to its original tiled
floor, cast iron backed
chairs and wall-hung black
and white photography,
there is something decidedly
charming about this tiny Parisian-styled bistro and bar.
Serving up a simple menu
of snacks such as quiche
Lorraine, Paris beurre and
croque monsieur, there is
also a selection of classic
but unpretentious French
mains. Has a daily specials
board and a decent range
of pizzas.
FOODSHOP 45
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN
32 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3993 1399
10am to 10.30pm
A slither of a joint serving
up the same fare that the
lakeside Foodshop 45 location in Truc Bach has become famous for. Selling an
international version of the
mighty curry they even
sell pork and beef here the
menu keeps to the northern
part of the subcontinent with
masala, dopiaza, korma and
the more Goan vindaloo taking centre stage. Also has a
good range of breads and
tandoor-cooked kebabs.
GREEN MANGO
WESTERN / VIETNAMESE
18 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9916
greenmango.vn
7.30am to 11.30pm
GREEN TANGERINE
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 4200; 25 Bat Su,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926
0639
10am to midnight
LITTLE INDIA
LA RESTAURANT
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
25 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 8933
8am to 10pm
The complimentary warm
bread with rosemary is
reason enough to visit this
homely spot featuring hearty
lentil and black bean soups,
along with a range of international and Vietnamese options like New Zealand beef
tenderloin or tofu with chilli
and mushrooms. We arent
quite sure why the Miele
Guide nominated it as one of
Asias finest restaurants as
service is lackadaisical and
tables could use candles to
improve the lackluster ambience, but the immaculately
tasty dishes more than make
up for any quips.
LA SALSA
IBERIAN / MEDITERANEAN
25 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 9052
8am to 11pm
A small but eternally popular Spanish-themed caf
and bar with an extensive
list of reliable cuisine. Tapas
are available, as well as full
courses such as veal, and
duck with currant sauce.
Known for its good, European-style coffee and first-
LITTLE HANOI
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
21-23 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 8333
7.30am to 11pm
MEDITERRANEO
PAN-ITALIAN
23 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3826 6288
10am to 11pm
This long-running, cozy restaurant near the cathedral
serves all the traditional
Italian fare you could need
homemade mozzarella
and fresh pasta, spinach
and ricotta ravioli, cold cut
boards, soups, salads and
fish. Throw in an extensive
wine list, a traditional wood
fire oven and a balcony spot
looking over Hanois trendy
caf scene and youre onto
a winner.
MILLENIUM
PAN-FRENCH
11B Ngo Bao Khanh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3828 7207
10.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10pm
Clean and fresh with a finedining vibe, the Millennium
restaurant is the minimal
and chic result of a Caf Des
Arts makeover. The streets
new go-to for a high standard of eating and drinking
goes over two floors and
has a welcome and inviting
three-level outdoor terrace
high up amid the concrete
and cables of the Old Quarter.
NAMASTE HANOI
PAN-INDIAN
46 Tho Nhuom, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 3935 2400
namastehanoi.com
11am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10.30pm
The latest newcomer to the
Indian restaurants family, Namaste specializes in
dishes from both northern
and southern India using Halal meat throughout. A meal will cost you
between VND150,000 and
VND300,000 and everything
is there, from curries and
breads to soups and desserts. Available to dine in or
out with a free delivery.
OLD HANOI
GOURMET VIETNAMESE
4 Ton That Thiep, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 8337
10am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Gordon Ramsay once filmed
a show at this restaurant in
a renovated French villa and
now the ribs carry his namesake. But its the twist on old
world favourites, think fried
snail spring rolls and min-
SOUTHGATE
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3938 1979
southgatehanoi.com
THE KAFE
TAMARIND
CONTEMPORARY VEGETARIAN
80 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 0580
5.30am to 10.30pm
Perhaps the only restaurant
in Hanoi to cater to vegetarians that doesnt focus on
faux meat. Features a wide
range of juices and shakes
in a crunchy granola backpacker atmosphere. Has
Asian favourites like veg-
SPICE
TANDOOR
PAN-INDIAN
24 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3824 5359
11am to 10.30pm
A long-popular, Indianfood enclave specialising
in Northern Indian cuisine.
Has an indoor and upstairs,
white tablecloth aircon
area with a more casual
dining and bar space out
front. Does excellent kebabs
served from an authentic
tandoor oven as well as the
full range of mainly North
Indian curries. Also has a
branch in Saigon and does
excellent set lunches.
ZENITH YOGA
WINE RETAILER
1C Tong Dan, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 1393
Part of the Tan Khoa chain,
the largest liquor and wine
distributor in the country,
the walls here are lined with
a decent selection of wines,
pleasantly arrayed and back
lit. Besides their selection of
new and old world wines
Helpful staff and free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE RETAILER
59 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 7666
warehouse-asia.com
The Warehouse is Vietnams
ultimate premium wine importer, distributor, and retailer, representing many of
the greatest wines from the
best wine-growing regions
on the planet. The portfolio
mixes the best of both old
and new world wines.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
SUPERMARKETS
BIG C SUPERMARKET
222 Tran Duy Hung, Cau
Giay
FIVIMART
210 Tran Quang Khai,
Hoan Kiem
10 Tran Vu, Ba Dinh
671 Hong Hoa Tham,
Ba Dinh
71 Nguyen Chi Thanh,
Dong Da
51 Xun Dieu, Tay Ho
93 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung
Online shopping: www.
fivimart.com.vn
INTIMEX
22 & 23 Le Thai To, Hoan
Kiem
131-135 Hao Nam, Dong
Da
17 Lac Trung, Hai Ba
Trung
27 Huynh Thuc Khang,
Dong Da
METRO
126 Tam Trinh, Yen So,
Hoang Mai
Pham Van Dong, Co Nhue,
Tu Liem
RECALLING HANOI
PART FIVE
closest friends.
Brent and I first became friends
because we were both American, both
liked punk music, and both wanted to
start a band. The band didnt happen but
we started a DJ duo and called ourselves
Hanoi Panic. Luan said we could DJ
on Saturday nights at Noodle and he
would pay us in beer and food. It was
really great, the music was good, and
the atmosphere we created was different
from anywhere else in the city. People
were always requesting songs. Brent and
Mon Ovatharsan
No Requests
Location: Half Man Half Noodle, 62 Dao Duy
Tu, Hoan Kiem
When I first moved to Hanoi, I felt like
a fish out of water. Id left a big group
of friends behind in Philly and started
a brand-new life in Hanoi. I didnt have
much of a social life until I found the
Half Man Half Noodle bar in the Old
Quarter. When I first started going, it was
a dark bar with lots of expats and a few
Vietnamese people. The manager Luan
spoke English and embraced me like an
old friend. It was great. The Noodle is
where I met most of the craziest people
in Hanoi who also happen to be my
hanoi
BY JULIE VOLA
Le Tuan Ha
Haut les Mains
Location: Truc Bach Lake
During the war I was in the civilian forces
that protected the city and I worked in a
factory on Thuy Khue. On Oct. 26, 1967
it looked like it was going to be a typical
day. I went to work for my 8am shift and
had a two-hour lunch break during which
I went home as normal. Then I heard the
city alarm start telling us an air strike was
underway. I headed to the block shelter. I
heard an explosion and looked outside to
investigate. A plane was coming down over
Truc Bach Lake and the pilots parachute
was in the air.
I ran out of the shelter screaming,
hanoi
COFFEE CUP
COSA NOSTRA
hanoi
HANOI INTERNATIONAL THEATRE
SOCIETY (HITS)
hoan kiem
THEATRE GROUP
hitshanoi.com
LESPACE
PARIS DELI
B i
Triu
Hng
Hu
Phan
Chu
Trin
h
Q u
n S
inh Ti
n H o n g
Hng
Phng
H n g G
Hng iu
Hng
Phng
Qun
Nguy
n Du
Trn
Hn
g
o
L Vn H u
h
Hn T
uyn
MODEL CLUB
CATWALK BAR
45 Hang Bai, Hai Ba Trung
8pm to late
PHUC TAN
RELAX BAR
ROOFTOP
SKYLINE LOUNGE
19th Floor, Pacific Place, 83B
Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3946 1901
8am to midnight
ZONE 17
CAF / BOULANGERIE
6 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 5269
7.30am to 11pm
Time has been good to this
airy, bistro-style caf and
patisserie opposite the Opera House. One of the original international-style establishments to hit the capital,
despite its prime location
prices remain reasonable
espresso-style coffees cost
around VND40,000 and
the cakes and croissants
are moreish. Also does filled
baguettes and a larger cafcum-restaurant menu. Has a
second establishment at 13
Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
Tin
nh D
Kh
Trn
FRENCH-STYLE CONTEMPORARY
Hotel de lOpera, 29 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
6282 5555
Hoteldelopera.com
7am to 2am
La Fe Verte (or the Green
Fairy) is a metaphor for the
decadence of another age,
an allusion to the hallucinatory effects of absinthe. The
signature bar of the Hotel
de lOpra Hanoi where, just
as in Paris at the dawn of the
20th century, the making of an
evening drink a lavish event
of ritual and celebration. Understated lighting, a lounge
atmosphere, great music and
ultra-contemporary interior
design combine to bring a
genuine sense of occasion to
after-dark in the capital.
+84 BAR
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LA FE VERTE
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HOAN KIEM
DISTRICT
BAMBOO BAR
17D Hong Ha, Hoan Kiem
The first bar in what will
eventually (hopefully) be a
CAFES
CIAO CAF
RESTO LOUNGE
2 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3934 1494
7am to 11pm
A stones throw from the
shores of Hoan Kiem Lake,
this Saigonese franchise
tries its hand with a variety
of different western dishes
at reasonable prices, especially considering the location. Loaded with booths and
a steady, young Vietnamese
crowd, the establishment is
a great place to squash a
sandwich or bowl of pasta
and people watch. Oh, and
they also do coffee, too.
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
5 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 3228;
Opera House, 1 Trang Tien,
Hoan Kiem; Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
KINH DO
CINEMAS
CINEMATHEQUE
ARTS CINEMA
22A Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 2648
Not a movie theatre per se,
but a private film club that
charges a membership fee in
return for entrance to a wide
selection of movies, new and
old. The management has
an eclectic taste and shows
films from all over the world.
EVENT SPACE
21 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 1850
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
23L Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 7782
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
ANGELINA
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Sofitel Metopole Legend Hotel, 56 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 6919
11.30am to 2.30pm and
6.30am to late (restaurant)
11am to 2am (bar)
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN
6A Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3845 5224
aulacdobrazil.com
11am to 2pm, 5pm to midnight
A nicely themed Brazilian
churrascaria steakhouse offering all you can eat grilled
meat and seafood on the
skewer, Au Lac do Brazil is
not for the feint of stomach.
In typical Brazilian rodzio
fashion, waiters bring cuts of
meat to the table for patrons
to pick and choose, all for a
set price. They also offer wine
pairings, a salad bar and an a
la carte menu, with a creative
selection of fruit caipirinhas
on hand to wash it all down.
The prices arent for anyone
on a budget, but the amount
and quality of meat is more
than worth cost.
CAF LAUTREC
MEDITERRANEAN / INTERNATIONAL
Hotel de lOpera, 29 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
6282 5555
6am to 10pm
Featuring both -la-carte
and buffet dining as well
as an innovative Sunday
brunch, this namesake of the
French artist Toulouse-Lautrec provides an exotic ambience for diners to enjoy a
mixture of international and
Mediterranean-style fare.
Has an extensive wine list
to match the cuisine, which
is all served up in a contemporary yet colonial-inspired
environment.
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
11 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 7280
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines
traditional Argentinian recipes and preparation with
great service in a contem-
JACKSONS STEAKHOUSE
STEAKHOUSE / GRILL
23J Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 8388
alfrescogroup.com
9.30am to midnight
Then newest venture from
the team behind Jaspas
and Pepperonis is an all-day
eating and drinking lounge fit
for all occasions. It has three
floors for different vibes
lounge bar, restaurant and
boardroom but fine imported steads can be found
on each, as well as seafood
and a huge wine list. A popular venue.
JASPAS
INTERNATIONAL / AUSTRALIAN
Hanoi Towers, 49 Hai Ba
Trung (4th Floor), Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 8325
alfrescosgroup.com
6.30am to midnight
Recently refurbished, the
Australian-influenced Jaspas is known for its attentive
service, tasty food and large
portions. A place with something for everyone, it has
proved itself to be popular
with both the western and
Asian expat communities
who come back again and
again. The comprehensive
menu is a fusion of western
and Asian cooking. The cocktails come large. The wine is
mainly New World. Also has
a spacious bar and lounge
area that stays open late for
all the live sport.
LA BADIANE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
10 Nam Ngu, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3942 4509
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm to
10pm. Closed Sunday night.
A white-washed, colonial
era villa replete with period
wooden shutters greets you
as you enter this contemporary French restaurant.
Guests can either dine indoors in aircon comfort or
take to the leafy covered
terrace out back with its
walls lined with art and photography from 21st century
Hanoi. The menu here mixes
modern Gallic cuisine with a
touch of Mediterranean and
Vietnam thrown in, all creating an innovative and evocative selection of fare. Has an
extensive wine list and an
excellent, well-priced threecourse lunch menu.
hanoi
SATINE
FOOD PROMOS
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555 ext. 6414
hoteldelopera.com
SUPERMARKET
Ground Floor, Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 2999
DA LOC
WINE RETAILER
96 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 2076; 65 Le
Duan, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3941 2789
Daloc.vn
FIVIMART
SUPERMARKET
27A Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem
HANOI GOURMET
INTIMEX
VIETNAMESE SUPERMARKET
22-23 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
10 Da Tuong, Hanoi Tel: (04)
3943 7226
GROCERY STORE
17 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 3854
The stuffed squid at Le Beaulieu in The Metropole. One of the dishes from their Mediterranean promotion
The Semi-Buffet
Available through the week for
busy businessmen looking to leave
the office behind for 30 minutes
to an hour, or families and friends
searching for a place to enjoy lunch
and dinner, The Mvenpick has
created a semi-buffet specially
designed by chef Hiep Chu. Enjoy
a wide selection of appetizers and
a dessert buffet complimented with
your choice of done a-la-minute
grilled items at the Mangosteens
open kitchen for only VND298,000++
inclusive of one local beer and one
soft drink.
The Movenpick is at 83 Ly Thuong
Kiet, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
hanoi
ARTS / BARS & CLUBS / BOOK SHOPS / CAFES / CLOTHING / COOKING CLASSES /
CRAFTS & FURNITURE / CYCLING & BICYCLE RENTALS / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES, LIQUOR & KITCHEN PRODUCTS / MEDICAL & DENTAL / EXPAT SERVICES
CLASSIC ITALIAN
27 Nam Ngu, Tel: (04) 3823
7338
11am to 11pm
This old-favourite Italian
uses traditional wood ovens
to prepare some of the citys
finest pizzas, which range
from VND80,000 to buildyour-own-skies-the-limit.
Set inside a large, thoughtful
space seasoned chefs also
make fresh pastas, soups
and cheeses the latter often bought by other restaurants. Monthly opera nights
make it well worth a visit, as
does the large wine list and
choice of desserts.
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CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
3rd Floor, 59A Ly Thai To,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934
0888
hanoi-pressclub.com
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm
to 10.30pm. Closed Sunday
lunch
Wooden flooring, paneling
and bold but subtle colours
pervade this traditional but
contemporary, fine-dining
70-seater venue close to
the Opera House. Serving
up quality cuisine for over a
decade, Press Club boasts
a bar area, two private dining rooms, including a wine
room, a library and a vast
selection of cigars, all in an elegant atmosphere. Does four
excellent wine pairing menus,
put together through the aid
of the Press Clubs extensive
new and old world wine list.
Also hosts a popular firstFriday-of-the-month party.
Qu
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PRESS CLUB
PAN-ITALIAN
3 Nguyen Khac Can, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 9080
8am to 10.30pm
Just a stroll away from the
Hanoi Opera House and
Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart
of Hanoi, Pane e Vino serves
up authentic Italian food
and has done for as long as
anyone can remember. Renowned for the highly rated,
oven fresh pizzas and large
variety of pasta and salad
dishes look forward to fine
food done well at this eatery
that has the feel of Europe.
Huge wine lists, friendly staff
and a loveable owner.
PANE E VINO
NINETEEN 11
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
The Opera House, 1 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3933 4801
nineteen11.com.vn
11am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm
TAY HO
DISTRICT
LUNO DAUTUNNO
tay ho
Lo
ng
Lc
LE BEAULIEU
MADAKE
CONTEMPORARY RESTOBAR
81 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 6276 6665 or 0984
002181
With a stunning garden
overlooking a peaceful lotus pond, this bar and restaurant is ideal for those
seeking a fusion of Western
and Eastern cuisine. Famed
for its many weekday and
weekend events, the ambient
Asian-style dcor, weekend
DJ nights and general atmosphere makes Madake
a popular West Lake go-to
joint.
LIQUOR LOUNGE
31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6377
sontinh.com
8am to 11.30pm
As part of the Highway 4
group, which now has its
offices in the establishments upstairs areas, this
bar-cum-restaurant outfitted with comfortable, stylish
furnishings is famed for its
luxurious rice wine liquors
and newly created cocktail
class. Does regular events
on the first floor and also
has a creative Vietnamese
food menu based on cuisine
sold at other restaurants in
the chain.
TAY TAP
MEET-UP SPOT
100A Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6917
4pm to late
SPORTS BAR/GRILL
40 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho , Tel:
(04) 6675 9838
tracyspub.com
11am to 12am
This Canadian-run, miniscule sports bar on the
main drag of Xuan Dieu is
perpetually crowded with
regulars drinking out front
on plastic stools. Notorious
for its mouth-watering burgers, cooked fresh to order,
Tracys is most famous for
their draft beers, claiming
to serve the coldest draft
beer in Hanoi, and always
in a frosted mug. For those
missing their dose of North
American sports, they play
all day via satellite on two
plasmas.
BOOK SHOPS
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
Ground Floor, Syrena Centre, 51B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
COFFEE/BAKERY
43 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6071
joma.biz
7am to 9pm
With two branches, Joma
has brought a little slice
of home to Hanoi for expatriates with a contemporary western feel to the
counter-style service and
atmosphere. The food is
all there too: breakfasts,
salads, soups, ice cream,
muffins, cakes, cereals and
bagels. Starting in Laos in
1996, Joma moved to Hanoi in 2009 and contributes
2 percent of each sale to
charitable organisations.
KUB CAFE
BIKING CAFE
so 12 ngo 264 Au Co, Tay Ho
kub.vn
Think obsession, think motorbikes and you get Kub
Cafe, an industrial, warehouse-style watering hole
bringing thats become a favorite of the motorbike clubs.
Does good on-the-table bia
hoi and runs biking events.
BOOKWORM TOO
CAFES
COFFEE BEAN AND TEA LEAF
LA GRACE
hanoi
THE ALCHEMIST
OUR INNER CHILD
The Secret
To help reconnect to this vital source of
joy, retry some of the things that brought
you fun and laughter as a child; take
the time to absorb the beauty in your
surroundings; listen to your heart, break
free of any restrictions that limit the
BY KAREN GAY
God Within
This Moon Festival join the lion
dances, make some lanterns, eat lots
of moon cakes and embrace life with
the enthusiasm and joy that is inherent
within us.
The Greek origin of the word,
enthusiasm means to have God within.
What better way to acquire the attributes
of the gods than to be full of enthusiasm.
Karen Gay, A-Roaming Bodyworker,
is a holistic health practitioner practicing
in Hanoi. For information on the types of
services provided, visit a-roamingbodyworker.
com
SAINT HONORE
CAFE / BOULANGERIE
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3933 2355
st.honorehn@gmail.com
7am to 10pm
Decked out in maroon, dark
browns and cream, this cafe
and French-style boulangerie
is best visited in the morning
when that Gallic, fresh-cooked
aroma of bread, croissants and
patisseries hits you as you walk
through the door. Serving all
day long, the downstairs space
is split into the bakery on one
side with a small non-smoking
dining space on the other. The
homely upstairs lounge area has
standard tables as well as sofa
seating. Simple but tasty French
and international fare is served
at meal times.
THE CART
CLOTHING
GEORGES FASHION BOUTIQUE
CONTEMPORARY WESTERN-STYLE
36 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 6233
With new styles arriving in store
every second day, this shop offers a huge range of dresses,
shirts, pants, skirts and accessories in local and imported
fabrics. Clothes fit all sizes, from
petite to average to the generous
figure. Alterations and a madeto-measure service are available
at no extra cost.
LATELIER
COOKING CLASSES
HIDDEN HANOI
COOKING CENTRE
147 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel: 0912
254045
hiddenhanoi.com.vn
A wide range of Vietnamese culinary classes are offered in these
well-appointed and clean facilities. The knowledgeable staff will
guide you through the secrets of
Vietnamese cooking in an open
air courtyard.
GLOBAL HANDICRAFTS
8 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
Fair trade or bought directly
from the artisans who made
them, Betterworld stocks unusual handicrafts from around the
world as well as second-hand
books, DVDs and more.
LA CASA
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Syrena Tower, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay
Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 4084
lacasavietnam.com.vn
A shop whose speciality is designing furniture and other
household objects, this spot
has everything from beds and
bookshelves, to tableware and
silverware. The items are all
locally made by skilled artisans
from Hanoi and the surrounding
regions.
MEKONG QUILTS
Community development nonprofit quilt shop featuring handmade quilts and accessories.
Styles vary from traditional to
patterned and Asian-inspired.
Founded in 2001 and with
outposts in several locations
around the region, the shop
employs women in rural areas,
enabling them to make an income and care for their families.
BICYCLE RENTALS
16 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 3719
Dons-bistro.com
CYCLING COLLECTIVE
44, Ngo 31, Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 8246
thbc.vn
Tucked down an alleyway just
off West Lake, The Hanoi Bicycle
Collective is a place for all bicycle lovers! An official supplier of
TREK and SURLY cycling equipment, the joint not only sells but
also rents and fixes bicycles. To
add to the eclectic, community
spirit they also organise bicycle
tours, run yoga sessions, hold
music concerts in their upstairs
cafe area and run a great menu
of Spanish tapas served up, if
you so wish, with gin & tonic.
Quite a mix!
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
98 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 5322
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
DA PAOLO
CLASSIC ITALIAN
18 Lane 50/59/17 Dang Thai
Mai, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 6317
11am to 11pm
This airy, contemporary looking Italian restaurant next to
the famed lawn chair and coconut caf on West Lake has
all the right ingredients to become a classic. Run by the long
time former manager of Luna
DAutunno, it features scrumptious wood-fired oven pizzas
from VND120,000 and other
Italian delicacies. Open every
day for lunch and dinner, delivery is also available.
DALUVA
FUSION / MIDDLE-EASTERN
33 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 5831
daluva.com
8am until late
A popular hang-out for expats
and trendy Vietnamese in the
Xuan Dieu area on West Lake.
This bar and restaurant offers
casual dining with a classy,
Middle-Eastern twist, as well as
wine, tapas, events and attractive dcor.
DONS TAY HO
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
99 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 6991
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines traditional Argentinian recipes and
preparation with great service
in a contemporary and thoughtfully designed space over three
floors. Already with venues in
Saigon and Bangkok, the essence of this popular chain is
quality top grade meats off the
grill. Steak is the mainstay, but
everything from chicken, pork
and seafood is also up for grabs.
Add to this a backdrop of low
Latin music, low, subtle lighting
and an extensive wine list and
thats another reason to head to
El Gaucho.
HALIA HANOI
SINGAPOREAN / CONTEMPORARY
INTERNATIONAL
29 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3946 0121
thehalia.com
Daily 11am to 11pm
A multi-floored venue with a bar
area and a refined dining space.
The menu includes Singaporean
specialities such as the shrimp
satay salad and the chilli crab
spaghetti. A pan-European classical menu mixed in with light
Asian flavours is also on offer.
Has an extensive wine list.
hanoi
THE THERAPIST
WORKING IT OUT
hanoi
Prawns, Fresh Fish, Clams and Crabs are all
available for your dining pleasure, as well as
an impressive array of wines by the glass &
bottle from our
IL FARO
ITALIAN / MEDITERRANEAN
Villa 3, Cong Doan Hotel Compound, 98 To
Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6327 1142
Hidden away in Cong Doan Hotel, this panMediterranean restaurant owned by the
same people behind Mediterraneo serves
up an assortment of French, Spanish and
Italian dishes in a pleasant, white-washed
yet Italian-influenced atmosphere.
INDIA PALACE
NORTH INDIAN
10B Quang An, Tay Ho Tel: 01247 668668
indiapalacehn@vnn.vn
Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, so India Palace has once again returned to Tay
Ho, this time on the strip between Dons and
The Warehouse. Tasty North Indian fare in a
pleasant environment from the team behind
Tandoor.
cream, this bakery and French-style bistro is best visited in the morning when that
Gallic, fresh-cooked aroma of bread, croissants and patisseries hits you as you walk
through the door. The downstairs space is
split into the bakery on one side with a small
non-smoking dining space on the other. The
upstairs lounge area has standard tables
as well as sofa seating. Simple French and
international fare is served at meal times.
Has additional venues at 31 Thai Phien, Hai
Ba Trung and Unimart, 8 Pham Ngoc Thach,
Dong Da
TAKEAWAY PIES
2nd Floor (on the left), Syrena Center, 51
Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 1507
thepieshophanoi@gmail.com
Classic Aussie and Kiwi-style savoury pies
and rolls. Available in three convenient sizes
(mini, regular and large). Enjoy them hot as a
takeaway, or frozen to keep for later.
LA SALSA
IBERIAN / MEDITERANEAN
53 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 5656
8am to 11pm
CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE
10A Quang An (ngo 27 Xuan Dieu), Tay Ho
Tel: 0934 544263
thesushiclub.info
Featuring a delicious combination of contemporary Japanese dishes as well as other traditional Japanese favorites, The Sushi Club
combines great cuisine with charming views
over West Lake. The ambience is warm and
comfortable making it the perfect place for
dating, business dinners, meeting friends
and family gatherings. Quiet private rooms
are available.
EXPAT SERVIES
KITCHEN
MAID IN VIETNAM
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Suite 201, 5 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 3112
maidinvietnam.com
Offering a licensed hire service for trained
domestic and office housemaids, cooks and
nannies. Courses include health checks,
housekeeping, safety, basic 1st Aid, courses
for external maids and household management for Vietnamese wives of foreigners.
R&R TAVERN
SAINT HONORE
BOULANGERIE / BISTRO
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3933 2355
sainthonore.com.vn
7am to 10pm
Decked out in maroon, dark browns and
PUNTO ITALIA
hanoinetball@gmail.com
Hanoi Ois Netball Club is a mixed ability,
mixed gender club for adults wanting to enjoy team sport while also improving fitness
and developing skills. The club plays every
Tuesday from 6pm to 7pm at UNIS. Email for
more information
COFFEE MACHINES
62 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6258 3510
puntoitalia.asia
Trendy, reliable and stylish coffee machines
for the workplace or home, specialising in
authentic Italian coffee. Also sells their own
brand coffee in capsules, ready ground or as
the original roasted mix of beans.
VIETCLIMB
RED APRON
CLIMBING CENTRE
40 Ngo 76 An Duong, Tay Ho, Tel: 0914
143185
vietclimb.vn
Although a little hard to find, VietClimb is a
French-owned, 200-meter climbing gym with
state-of-the-art courses. There are 100 different climbing routes within the gym that
are changed every few months. They offer
clinics, classes and childrens events. Membership and group rates are available, but
be sure to check out the three-month pass.
ZENITH YOGA
J.A.F.A.
INTERNATIONAL
G2-G3 Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3758 2400
7am to 11pm
One of the larger and more comfortable bars
in Hanoi, J.A.F.A. is a great place for drinking cocktails by the pool. The beverages are
not the cheapest, but this is made up for by
service and ambiance. They also have a full
menu featuring familiar western dishes such
as pizza and cheeseburgers and cater for
large parties or dinner functions. Periodic
buffets and drink specials are also offered.
HANOI OIS
ELITE FITNESS
HANOI CLUB
COUNTRY CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3823 8115
thehanoiclub.com
GROCERIES / DELI
First Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 4487
FIVIMART
SUPERMARKET
Second Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 1791
KITCHEN ART
KITCHENWARE
38 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6680 2770
kitchenart.vn
Kitchen Art is a little haven for all foodies,
cooks and bakers to grow their love and passion for cooking and baking. Come to Kitchen
Art Store to buy restaurant-grade tools and
ingredients to cook like a chef, take part in
regular demonstrations and workshops at
the Studio, or simply read and relax at the
cookbook cafe corner while enjoying the
peaceful West Lake view.
L'S PLACE
GROCERY SHOP
3 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 9911
WINE RETAILER
28 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho. Tel: (04) 3719 8337
THE OASIS
ITALIAN DELI
24 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 1196
A great place to get all kinds of imported
groceries and home-made foods. All of the
breads and pastas are made in the in-house
kitchen. A great variety of fresh sauces, a limited, but well-chosen selection of wines and a
fantastic deli and cheese case. Free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE RETAILER
27 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho Tel: (04) 3718 3701
warehouse-asia.com
The Warehouse is Vietnams ultimate premium wine importer, distributor, and retailer,
representing many of the greatest wines
from the best wine-growing regions on the
planet. The portfolio mixes the best of both
old and new world wines.
DENTISTS
8 Quang An, Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718
6168
DENTAL CLINIC
2nd Fl, Syrena Center, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3710 0555
westcoastinternational.com
The Westcoast International Dental Clinic
is composed of dental professionals who
deliver modern, high-level dental services
throughout Vietnam. The clinic provides
the highest quality technology, comfort and
after-service care to patients.
NATURALLY VIETNAM
hanoi
ba dinh
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS / BOOKSHOPS / CAFES / CLUBS & SOCIETIES / COOKING CLASSES / EAT /
FITNESS & YOGA / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
FOODSHOP 45
Ph
ETE BAR
FRENCH LOUNGE
95 Giang Van Minh, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 0976 751331
10am to midnight
A favourite among those who
roam further west of the
city centre, this multi-storey
restobar has been going
strong for more than two
years. It has balconies, mezzanine seating and a long bar
guarding exactly 50 different
cocktails. For many the Ete
burger is right on the mark
as are the sandwiches, tartines and salads. Its always
crowded especially during the weekends. Amiable
staff, pleasant vibes.
SUMMIT LOUNGE
BOOKSHOPS
BOOKWORM
BOOK SHOP
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 3711; 1/28 Nghi
Tam Village, Tay Ho Tel: (04)
3829 2322
Bookworm has been the cornerstone of Hanois literary
scene since 2001. It has
been around the block quite
a bit and now shares a space
with Hanoi Cooking Centre.
With over 15,000 new and
second-hand fiction and
nonfiction titles in stock, the
shop also buys used books
and offers free travel advice.
Has a second shop in Tay Ho
CAFES
CAF GOETHE
ARTS CAF
56 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 3734 7395
CONG CAPHE
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HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh
(Next to the Flag Tower) Tel:
(04) 3823 3339
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
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THE VAULT
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BA DINH
DISTRICT
COOKING CLASSES
HANOI COOKING CENTRE
COOKING CENTRE
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 0088
hanoicookingcentre.com
Hanoi Cooking Centre is a
school, retail outlet and caf,
where you can find classes
on not just Vietnamese
cooking, but international
cuisine, held in a beautiful
setting. They also offer culinary tours.
EAT
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN CHURRASCO
6A Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3845 5224
aulacdobrazil.com
Open for over a decade,
Au Lac Do Brazil is home to
the Hanoi's best Churrasco
menu with a wide variety of
meats from Calabrian sausage and picanha through
to D-rump steak and smoked
hams. Pioneering the eat-asmuch-as-you-can theme in
Vietnam, Passadors bring
the meat skewers to your
table, and you, the customer
then choose your accompaniments from the salad bar.
Best washed down with red
wine or a Caipirinha or five.
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN
59 Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3716 2959
10am to 10.30pm
Lakeside location, low bamboo seating and a history
that screams empathy make
this eatery one of the most
popular Indians in town. Selling an international version
of the mighty curry they
even sell pork and beef here
the menu keeps to the
northern part of the subcontinent with masala, dopiaza,
korma and the more Goan
vindaloo taking centre stage.
Also has a good range of
breads and tandoor-cooked
kebabs.
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
575 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3771 6372
10am to midnight
MATCHBOX
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40 Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3734 3098
11am to 11pm
PAN-CHINESE
Fortuna Hotel, 6B Lang Ha,
Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3831 3333
fortuna.vn
11am to 2pm, 5.30pm to
10pm
Elegant and luxurious, May
Man has long been regard-
MING PALACE
PAN-CHINESE
Sofitel Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien,
Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3823 8888
11am to 2pm, 5.30pm to
10pm
A fine dining destination at
the Sofitel Plaza serving
Cantonese and pan-Chinese
cuisine in a sleek modern
setting with private dining
rooms. With more than 80
dim sum selections available
along with Chinese entrees,
Mings is an ideal eatery for
those hungry for higher end
Chinese fare.
THE BISTRO
FRENCH FLAIR
2/2c Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3726 4782
thebistro.com.vn
7.30am to 9pm
A modern eatery offering
western cuisine with shades
of French influence in a comfortable setting. Think gardens in a courtyard, drink
and food deals and a warm
indoor atmosphere you
know, just how the French
do it.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
MEDICAL
298 I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3843 0748
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
On the little street directly
below Kim Ma, with all sorts
of specialists including OB/
GYN, Pediatricians and ENT.
A Medium-sized practice
with both Vietnamese and international doctors, but they
are used to treating expats.
Also a 24-hour emergency
service.
hanoi
Tel: (04) 3974 3556
vinmec.com
elsewhere
A DONG PHOTO CO
RECREATION
KEANGNAM SWIMMING POOL
CZECH MICROBREWERY
1A Tang Bat Ho, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3972 5088
VUVUZELA
CAF 129
MEXICAN/COMFORT FOOD
129 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3821 5342
7.30am to 9.30pm
FRENCH GRILL
JW Marriott Hanoi, 8 Do Duc
Duc, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Tel: (04)
3833 5588
facebook.com/frenchgrill
Every day 6pm to 11pm
With unique decor, contemporary ambience, a walk-in
wine cooler and a delectable seafood bar, this classy
restaurant offers guests
a service experience with
crafted food difficult to find
in the capital.
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
54 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3796 2647
10am to midnight
CAFES
KOTO ON VAN MIEU
CONG CAPHE
HAM HANH
ARTSY CAFE
170 Doi Can, Dong Da
The physical representation of arts, film and music
collective, The Onion Cellar,
this cafe with multiple areas
is as left field as the people
who created it.
KY Y
SUSHI RESTAURANT
288 Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3974 5945
asahisushi.vn
WILD LOTUS
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
57 Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3944 0204
potsnpans.vn
11.30am to late
Brought to you by a group of
former disadvantaged youth
from Hanois own KOTO, this
unique fine dining restau-
ALPHA LAPTOP
95D Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 4418
NGUYEN CAU
ICE SKATING
Royal City, 72A-74 Nguyen
Trai, Thanh Xuan, Tel: 0936
469799
royalcity.com.vn
HI-TECH USA
LASER TAG
77 Hong Mai, Bach Mai, Hai
Ba Trung, Tel: (04) 3627 7106
x-factory-vn.com
DK COMPUTER
29 Ngoc Kha, Ba Dinh Tel:
3772 4772
PICO PLAZA
35 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem
SWIMMING POOL
Landmark 72 Tower, Pham
Hung, Cau Giay, Tel: (04)
3772 3801
landmark72.com
FRENCH HOSPITAL
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da, Tel:
(04) 3577 1100
hfh.com.vn
PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER
CARE AND IT SERVICES
No 3, Alley 8, Hoa Lu,
Hai Ba Trung. Tel: 0983
011081
VIETSAD
34B Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 8771
SWIMMING POOLS
ARMY HOTEL
33C Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3825 2896
FOUR SEASONS
14 Dang Tien Dong, Dong
Da. Tel: 3537 6250
HANOI CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho
Tel: 3823 8115
www.hanoi-club.com
MELIA HOTEL
44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3934 3343
OLYMPIA
4 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3933 1049
SAO MAI
10 Dang Thai Mai, Tay Ho
Tel: 3718 3161
THAN NHAN
EAT
ASAHI SUSHI
ELECTRONICS
LA VERTICALE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
19 Ngo Van So, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3944 6317
verticale-hanoi.com
hanoi
MEDICAL BUFF
BACK-TO-SCHOOL HEALTH TIPS
When preparing for the new school year, here are some
health reminders to consider:
Vaccination Updates
Take this opportunity to review your
childs medical records and check if their
vaccinations are up-to-date, especially
from common infectious diseases such
as influenza, measles and chicken pox.
You can find vaccine recommendations
for different ages from websites such as
the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and
the World Health Organization (WHO). If
you are unsure or need more information,
discuss it with your doctor.
hanoi
business
CORPORATE SERVICES
ICHAM
ENDO
CCIFV
Sofitel Plaza, No 1 Thanh
Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3715
2229
ccifv.org
A business group with over
240 members that supports the French business
community in Vietnam by
listening to their members
needs and expectations. Also
promotes Vietnam to French
companies and helps them in
developing their businesses
here.
EUROCHAM
G/F, Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, 1
Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3715 2228
eurochamvn.org
A confederate organisation
with strong ties to national
business associations in its
member countries, Eurocham looks after and provides advice and support
for the business interests of
European Union members in
Vietnam.
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
INSURANCE
IF CONSULTING
CCIFV/Eurocham, Sofitel
Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh,
Tel: (04) 3936 5370
Emergency: 0903 732365
insuranceinvietnam.com
Specialises in medical, employee benefits and personal
lines insurance advice to expatriates. The company has
been operational in Vietnam
since 1994 and offers free
advice and comparative
quotes.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
BRITISH VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (BVIS)
H3-H4, Hoa Lan, Vincom
Village, Long Bien, Tel: (04)
3946 0435
bvisvietnam.com
CONCORDIA INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HANOI
CMC Building, Duy Tan, Cau
Giay, Tel: (04) 3795 8878
concordiahanoi.org
International brand, Concordia, has highly performing
schools in both Hong Kong
and Shanghai at the top tier
of the educational system.
All instructors and teachers
are native English speakers
and admission applications
are accepted throughout
the year.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF
VIETNAM
6-7 Nguyen Cong Thai, Dai
Kim Urban Area, Dinh Cong,
Hoang Mai, Tel: 3540 9183
www.isvietnam.org
The International School of
Vietnam (ISV) is a not-forprofit, Pre-Kindergarten to
Grade 12 school serving the
international and local community of Hanoi. ISV accepts
students of any nationality
aged 3 and up. ISV offers
an international education
experience. Highly qualified
and experienced international educators are supported by a 21st-century
campus with the latest in
educational technology
plus excellent resources
for learning. Class sizes are
small.
KINDERWORLD INTERNATIONAL
KINDERGARTEN
Unit 9 10, Shophouse
CT17, Ciputra, Tel: (04) 3743
0360
3rd Floor, 49 Hai Ba Trung,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934
7243
C5-C11, 1st Floor, The Manor Building, My Dinh, Me Tri
New Urban, Tu Liem District,
Tel: +84 4 3794 0209
kinderworld.net
Classes are kept small with
a foreign teacher leading the
class with the assistance of a
Vietnamese teacher according to the teacher-student
ratio. KinderWorld provides
pre school education for
children from 18 months to
below 6 years.
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (SIS)
2D Van Phuc Diplomatic
Compound, 46 Van Bao, Ba
Dinh, Tel: 3726 1601; Block
C3, Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel:
3758 2664; Dilmah Building, Duy Tan, Cau Giay, Tel:
3795 1036
www,kinderworld.net/sis
SIS provides international
rmit.edu.vn
A leading international provider of skills training and
professional staff development, RMIT offers both short
and long-term courses,
customised courses, and
can provide for either on or
off-campus clients. Known
for its Business MBA which
is open to both Vietnamese
and overseas students.
CIMIGO
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
APOLLO
67 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3943 2051
Apollo.edu.vn
Established in 1994, Apollo
offers high-quality and costeffective English language
classes including general
English, English for teens,
English for business communication and a pronunciation
clinic. One of the countrys
leading language centres.
BRITISH COUNCIL
20 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3728 1922
britishcouncil.org
The cultural arm of the British governments presence
in Vietnam, the BC offers a
variety of English language
courses business writing, corporate training and
general English in a large
learning centre close to West
Lake.
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
MARKET RESEARCH
142 Le Duan, Dong Da, Tel:
(04) 3518 6696
vietnam@cimigo.com
cimigolive.com
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
RMIT
Hanoi Resco Building, 521
Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3726 1460
SERVICED APARTMENTS
ATLANTA RESIDENCES
49 Hang Chuoi, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: 0912 239085
atlanta.com.vn
Atlanta Residences fully
serviced apartments have
been created to provide a
space where you can feel
at home. Within walking
distance from Hanois Opera
House and Hoan Kiem Lake,
this building offers a panel of
51 spacious apartments for
you to choose from. The serviced apartments here offer
the luxury of a hotel mixed
with the peaceful comfort
and privacy of your home,
under one roof of course.
SEDONA SUITES
No. 96 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 0888
sedonahotels.com.sg
hanoi
BOOK BUFF
FEMINIST WRITING
This month
Bookworms Truong
looks at work by
feminist authors
with a focus on
British novelist and
columnist, Caitlin
Moran
Teenage Angst
Morans latest book, How To Build a Girl, is a
spirited coming of age novel about a pudgy
girl who describes herself at 14 as: fat,
a solid pale fat that makes me look like a
cheap, white fridge-freezer.
Dolly is a typical female adolescent.
Shes a mixture of low self-esteem due
to all the media directed at her gender
cohort and of impatience to jump out
of the confines of the constructs of girlish
innocence that only adults find enchanting.
She becomes a smoker, a drinker and a fast
forward fornicator. Over and over again she
falls in love with some guy whos only after
an easy piece of action. The novel is direct
and to the point about girls tendencies to
concentrate more about what boys think
about them than vice versa. More about the
need to please their partners in bed rather
than figuring out their own pleasurable
preferences though Dolly reaches a few
Recommendations
Staying with young females and their
preferences, here are two recommendations
from the Twitter Youth Feminist Army a
group of teenage women from around
the world who espouse and support the
feminist aims.
Delusions of Gender by Cornelia Fine is an
outstanding resume of how science can be
sexist and just how deeply this gender bias
goes in our society.
They recommend Margaret Atwoods
1985 dystopian novel and classic piece
of feminist fiction, The Handmaids Tale,
because they feel that it is a striking
portrayal of a society, not too far removed
from our own, which takes oppressive
attitudes to a natural conclusion.
For more information on Bookworm go to
bookwormhanoi.com. Besides their original
store on Chau Long, Bookworm have a second,
smaller shop in Nghi Tam Village in the West
Lake area. Located behind the Sheraton, it can
be found at Lane 1/28 Au Co, Lang Nghi Tam,
Tay Ho
HCMC
business
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING / ADVERTISING & MKTG / BUSINESS CONSULTING / BUSINESS GROUPS / CORPORATE GIFTS & SERVICES /
EVENT MANAGEMENT / EXPAT SERVICES / HOUSING & REAL ESTATE / INSURANCE / INTERIOR DESIGN / INVESTMENT & FINANCE /
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS / LEGAL SERVICES / MANAGEMENT TRAINING / MARKET RESEARCH / PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES / PUBLIC RELATIONS /
RECRUITMENT & HR / RELOCATION AGENTS / SERVICED APARTMENTS
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING COWAN STRATEGIC BRAND PHIBIOUS
DESIGN
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS
TMF GROUP
DENTSU VIETNAM
AB TOWER, 23rd Floor, 76 Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 9005
Dentsu.com.vn
GREY GROUP
404 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3929 1450
grey.com/vietnam
MARKETEERS VIETNAM
PURPLE ASIA
9 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 6277 7050
purpleasia.com
nam to Australia.
RIVER ORCHID
10th Floor HDTC Building,
36 Bui Thi Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3925 2538
riverorchid.com
TBWA\VIETNAM
4th Floor, Saigon Finance
Center, 9 Dinh Tien Hoang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 5315
tbwa.com.vn
BUSINESS CONSULTING
BDG VIETNAM
11th Floor, Capital Place, 6
Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 7858
Bdg-vietnam.com
CONCETTI
33 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3911 1481
Concetti.vn
GRANT THORNTON
ROUSE
6th Floor, Abacus Tower, 58
Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 6770
iprights.com
INSPIRED IMAGE
XAGE CONSULTANCY
PRISM INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
4th Floor, YOCO Building, 41
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1,
Tel: (08) 7305 0905
prism.com.vn
BUSINESS GROUPS
AMCHAM
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 3562.
HCMC
CINEMAS
Showcasing the latest
Hollywood blockbusters
and 3D cinematic sensations, chains such as
Megastar Media, Lotte
and Galaxy Cinema offer
the most up-to-date and
modern cinema-going
experiences in Saigon.
For those partial to more
esoteric and independent flicks, smaller outlets such as Cinebox and
Idecaf carry little known
Vietnamese and European
efforts.
CINEBOX
240 Ba Thang Hai, Q10
Tel: (08) 3862 2425
cinebox.vn
LOTTE CINEMA
13th Floor, Diamond Plaza,
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 38227897
3rd Floor, Lotte Mart, 469
Nguyen Huu Tho, Q7
Tel: (08) 3775 2521
lottecinemavn.com
GALAXY CINEMA
230 Nguyen Trai, Q1
Tel: (08) 3920 6688
116 Nguyen Du, Q1
Tel: (08) 3823 5235
246 Nguyen Hong Dao,
Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 3849 4567
galaxycine.vn
IDECAF
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1
Tel: (08) 3829 5451
idecaf.gov.vn
MEGASTAR CINEMA
Level 5, Crescent Mall,
Nguyen Van Linh, Phu My
Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5412 2222
Level 10, CT Plaza, 60A
Truong Son, Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 6297 1981
Level 5, Parkson Paragon,
3 Nguyen Luong Bang,
Phu My Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5416 0088
megastar.vn
amchamvietnam.com
An independent association
of American and international businesses, the objective
of the American Chamber of
Commerce in Vietnam is to
promote trade and investment between the United
States and Vietnam.
CANCHAM
Room 305, New World Hotel,
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824
3754
canchamvietnam.org
Open to all nationalities, the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce aims to create an effective network of business
associates together and to
facilitate discussion forums
about business in Vietnam.
NORDCHAM
17th Floor, Petroland Tower,
12 Tan Trao, Q7, Tel: (08)
5416 0922
nordcham.com
ENDO
406/16 Cong Hoa, Tan Binh,
Tel: (08) 6292 2045
endo.vn
Endo offers garment manufacturing for local resorts,
restaurants, hotels, golf
courses, travel agencies
and apparel shops. They
also manufacture giftware
from polos and hoodies to
keychains, card holders and
menu covers.
EVENT MANAGEMENT
CENTERPIECE EVENT ORGANIZERS
Tel: 0906 761190
centerpiece-vn.com
info@centerpiece-vn.com
Centerpiece is an independent event planning company
run by expatriates that can
plan any event from private
parties, to corporate events
to weddings.
EVECOO
Tel: 0988 297990
evecoo.vn
THE CATERERS
46D Vuon Lai, Tan Phu, Tel:
(08) 3812 6901
thecaterersvietnam.com.vn
Offers everything from canaps and cocktails, buffets
and set menus to barbeques
and wedding catering. Combines excellent food, event
EXPAT SERVICES
CREATION
CHUMS HOUSE
HAPPY HOUSE
RESIDENT VIETNAM
EASY SAIGON
Tel: 0932 112694
easysaigon.com
The Easy Saigon website is
a useful real estate website
helping expats to find apartments in Ho Chi Minh City.
Enquiries via their website
are welcome.
KNIGHT FRANK
Suite A, level 7, VTP Office
Building, 8 Nguyen Hue, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 6777
knightfrank.com.vn
Founded in 1896, Knight
Frank has grown to become
the worlds largest privately
owned global property agency and consultancy. In Vietnam, they offer commercial,
residential and residential
development services.
SNAP
32 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519 4282
snap.com.vn
Owners of Snap Caf in District 2, Snap offers a web
based real estate search
service with information on
rental properties all around
the city, as well as an advisory service for those averse
to wading into the internet
depths for their needs.
SOTHEBYS INTERNATIONAL
REALTY
Suite 1905, Bitexco Financial
Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3520 2000
sothebysrealty.com.vn
THE NEST
369/6 Do Xuan Hop, Phuoc
Long B, Q9, Tel: 0903 198901
thenest-vietnam.com
Wellknown property
search and real estate
agency with a useful website
listing properties available
for rent and sale, orientated
towards expats. Website is in
English, French and Spanish.
NAMHOUSE CORPORATION
48A Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: 0989 007700
namhouse.com.vn
Expert in providing rental
properties, constructions
and interior decoration,
especially in District 2. Supports professional services
and aftersales.
INSURANCE
BAOVIET INSURANCE
49D Phan Dang Luu, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 3510 1661
baoviet.com.vn
IF CONSULTING
SAVILLS VIETNAM LTD
Fideco Tower, 18th Floor,
81-85 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 9205
savills.com.vn
HCMC
BUSINESS BUFF
INFLUENTIAL GROUPS
Luxottica
Ever wondered why sunglasses in the store
are so expensive, yet you can buy a similar
make on the street for VND50,000? The
reason is the Italian company Luxottica.
Theyve built a near monopoly in sunglasses
and other eyewear, controlling around
80 percent of brands in the market. Ray
Ban, Oakley and Persol are all owned by
Luxottica, but they also make glasses for
luxury brands such as Chanel, Giorgio
Armani, Burberry, Stella McCartney, Versace,
Vogue, Miu Miu, Tory Burch, Donna Karan
and many more.
Banana Cartels
The banana is the 4th most consumed
agricultural product in the world after
wheat, rice and corn, with over 100 billion
consumed annually. Over 80 percent of the
market is controlled by three groups
Chiquita, Dole and Del Monte.
Mega-Corporations
Nestle, Unilever, Proctor & Gamble, Kraft,
Coca-Cola, Kelloggs, Johnson & Johnson,
General Mills, Mars and PepsiCo control
almost everything you eat and the majority
of your shopping budget in every area
from food to personal care.
As of May, Switzerland-based Nestle has
a market capitalisation of US$239 billion.
They are the biggest food company in
the world, with more than 8,000 brands
worldwide.
Procter & Gamble, owned by Warren
Buffets Berkshire Hathaway holding
company, is valued at US$217 billion. They
are the largest buyer of advertising in the
US. P&G serve an almost unbelievable 4.8
billion people a year with their products.
Netherlands-based Unilever with a
market capitalisation of US$124 billion,
as of May serves a respectable 2 billion
people a year with their personal care, food
and home care products.
BY SHANE DILLON
HCMC
medical insurers provide
you with the best suitable
medical cover for individual,
family or company needs.
INTERIOR DESIGN
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND
REMODELING
IGLOBALASSIST
Tel: 0934 874271
Iglobalassist.com
LIBERTY INSURANCE
15th Floor, Kumho Asiana
Plaza, 39 Le Duan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3812 5125
libertyinsurance.com.vn
PRUDENTIAL
25th F, Saigon Trade Centre,
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 1660
prudential.com.vn
VINACAPITAL
17th Floor, Sun Wah Tower,
115 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 9930
vinacapital.com
A leading investment fund
management company with
extensive experience in the
emerging Vietnam market.
Manages the Vietnam Opportunity Fund (VOF), which
is a US$839 million investment fund.
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
ILA VIETNAM
146 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3521 8788
ilavietnam.com
A foreign-owned education
and training company that
offers a range of educational
programmes, such as English-language tuition, university pathway programmes,
corporate training, teacher
training and overseas study
consultancy and placement
services.
LATELIER
33/19 Quoc Huong, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: 0908 381492
latelier-anphu.com
VLS SAIGON
45 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 0168
vlstudies.com
Offers courses ranging
from basic conversational
Vietnamese to upper elementary, intermediate and
advanced levels, as well as
special courses including
Vietnamese literature, composition or a 6-hour survival
crash course.
VUS
LEGAL SERVICES
ALLENS
Suite 605, Saigon Tower, 29
Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
1717
vietnamlaws.com
DRAGON IMAGES
MARKET RESEARCH
CIMIGO
INDOCHINE COUNSEL
Unit 4A2, 4th Floor, Han Nam
Building, 65 Nguyen Du, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 9640
indochinecounsel.com
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
EMBERS ASIA
80-82 Phan Xich Long, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 3822 4728
embers-asia.com
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
MEKONG RESEARCH
NIELSEN
G&H
6th Floor, Yoco Office Building, 41 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 9919
ghmsglobal.com
A 100 percent foreigninvested company focusing on
management services and
consulting with inhouse
programmes to meet the
particular requirements of
its clients. Offers teambuilding and academicbased
business and management
programmes.
XAGE CONSULTANCY
35A-1-2 Grandview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: (08) 5412
3402; 31st Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
TNS VIETNAM
58 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3930 6631
Tnsvietnam.vn
With over 11 years in the
marketplace, TNS Vietnam
offers all three major market
research services customisation, access panels
and media monitoring to
a range of local and international clients.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
MATTERHORN COMMUNICATIONS
Level 5, 273-273B Ben
Chuong Duong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3838 5517
matterhorncommunications.com
Providing public relations
and communications support to international and
local firms operating in
Vietnam. Specialising in
corporate communications,
media relations, corporate
social responsibility and media and issues management
and training.
RECRUITMENT & HR
ADECCO VIETNAM
11th floor, Empire Tower, 26
- 28 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3915 3430
HCMC
BODY
AND
TEMPLE
STRESS MANAGEMENT
BY PHIL KELLY
Emergency Situations
Stress caused by emergency situations
is called acute stress, which is our fight
or flight response a response to
an immediate threat. Fighting off an
attacker, being chased by a wild animal,
jumping out of the way of wayward
Vietnam traffic or even competing in
a sport like rugby, football, mountain
biking, kite surfing or weightlifting can
trigger this stress. But its not a bad
thing; acute stress is an important safety
mechanism that allows you to overcome
an emergency situation.
Once you escape or win, the maximal
physiological stress response ends and
your heart rate, blood pressure and
hormones go back to normal. Restorative
processes kick back on and tissue repair
and healing occurs.
Massage
Massage releases endorphins that calm
the peripheral nervous system.
Laugh a Lot
Studies show genuine laughter makes you
more resistant to disease and stress in the
same way high antioxidant levels do.
Phil is founder and master trainer at
Body Expert Systems. Contact him on 0934
782763, at his website bodyexpertsystems.
com or through Star Fitness
starfitnesssaigon.com
HCMC
adecco.com.vn
Adecco is the world leader in
human resources solutions.
Established in Vietnam in
2011, Adecco offers a wide
array of global workforce
solutions and specialises in
finance & legal, sales, marketing & events, IT, engineering & technical, and office.
VIETNAMWORKS.COM
130 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 5404 1373
vietnamworks.com
RELOCATION AGENTS
ALLIED PICKFORDS
12th floor, Miss Ao Dai Building, 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3910 1220
alliedpickfords.com
With more than 800 offices
in over 45 countries, Allied
Pickfords is one of the worldwide leaders in removal services. In Vietnam, Allied also
provides tailored relocation
services.
CROWN RELOCATIONS
2nd Floor Coteccons Office
Tower, 236/6 Dien Bien
Phu, Binh Thanh, Tel: (08)
3840 4237
crownrelo.com
HCMC
KIDS CLASSES & SPORTS
LOGICAL MOVES VIETNAM
396/4 Nguyen Tat Thanh,
Q4, Tel: (08) 3941 5322
logicalmoves.net
Specialists in international,
local, domestic and office moves for household
goods and personal effects
through our global partner
network. Experts in exporting used scooters that do not
have documentation.
RESIDENT VIETNAM
DANCENTER
53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519 4490
dancentervn.com
Children and teenagers can enjoy jazz, ballet, hip-hop,
funk, belly dancing, salsa and in multi-level classes at
this modern dance studio.
TATTOO ARTISTS
With tattoos becoming increasingly popular, over
the past few years there
has been an increase in
the number of tattoo studios around the city.
SAIGON MOVEMENT
TAE KWON DO
BP Compound, 720K Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0903 918 149
VINSPACE
6 Le Van Mien, Q2, Tel: 0907 729 846
vin-space.com
CITYVIEW
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON RESIDENCES
Crn. of Nguyen Du & Le Van
Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 8888
intercontinental.com/saigonres
Adjacent to the InterContinental Asiana Saigon youll
find 260 luxurious and spacious residential suites. The
residences offer panoramic
views of the downtown area.
SAIGON INK
SAIGON TATTOO
TATTOO SAIGON
TATTOO TAM BI
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
53 Vo Truong Toan, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4111
Riverside-apartments.com
Over four Saigon Riverbank
hectares, Riverside Apartments combines a resort
lifestyle with the amenities
of a fully serviced-apartment. Located minutes from
downtown by high-speed
boat shuttle.
SEDONA SUITES
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9666
sedonahotels.com.sg
SHERWOOD RESIDENCE
SAIGON EXPRESS
AGENCY LIMITED
SERVICED APARTMENTS
PIANO CLASSES
NORFOLK MANSION
1719-21 Ly Tu Trong, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 6111
norfolkmansion.com.vn
Offers a wide choice of luxurious and modern furnished
accommodation with attentive and discreet service.
Facilities include an outdoor
swimming pool, a gym, sauna
and steam room, as well as
two on-site restaurants.
DELIVERY
BEN STYLE
Tel: 0906 912730
www.vietnammm.com/
restaurants-ben-style
Healthy, calorie-counted
sandwich and deli fare
CHEZ GUIDO
Tel: (08) 3898 3747
www.chezguido.com
Vietnamese, international
fare, pizza, pasta, sandwiches
DOMINOS PIZZA
Tel: (08) 3939 3030
www.dominos.vn
Pizzas, wings, desserts
EAT.VN
www.eat.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
EL GATO NEGRO
Tel: (08) 6660 1577
Californian-style burritos
HUNGRYPANDA.VN
www.hungrypanda.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
KFC
Tel: (08) 3848 9999
www.kfcvietnam.com.vn
Fried chicken, chicken
burgers, sides
LOTTERIA
Tel: (08) 3910 0000
www.lotteria.vn
Burgers, fried chicken,
sides
SCOOZI
Tel: (08) 3823 5795
www.scoozipizza.com
Pizzas, pasta, salad, antipasti, desserts
TACO BICH
THE LANDMARK
5B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2098
thelandmarkvietnam.com
65 serviced apartments located in the city centre overlooking the river. Also has a
comprehensive health club
for tenants and members,
a squash court and a 16th
floor swimming pool.
www.tacobich.com
Homemade Mexican fare
WILLY WOOS
Tel: (08) 3941 5433
www.blackcatsaigon.com
US-style chicken and
waffles
VIETNAMMM
www.vietnammm.com
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
HCMC
downtown
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
DANCE / NIGHTCLUB
2B-C-D Thi Sach, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 6124
apocalypsesaigon.com
BEER REPUBLIC
BLANCHYS TASH
RESTOBAR / NIGHTCLUB
95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
0909 028293
Blanchystash.com
BOOTLEG DJ CAF
BOUDOIR LOUNGE
CUNHOUSE
LOUNGE BAR
Hem 36, Chu Manh Trinh, Q1,
Tel: 0908 033982
DRUNKEN DUCK
FUSE
GAME ON
SPORTS BAR
115 Ho Tung Mau, Q1 Tel:
(08) 6251 9898
gameonsaigon.com
Huu
C
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Ng
uy
en
Le
Ng
uy
en
an
Th
i
cT
ha
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ng
ng
Th
an
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Le
Lo
i
District
10
Ma
Du
n
Bi
e
Ca
ch
Tr
u
Du
h
an
Ham Nghi
District 2
Da
o
EXPAT BAR
54 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2644
Expats keep returning to
this smoky dive bar, largely
due to its amicable service,
brewsky-downing atmosphere, and spirited dart
games. A mainstay in the
local darts league.
District 3
Ba
Hu
ng
ICE BLUE
Ha
i
ie
n
Kh
ai
Ph
APOCALYPSE NOW
CARMEN
t
Kie
n
Va
Tr
an
TOP-END INTERNATIONAL
Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
International dcor blends
seamlessly with local
themes. Style joins forces
with a wide-ranging drink
menu and hip dance tunes to
create one of the most tasteful if pricier bars in Saigon.
COCKTAILS / ROOFTOP
41 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 6838
Bromas medieval rooftopcocktail lounge conglomeration is a magnet for the
citys weirdest and coolest
events/random moments.
A sophisticated cocktail
menu and quite possibly the
best lamb burger in town.
Check out their bun bo Hueinspired cocktail.
To
n
Ho
BROMA
an
g
in
h
en
Ti
Binh Thanh
in
h
Vo
District 4
LA HABANA
LA FENETRE SOLEIL
LAST CALL
AFTERHOURS LOUNGE
59 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 3122
lastcallsaigon.com
LE RENDEZ-VOUS DE SAIGON
LEVEL 23 NIGHTSPOT
PACHARAN
LUSH
PROGRESSIVE / MAINSTREAM
2 Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 2496
lush.vn
OBRIENS
PHATTYS
AUSTRALIAN / SPORTS
46-48 Ton That Thiep, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 0796
phattysbar.com
From its roots as the famed
HCMC
COFFEE CUP
HIPENCIL STUDIO AND CAF
HCMC
Caf Latin, Phattys has become the go-to,
Aussie beer-guzzling / sports viewing emporium, showing everything from international
cricket to Aussie rules and serving an array
of pub grub favourites.
SAIGON SAIGON
STORM P
DANISH / INTERNATIONAL
5B Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 4738
Stormp.vn
HIP RESTOBAR
31B Ly Tu Trong, Q1 Tel: 0903 369798
facebook.com/thecubesaigon
A sleek, industrial looking restobar with edgy
dcor and just a hint of Spanish style. Tapas,
sangria, Iberian-influenced cocktails and an
emphasis on all things Latin.
THE ORIENT
VASCOS
WINE BAR 38
WINE EMBASSY
XU
ZANZBAR
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL
Landmark Building, 5B Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 9698
Headed up by well-known chef Andy Ertle,
Vesper Bar is a sophisticated yet down-toearth wine and cocktail bar. Serving creative,
Japanese-influenced tapas to supplement
the drinks, the subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this a great drinking
and dining venue
VINO
VINYL BAR
INTERNATIONAL
Metropolitan Building, 235 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3508 7285
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures customers into
the flagship store of this international caf
chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating
and a menu to satisfy any sweet tooth.
FRENCH
5 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 9117
Known for its fantastic street-side seating
opposite the park on Le Duan and savoury
crepes, this hang out caf will impress you
with its location as much as its food.
FANNY
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL
80 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3915 3704
saigongivral.com
GOODY
GUANABANA SMOOTHIES
VELVET
DANCE/HIP HOP
26 Ho Huan Nghiep, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 2262
velvet.bar.saigon@gmail.com
AU PARC
EUROPEAN / MEDITERRANEAN
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 2772
Auparcsaigon.com
Set in a shophouse-style building, Au Parc
offers a chic colonial space to indulge in sensibly priced European and Mediterranean
food complemented with good coffee and
excellent desserts.
BACH DANG
BASKIN ROBBINS
CASBAH
MIDDLE EASTERN
59 Nguyen Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 5130
This secluded Middle Eastern coffeehouse
has both cozy indoor and rooftop seating to
admire views of the city. With such a prime
downtown location, expect prices to match.
CENTRO
HCMC
condensed milk. A pleasant,
contemporary environment
adds to the theme.
HAGEN-DAZS
LUSINE
CONTEMPORARY / FRENCH
First Floor, 151 Dong Khoi,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6674 9565; 70B
Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521
0703
lusinespace.com
French-style wooden decor
compliments the spacious,
whitewashed contemporary
interior of LUsine. A simple,
creative menu combines
with reasonably priced coffee, and a fashion store and
art gallery out back. Second
location on Le Loi.
M2C CAFE
44B Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2495
facebook.com/m2ccafe
At M2C (Modern Meets
Culture), everything gets a
touch of modernity. From
the rich menu of Vietnamese food and drinks, shows
immense local culture, done
with a modern flare. Be seen
here at one of the latest popular joint in town.
DEBENHAMS
GALLERY VIVEKKEVIN
TRUNG NGUYEN
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
158 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 4990
Second-storey coffeehouse
offers a quiet atmosphere
to chill out or read from
their book-nook collection.
Comfortable couch seating,
open table space and a cappuccino costs VND40,000.
INTERNATIONAL VIETNAMESE
80 Dong Khoi, Q1
trungnguyen.com.vn
INTERNATIONAL
5 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08)
3911 5599
This two-storey building with
a mezzanine level boasts an
industrial style complex with
block walls, steel structures
and huge glass windows.
The mid-range menu offers
over 40 options from appetizers to desserts.
GINKGO
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
10 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521
8755
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnamthemed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
IPA-NIMA
LUSINE
LIFESTYLE / ACCESSORIES
First floor, 151 Dong Khoi,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6674 9565
lusinespace.com
Exclusive labels, elegant and
sophisticated clothing and
casual high-quality cottons
are stocked at this boutique/
caf. Lifestyle accessories
include shoes, homewares,
knickknacks, cameras, stationery and a range of vintage bicycles.
MANDARINA
TAILOR-MADE SHOES
171 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 5267
FACTORY OUTLET
43 Ton That Thiep, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 8019
9am to 9pm
This designer fashion outlet
sells a variety of clothing and
shoes produced in Vietnam.
All designs are brand new,
delivered from the factory
weekly and sold at factory
outlet prices.
SONG
T&V TAILOR
TAILORS
39 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 4556
triciaandverona.com
VESPA SHOP
VESPA PRODUCTS / HELMETS
Unit 66, Saigon Square, 7-9A
Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Stocks a wide range of Vespa-inspired tidbits and memorabilia including t-shirts,
riding gear, Italian helmets,
Respro face masks, DVDs,
books, bags, magazines,
posters and more. Rental
scooters and bikes available.
COOKING CLASSES
SAIGON COOKING CLASSES BY
HOA TUC
74 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8485
saigoncookingclass.com
Learn to cook quality Vietnamese cuisine with local specialist Hoa Tuc. The
three-hour lesson, conducted by an English-speaking
Vietnamese chef, includes a
trip around Ben Thanh Market to gather fresh ingredients for the class.
HIGH-END FURNITURE
Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 4201
bellavitafurniture.com
BOCONCEPT
DANISH FURNITURE
68-70 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 6604; The Crescent
Mall, 101 Ton Dat Tien, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5413 7357
boconcept.vn
DIABOLO
9am to 8pm
EM EM
SOUVENIRS
38 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 4408
8am to 9.30pm
MEKONG CREATIONS
NGUYEN FRERES
NIK-NAKS / CRAFTS
2 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 9459
8am to 8pm
EMBROIDERED PRODUCTS
83 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 9079; 42 Le Loi, Q1.
(08) 3824 7456
ninhkhuong.vn
SAPA
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
1st Floor, 68 Le Loi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 2210 3110
mekong-quilts.org
NHA XINH
HOME FURNISHINGS
2nd Floor, Saigon Centre,
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
6115
www.nhaxinh.com
EUROPEAN-STYLE FURNITURE
3B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 6657 0788
thefurniturewarehouse.
com.vn
EAT
3T QUAN NUONG
VIETNAMESE BBQ
Top Floor, 29 Ton That Thiep,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 1631
HCMC
AL FRESCOS
INTERNATIONAL
27 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 38238424
alfrescosgroup.com
The downtown outlet of one of Vietnams
most successful restaurant chains, Al
Frescos offers international, Australian-influenced comfort fare in a pleasant environment with efficient, friendly service to match.
Excellent delivery service.
ASHOKA
AU PARC
EUROPEAN / CAF
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 2772
auparcsaigon.com
Consistently tasty European caf fare
think deli-style sandwiches, salads and
mezzes, plus coffees and juices served at
a popular park-side Le Duan location with
classic cream and green-tiled dcor.
blackcatsaigon.com
Creatively named burgers, tasty Vietnamese-styled sandwiches, spiced up cocktails,
mains and more, all served up with a Californian edge at this small but popular twostorey eatery close to the river.
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an
Argentinian steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade spicy sausage,
skewers, burger dishes and everything that
can come off a grill.
BLANCHY STREET
GANESH
BOMBAY INDIAN
INDIAN MALAY
57-59 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: 0903 863114
BROTZEIT
GERMAN / RESTOBAR
Level 1, Kumho Link, 9 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 4206
brotzeit.co/kumholink
BUN CHA
26/1A Le Thanh Ton, Q1
BAHDJA
87-89-91 Ho Tung Mau, Q1, Tel: 0122 763
1261
bahdjarestaurant@gmail.com
Located just beneath Au Lac Saigon Hotel,
Bahdja is Saigons first ever Algerian restaurant, serving authentic, multi-ethnic Berber
North African and Mediterranean cuisine
cooked and served in a traditional Algerian
style. Best experienced in a group, this small
but pleasant restaurants soothing ambience
is matched by the owners genuine hospitality
and complimented by an array of tasty tajines
and couscous-based dishes. Make sure to
try the excellent Moroccan wine, too.
BARBECUE GARDEN
CIAO BELLA
NEW YORK-ITALIAN
11 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 3329
saigonrestaurantgroup.com
New York-style Italian restaurant offering
a range of tasty and affordable antipasti,
pastas, and pizzas. Friendly staff and rustic
bare brick walls adorned with Hollywood film
legends make for a relaxed and attractive
setting.
CORSO
GOLDEN ELEPHANT
GOURMETS DELIGHT
LOLIVIER
GRILLBAR
AIRCON STREETFOOD
122 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7901
facebook.com/grillbareaterycafe
Take a New York-style industrial atmosphere, add to it a range of grilled dishes,
typical of the barbecue fare youd find on
the street, and then add in three types of rice
and a range of organic products. Close to Ben
Thanh Market, this is com binh dan
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 1676
Highly rated restaurant with stunning outdoor terrace. Specialities include pink pomelo squid and crab salad, mustard leaf prawn
rolls, fishcake wraps and barbecue chicken
in ginger, onions and a lime leaf marinade.
HOANG YEN
PAN-VIETNAMESE
7 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 1101
BEIRUT
DRAGON NOODLE
INAHO
ELBOW ROOM
JAPANESE NOODLES
29 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521 0008
BIBI@ALIBI
5A Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 6257
The legendary chef Bibis newest creation, a
convivial restaurant serving Mediterranean
cuisine using fresh products bought early
morning at the market by Bibi himself. Delicious meats and fish dishes together with the
famous tarte tatin.
AMERICAN
52 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 4327
elbowroom.com.vn
The comfort food on offer at this striking USstyle diner ranges from meatball baguettes
to chilli burgers, pizzas, blackened chicken
salads and a selection of more expensive
international mains.
BLACK CAT
EL GAUCHO
AMERICAN
13 Phan Van Dat, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 2055
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
5D Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1879
SUSHI / SASHIMI
4 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 0326
INTERNATIONAL FUSION
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 0931
Alfrescosgroup.com
Although a chain restaurant, the international offerings here are consistently good
and creative. Excellent service, an attractive
outdoor terrace area, and a good kids menu.
Check out their pepper steaks.
KABIN
FRENCH/MEDITERRANEAN
Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
Exuding a southern Gallic atmosphere with
its tiled veranda, pastel-coloured walls and
ficus trees, this traditional French restaurant
has quarterly Michelin star promotions and
an award winning pastry team.
LA BETTOLA
HOA TUC
BASILICO
LEBANESE
The Courtyard, 74/13D Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2188
LE BANH MI
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
Ground Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai
Trieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3915 6066
hogsbreathcafe.com.vn
Mixing hearty pub grub such as burgers, salads and prime rib steaks with a sports bar
atmosphere, this Australian chain also offers
regular promotions and a 4pm to 7pm happy
hour. Excellent outdoor terrace.
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Kumho Plaza, Cnr. Nguyen Du
and Le Van Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9099
intercontinental.com/saigon
KOH THAI
CLASSIC THAI
34 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8554
saigonssk@vnn.vn
STEAKHOUSE / INTERNATIONAL
117 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 5368
norfolkhotel.com.vn
Although a hotel restaurant, the enticing
range of US and Australian steaks plus great
grill and comfort food menu in this contemporary eatery make for a quality bite. Decentsized steaks start at VND390,000.
VIETNAMESE / BARBECUE
135A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823
3340; 134-136 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1
barbecuegarden.com
CANTONESE
Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 815 Ton Duc
LITTLE ITALY
84 Ho Tung Mau Q1, Tel: (08) 3914 4402
labettolasaigon.com
Located in the heart of Saigon, La Bettola is
the only restaurant in town managed by two
Italian chefs and an Italian waiter. A woodfired pizza oven, a downstairs bar and a
stylish, elegant setting on the second floor
are part of the mix. As is the home-made
mozzarella, ricotta cheese, ravioli magro,
tortelli mushrooms, pappardelle and mascarpone cheese for the tiramisu, which is
made fresh every day. Has a great selection
of Italian wine.
LA CUISINE
FRENCH / MEDITERRANEAN
48 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 2229 8882
lacuisine.com.vn
This intimate, open-kitchened restaurant
bathed in white specialises in a mix of contemporary Mediterranean and French cuisine. Has a small but well thought out menu,
backed up with an extensive wine list.
LA HOSTARIA
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN
17B Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 1080
lahostaria.com
This downtown hideaway with rusticstyle
decorative trawls features fresh, light regional cuisine from across Italy. Try the carpaccio misto di pesce and agnello dantico.
Also specializes in excellent wood-fired
pizzas.
LE BOUCHON DE SAIGON
HCMC
TOP EATS
STICKY FINGERS GRILL
Primeval
I figured a man of such few words must
grill a mean rack of ribs, and I was not
and moules marinires, plus European fusion dishes, and competitively priced world
wines.
LE JARDIN
CLASSIC FRENCH
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 8465
Unpretentious but tasty French fare in a
relaxed garden setting within the French
cultural centre. The robust, bistro-style cuisine is very well-priced, and excellent, cheap
house wine is served by the carafe.
LUCCA
TRATTORIA-STYLE ITALIAN
88 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe, Q1, Tel: (08)
3915 3691
A contemporary trattoria in the heart of
Saigon, serving home-cooked Italian cuisine
with New York flair in a beautifully designed
space with high ceilings. The menu features
both traditional antipasti and substantial
main courses.
LUONG SON
PAN-VIETNAMESE
31 Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1330
OSAKA RAMEN
JAPANESE NOODLES
18 Thai Van Lung, Q1; SD04, Lo H29-2, KP My
Phat, Phu My Hung, Q7
OPERA
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 Lam Son
Square, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
Unpretentious, casual but elegant restaurant
with a triedandtested Italian menu backed
up by a compact wine list from regions like
Umbria, Toscana and Veneto. Regular specials and impressive open kitchens.
PACHARAN
SPANISH / EUROPEAN
97 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 6924
Legs of Iberian ham hang in the downstairs
bar at this multi-story bodega serving Spanish-styled tapas. Attractively decorated in
warm reds, yellows and oranges, Pacharans
food menu is traditionally Spanish.
PASHA
MAY RESTAURANT
19 21 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 3686
may.restaurant19@gmail.com
7am to late
Casual yet stylish, May places internationalstyle wining and dining in the heart of historic
Saigon. Subtle lighting, comfortable seating,
an extensive wine and cocktail list, and beautifully crafted comfort food from Europe, the
Antipodes and Asia all make up the mix at this
multi-floored restaurant and bar. Check out
their set lunches and happy hour.
MARKET 39
INTERNATIONAL BUFFET
Ground Floor, InterContinental Asiana Saigon, Crn. of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
MOGAMBO
PAN-AMERICAN / TEX-MEX
50 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1311
mogambo@saigonnet.vn
NAM GIAO
HUE CUISINE
136/15 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 38
250261; 116 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 9996
namgiao.com
NINETEEN
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
Ground floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son
Square, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
OMG!
TURKISH / INTERNATIONAL
25 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 3677
pasha.com.vn
Sumptuous, Turkish-themed restaurant
close to the mosque with Islamic-style white
dome dcor and comfortable, cushioned
seating.Authentically Turkish cuisine with a
sprinkling of western fare thrown in.
PENDOLASCO
PAN-ITALIAN
36 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel: (08) 6253 2828
pendolasco.vn
Opening out into a large, leafy terracottatiled garden area, this trattoria-style Italian
restaurant serves up quality homemade
pasta, risotto, gnocchi, excellent pizza and
grilled dishes. Another branch downtoan at
87 Nguyen Hue, Q1.
PIZZA 4PS
EUROPEAN/ASIAN FUSION
8/15 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 9838
pizza4ps.com
This quirky but highly rated Italian / Japanese fusion pizza parlour serves wacky yet
delicious pies such as tuna curry pizza and
calamari seaweed pizza, as well as more
traditional varieties.
PROPAGANDA
QUAN BUI 2
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE
17A Ngo Van Nam, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 1515
With its leafy roof garden and chic interior,
Quan Bui offers a wide selection of Vietnamese cuisine which is cooked in their open
kitchen.
REFINERY
REFLECTIONS
RIVERSIDE CAF
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
Renaissance Riverside, 815 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 0033
Offers versatile allday dining of international quality, with the bonus of being able to
watch the action on the river sidewalk. Features western, Asian and Vietnamese buffets.
SAIGON CAF
INTERNATIONAL / BUFFET
Level 1, Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers,
88 Dong Khoi, Q1 Tel: (08) 3827 2828
sheratonsaigon.com
SEOUL HOUSE
KOREAN
33 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 4297
seoul.house@yahoo.com.kr
PAN-CHINESE / CANTONESE
Norfolk Mansion, 17-19-21 Ly Tu Trong, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 2221
shangpalace.com.vn
Featuring over 200 dishes and 50 kinds of
dim sum prepared by chefs from Hong Kong,
Shang Palace has nine private dining rooms
and a main dining area seating over 300.
Good for events.
SKEWERS
INTERNATIONAL / MEDITERRANEAN
9A Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 4798
skewers-restaurant.com
Simple, unpretentious Greek-influenced, international cuisine ranging from the zucchini
carpaccio through to the saganiki, a range
of dips, mousaka, osso buco and lamb chop
skewers. Also has an excellent upstairs cigar room.
TANDOOR
TEMPLE CLUB
PAN-VIETNAMESE
29-31 Ton That Thiep, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 9244
Templeclub.com.vn
Once a hotel for Indian dignitaries visiting old
Saigon, the elegant and atmospheric Temple
Club is one of the citys best-preserved buildings. Serving quality Vietnamese and Indochine cuisine at reasonable prices.
INTERNATIONAL
43 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 0094
HCMC
Ingredients
5 chicken drumsticks
Marinade
1 cup hung curd curd with water
drained
3-4 teaspoons ginger garlic paste
1 tablespoon lime or lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
1/2 teaspoon of coriander powder
1/2 teaspoon of red chilli powder
1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
1/4 teaspoon of clove powder
1-2 drops of red food colour
2-3 teaspoons of mustard oil or any
other vegetable oil
2 egg whites
1 tablespoon of dry fenugreek leaves
Salt to taste
Preparation
Wash the chicken and pat it with a cloth
to dry. Cut two slits on each side of the
leg, making sure the knife cuts all the
way in to the bone.
For the first marinade, take the lemon
juice, salt, red chilli powder and ginger
garlic paste and massage it over the
drumstick and inside the slits. Then
refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes.
Onto the second marinade. Take
the hung curd, remaining ginger garlic
HCMC
TOKYO BBQ
JAPANESE BARBECUE
15A6 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2527
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL / TAPAS-STYLE
Landmark Building, 5B Ton
Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9698
Headed up by well-known
chef Andy Ertle, Vesper Bar
is a sophisticated yet downto-earth wine and cocktail
bar. Serving creative, Japanese-influenced tapas to
supplement the drinks, the
subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this
a great drinking and dining
venue
WARDA
MIDDLE-EASTERN
71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 3822
info@wardavn.com
The deep colours, Arabic dcor and cushioned outdoor
terrace area give this popular venue its unique touch.
The food is good, too, taking
in tabouleh, houmous, falafel
and mutabbal, shwarmas
and more. Sells authentic
shisha.
YAMANEKO
JAPANESE / OKINAWA
13/1 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 8433
yamanekovn.com
Funky Yamaneko down an
alley off Le Thanh Ton offers delicious, unpretentious
Okinawan fare alongside
mainland staples. Does a
great set lunch deal.
YU CHU
TOP-END PAN-CHINESE
1st Floor, InterContinental
Asiana Saigon, crn.of Hai Ba
Trung & Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
Skillful chefs prepare authentic hand-pulled noodles,
fresh dim sum and hot wok
dishes within an impeccably
designed open kitchen, as
diners look on. Stylish and
spectacular.
FITNESS CENTRE
Queen Ann Building, 2830
32 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291
5999
Cfyc.com.vn
NUTRIFORT
GENERAL FITNESS
2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3825 8560
nutrifort.com
Offers fitness classes and
personal training with excellent facilities. Group classes
include power yoga, pilates,
circuit training, martial arts
and spinning. There is also a
spa and a restaurant serving
caloriecalibrated meals.
SHERATON FITNESS
GALLERIES
BLUE SPACE & PARTICULAR ART
GALLERY
97A Pho Duc Chinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 3695
bluespacearts.com
DOGMA
8A/9C1 Thai Van Lung, Q1
dogmacollection.com
The home of Vietnamese
propaganda art and a collection put together over the
last two decades by art collector Dominic Scriven, the
majority of the work comes
from the war period when
provocative poster art was
used to inspire and motivate.
Sells prints of the originals
and related products.
BACCHUS CORNER
WINE SHOP
158D Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 3306
bacchuscorner.com
A range of spirits, whiskies
and wines at affordable prices. Wines come from all over
the world with an especially
good selection from France,
Chile and South Africa. Also
has an excellent range of
single malts, top shelf tequilas and has an onsite
wine tasting machine, the
Enomatic, the first of its kind
in Vietnam.
DALOC
WINE SHOP
74E Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 5404 3575
daloc.vn
BUTCHERS
73 Le Thi Hong Gam, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3914 4376
kimhai.vn
PHUONG HA
GROCERS
58 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 1318
RED APRON
WINE SHOP
22 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 0021
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE SHOP
15/5 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3825 8826
One of the busiest wine retailers in town. In addition
to their excellent range of
wines, they also stock imported beers, bottled mineral water and spirits.
HCMC
A WORLD
OF
GOOD
BY DANA MCNAIRN
HCMC
VEGGYS
VINIFERA
WINE SHOP
7 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3521 0860
viniferavn.com
WINE SHOP
74/17 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 6299 1315
Professional advice on selecting and tasting wines.
Also offers regular popular
wine courses. The outdoor
terrace area is the perfect
spot to sample a new vintage.
HAIRDRESSERS
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and out
patient care, checkups,
travel medicine and medical
evacuations.
FV SAIGON CLINIC
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
3rd Floor, Bitexco Financial
Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 6290 6167
fvhospital.com
Stateoftheart medical
centre located in District
1. Experienced American,
French, and Vietnamese
doctors provide the full
spectrum health care. Plus
sports medicine, cosmetic
treatments, skin care and
surgical consultations.
VENUS
41 Nguyen Trung Ngan, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3829 6298
JASMINE
GLOW SPA
129A Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 8368
glowsaigon.com
Modern and bright downtown spa, offers massages
lasting from 30 minutes, to
two-hour hot stone therapy,
includes one suite with a
Jacuzzi bath; offers hand
and foot care and a hair
styling area.
INDOCHINE SPA
69 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 7188
Indochine-spa.com.vn
Indochine Spa provides a
peaceful and serene atmosphere with aromatic
scents and lulling melodies.
Customers are pampered
by qualified therapists using
natural French products in
THANH SANCTUARY
Nguyen Du Villas, 111 Nguyen Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
0885
THE SPA
Saigon Pearl, 92 Nguyen Huu
Canh, Binh Thanh, Tel: (08)
3514 9007
Saigon Centre, 3M Floor,
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
1800
thespavietnam.com
XUAN SPA
Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son
Square, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824
1234
hyattpure.com
HCMC
What to Expect
Thanks to the growth of social media,
we can expect a certain level of passivity
among job seekers. Job searchers
nowadays actively participate on
platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and
LinkedIn, thus making them increasingly
visible to recruiters. The candidates
no longer have to work so hard to
update their resumes or push their
skills to recruiters because the recruiters
themselves are out searching. All they
have to do is keep their profiles updated.
To attract potential candidates,
recruiters have had to evolve their
methods of seeking out talent. It is
through the collection of social data that
potential employers will be able to review
crucial information in particular,
behaviour regarding potential
candidates faster and more efficiently,
resulting in the inevitable social
consumption. Thanks to this, there is little
doubt that social recruitment will remain
on the rise for the foreseeable future.
Company Website
Its necessary to build up your companys
website and invest in its renewal and
design. Create as strong a search engine
optimisation (SEO) as possible.
Twitter
Twitter isnt popular yet in Vietnam, but
its coming. With an upwards limit of 140
characters per statement, Twitter is great
for companies looking to promote specific
job opportunities or communicate with
potential candidates.
LinkedIn
Among the top social media channels,
LinkedIn leads the way in how recruiters
search for information about potential
Facebook
Facebook users have been growing
rapidly in Vietnam for years, so most
recruitment companies have already set
up Facebook pages. But the race is still on
to gain as many fans or likes as possible.
YouTube
Youtube can be a great tool to promote
HCMC
641826
Bamskateshop.com.vn
BLUE DRAGON
SOUVENIRS / CLOTHING
1B Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
2210 2084
8am to 10.30pm
BAKERY
117 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 1992
crumbs.com.vn
Dubbed the local bakery,
Crumbs serves up a variety
of baked goods including baguettes, muffins, cheese and
garlicbased buns and loafs,
meatfilled pastries, sweet
pastries, healthconscious
breads and more. There is
also a breakfast menu and
variety of sandwiches available.
KOREAN BAKERY
59 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3914 4350
BIA HOI
33 Bui Vien, Q1
INTERNATIONAL / COMFORT
FOOD
40/24 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8452
With a free book exchange,
and tasty Sunday night
roasts, the tiny Bread &
Butter is a perfect place for
homesick expats and beer
enthusiasts (excellent HueBrewed Huda beer served
here exclusively in Ho Chi
Minh City).
GO2
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
187 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 9575
GODMOTHER BAR
RESTOBAR / VIETNAMESE /
WESTERN
129 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3832 4589
godmothersaigon.com
Only a couple blocks from
the bru-haha of Bui Vien,
Godmothers is a small watering hole with big attractions including excellent
mojitos, good food, and the
weekly Optimus Club featuring international DJs.
LONG PHI
FRENCH / RESTOBAR
207 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2704
French-run but universally
appealing, Long Phi has been
serving the backpacker area
with excellent cuisine and
occasional live music since
1990. Excellent late-night
bistro cuisine.
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
175/22 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 7679
Warm colors, artsy dcor
and a friendly ambiance
combine to create a perfect
THI CAF
T&R TAVERN
DIVE BAR
57 Do Quang Dau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 9839
UNIVERSAL BAR
SAIGON VIBRATIONS
REGGAE BAR
143 Nguyen Trai, Q1
facebook.com/saigon.vibrations
Just off The Pham, this intothe-early-hours reggae
inspired joint holds regular themed nights all in the
name of that most special
of sounds the one from
Jamaica.
SEVENTEEN SALOON
SPOTTED COW
INTERNATIONAL / SPORT
111 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7670
Alfrescosgroup.com
Spotted Cow delivers the
fun-loving atmosphere that
its playfully decorated black
and white spotted interior
promises, as well as decent
international comfort food,
a range of happy hours, live
sports, and darts.
THE OBSERVATORY
LE PUB
GINKGO
CAFES
BOBBY BREWERS
INTERNATIONAL
45 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 4090
bobbybrewers.com
Choose from a full range
of caf beverages and a
fast-food style menu as you
watch the latest Hollywood
hits in their upstairs lounge.
Check website for movie locations and schedule.
INTERNATIONAL
157-159 Nguyen Thai Hoc,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3837 9347
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures
customers into the flagship
store of this international
caf chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating and a menu
to satisfy any sweet tooth.
SKATEWEAR / STREET
174 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: 0903
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
54-56 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
6270 5928
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnamthemed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
wires and motorbikes to
creative, Siddharta-style
imagery.
MARATHON
BUDGET CLOTHING
147 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7442; 123A Bui Vien,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 0019
PAPAYA
BUDGET CLOTHING
232 Bui Vien, Q1
papaya-tshirt.com
ORANGE
BUDGET CLOTHING
152 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3820 2620
9am to 10pm
U.BEST HOUSE
TRAVEL GEAR
163 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1, Tel:
0978 967588
Ubesthouse.com
CORIANDER
THAI / VIETNAMESE
16 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08) 3837
1311
TIN NGHIA
VEGAN
9 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 2538
One of the citys oldest eateries (established in 1925)
does some of the cheapest
and tastiest vegan cuisine in
town, all cooked up without
onions, garlic or MSG.
LA CANTINA
TEX-MEX / VIETNAMESE
175/3 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
MARGHERITA
ITALIAN / TEX-MEX
175/1 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
SISTERS CAFE
VIETNAMESE/WESTERN
185/30 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: 0903 643446
Light wood paneling, beige
walls and locally themed
artwork help to create a
fresh and airy ambience in
this caf-cum-restaurant
that is owned by the woman
behind Chis Caf. Also does
visa extensions and motorbike rental.
ZEUS
GREEK / KEBAB
164 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 3248
ZOOM CAF
AMERICAN / TEX-MEX
169A Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 3897
vietnamvespaadventures.
com/cafe_zoom
This corner-located Vespainfatuated venue is a caf
and restaurant by day and
a sidewalk drinking joint
by night. Friendly staff and
American deli-style and Cajun fare makes it a regular
expat haunt.
EAT
BABAS KITCHEN
BURRITO REVOLUTION
CHIS CAF
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40/31 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2502
Chiscafe.com
This affable caf is a rarity
in the backpacker area for
its genuinely good musical
playlist. Excellent, build-
GALLERIES
GALERIE QUYNH
65 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8019
galeriequynh.com
In addition to working with
artists based in Vietnam,
Galerie Quynh also exhibits the work of artists from
around the world. This wellestablished gallery supports
education through talks, lectures and publications.
HCMC
district 1
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
HOA VIEN
CZECH BREWHOUSE
28 Mac Dinh Chi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8605
hoavien.vn
MZ CLUB
SAIGON VIBRATIONS
REGGAE BAR
143 Nguyen Trai, Q1
facebook.com/saigon.vibrations
Saigons first reggae bar
located close to The Observatory on the other side of
Pham Ngu Lao. Open late,
holds a number of nights
like Tropical Wednesday,
Thursday-before-midnightshots-only ladies night and
Underground Saturdays, all
in an attempt to pump things
up for the party seekers in
town.
BOOKS
LIBRAIRIE FRANCAISE NAM
PHONG
82 Truong Dinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 7858
Nam Phong Bookstore was
founded at the of end 2002 in
Ho Chi Minh City as the first
and only francophone bookshop in the whole of Vietnam.
Only books written in French
are for sale, covering for all
ages and tastes. A catalogue
is available at namphongsaigon.com
CAFES
(A) CAFE
15 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Da
Kao, Q1, Tel: 0903 199701
Settle into the Javanesestyle interior and enjoy possibly one of the best brews
INTERNATIONAL
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3833 3648
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures
customers into the flagship
store of this international
caf chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating and a menu
to satisfy any sweet tooth.
DECIBEL
INTERNATIONAL
79/2/5 Phan Ke Binh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6271 0115
Decibel.vn
Trendy without pretense,
this two-floor, relaxed caf
offers beautiful decor and
unique original events like
live music, film screenings,
and art exhibits. Great prices
and food with daily specials.
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL / FRENCH
97 Nguyan Huu Cau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3844 3295
saigongivral.com
I.D. CAF
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
34D Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2910
Idcafe.net
Centrally located near Ben
District
10
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INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
76A Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
2718
The outdoor, well-aired terrace is the centrepiece of
this popular, contemporary
caf. Enjoy live music on
weekends as you sip on reasonably priced Vietnamese
or espresso-based coffee.
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District 2
Da
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BANKSY CAFE
District 3
Hu
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CHILL SKYBAR
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Vo
LE PETIT CAF
FRENCH
112 Pham Viet Chanh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6291 2067
MOCKINGBIRD CAFE
4th Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: 0935 293400
facebook.com/mockingbirdcoffee
Sitting atop of a number of
cafe establishments in an old
apartment complex, Mockingbird is just the place for a
romantic time over mojitos,
or good ol caffeine-infused
relaxation.
THINGS CAFE
1st Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6678 6205
facebook.com/thingscafe
Feel the calm and serenity
of this rustic little quiet corner tucked away in an Old
Apartment. The quaint and
relaxing atmosphere sets for
some alone time, or quality
conversations held over a
drink or two.
GAYA CLOTHING
HAND-MADE / DESIGNER
Le Lai Corner, 1 Nguyen Van
Trang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3925
1495
Gayavietnam.com
Clothing is designed and
tailor-made by renowned
designer Romyda Keth, and
concentrates mainly on
womens wear. Gaya sells
colourful, sexy evening
dresses, embroidered floral
skirts and cute chiffon tops.
COOKING CLASSES
OVERLAND CLUB
35Bis Huynh Khuong Ninh,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3820 9734
overlandclub.jp
Sunday 1.30pm to 5pm
The Overland Club organises
pottery classes, VietnameseJapanese cooking classes,
cultural art events and
monthly special activities,
such as the Soba Festival,
pottery painting classes, the
art of decorating paper and
multinational cuisine days.
CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS
1 Nguyen Van Trang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 1495
gayavietnam.com
Set in one of the most attractive post-World War II
buildings in the city, Gaya has
a reputation for chic and sophisticated indoor and outdoor sofas, pod seats, lamps
and tableware, with all products both constructed and
designed locally. You can
find a wide range of mirrors
and lacquerware with bowls,
vases and contemporary
Asian-style boxes as well as
a fantastic selection of linenembroidered bedding in all
colours and designs. Prices
here match the quality of the
products.
EAT
27 GRILL
GRILL-STYLE RESTAURANT
Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 2372
chillsaigon.com
Besides the spectacular
views, the cuisine at 27 Grill
is a real draw, with steaks
and other international
grill-style fare in a refined
yet contemporary atmosphere. Subtle lighting and
an extensive wine list make
up the mix.
CAF IF
VIETNAMESE FRENCH
38 Dang Dung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3846 9853
MSG-free traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a
French twist, cooked fresh
to order. Dishes include noodle soup, steamed ravioli and
beef stew, stir fries, hot pots
and curries.
COBALT
ROOFTOP RESTOBAR
Floor 30-31, Pullman Saigon
Centre, 148 Tran Hung Dao,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 8686
pullman-saigon-centre.com
A tapas-style contemporary
international menu in an
equally modern chic space,
Cobalt also has panoramic
views over the city thanks to
its 30th-floor location. Has a
focus on wine matching and
tasting. A hotel restaurant
with a difference.
DYNASTY
CANTONESE / PAN-CHINESE
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
LION CITY
SINGAPOREAN
45 Le Anh Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 8371
lioncityrestaurant.com
Friendly, authentic fivestorey Singaporean eatery,
plating up the likes of nasi
lemak, mee rebus, and awesome chicken curry, as well
as specialities like frog porridge, chilli crab and fish
head curry.
MAY RESTAURANT
INDOCHINE VIETNAMESE
3/5 Hoang Sa, Q1, Tel: (08)
3910 1277
May-cloud.com
Meaning Cloud, May utilises homemade recipes
and broths developed by the
restaurateurs father, such
as pan-fried duck breast
served with nuoc mam and
ginger, and 1940s style
spring rolls. This is the Saigonese cooking of old set in
an Indochine atmosphere.
MONSOON
PAN-SOUTHEAST ASIAN
1 Cao Ba Nha, Q1, Tel: (08)
6290 8899
Traditional pan-Southeast
Asian favourites served in
a visually arresting setting
within a French colonial-era
villa, just minutes from the
backpacker area. Reasonably priced, with healthy
HCMC
juices and smoothies.
AMERICAN / FRENCH
2527 Nguyen Dinh Chieu,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 7373
steakhouse.com.vn
NYSW is well known for
serving up formidable prime
signature cuts of New York
strip steak, rib eye, double
strip loins and chateaubriands along with sophisticated sides, in a glitzy, Hollywood-esque atmosphere.
QUAN UT UT
PARKVIEW
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Flagship restaurant of The
New World Hotel, serving
lavish buffets all day. Many
cooking stations ranging
from Chinese to Italian, sushi and seafood, to salads,
cold cuts, cheese plates and
desserts.
QUAN BUI
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE
8 Nguyen Van Nguyen, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3602 2241
Make sure to try the sauted
shrimps with cashew nuts
and crispy fried tofu with
lime wedge, at this popular,
high-quality eatery where all
food is served in traditional
crockery.
QUAN UT UT
US-STYLE BARBECUE
168 Vo Van Kiet, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 4500
facebook.com/quanutut
Its a no-brainer, right?
American-style barbecue in
a contemporary Vietnamese,
quan nhau-style setting. Of
course it is, which is why
Quan Ut Ut is constantly
packed with grill-obsessed
diners going for the burgers, meats off the barbecue
and Platinum pale ale served
on tap.
GALLERIES
SAN ART
3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh, Tel:
(08) 3840 0183
San-art.org
San Art is an independent,
artist-run exhibition space
that offers residency programmes for young artists, lecture series and an
exchange programme that
invites international artists/
curators to organise or collaborate on exhibitions.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
CITYSMART
Horizon Tower, 214 Tran
Quang Khai, Q1, Tel: (08)
3526 8833
citysmart.vn
CitySmart delivers a range
of diverse, internationallyrecognised educational programmes, as well as life skills
and character building for
comprehensive development.
& DENTAL
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and out
patient care, checkups,
travel medicine and medical
evacuations.
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
79 Dien Bien Phu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 4545
Well-regarded clinic offering
general examinations and
specialising in pediatrics,
digestive diseases, cardiology, womens health and
internal medicine. Offers a
membership programme
and cooperates with most
insurance companies in Vietnam and abroad.
WE LINK
COUNSELLING
64 Ho Hao Hon, Q1, Tel: (08)
6291 2900
contact@welink.vn
Psychological counselling services for individual,
group and family. Diverse
counsellors and therapists,
using Cognitive Behaviour
Therapy, Art Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy. For
adolescents and adults. Vietnamese, English, French
and Spanish spoken.
HAIR BAR
CONTEMPORARY SALON
68 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel:
(FREEPHONE) 1800 1108
hairbar.vn
A unique themed hair salon
where stylists use no scissors but styling equipment
only, giving female clients the
opportunity to get their hair
done on the run. Of course,
they have to look fabulous,
too. Fortunately this is one of
Hair Bars specialities. Check
the salon out on Facebook:
facebook.com/hairbarvn.
SPA TROPIC
HCMC
two pieces of each particular
item. Also has a great range
of imported fabrics up on the
2nd floor and an in-house
sewing room for cushions,
sofas and curtains. Offers
custom-made furniture and
delivery within four weeks.
Home dcor orders are also
available.
district 2
CHI LAI
DISTRICT 2
Ni
Thao Dien
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BAKERY
244 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 6281 8392
The baking arm of the wellknown Bakers on Thao Dien,
Voelker. Provide flash frozen breads and patisseries
such as croissants, pain au
chocolat, pain raisins, pizza
dough, pates feuillete and
much more. Serves the hospitality industry in Phu Quoc,
Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and
Ho Chi Minh City.
BAKERY / CAFE
5, Street 11, Thao Dien, Q2
Tel: (08) 3519 4118
harvestbaking.net
VOELKER
BAKERY
39 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
6296 0066
voelker-vietnam.com
Frenchrun bakery selling
probably the tastiest range
of patisseries, breads, quiches and pies in town. The signature passionfruit tart is
a must try.
Xa
DISTRICT 2
temporary bar area and live
sports. Lots of live sports.
The Thai cuisine is cooked
up by no-holds-barred Thai
chefs.
BUDDHA BAR
RESTOBAR
7 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3345 6345
Buddhabarsaigon.com
Just across the lane from
McSorleys, this pub with an
eccentric European tilt and
some nice, authentic cuisine
draws an older crowd with
darts, pool and weekly poker
tourneys.
MCSORLEYS
IRISH BAR
4 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0126
9026006
Standing in the former home
of Gaudi, McSorelys is full of
surprises, including a beautifully backlit swimming pool,
reggae parties, comedy
nights, and sporting events
projected onto the patio wall.
SAIGON OUTCAST
SPORTS BAR
Ground Floor, The Vista,
628C Hanoi Highway, Q2
dtdentertainment.com/thefanclub
12 quality screens and eight
draught beers, music spun
by DJs, excellent burgers,
quiz nights and barbecues.
All in an attractive, contemporary environment.
CAFES
AGNES CAFE
Th
Tr
BAKEUP ATELIER
Ni
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Hu Cnh
BAKERIES
Nguy
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Binh Thanh
Th
and intimate.
CAF EVITA
VESPA SHOP
HOME FURNISHINGS
175 Ha Noi Highway, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3519 4543
chilai.com
This well-known Vietnamese
furniture brand is a good
choice for most families
with its respected high-quality designs and competitive
prices. Located on the corner of Pham Ngoc Thach and
Dien Bien Phu, the spacious
showroom specialises in sofas and other furniture such
as table sets, shelves and
kitchen cabinets. There is a
large selection of carpets as
well as numerous choices of
curtains and accessories.
FEELING TROPIC
HOME FURNISHINGS
81 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3519 4640/4643
EAT
AGNES CAF
SHOPPING MALLS
DIAMOND PLAZA
34 Le Duan, Q1. Tel: (08)
3825 7750
9am to 10pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
PARKSON PLAZA
35-45 Le Thanh Ton, Q1.
Tel: (08) 3827 7636
9.30am to 10pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
SAIGON CENTRE
65 Le Loi, Q1. Tel: (08)
3829 4888
9am to 9pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
SAIGON SQUARE
77-89 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia,
Q1
9am to 9pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics
SAIGON TAX
Trading Centre
135 Nguyen Hue, Q1. Tel:
(08) 3821 3849
9am to 9.30pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Souvenirs,
Restaurant
VINCOM CENTER
70-72 Le Thanh Ton, Q1.
Tel: (08) 3936 9999
9am to 10pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
ZEN PLAZA
54-56 Nguyen Trai, Q1 Tel:
(08) 3925 0339
9am to 10pm
Cosmetics, Perfume,
Clothing, Accessories,
Electronics, Caf, Food
Court
as firey larb moo and Laotian som tam. Thai cuisine
cooked up by no-holdsbarred Thai chefs.
BAAN THAI
PAN-THAI
55 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 5453
baanthai-anphu.com
Subtle lighting and comfortable sofa-like seating at this
An Phu eatery. The menu
has a whole page dedicated
to tom yum soup as well
BOAT HOUSE
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
40 Lily Road, An Phu Superior Compound, Thao Dien,
Q2, Tel: (08) 3744 6790
Live music, mini-festivals and
functions are regular events
at this spacious restobar in
An Phu on the banks of the
HCMC
SPORTS
Saigon river. The menu offers seasonal dishes, classic mains and sharing plates.
LA CLOSERIE DELISA
CRICKET
ECCS (THE ENGLISH CRICKET
CLUB OF SAIGON)
Richard Carrington, Tel:
0909 967 353
richard.carrington@market-edge.asia
eccsaigon.com
SACCCRICKET@GMAIL.COM
SSC (SRI LANKA SPORTS CLUB)
Suhard Amit, Tel: 0988
571 010
suhard.amit@yahoo.com
FOOTBALL
AND
RUGBY
SAIGON RAIDERS
Saigonraiders.com
SAIGON SAINTS
saigonsaints.com
SPORTS GENERAL
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
saigonhash.com
SQUASH
The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc
Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
2098 ext 176
thelandmarkvietnam.com
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
XROCK CLIMBING
OLYMPIQUE SAIGON
LA PLANCHA
25 Tran Ngoc Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 6281 8521
LU BU
CONTEMPORARY MEDITERRANEAN
97B Thao Dien, Q2 Tel: (08)
6281 8371
luburestaurant.com
Drawing inspiration from
the great cuisines of Europe, The Mediterranean
and The Orient, this contemporary, Australian-run
restaurant bathed in white
focuses on wholesome,
fresh ingredients, with
breads, cheeses, pickles,
pastas and preserves made
on site daily from scratch. A
well-conceived wine list supplements the excellent fare.
Has petanque on the terrace.
TAMAGO
CHIARA SQUINZI
AUTHENTIC JAPANESE
39 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4634
tamagoresto@gmail.com
Located on the main drag
in Thao Dien, Tamago has
indoor and out door seating,
a terrace and private rooms.
They have a ladies night on
Tuesdays as well as a Teppanyaki themed night on
Saturday evenings. Have a
second restaurant in Mui Ne.
THE DECK
THE LOOP
AQUABIKING
65 Truc Duong, Lang Bao
Chi, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0909
008985
aquafit.vn
NUTRIFORT (NTFQ2)
GENERAL FITNESS
34 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 6672
nutrifort.com
A well-appointed gym also
offering fitness classes and
personal training with excellent facilities. Group classes
include power yoga, pilates,
circuit training, martial arts
and spinning. Also has a restaurant serving caloriecalibrated meals.
BOXING / FITNESS
49A Xa Lo Ha Noi, Q2. Tel:
0947 77 13 26
Cyril-and-you.com
This sports centre in An Phu,
started by fitness guru Cyril
features the same personalized mentorship Cyrils
clients love. Includes yoga,
boxing and fitness for kids
and adults every day. No
membership fees. Pay for
classes in installments of
10. Also has kids activites
classes. Monday to Friday
every week at 4pm. All activities are safe and run by
Cyril himself.
MEKONG MERCHANT
PAPAGAYO
PENDOLASCO
PAN-ITALIAN
36 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel:
(08) 6253 2828
pendolasco.vn
Saigons longest running
HCMC
vegetables, imported beers
and wines. Also sells luxury
branded products from the
likes of Fauchon. The deli
upstairs in the Hai Ba Trung
branch serves tasty baguette
rolls in a comfortable lounge
area with free WiFi, and offers probably the best selection of cheese and cured
meats in town. Free delivery
for Districts 1, 2 and 3.
WINE SHOP
Corner of Thao Dien & Duong
2, Q2, Tel: (08) 6281 9059
Professional advice on selecting and tasting wines
with a portfolio spanning
old and new world as well
as everything in between.
The outdoor terrace area is
the perfect spot to sample a
new tipple.
HAIRDRESSERS
CONCEPT COIFFURE
48 Tran Ngoc Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3519 4625
Conceptcoiffure.vn
Open daily from 9am to 8pm
Hair stylist and colourist specialist Sandrine has relocated her long-standing flagship
salon Venus Coiffure to a villa
in Thao Dien. A full range of
services is offered including
a dedicated kids salon.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (EIS)
730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, Thao
Dien, D2, HCMC, Vietnam.
Tel: (08) 7300 7257
info@eishcmc.com
www.eishcmc.com
Located in the heart of Thao
Dien, District 2, the EUROPEAN International School
Ho Chi Minh City offers a
supportive and challenging
academic education from
Early Years to Grade 12
based on the IB curriculum.
EIS is a Nobel Talent School
and is part of the Nobel Education Network. The school
educates global citizens to
enjoy learning, inquiring and
caring for others.
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (AIS)
Xi Campus, 190 Nguyen Van
Huong, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519
2727; Thao Dien Campus,
APSC Compound, 36 Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: (08) 3744
6960; Thu Thiem Campus,
264 Mai Chi Tho (East-West
Highway), An Phu, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3742 4040
aisvietnam.com
The Australian International
School is an IB World School
with three world-class campuses in District 2, offering
an international education
from kindergarten to senior
school with the IB Primary
Years Programme (PYP),
Cambridge Secondary Programme (including IGCSE)
and IB Diploma Programme
(DP).
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (BIS)
246 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2335
bisvietnam.com
Inspected and approved
by the British Government,
BIS provides a British style
curriculum for an international student body from
pre-school to Year 13. The
school is staffed by British
qualified and trained teachers with recent UK experience. Fully accredited by
the Council of International
Schools and a member of
FOBISIA, BIS is the largest
international school in Vietnam.
MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2639
montessori.edu.vn
Aiming to encourage childrens engagement with
their surroundings, MIS
offers children from age
three to 12 a classic Montessori education as well as
a variety of extracurricular
activities.
SMARTKIDS
1172 Thao Dien Compound,
Q2, Tel: (08) 3744 6076; 26,
Street Nr. 10, Thao Dien, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3898 9816; 15 Tran
Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3519 4236
smartkidsinfo.com
This international childcare
centre provides children
ages 18 months to six years
with a high quality education
in a playful and friendly environment.
KIDS
FIRSTBIKE VIETNAM
www.firstBIKE.com.vn
FirstBIKE balance bikes for
two to five-year-olds eliminate the need for training
wheels or stabilisers, and
support proper balance development.
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
95 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 2000
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and out
patient care, checkups,
travel medicine and medical
evacuations.
district 3
LIVE MUSIC
6E Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3930 2239
Though only 1km from the
city centre, Acoustic is well
off most foreigners radars.
Come see the Vietnamese
house band play nightly, as
well as performances from
overseas bands and guest
artists.
CLOUD 9
WOODSTOCK BAR
PLAN B
CONTEMPORARY BAR
147 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
0987 684761
HIDEAWAY
INTERNATIONAL
41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3822 4222
Hideawaycafe-saigon.com
Hidden in a colonial building
with an outdoor courwrd,
the ample soft, sofa seating renders a great spot to
relax. The mouth-watering
western menu is on the expensive side.
OPERATION: TEAROOM
TEA ROOM
335/31 Dien Bien Phu, Q3,
Tel: 0169 3583563
operationteavietnam.com
Traverse a wooden bridge
over a bamboo-shaded goldfish pond to enjoy high quality tea, starting at VND35,000,
in this quaint, open-air tearoom. Tea and tea-ware
available for purchase.
BOO
STREETWEAR
187A Hai Ba Trung, Q3
boo.vn
CRAFTS
& FURNITURE
ONTOP BAR
Novotel Saigon, 167 Hai Ba
Trung, Q3, Tel: (08) 3822
4866
Located on the 20th floor
with stunning views of the
city, houses an upscale,
contemporary interior and
an outdoor terrace. A good
venue to chill out in a relaxed and casual, yet hip
ambience.
ROCKFANCLUB BAR
ROCK BAR
25C Tu Xuong, Q3, Tel: (08)
6290 7489
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
40C Tran Cao Van, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3823 3398
BUDS
ICE-CREAM PARLOUR
ATC FURNITURE
ECO-FRIENDLY FURNITURE
SR1: 268B Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia, Dist.3, HCMC, Tel: (08)
39326455
SR2: 30A Nguyen Huu Canh,
Binh Thanh, HCMC, Tel: (08)
38403946
atc-craft.com
Filled with the scent of nature, is it what you are looking for to spice up the living
space of your home? Come
to ATC FURNITURE, you will
find a wide range of moderndesigned products (sofas,
chairs, beds...) manufactured
from eco-friendly materials
(water hyacinth & rattan). Our
outdoor (poly rattan) wickerfurniture range is suited
to your balcony or garden
space. A hanging (hammock)
chair is irresistible for complete relaxation after a long
day at work.
REMIX DECO
INDOOR FURNITURE
222 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 4190
remixdeco.com
EAT
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN CHURRASCO
238 Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3820 7157
aulacdobrazil.com
Open for over a decade, Au
Lac Do Brazil is home to the
city's best Churrasco menu
with a wide variety of meats
from Calabrian sausage
and picanha through to
D-rump steak and smoked
hams. Pioneering the eatas-much-as-you-can theme
in Vietnam, Passadors bring
the meat skewers to your
table, and you, the customer
then choose your accompaniments from the salad bar.
Best washed down with red
wine or a Caipirinha or five.
VIETNAMESE STEAKHOUSE
200 Bis Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3; 157 Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia, Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 3917
Namsonsteak.com
HIGHWAY 4
NORTHERN / PAN-VIETNAMESE
101 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3602 2069
highway4.com
Named after the mountain
highway that skirts the Chinese-Vietnamese border to
the north, Highway 4 serves
up authentic north Vietnamese cuisine. Also does
excellent Son Tinh branded
rice wine.
JOIE DE VIVRE
WESTERN / FRENCH
292/10, Cach Mang Thang
Tam, Q3 Tel: (08) 6260 0066
facebook.com/joie.vn
PHO HOA
PHO EATERY
260C Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3829 7943
SHRI
CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN
23rd Floor, Centec Tower,
7274 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3, Tel: (08) 3827 9631
A breezy terrace, indoor
HCMC
SUSHI / SASHIMI
53-55 Ba Huyen Thanh
Quan, Q3, Tel: (08) 3930
0039
sushidiningaoi.com
Sushi Dining AOI offers fullblown Japanese-style sushi,
sashimi, and other dishes
such as tempura, pork cutlet and cold soba noodles
in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Good value set
lunches. Probably the best
sushi in town.
HUE / VIETNAMESE
187 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 7242
Tibrestaurant.com.vn
VIET CHAY
Qu
nh
BELLY DANCE
No 96, Street 2, Cu Xa Do
Thanh, Q3, Tel: (08) 3832
9429
saigonbellydance.com
HAIRDRESSERS
YOGA
Tel: 0909 648193
michelle@michellelloyd.com
michellelloyd.com
American trained and licensed massage therapist
and certified yoga instructor. Dedicated yoga and
massage spaces in Districts
S
Ph
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n
u
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X
Tr
Th
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B
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VEGAN
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, 339
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3
vietchay.vn
Th
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
CITYSMART
7 Street 2, Cu Xa Do Thanh,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3832 8488
citysmart.vn
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Du
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Tr
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District 1
Ha
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Binh Thanh
DISTRICT 3
VAS
CHIROPRACTOR
161-161A Hai Ba Trung, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3939 3930
www.acc.vn
A clinic provides world class
Chiropractic, Physiotherapy
and Foot Care. We specialize
in provides effective treatment for back, neck and knee
pain, sports injuries, and all
types of foot problems. We
also provide effective treatment for Flat foot syndrome
in children and adult.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
HOSPITAL
EASTERN MEDICINE
187 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3932 6579
YKC SPA
219 Dien Bien Phu, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 2791
ykcspa.com
HCMC
FOOD PROMOS
A Taste of Malaysia
@ New World Hotel
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Its a brand new world at New World this
September, with a Malaysian guest chef
crafting traditional dishes from Sep. 10
to Sep. 21 Malaysia Tourism Boardorganised traditional dancers will be
adding flavour. At Parkview, lunch and
dinner buffets will offer sizzling satay,
lamb rendang, char kway teow (stir-fried
ricecake noodle) and nasi kerabu (a rice
dish) all for VND610,000 for lunch, or
VND910,000 for dinner. Dynasty is serving
up a five-course set for VND400,000 for
lunch or VND650,000 for dinner, with a la
carte options of fried Hokkien noodles, beef
hor fun, and prawn wonton noodle soup.
And even The Lounge is getting in on
the festivities, with free flow teh tarik tea,
sweet and savoury Malaysian treats and a
live action station with traditional roti jala
available 3pm to 5pm for VND250,000
per person.
Harvest at Snap
@ Snap Caf
snap.com.vn
Snap has always been a Thao Dien nexus
for breakfast, and now theyve added
some of the best baked goods in the city,
courtesy of Harvest Baking. Theyve
added their awesome scones, cookies,
bagels and cakes to Snaps repertoire, and
made your breakfast decisions that much
harder.
The flavours of Malaysia come to the New World Hotel this month
HCMC
FITNESS, DANCE & YOGA
phu my hung
BAKERIES / BARS & CLUBS / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS, DANCE
& YOGA / INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
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DISTRICT 7
PHU MY HUNG
BAKERIES
LAMOUR
SAVOURE
BAKERY
Grand View, SD 4-1, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7
SIMRANS
BAKERY
SL15-1 Grand View, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: 0908
828552
simrans.sg
EXPAT BAR
SA8-1 Parkview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5412 3282
A downstairs pool table, an
open, street side terrace and
specials on Tiger draft, this
fun but slightly run-down
joint is a local haunt for many
a resident of Saigon South.
PEACHES
CURRY PUB
S57-1 Sky Garden 2, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08) 5410
0999
Known as the Curry Pub,
this pleasant Saigon South
watering hole mixes the beer
with all things curry anything from Goan fish curries
to beef rendangs and more.
A popular local haunt.
RUBY SOHO
CARTOON BAR
S52-1 Sky Garden 2, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 3900
THE TAVERN
HIGH-END FURNITURE
The Crescent Mall, 101 Ton
Dat Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 5413
7355
bellavitafurniture.com
MEKONG CREATIONS
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
S17-1 Sky Garden , Nguyen
Van Linh, Q7, Tel: (08) 6271
7758
mekong-quilts.org
EAT
BOOMARANG BISTRO SAIGON
INTERNATIONAL / GRILL
CR2 3-4, 107 Ton Dat Tien,
Phu My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6592
boomarang.com.vn
Australian themed but Singaporean-owned eatery and
bar on The Crescent with
great terraced seating specializing in huge-portioned
international fare, all set in
a contemporary, spacious
environment.
CHAM CHARM
LUXURY INDOCHINA
2 Phan Van Chuong, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 9999
EL GAUCHO
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
Unit CR1-12, The Crescent,
Phu My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6909
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an Argentinian
steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade
spicy sausage, skewers,
burger dishes and everything that can come off a
grill.
HOANG YEN
PAN-VIETNAMESE
The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat
Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 2210 2304
MING DYNASTY
NATHALIES
THAI / VIETNAMESE
S9 Hung Vuong 3, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 0822
nathaliesrestaurant.com
PAN-ITALIAN
The Crescent, Phu My Hung,
Q7, Tel: (08) 5412 4848
INTERNATIONAL
15-17 Cao Trieu Phat, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: 0948
901465
bizuhotel.com/main/pages/
scottbinhs.php
Serving creative, all homemade comfort food, this
restaurant boasts a full bar,
ice-cold beer and an international wine list to complement meals. Has a focus
on the creative use of local
ingredients.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
13C Phong Phu Commune,
Binh Chanh, Tel: (08) 5412
3456
cis.edu.vn
The first Canadian international school in Vietnam
serves local and foreign
students from Kindergarten
to grade 12. Talented, certified teachers implement the
internationally recognised
Ontario curriculum to create a student-centred learning environment promoting
academic excellence.
FV HOSPITAL
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
6 Nguyen Luong Bang, Saigon South Parkway, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5411 3333
Emergency: (08) 5411 3500
fvhospital.com
International hospital
whose standard of health
care matches that found
anywhere, with 19 fulltime
French doctors and 58 Vietnamese doctors, providing
expertise in 30 medical and
surgical areas, especially
maternity care.
RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL SAIGON
EASTERN MEDICINE
432 Pham Thai Buong, Q7,
Tel: 0906 684 969
HCMC
STUDENT EYE
DIGITAL MEMORY
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bao gm b phim The Visitors.
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Trung Tm Chiu Phim Quc Gia, 87 Lng H,
Ba nh, H Ni. bit thm chi tit v lch
trnh chiu, xin vui lng gh trang web goethe.de
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Cu Vt Hai Cuc i
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hot ng, mi tri tim u c h cha tr vi tt c nhit huyt.
Vit bi Margaret Smith. nh bi Francis Xavier
c d kh nh so vi tui ca mnh,
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TIN NGN
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Attimi:
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HANOI
Dognapped!
Whether its talked about in international newspapers or in hushed tones
down the street, the illegal dog trade is a problem. With Katie Jacobs joining the
ranks of Hanoi dog owners, she finds her struggling with the same questions
The Stories
When I first announced I had adopted a
puppy, my family in Australia made all the
usual crass jokes about her being stolen
for dog meat. I rolled my eyes, how clich.
But I soon came to realise that, although
Marmalade is not the type of dog to be
stolen for meat, their jokes had more
substance that I imagined.
The majority of dognapping still
occurs for sale to dog restaurants, says
Marilyn Drinkwater, vice-president of
Friends of Happy Pet Clinic, an animalawareness organisation in Hanoi. But as
the popularity of pedigree breeds grows,
the frequency of stealing dogs for ransom is
becoming increasingly common. They are
usually people who are desperate for money
and these expensive dogs are easy cash.
There is no data on dognapping
frequency in Hanoi, but ask any dog owner,
particularly one living in the Tay Ho area,
and they will have a plethora of stories
that have either happened to them or
someone they know. None of these are more
notorious than the case of Hisui Kobayashi
and her Siberian Husky Kuma.
Kuma went missing while on a walk
one evening in April. Hisui lost sight of
her for a few minutes and when she called
out to Kuma, the dog didnt return. After
searching frantically well into the night,
The Fear
I try not to let anyone I dont trust know
about my dogs, says a Tay Ho resident
who prefers to remain anonymous for fear
The Solution
On a recent trip to the park with
Marmalade, I watched as she played with
the other purebred puppies Huskies,
Labradors, Australian sheep-dogs. Feeling
a little more worried about her I looked
around at the other dog owners and realised
that they too were watching their dogs
closely.
I dont really know what the solution
is, says Hisui, but I recommend that dog
owners keep a very close eye on their pets.
Drinkwater agrees. You can think you have
the situation under control but the dognappers are so fast that you turn your back
for one second and the dog can be gone.
Bigfoot
The Passport
During the war era, the journalist who
interviewed Ho Chi Minh the most was
Wilfred Burchett. Yet Burchett's connection
with Vietnam went further than his inthe-field reportage and his personal
relationship with Uncle Ho.
In 1955 his passport mysteriously
disappeared over lunch on a trip from
China to Hanoi. Already at odds with The
West due to his coverage of The Cold
War from 'the other side', the Australian
government refused to issue him new
papers.
North Vietnam came to the rescue.
Together with his family for a number of
years he travelled on papers issued by
the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
********************
I felt particularly guilty, because I had
insisted, against the advice of those responsible
for my security, that we deviate from the
established itinerary. There was an amazing
story I wanted to check and we were heading
for the place where we could find the only
people who could shed light on it, if we were
able to meet them. My request was eventually
met. And here we were! I had put a whole
group of guerrillas, each of whom was
prepared to give their life to save mine, in an
impossible situation.
In normal circumstances, we would have
never had engaged an enemy patrol, because
every territory we had to cross was cleared
thanks to a very effective reconnaissance
network. It was no doubt that patrol that had
alerted the helicopters. And they were now on
the edge of the jungle; hovering just above the
treetops. Thanh handed me his carbine. We
had trained together to defend ourselves
against tigers, we were told and he knew I
was a better shot than him.
After the customary greetings, I asked if
Special Thanks
A big thanks to George Burchett for
allowing Word to republish both the writting
and photos of his father, Wilfred Burchett
NATIONAL
By Numbers
Vietnam has a coastline of 3,260km, double
the north-to-south distance of the country.
390 rivers flow in between. According to the
Department of Labour, Invalids and Social
Affairs, there are more than 3,600 cases of
drowning every year in Vietnam the
highest rate in the region. Some estimates
suggest the real figures could be twice
or even triple the size. According to the
Alliance for Safe Children, 13,000 children
die each year from drowning thats 35
children per day.
Even with such geography and statistics,
swimming isnt considered a vital part of
the curriculum in Vietnam. In school, its
offered as an optional subject in high school
physical education.
And worst of all, people arent
concerned. Like the parents who watched
me flail, most Vietnamese dont take
swimming seriously.
Bend your knees, extend your legs and
close them together! the coach yelled.
He was teaching the breaststroke, and it
seemed easier to practise it on the ground
than in the water.
While my legs were still shaking, I
figured out why these adults didnt want
to take a swimming course. They gave me
many reasons, from being busy with life to
hydrophobia, from an aversion to getting
Changing Course
I am not addicted to swimming, but I have
a daily routine now. And my coach does,
too three sessions in the morning and
two sessions after 5pm every day, with
more than 20 students attending each one.
For me, though, its just mornings. People
might not attach importance to their lives,
but the risk of their children drowning
matters to them.
Thanks to the government and local
swimming advocacy organisations, this
awareness is growing wings. With the
support of the World Medical Association,
the Department of Labour, Invalids and
Social Affairs has developed a project
that started in 2012 and extends to 2015,
aiming to reduce the annual drowning
rate by 25 percent compared with 2010.
There will be free swimming lessons
sponsored by government and local
organisations, currently in pilot runs in
Can Tho, Danang, Hai Phong, Hanoi and
Ho Chi Minh City.
There are also NGOs such as Water
Safety Vietnam who are helping children
learn to swim. Since 2012 they have taught
over 1,000 kids to swim as well as over
300 adults. They have also recruited and
trained local swimming coaches.
As Donald Miller, a best-selling
American author, once wrote, Fear is a
manipulative emotion that can trick us into
living a boring life.
Swimming is a new Barbie that I, a little
girl, found in an intimidating-looking
toy box. The fear hasnt disappeared, but
instead its been transformed into a respect
for the water and now that I can do it, I
dont hate swimming anymore.
NATIONAL
Always Keep
Ice in Your
Beer
Bring Money
There will be a box near the entrance for
storing the envelopes of money brought by
guests. Even if youve never met the bride
or groom, the envelope with your name
Water It Down
Heres your mantra: 75 percent ice, 25
percent beer, and only drink the rice wine if
you cant get out of it without looking like
a wuss. Your beer should be the colour of a
well-hydrated marathon runners urine. If
you notice your chunk of ice dissolving, grab
the tongs and get another one in your glass
swiftly. If you ignore this advice you will
probably be in sorry condition by hour three.
Be Adventurous
Try all the food provided. At countryside
weddings, especially, you might be asked
to try some unfamiliar things congealed
ducks blood, frog, pig fat, guts. It doesnt
really matter, because you should eat
Bring a Friend
Especially if its a huge blowout wedding
(you can tell by the invitation if it has
gold leaf on it, it qualifies). Its probably
even cool to bring a friend or two its not
like theres not going to be enough food or
drink. You might want to notify the hosts in
advance, though.
Not that going by yourself is a bad idea
if you fly solo, you might actually end up
having a better time because wedding guests
are super friendly, but you run the risk of
flying too close to the sun with the rice wine.
Remember, if its a small countryside-type
wedding, youll probably be the only foreigner
in the room, so literally everybody and their
uncle will want to meet you and offer you a
drink. This is where the danger comes in.
Socialise
If you only sit at your table and talk with
your friends, people will think youre a snob.
Even if you dont speak Vietnamese, hang
out with the grannies a little bit and let the
host show you off to their relatives. Practise
English with the kids a little bit. Youll
come off as a friendly and polite cultural
ambassador, and meet some cool people
in the bargain. Remember to thoroughly
ice your beer before you begin to make the
rounds.
As an accomplished swimmer Im
My sleeping habits
are great for preventing melanoma! When I made my
trip home to California last
July, my father was shocked
to see how pale I was. It was
like he saw a ghost. Its the
occupational hazard