Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Vietnam Edition
january 2014
The Islands
Nh Xut Bn Lao ng
contents
wordvietnam.com
january 2014
052
080
088
THE TALK
INSIDER
McDonalds takes no
prisoners
ARTS
080 / Art & The City
Professional styling
with both Vietnamese
and overseas stylists
Spa treatment,
massage, facials,
hair wash, sauna,
VIP room for couples
Now with a third,
exclusive outlet
on B2, Vincom A
(Eden Mall).
We only have 3 Salons and Spas
45 Ton That Thiep, Q1
40 Ton That Thiep, Q1
Union Square B2 - 01B, Vincom A,
116 Nguyen Hue, Q1
Tel: (848.8) 3936 9195
Fax: (848.8) 3823 9974
jasminvn@jasminespa.vn
http://jasminespa.vn/
contents
114
174
126 / Overscene
TRAVEL
114 / Beautiful Bays and
Haunted Hotels
144 / Overscene
118
HANOI
036 / Calendar
FASHION
In a moment of melancholy,
Tadiotos Nguyen Qui Duc
laments on life
Contributors
This month we asked Word staff: What five
albums would you bring with you to a desert
island, to listen to foreva eva?
Karen Hewell
Online Editor
Sia, We Are Born
Agnes Obel, Aventine
Phantogram, Eyelid Movies
Matt and Kim, Grand
Tegan and Sara, The Con
Mads Monsen
Creative Director
Ryksopp, Running to the Sea
Ludovico Einaudi, In a Time Lapse
Mahakala Prayer
Om Tare Tuttare Ture Soha, Tara Mantra
Ani Choying Drolma, Namo Ratna Traya
Francis Xavier
Staff Reporter
My Bloody Valentine, Loveless
Darkside, Psychic
Radiohead, The Bends
Soft Powers, Bad Pop
The Cure, Disintegration
The editorial and design of WORD is carried out by Duong Huynh Advertising JSC
EDITORIAL
nick ross
Chief Editor
editor@wordvietnam.com
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Deputy Editor
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Creative Director
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Features Editor
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Photo Editor
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Staff Editor
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Staff Photographer (Hanoi)
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Online Content Manager
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Staff Photographer
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Website & Graphic Designer
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Staff Reporter
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Layout Designer
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Staff Editor
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Listings Editor
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ADMINISTRATION
Yves Schiepek
Photo Editor
Andy Bey, Experience and Judgment
Lizz Wright, Salt
Brian Blade Fellowship, Perceptual
Sara Tavares, Mi Ma Bo
Keith Jarrett, The Melody at Night, With You
Ed Weinberg
Deputy Editor
Bob Dylan, Nashville Skyline
Bud Powell, Jazz Giant
Sam Cooke, Live at the Harlem
Square Club, 1963
WU LYF, Go Tell Fire to the Mountain
Eleanor Friedberger, Last Summer
Elisabeth Rosen
Staff Editor
I'd just bring my entire iPhone
#21stcentury
Nick Ross
Bao ross
General Director
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trang le
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(desert island themed songs)
Pink Floyd, Wish You Were Here
U2, Running to Stand Still
Roy Ayers, Everybody Loves the Sunshine
De La Soul, Me, Myself and I
Massive Attack, Hymn of the Big Wheel
Tt c hnh nh v ni dung
trong n phm ny thuc bn
quyn ca n phm Word ca
C.Ty CP TMDVQCTruyn Thng
Dng Hunh. Mi s sao chp
khng c php s b xem l
vi phm lut S Hu Tr Tu hin
hnh ca nh nc Cng Ha X
Hi Ch Ngha Vit Nam.
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6 | Word January 2014
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Indulge yourself in the Fabulous Lunar New Year Spread as Shang Palace Restaurant offers a mix of modern
creations in traditional festive dishes, ranging from the must-have delicacy Yu Sheng with Wealthy
Salmon, Jelly Fish and Vegetables, the Prosperous Big Bowl Feast with premium abalone, oysters, sea
cucumber, roast duck, to the traditional Lunar New Year Cured Meat and our Special Dual Fish Glutinous
Rice Cake that bring you abundance of luck in the coming year.
Dont forget to enjoy the famous Lion Dance at 12:00 noon on the 1st day of the Lunar New Year and begin
a Wealthy year ahead at Shang Palace Restaurant.
Shang Palace Chinese Restaurant
1st Floor, 17-19-21 Ly Tu Trong St., Dist. 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Tel: (84 8) 3823 2221 - (84 8) 3822 6111 Ext: 164 - Fax: (84) 3822 6116
Email: reservation@shangpalace.com.vn - Website: www.shangpalace.com.vn
The prelude
hen Desert
Island Discs
first hit
the British
airwaves in 1942, it
created a timeless format
that tapped into the
fantasies and exoticism
many in the west
associate with tropical,
blue sky, blue sea, white
sand beach islands. In
a country where the
weather is, well, pretty
atrocious, castaways
were asked to choose
eight pieces of music, a
book and a luxury item
to take to an imaginary
desert island where they
would be marooned
indefinitely.
That the radio
land surrounded by a
body of water, whether
mountainous or flat,
desert or jungle, built
up with concrete or
sparsely covered in huts
continues to excite the
human mind. However,
weve focused on rocky
reality rather than the
concept of paradise
after all, few islands out
there remain untouched
by the hand of man.
From Phu Quoc and
its partner, undeveloped
archipelago Nam Du,
to the other side of
Halong Bay, the islands
around the island of
Singapore, the islands
in the swamps, urban
island living and even
rebuilding an island,
weve tried to cover
every type of island out
there, at least in this
part of the world. But
the centrepiece has to
be our story of games
programmer Curtis
Norris, who went in
search of his very own
desert island. It was a
journey that led him to
an uninhabited tract of
land in Halong Bay and
six months isolated from
the outside world.
Not everyone can find
their own desert island
at least not physically
but they can certainly
create an image of it
within their mind.
Nick Ross
VIETNAM EDITION
JANUARY 2014
The Islands
NH XUT BN LAO NG
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.
54 Colours
What a lovely article you wrote about
Sebastien Lavals show at the museum
(December 2013, p. 94). He was so happy
about that and me, too. I want to thank
you for all the great work you are doing
with your magazine. SL
Nightlife
Phuc Tan and New Century
I like your story on nightlife (December 2013, The
Nightlife Issue), but your Hanoi timeline missed out
two important places. The first is Phuc Tan. It may
be a dive, but for years it has often been the only
place open late. Its also perhaps the only bar to
change names Phuc Tan, Barracuda, Lighthouse
and then go back to its original name. You also
missed New Century, that huge nightclub which
was shut down in 2007. It had a huge impact in the
development of nightclubs in Hanoi. JC
VIETNAM EDITION
DECEMBER 2013
night
life
Lindas
You missed out two places that without them,
wouldnt have made nightlife into what it is today.
Pacharan on Hai Ba Trung is on the spot
formerly occupied by Monkey bar and prior to that
Lindas Bar, which opened in 1992 with Rod from
England and his Vietnamese wife Linda. The bar
was one small ground floor room on the corner with a behind-the-curtain, hole-in-the-floor
toilet with a wall tap where the glasses were washed. Lindas 2 opened in Vung Tau in 1993
in the alleyway at the side of the Palace Hotel.
Lindas 2 in Vung Tau was managed by a Kiwi guy called Andy and his room
(accommodation) was between the bar and toilet. Painted on the wall of his room was
something on the lines of Andys place, keep out. It was an all day bar. They were strange
times. CE
NH XUT BN LAO NG
Design
Your magazine is both vital and enjoyable, but from the perspective of a design teacher, the
design is all over the place. The photographys excellent, but you really dont do it justice. Who is
doing your layout? I think you need to have a chat with them. DG
The talk
Walk n Ride
1.
3.
2.
Detroit House
Relocates to Saigon
Saigon Comedy
Nights Returns
4.
5.
The Me Linh Drums
Based on the lives of the legendary first queens
of Vietnam, the Trung sisters, whose inspiring
bravery has so affected the history of this
country 2,000 years ago, The Me Linh Drums
is a classic of cai luong Vietnamese opera
coming to Idecaf Theatre on Jan. 7. Performing
the piece alongside others is Thanh Sang, the
most famous cai luong singer living today, a
legend since the 1960s. He hasnt appeared on
brief ings
Conquering
the Bridge
brief ings
Burger Games
McDonalds is coming. Time to shake up the burger market
Squaring Up
From the rumours, it looks like McDonalds
brief ings
A Landmark Exhibition
This exhibition is possibly the first
in Vietnam that shows the type of
interdisciplinary research that is making
waves in intellectual circles. At some point
in the second half of the 20th century, the
modernist admiration for the instinctual
genius of the artist gave way to a trend for
intelligent artworks that demonstrated the
artists ability to articulate theories and
illustrate concepts.
Saigon resident Tiffany Chungs
brainpower seems to be switched onto
hyperactive all the time. Tiffany speaks with
energy and sharp insight. Her research is a
solid backup for her unapologetic opinions.
For a long time, she has been a good
Tiffany Chung
friend of Erik Harms, assistant professor
of anthropology at Yale. In the Dong Khoi
space, the collaboration between the artist
and the anthropologist is presented linearly.
Excerpts from Erik Harms next book
are glossy art objects. Selected passages
of colonialist propaganda and historical
descriptions of Saigon are also readable
art. But the research is not just text, it is
drawn into the maps and crafted into the
sculptures.
The drawings on vellum paper, velvety
and translucent, are based on historical maps
or futuristic maps projecting urban plans
of areas yet to be built. The gleeful layers
of the drawing, minute doodley patterns in
pretty colours, deceive us into thinking they
are imaginative fabrications. Their hidden
research tells other stories.
The maps a trademark of her art
practice critique the political decisions
that shape borders, lead to wars, construct
artificial communities or displace people.
The six map drawings in this show are
specifically about areas in southern Vietnam,
mostly referencing the forced evictions of
people who lived on land slated to be turned
into a fancy financial district. The threechannel video art also comments on that
issue.
Art as Prophecy
The gem of the exhibition is the hanging
installation, Stored in a jar: monsoon, drowning
fish, color of water, and the floating world. The
piece was commissioned by the Singapore
brief ings
Speed Texting
A man believed to be a Saudi local was
recently caught on video sitting on the hood
of a speeding car along a Saudi Arabian
freeway.
The video shows him wearing Saudis
national costume the thawb and the
Only in Asia
Stories from around the region
Tower Infinity
Facebook Street
Vietnam has officially become the first
country to have a street named after
Facebook.
Called Duong Facebook, the road in the
north-central region of Ha Tinh has been
named after the Social Media website thanks
to the charitable work of the Facebook group
Khan quang do TP Ho Chi Minh the Ho
Chi Minh City Red Scarf.
In response to the flooding in Ha Tinh in
October earlier this year, the group visited
three of the most affected areas the rural
districts of Huong Khe, Huong Son and
Vu Quang. However, so touched were the
group by the poverty they encountered in
the village of Yen Hoi in Vu Quang, that they
ran an additional campaign to raise VND30
million to build a road for the people of
Hamlet 7, who were otherwise cut off from
civilisation.
The road will create easier transport access
for the villagers, who live a life of extreme
rural poverty.
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Managed by Norfolk Group
brief ings
The Buffalo
is Back
After an electrical fire knocked out
its lights a few months ago, one
of the most photographed and
iconic symbols of modern Saigon
has returned to light up the streets
of The Pham. Yes, you got it
in one. That enormous Crazy
Buffalo sign is back, and with a
vengeance, too.
Overlooking the intersection
of Bui Vien and De Tham, it will
make you forget all the talk about
McDonald's. The buffalo sign is
the real deal.
brief ings
ll over the
world, academic
conferences
are held yearly
on topics ranging from
nanotechnology to supply chain finance
and the oral literatures of Africa. Hordes
of lecturers and a handful of industry
professionals flock to them to discuss their
investigations on some minute detail of
their speciality.
Some years ago, Dr. Phan Le Ha, a
Vietnamese lecturer based at Australias
Monash University, wanted a platform for
a broadminded discussion on her home
country. As people who follow a dream
sometimes do, she set about making it
happen organising a conference on
all things Vietnam thats now five years
running. From Melbourne, to Hanoi, to
Hawaii, Engaging With Vietnam has brought
together scholars from all sorts of fields
together to discuss the future, past and
endlessly-curious present of the country.
This past month, the 5th Engaging With
Vietnam conference addressed the theme
The Multiple Ways of Knowing Vietnam.
The event was held in Thai Nguyen
University, two hours north of Hanoi.
Caravelle
caravellehotel.com
In honour of the moon revolving around
the earth, Nineteen will make your
tongue revolve around your mouth with
its full-course Tet feast, every evening
from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. Indulge in an
array of time-honoured Tet delicacies:
ocean-fresh fish and seafood, imported
meats grilled and barbecued to perfection
and a warm oyster pass around. The
East-meets-West spread will feature
mouthwatering local dishes such as beef
in la lot leaves and banh xeo alongside
international classics, such as red
wine-poached beef tenderloin, saffronmarinated chicken and Chinese steamed
whole fish.
InterContinental
intercontinental.com/saigon
The InterCon is covering all aspects of
the Tet experience this year, starting
with the luckiest ones. At 10am on Jan.
31, a local dance troupe will gather in
the hotels lobby, dressed as lions, and
shake their tails to bring you a prosperous
2014. And if you stick around, your luck
will only multiply with the prosperity
toss of the Yee-Sang Salad, a ritual salad
tossing that symbolises ushering in
prosperity and abundance for the coming
New Year from VND250,000 for two
people at Yu Chu. At Market 39, things
Mvenpick
moevenpick-saigon.com
You have more loved ones than you
know what to do with, and you wont
have time to break banh with all of
them. Mvenpicks got you sorted
this Tet, with lucky cakes and Tet
hampers communicating your love and
appreciation through a variety of red
velvet, passion fruit, tiramisu, lychee
and green tea pastries, and some of
the most prized gourmet products a
hamper-opener can receive. Lucky cakes
are available now through February, Tet
hampers are available now through Feb. 7
at Cay Da Caf.
Shang Palace
shangpalace.com.vn
Shang Palace is giving into its royal whims
this Tet, with one of the most sumptuous
spreads youll find in the city with
must-have delicacy Yusheng, containing
wealthy salmon, jelly fish, eye-catching
vegetables and sauces that represent your
luck and abundance in the coming year; a
prosperous big bowl feast with premium
ingredients such as abalone, oyster, sea
Sheraton
sheratonsaigon.com
All through January, Mojo Caf is
welcoming Tet with a special Asian
delicacy menu, featuring Chinese roasted
duck sandwiches, grilled fish with chilli
and lemongrass, prawn and mushroom
noodle soups, every day from 11am
till late. From Jan. 15 to Jan. 31, Li Bai
Chinese restaurant really anticipates Tet
with a traditional New Year Yee Sang with
salmon, wok-fried baby lobster with chilli
sauce and deep-fried cod fish with special
sauce. Not only will luck be on your side
leading up to Tet, but also a full belly.
VinSpace Garage
vin-space.com
VinSpace doesnt have food for you this
Tet, but they are hosting a special Tet
calligraphy workshop to help you wish
your eventual benefactors Phuc Good
Fortune, Loc Prosperity and Tho
Longevity. Join them on Jan. 18, 10am to
noon with your kids, or come by 2pm to
4pm that same day for the adult session.
Vietnamese Fruit
Fruit is abundant in Vietnam, coming
in many forms and varieties. And for
Vietnamese people from the various
regions and provinces of this country,
fruit brings with it a series of sensory
emotions smells, tastes and memories
visions of childhood, reminiscences of
the countryside, feelings about home and
the past.
Such evocative images and memories
are captured in the collection of essays,
Vietnamese Fruit and Other Stories, by author
Cao Thi Lan Phuong. Costing VND286,000
Residents Corner
San Art started its fourth
six-month art residency last
month, while Saigon Outcast
is embarking on its second.
San Art gives its residents six
months and VND21 million
towards a session-ending
group exhibition, Outcasts is
a bit more free-form Very
similar to couchsurfing, but for
artists. They also have plans
for an end-of-residency art
exhibition.
Here we break down the
players, and what theyre
doing with their free time.
83%
of our
clients
saved
Dance Parties
Electric Kicks
Everyones favourite
DIY indie electro sleazy
discopunk dance party
comes back to Broma
Jan. 17, with the O
Dau-representing indie
attack of DJ BLX ATTK
leading the pack. Indie
fun in all its forms will be
represented, with EADJ
mainstays Superkid and
Starchild filling in the
gaps.
Jan. 17 at Broma, 41
Nguyen Hue, Q1. The
sleaze kicks up at 9pm,
VND50,000 entry
Shimmy Shimmy
Coco Pop
You might not have the
stamina you used to have
in the 1960s, but you can
still shuffle to the good
old American rock n
roll and Motown you get
with Shimmy Shimmy Coco
Pop. This month, EADJ
friend and collaborator
DJ Stickbug takes a
break from his 1950s and
1960s rockabilly-rocking
frontman duties in the 67s,
and lays down the Motown
alongside Superkid, who
will be dropping the good
time jams.
Jan. 24 at La Fenetre
Soleil, 44 Ly Tu Trong, Q1.
The get down starts at 9pm,
VND50,000 entry
Funky Technicians
Its not Vegas unless you have
a house band. And now, The
Grand-Ho Tram Strip has one
that would fit in any nightclub
in Las Vegas the irrepressible
HB Wild, led by bass-playing
dynamo Henri Brown, cousin
of Jimi Hendrix and son of
Music Hall of Fame inductee
Eleanor Collins. The six-person
ensemble busting out the funky
licks alongside him hails from
money on
their
health
insurance.
How much
can you
save?
Call Anna on
0909 379 256
Email us: anna@
insuranceinvietnam.com
free
advice
Local Legends
Saffron
Theres a newcomer to the Mediterranean
scene in Saigon, and its brushed past
North Africa, the Middle East, Greece,
Italy, Spain and southern France on the
way. Sister to fellow Tony Fox-owned
restos Ciao Bella and Phat Phuc, Saffron
brings the same quality and panache to
enrolments@aisvietnam.com | www.aisvietnam.com
Hcmc
january 2014
venus in vietnam
Calligraphy Workshop
01 wednesday
02 thursday
13 Monday
14 Tuesday
Saigon Comedy Nights. 8pm @ Cargo Bar. See Big5
03 friday
15 Wednesday
04 saturday
16 Thursday
05 sunday
06 monday
07 tuesday
The Me Linh Drums performs. 8pm @ IDECAF. See Big5
08 wednesday
Culinary Class with Michelin-star Chef Christopher
Coutanceau. 2pm @ Reflections Restaurant, Caravelle Hotel. See
Whats On
09 thursday
10 friday
Last day to apply for ChopShots - Documentary Film Festival
Southeast Asia. Visit goethe.de for more info
Venus in Vietnam exhibition opening. 6pm @ Museum of Fine Arts
HCMC
11 saturday
17 Friday
Electric Kicks. 9pm @ Broma
18 Saturday
12 sunday
19 Sunday
Lion Dance
Jan. 31 InterContinental
20 Monday
27 Monday
21 Tuesday
Encounter Lecture with Thannes Wongyannava - Part 2. @
Hoa Sen University. See Whats On
Michle Kaye jazz performance. From 21 Jan. to Apr. 14 @ the
Lounge, Park Hyatt Saigon. See Whats On
22 Wednesday
Venus in Vietnam Exhibition. From Jan. 11 to 24 @ Museum of Fine
Arts HCMC
23 Thursday
Canvas & Wine: Paint like Paul Klee. 6.30pm @ VinSpace Art Sudio
(6 Le Van Mien, D2)
24 Friday
Last day of Right Fiction Exhibition. @ San Art (3 Me Linh, Binh
Thanh)
Tapas and Wine Pairing night. Every night in Jan. and Feb. @ Slate,
Moevenpick Hotel
28 Tuesday
29 Wednesday
Yee Sang dish for a lucky Tet. From Jan. 15 to 31 @ Li Bai, Sheraton
Saigon
30 Thursday
25
25 Saturday
saturday
26 Sunday
31 Friday
hanoi
what s on
BOOKWORMS TET MUSIC
SPECTACULAR
The guys at Bookworm are bringing some
cultural fare during the holiday time for
two nights only. First up is at Bookworm
Too on Jan. 25 in Nghi Tam Village from
1pm, while 24 hours later the same show is
at the Chau Long store, also from 1pm.
The melting pot features live traditional
Vietnamese orchestra, a traditional fortune
teller (with a translator available), Tet
calligraphy, the printing of lunar zodiac
animals, giving guests the chance to
make banh chung Tet cake, to he sticky rice
sculptures for kids, traditional rice wine
tasting and lastly free hot mulled Tet wine.
Ethnic Cham raku fired clay zodiac
animals, traditional and modern Tet toys
and some crazy book bargains are also in
store for guests.
Bookworm is located in Hanoi Cooking
Centre, 44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh. Bookworm Too
is at Lane 1/28 Au Co, Lang Nghi Tam, Tay Ho
CAMA SKANKS IT UP
Skank the Tank Reggae Soundsystems
monthly reggae night comes to its band
of followers on Jan. 3 at CAMA ATK.
Selectors Slo-Lo and Selecta Elpee will be
joined by a powerful selection of kick-ass
rum-heavy cocktails from 8pm to 11pm.
Entry is free. CAMA ATK is located at
73 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung. For more
info check out facebook.com/stt.soundsystem,
facebook.com/SubElements or, cama-atk.com
ECO
CHIC
hanoi
what s on
hanoi
Just In
Nan n Kebab
Serving up Pakistani, Afghan, Turkish and
Middle Eastern cuisine, Nan n Kebab has
opened up next to the Syrena Centre on
Xuan Dieu, on the site formerly occupied
by pho ga joint, Ba Chi Em.
With a refit in tow, a lunchtime menu
with dishes from a canteen stand is backed
up by more extensive fare at night. A large
range of kebabs and BBQ specials are
on offer, as are biryanis, masala dishes,
vegetarian curries and some of the best nan
you will taste in the capital. Try the Kandari
and Roghani nan for something a little
more unusual. All the cuisine is Halal.
Nan n Kebab is at 49 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
Just Out
After rumours, talk, speculation and
more rumours, the controversy that has
engulfed Zone 9 has finally come to the
fore. According to reports from venue
owners and the media-at-large, the entire
area will be shut down on Jan. 15.
This is the second time that Zone 9
has been officially closed. So, make sure
you give it all your support over the next
couple of weeks.
Zone 9 is at 9 Tran Thanh Tong, Hai Ba Trung
hanoi
january 2014
The Dude is Back
01 wednesday
02 thursday
The Journey of Life. by Nguyen The Thien @ Chula. Runs until Feb. 20
Jan. 17 Madake
13 Monday
14 Tuesday
03 friday
Screening of Radio Stars. @ LEspace, 8pm
Skank the Tank. Reggae Soundsystem @ Cama ATK, 8pm to 11pm
Friday night on the Terrace. @ The Press Club
04 saturday
05 sunday
06 monday
Opening of The Broken Chapters by Nguyen Tram Nam. @
Manzi, 6pm. Runs until Jan. 25
Galette des Rois or Twelth Night Cake night. @ Millenium, Cafe
Des Arts
15 Wednesday
16 Thursday
Right or Wrong? Talk show with Giang Dang. @ Manzi, 7.30pm
17 Friday
07 tuesday
08 wednesday
09 thursday
10 friday
Live Jazz. @Millenium, Cafe Des Arts, 6pm
11 saturday
18 Saturday
12 sunday
36 | Word January 2014
19 Sunday
Jan. 25 + 26 Bookworm
20 Monday
Tet Buffet. @ Sheraton Hotel. Runs until 9 Feb.
21 Tuesday
22 Wednesday
27 Monday
28 Tuesday
29 Wednesday
23 Thursday
30 Thursday
24 Friday
Heems (Das Racist) & Despot. @ Cama ATK, 8pm to 12pm
25
25Saturday
saturday
Tet Eve. Lights and celebrations around the capital for welcoming in
The Year of the Horse
Vietnamese New Year Experience. @ Novotel Ha Long, 6.30 pm to
9.30pm
31 Friday
26 Sunday
The Bookworm and Hanoi Cooking Centres annual Tet
Festival. @ 44 Chau Long, 1pm
in the papers
The Best of the VietnameSe Press
HOANG SA ARCHIPELAGO
(VIETNAM)
TRUONG SA ARCHIPELAGO
(VIETNAM)
in the papers
Ford Vietnam rolls out New
Fiesta in Hai Duong
Ford Vietnam unveiled the small car New
Fiesta equipped with an award-winning
1.0L EcoBoost engine at its manufacturing
facility in Hai Duong Province.
The New Fiesta, a diamond white fourdoor sedan and five-door hatchback, will
deliver fuel efficiency, contributing to the
reduction of CO2, led by Fords patented
new 1.0L EcoBoost engine. It also offers
Ford Sync, Smart Keyless Entry and Ford
Power Start button.
The New Fiesta is now available in the
local market with prices at VND659 million
for 1.0L Fox Sport AT 5 doors, VND549
million for Fiesta Trend 1.5L MT 4 doors,
VND579 million for Fiesta Trend 1.5L AT 5
doors and VND612 million for 1.5 L Sport
AT 5 doors and Titanium AT 4 doors.
Insider
The Province In-Between 042 / The islands 052 / arts of the city 080 / The Future
of Vietnamese Dance 084 / The Caffeine Contests 088 / vegetarian hanoi 096 /
beer club evolution 100 / mystery diner hanoi 104 / stReet snacker hanoi 105 /
street snacker hcmc 106 / tusks & Dust 108
Photo by nick ross
The Province
In-Between
A
World
Away
Nui Chua National Park
is a new ecotourism
destination in Vietnam.
One luxurious getaway,
Amanoi, has recently
made its home on the edge
of the parks rolling hills,
bringing with it something
unexpected and new
Silence is Golden
An hour later while I am sitting down
for dinner in the restaurant with a stunning,
unobstructed view of the bay cliffs
everyone seems keenly aware of the silence.
The staff speaks in hushed voices, and the
room deliberately void of music makes even
my whispering feel like shouting. I can hear
the clink of the spoon when I stir my coffee,
and the tables are so widely spaced that even
conversations between other guests dissolve
into the breeze.
The silence encompasses every element of
Amanoi. Down to the electric carts buzzing
at an almost inaudible level and the open-air
buildings that are seemingly without echo,
the serenity of the natural scenery seems
like it informed every detail of the design.
The effect is an experience so harmonious
with the environment that, even when
curled up under the 800-thread-count cotton
sheets, it feels oddly like camping. The
Unsullied Simplicity
Most of the boats that are leashed to the
docks are fishing vessels, but a few newer
ones are glass-bottom touring boats that
float over the bays coral reefs. Its one of
the ecological features of Vinh Hy Bay that
draws in increasing numbers of visitors.
Since the tiny village is only a few minutes
drive from a handful of newly completed
luxury resorts and is just off the Nui Chua
coastal road, the sleepy little town is
becoming a stop on the ever-growing Ninh
Thuan tourist trail.
Regardless, the community remains calm
and undeterred. The fishermen still rise as
the sun falls and set sail under the cover of
night. The little shops sell no souvenirs
only chewing gum and soda along with the
odd facemask or magazine. Even with the
recent upturn in tourism in Vinh Hy Bay, the
fishermen in the village lead simple lives.
Perhaps, in the coming years, it will lose its
uncomplicated charm. For now, though, Vinh
Hy Bays little fishing village is as placid and
alluring as the bay water itself.
Culture as Artefact
Since Phan Rang is hardly a stop on the
tourist trail, the only souvenirs you are likely
Monuments of History
Kate Festival
The Kate Festival, most commonly held
in late October to early November, takes
place annually throughout Ninh Thuan.
Thousands of ethnic Cham and Raglai
people considered the youngest
relatives of the ancient Cham kingdom
descend upon the countrys Cham
Temples to celebrate and commemorate
An Ageless City
Phan Rang may not be a marvel of
modernity and development, but it doesnt
have to be. Still unmarred by the fervent
industrialisation that has stripped so many
cities of their identity, Phan Rang manages
to preserve the monuments and livelihoods
that speak of its ancient past. With the citys
unabashed embrace of diversity, visitors to
Phan Rang can still experience a palpable
history that lingers in the ancient bricks of
the Cham temples and the dexterous hands
of craftspeople. For now, the city of Phan
Rang offers a glimpse into the colourful
past of this country a characteristic that is
disappearing with each passing year. Who
knows for how long Phan Rang will hold on
to its simple, untainted charm.
Preserving a History
While the Cham temples remain a
steadfast monument to Cham culture
throughout Ninh Thuan, Cham culture,
language and customs are slowly being
swept away. One group of researchers
and activists, led by university lecturer
and ethnic Cham Truong Van Mon, are
working to preserve Cham culture through
the education of customs, handicrafts
and the Cham language throughout
Vietnam. To find more information on their
upcoming projects and ways to support
the organisation, visit chamunesco.com.
Destination
Ninh Thuan
Nui Chua National Park
and Vinh Hy Bay
Ninh Hai
Regular buses and coaches run from
Phan Rang to Nui Chua National Park,
which encompasses a wide, mountainous
promontory with a semi-arid climate,
lending to its desert-like foliage alongside
forest trees. Some sections of coastline are
sites for sea turtle breeding, and the marine
park just off-shore is home to beautifully
intact coral reefs.
Amanoi Resort
Vinh Hy Bay, Ninh Hai
amanresorts.com/amanoi/resort
A contemporary beachside resort spa named
for the Sanskrit-derived word for peace
and the Vietnamese word noi meaning
place, Amanoi is situated on a white-sand
beach overlooking spectacular Vinh Hy Bay.
Panoramic views mixed with the aesthetics
of locally-inspired luxury make this one of
the most unique and well-appointed resorts
in Vietnam. Even if youre not staying there,
the restaurant is a must-visit if you can brave
the bad roads.
Po Ro Me Temple
Hau Sanh, Ninh Phuoc
Like its cousin temple, the Po Ro Me Cham
Ca Na Beach
Ca Na, West of Highway 1A
Ca Na not only has the pristine beaches
that combine the beauty of white sand,
rocky cliffs and lush forests, but also the
promontories and natural geography benefit
from Ninh Thuans year-round mild and
cool weather. A few resorts line the coast,
and if you wake up early enough, you might
see local fisherman hauling in their morning
catch. Known for its seafood products
including nuoc mam (fish sauce).
When
Madonna
sang La Isla
Bonita meaning
the beautiful island
in Spanish she sang
of a place of her dreams, a place where
she longed to be. San Pedro isnt a real island,
but it didnt matter, the yearning was there.
Artists and bands of yesteryear Jethro Tull, Elton John, Dolly Parton, Barbara Streisand,
The Bee Gees, Blondie, Bob Marley, Tony Bennett, Jimmy Buffet, XTC and even Weezer
have all sung about islands, have all expressed that odd desire that human
beings have to be on a piece of land surrounded by a body of water. Its romantic,
exotic, endearing there is something about the geographical and
metaphysical nature of islands that drives the imagination.
Over the next few pages weve let our imagination go on overdrive. By boat, plane, bridge
and ferry weve reached islands in Vietnam, The Philippines and Singapore. In every
instance weve come back again. Although on the odd occasion or five, its been a close call.
The Islands
52 | Word January 2014
January
2014
Word
| 53
Photo
by Ed
Weinberg
Beyond
Phu Quoc
The south Vietnamese coast is home to more islands
than just Phu Quoc, Ed Weinberg discovers,
and a whole lot of water
The Fulcrum
Adventure!
Sunrise
Island Superstitions
Santorini
The Bay
le Sainte-Hlne
Information
Van Don Island is a fivehour drive from Hanoi.
The bridge to the island
is located at Cua Ong,
35km further on from
Halong Bay.
A number of ferry
operators run boats from
Cai Rong Port on Van
Don to Quan Lan and
Co To islands. They
leave twice a day, from
7am to 9am and after
lunch from 1pm to 3pm.
If you wish to go to Co
To or Quan Lan for the
day, you will need to get
the early ferry. Otherwise
you will have to stay
overnight.
Fantasy
Island
Games creator Curtis Norris spent six months isolated on an island
in northern Vietnam. But why? Derek Milroy finds out.
Photos by Nguyen Long Hung
Going Native
He knew, coming to
the north, he would be
facing four seasons
but on the island there
were a hundred
of emergencies. The island was part of an
island chain, connected by a small dyke road
enclosing a 10km lagoon.
At one end, he says, on a small
picturesque rock of an island, there was a
two-room structure that housed a variable
crew of men, numbering from two to 10 at
any given time, who maintained the dyke
gates, and the 36km of road connecting the
islands. This bunkhouse had solar power
for lighting at night and water piped into a
cistern from a creek on another island. Food
was cooked over a fire in an adjoining hut.
Chickens, geese, pigs and about 20 dogs
completed the population. Despite its rustic
quality, Curtis would refer to his visits to
the camp as going to the city. The crew
thought he was crazy but they welcomed
him with great generosity and care. For
his part, he feels that hes never met such
capable people in his life. They seemed to
Gorgona Island
Colombia
At Colombias Gorgona Island National
Park youll find a curious counterpoint to
Con Dao and Alcatraz a brutal former
penal colony, built in the model of Nazi
Since returning to the city, I live more simply and with more
contentment. I view the city not as madness, but as the same
burgeoning of life that I left on the island
Lamu
Kenya
The oldest continuously inhabited town
in Kenya, the cultural crossroads of Lamu
Island became home to Portugesee, Turks,
Omani, Germans and British after being
Information
G etting T here
C an T hanh T own
M onkey I sland
The Islands in
the Swamps
Teeming with wildlife and just 20km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the islands
that make up the mangrove swamps of Can Gio are home to a people who have
survived against the odds. Words and photos by Nick Ross
The Beach
Antillia
15th Century Maps
Everyone knows Atlantis, but how many
are familiar with Antillia? Originating in an
old Iberian legend, Antillia was reputed to
have first been populated by seven Christian
The Ferry
Nature
Life On An
Urban Island
Growing numbers of urban residents are moving to the islands not the islands
on the coast but those in the city. Derek Milroy and Hoa Le visit four urban islands.
Photos by Francis Xavier and Francis Roux
Ngu Xa Island
Diamond Island
Surtsey Island
Iceland
Before Nov. 14, 1963, the coordinates of
Surtsey Island would only have brought you
to more vast, blue ocean. But on a fateful
night one witnessed by the crew of a lone
Middle Warp
Palm Islands
Dubai
Why travel to a faraway island when you
can make one yourself? Although we cant
be sure if that is exactly what the creators
of Dubais Palm Islands were thinking, we
The Islands
Within
The Island
Sealand
Principality of Sealand sort of
While its perhaps a stretch to call it an
actual island it is, after all, entirely
concrete the residents of what used to be
the Maunsell Sea Fort 10km off the coast of
Alcatraz Island
San Francisco, USA
Sometimes referred to as The Rock not
to be confused with the professional wrestler
Alcatraz Island was home to the infamous
maximum security prison with which it
Rebuilding
an Island
A month after Typhoon Haiyan ripped apart
The Philippines, Bea Nguyen headed to a decimated
island with Young Pioneer Disaster Response to pick
up the pieces, and help build new ones. Words by
Ed Weinberg, photos supplied by YPDR
92 Percent Devastation
Arts
ART
Vu Kim Thu
A Human Side
If Thus reaction to Hanoi is to retreat into
the intricacies of line drawing and miniature
landscapes, Pham Ngoc Duongs is to show a
literal translation of what happens to people
exposed to relentless pressure. His paintings
Cold and Sleeping show figures deformed
by the oppression of modern life, cultural
change or a lack of basic human rights.
Duong says that Hanoi doesnt come into
account in the creation of his works. I dont
focus on Hanoi. For me, everywhere is the
same. Its just all names.
But sometimes Hanoi does make me feel
uncomfortable. My exhibition People in the
City discusses the negatives [of] globalisation
and social issues. But my human beings are
in the same environment as everyone else.
Everyone is being forcibly reshaped. My
paintings reflect this.
Reshaping, Reshaped
Duongs paintings show an eroticism thats
lacking from Dat and Thus work. His use
of the human figure is plenteous, while Dat
continues to explore insects and animals and
Thu looks at the world with a cartographers
eye. All three artists are graduates of
Vietnam University of Fine Arts but had
Arts
Performance
The Future of
Vietnamese
Dance
For the past six years, Ho Chi Minh City-based ballet
company Arabesque has been redefining the meaning of
Vietnamese dance. Now, with the aid of some
new technologies, its participating in the future
of dance on a global level. Words by Kelly L. Le,
photos by Lam Hieu Thuan
Arabesques Entre
Fitting perfectly in with the high-calibre
internationals was Arabesques seven-act
production, The Mist. After just six years,
Arabesque has become the premier neoclassical ballet troupe in Ho Chi Minh City.
With alumni performing in Singapore and
Germany, and new recruits competing in
festivals in Korea and Japan, they earn praise
for fostering cross-cultural collaborations and
providing platforms for local talents to shine
internationally.
The ballet tells a story of Vietnamese
farmers. A rustic spectacle of bamboo
bridges, spiral incense and conical hats, the
show embodies all the charms and colours
of the south. Considered Arabesques most
acclaimed piece, The Mist is the first to allow
the troupe to bridge the trans-Atlantic gap,
touring selected American cities at the end of
the year.
Future Moves
Besides the international diplomacy, Phuong
is also active on the other frontier of dance,
the technical side. Her latest experiment is
a research project with RMIT Saigon. Under
the direction of lecturer Paul Verity Smith,
she and a team of two dancers, Minh Thu
and Anh Khoa, have been meeting on the
weekends to develop choreography that will
complement new interactive technologies.
The goal is for dancers to take sole ownership
of their performances by controlling elements
of staging through movement.
Wearing accelerometers and light sensors
on their bodies, dancers trigger live recording
and pre-recorded videos, as well as generate
sounds for the stage. The result of the
teams year-long experiment is a 40-minute
production called Intimacies. Loosely
referencing a love story, Intimacies is a dance
montage of the three peoples POVs against
the backdrop of Ho Chi Minh City.
Technically speaking, the project has a
INSIDER
The Caffeine
Contests
How do you take your coffee? Espresso? Cappuccino?
Latte? Eight judges took a mixture of (almost) everything
as they tasted their way through 11 blends over two
caffeine-fuelled mornings. Words by Hoa Le and
Ed Weinberg. Photos by Francis Roux and Francis Xavier
Malongo
Malongo is a French coffee, started in 1934 in
Nice. Malongo is one of the first companies
to adopt Fair Trade policies, having done so
in 1992.
Better Day
Better Day coffees are made with
handpicked Arabica beans from small-scale
coffee farmers in Vietnam, mainly from Son
La in the mountainous north. The businesss
philosophy is to produce products that are
under strict chemical safety control and
create sustainable development in rural
areas of Vietnam.
The Brands
Illy
Illy was established in 1933 in Trieste, Italy
by Francesco Illy, who later invented the first
automatic coffee machine. Illy arrived in
Vietnam in 2007.
Hanoi Tasting
Oriberry
Oriberry offers Fair Trade prices to local
coffee growers in regions across Vietnam.
Established in 2009, they work with local
and indigenous farmers across Vietnam to
bring premium quality single origin coffee.
Punto Italia
Punto Italia arrived in Vietnam in 2008, and
services most of the hotel crowd as well as a
number of notable restaurants in both Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City.
The Tasting
The Result
Espresso:
Espresso:
Score:
Acidity: 4.0 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.1 //
Balance: 2.9 // Body: 3.5
Score:
Acidity: 2.6 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.6 //
Balance: 3.6 // Body: 4
Cappuccino:
Cappuccino:
The milk covers the smell. But I think its ok. Its
much better this way Vincenzo
Score:
Acidity: 1.5 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.1 //
Balance: 3.8 // Body: 4.3
And the winner is: Best Espresso: Punto Italia The Top Three: Punto Italia (4.3), Malongo (4.0), Oriberry (3.3)
Hanoi Tasting
Espresso:
Espresso:
Espresso:
Score:
Acidity: 3.0 // Aroma/Flavour: 2.6 //
Balance: 3.3 // Body: 3.5
Score:
Acidity: 2.0 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.6 //
Balance: 4.6 // Body: 4.8
Cappuccino:
Cappuccino:
Cappuccino:
Score:
Acidity: 1.5 // Aroma/Flavour: 2.3 //
Balance: 2.5 // Body: 2.8
Score:
Acidity: 1.8 //Aroma/Flavour: 2.8 //
Balance: 3.0 // Body: 2.5
Score:
Acidity: 2.0 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.8 //
Balance: 4.3 // Body: 4.5
And the winner is: Best Cappuccino: Malongo The Top Three: Malongo (4.9), Punto Italia (4.6), Illy (3.6)
The Brands
Lavazza
Started in 1895 in Piedmont, Italy, Lavazza
has successfully straddled the line between
quality producer and massive global
presence. Branded as Italys Favourite
Coffee, their Wikipedia page claims that
16 out of the 20 million coffee-purchasing
households in Italy buy Lavazza.
Hausbrandt
Hausbrandt is an Italian coffee brand thats
been around since 1892, and it was the first
brand in the world to offer products factory
packaged and sealed for sale.
Malongo
Malongo is a French coffee, started in 1934 in
Nice. Malongo is one of the first companies
to adopt Fair Trade policies, having done so
in 1992.
Punto Italia
Punto Italia Vietnam arrived in Vietnam in
2008, and services most of the hotel crowd
as well as some of the better restaurants in
Vietnam.
The Tasting
The tasting is at The Loop at 49 Thao Dien,
Q2, at 10am. Each brand had two tastings,
an espresso and a cappuccino. All brands
brought their own baristas, squeezed into
a far corner of the venue with two coffee
machines, separated from the judges table
by a vinyl banner.
The beans were ground freshly before
each round, only interrupted by thorough
cleanings. The judges were provided with
water and apple slices and, eventually,
flavoured-cream cheese bagels. The scoring
was broken down into five parts: acidity,
aroma/flavour, balance, body and overall. The
final scores are based on the overall score. All
the scores are calibrated on a 1-worst, 5-best
basis with the exception of acidity. For
acidity, its a simple quantitative measure: 1
being the lowest, 5 being the highest.
The Result
Coffee Number 1 Lavazza
Espresso:
Espresso:
Espresso:
Score:
Acidity: 3.1 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.6 //
Balance: 3.8 // Body: 4.1
Score:
Acidity: 3.1 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.4 //
Balance: 3.1 // Body: 3.4
Cappuccino:
Cappuccino:
Cappuccino:
Why is it so sweet? Ed
Score:
Acidity: 2.3 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.8 //
Balance: 3.5 // Body: 3.3
And the winner is: Best Espresso: Malongo The Top Three: Malongo (4.1), Hausbrandt (4.0), Punto Italia (3.6)
Malongos Prize:
Some Kind Words
When we at the Ho Chi Minh City tasting
discovered that our uniform favourite also
scored well in Hanoi, we were surprised.
The professional ringer in our midst,
speciality coffee consultant Will Frith,
explained the achievement like this:
In order for them to accomplish that level
of presentation in their product, they have to
have strong coffee sourcing, roasting and
production has to be really tight. Its usually
a blend that changes throughout the year
to maintain a good profile throughout
the year is quite a challenge, even to
professionals. So cheers on them for that.
The packing and distribution has to
be good, because what I tasted from their
coffees was freshness. Espressos are only
fresh for less than a month, literally youve
got about two weeks to get the peak flavour
out of it. So thats very good on them for
distribution and logistics.
And then, for the barista, thats the final
portion of it. If they dont do the product
justice, then youll never know how good it
could be.
Espresso:
Espresso:
Espresso:
Score:
Acidity: 2.6 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.5 //
Balance: 3.3 // Body: 3.8
Score:
Acidity: 2.6 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.5 //
Balance: 3.3 // Body: 3.8
Cappuccino:
Cappuccino:
Cappuccino:
Score:
Acidity: 2.5 // Aroma/Flavour: 2.8 //
Balance: 4.0 // Body: 3.8
Score:
Acidity: 1.8 // Aroma/Flavour: 2.6 //
Balance: 2.9 // Body: 2.6
Score:
Acidity: 1.9 // Aroma/Flavour: 3.4 //
Balance: 3.5 // Body: 3.9
And the winner is: Best Cappuccino: Malongo The Top Three: Malongo (4.1), Hausbrandt (4.0), Caff Vergnano 1882 (3.9)
round-up
Vegetarian Hanoi
A dedicated herbivore, Katie Jacobs gives us
the insiders view on eating vegetarian cuisine
in the capital. Photos by Thiep Nguyen
January 2014 Word | 97
Street Food
Bun Dau
Corner of Ngo Tram and Ha Trung near Cho
Hang Da, Hoan Kiem
Freshly cooked by roving street stalls
throughout the day, bun dau is a saviour
for vegetarians in search of street food. So
long as you like tofu. A plate of cold bun
(noodles) is served with an abundance of
fresh herbs, lime, chilli and freshly fried
tofu that is crispy on the outside and
smooth as silk on the inside. Make sure
to specify no meat otherwise watch out
for fried pork masquerading as tofu. Like
many Vietnamese dishes, this will come
with shrimp or fish-based sauce on the side,
easily avoided if you wish. If you dont
fancy the stuff on the street you can try the
small, busy restaurant on Ha Trung which
is open for lunch.
Banh Cuon Chay
On the right hand side of Tran Huy Lieu, Dong
Da, one block from Kim Ma
Banh cuon is a rice paper crepe (of some
sort) that is understated and, in my opinion,
usually underrated. At the place on Tran
Huy Lieu, you can see them making the
fresh crepes by rapidly spreading and
flipping the thin white sheets over a
steamer. The result is a subtly-flavoured,
warm slimy dish that tastes much better
than it sounds. It is served with herbs, chilli
and a steaming bowl of fish-based sauce
on the side. The banh cuon chay comes with
dried onion (ask for extra) I strongly
recommend taking soy sauce to compensate
for the fish sauce.
Bia Hoi snacks
Bia Hoi on the southern corner of Tran Phu and
Ngo 34A Tran Phu, Hoan Kiem
Bia Hoi near the northern corner of Bat Dan
and Duong Thanh, Hoan Kiem
Bia Hois vary in the amount and quality
of food they offer but the majority will at
least have a couple of vegetarian options
to go with your ice cold beer (or beer with
ice). Fried tofu and morning glory with
garlic can be found at most places, but for
more interesting options these two joints
(open most afternoons and evenings) have
extensive menus in English.
Banh Trang Nuong
48 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, open in the evening
Restaurants
Com Chay Nang Tam
79A Tran Hung Dao, Hoan Kiem
This small restaurant is either delicious
Dessert
Thankfully dessert is the one Vietnamese
food option that does not include fish
sauce (as far as I know). Hanoi has many
places to try, but my favourites, which are
open from around 10am to 10pm, are as
follows:
Kem Xoi and Sua Chua Hoa Qua
On the north side of Tran Phu just before the
corner with Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh
Offering a sweet, gooey mix of sticky rice,
ice-cream, and desiccated coconut, Kem
Useful Points
Khong thit literally means no meat and
is an essential phrase that usually gets
the point across. Make sure to say it a
few times or write it down.
An chay means to eat vegetarian
and although it is a useful word to know,
I find khong thit to be more effective.
Unless you are eating in a vegan
restaurant, nuoc mam or fish sauce
is served with pretty much everything
and dishes without it can seem slightly
bland. So I recommend carrying
sachets of soy sauce to compensate.
On the first and 15th of the lunar
month many restaurants will offer
more vegetarian options and Buddhist
restaurants usually serve vegan buffets.
For many more vegetarian options
around the city, search for Hanoi on the
Happy Cow website: happycow.net
Ahoy!
100 | Word January 2014
trends
Shooters
A Real Hoot
Mark was first alerted when he saw a post
on Facebook site Another Side of Vietnam that
explained that Vuvuzela was a Vietnamese
attempt at Hooters, so he ended up googling
Vuvuzela and showed up. As a regular beer
drinker he found not only a great bar but the
drinks promo of a lifetime VND550,000
for 100 beers with a VIP card.
As soon as I found out about the deal
on the 100 beers, my friends and I bought
10 cards between us and we didnt need to
worry about paying for the beer, just the
food, he says. Some of the beer clubs let
you use the 100 beers voucher if you pay
for food, but you are only allowed 10 beers
per visit. Shooters does the same thing for
VND600,000 without the food requirement.
The promotions were effective in getting
people through the door. It worked for me.
What about the ladies? Mark, a 13-year
Saigon veteran, has noticed many changes
when it comes to ladies going to a bar. It is
night and day compared to a decade ago.
These beer clubs are places where a lot of
Vietnamese women go, he says. 10 years
ago most women would never go to bars.
But in the beer clubs loads of Vietnamese
women of all ages are coming in groups and
drinking beer. This never existed before.
Before people would open a beer hall, there
Vuvuzela
Information
If you want to head for your beer
club fix, check out one of these
city venues:
B eer
and
V uvuzela
B eer R epublic
KAfe
THE VERDICT
Some new restaurants hit the market with a bang. Others take time to
settle in. Our undercover reporter heads to the newly opened KAfe to
see if the talk is more than just hype. Photos by Francis Roux
12
Food
10
Service
10
Dcor
Ngan Nuong
Barbecued Muscovy duck is the perfect tonic for a cold winters night.
Words by Elisabeth Rosen. Photos by Francis Roux
he kindergarten courtyard is
packed tonight, but theres not a
child in sight. Locals slurp noodles
at plastic tables, surrounded
by pastel murals in loopy, childish
handwriting.
In Hanoi, space is a valuable commodity.
Why waste a perfectly good enclosure just
because its traditionally used for another
purpose especially in such a prime
location?
So every night, after the children leave,
this cozy schoolyard on the edge of the
Old Quarter turns into a lively restaurant.
As the crooked Quan Ngan Hien sign
hanging in the doorway indicates, the
specialty is ngan. Often mistranslated on
Vietnamese restaurant menus as swan
or goose, ngan is in fact Muscovy duck.
Its meat is leaner and more tender than
regular duck, lending itself equally well to
the grill and the stewpot.
Youll find the eponymous Hien, 53,
chopping boiled ngan just inside the
entrance with the rapid fingerwork
acquired from years working at a food and
beverage manufacturing company. The
idea to open a ngan nuong, or barbecued
Muscovy duck joint, occurred to her in
I
The Many Faces
of Com Tam
street snacker hcmc
Lovingly Local
Old n Saucy
Com Tam 114
114 Vo Thi Sau, Q1
Price: VND30,000 with suon, VND60,000 with
bo kho
Ive never tasted the suon here, but why would
I when the com tam bo kho option (bitty rice
with beef casserole) is so good. The rice is
fragrant and slightly sweet, the bo kho is thick
and oily like an Indian curry, yet the stock is
rich and complex. Here when they serve beef
they mean it. You dont just get a few chunks
of meat for good measure, you get a healthy
chunk of cow. Established in 1956, this skinny,
unassuming joint has a rightful reputation for
good com tam. Theyve certainly earned it.
Big n Brutal
Lovingly Local
106 | Word January 2014
Ba Ghien
84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan
Price: VND33,000 for com tam suon
You want it big n full on? You want the heat
of the streets of Saigon? And you want it fancooled? You dont mind the sound of womens
voices screeching over your head and youre
hungry, damn hungry. You want huge chicken
drumsticks and heavy weight-sized slabs of
pork rib. There is only one place to satisfy your
lust for large-portioned, gluttonishly tasty com
tam, and that is Ba Ghien. Big but tender, brutal
but filling, naughty but infinitely nice. This
place is an institution.
Big n Brutal
Forever Famous
Modern n Industrial
Grillbar
122 Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Price: VND95,000 for Grillbar-style suon
For the aircon version, I was going to head
to the chain, Com Tam Moc, but an online
Vietnamese reviewer had already put the
multi-store eatery in its place. Expensive
and you have to wait for ages, she wrote.
Only suitable for foreigners. Hmmm. So
instead I headed to Grillbar, a little favourite
of mine, a place that really does attract
foreigners. In the com tam stakes this place
is expensive just under VND100,000 for
the barbecued meat with rice. But then here
youre paying for quality have you tried
their Vietnamese bacon? the Ben Thanh
Market location and most importantly,
setting. The setting is New York and Londonindustrial, rolled into one. There are nice little
touches here, too. The com tam comes with
salad a departure from the typical tomato
and cucumber and hearing music over
the sound system rather than being aurally
bombarded with the rough and tumble of a
typical Saigon eatery is a pleasant change.
Old n Saucy
fashion
TUSKS
&
DUST
This months model isnt wearing someone elses inspiration shes
showcasing her own. The bronze, leather and market materials hanging
from her ears and neck and intertwined in her braids reach a natural
compromise with her own look.
The woman that I envision wearing my jewellery is a strong, independent
warrior woman, writes Amanda Wotring about TUSKS & DUST. But the
woman she shows us also finds comfort in her surroundings, and an
effortless balance with her worlds elements.
Earrings: VND200,000
travel
cambodia
Beautiful Bays A
and Haunted
Hotels
Tourism in the Mekong region has a natural emphasis
on water, but Francis Xavier discovers other highlights
in southern Cambodia
travel
japan
The Stopover
Ed Weinberg spends three hours and VND800,000 in
Japans Narita Airport, and all he gets
is this crappy T-shirt
A Short Introduction
First off, Im disappointed by the vending
machines. Not that I expected or would
buy! dirty underwear, but I did expect to
be able to use my credit card in the coinops. There isnt even a credit card-operated
change machine, and eggs, cats and Star
Wars lasers tease me from their windows.
As I walk over the pleasing curves of
carpet pattern, Im screamed at by light and
colour, but not sound. A placid vacuum
spreads over the airports halls as people
look this way and that, transfixed.
I stop into the first store I see, and look
down the wall of 100 novelty watches. There
isnt really a point in life Id feel the need
to acquire even one of them, but Im also
not the target demo for their six different
colours of neck cushion or their seven
varieties of solar bobblehead. Underneath
the bobbleheads, the words no batteries
are written as if battery-powered is the
default state of most things.
In another store, a whole row is taken
up by breath-moistening facemasks, for a
comfortable flight. A woman explaining
sweets to me laughs after every comment
You know mochi? Hahahahaha. I take
sides in a comparison tasting of Suntory v.
Yamisaki whiskey. Yamisaki wins hands
down, now that Bill Murrays not around to
stump for its competitor.
Around the taped-up pornography in
the magazine shop, theres a No photos
please! sign. Im guessing this is a problem.
Knee socks, and less sushi than I expected.
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
Dalat
ANA MANDARA VILLAS
$$$$
Le Lai, Dalat, Tel: (063)
3555888
anamandara-resort.com
DALAT PALACE
$$$$
12 Tran Phu, Dalat, Tel: (063)
382 5444
dalatpalace.vn
$$$
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: (0218) 385622
etoile-des-mers.com
LA VIE VU LINH
$
Ngoi Tu Village, Vu Linh, Yen
Bai , Tel: (04) 3926 2743
lavievulinh.com
$$$
Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh,
Tel: (0218) 386 8959
maichaulodge.com
$$
Ha Long Road, Bai Chay
Ward, Ha Long City, Quang
Ninh, Tel: (033) 384 8108
novotelhalong.com.vn
$
4A Bui Thi Xuan, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 2663
Around Hanoi
BEST WESTERN PEARL RIVER
HOTEL
$$$
KM 8 Pham Van Dong, Duong
Kinh, Hai Phong, Tel: (031)
388 0888
pearlriverhotel.vn
Hanoi - International
CROWNE PLAZA WEST INTERNATIONAL
$$$
36 Le Duc Tho, My Dinh Commune, Tu Liem, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 6270 6688
crowneplazawesthanoi.com
This premier five-star
property lies beside the My
Dinh National Stadium and
Convention Centre. Boasts
two swimming pools, a spa,
and a fitness centre in its 24
stories.
DAEWOO HOTEL
360 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3831 5555
www.hanoi-daewoohotel.
com
This enormous structure
offers the most modern of
amenities, and with four
restaurants and two bars,
the events staff is well
equipped to handle any occasion. Close to the National
Convention Center, and a
favourite of the business
traveller, Daewoo even
boasts an outdoor driving
range. Shortly to become a
Marriot property.
HOTEL DE LOPERA
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555
contact@hoteldelopera.com
Resting just a step away
from the Opera House, the
hotel mixes colonial architectural accents and theatrical interior design to cre-
Air Asia
www.airasia.com
Air France
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.
Air Mekong
1st Floor, Centre Point
Building, 106 Nguyen Van
Troi, Phu Nhuan
Tel: (08) 3846 3999
www.airmekong.com.vn
American Airlines
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.
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
and great relaxation and
fitness facilities, including a
tennis court and spa. There
are well equipped conference rooms and a newly
refurbished Executive Club
Lounge.
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.
Hanoi Mid-Range
6 ON SIXTEEN
PULLMAN HOTEL
$$$$
40 Cat Linh, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
Cathay Pacific
5th Floor, Centec Tower,
72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3
Tel: 3822 3203
www.cathaypacific.com/
vn
China Airlines
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Tel: 3911 1591
www.china-airlines.com
Japan Airlines
3rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel,
88 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3821 9098
www.vn.jal.com
Jetstar Pacific
www.jetstar.com/vn
Korean Air
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3824 2878
www.koreanair.com
Lao Airlines
93 Pasteur, Q1
Tel: 3822 6990
www.laoairlines.com
Malaysia Airlines
Ground Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1
Tel: 3829 2529
www.malaysiaairlines.
com
Singapore Airlines
Saigon Tower Bulding,
Room 101, 29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3823 1588
www.singaporeair.com
Thai Airways
29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3822 3365
www.thaiairways.com.vn
Tiger Airways
www.tigerairways.com
Vietnam Airlines
27B Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1
Tel: 3832 0320
www.vietnamairlines.com
$$$
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.
$$$
35-37 Hang Trong, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 0999
hanovahotel.com
A minute from Hoan Kiem
Lake, this glowing pearl in
the heart of Hanoi provides
tranquility with an art gallery
and piano bar.
Hanoi Budget
HANOI BACKBACKERS HOSTEL
48 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 5372
www.hanoibackpackershostel.com
Probably the cheapest, European-style hostel in town,
with bunk-style beds mixed
or single-sex dorms starting at VND150,000, plus
a couple of double suites
from VND250,000. A place
to meet like-minded fold in
the Old Quarter.
DUXTON HOTEL
$$$
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.
EQUATORIAL
$$$
242 Tran Binh Trong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3839 7777
equatorial.com/hcm
This massive property
boasts seven dining and
entertainment outlets, a
business centre, meeting
rooms and a comprehensive fitness centre and spa.
The Equatorial also has an
on-site casino.
HCMC - International
CARAVELLE HOTEL
MAY DE VILLE
caravellehotel.com
Winner of Robb Reports
2006 list of the worlds top
100 luxury hotels, the Caravelle houses the popular
rooftop Saigon Saigon bar,
and the restaurants Nineteen and Reflections.
$$$$
19 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 4999
$$$$$
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 7777
hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn
travel
8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Former guests include U.S.
presidents two Bushes,
Clinton and K-Pop sensation Bi Rain. An ongoing event
as well as a hotel, New World
is one of the best luxury
stops in town.
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON
PARK HYATT
$$$$$
Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh
City, resides the Asiana with
signature dining options,
an innovative cocktail bar,
exclusive spa and health
club, together with luxury
boutique arcade.
$$$$$
2 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
Fabulous in style, prime in
location, everything one
would expect from the Hyatt.
The Square One and Italianthemed Opera restaurants
have garnered an excellent
reputation, as has the landscaped pool.
$$$$
2A4A Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 3333
legendsaigon.com
Immaculate architecture,
spacious rooms, and a fine
selection of fine dining, with
buffets specialising in Americana and Pan-Asian cuisine.
$$$$
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
$$$$$
148 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 8686
pullmanhotels.com
Recently completed on the
site of the old Metropole,
this upscale, contemporary
property boasts 306 signature rooms combining
design, comfort and connectivity. Innovative cuisine,
a great downtown location
and high-tech meeting venues able to host up to 600
guests make up the mix.
REX HOTEL
$$$$
141 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2185
rexhotelvietnam.com
Brimming with history the
Rexs openair fifthfloor
bar is Saigon highlight. A recent renovation, of this now
five-star property, boasts
designer fashion and a shopping arcade.
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
53 Vo Truong Toan, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4111
riverside-apartments.com
Situated on the banks of the
Saigon River, a 15-minute
scenic boat ride or 20-minute bus ride from town,
Riversides complementary
shuttle services take you
right in the city centre. With
152 fully equipped serviced
apartments, the property
offers special packages for
short-term stay starting at
VND2.1 million per apartment per night for a onebedroom facility.
RIVERSIDE HOTEL
$$$$$
1819-20 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1417
riversidehotelsg.com
This distinct French ar-
Josephs Hotel
Foreign-run,boutique hotel
Next to the cathedral
travel
chitectural wonder offers
complimentary Wi-Fi, airport
pickup or drop off, a 4th floor
ballroom, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the River
Restaurant.
SHERATON
$$$$$
88 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 2828
sheraton.com/saigon
Sheraton boasts one of
the best locations in town,
with firstclass facilities,
an openair restaurant 23
floors above the city and
a live music venue on the
same floor.
$$$$
17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
This 20story building in
downtown Saigon, caters
to upscale business and
leisure travelers seeking a
classic yet contemporary
stay in Saigon.
Looking for something? Missed a previous issue? Find it all online at www.wordvietnam.com. Only a click away.
DUNA HOTEL
$$$
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.
$$$
144 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 3999 8888
starcitysaigon.vn
The newly-built hotel is near
Tan Son Nhat International
Airport. With spectacular
city views and a comfortablydesigned outdoor swimming
pool, there is little reason not
to choose this shining star.
WINDSOR PLAZA
$$$
18 An Duong Vuong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3833 6688
windsorplazahotel.com
The full ensemble with its
own shopping hub (including
a bank), fine dining, a sauna,
health club, and superb
panoramic views of the cityscape. Also hosts the largest
Oktoberfest in the region.
HCMC - Deluxe
CONTINENTAL
$$$
132-134 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 9201
continentalhotel.com.vn
This charming old hotel has
been fted in literature and
in film. In the heart of Saigon,
this is the first choice to highlight Vietnamese culture.
HOTEL MAJESTIC
$$$
1 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 5517
majesticsaigon.com.vn
$$$
656/52 Cach Mang Thang 8,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3846 0263
mamaison.vn
NORFOLK HOTEL
$$$
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
$
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
CUA DAI
$
18A Cua Dai, Hoi An, Tel:
(0510) 386 2231
hotelcuadai-hoian.com/
$$$
Son Tra Dien Ngoc, Hoa Hai,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 396 1800
danangbeachresort.com.vn
$$
133 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 5914
kimdohotel.com
$$$
46 and 73-75 Thu Khoa
Huan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
7926
lanlanhotel.com.vn
$$
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.
$$$
133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh,
Phu Nhuan, Tel: 08 6256
9966
alcovehotel.com.vn
HCMC - Budget
DUC VUONG HOTEL
$
195 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 6992
ducvuonghotel.com
Free WiFi offered in every
room. Low prices, friendly
staff, clean rooms. This modern oasis is only a few steps
from the backpackers area.
$$$$
68 Ho Xuan Huong, Danang,
Tel: (0511) 384 7888
furamavietnam.com
$$$$
Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da
Nang, Tel: (0511) 398 1234
danang.regency.hyatt.com
The Hyatt Regency Danang
Resort and Spa is beachfront
with a stunning view of the
Marble Mountains. There
are 182 luxurious residences and 27 private ocean villas, each with a private pool.
$$$
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
$
48/3 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054)
382 6736
hoangphuonghotel.com
Nha Trang
EVASON ANA MANDARA AND SIX
SENSES SPA
$$$$
Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village,
Quang Nam, Tel: (0510) 394
0000
ghmhotels.com
Includes three massive
swimming pools, a gourmet restaurant and elegant
spa on a lotus pond. Each
massive room has its own
espresso machine, pre
programmed iPod and both
indoor and outdoor showers.
$$$$
Beachside Tran Phu, Nha
Trang, Khanh Hoa, Tel: (058)
352 2222
sixsenses.com/evasonresorts/ana-mandara/
destination
2.6 hectares of private
beachside gardens and
villastyle accommodation
furnished in traditional native woods, this resort offers verandah dining, a pool
bar and the signature Six
Senses Spa.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5800
angsana.com/en/lang_co
Located on Vietnams South
Central Coast, Angsana Lang
Co commands an unrivalled
beach frontage of the shimmering East Sea. Traditional
Vietnamese design encompasses the resorts contemporary buildings and chic
interiors.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien,
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5888
banyantree.com/en/
lang_co
Built on a crescent bay, The
Banyan Tree offers privacy
and unparalleled exclusivity
with all-pool villas reflecting
the cultural and historical
legacy of past Vietnamese
dynastic periods.
$$
10 Pham Ngu Lao, Hue, Tel:
(054) 382 6567
hanoibackpackershostel.
com
IMPERIAL HUE
$$$
10 Hung Vuong, Hue, Tel:
(054) 388 2222
imperial-hotel.com.vn
LA RESIDENCE
$$$$
5 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 383
7475
laresidencehue.com
$
Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hoa, Khanh
Hoa, Tel: (058) 362 2384
junglebeachvietnam.com
On a secluded promontory north of Nha Trang, this
budget place is all about
hammocks, the sea, the jungle and nature.
$$$$
Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong,
Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa, Tel:
(058) 398 9666
mianhatrang.com
$$$
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
$$$$
8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
374 3777
allezboo.com
This resort offers exotic
Balistyle, thatched roof
honeymoon villas, 55 spacious suites, deluxe rooms,
fresh seafood, Vietnamese
cuisine, Thai and international cuisine, kite surfing
and parasailing.
BLUE OCEAN
$$$$
54 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7322
life-resorts.com
COCO BEACH
$$$$
58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7111
cocobeach.net
With charming wooden
bungalows, a private beach,
a swimming pool (both with
attached bars) and a French
restaurant, Coco Beach continues to be run by those who
opened it in 1995.
$$$
24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Tel: (062) 384 7440
miamuine.com
$$$$
Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet,
Tel: (062) 381 3000
victoriahotels.asia
Another beachfront Victoria
chain, the thatchedroof
bungalows and family villas
are set in exotic gardens
with an infinity swimming
pool, a seafood restaurant, spa, beauty salon and
jacuzzi.
$$$
60A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ham
Tien, Mui Ne, Tel: (062) 374
1660
villaariamuine.com
travel
Phong Nha
Easy Tiger and Jungle Bar
$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7844
easytigerphongnha@gmail.
com
A hostel and street-front bar
all in one. Has a pleasant,
airy atmosphere in the bar
and restaurant area while
the 52 dorm beds four
beds to a room go for
US$8 (VND168,000) each a
night.
Ho Khanh's Homestay
$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: 01299 597182
phong-nha-homestay.com
Pepper House
$
Tel: 01678 731560
pepperhouse-homestay.com
$$
Hoa Son, Cu Nam, Bo Trach,
Quang Binh, Tel: (052) 367
5135
phong-nha-cave.com
The first western-run farmstay in Phong Nha, this wellappointed travellers joint
has a great bar and restaurant area, a swimming pool
out back and views overlooking paddy fields and
mountains. Rooms start at
VND600,000 for a twin or
double, with a family room
for five costing VND1.4 million a night.
$$
Khuong Ha, Hung Trach, Bo
Trach, Quang Binh, Tel: (052)
367 5999
phongnhalakehouse.com
$$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7016
sgphongnhahotel@yahoo.
com.vn
Thanh Dat
$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7328
thanhdatphongnha.com
Phu Quoc
BEACH CLUB RESORT
$$
Ap Cua Lap, Xa Duong To,
Long Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Tel: (077) 398 0998
beachclubvietnam.com
A quaint and popular island
guesthouse featuring a
beachside restaurant, and
includes free Wi-Fi. Motorbike rental, boat trips and
tours are easily arranged.
Discount rates during rainy
season.
$$$$
Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua
Duong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang,
Tel: (077) 399 5895
centarahotelsresorts.com
LA VERANDA
$$$$
Ward 1, Duong Dong Beach,
Phu Quoc, Tel: (077) 398
2988
laverandaresorts.com
MANGO BAY
$$
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
$$
Cat Cat Road, Tel: 0203
871218
catcathotel.com
The best view in town from
its bar restaurant, the Cat
Cat Guesthouse is paradise
at very reasonable rates.
The rooms have big win-
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$
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
$$$
Tel: 0203 871522
victoriahotels.asia
THE VILLAGE NOSHERY
42 Cau May, Sapa
www.thevillagenoshery.com
$$$$
1 Tran Phu, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 335 1553
binhanvillage.com
$$
Nguyen Duc Thuan, Con
Dao, Vung Tau, Tel: (064)
383 0939
condaoresort.vn
REX HOTEL
$$
1 Le Quy Don, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 385 2135
rexhotelvungtau.com
$$$$
Dat Doc Beach, Ba Ria-Vung
Tau, Tel: (064) 383 1222
sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao
HANDSPAN TRAVEL
80 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 2828
www.handspan.com
Established in 1997, Handspan provides customers
with safe, high quality, diverse, small-group adventure tours to both popular
and isolated locations in
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Has a focus on off-thebeaten-track sustainable
and responsible tourism
initiatives. Also provides to
excursions to more wellworn destinations.
EXOTISSIMO
26, Tran Nhat Duat, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3828 2150
9 XuanDieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
3718 5555
www.exotissimo.com
A one-stop, all-in-one travel
agency with an extensive
operational track record in
the Indochina region and
beyond. Providing up-market
services, Exotissimo brings
HG TRAVEL
47 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3944 8844
www.hgtravel.com
Travel company specialising
in small-group tours around
Vietnam and further afield in
Indochina. Is also the sole
representative agent for
Kenya Airways (for 40 cities in Africa www.kenya-
HO TRAM SANCTUARY
$$$$
Ho Tram, Ba Ria-Vung Tau,
Tel: (064) 378 1631
sanctuary.com.vn
The spacious villas come
travel
airways.com), American
Airlines (www.aa.com) and
Turkish Airlines (www.thy.
com).
EXOTISSIMO
INDOCHINA LAND
61 Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3715 2852
www.indochina-land.com
Indochina Land is a French
local travel agency for
expatriates and tourists
who want to see northern
Vietnam in a personal and
tailored way. Think small
knowledgeable teams of
Vietnamese and French
who share their passion for
discovery during varied itineraries, usually focused on
freedom, family, health trips
and classic home stays. They
will show you around Ha Giang, too.
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.
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.
TU TRAVEL
Travel Promos
Dalat Edensee
dalatedensee.com
Nowhere within a day trips radius
of Ho Chi Minh City gives you quite
the going away experience that Dalat
Edensee can give, with its mountain
views and indoor luxuries. For Tet,
theyre stacking the traditions with
an ong do (old scholar with exquisite
handwriting) who will write you
ancient Vietnamese words of wisdom
to keep; mua lan, a unicorn dance; li xi,
red envelopes containing lucky money
for the first day of Tet; traditional Tet
meals; plum-wine cocktails; music and a
magic show. Get in on the traditions of
Edensee, starting at only VND5.3 million
per couple, for a two-night, three-day
stay from Jan. 29 to Feb. 9.
Boutique DHanoi
@Maison DHanoi
hanovahotel.com
Winter is coming to Hanoi, and with it
comes cozy hotel rooms with the heat
turned way up, and the occasional
warming glass of red wine. Maison
Beach Living
@ Laguna Lang Co
lagunalangco.com
Nestled within Laguna Lang Co stands a
fully integrated residential development
close to Banyan Tree and Angsana hotels
and spas, and the 18-hole golf course,
facilities for conventions and a plethora
of other recreational offerings. Your very
own residence start from US$350,000
(VND7.35 billion), including one and
two-bedroom beachfront locations. Only
a short distance from UNESCO World
Heritage sites Hue, Hoi An and My Son,
this lush locale of natural scenery and
pristine coastline could very well be
your front yard. For an information pack,
contact sales@lagunalangco.com.
Hanoi
overscene 126 / the promotions 131 / book buff 134 / the alchemist 136 / the
therapist 138 / a world of good 140 / student eye 142
Photo by thiep nguyen
January 2014 Word | 125
overscene hanoi
hatch! fair
LIPLICIOUS
metiseko grand
opening
organic house
le petit christmas
hanoi
OLD QUARTER
Bars & Clubs
CHEEKY QUARTER
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
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.
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
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
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 nosmoking downstairs space
is filled with people working
and socialising. Serves as
community centre, catering
both to ravenous backpackers whove just arrived off
the night train from Sapa and
locals looking to meet up.
3938 2117
8am to 11pm
Situated on one of the quieter Old Quarter streets
just off Hang Bong, The
Hanoi Social Club is a cozy
midsize caf/restaurant
where you can forget the
heat and bustle of Hanoi.
The atmosphere is relaxed
and you can imagine, for a
second, that youre sitting in
a European caf. The food
is fresh and internationally
inspired, and the design is
complimented by the work
of Tadiotos Nguyen Qui Duc.
To top it off, the coffee here is
said to be up there with the
best in the country.
SOLE 21
THINGS OF SUBSTANCE
SKATESHOP
84 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3923 1147
Booskateshop.com
CONTRABAND
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
23 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9891
Launched in Hanoi in 2007,
Contraband targets young
hip working women. Garments are made from versatile fabrics that are comfortable to wear and easy to look
after making them ideal for
work and travel. New styles
are introduced each month
with limited production runs,
offering a sense of exclusivity.
LATELIER
THE CART
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.
SONG
ECO-STYLE VIETNAMESE
27 Pho Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 6965
asiasongdesign.com
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
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
hanoi
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
19A Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, 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
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.
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
KHAZAANA
PAN-INDIAN
11 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3934 5657
khazaana.vn
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 firstfloor terrace area with views
over the cathedral. Has a
second garden restaurant
on Xuan Dieu.
LITTLE HANOI
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
21-23 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 5333
7.30am to 11pm
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
47 Lo Su, Hoan Kiem, 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 miniature vegetarian banh xeo,
in a casually elegant setting
that make this spot near
the train tracks standout.
Be sure to try the roll-your-
PROVECHO
SOUTHGATE
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3938 1979
southgatehanoi.com
THE KAFE
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.
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
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
THE WAREHOUSE
TAMARIND
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,
Intimex
22 & 23 Le Thai To, Hoan
Kiem
131-135 Hao Nam, Dong
Da
17 Lac Trung, Hai Ba
Trung
27 Huynh Thuc Khang,
Dong Da
Metro
126 Tam Trinh, Yen So,
Hoang Mai
Pham Van Dong, Co Nhue,
Tu Liem
hanoi
hoan kiem
Bars & Nightclubs
17 COWBOYS
FUSE BAR
LOUNGE / NIGHTCLUB
11th Floor, HanoiTourist
Building, 18 Ly Thuong Kiet,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: 0968 385555
LA FE VERTE
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.
MODEL CLUB
CATWALK BAR
45 Hang Bai, Hai Ba Trung
8pm to late
GAMES RESTOBAR
104 Bach Dang, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: 0906 210212
PHUC TAN
RELAX BAR
ROOFTOP
SKYLINE LOUNGE
19th Floor, Pacific Place, 83B
Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3946 1901
8am to midnight
Cafes
CIAO CAF
RESTO LOUNGE
2 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3934 1494
7am to 11pm
A stones throw from the
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
PARIS DELI
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.
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
LESPACE
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
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.
TOP-END VIETNAMESE
17 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3972 8001
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 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.
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
LE BEAULIEU
LUNO DAUTUNNO
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.
KHAZAANA
PAN-INDIAN
11 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3934 5657
khazaana.vn
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.
LA PETIT TONKINOISE
CLASSIC ITALIAN
78 Tho Nhuom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3823 7338
11am to 11pm
This old-favourite Italian
uses traditional wood ovens
to prepare some of the citys
finest pizzas, which range
from VND80,000 to buildyour-own-skies-the-limit.
Set inside a large, thoughtful
space seasoned chefs also
make fresh pastas, soups
and cheeses the latter often bought by other restaurants. Monthly opera nights
make it well worth a visit, as
does the large wine list and
choice of desserts.
NINETEEN 11
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
The Opera House, 1 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3933 4801
nineteen11.com.vn
11am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm
PANE E VINO
PAN-ITALIAN
3 Nguyen Khac Can, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 9080
8am to 10.30pm
Just a stroll away from the
Hanoi Opera House and
Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart
of Hanoi, Pane e Vino serves
up authentic Italian food
and has done for as long as
anyone can remember. Renowned for the highly rated,
oven fresh pizzas and large
variety of pasta and salad
dishes look forward to
fine food done well at this
eatery that has the feel of
Europe. Huge wine lists,
friendly staff and a loveable
owner.
PRESS CLUB
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
3rd Floor, 59A Ly Thai To,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934
0888
hanoi-pressclub.com
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm
to 10.30pm. Closed Sunday
lunch
Wooden flooring, paneling
and bold but subtle colours
pervade this traditional but
contemporary, fine-dining
70-seater venue close to
hanoi
The Promotions
Promotions of the Month
SATINE
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555 ext. 6414
hoteldelopera.com
SUPERMARKET
Ground Floor, Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 2999
DA LOC
WINE RETAILER
96 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 2076; 65 Le
Duan, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3941 2789
Daloc.vn
Photo of dishes at Fortuna Hotel provided by Fortuna Hotel
FIVIMART
SUPERMARKET
27A Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem
HANOI GOURMET
INTIMEX
VIETNAMESE SUPERMARKET
22-23 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
15A Ngo Van So, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3943 7226
GROCERY STORE
17 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 3854
hanoi
through the door. Serving
all day long, the downstairs
space is split into the bakery
on one side with a small nonsmoking dining space on the
other. The homely upstairs
lounge area has standard tables as well as sofa seating.
Simple but tasty French and
international fare is served
at meal times.
tay ho
Bars & Clubs
21 NORTH
88 LOUNGE
Chime Bar
Level 1, Sheraton Hanoi
Hotel
K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu,
Tay Ho, Tel: 3719 9000
restaurant.hanoi@sheraton.com
sheraton.com/hanoi
Chime bar is the perfect
spot for a refreshing glass
of wine and a bite to eat.
Offering a wide selection
of tapas dishes in a lounge
atmosphere, this is a great
place to unwind courtesy
of the resident DJs who will
rock you into the night.
LIQUOR LOUNGE
31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6377
sontinh.com
8am to 11.30pm
As part of the Highway 4
group, which now has its
offices in the establishments upstairs areas, this
bar-cum-restaurant outfitted with comfortable, stylish
furnishings is famed for its
luxurious rice wine liquors
and newly created cocktail
class. Does regular events
on the first floor and also
has a creative Vietnamese
food menu based on cuisine
sold at other restaurants in
the chain.
MADAKE
BOOKWORM TOO
TAY TAP
MEET-UP SPOT
100A Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6917
4pm to late
Filled with wooden furnishings and a downstairs bar
with two beers on tap as
well as wine, cocktails and
spirits on the shelves this
newcomer venue has a grill
menu catering to the tastes
of both East and West. For
those in search of a good
old-fashioned Sloppy Joe
or grilled cheese, youll be
glad to know the kitchen is
stocked to the ceiling with
comfort foods.
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
Book Shops
NEW & SECOND-HAND BOOKS
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
CAFE DUY TRI
COMMUNE
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
20A Duong Ven Ho, Thuy
Khue, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6684
7903
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.
SEGAFREDO
ITALIAN CAFE
36 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 0212
segafredo.com.vn
7am to 11pm
Names of some of the
worlds greatest cities cover
the front wall of Segafredo,
an Italian cafe and eatery
serving up some of the best
espresso-based coffee in
town. Red and white decor,
lifestyle black and white coffee drinking images and an
open plan space make up
the mix. Besides the caffeinebased drinks, also does
granita, teas, shakes and
modern Italian fare ranging from panini and focaccia through to pizza, pasta,
salads and desserts.
ORIBERRY
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
THE CART
thbc.vn
9am to 10pm
Tucked down an alleyway
just off West Lake, The Hanoi Bicycle Collective is not
just a place for all bicycle lovers, but a caf that also sells
Spanish tapas served up
with gin & tonic, if the mood
so takes you. Organising
bicycle tours, running yoga
sessions and holding music
concerts in their upstairs
cafe area, they also sell, rent
and fix bikes and are an official supplier of TREK and
SURLY cycling equipment.
Eclectic? Not a chance!
Clothing
GEORGES FASHION BOUTIQUE
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
36 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6233
With new styles arriving in
store every second day, this
shop offers a huge range of
dresses, shirts, pants, skirts
and accessories in local and
imported fabrics. Clothes fit
all sizes, from petite to average to the generous figure.
Alterations and a made-tomeasure service are available at no extra cost.
LATELIER
ZEDS THREADS
Cooking Classes
THE HANOI BICYCLE COLLECTIVE
(THBC)
CAF / TAPAS BAR
44, Ngo 31, Xuan Dieu, Tay
Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 8246
HIDDEN HANOI
COOKING CENTRE
147 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel:
0912 254045
hiddenhanoi.com.vn
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.
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 woodfired 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.
J.A.F.A.
MEKONG QUILTS
BICYCLE RENTALS
16 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 3719
Dons-bistro.com
CYCLING SHOP
152 Yen Hoa, Tay Ho, Tel: 0986 866538
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!
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
Eat
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
98 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 5322
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
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.
LA SALSA
IBERIAN / MEDITERANEAN
53 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 5656
8am to 11pm
KITCHEN
R&R TAVERN
RASA SINGAPURA
hanoi
Book Buff
The Book Club
The month, Bookworms Truong runs down the Bookworm Book Clubs books of the year
Thrillers
Margaret Atwoods final book in her
dystopian trilogy, Maddadam (2013),
had most of us rushing to get real, or
downloaded, copies of the first two so
that we could get in tune with the chaos
that ensued when man tinkered with
genetic engineering and climate change.
None of us minded going back to a
World War Two setting for a grippingly
cinematic coming-of-age tale set during
the Nazis brutal siege of Leningrad. David
Beniofs City of Thieves (2008) puts young
Kolya and Lev in search of a dozen eggs
for a Soviet colonels daughters wedding.
The two forge a doomed friendship in the
lawless city, behind enemy lines.
Michelle De Krester has piled up loads
of awards with her 2013 novel, Questions of
Travel, set in civil war-torn Sri Lanka and
Australia. Its two protagonists are Laura,
who writes for a travel guide, and Ravi,
whose life has been torn asunder by the
brutal murder of his wife and child. Their
lives eventually intertwine, but a tsunami
intervenes. After concluding you question
how ethical the roles played by some
NGOs are, and shake your head at the
astonishing hoops refugees need to jump
through to find asylum in Australia.
Humanity
Baz Lurmans movie The Great Gatsby
spurred us on to a re-read of the great
American novel it was based off of, written
in 1925 by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It was good
to reacquaint ourselves with Nick, Jay and
Daisy all over again. Most of us even liked
the movie.
Our Vietnamese contingent was insistent
that we include Vietnamese author Ho
Anh Thais new short story anthology,
Nguoi Ben Nay, Troi Ben Ay. Theyve been
orally translating some of the stories about
Vietnamese expats living around the world
who still hanker for tradition. The one
about the old Scandinavian woman who
sneaks out for dog meat and shrimp sauce
whenever she returns to visit her Hanoian
relatives gave us a real taste for a print
translation.
Anyone with a penchant for totally
dysfunctional albeit wealthy families
shouldnt miss out on AM Homess 2013
Orange Prize-winning May We Be Forgiven.
Most of us hated her characters for half the
story, but in the end just didnt want to say
goodbye to them.
This years Pulitzer Prize winner, The
Orphan Masters Son by Adam Johnson, is
all about the adventures of North Korean
orphan, spy, and prisoner Pak Jun Do,
who, like all his fellow orphans, is named
after a martyr who sacrificed himself for
his country. Its a dystopian novel that
deserves to be on equal footing with Brave
New World. Its one of the biggest books of
the year.
High Concept
Everyone who loved The Poisonwood
Bible like all of us did wont be
SAINT HONORE
BOULANGERIE / BISTRO
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3933 2355
sainthonore.com.vn
7am to 10pm
Decked out in maroon, dark browns and
cream, this bakery and French-style
bistro is best visited in the morning when that
Gallic, fresh-cooked aroma of bread, croissants and patisseries hits you as you walk
through the door. The downstairs space is
split into the bakery on one side with a small
non-smoking dining space on the other. The
upstairs lounge area has standard tables as
well as sofa seating. Simple French and international fare is served at meal times. Has additional venues at 31 Thai Phien, Hai Ba Trung
and Unimart, 8 Pham Ngoc Thach, Dong Da
VIETCLIMB
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
GROCERIES / DELI
First Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 4487
BLUEBIRD
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
HANOI CLUB
COUNTRY CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3823 8115
thehanoiclub.com
SHIVA STUDIOS
NATURALLY VIETNAM
PUNTO ITALIA
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
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
28 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho. Tel: (04) 3719 8337
THE OASIS
ITALIAN DELI
24 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 1196
A great place to get all kinds of imported
groceries and 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.
hanoi
The Alchemist
Your New Years Destiny
Destiny VS Fate
If youre looking to change your destiny,
one of the first things to establish is the
distinction between destiny and fate. Often
used interchangeably, recognising the
difference between the two may help to
avoid frustration in your attempts to affect
change.
By Karen Gay
hanoi
Electronics
ba dinh
Bars & Nightclubs
BARBETTA
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
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
MANZI
Eat
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.
FOODSHOP 45
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.
Cooking Classes
Cafes
CAF GOETHE
ARTS CAF
56 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 3734 7395
CONG CAPHE
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
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
575 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3771 6372
10am to midnight
A Dong Photo Co
128 Hang Trong, Hoan
Kiem . Tel: 3826 0732
Alpha Laptop
95D Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 4418
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.
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 regarded as one of the best Chinese restaurants in Hanoi.
Showcasing a selection of
authentic Chinese culinary
delights and Yum Cha at its
finest, with seven private
dining rooms this is a place
to get dressed up for. Has extensive a la carte menus, dim
sum menus and set menus.
Reservations recommended.
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.
Nguyen Cau
1 Ba Trieu, Hoan Kiem
DK Computer
29 Ngoc Kha, Ba Dinh Tel:
3772 4772
Hi-Tech USA
23 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3938 6261
Pico Plaza
35 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem
Professional Computer
Care and IT Services
Vietsad
34B Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 8771
Swimming Pools
Army Hotel
Four Seasons
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
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
Vo Thi Sau, Hai Ba Trung,
(Inside the park)
hanoi
The Therapist
Douglas Holwerda,
American trained and
licensed mental health
counsellor, answers your
questions and offers
advice
Dear Douglas,
I am from England and have been living
in Vietnam for a year now. It is the
first place I have lived outside my own
country. While I am sometimes confused
and challenged by the culture I am in, I
get disgusted when I hear some of my
colleagues complain and speak critically
all the time about Vietnamese people. I
want to learn more so I can understand
how the psychology of the Vietnamese
people is so different than what I am
used to. Any ideas?
Trying not to culture clash
Dear Clashless,
I can offer some food for thought, but it
is by approaching your experience with
an open mind and listening to people and
reading books that you can sort this out.
Differences, and there are certainly
differences between how Eastern and
Western people think and behave, can
so easily become conflicts. Conflicts can
occur between people and/or can be
internal experiences. It is the need to
make sense of things that confuses us.
Our minds seek to create resolution,
when what we see or experience doesnt
fit into the schemas that we are most
familiar with. The quickest way to
resolve this internal dissonance is to
divide behaviours into good and bad,
right and wrong, smart and dumb,
and then to apply that code onto the
behaviours we see or experience. It might
be what your colleagues are doing to
find a way to resolve the inner conflict
that is inherent in being immersed in
hanoi
ELSEWHERE
Arts
WORK ROOM FOUR
VUVUZELA
Cafes
CONG CAPHE
CAMA ATK
CZECH MICROBREWERY
1A Tang Bat Ho, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3972 5088
Eat
ASAHI SUSHI
SUSHI RESTAURANT
288 Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3974 5945
asahisushi.vn
CAF 129
MEXICAN/COMFORT FOOD
129 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3821 5342
7.30am to 9.30pm
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
54 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3796 2647
10am to midnight
WILD LOTUS
POTS N PANS
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 restaurant, bar and lounge blends
the old with the new. Vietnamese fusion cuisine, like
profiteroles with green tea
and caf fillings, a private
chefs table with a kitchen
view, and an extensive wine
list combined with modern
formal styling bring a unique
experience to Hanoi.
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da, Tel:
(04) 3577 1100
hfh.com.vn
Recreation
KEANGNAM SWIMMING POOL
ICE SKATING
Royal City, 72A-74 Nguyen
Trai, Thanh Xuan, Tel: 0936
469799
royalcity.com.vn
LASER TAG
77 Hong Mai, Bach Mai, Hai
Ba Trung, Tel: (04) 3627 7106
x-factory-vn.com
SWIMMING POOL
Landmark 72 Tower, Pham
KY Y
A LA FOLIE...!
FRENCH
63 Ngo Hue, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3976 1667
alafolie63@gmail.com
11am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm.
Closed Monday
A cozy recently opened
space to taste fine French
food and excellent wines
without draining your wallet. Using high quality fresh
ingredients, the cuisine is
simple including anything
from a traditional omelette
or steak tartare-frites to coq
au vin or foie gras. Has two
floors and a patio.
LA VERTICALE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
19 Ngo Van So, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3944 6317
verticale-hanoi.com
11.30am to 2pm, 6pm to
9.15pm
Situated in an art-deco villa
that was once owned by
a Vietnamese mandarin,
this establishment is now
owned and run by perhaps
the most famous French chef
in the country. With modestly
priced set lunches and subtle Vietnamese touches on
the dishes, which primarily
hanoi
A World
of
Stay at Home
So, to assuage your socially conscious
desires I propose this year you take a
staycation for Tet.
If you are thoughtful about it, plenty of
opportunities exist to do good right here.
Contact the organisation you like and ask
them what they need (if they dont already
have a wish list posted online) or if they
have any upcoming events they need extra
hands for. If they dont have anything for
you dont get discouraged, contact someone
else. You might have to hunt around a bit
for a nonprofit that needs what you have or
want to offer.
Be creative. Donate art supplies for
children and youth. Donate your kids nonbroken, non-junk toys. Donate clothing,
Good
By Dana McNairn
hanoi
BUSINESS
Business Groups
ICHAM
Sofitel Plaza, Ground floor, 1
Thanh nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3715 2229
icham.org
The Chamber has the main
purpose of undertaking activities to support commercial exchanges with Italy and
to assist economic agents,
as well as to foster the developmew nt of economic
relations and cooperation
among entrepreneurs of
the various countries. The
Chamber will not engage in
commercial activities with
the aim of producing profits.
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.
Corporate Services
ENDO
79, Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3783 2085
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
Insurance
AIG
Suite 5-01, Hanoi Towers, 49
Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3936 1455
aig.com.vn
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.
KINDERWORLD INTERNATIONAL
KINDERGARTEN
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (SIS)
RMIT
Hanoi Resco Building, 521
Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3726 1460
rmit.edu.vn
A leading international provider of skills training and
professional staff development, RMIT offers both short
and long-term courses,
customised courses, and
can provide for either on or
off-campus clients. Known
for its Business MBA which
is open to both Vietnamese
and overseas students.
Market Research
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.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF
VIETNAM
Management Training
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.
FRASER SUITES
51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3719 8877
hanoi.frasershospitality.
com
SEDONA SUITES
hanoi
Student Eye
Sweater Weather
Ho Chi Minh
overscene 143 / business buff 148 / coffee cup 150 / in the frame 156 / body and
temple 160 / medical buff 162
Photo by kyle phanroy
DJ jazzy jeff
electric kicks
christmas
santarchy
fv clinic opening
ishcmc 20 year
anniversary
HCMC
BUSINESS
Accounting & Auditing
GLOBALEYE FINANCIAL ADVISORS
4th Floor, Unit 17, Saigon
Center, 65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 0220
globaleye.com
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS
Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 0796
pwc.com
TMF GROUP
Unit 501, 5th Floor, Saigon
Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3910
2262
Tmg-group.com
bbdoasia.com
DENTSU VIETNAM
GREY GROUP
404 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3929 1450
grey.com/vietnam
KIKO FLAME
OIIC Building, 248-250
Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q3, Tel:
0902 636950
ngonluakiko.com
phibious.com
An independent, creative
led communications company helps brands connect
and grow across Southeast
Asia. Clients include The
CocaCola Company, Asia
Pacific Breweries, Piaggio
and UPI.
PURPLE ASIA
MARKETEERS VIETNAM
FPT Tower, 153 Nguyen Dinh
Chieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3933
3493
marketeersvietnam.com
PHIBIOUS
7th Floor, 11bis Nguyen Gia
Thieu, Q3, Tel: (08) 3933
3377
RIVER ORCHID
10th Floor HDTC Building,
36 Bui Thi Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3925 2538
riverorchid.com
TBWA\VIETNAM
4th Floor, Saigon Finance
Center, 9 Dinh Tien Hoang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 5315
tbwa.com.vn
Business Consulting
BDG VIETNAM
11th Floor, Capital Place, 6
Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 7858
Bdg-vietnam.com
CONCETTI
33 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3911 1481
Concetti.vn
GRANT THORNTON
28th Floor, Saigon Trade
Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3910 9100
Gt.com.vn
INSPIRED IMAGE
Villa 15, Duong 58, Phu
Nhuan, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel:
0916 352573
Inspiredimage.co.uk
ROUSE
6th Floor, Abacus Tower, 58 Nguyen Dinh
Chieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 6770
iprights.com
XAGE CONSULTANCY
35A-1-2 Grandview, Nguyen Duc Canh, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5412 3402
31st Floor, Saigon Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Tel: (08) 3911 0454
xageconsulting.com
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
Business Groups
AMCHAM
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824
3562.
amchamvietnam.com
An independent association of American and
international businesses, the objective of the
American Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam
is to promote trade and investment between
the United States and Vietnam.
CANCHAM
Room 305, New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3824 3754
canchamvietnam.org
Open to all nationalities, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce aims to create an effective
network of business associates together and
to facilitate discussion forums about business in Vietnam.
NORDCHAM
17th Floor, Petroland Tower, 12 Tan Trao, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5416 0922
nordcham.com
EVECOO
Tel: 0988 297990
evecoo.vn
THE CATERERS
46D Vuon Lai, Tan Phu, Tel: (08) 3812 6901
thecaterersvietnam.com.vn
Offers everything from canaps and cocktails, buffets and set menus to barbeques and
wedding catering. Combines excellent food,
event management and exclusive venues to
make any kind of event a success.
Expat Services
CHUMS HOUSE
121/21 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08) 3920 7237
HAPPY HOUSE
32-34 Ngo Duc Ke, Suite 701, Q1, Tel: 01659
419916
RESIDENT VIETNAM
Unit 601 48 Hoa Su, Phu Nhuan, Tel: (08)
2226 8855
residentvietnam.com
CREATION
International Plaza Building, Room 16B8, 343
Pham Ngu Lao, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 7553
EASY SAIGON
Tel: 0932 112694
easysaigon.com
The Easy Saigon website is a useful real
estate website helping expats to find apartments in Ho Chi Minh City. Enquiries via their
website are welcome.
KNIGHT FRANK
Suite A, level 7, VTP Office Building, 8 Nguyen
Hue, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 6777
knightfrank.com.vn
Founded in 1896, Knight Frank has grown to
become the worlds largest privately owned
global property agency and consultancy. In
Vietnam, they offer commercial, residential
and residential development services.
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.
HCMC
Business Buff
Unusual Drains on the Economy
Drinking
That extra drink at the bar might seem
harmless enough, however the US Center
for Disease Control and Prevention
estimates that more than US$220 billion
(VND4,620 trillion) is lost in productivity
each year due to hangovers at work. This
amounts to about $1.40 (VND29,400) per
drink sold in the US.
Power Outages
A black out that occurred in the
northeastern US in August 2003, cost
the economy between US$4.5 billion
(VND9.45 trillion) and US$8.2 billion
(VND17.2 trillion). This includes US$4.2
By Shane Dillon
Watching Sport
Delayed Flights
Social Media
Tardiness
Hygiene
Another common reason for the sick
day is food poisoning and this has been
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
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
Interior Design
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND
REMODELING
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.
IDECAF
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1
Tel: (08) 3829 5451
idecaf.gov.vn
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
Insurance
BAOVIET INSURANCE
49D Phan Dang Luu, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 3510 1661
baoviet.com.vn
IF CONSULTING
IFC Building, 3rd Floor, 1A
Me Linh Square, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 7362
insuranceinvietnam.com
Independent advisors that
represent top reputable
medical insurers provide
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
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.
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
189 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3925 9800
vus-etsc.edu.vn
Legal Services
ALLENS
Suite 605, Saigon Tower, 29
Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
1717
vietnamlaws.com
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
G&H
6th Floor, Yoco Office Building, 41 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 9919
ghmsglobal.com
A 100 percent foreigninvested company focusing on
management services and
consulting with inhouse
programmes to meet the
particular requirements of
its clients. Offers teambuilding and academicbased
business and management
programmes.
XAGE CONSULTANCY
35A-1-2 Grandview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: (08) 5412
3402; 31st Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3911 0454
xageconsulting.com
HCMC
Coffee Cup
84 City
Market Research
CIMIGO
9 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh, Tel: (08)
3822 7727
cimigo.vn
An independent marketing and brand research specialist operating in the Asia Pacific
region. Services include auditing and optimising research programmes, knowledge
management, developing marketing plans
and business models and assessing market
opportunities.
INDOCHINA RESEARCH
3rd Floor, 140 Nguyen Van Thu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 6965
indochinaresearch.com
MEKONG RESEARCH
91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh, Tel: (08)
6258 6314
mekongresearch.com
NIELSEN
TNS VIETNAM
58 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 6631
Tnsvietnam.vn
With over 11 years in the marketplace, TNS
Vietnam offers all three major market research services customisation, access
panels and media monitoring to a range
of local and international clients.
Photography Services
DRAGON IMAGES
Crescent Plaza, 105 Ton Dat Tien, Q7, Tel:
01643 172 660
dragonimages.asia
Dragon Images production studio is a professional team of photographers, stylists.
shooting administrators, casting managers
and retouchers. They make photos on various topics, from business to sport.
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
adecco.com.vn
Adecco is the world leader in human resources solutions. Established in Vietnam in
HCMC
Kids Classes & Sports
ALLIED PICKFORDS
58 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 3454
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.
Serviced Apartments
CAM LY HOTEL & APARTMENT
656 Cach Mang Thang Tam,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3993 1587
camlyapartment@hcm.
vnn.vn
SEDONA SUITES
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9666
sedonahotels.com.sg
DANCENTER
53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519 4490
dancentervn.com
Children and teenagers can enjoy jazz, ballet, hip-hop,
funk, belly dancing, salsa and in multi-level classes at
this modern dance studio.
PIANO CLASSES
SHERWOOD RESIDENCE
DIAMOND ISLAND LUXURY RESIDENCES
NAVIGOS GROUP
130 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3925 5000
navigosgroup.com
SAIGON MOVEMENT
OPUS VIETNAM
VIETNAMWORKS.COM
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
CROWN RELOCATIONS
2nd Floor Coteccons Office
Tower, 236/6 Dien Bien
Phu, Binh Thanh, Tel: (08)
3840 4237
crownrelo.com
CITYVIEW
MANPOWER VIETNAM
No 01 Street No.104-BTT,
Quarter 3, Binh Trung Tay,
Q2. T: 0968 293388 / (08)
3742 5678
enquiry.hochiminh@theascott.com
the-ascott.com
Diamond Island Luxury
Residences offers 68 fullyfurnished apartments, from
two to four-bedroom units
with spectacular panoramic
views of the city. Each apartment comes with a fullyequipped kitchen, en-suite
bathrooms, separate work
and living areas, a balcony,
modern amenities, elegant
furnishings and carefully
chosen trimmings.
Relocation Agents
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON RESIDENCES
Crn. of Nguyen Du & Le Van
Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 8888
intercontinental.com/saigonres
Adjacent to the InterContinental Asiana Saigon youll
find 260 luxurious and spacious residential suites. The
residences offer panoramic
views of the downtown area.
NORFOLK MANSION
1719-21 Ly Tu Trong, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 6111
norfolkmansion.com.vn
Offers a wide choice of luxurious and modern furnished
accommodation with attentive and discreet service.
Facilities include an outdoor
swimming pool, a gym, sauna
and steam room, as well as
two on-site restaurants.
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.
RESIDENT VIETNAM
Unit 601 48 Hoa SU, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 2226 8855
residentvietnam.com
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
HCMC
DOWNTOWN
Bars & Clubs
2 LAM SON (MARTINI BAR)
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.
APOCALYPSE NOW
DANCE / NIGHTCLUB
2B-C-D Thi Sach, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 6124
apocalypsesaigon.com
BEER REPUBLIC
BLANCHYS TASH
RESTOBAR / NIGHTCLUB
95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
0909 028293
Blanchystash.com
BOOTLEG DJ CAF
BOUDOIR LOUNGE
BROMA
COCKTAILS / ROOFTOP
41 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 6838
Bromas medieval rooftopcocktail lounge conglomeration is a magnet for the
citys weirdest and coolest
events/random moments.
A sophisticated cocktail
menu and quite possibly the
best lamb burger in town.
Check out their bun bo Hueinspired cocktail.
CARMEN
CUNHOUSE
LOUNGE BAR
Hem 36, Chu Manh Trinh, Q1,
Tel: 0908 033982
DRUNKEN DUCK
FUSE
ICE BLUE
EXPAT BAR
54 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2644
Expats keep returning to
this smoky dive bar, largely
due to its amicable service,
brewsky-downing atmosphere, and spirited dart
games. A mainstay in the
local darts league.
LA HABANA
LA FENETRE SOLEIL
GAME ON
SPORTS BAR
115 Ho Tung Mau, Q1 Tel:
(08) 6251 9898
gameonsaigon.com
LAST CALL
AFTERHOURS LOUNGE
59 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 3122
lastcallsaigon.com
If youre in need of dense,
Le Rendez-Vous de Saigon
LEVEL 23 NIGHTSPOT
PACHARAN
PHATTYS
AUSTRALIAN / SPORTS
46-48 Ton That Thiep, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 0796
phattysbar.com
From its roots as the famed
Caf Latin, Phattys has
become the go-to, Aussie
beer-guzzling / sports viewing emporium, showing everything from international
cricket to Aussie rules and
serving an array of pub grub
favourites.
LUSH
SAIGON SAIGON
OBRIENS
STORM P
PROGRESSIVE / MAINSTREAM
2 Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 2496
lush.vn
DANISH / INTERNATIONAL
5B Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 4738
Stormp.vn
VASCOS
VELVET
DANCE/HIP HOP
26 Ho Huan Nghiep, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2262
velvet.bar.saigon@gmail.
com
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL
Landmark Building, 5B Ton
Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9698
Headed up by well-known
chef Andy Ertle, Vesper Bar
is a sophisticated yet downto-earth wine and cocktail
bar. Serving creative, Japanese-influenced tapas to
supplement the drinks, the
subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this
a great drinking and dining
venue
VINO
HCMC
buy from the great selection
of wines in the shop and pay
a small corkage.
VINYL BAR
WINE BAR 38
WINE EMBASSY
XU
ZANZBAR
EUROPEAN / MEDITERRANEAN
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2772
Auparcsaigon.com
Set in a shophouse-style
building, Au Parc offers a
chic colonial space to indulge in sensibly priced European and Mediterranean
food complemented with
good coffee and excellent
desserts.
BACH DANG
BASKIN ROBBINS
CASBAH
MIDDLE EASTERN
59 Nguyen Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 5130
This secluded Middle East-
CENTRO
HAGEN-DAZS
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.
GOODY
KITA COFFEE
INTERNATIONAL / MEDITERRANEAN
39-41 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 6799
Kitas colonial-era building
and bistro-style decor will
have you thinking youve
been transported to the
streets of Europe. Pair your
experience with an espresso-based Italian coffee from
their Mediterranean-based
menu. Excellent sandwiches
and salads.
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.
FANNY
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
158 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 4990
Second-storey coffeehouse
offers a quiet atmosphere
TRUNG NGUYEN
INTERNATIONAL VIETNAMESE
80 Dong Khoi, Q1
trungnguyen.com.vn
INTERNATIONAL
5 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08)
3911 5599
This two-storey building with
a mezzanine level boasts an
industrial style complex with
block walls, steel structures
and huge glass windows.
The mid-range menu offers
over 40 options from appetizers to desserts.
DEBENHAMS
GALLERY VIVEKKEVIN
galleryvivekkevin.com
9.30am to 8pm
This retail-cum-gallery
space specialises in contemporary and exclusive
handcrafted jewellery made
from handpicked gemstones
and raw materials. Exhibitions and gallery talks run
every month.
GINKGO
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
10 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521
8755
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnamthemed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
wires and motorbikes to
creative, Siddharta-style
imagery.
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
MEKONG CREATIONS
TAILOR-MADE SHOES
171 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 5267
NGUYEN FRERES
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.
EMBROIDERED PRODUCTS
83 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 9079; 42 Le
Loi, Q1. (08) 3824 7456
ninhkhuong.vn
SAPA
MEKONG QUILTS
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
EM EM
NIK-NAKS / CRAFTS
2 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 9459
8am to 8pm
SOUVENIRS
38 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 4408
8am to 9.30pm
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
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
VIETNAMESE / BARBECUE
135A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823
3340
barbecuegarden.com
BASILICO
EUROPEAN-STYLE FURNITURE
3B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 6657 0788
thefurniturewarehouse.com.vn
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Kumho Plaza, Cnr. Nguyen Du
and Le Van Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9099
intercontinental.com/saigon
BEIRUT
Eat
A Taste of
Authenticity
LEBANESE
The Courtyard, 74/13D Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2188
3T QUAN NUONG
VIETNAMESE BBQ
Top Floor, 29 Ton That Thiep, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 1631
AL FRESCOS
INTERNATIONAL
27 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 38238424
alfrescosgroup.com
The downtown outlet of one of Vietnams
most successful restaurant chains, Al
Frescos offers international, Australian-influenced comfort fare in a pleasant environment with efficient, friendly service to match.
Excellent delivery service.
ASHOKA
AU PARC
EUROPEAN / CAF
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 2772
auparcsaigon.com
Consistently tasty European caf fare
think deli-style sandwiches, salads and
mezzes, plus coffees and juices served at
a popular park-side Le Duan location with
classic cream and green-tiled dcor.
HCMC
In The Frame
Portraits of a Lost Dynasty
he Nguyen rulers
strenuously sought to make
Neo-Confucianism the
foundation of the national
culture. Under the Nguyen, traditional
Vietnamese culture assumed its final
form, the one that would persist into
the twentieth century to interact with
Western influences.
Neil Jamieson in Understanding
Vietnam
The Nguyen dynasty shares its surname
with about 40 percent of Vietnamese
people, yet the Nguyen royals seem too
far gone to have been around until 1945.
Vietnams last dynasty is the subject matter
of Tran Minh Tams paintings on show
at Craig Thomas Gallery. The glowing
portraits of a lost dynasty are mostly of
emperors and empresses, but include
mandarins, unknown court entertainers
and servants. Decorative patterns or
symbolic landscapes fan around the
centrally positioned, hieratic imperial
leaders.
General Le Van Duyet performs a
BIBI@ALIBI
5A Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 6257
The legendary chef Bibis newest creation, a
convivial restaurant serving Mediterranean
cuisine using fresh products bought early
morning at the market by Bibi himself. Delicious meats and fish dishes together with the
famous tarte tatin.
BLACK CAT
AMERICAN
13 Phan Van Dat, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 2055
blackcatsaigon.com
Creatively named burgers, tasty Vietnamese-styled sandwiches, spiced up cocktails,
mains and more, all served up with a Californian edge at this small but popular twostorey eatery close to the river.
BLANCHY STREET
BOMBAY INDIAN
ELBOW ROOM
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.
EL GAUCHO
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
5D Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1879
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an
Argentinian steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade spicy sausage,
skewers, burger dishes and everything that
can come off a grill.
GOLDEN ELEPHANT
CLASSIC THAI
34 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8554
saigonssk@vnn.vn
BROTZEIT
GOURMETS DELIGHT
BUN CHA
26/1A Le Thanh Ton, Q1
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
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.
DRAGON NOODLE
JAPANESE NOODLES
29 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521 0008
INTERNATIONAL FUSION
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 0931
Alfrescosgroup.com
Although a chain restaurant, the international offerings here are consistently good
and creative. Excellent service, an attractive
outdoor terrace area, and a good kids menu.
Check out their pepper steaks.
KABIN
CANTONESE
Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 815 Ton Duc
Thang. Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 0033
marriott.com
Offers authentic, gourmet Cantonese cuisine
in an elegant, classic setting, with striking
dcor and the bonus of views over the Saigon River. Dishes range from VND80,000 to
VND900,000.
GANESH
INDIAN MALAY
57-59 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: 0903 863114
GERMAN / RESTOBAR
Level 1, Kumho Link, 9 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 4206
brotzeit.co/kumholink
GRILLBAR
AIRCON STREETFOOD
122 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7901
facebook.com/grillbareaterycafe
Take a New York-style industrial atmosphere, add to it a range of grilled dishes,
typical of the barbecue fare youd find on
the street, and then add in three types of rice
and a range of organic products. Close to Ben
Thanh Market, this is com binh dan
HOA TUC
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 1676
Highly rated restaurant with stunning outdoor terrace. Specialities include pink pomelo squid and crab salad, mustard leaf prawn
rolls, fishcake wraps and barbecue chicken
in ginger, onions and a lime leaf marinade.
HOANG YEN
PAN-VIETNAMESE
7 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 1101
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
Ground Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai
Trieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3915 6066
hogsbreathcafe.com.vn
Mixing hearty pub grub such as burgers, salads and prime rib steaks with a sports bar
atmosphere, this Australian chain also offers
regular promotions and a 4pm to 7pm happy
hour. Excellent outdoor terrace.
INAHO
SUSHI / SASHIMI
4 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 0326
KOH THAI
LE BANH MI
12 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 1036
LOLIVIER
FRENCH/MEDITERRANEAN
Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
Exuding a southern Gallic atmosphere with
its tiled veranda, pastel-coloured walls and
ficus trees, this traditional French restaurant
has quarterly Michelin star promotions and
an award winning pastry team.
LA 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
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
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
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
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 terracotta-tiled 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.
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
INTERNATIONAL
43 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 0094
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
THAI HA
GROCERS
60 Ham Nghi, Q1
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
HCMC
Body
Real Talk
Gym memberships go through a boom
period between January to March, with
thousands of people signing up. But three
months later, half no longer use their
memberships if they did at all. The
fact that only approximately 10 percent of
people actually achieve their goals over a
12-month period says something about how
we set goals and go about achieving them.
Ask yourself, Will I be in the 10 percent
who succeed or the 90 percent who fail?
People can want change but not be
ready to make the so-called sacrifice to
achieve their wants. To lead a healthier,
happier and more energetic life, the socalled sacrifices are far outweighed by
and
Temple
By Phil Kelly
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
VENUS
41 Nguyen Trung Ngan, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3829 6298
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and 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.
JASMINE
GLOW SPA
THANH SANCTUARY
INDOCHINE SPA
69 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 7188
Indochine-spa.com.vn
Indochine Spa provides a
peaceful and serene atmosphere with aromatic
scents and lulling melodies.
Customers are pampered
by qualified therapists using
natural French products in
a clean and pleasant environment.
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
Medical Buff
Is Natural Immunity Better Than Vaccination?
From 19 to 59:
Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) if
not previously vaccinated or immune
Age 60 and Older:
Zoster if not previously vaccinated
Age 65 and Older:
Pneumococcal
Your Whole Life Long:
Influenza once a year
Tetanus, diphtheria and acellular
pertussis (Tdap) if not previously
vaccinated, plus additional dose during
pregnancy
Tetanus-diphtheria toxoids (Td)
booster every 10 years
Vietnam-specific:
Rabies
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Japanese Encephalitis if spending
significant time in rural areas
Cholera if there is indication of an
outbreak
For more advice regarding vaccinations or
any other medical topics visit Family Medical
Practice on 298I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Hanoi, or
on (04) 3843 0748 and vietnammedicalpractice.
com. FMPs downtown Ho Chi Minh Citys
branch is at Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 7848
HCMC
BAKERY
117 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 1992
crumbs.com.vn
Dubbed the local bakery,
Crumbs serves up a variety
of baked goods including baguettes, muffins, cheese and
garlicbased buns and loafs,
meatfilled pastries, sweet
pastries, healthconscious
breads and more. There is
also a breakfast menu and
variety of sandwiches available.
KOREAN BAKERY
59 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3914 4350
BIA HOI
33 Bui Vien, Q1
INTERNATIONAL / COMFORT
FOOD
40/24 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8452
With a free book exchange,
and tasty Sunday night
roasts, the tiny Bread &
Butter is a perfect place for
homesick expats and beer
enthusiasts (excellent HueBrewed Huda beer served
here exclusively in Ho Chi
Minh City).
GO2
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
187 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 9575
GODMOTHER BAR
RESTOBAR / VIETNAMESE /
WESTERN
129 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3832 4589
godmothersaigon.com
Only a couple blocks from
the bru-haha of Bui Vien,
Godmothers is a small watering hole with big attractions including excellent
mojitos, good food, and the
weekly Optimus Club featuring international DJs.
LE PUB
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
175/22 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 7679
Warm colors, artsy dcor
and a friendly ambiance
combine to create a perfect
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.
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
THI CAF
T&R TAVERN
DIVE BAR
57 Do Quang Dau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 9839
UNIVERSAL BAR
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.
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
RAZ GARNETT
U.BEST HOUSE
TRAVEL GEAR
163 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1, Tel:
0978 967588
Ubesthouse.com
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
641826
Bamskateshop.com.vn
BLUE DRAGON
SOUVENIRS / CLOTHING
1B Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
2210 2084
8am to 10.30pm
GINKGO
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
54-56 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
6270 5928
ginkgo-vietnam.com
SAPA
CORIANDER
THAI / VIETNAMESE
16 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08) 3837
1311
LA CANTINA
TEX-MEX / VIETNAMESE
175/3 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
MARGHERITA
STELLAR CAFE
ITALIAN / VIETNAMESE
119-121 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3836 9220
Two-storey Stella serves
very reasonable Italian food
antipasti, pasta, pizza,
insalata plus meats and fish
at reasonable prices. Also
has Wi-Fi, cool aircon, and
one of the best lattes around.
Now no-smoking indoors.
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.
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40/31 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2502
Chiscafe.com
This affable caf is a rarity
in the backpacker area for
its genuinely good musical
playlist. Excellent, buildyour-own breakfasts, baked
potatoes, toasties, Vietnamese fare and more. Has a
Tattoo Artists
With tattoos becoming increasingly popular, over
the past few years there
has been an increase in
the number of tattoo studios around the city.
Customers have the
choice of picking their
own tattoo out of the
many look books on offer
in the studios or bringing
in their own design. Most
of the studios offer bodypiercing services as well.
Pricing depends on size
and style.
Saigon Ink
26 Tran Hung Dao, Q1
Tel: (08) 3836 1090
tattoovietnam.com
Saigon Tattoo
31B Nguyen Du, Q1
saigontattoo.net
CHIS CAF
GALERIE QUYNH
ITALIAN / TEX-MEX
175/1 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
Eat
BABAS KITCHEN
Galleries
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.
81 Bui Vien, Q1
Tel: 0908 573339
xamnghethuat.vn
Tattoo Saigon
128 Nguyen Cu Trinh, Q1
Tel: 0938 303838
tattoosaigon.com
Tattoo Tam Bi
209 Bui Vien, Q1
Tel: 0919 034383
xamphunnghethuat.com
HCMC
DISTRICT 1
Bars & Clubs
Ahoy Beer Club
ANH DUCS
QUAN NHAU
18A/31/B22 Nguyen Thi
Minh Khai, Q1
CHILL SKYBAR
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
HOA VIEN
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
34D Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2910
Idcafe.net
Centrally located near Ben
Thanh Market, i.d offers
casual caf dining with a
wide variety of food and
beverages. Where modern
design and a warm ambience meet for coffee.
CZECH BREWHOUSE
28 Mac Dinh Chi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8605
hoavien.vn
INTERNATIONAL / FRENCH
97 Nguyan Huu Cau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3844 3295
saigongivral.com
KEM NHAN
I.D. CAF
MZ CLUB
Vuvuzela
Cafes
CAF ME
CASUAL CAFE
8A Luong Huu Khanh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3926 2828
Cafeme.biz
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
76A Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
2718
The outdoor, well-aired terrace is the centrepiece of
this popular, contemporary
caf. Enjoy live music on
weekends as you sip on reasonably priced Vietnamese
or espresso-based coffee.
LE PETIT CAF
FRENCH
112 Pham Viet Chanh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6291 2067
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 contempo-
SKATEWEAR / STREET
15H Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q1, Tel: 0903 641826
Bamskateshop.com.vn
BOO
STREETWEAR
134 Nguyen Trai, Q1
boo.vn
BOSSINI
CHILDRENS PLANET
CHILDRENS CLOTHING
90 Vo Thi Sau, Q1, Tel: (08)
3820 9881
childrenplanet.com.vn
DBLANC
WOMENS CLOTHING
89A Nguyen Trai, Q1, Tel: (08)
3925 5164
d-blanc.com
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.
MARIPOSA
BUSINESSWEAR / CASUAL
19-21 Vo Thi Sau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3820 3574
thuyngadesign.com
8am to 8pm
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 so-
LION CITY
MAY RESTAURANT
Eat
Banh Tam Bi To Chau
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.
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.
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.
Chi Thong
MODERN VIETNAMESE
10 Dang Tat, Q1, Tel: (08)
3848 0144
DYNASTY
CANTONESE / PAN-CHINESE
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Elegant surroundings, top
quality ingredients, attentive service and comfortable,
roundtable dining makes Dynasty one of the top Chinese
restaurants in town, with a
classic dim sum menu.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
SPORTS
PHAP HOA
VEGETARIAN
200 Nguyen Trai, Q1, Tel: (08)
3839 5893
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.
International Schools
PAN-CHINESE / NOODLES
162 Nguyen Trai, Q1, Tel: (08)
3925 0824
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
Galleries
CRAIG THOMAS GALLERY
27i Tran Nhat Duat, Q1, Tel:
0903 888431
cthomasgallery.com
Located in a quiet corner
of District 1, Craig Thomas
Gallery offers a compelling
mix of up-and-coming and
established local artists. In
operation since 2009, its
founder has been promoting
Vietnamese art for a decade.
SAN ART
3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh, Tel:
(08) 3840 0183
San-art.org
San Art is an independent,
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.
COMPASS EDUCATION
15 Tran Doan Khanh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3820 3302
compass.edu.vn
VAS
23 Tran Cao Van, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 7278
vas.edu.vn
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.
SPA TROPIC
HCMC
DISTRICT 2
Bakeries
BAKEUP ATELIER
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
PAT A CHOU
FRENCH BAKERY
25 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3743 2445
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.
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
Cafes
AGNES CAFE
CAF EVITA
VESPA SHOP
HOME FURNISHINGS
81 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3519 4640/4643
CHI LAI
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
Eat
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.
AGNES CAF
BAAN THAI
PAN-THAI
55 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 5453
baanthai-anphu.com
Subtle lighting and comfortable sofa-like seating at this
An Phu eatery. The menu
has a whole page dedicated
to tom yum soup as well
as firey larb moo and Laotian som tam. Thai cuisine
cooked up by no-holdsbarred Thai chefs.
BOAT HOUSE
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 Saigon river.
The menu offers seasonal
dishes, classic mains and
sharing plates.
COM TAM
40A Quoc Huong, Q2
MEKONG MERCHANT
PAPAGAYO
TAMAGO
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
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
HCMC
Bali-style atmosphere, complemented by great cocktails
and a long wine list.
THE LOOP
AQUABIKING
65 Truc Duong, Lang Bao
Chi, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0909
008985
aquafit.vn
DANCENTER
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.
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.
International Schools
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 and is
staffed by British qualified
and trained teachers. Fully
accredited by the Council of
International Schools and a
member of FOBISSEA, 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.
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.
GREGORY BEALE
THERAPY
34 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel:
01268 654 202
gregbealetherapyfitness.
com
Hairdressers
ANTHONY GEORGE FOR LONDON
HAIR & BEAUTY
Fideco Riverview Building,
14 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 6475
anthony@aglondonsalon.
com.vn
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 Coif-
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL GIS
730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: 7300 7257
www.giss.vn
The German International
School offers a unique bilingual German-English programme for students, from a
variety of nationalities, from
2 to 16 years old. Its curriculum is based on the internationally recognised Primary
Years Programmes (PYP),
Middle Years Programme
(MYP) and IB Diploma Programme of the International
Baccalaureate (IB) system.
HCMC
DISTRICT 3
Bars & Clubs
ACOUSTIC
LIVE MUSIC
6E Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3930 2239
Though only 1km from the
city centre, Acoustic is well
off most foreigners radars.
Come see the Vietnamese
house band play nightly, as
well as performances from
overseas bands and guest
artists.
CLOUD 9
METALLIC BAR
PLAN B
CONTEMPORARY BAR
147 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
0987 684761
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
171 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3932 2778
budsicecream.com.vn
HIDEAWAY
INTERNATIONAL
41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3822 4222
Hideawaycafe-saigon.com
Hidden in a colonial building
with an outdoor courwrd,
the ample soft, sofa 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
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
modern-designed products
(sofas, chairs, beds...) manufactured from eco-friendly
materials (water hyacinth &
rattan). Our outdoor (poly
rattan) wicker-furniture
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 / BUFFET
238 Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3820 7157
aulacdobrazil.com
Latino ambiance with great
meat dishes and attractive,
spacious dcor. The churrasco, with 12 cuts of barbecued and cured meats
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
bar and separate dining
room with sweeping views
over central Saigon make
up this enormous, comfortable space. A well-thought
International Schools
CITYSMART
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.
7 Street 2, Cu Xa Do Thanh,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3832 8488
citysmart.vn
CitySmart delivers a range
of diverse, internationallyrecognised educational
programmes, as well as life
skills and character building
for comprehensive development.
VAS
98 Cach Mang Thang Tam,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 7278
vas.edu.vn
TIB
HUE / VIETNAMESE
187 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 7242
Tibrestaurant.com.vn
VIET CHAY
VEGAN
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, 339
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3
vietchay.vn
YOGA
107/39 Truong Dinh, Q3, Tel:
0909 648193
michellelloyd.com
BELLY DANCE
No 96, Street 2, Cu Xa Do
Thanh, Q3, Tel: (08) 3832
9429
saigonbellydance.com
Hairdressers
YKC HAIR STUDIO
219 Dien Bien Phu, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 2791
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.
HCMC
PHU MY HUNG
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
254 Dien Bien Phu, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3932 1090
stamfordskin.com
Stamford Medical Clinic
offers services in internal
medicine, dermatology,
aesthetic medicine, infectious diseases, and general
medicine.
YKC SPA
219 Dien Bien Phu, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 2791
ykcspa.com
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
EXPAT & SPORTS BAR
R2-24 Hung Gia 3, Bui Bang
Doan, Q7, Tel: (08) 5410
3900
The first bar established in
Saigon South, great food,
great music and loads of
laughs. Has regular live
music nights, theme nights
and a variety of live sports
events to please everybody.
Big screens and outdoor
seating add to the mix, with
BBQs available for parties
and events.
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
NHA XINH
HOME FURNISHINGS
CR3, The Crescent Mall, 111
Ton Dat Tien, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6657
www.nhaxinh.com
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.
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.
PANORMA FITNESS
PAN-VIETNAMESE
The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat
Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 2210 2304
EL GAUCHO
HOANG YEN
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
LUXURY INDOCHINA
2 Phan Van Chuong, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 9999
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.
CHAM CHARM
International Schools
ABC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
2, 1E Street, KDC Trung Son,
Binh Hung, Binh Chanh, Tel:
(08) 5431 1833
theabcis.com
Serving students from 32
nations, ages two to 18, ABC
delivers a curriculum wholly
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.
SMILE DENTAL
RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL SAIGON (RISS)
74 Nguyen Thi Thap, Q7, Tel:
(08) 3773 3171
rissaigon.edu.vn
RISS provides students from
over 25 nations with a British / international education.
Students ages two to 18 enjoy classes taught by qualified native English speakers
at their stateoftheart
campus.
nh bi Yves Schiepek
Tr Chi Burger
McDonald ang ti Vit Nam. n lc khuy ng th trng bnh burger
S Liu Thc T
Cnh Tranh
D tic cui nm
Mt ln na, CanCham li t chc mt ba tic sang trng
l ba tic u tin cho gii doanh nhn vo nm mi, nm
con nga Nm mi pha trc: Tm nhn xa v c kt
ca ngi qun tr doanh nghip vo nm 2014. Vo ngy 16
thng Ging ti Khch sn New World, qun tr nhn lc,
tuyn dng, cc vn hp php, pht trin kinh t - x hi,
xu hng u t v cn nhiu hn na s c tho lun, v
vy CanCham v cc nh t chc t khp ni trn th gii rt
hy vng vo cc c hi him c v th thch nm mi ny.
V cho ba tic ngy 16 thng Ging l VND850,000 cho
thnh vin CanCham v cc t chc trc thuc, VND1.5
triu cho khch khng l thnh vin, VND7.5 triu cho mt
bn 10 ngi. Nhn khch ng k vo lc 11 gi sng, a
im l khch sn New World, 76 L Lai, Qun 1. ng
k tham d, hy lin h hcmc@canchamvietnam.org hoc
(08) 3824 3754
Gn kt vi Vit Nam
Nhn li mt hi tho sau nm nm hot ng .
nh cung cp bi Cristina Nualart
mi ni trn th
gii, cc cuc hi
tho khoa hc din
ra hng nm vi cc
ch a dng t cng ngh
nano cho ti chui cung ng ti chnh hay vn
hc ch trong ngn ng ni ca Chu Phi. Rt
nhiu nhng hc gi v nhng ngi lm trong
lnh vc ny tham d nhng bui hi tho
tho lun v nhng lnh vc thuc chuyn
mn ca h.
Mt vi nm trc, tin s Phan L H, ging
vin ti trng i hc Monash Australia
mun t chc mt din n cho mt cuc tho
lun ci m v Vit Nam. Ging nh nhng
ngi theo ui gic m ca mnh, c ang bin
n tr thnh thc hin t chc mt hi tho
v tt c mi th Vit Nam ang c k hoch
thc hin trong nm nm. T Melbourne, ti H
Ni, v Hawaii Gn kt vi Vit Nam s mang
cc hc gi t nhiu lnh vc li vi nhau
tho lun v tng lai, qu kh v hin ti vi v
s nhng cu hi v Vit Nam.
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Nam ln th nm c ch Nhng cch khc
nhau tm hiu v Vit Nam. S kin ny c
t chc ti trng Thi Nguyn, cch H Ni
hai ting v pha Bc.
T Hp Nhng Tng
Opportunity Knocks
Alongside his singer wife, Thuy Tien and Le Cong Vinh are the Posh and Becks of
Vietnam. Derek Milroy talks with the nations most famous footballer, just off a stint
starring for Japanese club Consadole Sapporo. Illustration by Yanneth Albornoz
A Vietnamese Abroad
He lived in Hokkaido for six months,
playing for one of Japans most famous
clubs. He was blown away by the reception
of the Japanese fans, who took him into
their affections for his skills and hardworking ethic, despite not being a regular
starter for the J-League Division 2 club.
Fans of Sapporo gave me more love
that I expected, the footballer says. Ill
remember the way they treated me for the
rest of my life. When I landed at the airport,
there were so many fans welcoming me.
When I was on the ground, many fans
recognised me and waved their hands.
But the most touching and proudest
moment was when two middle aged
couples were carrying a Vietnamese flag
before asking for my autograph. You have
to understand that finding a Vietnamese
flag in Japan is very difficult. During the
games, fans drew a Vietnamese flag on
tough paper to encourage me.
My experience overseas
taught me that racial and class discrimination is alive and well, that there are
often possibilities and opportunities, that
the war here will never be understood,
that being in exile is a lifetime condition.
trol my impulses.
Sometimes I wish I had the courage to let go, to be simple, and not jump
at all the opportunities. I wish I had
thought more about the risks I recently
took at Zone 9.