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VIETNAM EDITION
JULY 2014
contents
wordvietnam.com
JULY 2014
054
106
088
THE TALK
INSIDER
BRIEFINGS
ARTS
086 / Saving Face
The writing on the wall
LEISURE
092 / Taking the Bait
022
contents
124
192
132
FASHION
116 / A Touch of Trouble
TRAVEL
124 / In Thailand with Holga
HCMC
032 / Overscene
034 / Calendar
190 / On Transience
And the band didnt play on
CONTRIBUTORS
This month we asked Word contributors, are
you a cat or dog person?
The editorial and design of WORD is carried out by Duong Huynh Advertising JSC
EDITORIAL
DAVID HARRIS
Staff Photographer
Cat Person
At home in South Africa I was
definitely a dog person. Then I found
a kitten in Phnom Penh, Mowgli, and
he is my constant companion in Hanoi.
He is also a Ninja and the King of Cool. So I would
say I am a cat person for now.
KAREN HEWELL
Online Editor
Cat Person
A year ago I was a dog person, and
ONLY a dog person. But thanks to my
girlfriend arriving home with a stray kitten
that looked like a feline Vladimir Putin, I have
become a cat person. Begrudgingly.
JULIE VOLA
Contributing Photographer
Cat Person
I am a cat lady. I have had cats all
my life, and cant live without one. At
home we currently have six kittens.
HOA LE
Staff Editor
Dog Person
Im definitely a dog. First, because I
was born in the year of the dog. Second,
I hate eating dog meat. And third, I think
I am quite loyal.
ED WEINBERG
Deputy Editor
Cat Person
To borrow a phrase from Marc Maron,
Im a cat guy. Ive had cats my whole
life, and I think I understand them. I think
theyre on my level. We have fun.
These are my favourite cat nicknames: Buddy
Boy, Sir Slam, The Town Crier, The Pilgrim,
Butterball, Panda Puss, Bumblebee
NICK ROSS
NICK ROSS
Chief Editor
editor@wordvietnam.com
ED WEINBERG
Deputy Editor
ed@wordvietnam.com
MADS MONSEN
Creative Director
mads@wordvietnam.com
HOA LE
Staff Editor
hoale@wordvietnam.com
KYLE PHANROY
Photo Editor
kyle@wordvietnam.com
KAREN HEWELL
News & Online Editor
karen@wordvietnam.com
FRANCIS XAVIER
Staff Reporter
francis.xavier@wordvietnam.com
DAVID HARRIS
Staff Photographer
david@wordvietnam.com
MARK ALLAN
Website & Graphic Designer
mark@wordvietnam.com
NGUYEN LOC
Layout Designer
loc@wordvietnam.com
VU HA KIM VY
Marketing
vy@wordvietnam.com
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BAO ROSS
General Director
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Chief Accountant
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Sales Executive
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SUBSCRIPTIONS
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Special thanks to Margaret Smith, Aimee Millwood, Seamus Butler, Huyen Tran, Dana McNairn,
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Park, Esther Nguyen, ENV and WAR
Chief Editor
Dog Person
I grew up with an amazing cat. His
name was Pinchas, after the famous
violinist Pinchas Zukerman. He was
a ginger tom and a real fighter, but when he was
eight, he broke his pelvis. We had him spayed and
he was never the same. For me, no other cat will ever
match up to him. So now I like dogs so I dont have
to compare.
Word is a registered
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may be reproduced in
any form without prior
authorisation of the
owners.
Word - Duong Huynh
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6 | Word July 2014 | wordvietnam.com
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The prelude
out just how much more
there is to do to make a
difference to our future
here.
We learned about
the vulnerable and
miraculous populations
of primates here,
three of which make
The Worlds 25 Most
Endangered Primates
list. We studied World
Wildlife Fund reports,
which every few years
turned up dozens of
previously unclassified
species endemic to
Vietnam. We dug into
the comments sections
of posts about the
reappearance of the
saola and disappearance
of the Javan rhino,
gauging the wonder
and compassion of
dependent on us, a
mirror of our kindness
and cruelty.
Were witnessing a
beautiful moment here
in Vietnam a moment
of new understanding,
a moment where so
much hangs in the
balance. In the middle
of dire predictions
about the future are
acts of heroism on
an individual level,
families taking in
hurt and abandoned
animals, former hunters
guarding the habitats
of those they once
stalked. And these acts
are paying off, in the
everyday miracles we
see every time we look
outside. Ed Weinberg,
Deputy Editor
VIETNAM EDITION
JULY 2014
W
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hen we
were
approached
by our
partner charity Animal
Rescue and Care (ARC)
for help two months
ago, it got us thinking
about our values. Most
of us are animal lovers
at least one of us
actually put his familys
cats on a coat of arms
he had to put together
for some silly middle
school project. There
had to be more we
could do.
This past month, we
were a sponsor of ARCs
annual fundraiser. We
felt pretty good about
that. And then we
started digging into this
cover story and found
NH
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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.
Dear Editor,
We are writing to you as
six of the 16 riders who
completed the cycle from
Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City
in April of this year. First
we would like to thank you
for your article in the June
edition of Word Vietnam
(page 102). However, we
are disappointed with
the portrayal of the ride
and we feel we have
been misrepresented. It
didnt show what wed
accomplished, and for what
amazing cause.
We think the angle you
took, thighs, was a great
idea but it left out some
very important aspects of
what the ride is. The story
of the 16 of us who finished
the talk
get wet.
Until 10 years ago, summers in Vietnam were no
different to other times of the year. Except for expats,
who used the warmer months to fly long-haul to their
native climes, most other people in this country stayed
in place. They didnt have the disposable income to
leave town or go on vacation business ambled on as
normal.
But fast forward to 2014 and for day-to-day commerce
in the countrys economic heartlands, summers see
everything slowing down. The rise in domestic tourism
has been a goldmine for the resorts along the Central
Vietnam coast or for the tourist spots in the north. As
the arrival of foreign tourists slows, so June, July and
early August sees them replaced by local travellers, all
searching for that annual break.
But go back to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, and life is
quiet. So quiet in fact, that its a cause for concern.
We had almost no customers last night, says one
well-known, Saigon-based restaurateur, who himself is
using the lull to take a Mediterranean break in southern
Europe. And last night was a Friday. Today our terrace
is fully booked for a do. But its just so unpredictable
right now.
A Hanoi counterpart echoes his words. Weve
decreased our budget for the summer, he explains,
although were performing better than we thought. But
were still not busy.
Losing Momentum
1.
2.
4.
DJ VISA GIVES A
MASTERCLASS
3.
5.
WERE ON A
BOAT!
Eclectic Aesthetic
and Optimist Clubs
collaboration is once
again plumbing
the depths of the
party universe, with
a daytime party on the good ship Elisa
Boat coming up Jul. 5 right before
the DJ Visa set at The Observatory.
Party regulars Hibiya Line, Dan Lo, Nic
Ford and a mysterious super-special
international guest will be on hand to put
some junk in your trunk, and the soundabsorbing wooden Zion of a space that
should drown out even the loudest of
thunderclaps should be your perfect
antidote to the rainy day blues.
The gangway to Elisa Boat at 5 Nguyen
Tat Thanh, Q4, HCMC, just down the road
from California Fitness opens at 3pm on Jul.
5. Entry is VND100,000. For more info, check
facebook.com/eclecticaestheticsaigon
brief ings
In the Ring
brief ings
Speedboat Barbecue
On the grounds of a holiday home in Ho Chi Minh Citys District 12,
a cooking tradition gets its start. Photos by Kyle Phanroy
brief ings
We Are
Sailing
Photos provided by Sailing Club Nha Trang
Changing Times
Being first in has certainly benefitted
Sailing Club, especially in regards to the
development that started in the late 1990s.
Just a handful of other projects have been
allowed to build directly on the beach,
and for a long time Sailing Club and then
later Louisiane Brewhouse were the only
bars and restaurants on the beachfront.
Yet similar to the experience of other
businessmen who set up in the 1990s, for
Vidotto the first decade running Sailing
Club was tough. But it was always fun and
we had some memorable times.
We operated 24/7, he continues, with
lots of sunrises and early morning swims.
Most of the old expat community from
Saigon would remember the early days.
It was that long ago that we still used
cassettes [to play] music.
The change started in 2002, a period
when with greater income at their disposal,
Vietnamese started to travel and there was
brief ings
Back to Reality
Now at the end of his trip and back in London, Alex is
hoping to publish a book about the experience. But this
doesnt mean hes ditching his love of gastronomy in
favour of a career in literature.
I guess its back in the kitchen as a chef with the hope
to one day have a place of my own, he says. After what
Ive experienced this past year, Im not sure I could ever
leave the kitchen. Nick Ross
To read about Alexs travels go to foodishboy.com
brief ings
The Marathon
The Vietnam Mountain Marathon returns to Sapa
A Different Challenge
Posted in Vietnam for four years his
previous diplomatic assignment was in La
Paz for Nielsen running is the perfect way
to counteract the stresses of a demanding job.
It is flexible and only [requires] a pair of
running shoes, he explains.
Usually running early mornings, three
to five times a week, at weekends Nielsen
stretches his daily 5km to 7km to as much as
15km. However, taking part in marathons is
a different task altogether.
Running a marathon is a challenging
and rewarding event as it requires a bit of
discipline preparing for it, Nielsen explains.
But setting a goal and completing it is
always a good feeling. There will be ups and
downs during the run and an inner voice will
sometimes tell you to slow down, however,
you have to ignore it and keep going.
Promoting a Cause
One of the focuses of the event is to draw
attention to leading a healthy lifestyle.
With the support of Novo Nordisk and
the Vietnamese Association of Diabetes
and Endocrinology (VADE), Topas and the
Danish Embassy have used the marathon
as a sounding board to raise awareness of
diabetes in Vietnam.
Vietnam [has one of the] highest
growth rates of diabetes in the world, says
Nielsen. More and more young people
are being diagnosed. They are the future
of Vietnam and therefore it is key to guide
them in leading a healthier life. I hope
that by being involved in this race, we
can highlight improving access to medical
services and treatment for people with
diabetes in Vietnam.
The marathon will also be donating US$20
(VND420,000) of the entrance fee to Sapa
OChau, a non-profit charity organisation
helping ethnic minority youths return to
school and complete their basic education.
Despite the distraction of the good causes,
Nielsen is still very much focused on the
upcoming race.
It is fantastic, he says, and to many
runners, a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With all those carrots being dangled,
how can you not get yourself involved?
Nick Ross
Vietnam Mountain Marathon 2014 will be
held on Sep. 20. Almost 400 runners have already
signed up for the race. Registration ends on Aug.
20 or when fully booked. For more info and to
sign up, visit vietnammountainmarathon.com
brief ings
Songs, Surf
and Whisky Slaps
Harmonising
Looking out over Taal Volcano, perched atop a valley
wall, the chords of a song begin to solidify like the
cooling of a pyroclastic flow. Slapping his hands on his
thighs in rhythm with the strings, Adrian hums a melody,
READERSHIP
SURVEY
2014
Take our readership survey and win prizes.
All people who complete surveys will have
their name put into a hat. The draw will be
made by Cimigo and take place at the end of
August 2014. Any comments or questions,
please email Vy on vy@wordvietnam.com
be HEARD!
be REWARDED!
Tell us what you think
about Word by going to
word.cimigolive.com
pressfoto.com
brief ings
A Turning Point
After 34 years in the UK, she began to
feel she was ready for a change. With her
husbands blessing, she returned to the
country of her birth.
In 2006, I decided to come back to
Vietnam for the first time, just to see my
country, really. And to see if there was
anyone else who looked like me. So I got off
the plane expecting to see loads of people
with my skin tone, who looked like me
and I got off the plane and there was no one.
And I just fell in love with Vietnam.
Suzanne came back a year later, and
then again and again. She spent her time
volunteering at a badly-run orphanage and
found a deep connection with the kids there,
a connection shed been missing in her life.
And they found a connection with her.
One 15-year-old shed grown especially close
to couldnt bear to see her go after a 2009
visit.
[The girl] burst into tears and said, Well
Im just going to go kill myself. No one loves
me, no one cares about me, Im not going to
school, the woman in the orphanage beats
me. I dont have a future.
The thing is, I understood her, and I
understood her pain. Suzanne has to stop
here, the memory too painful. The flight to
England is 14 hours, and by the time I got
off the plane I had decided I was going to go
back to Vietnam.
These children dont need another
institute, she thought then, they need a
home. And thats where it started.
The Cure
I flew back four weeks later just to see her,
and tell her what I was doing. And I said to
brief ings
The Anti-Caf
SUMMER RENAISSANCE
VinSpace has a couple options to enrich
your childs summer, mixing in art,
communication and general creativity in
an outstanding collage of awesomeness.
Currently ongoing is the Study English
through Art series, in which kids ages six
to 12 navigate artistic challenges while
practising their English, and of course
having fun. For those a bit younger (four
to 10 is the age range), theres Summer Art
Camp, just started on Jun. 23 and going
through the end of August. This concept
is an art intensive, designed to expose
students to different art techniques, help
them explore different mediums and tap
enough of their creativity to keep them from
painting on your walls when they get home.
There is also a non-child-safe option
this one involving wine and knives! The
July 17 Canvas & Wine workshop is focused
on using knife techniques to obtain fresh
and spontaneous works. At VinSpace
Garage (95 Pasteur, Q1) from 6.30pm to
9pm, youll learn how to use a knife in the
service of creation, not destruction.
For more info on any of VinSpaces July
courses, check vin-space.com
PRIME MOVER
Anna-Selina Kager
Founder and lead shredder at Viet Shred
facebook.com/vietshred
An Austrian pro skater of the longboard persuasion, last year
Anna and co-founder Andre Tokarczyk set about spreading the
stoke through Vietnam under the banner of Viet Shred. With events
and clinics in both Saigon and Mui Ne, Viet Shred is ground zero
of this growing trend
Things I posted on
Facebook that got the
most likes:
My friends and my article on
the Visayan Longboard Trilogy
2014, one of the biggest downhill
skateboard events in Southeast
Asia, in the Philippines.
If my older-yet-still-cool
Mom came to town, I
would take her to:
Snap Caf to look for good
books in their little library.
And as we both call ourselves
part-time vegetarians, I would
definitely bring her to Hum,
my favourite veggie place in
town, with this special Buddhist
touch.
National Holidays
epending on where
youre from, July is
a time for fireworks,
feasts and airplane
flyovers. But now youre
in Vietnam, we can all get
together over a good buffet.
Check out the following
options, and keep Jul. 4
and Jul. 14 open and the
following days even opener.
Hotel Equatorial
hcm.equatorial.com
This Jul. 4, throw those partisan
politics out the window and
get your buffet on, with an
American-styled selection of
USDA-certified beef, Boston
lobster and more. Declare your
independence from the tyranny
of afternoon pig-outs from
6.30pm to 10pm at Chit Chat,
for a downright Walmartesque
VND840,000++ per person.
Sheraton Saigon
APOCALAUGHS NOW
If you thought that there was going to be let-up in the stand-up
comedy coming to Saigon, well there is. In July the organisers are
taking a breather. A well-deserved breather in fact. But on Tuesday
Aug. 19 the hiatus will be over and the gagsters are returning to
Cargo Bar, this time in the shape and comedic form of Nick Page
(UK) and Peter Berner (AUS).
A former estate agent and the presenter of BBC TV series Escape to
the Country, Nick Page got into comedy as the result of a bet hes
still not sure hes won. However, described alternately as the funniest
thing I've seen all year and a very fine man, this acclaimed comic
and Comedy Store regular has obviously got something right.
Peter Berner is also a bit of a TV hit, presenting the ABC series The
Einstein Factor from 2004 to 2009. To add to this he hosts You Have Been
Watching on The Comedy Channel. A regular on the Australian comedy
scene since the 1990s, so accomplished is he that hes even got a whole
Wikipedia page dedicated to himself. Now thats success, right?
Presented by Magners Irish Cider, doors for Apocalaughs Now will open
at Cargo Bar at 8pm on Aug. 19. The entrance surcharge is VND250,000
and for advance table bookings, please email saigoncomedynights@gmail.com.
Apocalaughs Now is organised in conjunction with Comedy Club Asia
sheratonsaigon.com
Saigon Caf doesnt judge.
Maybe you want fried
wontons on Jul. 4, maybe you
want roast turkey. Maybe you
GUANABANA SMOOTHIES
The tide is turning in Ho Chi Minh City,
away from the khong duong, khong sua
places to a more natural, healthy taste. And
Guanabana Smoothies, with their careful
sourcing and emphasis on natural, fresh
ingredients, is a big part of this sea change.
Founder Luke Nguyen says, One of the
reasons I started is I became a dad, changed
my lifestyle and wanted to get more into
healthy living. Part of that is eating natural
foods, whole foods. The other part of it
thats important to me is eating clean foods.
So one of the things that we try to do is
make sure that the foods from the right
source, that the staff is well-trained in how
to make everything clean.
So thats pretty much what were trying
to provide for Saigon something thats
clean, healthy and delicious.
Guanabana Smoothies is on 23 Ly Tu Trong,
Q1, or at facebook.com/guanabanasmoothies
LEGENDARY JUICE
As if Lotte Legend Hotel didnt spoil
you for choice enough, theyve just
added a fresh juice bar to Atrium
Cafs breakfast buffet. Included in
the offerings are 12 kinds of fresh fruit
and vegetables, including papaya,
pineapple, pomelo, watermelon, apple,
strawberry, pepper, cucumber, carrot,
tomato, celery and bitter melon. With
an emphasis on health, they should help
you recover from the 12 Bloody Marys
youll also be drinking.
The Atrium Caf is in the Lotte Legend
Hotel, 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, Q1
LA CRESPO
You dont have to look any further than
the pizza perverters operating chain
restaurants to see why pizza gets a bad
name amongst healthy types. At La
Crespo, the pizza is different cooked
in a wood-fired brick oven, almost
everything on the all important pie organic
and homemade. The cheese is homemade,
the Italian food authentic. The minds
behind La Crespo believe that health is
wealth but dont let that stand in the
way of having a satisfying meal.
La Crespo is at 63 Truong Dinh, Q3
kris kotcher
exhibition
el gaucho opening
melting pot 5
arc fundraiser
Comedy Asia
ginkgo concept
store turned 1
Hcmc
july 2014
M2 MARKETING MIXER
se this non-vacation
time to bone up on
your skills and what
the heck get some
drinks in while youre at it.
k, so your favourite
team most likely
wont be in it, and
the dates are more
like Jul. 13 and 14 here, but
these are the games that
history is made of.
01 Tuesday
07 Monday
DOUBLE TROUBLE. Every Tue. Buy 1 drink get 1 free all night long @ Last
Call
02 wednesday
08 Tuesday
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL. Everyday from 6 to 9pm buy 1 drink get 1 @ Last
Call
03 thursday
09 Wednesday
WORLD CUP SEMI-FINALS. 3am
04 friday
10 Thursday
05 saturday
11 Friday
12 Saturday
THE ART OF ARTICHOKES. From Jul. 12 to 18, special artichoke menu with
chef Darren Watson @ Reflections, Caravelle Hotel
05 saturday
13Sunday
Sunday
13
06 sunday
34 | Word July 2014 | wordvietnam.com
inSpaces monthly
series Canvas & Wine
mixes up a class-like
atmosphere with
some good ol fashioned
canvas slashing, in their knife
techniques workshop.
SUMMER GALLERIA
an Arts summer
group exhibition
features some heavy
hitters in Vietnamese
contemporary art, trying their
hands at some light beach
crafting.
14 monday
21 Monday
22 Tuesday
23 Wednesday
BASTILLE DAY.
BASTILLE DAY CELEBRATION WITH FRENCH STYLE PARTY. @ Saigon
Cafe, Sheraton Saigon. See Whats On
WORLD CUP FINAL MATCH. 2am
15 Tuesday
HAPPY HOUR. Tue. To Fri. from 6pm to 8pm, 50k for all cocktails and
mixers @ Saigon Outcast
16 Wednesday
17 Thursday
CANVAS&WINE: KNIFE TECHNIQUES. From 6.30pm @ VinSpace Garage.
See Whats On
LADIES PROMOTION. Every Thu. from 6 to 9pm, Ladies in groups of 3 get
a complimentary cocktail @ Last Call
18 Friday
19 Saturday
24 Thursday
A TALE OF TWO CITIES BY RICHIE FAWCETT. Until Aug. 31 @ Au Parc
25 Friday
26 saturday
27 sunday
28 monday
ISHCMCS SUMMER CAMP WORKSHOP: INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY.
From Jul. 28 to Aug. 2
29 tuesday
30 wednesday
19 saturday
GROUP EXHIBITION: SUMMER GALLERIA. Runs until Jul. 31 @ San Art
20 Sunday
31 thursday
LAST DAY OF SAN ARTS GROUP EXHIBITION: MIND, FLESH, MATTER. @
San Art (3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh)
hanoi
what s on
THE CHOIR OF SUMMER
Hanois beloved folk songstress Le Cat
Trong Ly comes to Manzi Art Space on
Jul. 3 and Jul. 4, bringing with her both a
captivating voice and just the right amount
of star power to ring in the summer with
song. Performing her own original works
inspired by the Hanoi summer, the Danangborn singer-songwriter and folklore story
weaver is certainly not one to miss on stage.
Le Cat Trong Lys Choir of Summer concerts
take place on both Jul. 3 and Jul. 4, from 7.30pm
at Manzi Art Space, 14 Phan Huy Ich, Ba
Dinh. Tickets are VND500,000 and include one
free drink of either water or white wine. Book
tickets by emailing manzihanoi@gmail.com
CRAFTERNOON DELIGHT
Spending the hot and humid Hanoi
summer indoors can be no fun for kids,
but sometimes, a little glue and glitter
can change all of that. Thats why QSI
International School of Hanoi is inviting
the little ones of Hanoi to spend their
afternoons getting crafty in all the best ways
and theyll supply the makings. Their
upcoming session from Aug. 4 to Aug. 8
includes daily afternoon workshops that,
for US$100 (VND21,000), include all crafting
supplies, drinks and fresh fruit. Kids aging
five to eight years old are welcome.
QSI International School of Hanois upcoming
session begins Aug. 4 and continues to Aug. 8.
Daily sessions are from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at 17,
Lane 67 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho. Registration is
required. Contact suzettemitchell2002@yahoo.
com for more information
PRIME MOVER
KEEPIN IT CLASSY
Manzi Art Space is mixing things up with Hanois newest
musical outfit, Hanoian Trio. Combining the talents of cellist Ha
Mien and composers Luu Hoang and Kien Cuong, the classical
threesome will perform pieces by Antonio Vivaldi, Johann
Sebastian Bach and William Henry Squire along with original
pieces by the Trios own composers in an intimate night of
instrumental mastery.
Manzi Art Space is located at 14 Phan Huy Ich. The Hanoian Trio
performs on Jul. 25 from 8PM. Entrance is VND200,000, and since
space is limited, pre-register at manzihanoi@gmail.com before 5PM to
get tickets
Show Im really
excited about: Full Moon
Monkeys
Thing I posted on
Facebook that got the
most likes: A photograph
Where I go when I go
out on my own: I like
hanoi
what s on
WE GOT CHILLS
screening, perhaps itll win some audience
awards in Hanoi, as well.
Manzi Art Space continues their
experimental movie and video art screenings
with The Lives of Others on Sunday, Jul. 13
from 7.30PM. Manzi Art Space is located at 14
Phan Huy Ich. Tickets are VND70,000, with
discounts for students, and includes one free
drink. Pre-register before Jul. 11 by emailing
manzihanoi@gmail.com
A MOVEABLE FEAST
hanoi
Just In
Photos by Jonathan Gharbi
overscene hANOI
The Rafff le
Fright Night
Time Club
Impermanence
hanoi
july 2014
CHOIR OF SUMMER
SYMPHONY OF SUMMER
he nations own
symphony orchestra
is serenading the city
with the sweet sounds
of the classics.
01 Tuesday
07 Monday
02 wednesday
03 thursday
OLD BOYS BLUES LIVE. @ Rockstore
LE CAT TRONG LY & THE CHOIR OF SUMMER. @ Manzi, 7.30pm
04 friday
BACK TO 80S . @ Rockstore
LAUNCH OF LGBT BOOK SPLITTING YOUR LEGS, WAITING FOR SPRING.
@ Goethe Institut, 2.30pm to 4.30pm
LE CAT TRONG LY & THE CHOIR OF SUMMER. @ Manzi, 7.30pm
05 saturday
BIKE N BRUNCH. @Pots n Pans, 8.45 am. A two hour cycle ride followed
by brunch
06 sunday
sunday
06
08 Tuesday
EXHIBITION, THROUGH THE WINDOWS OF LIFE. @ Chula. Runs until Jul.
14
09 Wednesday
VIETNAM NATIONAL SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA CONCERT, INCLUDES
THE PRELUDE FROM THE OPERA, IDOMENEO. @ Hanoi Opera House.
Second performance on Jul. 10.
10 Thursday
OLD BOYS BLUES LIVE. @ Rockstore
11 Friday
PROGRESSIVE HOUSE #8. @ Rockstore
12 Saturday
KOTO FIELD TRIP FUNDRAISING DEGUSTATION DINNER. @ Pots n Pans,
6.30pm
SAN FERMIN SPANISH FESTIVAL. @ THBC, 12pm
OPENING OF BREEDING SEASON BY THAI NHAT MINH . @ Manzi
FLOOR KILLER, NATIONAL RECREATIONAL DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS. @
Savico Megamall, Long Bien
13 Sunday
CHIEU BONG SCREENING THE LIVES OF OTHERS. @ Manzi, 7.30pm
he citys favourite
outdoor electronic
weekly mini-fest is
back, and better than
ever.
JUL. 20 SOFTWATER
14 monday
21 Monday
22 Tuesday
23 Wednesday
24 Thursday
15 Tuesday
16 Wednesday
YOUR OBLIVION, A TALK BY PROFESSOR BAO CHAU . @ Manzi,
7.30pm. Register at manzihanoi@gmail.com
17 Thursday
OLD BOYS BLUES LIVE. @ Rockstore
18 Friday
ICE PARTY (WITH A VODKA LUGE). @ Rockstore
HA MANH THANG EXHIBITION PREVIEW. @ Manzi. Runs until Aug.4
19 Saturday
MOTION PERFORMANCE. @ Madake, all night
20
20 Sunday
Sunday
25 Friday
SUMMERTIME FUNK, SOUL AND DISCO. @ Madake, all night
SUMMER CLASSIC CONCERT BY THE HANOIAN TRIO. @ Manzi, 8pm.
Register at manzihanoi@gmail.com
POSITIVE MASS CYCLE RIDE. @ Hanoi Cathedral, 8pm
26 saturday
PINK BIKINI POOL PARTY. @ Pool and Dj Vu Bar, Sheraton Hanoi Hotel
I LOVE TECHNO WITH DJ SIZE-O. @ Rockstore
27 sunday
28 monday
29 tuesday
30 wednesday
OPENING OF SUMMER EXHIBITION BY SIMON REDINGTON. @ 21
North. Runs until October
31 thursday
in the papers
THE BEST OF THE VIETNAMESE PRESS
HOANG SA ARCHIPELAGO
(VIETNAM)
OCEAN RESCUE
TRUONG SA ARCHIPELAGO
(VIETNAM)
TAPPED OUT
A tracking app sold by a Hanoi-based
company has been found on some 14,000
Android devices in Vietnam. The app
which is advertised to be able to help
users track others Android phones, read
their SMS messages and contact books,
record phone calls and even turn on
features like the camera and GPS was
sold by Thanh Xuan tech firm Viet Hong
Company to customers bent on secretly
hacking others phones.
Unknown to customers, though, all
data gathered through the app is also
transferred to Viet Hong Companys
own servers, permanently at the
disposal of the companys employees.
Customers are then required to pay a
premium to access the stolen data on the
companys server.
Profit from sales of the app in
question is approximately VND1 billion
prior to intervention by the authorities.
DESTINATION UNKNOWN
VietJet Air became the laughing stock
of the Vietnamese aviation industry last
month after one of their aircraft landed at
the wrong airport. The misinformed Czech
pilot was promptly suspended after his
failure to follow a new air route to Dalat,
instead steering his vessel to Cam Ranh
airport in Nha Trang, at which the flight
mistakenly landed.
Cited as an unprecedented event in
Vietnamese aviation history, the mistaken
landing happened after a series of technical
issues with the original aircraft. The flight
in the papers
Insider
HANOIS FORGOTTEN MUSEUMS // THE JUNGLE BOOK // PEST CONTROL // SAVING FACE // THE
HONG KONG CONNECTION // TAKING THE BAIT // THE INSIDERS GUIDE TO THU DUC // IN SEARCH
OF MEANING (ON A MOUNTAIN) // HANOIS BEST ICE CREAMI // OH, THIS IS LADIES NIGHT // MYSTERY
DINER HANOI // STREET SNACKER HANOI // MYSTERY DINER HCMC // A TOUCH OF TROUBLE // THE
FASHION DESIGNER // IN THAILAND WITH HOLGA // DESTINATION ZERO
PHOTO BY DAVID HARRIS
insider
HISTORY
Hanois
Forgotten Museums
Hanoi is littered with museums, we just never hear about
them all. Lucy Sexton visits three of the capitals lesserknown tributes to the past. Photos by Julie Vola
Respect My Authority
Initially I thought that the Hanoi Police
Museum would reflect its obscure existence.
Peeking through pane glass doors on a
previous visit, I had seen just two halls of
picture frames. It surprised me that once
actually inside, the museum was much
larger than expected. Though not a word of
English is to be found, the museum finds
ways to communicate through images, wax
figurines, flashing lights, air machines and
uniformed mannequins. The well-kept rooms
chronologically detail the police and armys
historic challenges and the heroes, and a few
heroines, who rose to the occasion.
An entire wall is devoted to Nguyen Thi
Loi, a rare female spy martyred in 1950 when
she blew up the French DInville battleship
via a smuggled suitcase of explosives
disguised as opium. Its hard to say whats
A Silver Lining
After the odyssey to the police museum, I
wanted something more accessible. Hiding in
plain sight on an overly trafficked lane in the
Old Quarter, the Dinh Kim Ngan Jewellery
Communal Houses long name has quite
the tale behind it. Rather than play host
to a collection of artefacts or oil paintings,
the buildings story of birth, decline and
restoration is the main attraction.
Hanoi or Thang Long the on-and-off
capital of Vietnam has had many names.
But the city has always been defined by its
mercantile character. The Dinh (communal
house) emerged in the 15th century out of
mercantile necessity. Serving three functions
administrative, cultural and religious
Stuffed Animals
For another nostalgic step back in time, the
Hanoi University of Science delivers with
its 1904 French architecture. Located on the
upper floor, the Zoological Museum sits
above a dome of mosaic tiles flanked by
dizzying two-storey tall glass doors. Id go to
just watch students hang about windowsills
and daydream, but I continued up the set
of stairs with the elephant skeleton looking
on from above to find Vu Ngoc Thanh.
Museum curator, professor, conservationist,
primatologist and an international
foundation director, Thanhs a small but
industriously sturdy man whose charming
smile betrays an inexhaustible intelligence.
Like all dedicated scientists, Thanh is
meticulous, process-orientated and excited
Information
D INH K IM N GAN
J EWELLERY C OMMUNAL H OUSE
Cover Story
Rudyard Kipling wrote The Jungle Book 120 years ago, at a time
when the Indian subcontinent where hed been raised was undergoing climactic changes. A collection of moralistic fables,
culled from everything the author had ever heard or dreamed
about the Indian jungle, to Kipling the jungle was the source of
Indias rhythm, its great and generous beating heart.
In the intervening century, modern society encroached. The
generosity of the forest was increasingly viewed as a resource
to be exploited. The last Javan rhino disappeared from Indias
jungles before 1925 the same fate that befell Vietnams Javan
rhino in 2011.
As modern-day Vietnam experiences the same earthshaking
changes, its most vulnerable inhabitants are struggling to adapt.
With biodiversity outstanding enough to support nearly 12,000
animal species comes challenges like those detailed in a 2013
WWF report concluding that 10 percent of Vietnams wildlife
species are in danger of extinction.
On the cusp of an unknown fate, we take a look at the facts on
the ground those cute, creepy and crawly creatures that we
need to bring with us if the Vietnamese future is to hold the
same magic as its past.
King Cobra (Kalyan Varma), Dugong, Edwards's Pheasant, Indochinese Tiger, Eurasian Jay
With nearly 12,000 species of fauna found domestically, Vietnam has long
been recognised as one the most biodiverse countries in the world one of the 16
most biodiverse countries, according to a 1992 assessment. Here are some of the
animals that make Vietnam wild, weird and above all, wonderful.
Words by Ed Weinberg
Leopard Cats
(Nick Ross)
Dugong
White-Crested Laughingthrush
Sometimes it seems there isnt enough love to go around for the hurt and abandoned
pets of Vietnam. Photographers Julie Vola and Francis Xavier meet four households
that have opened their homes and hearts to the animals supported by Hanois
Tram Cuu Ho Meo and Ho Chi Minh Citys Animal Rescue and Care
In the original myth, the Four Holy Beasts of Vietnam came from the dying body of
Pangu he who was born from the Cosmic Egg that birthed the world.
But these symbols have come to represent more than an origin myth.
Theyre the sun and the moon, the seasons and elements, life itself.
Words by Ed Weinberg, illustration by Cristina Nualart
(Long / Rong)
The Symbol of Yang, Lord of Scaly Animals,
Source of Spring, King in the East,
Father of Wood
(Phuong)
The Emblem of Bliss, Lord of Birds, Source of
Summer, Queen in the South, Mother of Fire
(Ky Lan)
The Harbinger of Greatness, Lord of Furry
Quadrupeds, Source of Autumn, King in the
West, Father of Metal
(Quy)
The Bringer of Long Life, Lord of Shelled
Animals, Source of Winter, King in the North,
Father of Water
Endangered Primate
Rescue Center
Tilo Nadler
t.nadler@hust.edu.vn
Do Thanh Hao
haodt.turtleconservation@
gmail.com
Getting There
Cuc Phuong National Park is in Ninh Binh Province
about 120km from Hanoi. To get there, catch a bus
from Giap Bat Station in Hanoi to the Nho QuanMe
area. From there, take a taxi or a xe om to the park.
Alternatively, the national park is located just
off the Ho Chi Minh Trail (Highway 15). Follow the
Thang Long Highway 30km out of Hanoi to Hoa
Lac and turn left. This road becomes Highway 15.
The park entrance is in Nho Quan.
Arthritis got you down? Looking for an arousal aid? Harry Hodge sets out
to research dierent medicinal wines, and the animals you may nd within.
Photo by Kyle Phanroy
Native Taxidermy
Plasticisation is the process of injecting polymer into tissue. Made
famous by the travelling exhibition Body Worlds, the quality of
the exhibits is world-renowned. However, if one is seeking similar
preservation of our worlds fauna maybe Vietnam is a little bit lower
on the list. Thuat don xac literally translates as the art of stuffing
heads, but looking at the infamous taxidermist endeavours at Suoi
Tien Amusement Park or the internet sensation red-eyed zombie
horse of Vietnam, one might think they less resemble art than high
school science experiments. Whether these oddities were preserved
due to their general oddness i.e. the five-legged deer, whose
Agent Orange-infected birth caused the one leg to jut out from its
sternum or displayed because of their botched post-mortem
stuffing, the weirdness level is sure to creep you out enough that your
subconscious will need to bury it. Seamus Butler
Business
BEHIND THE SCENES
Pest Control
In an Apartment Complex
District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Were standing at the entrance of a villa in
District 1, complete with wood floors, high
ceilings, cream-colored walls and a private
A Residential Job
District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Early Wednesday morning and were on
a residential job in District 2, checking the
house for pests and performing chemical
work. As we walk through the gate and
look at the neatly manicured lawn, flies and
mosquitoes start buzzing around our legs.
The four exterminators were following
start to suit up in green rubber gloves and
set up the days equipment: compressor
sprayers filled with insecticide and
something called a thermal fogger, that quite
Southeast Asia
already has optimal
weather conditions
for rats and insects
but combine that with
urban development
and sanitation, and
you have a pests
paradise
Pest Control at Home
What should you do before you call
in the pros? Here are some tips:
Keep your windows and doors
closed to keep out flying pests and
any other creepy crawlers. Fresh air
is nice, but a mosquito flying around
your bedroom is not
Make sure to keep your food
contained, the easiest way to ward
off rats and ants
Get rid of any dirty, standing
water. Even that bucket you keep in
the bathroom for emergencies
Check with your neighbours. With
the close proximity of property
here, pests can move from
house to house with ease. If you
cant do anything to control your
neighbours mess, at the very least
youll know where the problem is
when you call the professionals
Ant chalk, also known as Miraculous
Insecticide Chalk, is an insecticide
in the form of a stick of chalk.
Although miraculous for its clean
and fun approach to pest control,
its also been implicated in a number
of accidental child poisonings
Arts
PUBLIC ART
Saving Face
On a housing complex wall in Ho Chi Minh City, an anonymous story plays out
in a parade of changing faces. Emma Roy-Williams ponders the thought behind
these solitary thinkers. Photos by Kyle Phanroy
The faces look like a part of the wall, as though they appeared from
nowhere, although its no secret that Van is the artist behind it
Arts
PERSPECTIVE
Images provided by
Craig Thomas Gallery
Seeing Beyond
Mekong Delta artist Nguyen Trung, now in
his seventies, was one of the artists whose
work first made it to Hong Kong. In his
1960s youth, wanting to see French art at its
best, Nguyen Trung had tried to escape to
Paris. His plan failed the first time, but the
painter did get to Paris 30 years later.
Many of the paintings he made in his
year in Paris in 1990 were exhibited in
Uncorked Soul. In Hong Kong, Trung also
had the opportunity to discover powerful
artworks by Chinese artists, and this made
an impression on his own eager soul.
Other Vietnamese artists were also excited
to visit what was then a British territory.
In 1997, Suzanne Lecht organised another
exhibition in Hong Kong, The Changing Face
of Hanoi, taking all five exhibiting artists with
her. For most of them, it was their first trip
outside of Vietnam. This show was smaller
in scale and scope than the exhibition at
Plum Blossoms a few years earlier, but it
kept Vietnamese art from slipping back into
invisibility during the transformative Doi
Moi decade.
Vietnam transformed in all directions. A
Hong Kong company in 1995 had built the
first high rise in Hanoi, the Central Building.
Suzanne had assisted the developer, a
supporter of Vietnamese art, to procure two
large bronze statues by sculptor Le Cong
Thanh for the buildings entrance. And
Hong Kong investors gave Hanoi something
to look up to.
Images provided by
Suzanne Lecht
LEISURE
FISHING & SHRIMPING
Taking
the
B
a
i
t
Shrimp Cocktail
Our next destination, Thanh Truc, is an
indoor shrimping spot where the pool is
situated in the centre of the space with
surrounding tables and chairs. It boasts
a newly built karaoke area, an extensive
seafood menu, exotic meats and various
shrimp cocktails and a mostly attentive
female staff. The cost for an hours
shrimping is VND90,000 although if you
Shrimping is both
easy and kid friendly,
and this spot would
make for a good
Saturday or Sunday
afternoon break with
family and kids
Information
T HAP N GA
T HANH T RUC
D ONG D IEU
V UON T HU G IAN
LEISURE
Stop 1
Bien Dong Restaurant,
8 Einstein Street, Thu Duc
There seemed to be no immediate
explanation for why there is an Einstein
Street at all in a place like Thu Duc. The
proximity of some nearby universities may
have something to do with it, but Hi-Tech
Park, a future metro stop, isnt exactly close
by.
Bien Dong was proposed by Paul Blake,
an American working as an English teacher
in neighbouring District 9. Blake often refers
to District 1 as being too western, so we took
his advice to try out this beer-and-seafood
quan amid a number of fancy coffee shops
and imported beer joints.
I climbed that tree one night, he said,
pointing. And instead of kicking me out,
The Insiders
Guide to
Thu Duc
With multiple metro stations on the way and a
developing road infrastructure, Thu Duc is closer
than ever to Ho Chi Minh City. Harry Hodge and
Amanda Saxton investigate a district on the rise.
Photos by Kyle Phanroy
Stop 2
Caf Tram, 132 Thong Nhat, Thu Duc
Not wanting to drink my face off in the
surprisingly varied Einstein warren of pubs,
we settled on a next stop at the arty Caf
Tram. Owned by screenwriter Le Kim Hung,
it was the little touches that made this dark,
mellow coffee shop so chilled out. Walking
across stones with fish lapping at the edges,
you feel like youve wandered into a sort
of beatnik enclave, replete with original
artwork on the walls, exposed brick and
flowers in coloured bottles.
In the plus column for Caf Tram were
soothing tunes and a lack of smoke. With
a cafe sua nong priced at VND33,000, and
nothing breaking the VND50,000 mark on
the menu, our group rated it a thumbs up.
A more sedate crowd was hanging out
this particular Sunday afternoon, including
stockbroker Tran Anh Tuan. After a week
making deals in District 1, he likes to spend
his weekends in the more laidback vibe of
Thu Duc.
In the future, when the subway comes,
Thu Duc will be popular, he said through
Stop 3
The Vietnam National University Student
Village, 6 Quarter, Linh Trung Ward, Thu Duc
Within moments of pulling onto the placid
campus of Vietnam National University
exhortations of oh man, everythings so
cheap! rose from our travelling contingent.
This is not a huge surprise, since the
population living around and between
different faculties is overwhelmingly
peopled by students.
Faculties here include universities
for natural sciences, technology, social
sciences and economics, in addition to
an environmental institute and a medical
school. It is also home to the Ho Chi
Minh City High School for the Gifted.
As such, cheap dining options, clothing
shops, bookstores and cafs are scattered
Stop 4
Temple Tour
Thu Duc is also home to a number of
temples, as we discovered driving around
the western edge of the district, where
bridges connect it over the Saigon River to
Binh Thanh. While this area is largely dotted
with simple one-storey family businesses
and factories, there are some notable temples
here to break up the shopping and eating.
Van Duc Temple (502 Tinh Lo 43, Thu
Duc) boasts one of the tallest non-residential
structures in the district, at the intersection
of Ngoc Van and Cay Keo. The portrait of
Thich Tri Tinh, the Supreme Patriarch of the
National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, remains
on display there after the venerable religious
leaders passing in March, at the age of 97.
Monks go about their business as visitors
Stop 5
Lakeside Sundowner
Hidden within Thu Ducs labyrinthine
university campus, Ho Dat Caf perches on
the shore of a small lake. Getting there is an
adventure! An opportunity to experience the
extremes of Vietnamese roads from the
Hanoi Highway to a bumpily bucolic track
and practise the lingo: Ho Dat Cafe o dau?
If you crave peace and fresh air as
surely everyone in Saigon must this
rustic caf is worth the journey. Huddles
of hammocks with stone tables, sat among
eucalyptus and jackfruit trees, cater equally
well to social clusters, workers and nappers.
Gather up a picnic of street snacks and fruit
from stalls you pass along the way, and then
enjoy Ho Dats VND12,000 cafe sua da or a
fresh coconut.
LEISURE
CLIMBING
In Search of Meaning
(on a Mountain)
Daniel J
Daniel
Jenkins
enki
kins h
heads
eads tto
o tthe
he rremote
emote b
borderlands
orderlands o
off L
Lang
ang SSon
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limb tthe
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lis aatt
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byy Nguyen
the village
village of
of Huu
Huu Lung.
Lung. Photos
Photos b
Nguyen Le
Le
wordvietnam.com | July 2014 Word | 101
Looking Up
My neck strains upwards as the cliff falls
into shadow. A series of bolts runs up the
cliff face tracks, I am told and under
each track, inscribed in the limestone, is
a name. The Metaphysics of Morality, reads
one, War and Peace another. The person
who first ascends the track after its been
bolted gets to name it, explains Jean. The
Metaphysics of Morality and War and Peace
are his. You know Kant? he asks. I tell
him I do but the conversation tapers off
as it often does when Kant is mentioned
and we prepare to climb War and Peace.
Vissay, a man of untraceable origin and
a former movie star (I was always the
villain!), is on his first outdoor climb,
and he is clinging nervously to the side of
the cliff.
Arms straight! Stay on your toes! Small
steps! LEGS! shouts Jean, and eventually
Vissay negotiates the problem and
continues triumphantly upwards.
What if I see a snake? Vissay yells
down.
You fall, says Jean under his breath.
Vissay makes it to the top and
everyone applauds. Theres a sense of
achievement in the 40-degree air, a sense
I look to see what loftily named track I have climbed The Critique
of Pure Reason perhaps, maybe In Search of Lost Time I read the
name under my track: Youve Gotta be Pulling my Dong
of camaraderie. What is at once a very solo
pursuit becomes communal the ropes,
the cliff, the people, the weather all
combine into a transcendental unity. Or
perhaps its just the heat.
I ask Vissay why he climbs. He laughs:
Jean is very persuasive. He is smiling like
hed just conquered Everest, or finished an
entire Tolstoy novel. Its like youre a kid
again, he says, back to the wild.
Youve Gotta Be
Next, Im told, it is my turn to climb. It is
Saturday morning. Im hungover, and have
just ingested 60mgs of codeine I was
in no state to hang from a cliff face. Im a
journalist! A passive observer! I protest, but
to no avail. Soon Im strapped in, helmeted,
shuffling nervously up the side of a
mountain. Dont judge me, I plead through
rasping lungs, Im a heavy smoker.
Youll be fine, says Gaille, my belay,
lighting up. We dont judge.
As my feet find the right crevices,
and my hands explore unseen holes, the
sounds below begin to fade, along with my
Hanois
Best
Ice
Cream
Kem Dua
Kem Xoi
Gelato Italia
PARTY TIME
The Original
The Bro Bar
Lush
2 Ly Tu Trong, Q1
OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
3/5 stars Beer Pong Its Fun
is a great time if you go with a
group of friends. But you can
only do one thing here, and
thats play beer pong.
OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
THE BARTENDERS: There
OVERALL EXPERIENCE:
2.5/5 stars A nice space with
a great view, Level 23 has lots of
potential. But the sweet drinks
and lack of crowd make for an
experience thats a bit lacking.
THE BARTENDERS:
Bartenders interact very little
with customers, as its the cocktail
waitresses who take orders and
serve drinks. Theyre very polite,
although service can be a bit slow.
S IN L OUNGE
22 Le Thanh Ton, Q1
T HE SPECIAL : On Wednesdays
before 10.45pm every group
of four or more ladies gets a
free bottle of Ciroc.
V ELVET
26 Ho Huan Nghiep, Q1
T HE SPECIAL : Every
Wednesday girls can get either
free drinks from a special menu
or a free bottle for groups of
four or more. Choose wisely,
because you cant do both!
The Sophisticate
Blanchys Tash
95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1
THE BARTENDERS:
Although the venue is small,
its rarely too crowded for the
attentive and quick bartenders
to manage.
The Unwind
Polite Pub
5 Ngo Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem
Hanoi
The Posh
F1 Club
15 Dao Duy Tu, Hoan Kiem
P AY
S WITCH
BARTENDERS
If youre
going to the same person
every five or 10 minutes,
chances are theyll catch
on and make you wait a bit
longer.
M AKE
BE
They have this thing here called ladies night, and you drink for free.
Now, Im not joking, you drink for free. Until like, midnight. Tequila shots,
mixed drinks, mojitos I know, I know, its amazing
wordvietnam.com | July 2014 Word | 111
Nan N Kabab
Serving fare from the Middle East, India, Pakistan and Afghanistan,
Nan N Kabab oers a welcome alternative to cuisine in the capital. Our
secret reviewer spills the chilli. Photos by David Harris
THE VERDICT
12
FOOD
10
SERVICE
DCOR
Pho Ga Tron
Pho Hanh
Among traditional pho eateries in Hanoi,
Pho Hanh (65 Lan Ong, Hoan Kiem) is
a firm favourite in the summer. Walking
along the Chinese medicine street,
thanks to the crowds sat outside on the
requisite tiny plastic chairs, the eatery is
unmissable. Its signature dish, pho ga tron
Lan Ong is famous for its appetizing sauce
and quality chicken meat.
We have been selling pho here for many
years, says the owner. When we opened
we were a small vendor, and our family
used to sell traditional pho ga like many
other shops. Then we started noticing that
the preferences of our customers changed
with the season, so we decided to make
pho ga tron for the summer. But the soul of
the traditional pho ga is still there.
For customers, the taste of the chicken
meat is one of the eaterys selling points.
Casual Comfort
The restaurant, or more aptly restobar in
question was May, an acronym for Me
and You. And after the escapade of the
previous month, I decided to pay two
visits. And I decided to get in there early.
THE VERDICT
13
FOOD
11
SERVICE
14
DCOR
fashion
Ring: VND12,600,000 |
Pen Case: VND1,300,000 by Anupa
Left
Maudrey Top: US$75 |
Monloic Shorts: US$65
Right
Mary Top: US$75|
Maemily Pants: US$75
Rings:
Rose Gold: VND12,495,000
White: VND15,600,000
Blue: VND10,200,000
Green: VND15,645,000
by Anupa
fashion
insider
The Fashion
Designer
One of the rst fashion designers to emerge out of the
new era of Vietnamese fashion, despite national acclaim,
Ha Truong remains close to her roots. Words by Hoa Le.
Photos by David Harris
122 | Word July 2014 | wordvietnam.com
I have [strict]
standards. Everything
has to be perfect,
from the stitches
through to the form
everything
travel
FAMILY TRIP
The Holga
On a Long-Tail Boat
After a couple of days lazing around
between the pool and the beach, we decided
to take some trips to the nearest islands. I
organised the tours with the boat captain
directly at the only small shack on the beach.
We left at 7am each day to catch up with
the tide; its early but worth it. Being on a
private tour allowed us to stay as long as we
wanted on the beaches we liked, avoid the
ones that were too crowded, and enabled
us to go to places off the beaten track for
photos.
The photos I took with my digital camera
were great, but I couldnt see myself in these
photos they were too perfect, too much
like a postcard. They lacked feeling.
Luckily I packed my Holga. Its a toy
camera with a plastic lens and without many
settings, only focus, sun or cloud aperture
and flash. By camera standards it has a lot of
defaults. But I like it that way.
There is something poetic about a Holga
and in Railay it allowed me to recreate my
private state of mind: an expressive escape
from reality. It let me create images that reflect
my thoughts, feelings and memories.
Luckily I packed my Holga. Its a toy camera with a plastic lens and
without many settings, only focus, sun or cloud aperture and flash. By
camera standards it has a lot of defaults. But I like it that way
Information
B OAT T OURS
A CCOMMODATION
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AND
D RINKING
R OCK C LIMBING
travel
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AIRLINES
travel
AIR ASIA
$$$$
Le Lai, Dalat, Tel: (063)
3555888
anamandara-resort.com
DALAT PALACE
$$$$
12 Ho Tung Mau, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 5444
dalatpalace.vn
$$$
Tel: 0933 446542
bhayacruises.com
Experience breathtaking
tours of the serene Halong
Bay, aboard reproduction
wooden junks. Two or three
night trips with a wide range
of cabin styles: standard, deluxe, or royal.
CUC PHUONG
$
Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh
Binh, Tel: (030) 384 8006
cucphuongtourism.com
$$$$
Tel: (04) 3935 1888
emeraude-cruises.com
Reproductions, of 19th
century paddle steamers,
trawl around Halong Bay
in colonial style. A classic
experience, complete with,
overnight accommodations
in impeccable cabins suites.
LA FERME DU COLVERT
$$
Cu Yen, Luong Son, Hoa Binh,
Tel: 02183 825662
etoile-des-mers.com
LA VIE VU LINH
$
Ngoi Tu Village, Vu Linh, Yen
Bai , Tel: (04) 3926 2743
lavievulinh.com
$
22 Bui Thi Xuan, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 2663
AROUND HANOI
BEST WESTERN PEARL RIVER
HOTEL
$$$
KM 8 Pham Van Dong, Duong
Kinh, Hai Phong, Tel: (031)
388 0888
pearlriverhotel.vn
$$$
Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh,
Tel: (0218) 386 8959
maichaulodge.com
$$
Ha Long Road, Bai Chay
Ward, Ha Long City, Quang
Ninh, Tel: (033) 384 8108
novotelhalong.com.vn
HANOI - INTERNATIONAL
CROWNE PLAZA WEST INTERNATIONAL
$$$
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 create a contemporary space.
The first boutique five star
in the heart of Hanoi, the
lavish, uniquely designed
107 rooms and suites con-
INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI
WESTLAKE
1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6270 8888
www.hanoi.intercontinental.
com
This stunning property built
over West Lake falls in between a hotel and a resort.
Beautiful views, great balcony areas, comfortable,
top-end accommodation and
all the mod-cons make up the
mix here together with the
resorts three in-house restaurants and the Sunset Bar,
a watering hole located on a
thoroughfare over the lake.
Great gym and health club.
JW MARRIOTT HANOI
8, Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, Tu
Liem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3833
5588
jwmarriotthanoi.com
From the expressive architecture outside to the
authentic signature JW
Marriott services inside,
this Marriott hotel in Hanoi
is the new definition of contemporary luxury. Lies next
door to the National Convention Centre.
MELIA HANOI
44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 3343
www.meliahanoi.com
Excellently located in central
Hanoi, Melia Hanoi draws
plenty of business travellers and is also a popular
venue for conferences and
wedding receptions. Stateof-the-art rooms, elegant
restaurants, stylish bars,
fully equipped fitness centre with sophisticated service always make in-house
guests satisfied.
PULLMAN HOTEL
$$$$
40 Cat Linh, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3733 0808
pullman-hanoi.com
With deluxe rooms and
suites, a contemporary
lobby, an excellent buffet,
and a la carte restaurant,
this Accor group property
is prestigious and close to
the Old Quarter.
www.airasia.com
AIR FRANCE
130 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3825 8583
www.airfrance.com.vn
AIR MEKONG
1st Floor, Centre Point
Building, 106 Nguyen Van
Troi, Phu Nhuan
Tel: (08) 3846 3999
www.airmekong.com.vn
AMERICAN AIRLINES
194 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3. Tel: 3933 0330
www.aa.com
CATHAY PACIFIC
5th Floor, Centec Tower,
72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3
Tel: 3822 3203
www.cathaypacific.com/
vn
CHINA AIRLINES
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Tel: 3911 1591
www.china-airlines.com
JAPAN AIRLINES
3rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel,
88 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3821 9098
www.vn.jal.com
JETSTAR PACIFIC
www.jetstar.com/vn
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.
KOREAN AIR
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3824 2878
www.koreanair.com
LAO AIRLINES
93 Pasteur, Q1
Tel: 3822 6990
www.laoairlines.com
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Ground Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1
Tel: 3829 2529
www.malaysiaairlines.
com
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Saigon Tower Bulding,
Room 101, 29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3823 1588
www.singaporeair.com
THAI AIRWAYS
29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3822 3365
www.thaiairways.com.vn
TIGER AIRWAYS
www.tigerair.com
VIETJETAIR
www.vietjetair.com
VIETNAM AIRLINES
27B Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1
Tel: 3832 0320
www.vietnamairlines.com
travel
HANOI MID-RANGE
6 ON SIXTEEN
16 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem
www.sixonsixteen.com
Another boutique hotel to
grace Hanois Old Quarter,
the six rooms here mix contemporary and fresh with
handicrafts and antique.
Breakfast is included and in
the long, lounge restaurant
on the second floor, homestyle Vietnamese fare is
served up with fresh fruit
juices and Lavazza coffee.
$$$
109-111 Hang Gai, Hoan
Kiem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3928
6969
goldensilkhotel.com
Located in the centre of the
Old Quarter, this little slice of
heaven offers complimentary sundries and a replenishable minibar. The Orient
restaurant, serves the finest
in international and Vietnamese cuisine.
$$$
35-37 Hang Trong, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 0999
hanovahotel.com
A minute from Hoan Kiem
Lake, this glowing pearl in
the heart of Hanoi provides
tranquility with an art gallery
and piano bar.
MAY DE VILLE
24 Han Thuyen, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 2222 9988
Set in the old French Quarter
a short walk from the Opera
House, May de Ville City Centre is a welcome new addition to the capital. Combining
contemporary architecture
with traditional Vietnamese
style and materials, this elegant property has 81 wellappointed rooms including
four suites.
HANOI BUDGET
HANOI BACKBACKERS HOSTEL
48 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 5372
www.hanoibackpackershostel.com
Probably the cheapest, European-style hostel in town,
with bunk-style beds mixed
or single-sex dorms start-
HCMC - INTERNATIONAL
CARAVELLE HOTEL
$$$$
19 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
Winner of Robb Reports
2006 list of the worlds top
100 luxury hotels, the Caravelle houses the popular
rooftop Saigon Saigon bar,
and the restaurants Nineteen and Reflections.
DUXTON HOTEL
$$$
63 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2999
saigon.duxtonhotels.com
Famous for its daylong
rotatingmenu buffets, the
Duxton deserves luxury appellation with a pool, gym,
spa, and fine dining.
$$$$
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Former guests include U.S.
presidents two Bushes,
Clinton and K-Pop sensation Bi Rain. An ongoing event
as well as a hotel, New World
is one of the best luxury
stops in town.
PARK HYATT
$$$$$
2 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
Fabulous in style, prime in
location, everything one
would expect from the Hyatt.
The Square One and Italianthemed Opera restaurants
have garnered an excellent
reputation, as has the landscaped pool.
$$$
242 Tran Binh Trong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3839 7777
equatorial.com/hcm
This massive property
boasts seven dining and
entertainment outlets, a
business centre, meeting
rooms and a comprehensive fitness centre and spa.
The Equatorial also has an
on-site casino.
$$$$$
148 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 8686
pullmanhotels.com
Recently completed on the
site of the old Metropole,
this upscale, contemporary
property boasts 306 signature rooms combining
design, comfort and connectivity. Innovative cuisine,
a great downtown location
and high-tech meeting venues able to host up to 600
guests make up the mix.
REX HOTEL
EQUATORIAL
$$$$$
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 7777
hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn
The five-star hotel and serviced apartment complex
offers: 14 instant offices,
seven meeting rooms, a
600-capacity ballroom, spa,
outdoor swimming pool, a
gym, 24-hour fine dining,
24-hours room service, and
limousine services.
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON
$$$$$
Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh
City, resides the Asiana with
signature dining options,
an innovative cocktail bar,
exclusive spa and health
club, together with luxury
boutique arcade.
$$$$
2A4A Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 3333
legendsaigon.com
Immaculate architecture,
spacious rooms, and a fine
selection of fine dining, with
$$$$
141 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2185
rexhotelvietnam.com
Brimming with history the
Rexs openair fifthfloor
bar is Saigon highlight. A recent renovation, of this now
five-star property, boasts
designer fashion and a shopping arcade.
HCMC - DELUXE
CONTINENTAL
SHERATON
$$$$$
88 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 2828
sheraton.com/saigon
Sheraton boasts one of
the best locations in town,
with firstclass facilities,
an openair restaurant 23
floors above the city and
a live music venue on the
same floor.
$$$$
17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
This 20story building in
downtown Saigon, caters
to upscale business and
leisure travelers seeking a
classic yet contemporary
stay in Saigon.
WINDSOR PLAZA
$$$
18 An Duong Vuong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3833 6688
windsorplazahotel.com
The full ensemble with its
own shopping hub (including
a bank), fine dining, a sauna,
health club, and superb
$$$
132-134 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 9201
continentalhotel.com.vn
This charming old hotel has
been fted in literature and
in film. In the heart of Saigon,
this is the first choice to highlight Vietnamese culture.
HOTEL MAJESTIC
$$$
1 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 5517
majesticsaigon.com.vn
NORFOLK HOTEL
$$$
117 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 5368
norfolkhotel.com.vn
Intimate atmosphere and excellent service, this boutique
business hotel is located
minutes from famous landmarks, designer shops, and
is renowned for its fabulous
steaks at its in-house restaurant, Corso.
$$$
167 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
$$$
144 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 3999 8888
starcitysaigon.vn
The newly-built hotel is near
Tan Son Nhat International
Airport. With spectacular
city views and a comfortablydesigned outdoor swimming
pool, there is little reason not
to choose this shining star.
HCMC - MID-RANGE
ROYAL HOTEL SAIGON
$$
133 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 5914
kimdohotel.com
EMM HOTEL
157 Pasteur, Q3
A sleek, contemporary
three-star hotel that mixes
vintage appeal and modern
chic thanks to a subdued
palette of white and grey
around two pop colours:
azalea pink and green hot
pepper. Part of the Thien
Minh Group that includes
Josephs Hotel
Foreign-run,boutique hotel
Next to the cathedral
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
$$$$$
1819-20 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1417
riversidehotelsg.com
DESTINATION ZERO
AN LAM SAIGON RIVER
travel
travel
PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS
THE POWER OF LINES
BY ETIENNE BOSSOT
Adding Feeling
Lines will give your photo feeling as will
shapes there are direct, straight, hard
lines, and there are also round, soft and
curved lines.
Straight and direct lines will make
the image more dynamic this is used
a lot in landscape photography, as are
triangles or hard shapes.
Round and curved lines, on the
contrary, will give a softer feeling to
your photo, and will create on the
level of consciousness a more relaxed
atmosphere. Circles are shapes that we
associate with a soft and calm feeling.
travel
Victoria Hotels and Buffalo
Tours.
$$$
46 and 73-75 Thu Khoa
Huan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
7926
lanlanhotel.com.vn
$$
195 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2222
thaodienvillage.com
A colonialstyle hotel and
spa offers fine Italian, Thai
and Japanese dining. Manicured gardens and a view
that overlook the bank of
the Saigon River, this is truly
someplace special.
$$$
133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh,
Phu Nhuan, Tel: 08 6256
9966
alcovehotel.com.vn
HCMC - BUDGET
DUC VUONG HOTEL
$
195 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 6992
ducvuonghotel.com
Free WiFi offered in every
room. Low prices, friendly
staff, clean rooms. This modern oasis is only a few steps
from the backpackers area.
DUNA HOTEL
$
167 Pham Ngu Lao Q1, Tel:
(08) 3837 3699
dunahotel.com
$
185/28 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3836 1915
honghoavn.com
$
157 Nguyen Du Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 4648
sinhhuonghotel.com.vn
CUA DAI
$
544, Cua Dai, Hoi An, Tel:
(0510) 386 2231
hotelcuadai-hoian.com/
$$$
Truong Sa, Hoa Hai, Ngu
Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 396 1800
danangbeachresort.com.vn
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 384 7888
furamavietnam.com
$$$$
Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da
Nang, Tel: (0511) 398 1234
danang.regency.hyatt.com
The Hyatt Regency Danang
Resort and Spa is beachfront
with a stunning view of the
Marble Mountains. There
are 182 luxurious residences and 27 private ocean villas, each with a private pool.
$$$
Tam Hai Island, Thon 4, Nui
Thanh, Quang Nam, Tel:
(0510) 354 5105
domainedetamhai.com
$$$
1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An,
Tel: (0510) 391 4555
life-resorts.com
MERCURE DANANG
$$$
Lot A1 Zone Green Island,
Hoa Cuong Bac, Hai Chau,
Danang, Tel: (0511) 379
7777
mercure-danang.com
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 395 8888
pullman-danang.com
Located on the white sands
of Bac My An beach close
to both Danang and Hoi An,
the welcoming and modern
Pullman Danang Beach Resort is an oasis of activities
and facilities for a dynamic
escape. Perfect for a family
holiday or a romantic beach
getaway.
LA RESIDENCE
$$$$
5 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 383
7475
laresidencehue.com
$$$$
Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village,
Quang Nam, Tel: (0510) 394
0000
ghmhotels.com
Includes three massive
swimming pools, a gourmet restaurant and elegant
spa on a lotus pond. Each
massive room has its own
espresso machine, pre
programmed iPod and both
indoor and outdoor showers.
$
66 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 382
6736
hoangphuonghotel.com
NHA TRANG
EVASON ANA MANDARA AND SIX
SENSES SPA
$$$$
Beachside Tran Phu, Nha
Trang, Khanh Hoa, Tel: (058)
352 2222
sixsenses.com/evasonresorts/ana-mandara/
destination
2.6 hectares of private
beachside gardens and
villastyle accommodation
furnished in traditional native woods, this resort offers verandah dining, a pool
bar and the signature Six
Senses Spa.
$
Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hoa, Khanh
Hoa, Tel: (058) 362 2384
junglebeachvietnam.com
On a secluded promontory north of Nha Trang, this
budget place is all about
hammocks, the sea, the jungle and nature.
$$$$
Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong,
Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa, Tel:
(058) 398 9666
mianhatrang.com
$$$
50 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Tel:
(058) 625 6900
novotel-nhatrang.com
This four-star hotel with
154 guestrooms, all with
a terrace and sea view.
Complete with a pool, spa,
restaurant, bar and meeting room that caters for up
to 200 delegates.
$$$$
Ninh Van Bay, Ninh Hoa,
Khanh Hoa, Tel: (058) 372
8222
sixsenses.com/resorts/
ninh-van-bay/destination
The upmarket Tatler maga-
$$$
1214 Tran Phu, Nha Trang,
Tel: (058) 382 0999
sunrisenhatrang.com.vn
$$
Tel: (058) 384 0501
whaleislandresort.com
$$$$
8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
374 3777
allezboo.com
This resort offers exotic
Balistyle, thatched roof
honeymoon villas, 55 spacious suites, deluxe rooms,
fresh seafood, Vietnamese
cuisine, Thai and international cuisine, kite surfing
and parasailing.
ANGSANA LANG CO
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5800
angsana.com/en/lang_co
Located on Vietnams South
Central Coast, Angsana Lang
Co commands an unrivalled
beach frontage of the shimmering East Sea. Traditional
Vietnamese design encompasses the resorts contemporary buildings and chic
interiors.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien,
www.cocobeach.net
paradise@cocobeach.net
travel
BLUE OCEAN RESORT
$$$$
54 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7322
blueoceanresort.com.vn
life-resorts.com
COCO BEACH
$$$$
58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7111
cocobeach.net
With charming wooden
bungalows, a private beach,
a swimming pool (both with
attached bars) and a French
restaurant, Coco Beach continues to be run by those who
opened it in 1995.
$$$
24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Tel: (062) 384 7440
miamuine.com
$$$$
Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet,
Tel: (062) 381 3000
victoriahotels.asia
Another beachfront Victoria
chain, the thatchedroof
bungalows and family villas
are set in exotic gardens
with an infinity swimming
pool, a seafood restaurant, spa, beauty salon and
jacuzzi.
PHONG NHA
EASY TIGER AND JUNGLE BAR
$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7844
easytigerphongnha@gmail.
com
A hostel and street-front bar
all in one. Has a pleasant,
airy atmosphere in the bar
and restaurant area while
the 52 dorm beds four
beds to a room go for
US$8 (VND168,000) each a
night.
HO KHANH'S HOMESTAY
$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: 01299 597182
phong-nha-homestay.com
PEPPER HOUSE
$
Tel: 01678 731560
pepperhouse-homestay.com
$$
Hoa Son, Cu Nam, Bo Trach,
Quang Binh, Tel: (052) 367
Looking for something? Missed a previous issue? Find it all online at www.wordvietnam.com. Only a click away.
5135
phong-nha-cave.com
The first western-run farmstay in Phong Nha, this wellappointed travellers joint
has a great bar and restaurant area, a swimming pool
out back and views overlooking paddy fields and
mountains. Rooms start at
VND600,000 for a twin or
double, with a family room
for five costing VND1.4 million a night.
$$
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.
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$$
Thanh Kim, Sapa, Lao Cai
Tel: (04) 3715 1005 (Sales)
topasecolodge.com
With its panoramic views of
the surrounding mountains
and valley, Topas Ecolodge
is the perfect place to experience the remoteness and
quiet of the Northern Vietnamese mountains the
landscape, the fresh air and
the ethnic peoples. Guests
stay in private bungalows
with dinner served in a local
stilt house restaurant.
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$
24 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Tel:
0203 872404
topasecolodge.com
For the environmentally
conscientious, 25 individual
lodges rest on hills overlooking valleys. Employing solar
technology and a wastewater facility, the Topas also
organises treks and bicycle
tours.
VICTORIA SAPA
$$$
Tel: 0203 871522
victoriahotels.asia
$$$$
Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua
Duong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang,
Tel: (077) 399 5895
centarahotelsresorts.com
$$$$
1 Tran Phu, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 335 1553
binhanvillage.com
LA VERANDA
$$
Nguyen Duc Thuan, Con
Dao, Vung Tau, Tel: (064)
383 0939
condaoresort.vn
$$$$
Ward 1, Duong Dong Beach,
Phu Quoc, Tel: (077) 398
2988
laverandaresorts.com
MANGO BAY
$$
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
$$
$$$$
Tel: (064) 378 1525
hotramresort.com
This attractive property is
the ideal getaway from Ho
Chi Minh City. 63 uniquely
bungalows and villas promise a local experience complete with an excellent spa
and two swimming pools.
HO TRAM SANCTUARY
$$$$
Ho Tram, Ba Ria-Vung Tau,
Tel: (064) 378 1631
sanctuary.com.vn
The spacious villas come
REX HOTEL
$$
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
EXOTISSIMO
66A Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi,
Tel: (04) 3828 2150
www.exotissimo.com
A one-stop, all-in-one travel
agency with an extensive
operational track record in
the Indochina region and
beyond. Providing up-market
services, Exotissimo brings
their clients close to culture
through personalised tours.
Also find travel desks at the
Hilton, Sofitel Plaza and In-
HANDSPAN TRAVEL
78 Ma May, Hanoi, Tel: (04)
3926 2828
www.handspan.com
Established in 1997, Handspan provides customers
with safe, high quality, diverse, small-group adventure tours to both popular
and isolated locations in
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Has a focus on off-thebeaten-track sustainable
and responsible tourism
initiatives. Also provides to
excursions to more wellworn destinations.
HG TRAVEL
47 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3944 8844
www.hgtravel.com
Travel company specialising
in small-group tours around
Vietnam and further afield in
Indochina. Is also the sole
representative agent for
Kenya Airways (for 40 cities
in Africa www.kenya-airways.com), American Airlines
(www.aa.com) and Turkish
Airlines (www.thy.com).
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.
EXOTISSIMO
41, Thao Dien, Q2. Tel (08)
3519 4111, Ext. 15/17/19
exotissimo.com
A reliable and experienced
travel company operating
through Southeast Asia,
Exotissimo brings you personalized tours across the
region, many including insights into culinary customs,
handicrafts and humanitarian initiatives.
SYRENA CRUISES
51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
travel
TRAVEL PROMOS
FLY VIETNAM
flyvietnam.com
TERRAVERDE
12/20 Nguyen Canh Di,
Ward 4, Tan Binh District,
Tel: (08) 3984 4754
terraverdetravel.com
If you like cycling through
the Mekong Delta, trekking
in the highlands, or lazing in
a junk on Ha Long Bay all
while making a difference in
peoples lives then this
company will suit you well.
Vous Spa in the Novotel Nha Trang
Ascott Turns 30
the-ascott.com/30years
The Ascott Limiteds luxury
serviced residences have come a
long way from their start 30 years
back and 20 years in Vietnam
and in commemoration of this
anniversary theyd like to share
in their progress. So log in, online
members, and get 30 percent off
Ascotts best rates for over 30
countries until Dec. 31, and Link
Club members, get used to 30
percent breaks off your redemption
points between now and Sep. 30.
The past was great, but it seems
Ascotts future is bright.
Novotel Danang
novotel-danang-premier.com
Lucky you, youre sticking around
for the summer. But luckily, beach
paradise is only a flight away, and
the Novotel Danang will reward
you once you arrive. On offer is a
spa-inclusive package book two
nights starting at VND2,449,000
per night and receive 30 minutes of
foot massage at In Balance Spa and
daily breakfast for two as well
as a stay-three-pay-two package,
Cross-country Deals
@ Victoria Hotels & Resorts
victoriahotels.asia
Victoria Hotels & Resorts is
offering promo packages on all of
its Vietnamese properties, from
the beaches of Phan Thiet to the
hills of Sapa. At Victoria Phan
Thiet Beach Resort & Spa, stay
two nights and only pay for one. If
youre the last-minute type, book
a last-minute stay at Victoria Sapa
Resort & Spa and get an extra 30
percent off. Or, if you prefer hills
to mountains, books two nights
at Victoria Nui Sam Lodge and
receive a 25 percent discount.
There are similarly generous offers
on until Sep. 30, so check the
website to find the deal for you.
La Residence, Hue
TU TRAVEL
Spa-liday
@ Novotel Nha Trang
novotel-nhatrang.com
Novotel Nha Trangs Vous Spa
wants to get you loosened up for
July with a full-body package
of body massage, facial and body
scrub for only VND1,490,000
net. And once youre feeling the
results, spring out of bed for their
early bird promo 50 percent off
any treatment from 9am to 1pm
booked one day in advance!
la-residence-hue.com
If youre around for summer,
Hanoi
COFFEE CUP // RECALLING HANOI // THE PROMOTIONS // TOP EATS // THE ALCHEMIST // THE
THERAPIST // MEDICAL BUFF // BOOK BUFF
PHOTO BY JULIE VOLA
hanoi
old quarter
BARS & CLUBS / CAFES / CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES & LIQUOR / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS
DRAGONFLY
DANCEHALL LOUNGE
15 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 4926 2177
11am to late
One of the better venues in
the Old Quarter for dancing
on the weekends. Although
crammed into a small space,
cheap drinks and a mix of
chart chits makes Dragonfly
the regular go-to for younger Vietnamese crowds, tourists and the foreign resident
looking to get up on the
dance floor. If you dont feel
like dancing, relax upstairs
with shisha and friends with
one of the two lounges on
the second floor. The sister
venue on Phung Hung has a
bigger menu and an earlier
opening hour (11am instead
of 6pm) but still keeps with
the shisha, pool table and
dance floor combo so popular on Hang Buom.
FATCAT BAR
FUNKY BUDDHA
ELECTRO LOUNGE
2 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3292 7614
8pm to late
IRISH WOLFHOUND
IRISH PUB
4 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 2212 6821
irishwolfhoundpub.com
8am to 2am
The open-air watering hole
with seating on the pavement
is a great spot to enjoy a tall
dark stout or light pilsner at
anytime, day or night. What it
lacks in gaudy decorations,
it makes up for with a constant stream of regulars, occasional live Irish music and
billiards on the third floor.
Has a decent food menu and
even better pizzas.
LA BOMBA LATINA
LATIN BAR
46 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: 0917 245155
LE PUB
BRITISH / INTERNATIONAL
RESTOBAR
25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 2104
7am to midnight
Dark red walls and even
darker brown seating run
through the homely and
casual Le Pub, one of the few
bars in town with a regular
stream of clientele. A long
list of imported beer, Tiger
draft, a decent international
cum Vietnamese food menu,
happy hour specials and live
sport make up the comfortable mix. The venue also gets
involved in the local community through regular events.
MOJITO BAR
THE CART
POLITE PUB
LONG BAR
5 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3825 0959
5pm to 2am
A bit musty and jaded, despite being one of the oldest
pubs in the city, this staple
watering hole on Bao Khanh
continues to be a hit. Probably the closest thing Hanoi
has to an authentic Englishstyle pub, Polite is frequented by a steady mix of locals
and expats who find solace
in the nightly conversations
at the long bar, billiards and
live football matches.
ROCKSTORE
LIVE MUSIC BAR
61 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
01653 336087
Hanoi's home-made, homegrown version of Hard Rock
Cafe without the stigma and
the expensive prices. Nightly
live music or DJing events
are coupled with creative
decor, a selection of Belgian
Beer and a food menu.
SPY BAR
TEMPLE BAR
TET BAR
LATE-NIGHT BAR
2a Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 3050
THE SPOT
CAFES
CAFE PHO CO
JOMA
INTERNATIONAL CAFE
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem
joma.biz
Housed in a two-storey con-
COFFEE/BAKERY
222 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 3388
joma.biz
7am to 9pm
With two branches, Joma
has brought a little slice
of home to Hanoi for expatriates with a contemporary western feel to the
counter-style service and
atmosphere. The food is
all there too: breakfasts,
salads, soups, ice cream,
muffins, cakes, cereals and
bagels. Starting in Laos in
1996, Joma moved to Hanoi
in 2009. Joma contributes
2 percent of each sale to
charitable organisations.
KINH DO
MOCA CAFE
CAFE / INTERNATIONAL
14-16 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
(04) 3825 6334
8am to 10pm
Set in a deliciously attractive slightly run down colonial villa, the tourist friendly
location gives Moca a large
amount of guidebook-driven
clientele. But dont let this put
you off. The faded but charmingly run down Frenchstyled retro interior, good
WiFi and some of the best
coffee in town makes this
a great spot to while away
a couple of hours. The food
menu mixes Vietnamese fare
with sandwiches, western
and pan-Asian mains.
PUKU
INTERNATIONAL / CAFE
16-18 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 1745
Open 24 hours
This spacious spot on food
street is open around the
clock, offering Aussie-inspired comfort food along
with more eclectic Irish
nachos, cottage pies and
pan-Asian fare. Upstairs
is fit for social gatherings
and live music while the no-
SKATESHOP
84 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3923 1147
Booskateshop.com
CONTRABAND
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
23 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9891
Launched in Hanoi in 2007,
Contraband targets young
hip working women. Garments are made from versatile fabrics that are comfortable to wear and easy to look
after making them ideal for
work and travel. New styles
are introduced each month
LATELIER
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC / LIFESTYLE
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem.
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
move to the capital has seen
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
THINGS OF SUBSTANCE
AUSTRALIAN-STYLE UNISEX
5 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 6965
This shops motto Western
sizes, Vietnamese prices,
says it all. While mostly retailing womens separates
in soft cotton jersey and
linen, the store also carries a range of accessories
like embroidered canvas
totes and printed tees. Has
a good selection of unique
mens shirts.
THREE TREES
JEWELLERY
15 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3928 8725
HANDMADE / CHARITABLE
QUILTS
58 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 4607; 13 Hang
Bac, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3926 4831
Mekong-quilts.org
Community development
non-profit quilt shop featuring handmade quilts and accessories. Styles vary from
traditional to patterned and
hanoi
COFFEE CUP
OZONE CAFE
What No Burberry?
Macbook Airs and tortoise-shell may be
overly represented here, but dont let
hanoi
Asian-inspired. Founded in
2001 and with outposts in
several locations around
the region, the shop employs women in rural areas,
enabling them to make an
income and care for their
families.
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 2645
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
move to the capital will see
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
24 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3938 1155
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
CAFE DE PARIS
FRENCH BISTRO
12 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926 1327
cafedeparis-hanoi.com
8am to 11pm
Thanks to its original tiled
floor, cast iron backed
chairs and wall-hung black
and white photography,
there is something decidedly
charming about this tiny Parisian-styled bistro and bar.
Serving up a simple menu
of snacks such as quiche
Lorraine, Paris beurre and
croque monsieur, there is
also a selection of classic
but unpretentious French
mains. Has a daily specials
board and a decent range
of pizzas.
FOODSHOP 45
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN
32 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3993 1399
10am to 10.30pm
A slither of a joint serving
up the same fare that the
lakeside Foodshop 45 location in Truc Bach has become famous for. Selling an
international version of the
mighty curry they even
sell pork and beef here the
menu keeps to the northern
part of the subcontinent with
masala, dopiaza, korma and
the more Goan vindaloo taking centre stage. Also has a
good range of breads and
tandoor-cooked kebabs.
GREEN MANGO
WESTERN / VIETNAMESE
18 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9916
greenmango.vn
7.30am to 11.30pm
GREEN TANGERINE
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 4200; 25 Bat Su,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926
0639
10am to midnight
LITTLE INDIA
LA RESTAURANT
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
25 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 8933
8am to 10pm
The complimentary warm
bread with rosemary is
reason enough to visit this
homely spot featuring hearty
lentil and black bean soups,
along with a range of international and Vietnamese options like New Zealand beef
tenderloin or tofu with chilli
and mushrooms. We arent
quite sure why the Miele
Guide nominated it as one of
Asias finest restaurants as
service is lackadaisical and
tables could use candles to
improve the lackluster ambience, but the immaculately
tasty dishes more than make
up for any quips.
LA SALSA
IBERIAN / MEDITERANEAN
25 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 9052
8am to 11pm
A small but eternally popular Spanish-themed caf
and bar with an extensive
list of reliable cuisine. Tapas
are available, as well as full
courses such as veal, and
duck with currant sauce.
Known for its good, European-style coffee and first-
LITTLE HANOI
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
21-23 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 8333
7.30am to 11pm
MEDITERRANEO
PAN-ITALIAN
23 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3826 6288
10am to 11pm
This long-running, cozy restaurant near the cathedral
serves all the traditional
Italian fare you could need
homemade mozzarella
and fresh pasta, spinach
and ricotta ravioli, cold cut
boards, soups, salads and
fish. Throw in an extensive
wine list, a traditional wood
fire oven and a balcony spot
looking over Hanois trendy
caf scene and youre onto
a winner.
MILLENIUM
PAN-FRENCH
11B Ngo Bao Khanh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3828 7207
10.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10pm
Clean and fresh with a finedining vibe, the Millennium
restaurant is the minimal
and chic result of a Caf Des
Arts makeover. The streets
new go-to for a high standard of eating and drinking
goes over two floors and
has a welcome and inviting
three-level outdoor terrace
high up amid the concrete
and cables of the Old Quarter.
NAMASTE HANOI
PAN-INDIAN
46 Tho Nhuom, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 3935 2400
namastehanoi.com
11am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10.30pm
The latest newcomer to the
Indian restaurants family, Namaste specializes in
dishes from both northern
and southern India using Halal meat throughout. A meal will cost you
between VND150,000 and
VND300,000 and everything
is there, from curries and
breads to soups and desserts. Available to dine in or
out with a free delivery.
OLD HANOI
GOURMET VIETNAMESE
4 Ton That Thiep, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 8337
10am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Gordon Ramsay once filmed
a show at this restaurant in
a renovated French villa and
now the ribs carry his namesake. But its the twist on old
world favourites, think fried
snail spring rolls and min-
SOUTHGATE
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3938 1979
southgatehanoi.com
THE KAFE
TAMARIND
CONTEMPORARY VEGETARIAN
80 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 0580
5.30am to 10.30pm
Perhaps the only restaurant
in Hanoi to cater to vegetarians that doesnt focus on
faux meat. Features a wide
range of juices and shakes
in a crunchy granola backpacker atmosphere. Has
Asian favourites like veg-
SPICE
TANDOOR
PAN-INDIAN
24 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3824 5359
11am to 10.30pm
A long-popular, Indianfood enclave specialising
in Northern Indian cuisine.
Has an indoor and upstairs,
white tablecloth aircon
area with a more casual
dining and bar space out
front. Does excellent kebabs
served from an authentic
tandoor oven as well as the
full range of mainly North
Indian curries. Also has a
branch in Saigon and does
excellent set lunches.
ZENITH YOGA
BACCHUS CORNER
WINE RETAILER
1C Tong Dan, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 1393
Part of the Tan Khoa chain,
the largest liquor and wine
distributor in the country,
the walls here are lined with
a decent selection of wines,
pleasantly arrayed and back
lit. Besides their selection of
new and old world wines
Helpful staff and free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE RETAILER
59 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 7666
warehouse-asia.com
The Warehouse is Vietnams
ultimate premium wine importer, distributor, and retailer, representing many of
the greatest wines from the
best wine-growing regions
on the planet. The portfolio
mixes the best of both old
and new world wines.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
SUPERMARKETS
BIG C SUPERMARKET
222 Tran Duy Hung, Cau
Giay
FIVIMART
210 Tran Quang Khai,
Hoan Kiem
10 Tran Vu, Ba Dinh
671 Hong Hoa Tham,
Ba Dinh
71 Nguyen Chi Thanh,
Dong Da
51 Xun Dieu, Tay Ho
93 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung
Online shopping: www.
fivimart.com.vn
INTIMEX
22 & 23 Le Thai To, Hoan
Kiem
131-135 Hao Nam, Dong
Da
17 Lac Trung, Hai Ba
Trung
27 Huynh Thuc Khang,
Dong Da
METRO
126 Tam Trinh, Yen So,
Hoang Mai
Pham Van Dong, Co Nhue,
Tu Liem
RECALLING HANOI
PART THREE
Bret
A Night in the Candy Store
Location: Luong Dinh Cua
In 2006, four months after my arrival
now it has been seven years I was
drinking too much and several times
a week was out until 4am. I was living
in Kim Lien (near the French Hospital)
and drinking in the Old Quarter at Half
Man Half Noodle or Barracuda (the old
Dragonfly).
My Vietnamese friend and I were
driving around on his Minsk. The city was
hanoi
BY JULIE VOLA
Hiep
The Haunted Embassy
Location: Corner of Van Bao and Van Phuc
I have been selling tra da here for more than
10 years. The abandoned building at the
corner used to be the Bulgarian Embassy,
but before that it was a cemetery. When they
built the embassy they moved the cemetery
somewhere else, but some tombs remained
because they couldnt find the families.
The Bulgarian government paid 50 years
rent upfront, which is why nobody can do
anything to this land until the lease ends.
It was said that there were sleeping
quarters in the basement of the embassy.
Every night at midnight the beds would
move, they would stand vertical no
one could see how it happened. At a
hanoi
HANOI INTERNATIONAL THEATRE
SOCIETY (HITS)
hoan kiem
THEATRE GROUP
hitshanoi.com
LESPACE
B i
Triu
Hng
Phan
nh D
Kh
Trn
Chu
Trin
h
inh Ti
n H o n g
Hng
Phng
H n g G
Hng iu
Hng
Phng
Qun
n S
Q u
g
Hn
hi
L T
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.
i
Kh
a ng
+84 BAR
Qu
Hu
Nguy
n Du
L Vn H u
h
Hn T
uyn
MODEL CLUB
CATWALK BAR
45 Hang Bai, Hai Ba Trung
8pm to late
PHUC TAN
RELAX BAR
ROOFTOP
SKYLINE LOUNGE
19th Floor, Pacific Place, 83B
Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3946 1901
8am to midnight
ZONE 17
BAMBOO BAR
17D Hong Ha, Hoan Kiem
The first bar in what will
eventually (hopefully) be a
CAF / BOULANGERIE
6 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 5269
7.30am to 11pm
Time has been good to this
airy, bistro-style caf and
patisserie opposite the Opera House. One of the original international-style establishments to hit the capital,
despite its prime location
prices remain reasonable
espresso-style coffees cost
around VND40,000 and
the cakes and croissants
are moreish. Also does filled
baguettes and a larger cafcum-restaurant menu. Has a
second establishment at 13
Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
Tin
Trn
Hn
g
o
Ngu
yn
Du
17 COWBOYS
n
Tr
L Thi T
Thi
Trn
g
ng
g
n
t
u
Nguyn
Tri Ph
ng
Ch
Cu
D
t
L Thi T
Ph
Trn
g
g
o
L Dun
PARIS DELI
Nh
o
ng
H
n
Bi
ng
Trn
Hn
LA FE VERTE
n
Bi
n
Tr
n
Xu
ng
c
L
ng
H
n
i
Thi
Cu G
B
g
n
H
Trn
g
L Dun
g
Lon
Cu
Ph
Hong Di
u
n
Y
HOAN KIEM
DISTRICT
CAFES
CIAO CAF
RESTO LOUNGE
2 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3934 1494
7am to 11pm
A stones throw from the
shores of Hoan Kiem Lake,
this Saigonese franchise
tries its hand with a variety
of different western dishes
at reasonable prices, especially considering the location. Loaded with booths and
a steady, young Vietnamese
crowd, the establishment is
a great place to squash a
sandwich or bowl of pasta
and people watch. Oh, and
they also do coffee, too.
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
5 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 3228;
Opera House, 1 Trang Tien,
Hoan Kiem; Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
KINH DO
CINEMAS
CINEMATHEQUE
ARTS CINEMA
22A Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 2648
Not a movie theatre per se,
but a private film club that
charges a membership fee in
return for entrance to a wide
selection of movies, new and
old. The management has
an eclectic taste and shows
films from all over the world.
EVENT SPACE
21 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 1850
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
23L Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 7782
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
ANGELINA
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Sofitel Metopole Legend Hotel, 56 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 6919
11.30am to 2.30pm and
6.30am to late (restaurant)
11am to 2am (bar)
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN
6A Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3845 5224
aulacdobrazil.com
11am to 2pm, 5pm to midnight
A nicely themed Brazilian
churrascaria steakhouse offering all you can eat grilled
meat and seafood on the
skewer, Au Lac do Brazil is
not for the feint of stomach.
In typical Brazilian rodzio
fashion, waiters bring cuts of
meat to the table for patrons
to pick and choose, all for a
set price. They also offer wine
pairings, a salad bar and an a
la carte menu, with a creative
selection of fruit caipirinhas
on hand to wash it all down.
The prices arent for anyone
on a budget, but the amount
and quality of meat is more
than worth cost.
CAF LAUTREC
MEDITERRANEAN / INTERNATIONAL
Hotel de lOpera, 29 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
6282 5555
6am to 10pm
Featuring both -la-carte
and buffet dining as well
as an innovative Sunday
brunch, this namesake of the
French artist Toulouse-Lautrec provides an exotic ambience for diners to enjoy a
mixture of international and
Mediterranean-style fare.
Has an extensive wine list
to match the cuisine, which
is all served up in a contemporary yet colonial-inspired
environment.
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
11 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 7280
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines
traditional Argentinian recipes and preparation with
great service in a contem-
JACKSONS STEAKHOUSE
STEAKHOUSE / GRILL
23J Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 8388
alfrescogroup.com
9.30am to midnight
Then newest venture from
the team behind Jaspas
and Pepperonis is an all-day
eating and drinking lounge fit
for all occasions. It has three
floors for different vibes
lounge bar, restaurant and
boardroom but fine imported steads can be found
on each, as well as seafood
and a huge wine list. A popular venue.
JASPAS
INTERNATIONAL / AUSTRALIAN
Hanoi Towers, 49 Hai Ba
Trung (4th Floor), Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 8325
alfrescosgroup.com
6.30am to midnight
Recently refurbished, the
Australian-influenced Jaspas is known for its attentive
service, tasty food and large
portions. A place with something for everyone, it has
proved itself to be popular
with both the western and
Asian expat communities
who come back again and
again. The comprehensive
menu is a fusion of western
and Asian cooking. The cocktails come large. The wine is
mainly New World. Also has
a spacious bar and lounge
area that stays open late for
all the live sport.
LA BADIANE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
10 Nam Ngu, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3942 4509
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm to
10pm. Closed Sunday night.
A white-washed, colonial
era villa replete with period
wooden shutters greets you
as you enter this contemporary French restaurant.
Guests can either dine indoors in aircon comfort or
take to the leafy covered
terrace out back with its
walls lined with art and photography from 21st century
Hanoi. The menu here mixes
modern Gallic cuisine with a
touch of Mediterranean and
Vietnam thrown in, all creating an innovative and evocative selection of fare. Has an
extensive wine list and an
excellent, well-priced threecourse lunch menu.
hanoi
LE BEAULIEU
THE PROMOTIONS
LUNO DAUTUNNO
CLASSIC ITALIAN
27 Nam Ngu, Tel: (04) 3823
7338
11am to 11pm
This old-favourite Italian
uses traditional wood ovens
to prepare some of the citys
finest pizzas, which range
from VND80,000 to buildyour-own-skies-the-limit.
Set inside a large, thoughtful
space seasoned chefs also
make fresh pastas, soups
and cheeses the latter often bought by other restaurants. Monthly opera nights
make it well worth a visit, as
does the large wine list and
choice of desserts.
NINETEEN 11
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
The Opera House, 1 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3933 4801
nineteen11.com.vn
11am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm
PANE E VINO
PAN-ITALIAN
3 Nguyen Khac Can, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 9080
8am to 10.30pm
Just a stroll away from the
Hanoi Opera House and
Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart
of Hanoi, Pane e Vino serves
up authentic Italian food
and has done for as long as
anyone can remember. Renowned for the highly rated,
oven fresh pizzas and large
variety of pasta and salad
dishes look forward to fine
food done well at this eatery
that has the feel of Europe.
Huge wine lists, friendly staff
and a loveable owner.
PRESS CLUB
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
3rd Floor, 59A Ly Thai To,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934
0888
hanoi-pressclub.com
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm
to 10.30pm. Closed Sunday
lunch
Wooden flooring, paneling
and bold but subtle colours
pervade this traditional but
contemporary, fine-dining
70-seater venue close to
the Opera House. Serving
up quality cuisine for over a
decade, Press Club boasts
a bar area, two private dining rooms, including a wine
room, a library and a vast
selection of cigars, all in an elegant atmosphere. Does four
excellent wine pairing menus,
put together through the aid
of the Press Clubs extensive
new and old world wine list.
Also hosts a popular firstFriday-of-the-month party.
hanoi
n
A n Dng V g
TAY HO
DISTRICT
g
n
g V
Tn
u C
Ngu
yn
Ho
ng
CITIMART
Xu
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
10 Da Tuong, Hanoi Tel: (04)
3943 7226
Ni
GROCERY STORE
17 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 3854
Thanh
Bi
N guyn Phong S c
ARTS
Thm
g
Ho
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.
Ph
Qun Th
Phan
nh P
h n g
nh
VIETNAMESE SUPERMARKET
22-23 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem
n
Y
INTIMEX
Th
Ho
n
HANOI GOURMET
oa
SUPERMARKET
27A Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem
Ho
n
FIVIMART
Tm
WINE RETAILER
96 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 2076; 65 Le
Duan, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3941 2789
Daloc.vn
hi
Ng
c Long Qun
DA LOC
BIKING CAFE
so 12 ngo 264 Au Co, Tay Ho
kub.vn
Think obsession, think motorbikes and you get Kub
Cafe, an industrial, warehouse-style watering hole
bringing thats become a favorite of the motorbike clubs.
Does good on-the-table bia
hoi and runs biking events.
BOOKWORM TOO
u
Di
u
SUPERMARKET
Ground Floor, Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 2999
KUB CAFE
BOOK SHOPS
ARTS / BARS & CLUBS / BOOK SHOPS / CAFES / CLOTHING / COOKING CLASSES /
CRAFTS & FURNITURE / CYCLING & BICYCLE RENTALS / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES, LIQUOR & KITCHEN PRODUCTS / MEDICAL & DENTAL / EXPAT SERVICES
Qu
n
tay ho
Lo
ng
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555 ext. 6414
hoteldelopera.com
Lc
SATINE
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
CAFES
COFFEE BEAN AND TEA LEAF
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,
LA GRACE
SAINT HONORE
CAFE / BOULANGERIE
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3933 2355
st.honorehn@gmail.com
7am to 10pm
Decked out in maroon, dark
browns and cream, this
cafe and French-style boulangerie is best visited in
the morning when that Gallic, fresh-cooked aroma of
bread, croissants and patisseries hits you as you walk
through the door. Serving
all day long, the downstairs
space is split into the bakery
on one side with a small nonsmoking dining space on the
other. The homely upstairs
lounge area has standard tables as well as sofa seating.
Simple but tasty French and
international fare is served
at meal times.
THE CART
CLOTHING
GEORGES FASHION BOUTIQUE
CONTEMPORARY WESTERN-STYLE
36 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 6233
With new styles arriving in store
every second day, this shop offers a huge range of dresses,
shirts, pants, skirts and accessories in local and imported
fabrics. Clothes fit all sizes, from
petite to average to the generous
figure. Alterations and a madeto-measure service are available
at no extra cost.
LATELIER
COOKING CLASSES
HIDDEN HANOI
COOKING CENTRE
147 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel: 0912
254045
hiddenhanoi.com.vn
A wide range of Vietnamese culi-
GLOBAL HANDICRAFTS
8 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
Fair trade or bought directly
from the artisans who made
them, Betterworld stocks unusual handicrafts from around the
world as well as second-hand
books, DVDs and more.
LA CASA
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Syrena Tower, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay
Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 4084
lacasavietnam.com.vn
A shop whose speciality is designing furniture and other
household objects, this spot
has everything from beds and
bookshelves, to tableware and
silverware. The items are all
locally made by skilled artisans
from Hanoi and the surrounding
regions.
MEKONG QUILTS
BICYCLE RENTALS
16 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 3719
Dons-bistro.com
CYCLING COLLECTIVE
44, Ngo 31, Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 8246
thbc.vn
Tucked down an alleyway just
off West Lake, The Hanoi Bicycle
Collective is a place for all bicycle lovers! An official supplier of
TREK and SURLY cycling equipment, the joint not only sells but
also rents and fixes bicycles. To
add to the eclectic, community
spirit they also organise bicycle
tours, run yoga sessions, hold
music concerts in their upstairs
cafe area and run a great menu
of Spanish tapas served up, if
you so wish, with gin & tonic.
Quite a mix!
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
98 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 5322
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
DA PAOLO
CLASSIC ITALIAN
18 Lane 50/59/17 Dang Thai
Mai, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 6317
11am to 11pm
This airy, contemporary looking Italian restaurant next to
the famed lawn chair and coconut caf on West Lake has
all the right ingredients to become a classic. Run by the long
time former manager of Luna
DAutunno, it features scrumptious wood-fired oven pizzas
from VND120,000 and other
Italian delicacies. Open every
day for lunch and dinner, delivery is also available.
DALUVA
FUSION / MIDDLE-EASTERN
33 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 5831
daluva.com
8am until late
A popular hang-out for expats
and trendy Vietnamese in the
Xuan Dieu area on West Lake.
This bar and restaurant offers
casual dining with a classy,
Middle-Eastern twist, as well as
wine, tapas, events and attractive dcor.
DONS TAY HO
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
99 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 6991
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines traditional Argentinian recipes and
preparation with great service
in a contemporary and thoughtfully designed space over three
floors. Already with venues in
Saigon and Bangkok, the essence of this popular chain is
quality top grade meats off the
grill. Steak is the mainstay, but
everything from chicken, pork
and seafood is also up for grabs.
Add to this a backdrop of low
HALIA HANOI
SINGAPOREAN / CONTEMPORARY
INTERNATIONAL
29 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3946 0121
thehalia.com
Monday Saturday 11am to
11pm. Closed on Sundays
A multi-floored venue with a bar
area and a refined dining space.
The menu includes Singaporean
specialities such as the shrimp
satay salad and the chilli crab
spaghetti. A pan-European classical menu mixed in with light
Asian flavours is also on offer.
Has an extensive wine list.
IL FARO
ITALIAN / MEDITERRANEAN
Villa 3, Cong Doan Hotel Compound, 98 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 6327 1142
Hidden away in Cong Doan Hotel,
this pan-Mediterranean restaurant owned by the same people
behind Mediterraneo serves up
an assortment of French, Spanish and Italian dishes in a pleasant, white-washed yet Italianinfluenced atmosphere.
INDIA PALACE
NORTH INDIAN
10B Quang An, Tay Ho
eat.vn/indiapalace
North Indian cuisine with views
over West Lake, this revival of
the India Palace of old brings the
Indian subcontinent to Hanois
most popular suburb.
J.A.F.A.
INTERNATIONAL
G2-G3 Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3758 2400
7am to 11pm
One of the larger and more comfortable bars in Hanoi, J.A.F.A. is
a great place for drinking cocktails by the pool. The beverages
are not the cheapest, but this
is made up for by service and
ambiance. They also have a full
menu featuring familiar western
dishes such as pizza and cheese-
hanoi
TOP EATS
THBC SPANISH TAPAS BAR
LA SALSA
IBERIAN / MEDITERANEAN
53 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 5656
8am to 11pm
KITCHEN
R&R TAVERN
RASA SINGAPURA
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, freshcooked 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
TAKEAWAY PIES
2nd Floor (on the left), Syrena
Center, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 1507
thepieshophanoi@gmail.com
Classic Aussie and Kiwi-style
savoury pies and rolls. Available
in three convenient sizes (mini,
regular and large). Enjoy them
hot as a takeaway, or frozen to
keep for later.
CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE
10A Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: 0934
544263
thesushiclub.info
The Akataiyo Group has operated Japanese restaurants in Vietnam for over 10 years. Located
up from Dons, the latest addition
The Sushi Club combines
traditional Japanese cuisine with
modern fare, serving up sushi,
sashimi, ramen and gyoza. A
comfy ambience, this eatery is
perfect for dates, business dinners, meeting friends and family gatherings. Private rooms
available.
EXPAT SERVIES
MAID IN VIETNAM
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Suite 201, 5 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 3112
maidinvietnam.com
Offering a licensed hire service
for trained domestic and office
housemaids, cooks and nannies.
Courses include health checks,
housekeeping, safety, basic 1st
Aid, courses for external maids
and household management for
Vietnamese wives of foreigners.
HANOI CLUB
COUNTRY CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3823
8115
thehanoiclub.com
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
ANNAM GOURMET
GROCERIES / DELI
First Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 4487
FIVIMART
SUPERMARKET
Second Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay
Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 1791
KITCHEN ART
KITCHENWARE
38 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6680 2770
kitchenart.vn
Kitchen Art is a little haven for
all foodies, cooks and bakers
to grow their love and passion
for cooking and baking. Come to
Kitchen Art Store to buy restaurant-grade tools and ingredients
to cook like a chef, take part in
regular demonstrations and
workshops at the Studio, or simply read and relax at the cookbook cafe corner while enjoying
the peaceful West Lake view.
L'S PLACE
GROCERY SHOP
3 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 9911
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 authentic Italian coffee. Also sells their
own brand coffee in capsules,
ready ground or as the original
roasted mix of beans.
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
28 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho. Tel: (04)
3719 8337
THE OASIS
ITALIAN DELI
24 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 1196
A great place to get all kinds of
imported groceries and homemade foods. All of the breads
and pastas are made in the inhouse kitchen. A great variety of
fresh sauces, a limited, but wellchosen selection of wines and a
fantastic deli and cheese case.
Free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
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
hanoi
THE ALCHEMIST
THE CONSCIOUSNESS OF ANIMALS
Talking to Animals
How is it possible to communicate with
animals? Volumes of compiled research
has lead scientists to conclude that,
humans are not unique in possessing
the neurological substrates that generate
consciousness.
It is known that animals from a wide
variety of species experience emotions
ranging from joy to grief, and posttraumatic stress disorder, along with
empathy, jealousy and resentment. These
characteristics describe animal sentience.
Pioneering cognitive ethologist, Marc
Bekoff, defines animal sentience as the
ability to feel, perceive, or be conscious, or
to experience subjectivity. The European
Union recognizes an animal as sentient
if it is capable of being aware of its
surroundings, its relationships with other
animals and humans, and of sensations in
its own body, including pain, hunger, heat
or cold.
Hippocrates stated, The soul is the same
in all living creatures, although the body
of each is different. If were all the same,
then we should be able to communicate. To
BY KAREN GAY
hanoi
Reservations recommended.
ba dinh
MING PALACE
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS / BOOKSHOPS / CAFES / CLUBS & SOCIETIES / COOKING CLASSES / EAT /
FITNESS & YOGA / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
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
BOOK SHOP
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 3711; 1/28 Nghi
Kh
n
CAFES
CAF GOETHE
ARTS CAF
56 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 3734 7395
CONG CAPHE
hng
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
COOKING CLASSES
HANOI COOKING CENTRE
COOKING CENTRE
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 0088
hanoicookingcentre.com
Hanoi Cooking Centre is a
school, retail outlet and caf,
where you can find classes
on not just Vietnamese
Hng
Bi
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Trn
Hn
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Hng
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Th
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Ho
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Khm Thin
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Th
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La
Hu
Na
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Giai
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Gi
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Thi
Hc
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Cha Lng
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Ln
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Phng
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BOOKWORM
Ngu
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
575 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3771 6372
10am to midnight
L Thi T
Kim M
Kim M
Hong
Sn Ty
Nguyn
Tri P
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Diu
Vng
Giai
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Liu
B
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HIGHWAY 4
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Xu
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Phng
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To
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Hng
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Ph
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Vn
Cao
Phan
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L Dun
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Qun
Hong
Hoa
Th
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Th
Kh
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Ca B
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Thanh
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Ngu
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Ho
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Lo
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BA DINH
DISTRICT
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. Sell-
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.
PAN-CHINESE
Sofitel Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien,
Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3823 8888
11am to 2pm, 5.30pm to
10pm
A fine dining destination at
the Sofitel Plaza serving
Cantonese and pan-Chinese
cuisine in a sleek modern
setting with private dining
rooms. With more than 80
dim sum selections available
along with Chinese entrees,
Mings is an ideal eatery for
those hungry for higher end
Chinese fare.
THE BISTRO
FRENCH FLAIR
2/2c Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3726 4782
thebistro.com.vn
7.30am to 9pm
A modern eatery offering
western cuisine with shades
of French influence in a comfortable setting. Think gardens in a courtyard, drink
and food deals and a warm
indoor atmosphere you
know, just how the French
do it.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
MEDICAL
298 I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3843 0748
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
On the little street directly
below Kim Ma, with all sorts
of specialists including OB/
GYN, Pediatricians and ENT.
A Medium-sized practice
with both Vietnamese and international doctors, but they
are used to treating expats.
Also a 24-hour emergency
service.
hanoi
THE THERAPIST
WORKING IT OUT
This month Douglas Holwerda, American trained and licensed mental health
counsellor, talks about the need to be assertive in the workplace
Dear Douglas,
I have been living in Vietnam for about
eight months now, working for an
international organisation I wont name. I
am in a mid-level position, not unlike the
work I have done for the past 12 years. I
am going through an experience I have
never had before and would like to get
some perspective. I can no longer talk to
my husband or teenage children about
this. They are tired of hearing it.
I think the problem is my boss. He is so
demanding and condescending that I am
completely intimidated by him. Last week
he was upset over a mistake I made and
said, I wonder if you are just stupid.
I have been telling myself that the
mistakes he points out are right and that
I need to do better and work harder to
make him happy. But now I am asking
myself if he really should treat me, and
others, like that. I am wondering if,
maybe, I need to do something differently
than to try to comply. I am constantly
preoccupied with worries about the
details of my job. I am sleeping poorly
and not much fun for my husband and
kids. I could never quit, but cant imagine
living like this for another year of my
contract.
Bruised and Confused
Dear B and C,
I am sorry to hear what you are going
through, and yes, it is time to get some
perspective about what is happening and
what you might do about it.
Because managerial models are often
hierarchical, we often believe that we
should tolerate behaviour that is hurtful
from someone who is above us in the
pecking order. His behaviour sounds
abusive to me and I will tell you why.
When someone attacks you as a person
saying you are stupid they have crossed
an important line. They are undermining
your confidence and actually hindering
your ability to do the tasks that define
your work. The fact you are upset by
this, not sleeping and feeling worried,
while accepting responsibility to improve
yourself, suggests to me that he is not
being respectful and supportive. It appears
he is caught up in a desire for power and
control, at your expense.
Yes, you need to gain perspective that
allows you to feel more empowered and
to find a way to assert your thoughts and
feelings to him about how his behaviour is
affecting you.
You, we all have the right to let someone
know if their behaviour hurts, irritates
or upsets us. Your boss needs some
hanoi
Tel: (04) 3974 3556
vinmec.com
elsewhere
A DONG PHOTO CO
RECREATION
KEANGNAM SWIMMING POOL
CZECH MICROBREWERY
1A Tang Bat Ho, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3972 5088
VUVUZELA
CAF 129
MEXICAN/COMFORT FOOD
129 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3821 5342
7.30am to 9.30pm
FRENCH GRILL
JW Marriott Hanoi, 8 Do Duc
Duc, Me Tri, Tu Liem, Tel: (04)
3833 5588
facebook.com/frenchgrill
Every day 6pm to 11pm
With unique decor, contemporary ambience, a walk-in
wine cooler and a delectable seafood bar, this classy
restaurant offers guests
a service experience with
crafted food difficult to find
in the capital.
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
54 Mai Hac De, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3796 2647
10am to midnight
CAFES
KOTO ON VAN MIEU
CONG CAPHE
HAM HANH
ARTSY CAFE
170 Doi Can, Dong Da
The physical representation of arts, film and music
collective, The Onion Cellar,
this cafe with multiple areas
is as left field as the people
who created it.
KY Y
SUSHI RESTAURANT
288 Ba Trieu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3974 5945
asahisushi.vn
WILD LOTUS
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
57 Bui Thi Xuan, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 3944 0204
potsnpans.vn
11.30am to late
Brought to you by a group of
former disadvantaged youth
from Hanois own KOTO, this
unique fine dining restau-
ALPHA LAPTOP
95D Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 4418
NGUYEN CAU
ICE SKATING
Royal City, 72A-74 Nguyen
Trai, Thanh Xuan, Tel: 0936
469799
royalcity.com.vn
HI-TECH USA
LASER TAG
77 Hong Mai, Bach Mai, Hai
Ba Trung, Tel: (04) 3627 7106
x-factory-vn.com
DK COMPUTER
29 Ngoc Kha, Ba Dinh Tel:
3772 4772
PICO PLAZA
35 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem
SWIMMING POOL
Landmark 72 Tower, Pham
Hung, Cau Giay, Tel: (04)
3772 3801
landmark72.com
FRENCH HOSPITAL
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
1 Phuong Mai, Dong Da, Tel:
(04) 3577 1100
hfh.com.vn
PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER
CARE AND IT SERVICES
No 3, Alley 8, Hoa Lu,
Hai Ba Trung. Tel: 0983
011081
VIETSAD
34B Ly Nam De, Hoan Kiem
Tel: 3747 8771
SWIMMING POOLS
ARMY HOTEL
33C Pham Ngu Lao, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3825 2896
FOUR SEASONS
14 Dang Tien Dong, Dong
Da. Tel: 3537 6250
HANOI CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho
Tel: 3823 8115
www.hanoi-club.com
MELIA HOTEL
44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3934 3343
OLYMPIA
4 Tran Hung Dao, Hoan
Kiem. Tel: 3933 1049
SAO MAI
10 Dang Thai Mai, Tay Ho
Tel: 3718 3161
THAN NHAN
EAT
ASAHI SUSHI
ELECTRONICS
LA VERTICALE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
19 Ngo Van So, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3944 6317
verticale-hanoi.com
hanoi
han
noi
MEDICAL BUFF
STAYING HEALTHY IN THE SUMMER HEAT
Treatment
In most cases, you can treat heat exhaustion
BY DR BRIAN MCNAULL
pressfoto.com
Prevention
Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-coloured
clothing. Dark or tight clothing holds in heat
hanoi
business
CORPORATE SERVICES
ICHAM
ENDO
CCIFV
Sofitel Plaza, No 1 Thanh
Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3715
2229
ccifv.org
A business group with over
240 members that supports the French business
community in Vietnam by
listening to their members
needs and expectations. Also
promotes Vietnam to French
companies and helps them in
developing their businesses
here.
EUROCHAM
G/F, Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, 1
Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3715 2228
eurochamvn.org
A confederate organisation
with strong ties to national
business associations in its
member countries, Eurocham looks after and provides advice and support
for the business interests of
European Union members in
Vietnam.
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
INSURANCE
IF CONSULTING
CCIFV/Eurocham, Sofitel
Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh,
Tel: (04) 3936 5370
Emergency: 0903 732365
insuranceinvietnam.com
Specialises in medical, employee benefits and personal
lines insurance advice to expatriates. The company has
been operational in Vietnam
since 1994 and offers free
advice and comparative
quotes.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
BRITISH VIETNAM INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (BVIS)
H3-H4, Hoa Lan, Vincom
Village, Long Bien, Tel: (04)
3946 0435
bvisvietnam.com
CONCORDIA INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HANOI
CMC Building, Duy Tan, Cau
Giay, Tel: (04) 3795 8878
concordiahanoi.org
International brand, Concordia, has highly performing
schools in both Hong Kong
and Shanghai at the top tier
of the educational system.
All instructors and teachers
are native English speakers
and admission applications
are accepted throughout
the year.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF
VIETNAM
6-7 Nguyen Cong Thai, Dai
Kim Urban Area, Dinh Cong,
Hoang Mai, Tel: 3540 9183
www.isvietnam.org
The International School of
Vietnam (ISV) is a not-forprofit, Pre-Kindergarten to
Grade 12 school serving the
international and local community of Hanoi. ISV accepts
students of any nationality
aged 3 and up. ISV offers
an international education
experience. Highly qualified
and experienced international educators are supported by a 21st-century
campus with the latest in
educational technology
plus excellent resources
for learning. Class sizes are
small.
KINDERWORLD INTERNATIONAL
KINDERGARTEN
Unit 9 10, Shophouse
CT17, Ciputra, Tel: (04) 3743
0360
3rd Floor, 49 Hai Ba Trung,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934
7243
C5-C11, 1st Floor, The Manor Building, My Dinh, Me Tri
New Urban, Tu Liem District,
Tel: +84 4 3794 0209
kinderworld.net
Classes are kept small with
a foreign teacher leading the
class with the assistance of a
Vietnamese teacher according to the teacher-student
ratio. KinderWorld provides
pre school education for
children from 18 months to
below 6 years.
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (SIS)
2D Van Phuc Diplomatic
Compound, 46 Van Bao, Ba
Dinh, Tel: 3726 1601; Block
C3, Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel:
3758 2664; Dilmah Building, Duy Tan, Cau Giay, Tel:
3795 1036
www,kinderworld.net/sis
SIS provides international
rmit.edu.vn
A leading international provider of skills training and
professional staff development, RMIT offers both short
and long-term courses,
customised courses, and
can provide for either on or
off-campus clients. Known
for its Business MBA which
is open to both Vietnamese
and overseas students.
CIMIGO
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
APOLLO
67 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3943 2051
Apollo.edu.vn
Established in 1994, Apollo
offers high-quality and costeffective English language
classes including general
English, English for teens,
English for business communication and a pronunciation
clinic. One of the countrys
leading language centres.
BRITISH COUNCIL
20 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3728 1922
britishcouncil.org
The cultural arm of the British governments presence
in Vietnam, the BC offers a
variety of English language
courses business writing, corporate training and
general English in a large
learning centre close to West
Lake.
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
MARKET RESEARCH
142 Le Duan, Dong Da, Tel:
(04) 3518 6696
vietnam@cimigo.com
cimigolive.com
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
RMIT
Hanoi Resco Building, 521
Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3726 1460
SERVICED APARTMENTS
ATLANTA RESIDENCES
49 Hang Chuoi, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: 0912 239085
atlanta.com.vn
Atlanta Residences fully
serviced apartments have
been created to provide a
space where you can feel
at home. Within walking
distance from Hanois Opera
House and Hoan Kiem Lake,
this building offers a panel of
51 spacious apartments for
you to choose from. The serviced apartments here offer
the luxury of a hotel mixed
with the peaceful comfort
and privacy of your home,
under one roof of course.
SEDONA SUITES
No. 96 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 0888
sedonahotels.com.sg
BOOK BUFF
NOVELS FOR KIDS
BUSINESS BUFF // BODY AND TEMPLE // COFFEE CUP // TOP EATS // NON-FAMOUS PLACES //
A WORLD OF GOOD // FOOD PROMOS // STUDENT EYE
PHOTO BY FRANCIS XAVIER
HCMC
business
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING / ADVERTISING & MKTG / BUSINESS CONSULTING / BUSINESS GROUPS / CORPORATE GIFTS & SERVICES /
EVENT MANAGEMENT / EXPAT SERVICES / HOUSING & REAL ESTATE / INSURANCE / INTERIOR DESIGN / INVESTMENT & FINANCE /
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS / LEGAL SERVICES / MANAGEMENT TRAINING / MARKET RESEARCH / PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES / PUBLIC RELATIONS /
RECRUITMENT & HR / RELOCATION AGENTS / SERVICED APARTMENTS
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING COWAN STRATEGIC BRAND PHIBIOUS
DESIGN
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS
TMF GROUP
DENTSU VIETNAM
AB TOWER, 23rd Floor, 76 Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 9005
Dentsu.com.vn
GREY GROUP
404 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3929 1450
grey.com/vietnam
MARKETEERS VIETNAM
PURPLE ASIA
9 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 6277 7050
purpleasia.com
nam to Australia.
RIVER ORCHID
10th Floor HDTC Building,
36 Bui Thi Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3925 2538
riverorchid.com
TBWA\VIETNAM
4th Floor, Saigon Finance
Center, 9 Dinh Tien Hoang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 5315
tbwa.com.vn
BUSINESS CONSULTING
BDG VIETNAM
11th Floor, Capital Place, 6
Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 7858
Bdg-vietnam.com
CONCETTI
33 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3911 1481
Concetti.vn
GRANT THORNTON
ROUSE
6th Floor, Abacus Tower, 58
Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 6770
iprights.com
INSPIRED IMAGE
XAGE CONSULTANCY
PRISM INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
4th Floor, YOCO Building, 41
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1,
Tel: (08) 7305 0905
prism.com.vn
BUSINESS GROUPS
AMCHAM
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 3562.
HCMC
CINEMAS
Showcasing the latest
Hollywood blockbusters
and 3D cinematic sensations, chains such as
Megastar Media, Lotte
and Galaxy Cinema offer
the most up-to-date and
modern cinema-going
experiences in Saigon.
For those partial to more
esoteric and independent flicks, smaller outlets such as Cinebox and
Idecaf carry little known
Vietnamese and European
efforts.
CINEBOX
240 Ba Thang Hai, Q10
Tel: (08) 3862 2425
cinebox.vn
LOTTE CINEMA
13th Floor, Diamond Plaza,
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 38227897
3rd Floor, Lotte Mart, 469
Nguyen Huu Tho, Q7
Tel: (08) 3775 2521
lottecinemavn.com
GALAXY CINEMA
230 Nguyen Trai, Q1
Tel: (08) 3920 6688
116 Nguyen Du, Q1
Tel: (08) 3823 5235
246 Nguyen Hong Dao,
Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 3849 4567
galaxycine.vn
IDECAF
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1
Tel: (08) 3829 5451
idecaf.gov.vn
MEGASTAR CINEMA
Level 5, Crescent Mall,
Nguyen Van Linh, Phu My
Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5412 2222
Level 10, CT Plaza, 60A
Truong Son, Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 6297 1981
Level 5, Parkson Paragon,
3 Nguyen Luong Bang,
Phu My Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5416 0088
megastar.vn
amchamvietnam.com
An independent association
of American and international businesses, the objective
of the American Chamber of
Commerce in Vietnam is to
promote trade and investment between the United
States and Vietnam.
CANCHAM
Room 305, New World Hotel,
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824
3754
canchamvietnam.org
Open to all nationalities, the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce aims to create an effective network of business
associates together and to
facilitate discussion forums
about business in Vietnam.
NORDCHAM
17th Floor, Petroland Tower,
12 Tan Trao, Q7, Tel: (08)
5416 0922
nordcham.com
ENDO
406/16 Cong Hoa, Tan Binh,
Tel: (08) 6292 2045
endo.vn
Endo offers garment manufacturing for local resorts,
restaurants, hotels, golf
courses, travel agencies
and apparel shops. They
also manufacture giftware
from polos and hoodies to
keychains, card holders and
menu covers.
EXPAT SERVICES
CHUMS HOUSE
HAPPY HOUSE
RESIDENT VIETNAM
EVENT MANAGEMENT
CENTERPIECE EVENT ORGANIZERS
Tel: 0906 761190
centerpiece-vn.com
info@centerpiece-vn.com
Centerpiece is an independent event planning company
run by expatriates that can
plan any event from private
parties, to corporate events
to weddings.
EVECOO
Tel: 0988 297990
evecoo.vn
THE CATERERS
46D Vuon Lai, Tan Phu, Tel:
(08) 3812 6901
thecaterersvietnam.com.vn
Offers everything from canaps and cocktails, buffets
and set menus to barbeques
and wedding catering. Combines excellent food, event
management and exclusive
CREATION
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.
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.
INSURANCE
BAOVIET INSURANCE
49D Phan Dang Luu, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 3510 1661
baoviet.com.vn
IF CONSULTING
IFC Building, 3rd Floor, 1A
Me Linh Square, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 7362
insuranceinvietnam.com
Independent advisors that
represent top reputable
medical insurers provide
you with the best suitable
medical cover for individual,
family or company needs.
HCMC
BUSINESS BUFF
WORLD CUP DOLLARS
BY SHANE DILLON
HCMC
BLUE CROSS VIETNAM
8th Floor, River View Tower,
7A Thai Van Lung, Q1 Tel: (08)
3821 9908
inquiry@bluecross.com.vn
www.bluecross.com.vn
Blue Cross Vietnam is part
of the Pacific Cross group
of companies with over 60
years experience in providing health and travel insurance to people and businesses who call Asia home.
Their reputation for transparent, honest and reliable
service means they are the
strength behind your insurance. To make sure you are
getting the most out of your
insurance contact them for
a free quote.
IGLOBALASSIST
Tel: 0934 874271
Iglobalassist.com
LIBERTY INSURANCE
15th Floor, Kumho Asiana
Plaza, 39 Le Duan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3812 5125
libertyinsurance.com.vn
PRUDENTIAL
25th F, Saigon Trade Centre,
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 1660
prudential.com.vn
INTERIOR DESIGN
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND
REMODELING
Tel: 0936 330869 (Darren
Hawk)
Thinking about upgrading a
bathroom? Perhaps a new
colour in the living room?
Maybe even a new wood
floor? Professional Painting
and Remodeling can help
with these and many other
projects. Provide international standards of quality
as well as professional and
timely service at reasonable
rates. Call today to schedule
a free evaluation.
VINACAPITAL
17th Floor, Sun Wah Tower,
115 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 9930
vinacapital.com
A leading investment fund
management company with
extensive experience in the
emerging Vietnam market.
Manages the Vietnam Opportunity Fund (VOF), which
is a US$839 million investment fund.
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
ILA VIETNAM
146 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3521 8788
ilavietnam.com
A foreign-owned education
and training company that
offers a range of educational
programmes, such as English-language tuition, university pathway programmes,
corporate training, teacher
training and overseas study
consultancy and placement
services.
LATELIER
33/19 Quoc Huong, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: 0908 381492
latelier-anphu.com
VLS SAIGON
45 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 0168
vlstudies.com
Offers courses ranging
from basic conversational
Vietnamese to upper elementary, intermediate and
advanced levels, as well as
special courses including
Vietnamese literature, composition or a 6-hour survival
crash course.
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
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
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
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.
HCMC
BODY
AND
FEET FIRST
TEMPLE
BY PHIL KELLY
Well-Heeled?
The high heel is a fashion icon and they do
make womens legs look good. However,
from a functional and postural point of
view there is nothing worse.
If you have to wear high heels, wear them
for the shortest time possible and take them
off when sitting. Heels cause an array of
feet, ankle, pelvic and spinal complications,
and they actually deform the feet.
HCMC
INDOCHINA RESEARCH LTD
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
MEKONG RESEARCH
NIELSEN
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
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
2011, Adecco offers a wide
array of global workforce
solutions and specialises in
finance & legal, sales, marketing & events, IT, engineering & technical, and office.
HCMC
KIDS CLASSES & SPORTS
VIETNAMWORKS.COM
130 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 5404 1373
vietnamworks.com
RELOCATION AGENTS
RESIDENT VIETNAM
Unit 601 48 Hoa SU, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 2226 8855
residentvietnam.com
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.
ALLIED PICKFORDS
12th floor, Miss Ao Dai Building, 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3910 1220
alliedpickfords.com
With more than 800 offices
in over 45 countries, Allied
Pickfords is one of the worldwide leaders in removal services. In Vietnam, Allied also
provides tailored relocation
services.
PIANO CLASSES
CROWN RELOCATIONS
SAIGON MOVEMENT
Tel: 0987 027 722
saigonmovement@gmail.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
SAIGON EXPRESS
AGENCY LIMITED
7th Floor, 6-8 Doan Van Bo,
Q4, Tel: (08) 3826 8850
seal.com.vn
SERVICED APARTMENTS
CAM LY HOTEL & APARTMENT
656 Cach Mang Thang Tam,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3993 1587
camlyapartment@hcm.
vnn.vn
CITYVIEW
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON RESIDENCES
Crn. of Nguyen Du & Le Van
Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 8888
intercontinental.com/saigonres
NORFOLK MANSION
1719-21 Ly Tu Trong, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 6111
norfolkmansion.com.vn
Offers a wide choice of luxurious and modern furnished
accommodation with attentive and discreet service.
Facilities include an outdoor
swimming pool, a gym, sauna
and steam room, as well as
two on-site restaurants.
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
53 Vo Truong Toan, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4111
Riverside-apartments.com
Over four Saigon Riverbank
hectares, Riverside Apartments combines a resort
lifestyle with the amenities
of a fully serviced-apartment. Located minutes from
downtown by high-speed
boat shuttle.
SEDONA SUITES
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9666
sedonahotels.com.sg
SHERWOOD RESIDENCE
127 Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3823 2288
sherwoodresidence.com
Sherwood Residence is a
luxurious serviced apartment property where modern living spaces meet prime
location, comfort and class,
with fivestar facilities and
service.
DELIVERY
BEN STYLE
Tel: 0906 912730
www.vietnammm.com/
restaurants-ben-style
Healthy, calorie-counted
sandwich and deli fare
CHEZ GUIDO
Tel: (08) 3898 3747
www.chezguido.com
Vietnamese, international
fare, pizza, pasta, sandwiches
DOMINOS PIZZA
Tel: (08) 3939 3030
www.dominos.vn
Pizzas, wings, desserts
EAT.VN
www.eat.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
EL GATO NEGRO
Tel: (08) 6660 1577
Californian-style burritos
HUNGRYPANDA.VN
www.hungrypanda.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
KFC
Tel: (08) 3848 9999
www.kfcvietnam.com.vn
Fried chicken, chicken
burgers, sides
LOTTERIA
Tel: (08) 3910 0000
www.lotteria.vn
Burgers, fried chicken,
sides
SCOOZI
Tel: (08) 3823 5795
www.scoozipizza.com
Pizzas, pasta, salad, antipasti, desserts
TACO BICH
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
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.
HCMC
downtown
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
Binh Thanh
in
h
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
CARMEN
CUNHOUSE
LOUNGE BAR
Hem 36, Chu Manh Trinh, Q1,
Tel: 0908 033982
DRUNKEN DUCK
FUSE
GAME ON
SPORTS BAR
115 Ho Tung Mau, Q1 Tel:
(08) 6251 9898
gameonsaigon.com
Ma
Ng
uy
en
Kh
ai
Th
i
Le
ng
Ng
.H
ue
Le
Lo
i
District
10
ng
Ng
uy
en
Ca
ch
Du
cT
ha
n
an
Bi
en
Tr
u
h
an
Th
an
g8
Ham Nghi
District 2
Da
o
EXPAT BAR
54 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2644
Expats keep returning to
this smoky dive bar, largely
due to its amicable service,
brewsky-downing atmosphere, and spirited dart
games. A mainstay in the
local darts league.
District 3
To
n
Ba
Hu
ng
ICE BLUE
Ha
i
ie
n
Du
Tr
an
TOP-END INTERNATIONAL
Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
International dcor blends
seamlessly with local
themes. Style joins forces
with a wide-ranging drink
menu and hip dance tunes to
create one of the most tasteful if pricier bars in Saigon.
COCKTAILS / ROOFTOP
41 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 6838
Bromas medieval rooftopcocktail lounge conglomeration is a magnet for the
citys weirdest and coolest
events/random moments.
A sophisticated cocktail
menu and quite possibly the
best lamb burger in town.
Check out their bun bo Hueinspired cocktail.
in
h
Ph
Ho
BROMA
Huu
C
en
Ti
an
g
t
Kie
n
Va
District 4
Vo
LA HABANA
LA FENETRE SOLEIL
LAST CALL
AFTERHOURS LOUNGE
59 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 3122
lastcallsaigon.com
LE RENDEZ-VOUS DE SAIGON
LEVEL 23 NIGHTSPOT
PACHARAN
LUSH
PROGRESSIVE / MAINSTREAM
2 Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 2496
lush.vn
OBRIENS
PHATTYS
AUSTRALIAN / SPORTS
46-48 Ton That Thiep, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 0796
phattysbar.com
From its roots as the famed
HCMC
COFFEE CUP
TEGU CAF
HCMC
Caf Latin, Phattys has become the go-to,
Aussie beer-guzzling / sports viewing emporium, showing everything from international
cricket to Aussie rules and serving an array
of pub grub favourites.
wineembassy.com.vn
A two-storey, contemporary-designed wine
bar serving 30 wines by the glass, all at reasonable prices. Has an excellent food menu
to complement the old and new world wines.
SAIGON SAIGON
XU
STORM P
DANISH / INTERNATIONAL
5B Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 4738
Stormp.vn
VASCOS
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 down-toearth wine and cocktail bar. Serving creative,
Japanese-influenced tapas to supplement
the drinks, the subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this a great drinking
and dining venue
VINO
VINYL BAR
WINE BAR 38
WINE EMBASSY
FANNY
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL
80 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3915 3704
saigongivral.com
GOODY
HAGEN-DAZS
ZANZBAR
VELVET
AU PARC
EUROPEAN / MEDITERRANEAN
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 2772
Auparcsaigon.com
Set in a shophouse-style building, Au Parc
offers a chic colonial space to indulge in sensibly priced European and Mediterranean
food complemented with good coffee and
excellent desserts.
BACH DANG
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.
BASKIN ROBBINS
CASBAH
MIDDLE EASTERN
59 Nguyen Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 5130
This secluded Middle Eastern coffeehouse
has both cozy indoor and rooftop seating to
admire views of the city. With such a prime
downtown location, expect prices to match.
CENTRO
INTERNATIONAL
Metropolitan Building, 235 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3508 7285
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures customers into
the flagship store of this international caf
chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating
and a menu to satisfy any sweet tooth.
FRENCH
5 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 9117
Known for its fantastic street-side seating
opposite the park on Le Duan and savoury
crepes, this hang out caf will impress you
HCMC
M2C CAFE
44B Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2495
facebook.com/m2ccafe
At M2C (Modern Meets
Culture), everything gets a
touch of modernity. From
the rich menu of Vietnamese food and drinks, shows
immense local culture, done
with a modern flare. Be seen
here at one of the latest popular joint in town.
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
158 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 4990
Second-storey coffeehouse
offers a quiet atmosphere
to chill out or read from
their book-nook collection.
Comfortable couch seating,
open table space and a cappuccino costs VND40,000.
TRUNG NGUYEN
INTERNATIONAL VIETNAMESE
80 Dong Khoi, Q1
trungnguyen.com.vn
INTERNATIONAL
5 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08)
3911 5599
This two-storey building with
a mezzanine level boasts an
industrial style complex with
block walls, steel structures
and huge glass windows.
The mid-range menu offers
DEBENHAMS
GALLERY VIVEKKEVIN
caf after.
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
TAILOR-MADE SHOES
171 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 5267
FACTORY OUTLET
43 Ton That Thiep, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 8019
9am to 9pm
This designer fashion outlet
sells a variety of clothing and
shoes produced in Vietnam.
All designs are brand new,
delivered from the factory
weekly and sold at factory
outlet prices.
SONG
T&V TAILOR
TAILORS
39 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 4556
triciaandverona.com
VESPA SHOP
VESPA PRODUCTS / HELMETS
Unit 66, Saigon Square, 7-9A
Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Stocks a wide range of Vespa-inspired tidbits and memorabilia including t-shirts,
riding gear, Italian helmets,
Respro face masks, DVDs,
books, bags, magazines,
posters and more. Rental
scooters and bikes available.
COOKING CLASSES
SAIGON COOKING CLASSES BY
HOA TUC
74 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8485
saigoncookingclass.com
Learn to cook quality Vietnamese cuisine with local specialist Hoa Tuc. The
three-hour lesson, conducted by an English-speaking
Vietnamese chef, includes a
trip around Ben Thanh Market to gather fresh ingredients for the class.
HIGH-END FURNITURE
Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 4201
bellavitafurniture.com
BOCONCEPT
DANISH FURNITURE
68-70 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 6604; The Crescent
Mall, 101 Ton Dat Tien, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5413 7357
boconcept.vn
DIABOLO
EM EM
SOUVENIRS
38 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 4408
8am to 9.30pm
MEKONG CREATIONS
NGUYEN FRERES
NIK-NAKS / CRAFTS
2 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 9459
8am to 8pm
EMBROIDERED PRODUCTS
83 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 9079; 42 Le Loi, Q1.
(08) 3824 7456
ninhkhuong.vn
SAPA
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
1st Floor, 68 Le Loi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 2210 3110
mekong-quilts.org
NHA XINH
HOME FURNISHINGS
2nd Floor, Saigon Centre,
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
6115
www.nhaxinh.com
EUROPEAN-STYLE FURNITURE
3B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
EAT
3T QUAN NUONG
VIETNAMESE BBQ
Top Floor, 29 Ton That Thiep,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 1631
AL FRESCOS
INTERNATIONAL
27 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
38238424
alfrescosgroup.com
The downtown outlet of
one of Vietnams most successful restaurant chains,
Al Frescos offers international, Australian-influenced
comfort fare in a pleasant
environment with efficient,
friendly service to match.
Excellent delivery service.
ASHOKA
AU PARC
EUROPEAN / CAF
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2772
auparcsaigon.com
Consistently tasty European
caf fare think deli-style
sandwiches, salads and
mezzes, plus coffees and
juices served at a popular park-side Le Duan location with classic cream and
green-tiled dcor.
HCMC
CENTRAL PARC BANH MI
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; 134-136 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1
barbecuegarden.com
BASILICO
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Kumho Plaza, Cnr. Nguyen Du
and Le Van Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9099
intercontinental.com/saigon
BEIRUT
LEBANESE
The Courtyard, 74/13D Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2188
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
INDIAN MALAY
57-59 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: 0903 863114
BROTZEIT
GERMAN / RESTOBAR
Level 1, Kumho Link, 9 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 4206
brotzeit.co/kumholink
BUN CHA
26/1A Le Thanh Ton, Q1
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
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.
GANESH
GOLDEN ELEPHANT
CLASSIC THAI
34 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8554
saigonssk@vnn.vn
GOURMETS DELIGHT
GRILLBAR
AIRCON STREETFOOD
122 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7901
facebook.com/grillbareaterycafe
Take a New York-style industrial atmosphere, add to it a range of grilled dishes,
typical of the barbecue fare youd find on
the street, and then add in three types of rice
and a range of organic products. Close to Ben
Thanh Market, this is com binh dan
HOA TUC
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 1676
Highly rated restaurant with stunning outdoor terrace. Specialities include pink pomelo squid and crab salad, mustard leaf prawn
rolls, fishcake wraps and barbecue chicken
in ginger, onions and a lime leaf marinade.
HOANG YEN
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
PAN-VIETNAMESE
7 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 1101
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
Ground Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai
Trieu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3915 6066
hogsbreathcafe.com.vn
Mixing hearty pub grub such as burgers, salads and prime rib steaks with a sports bar
atmosphere, this Australian chain also offers
regular promotions and a 4pm to 7pm happy
hour. Excellent outdoor terrace.
INAHO
SUSHI / SASHIMI
4 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 0326
INTERNATIONAL FUSION
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 0931
Alfrescosgroup.com
Although a chain restaurant, the international offerings here are consistently good
and creative. Excellent service, an attractive
outdoor terrace area, and a good kids menu.
Check out their pepper steaks.
KABIN
CANTONESE
Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 815 Ton Duc
Thang. Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 0033
marriott.com
Offers authentic, gourmet Cantonese cuisine
in an elegant, classic setting, with striking
dcor and the bonus of views over the Saigon River. Dishes range from VND80,000 to
VND900,000.
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
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.
MAY RESTAURANT
19 21 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 3686
may.restaurant19@gmail.com
7am to late
Casual yet stylish, May places internationalstyle wining and dining in the heart of historic
Saigon. Subtle lighting, comfortable seating,
an extensive wine and cocktail list, and beautifully crafted comfort food from Europe, the
Antipodes and Asia all make up the mix at this
multi-floored restaurant and bar. Check out
their set lunches and happy hour.
MARKET 39
INTERNATIONAL BUFFET
Ground Floor, InterContinental Asiana Saigon, Crn. of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
MOGAMBO
PAN-AMERICAN / TEX-MEX
50 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1311
mogambo@saigonnet.vn
NAM GIAO
HUE CUISINE
136/15 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 38
250261; 116 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 9996
namgiao.com
HCMC
TOP EATS
KAY VEGAN BISTRO
NINETEEN
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
Ground floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son
Square, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
OMG!
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
OSAKA RAMEN
REFLECTIONS
OPERA
RIVERSIDE CAF
JAPANESE NOODLES
18 Thai Van Lung, Q1; SD04, Lo H29-2, KP My
Phat, Phu My Hung, Q7
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 terracottatiled garden area, this trattoria-style Italian
restaurant serves up quality homemade
pasta, risotto, gnocchi, excellent pizza and
grilled dishes. Another branch downtoan at
87 Nguyen Hue, Q1.
PIZZA 4PS
EUROPEAN/ASIAN FUSION
8/15 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 9838
pizza4ps.com
This quirky but highly rated Italian / Japanese fusion pizza parlour serves wacky yet
delicious pies such as tuna curry pizza and
calamari seaweed pizza, as well as more
traditional varieties.
PROPAGANDA
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.
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
SAIGON CAF
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.
SEOUL HOUSE
INTERNATIONAL / BUFFET
Level 1, Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Towers,
88 Dong Khoi, Q1 Tel: (08) 3827 2828
sheratonsaigon.com
KOREAN
33 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829 4297
INTERNATIONAL
43 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 0094
HCMC
NON-FAMOUS PLACES
237 NO TRANG LONG FAIRY TALE CASTLE
HCMC
THE SWISS HOUSE SAIGON
54 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 2079
swisshousesaigon.com
Serving up authentic cuisine
spanning the three linguistic
regions of Switzerland, as
well as dishes from Bavaria
and Austria, this attractive,
two-floor Swiss-styled restaurant also boasts a beer
cellar in the basement.
TOKYO BBQ
JAPANESE BARBECUE
15A6 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2527
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL / TAPAS-STYLE
Landmark Building, 5B Ton
Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9698
Headed up by well-known
chef Andy Ertle, Vesper Bar
is a sophisticated yet downto-earth wine and cocktail
bar. Serving creative, Japanese-influenced tapas to
supplement the drinks, the
subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this
a great drinking and dining
venue
WARDA
MIDDLE-EASTERN
71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 3822
info@wardavn.com
The deep colours, Arabic dcor and cushioned outdoor
terrace area give this popular venue its unique touch.
The food is good, too, taking
in tabouleh, houmous, falafel
and mutabbal, shwarmas
and more. Sells authentic
shisha.
YAMANEKO
JAPANESE / OKINAWA
13/1 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 8433
yamanekovn.com
Funky Yamaneko down an
alley off Le Thanh Ton offers delicious, unpretentious
Okinawan fare alongside
mainland staples. Does a
great set lunch deal.
YU CHU
TOP-END PAN-CHINESE
1st Floor, InterContinental
Asiana Saigon, crn.of Hai Ba
Trung & Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
Skillful chefs prepare authentic hand-pulled noodles,
FITNESS CENTRE
Queen Ann Building, 2830
32 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291
5999
Cfyc.com.vn
NUTRIFORT
GENERAL FITNESS
2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3825 8560
nutrifort.com
Offers fitness classes and
personal training with excellent facilities. Group classes
include power yoga, pilates,
circuit training, martial arts
and spinning. There is also a
spa and a restaurant serving
caloriecalibrated meals.
SHERATON FITNESS
GALLERIES
BLUE SPACE & PARTICULAR ART
GALLERY
97A Pho Duc Chinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 3695
bluespacearts.com
DOGMA
8A/9C1 Thai Van Lung, Q1
dogmacollection.com
The home of Vietnamese
propaganda art and a collection put together over the
BACCHUS CORNER
WINE SHOP
158D Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 3306
bacchuscorner.com
A range of spirits, whiskies
and wines at affordable prices. Wines come from all over
the world with an especially
good selection from France,
Chile and South Africa. Also
has an excellent range of
single malts, top shelf tequilas and has an onsite
wine tasting machine, the
Enomatic, the first of its kind
in Vietnam.
DALOC
WINE SHOP
74E Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 5404 3575
daloc.vn
BUTCHERS
73 Le Thi Hong Gam, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3914 4376
kimhai.vn
PHUONG HA
GROCERS
58 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 1318
RED APRON
WINE SHOP
22 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 0021
HCMC
HC
CMC
A WORLD
OF
GOOD
BY DANA MCNAIRN
HCMC
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE SHOP
15/5 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3825 8826
One of the busiest wine retailers in town. In addition
to their excellent range of
wines, they also stock imported beers, bottled mineral water and spirits.
VEGGYS
VINIFERA
WINE SHOP
7 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3521 0860
viniferavn.com
WINE SHOP
74/17 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 6299 1315
Professional advice on selecting and tasting wines.
Also offers regular popular
wine courses. The outdoor
terrace area is the perfect
spot to sample a new vintage.
HAIRDRESSERS
VENUS
41 Nguyen Trung Ngan, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3829 6298
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and 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
GLOW SPA
129A Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 8368
glowsaigon.com
Modern and bright downtown spa, offers massages
lasting from 30 minutes, to
two-hour hot stone therapy,
includes one suite with a
Jacuzzi bath; offers hand
and foot care and a hair
styling area.
INDOCHINE SPA
69 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 7188
Indochine-spa.com.vn
Indochine Spa provides a
peaceful and serene atmosphere with aromatic
scents and lulling melodies.
Customers are pampered
JASMINE
45 Ton That Thiep, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 2737
Jasminespa.vn
Sparelated salon with a
good reputation for quality
and comfort offers washes
and leisurely haircuts from
VND330,000 plus a range of
related services including
massage and some excellent treatments.
THANH SANCTUARY
Nguyen Du Villas, 111 Nguyen Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
0885
THE SPA
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
FOOD PROMOS
Peking Duck
@ Shang Palace
shangpalace.com.vn
This month Shang Palaces Hong Kongtrained chefs have a chance to show off
their speciality Peking Duck, with a 30
percent discount offer VND560,000++
per duck. With a history of more than 600
years under its belt, isnt it time you gave
the worlds most famous duck a try?
May Days
facebook.com/may.restaurant.bar
May Restaurant and Bar is stirring
the Dong Khoi pot with some superb
specials, like a VND199,000 set lunch,
available weekdays and featuring an
appetiser, main, dessert and your choice
of tea or coffee. And while youre there,
you might as well stay through their
3pm to 7pm happy hour, featuring buyone-get-one cocktails from their menu of
70-plus, and buy-two-get-one winesby-the-glass from a selection of 20-plus
vintages.
Go Pandas!
foodpanda.vn
Foodpanda.com is your best friend while
watching the footie as we enter the
single-elimination rounds of the World
Cup. Stock up on some treats for those
late-night marathons with discounts
up to 50 percent and chances to win an
Apple iPad Mini, to pass those footballless daytime hours. Through Jul. 10, post
the hashtag #foodball2014 on Facebook or
Twitter via foodball.foodpanda.com to reap
your rewards, and make some silly puns
while youre at it.
caravellehotel.com
Reflections is drawing inspiration
from the gourmet gardens of Dalat this
summer, with Chef Darren Watson and
his team showcasing the subtle flavours
of the artichoke. From Jul. 12 to Jul. 18,
Reflections will stuff artichokes into
appetisers such as stuffed artichoke
HCMC
GINKGO
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
LONG PHI
FRENCH / RESTOBAR
207 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2704
French-run but universally
appealing, Long Phi has been
serving the backpacker area
with excellent cuisine and
occasional live music since
1990. Excellent late-night
bistro cuisine.
SAIGON VIBRATIONS
REGGAE BAR
143 Nguyen Trai, Q1
facebook.com/saigon.vibrations
Just off The Pham, this intothe-early-hours reggae
inspired joint holds regular themed nights all in the
name of that most special
of sounds the one from
Jamaica.
SEVENTEEN SALOON
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
SPOTTED COW
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
setting for enjoying tasty in-
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.
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
54-56 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
6270 5928
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnamthemed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
wires and motorbikes to
creative, Siddharta-style
imagery.
MARATHON
BUDGET CLOTHING
147 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7442; 123A Bui Vien,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 0019
PAPAYA
BUDGET CLOTHING
232 Bui Vien, Q1
papaya-tshirt.com
ORANGE
BUDGET CLOTHING
152 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3820 2620
9am to 10pm
U.BEST HOUSE
TRAVEL GEAR
163 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1, Tel:
0978 967588
Ubesthouse.com
EAT
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
BABAS KITCHEN
BURRITO REVOLUTION
CHIS CAF
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40/31 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2502
Chiscafe.com
This affable caf is a rarity
in the backpacker area for
its genuinely good musical
playlist. Excellent, buildyour-own breakfasts, baked
potatoes, toasties, Vietnamese fare and more. Has a
popular motorbike rental
service.
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
ITALIAN / TEX-MEX
175/1 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
SISTERS CAFE
VIETNAMESE/WESTERN
185/30 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: 0903 643446
Light wood paneling, beige
walls and locally themed
artwork help to create a
fresh and airy ambience in
this caf-cum-restaurant
that is owned by the woman
behind Chis Caf. Also does
visa extensions and motorbike rental.
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.
GALLERIES
GALERIE QUYNH
65 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8019
galeriequynh.com
In addition to working with
artists based in Vietnam,
Galerie Quynh also exhibits the work of artists from
around the world. This wellestablished gallery supports
education through talks, lectures and publications.
TATTOO ARTISTS
With tattoos becoming increasingly popular, over
the past few years there
has been an increase in
the number of tattoo studios around the city.
Customers have the
choice of picking their
own tattoo out of the
many look books on offer
in the studios or bringing
in their own design. Most
of the studios offer bodypiercing services as well.
Pricing depends on size
and style.
SAIGON INK
SAIGON TATTOO
TATTOO SAIGON
TATTOO TAM BI
ZEUS
GREEK / KEBAB
164 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 3248
ZOOM CAF
AMERICAN / TEX-MEX
169A Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 3897
vietnamvespaadventures.
com/cafe_zoom
This corner-located Vespa-
HCMC
district 1
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
Binh Thanh
in
h
CHILL SKYBAR
HOA VIEN
CZECH BREWHOUSE
28 Mac Dinh Chi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8605
hoavien.vn
MZ CLUB
THE ORIENT
VUVUZELA
BOOKS
LIBRAIRIE FRANCAISE NAM
PHONG
82 Truong Dinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 7858
Nam Phong Bookstore was
founded at the of end 2002 in
Ho Chi Minh City as the first
and only francophone bookshop in the whole of Vietnam.
Only books written in French
BANKSY CAFE
1st Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: 01699 990003
sam.nguyen197@gmail.com
A small but swanky cafe,
Banksy promises a young
and vibrant hideout in an
old 1960s-era apartment
building. Remember to head
up the steep stairs within to
dig into their secret stash of
clothes and accessories.
INTERNATIONAL
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3833 3648
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures
customers into the flagship
store of this international
caf chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating and a menu
to satisfy any sweet tooth.
DECIBEL
INTERNATIONAL
79/2/5 Phan Ke Binh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6271 0115
Decibel.vn
Trendy without pretense,
this two-floor, relaxed caf
offers beautiful decor and
unique original events like
live music, film screenings,
and art exhibits. Great prices
and food with daily specials.
I.D. CAF
District
10
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
34D Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2910
Idcafe.net
Centrally located near Ben
Thanh Market, i.d offers
casual caf dining with a
wide variety of food and
beverages. Where modern
design and a warm ambience meet for coffee.
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
76A Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
2718
The outdoor, well-aired terrace is the centrepiece of
this popular, contemporary
caf. Enjoy live music on
weekends as you sip on reasonably priced Vietnamese
or espresso-based coffee.
LE PETIT CAF
FRENCH
112 Pham Viet Chanh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6291 2067
MOCKINGBIRD CAFE
4th Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: 0935 293400
facebook.com/mockingbirdcoffee
Sitting atop of a number of
cafe establishments in an old
apartment complex, Mockingbird is just the place for a
romantic time over mojitos,
or good ol caffeine-infused
relaxation.
THINGS CAFE
1st Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6678 6205
facebook.com/thingscafe
Feel the calm and serenity
of this rustic little quiet corner tucked away in an Old
Apartment. The quaint and
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18A/31/B22 Nguyen Thi
Minh Khai, Q1
(A) CAFE
District 3
Hu
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ANH DUCS
CAFES
INTERNATIONAL / FRENCH
97 Nguyan Huu Cau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3844 3295
saigongivral.com
To
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GIVRAL CAF
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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.
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 sophisticated indoor and outdoor sofas, pod seats, lamps
and tableware, with all products both constructed and
designed locally. You can
find a wide range of mirrors
and lacquerware with bowls,
vases and contemporary
Asian-style boxes as well as
a fantastic selection of linenembroidered bedding in all
colours and designs. Prices
here match the quality of the
products.
EAT
27 GRILL
GRILL-STYLE RESTAURANT
Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 2372
chillsaigon.com
Besides the spectacular
views, the cuisine at 27 Grill
is a real draw, with steaks
and other international
grill-style fare in a refined
yet contemporary atmosphere. Subtle lighting and
an extensive wine list make
up the mix.
CAF IF
VIETNAMESE FRENCH
38 Dang Dung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3846 9853
MSG-free traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a
French twist, cooked fresh
to order. Dishes include noo-
COBALT
ROOFTOP RESTOBAR
Floor 30-31, Pullman Saigon
Centre, 148 Tran Hung Dao,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 8686
pullman-saigon-centre.com
A tapas-style contemporary
international menu in an
equally modern chic space,
Cobalt also has panoramic
views over the city thanks to
its 30th-floor location. Has a
focus on wine matching and
tasting. A hotel restaurant
with a difference.
DYNASTY
CANTONESE / PAN-CHINESE
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Elegant surroundings, top
quality ingredients, attentive service and comfortable,
roundtable dining makes Dynasty one of the top Chinese
restaurants in town, with a
classic dim sum menu.
LION CITY
SINGAPOREAN
45 Le Anh Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 8371
lioncityrestaurant.com
Friendly, authentic fivestorey Singaporean eatery,
plating up the likes of nasi
lemak, mee rebus, and awesome chicken curry, as well
as specialities like frog porridge, chilli crab and fish
HCMC
head curry.
MAY RESTAURANT
INDOCHINE VIETNAMESE
3/5 Hoang Sa, Q1, Tel: (08)
3910 1277
May-cloud.com
Meaning Cloud, May utilises homemade recipes
and broths developed by the
restaurateurs father, such
as pan-fried duck breast
served with nuoc mam and
ginger, and 1940s style
spring rolls. This is the Saigonese cooking of old set in
an Indochine atmosphere.
MONSOON
PAN-SOUTHEAST ASIAN
1 Cao Ba Nha, Q1, Tel: (08)
6290 8899
Traditional pan-Southeast
Asian favourites served in
a visually arresting setting
within a French colonial-era
villa, just minutes from the
backpacker area. Reasonably priced, with healthy
juices and smoothies.
AMERICAN / FRENCH
2527 Nguyen Dinh Chieu,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 7373
steakhouse.com.vn
NYSW is well known for
serving up formidable prime
signature cuts of New York
strip steak, rib eye, double
strip loins and chateaubriands along with sophisticated sides, in a glitzy, Hollywood-esque atmosphere.
QUAN UT UT
PARKVIEW
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Flagship restaurant of The
New World Hotel, serving
lavish buffets all day. Many
cooking stations ranging
from Chinese to Italian, sushi and seafood, to salads,
cold cuts, cheese plates and
desserts.
QUAN BUI
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE
8 Nguyen Van Nguyen, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3602 2241
Make sure to try the sauted
shrimps with cashew nuts
and crispy fried tofu with
lime wedge, at this popular,
high-quality eatery where all
food is served in traditional
crockery.
GALLERIES
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.
SAN ART
WE LINK
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
CITYSMART
Horizon Tower, 214 Tran
Quang Khai, Q1, Tel: (08)
3526 8833
citysmart.vn
CitySmart delivers a range
of diverse, internationallyrecognised educational programmes, as well as life skills
and character building for
comprehensive development.
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.
& DENTAL
SPA TROPIC
HCMC
district 2
DISTRICT 2
i
Ni
g
H n
Bn
Thao Dien
Qu
Located in a villa-style
building, this An Phu-based
shop stocks antique repro
furniture. All products are
samples, so its limited and
exclusive with only one or
two pieces of each particular
item. Also has a great range
of imported fabrics up on the
2nd floor and an in-house
sewing room for cushions,
sofas and curtains. Offers
custom-made furniture and
delivery within four weeks.
Home dcor orders are also
available.
Ng
uy
n
V
n
Xa
Binh Thanh
Ngu
o
ng
c H
Qu
n
N
y
Xun Th
y
Xun Th
Hu Cnh
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.
g
n Hon
n
uy
Ng
DISTRICT 2
Th
Ni
nh
Song H
Nguy
n No
Xa
Xa
nh
Song H
Tr
Binh Thanh
No
Trn
Mai Ch
ng
H
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Th
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
55 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 5453
baanthai-anphu.com
A bar and a Thai restaurant
all in one, the focus here is
not just the cuisine but a contemporary bar area and live
sports. Lots of live sports.
The Thai cuisine is cooked
up by no-holds-barred Thai
chefs.
BUDDHA BAR
RESTOBAR
7 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3345 6345
Buddhabarsaigon.com
Just across the lane from
McSorleys, this pub with an
eccentric European tilt and
some nice, authentic cuisine
draws an older crowd with
darts, pool and weekly poker
tourneys.
MCSORLEYS
IRISH BAR
4 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0126
9026006
Standing in the former home
of Gaudi, McSorelys is full of
SAIGON OUTCAST
SPORTS BAR
Ground Floor, The Vista,
628C Hanoi Highway, Q2
dtdentertainment.com/thefanclub
12 quality screens and eight
draught beers, music spun
by DJs, excellent burgers,
quiz nights and barbecues.
All in an attractive, contemporary environment.
CAFES
AGNES CAFE
CAF EVITA
VESPA SHOP
HOME FURNISHINGS
81 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3519 4640/4643
EAT
AGNES CAF
BAAN THAI
PAN-THAI
55 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 5453
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
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.
HCMC
SPORTS
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.
LA CLOSERIE DELISA
CRICKET
ECCS (THE ENGLISH CRICKET
CLUB OF SAIGON)
Richard Carrington, Tel:
0909 967 353
richard.carrington@market-edge.asia
eccsaigon.com
SACCCRICKET@GMAIL.COM
SSC (SRI LANKA SPORTS CLUB)
Suhard Amit, Tel: 0988
571 010
suhard.amit@yahoo.com
FOOTBALL
AND
RUGBY
SAIGON RAIDERS
Saigonraiders.com
SAIGON SAINTS
saigonsaints.com
SPORTS GENERAL
HASH HOUSE HARRIERS
saigonhash.com
SQUASH
The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc
Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
2098 ext 176
thelandmarkvietnam.com
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
XROCK CLIMBING
OLYMPIQUE SAIGON
LA PLANCHA
25 Tran Ngoc Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 6281 8521
LU BU
CONTEMPORARY MEDITERRANEAN
97B Thao Dien, Q2 Tel: (08)
6281 8371
luburestaurant.com
Drawing inspiration from
the great cuisines of Europe, The Mediterranean
and The Orient, this contemporary, Australian-run
restaurant bathed in white
focuses on wholesome,
fresh ingredients, with
breads, cheeses, pickles,
pastas and preserves made
on site daily from scratch. A
well-conceived wine list supplements the excellent fare.
Has petanque on the terrace.
THE DECK
THE LOOP
AQUABIKING
65 Truc Duong, Lang Bao
Chi, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0909
008985
aquafit.vn
NUTRIFORT (NTFQ2)
GENERAL FITNESS
34 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 6672
nutrifort.com
A well-appointed gym also
offering fitness classes and
BOXING / FITNESS
49A Xa Lo Ha Noi, Q2, Tel:
0947 771326
cyril-and-you.com
This sports centre in An Phu,
started by fitness guru Cyril
Terrones, features the same
personalised mentorship
Cyrils clients love. Includes
Zumba, salsa, boxing and
fitness for kids and adults
every day. No membership fees. Pay for classes
in installments of 10. Also
has kids classes. Boxing on
Tuesday and Saturday at
4pm and circuit training on
Thursday at 4pm. All activities are safe and run by Cyril
himself.
WINE SHOP
Corner of Thao Dien & Duong
2, Q2, Tel: (08) 6281 9059
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
HCMC
Professional advice on selecting and tasting wines
with a portfolio spanning
old and new world as well
as everything in between.
The outdoor terrace area is
the perfect spot to sample a
new tipple.
HAIRDRESSERS
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 Coiffure to a villa
in Thao Dien. A full range of
services is offered including
a dedicated kids salon.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (BIS)
246 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2335
bisvietnam.com
Inspected and approved
by the British Government,
BIS provides a British style
curriculum for an international student body from
pre-school to Year 13. The
school is staffed by British
qualified and trained teachers with recent UK experience. Fully accredited by
the Council of International
Schools and a member of
FOBISIA, BIS is the largest
international school in Vietnam.
MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (EIS)
730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, Thao
Dien, D2, HCMC, Vietnam.
Tel: (08) 7300 7257
info@eishcmc.com
www.eishcmc.com
Located in the heart of Thao
Dien, District 2, the EUROPEAN International School
Ho Chi Minh City offers a
supportive and challenging
academic education from
Early Years to Grade 12
based on the IB curriculum.
EIS is a Nobel Talent School
and is part of the Nobel Education Network. The school
educates global citizens to
enjoy learning, inquiring and
caring for others.
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (AIS)
Xi Campus, 190 Nguyen Van
Huong, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519
2727; Thao Dien Campus,
APSC Compound, 36 Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: (08) 3744
6960; Thu Thiem Campus,
264 Mai Chi Tho (East-West
Highway), An Phu, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3742 4040
aisvietnam.com
The Australian International
School is an IB World School
with three world-class campuses in District 2, offering
an international education
from kindergarten to senior
school with the IB Primary
Years Programme (PYP),
Cambridge Secondary Programme (including IGCSE)
SMARTKIDS
1172 Thao Dien Compound,
Q2, Tel: (08) 3744 6076; 26,
Street Nr. 10, Thao Dien, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3898 9816; 15 Tran
Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3519 4236
smartkidsinfo.com
This international childcare
centre provides children
ages 18 months to six years
with a high quality education
in a playful and friendly environment.
KIDS
FIRSTBIKE VIETNAM
www.firstBIKE.com.vn
FirstBIKE balance bikes for
two to five-year-olds eliminate the need for training
wheels or stabilisers, and
support proper balance development.
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
95 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3744 2000
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and out
patient care, checkups,
travel medicine and medical
evacuations.
GREGORY BEALE
THERAPY
34 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel:
01268 654 202
gregbealetherapyfitness.
com
district 3
LIVE MUSIC
6E Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3930 2239
Though only 1km from the
city centre, Acoustic is well
off most foreigners radars.
Come see the Vietnamese
house band play nightly, as
well as performances from
overseas bands and guest
artists.
CLOUD 9
WOODSTOCK BAR
PLAN B
CONTEMPORARY BAR
147 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
0987 684761
INTERNATIONAL
41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3822 4222
Hideawaycafe-saigon.com
Hidden in a colonial building
with an outdoor courwrd,
the ample soft, sofa seating renders a great spot to
relax. The mouth-watering
western menu is on the expensive side.
OPERATION: TEAROOM
TEA ROOM
335/31 Dien Bien Phu, Q3,
Tel: 0169 3583563
operationteavietnam.com
Traverse a wooden bridge
over a bamboo-shaded goldfish pond to enjoy high quality tea, starting at VND35,000,
in this quaint, open-air tearoom. Tea and tea-ware
available for purchase.
BOO
STREETWEAR
187A Hai Ba Trung, Q3
boo.vn
CRAFTS
ROCKFANCLUB BAR
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
40C Tran Cao Van, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3823 3398
BUDS
ICE-CREAM PARLOUR
REMIX DECO
HIDEAWAY
& FURNITURE
ONTOP BAR
ROCK BAR
25C Tu Xuong, Q3, Tel: (08)
6290 7489
Do you think you should be
listed on these pages? If so,
simply email us on
listings@wordvietnam.com
and well see what we can
do. We cant promise but
well try our best
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
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
plus unlimited salad, is hand
carved at your table. Can
get busy.
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
out and romantic venue, with
excellent food.
HCMC
TIB
HUE / VIETNAMESE
187 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 7242
Tibrestaurant.com.vn
VIET CHAY
n
u
i
X
Tr
Th
i
n L Lai
B
uy
g
N
YOGA
Tel: 0909 648193
michelle@michellelloyd.com
michellelloyd.com
American trained and licensed massage therapist
and certified yoga instructor. Dedicated yoga and
massage spaces in Districts
2 and 3. Private and group
yoga classes. Home visits
available.
BELLY DANCE
No 96, Street 2, Cu Xa Do
Thanh, Q3, Tel: (08) 3832
9429
saigonbellydance.com
VAS
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
CITYSMART
7 Street 2, Cu Xa Do Thanh,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3832 8488
citysmart.vn
CitySmart delivers a range
of diverse, internationallyrecognised educational
n D
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Du
Qu
nh
HAIRDRESSERS
FITNESS, DANCE & YOGA
Ng
Tr
n
Th
n
Cn
g
VEGAN
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, 339
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3
vietchay.vn
nh
Ca
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Thi
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V
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Ng
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Kh
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n
Ph
Tr
te
et
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.
i
Ha
L Thi T
Th
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g
Kh
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lm
Ca
i
Ha
ng
Na
m
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Ngh
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Th
Ba
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Th
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Kh
in
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nh
Th
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Th
Kh
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Bi
n
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C
ch
Ba
S
V
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District
10
Ph
Ph
Du
Tr
n
g
y
n
ng
Th
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District 1
Th
Nguy
Tr
ng
n
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Ho
nh
T
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C
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Sa
Ha
Ng
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V
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Hi
n
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Vn
Ng
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Th
H o
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Ti
Th
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Th
Na
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Tr
n
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Bi
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Sa
S
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Ha
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Sa
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Ch
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C
ch
ng
V
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Hong
Ho
Th
DISTRICT 3
Binh Thanh
CHIROPRACTOR
161-161A Hai Ba Trung, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3939 3930
www.acc.vn
A clinic provides world class
Chiropractic, Physiotherapy
and Foot Care. We specialize
in provides effective treatment for back, neck and knee
pain, sports injuries, and all
types of foot problems. We
also provide effective treatment for Flat foot syndrome
in children and adult.
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
HOSPITAL
EASTERN MEDICINE
187 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3932 6579
YKC SPA
219 Dien Bien Phu, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 2791
ykcspa.com
HCMC
STUDENT EYE
SENIOR YEAR
pressfoto.com
HCMC
complexs lagoon, this centre offers modern facilities, a
gym with Technogym equipment allowing users to track
their progress. Includes fitness classes, yoga, squash
courts, pool, steam bath and
nutrition bar.
phu my hung
BAKERIES / BARS & CLUBS / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS, DANCE
& YOGA / INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
ng
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Ch
Linh
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Ph
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Ng
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Ng
Nguyn Vn Linh
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V
Ph
nh
C
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Ng
Nguy
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Tr
Tr
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
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Nguyn
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PANORMA FITNESS
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DISTRICT 7
PHU MY HUNG
BAKERIES
LAMOUR
SAVOURE
BAKERY
Grand View, SD 4-1, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7
SIMRANS
BAKERY
SL15-1 Grand View, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: 0908
828552
simrans.sg
EXPAT BAR
SA8-1 Parkview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5412 3282
A downstairs pool table, an
open, street side terrace and
specials on Tiger draft, this
fun but slightly run-down
joint is a local haunt for many
a resident of Saigon South.
PEACHES
CURRY PUB
S57-1 Sky Garden 2, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08) 5410
0999
Known as the Curry Pub,
this pleasant Saigon South
watering hole mixes the beer
with all things curry anything from Goan fish curries
to beef rendangs and more.
A popular local haunt.
RUBY SOHO
CARTOON BAR
S52-1 Sky Garden 2, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 3900
THE TAVERN
HIGH-END FURNITURE
The Crescent Mall, 101 Ton
Dat Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 5413
7355
bellavitafurniture.com
MEKONG CREATIONS
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
S17-1 Sky Garden , Nguyen
Van Linh, Q7, Tel: (08) 6271
7758
mekong-quilts.org
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.
CHAM CHARM
LUXURY INDOCHINA
2 Phan Van Chuong, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 9999
EL GAUCHO
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
Unit CR1-12, The Crescent,
Phu My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6909
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an Argentinian
steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade
spicy sausage, skewers,
burger dishes and everything that can come off a
grill.
HOANG YEN
PAN-VIETNAMESE
The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat
Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 2210 2304
MING DYNASTY
NATHALIES
THAI / VIETNAMESE
S9 Hung Vuong 3, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 0822
nathaliesrestaurant.com
PAN-ITALIAN
The Crescent, Phu My Hung,
Q7, Tel: (08) 5412 4848
INTERNATIONAL
15-17 Cao Trieu Phat, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: 0948
901465
bizuhotel.com/main/pages/
scottbinhs.php
Serving creative, all homemade comfort food, this
restaurant boasts a full bar,
ice-cold beer and an international wine list to complement meals. Has a focus
on the creative use of local
ingredients.
CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
13C Phong Phu Commune,
Binh Chanh, Tel: (08) 5412
3456
cis.edu.vn
The first Canadian international school in Vietnam
serves local and foreign
students from Kindergarten
to grade 12. Talented, certified teachers implement the
internationally recognised
Ontario curriculum to create a student-centred learning environment promoting
academic excellence.
RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL SAIGON
74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7,
Tel: (08)3773 33171 ext
120/121/122
renaissance.edu.vn
Renaissance is an International British school providing an inclusive curriculum
based upon the British curriculum complemented by
the International Primary
Curriculum and International Baccalaureate. It is a
family school with first-class
facilities including a 350seat theatre, swimming pool,
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.
Nhng bo tng
b qun lng
H Ni c nhiu bo tng nm ri rc khp ni. Trong s , c nhng ci chng ta cha bao
gi nghe n c. Lucy Sexton ti thm ba trong s nhng bo tng t ngi bit n ny
nghe nhng cu chuyn qu kh m chng khoc ln mnh. nh bi Julie Vola
Bo Tng Cng An
Suy ngh u tin ca ti v Bo tng Cng An H
Ni l n s th hin c s tn ti t ngi bit
n ca mnh. H nhn qua nhng cnh ca knh
vung trong ln n thm trc, ti thy c hai snh
c treo cc bc tranh. Tht ngc nhin khi bc
vo v ti nhn ra bo tng ny ln hn ti tng
tng rt nhiu. Mc d khng th tm thy mt t
ting Anh no, bo tng vn lm ti hiu c phn
no qua cc bc nh, nhng bc tng sp nh,
nhng chic n pin, v c nhng chic my to
khng kh v nhng hnh ma-n-canh mc ng
phc. Nhng chic phng ny c gn gi cn
thn v sp xp theo th t thi gian theo nhng s
kin lch s v nhng anh hng dn tc, vi mt vi
n anh hng tiu biu trong cc s kin .
C mt bc tng c dnh ton b ni v
c Nguyn Th Li, mt trong s n trinh st him
hoi v hy sinh nm 1950 khi c cho lm n tung
chic tu chin ca Php DInville nh cht n ci
trang l thuc phin cha trong mt va li bun lu.
Kh c th ni ci no n tng hn gia s kin
hy sinh hay thc t v hot ng bun bn thuc
phin t do ny ca Php.
c xy dng vo nm 2008, Bo Tng Cng
An lu gi khong 1000 ti liu v nh. Nhng bc
nh c la chn hi ln xn ny to cm gic
nh mt album i gia nh: nhng ngi ln tui
bt tay k kt ti nhng hip c c tnh lch s,
nhng khonh khc c gng to s hi hc ca cc
Thng tin
NH KIM NGN
42 Hng Bc, Hon Kim, in thoi: 0913 544876
M ca hng ngy ti 17h. Min ph. Ca tr biu
din vo th 4, th 6 v Ch Nht vo lc 20h. V
vo ca 200.000VN
BO TNG NG VT H NI
19 L Thnh Tng, Hon Kim
Ch m ca nu c hn trc. Min ph. Lin h vi
ng V Ngc Thanh qua email
vnthanh@fpt.vn hoc gi 0913 544615.
BO TNG CNG AN H NI
67 L Thng Kit, Hon Kim
M ca th 3, th 4 v th 5 t 8h30-11h sng
vo 1h30 ti 4h chiu. Min ph. Lm vic trc
tip vi c Giang yu cu vo thm quan. Bn
s nhn c cu tr li thng ch sau mt ngy.
wordvietnam.com | July 2014 Word | 185
237
Lu i C Tch
Da theo mt lot bi vit
trn blog From Saigon,
mc Nhng Ni Cha
c Bit n ca chng
ti s a bn c n
mt trong nhng a im
b b qun, ni m nhng
cu chuyn ca n gp
phn to dng nn b mt
ca thnh ph. nh minh
ha bi Lys Bi
Cc th h
ng ni ca c, nh L Minh Tr, ngi c
cho l xy dng nn ngi nh. ng l ngi
gc An Nam min Trung Vit Nam by gi.
C chng cn nh g nhiu ngoi vic ngi nh
khng xy dng bng b tng nhng bng mt
GII UA H TRM
Gii thi u Le Fruit Triathlon thng Nm va qua
bin H Trm khng ch l mt ni th gin,
m gi y vi hnh nh y, An Ton B Bin H
Trm v An Ton B Bin Vit Nam s t chc
mt gii bi ua t thin vo ngy 10/8. Resort H
Trm s l khu vc t chc gii bi ua ng bin
ny vi hai gii: 500m bi v 500m chy b trn
ct, v 1km bi v 1km chy b trn ct. Tt c tin
thu c s c dng cho cc bui hun luyn bi
li t thin cho tr em do cht ui l nguyn
nhn ln nht gy t vong tr em Vit Nam v
s c gii thng t The Grand Ho Tram Strip,
California Fitness, Boomarang v nhng nh ti
tr khc cho cc nhm ua ng u.
Gii ua H Trm s bt u lc 8 gi sng
ngy 10/8 ti Resort H Trm. Ph tham gia cho
gii 500m bi/500m chy b l 750,000 ng v
950,000 ng cho gii cn li. bit thm chi tit,
xin gh trang web hotramoceanrace.weebly.com
hoc xem bi vit trang 192
H NI, CHY I!
i vi cc v vua thi Trung C, l hi Ty Ban Nha San
Fermin c th l mt ngy l tn gio ko di mi ngy vi
nhiu truyn thng lu i cng nhng nghi l tm linh,
nhng i vi hu ht chng ta, San Fermin c ngha l
khong thi gian cho nhng ngi tm kim mo him trn
ton th gii t tp li cho mt iu duy nht b b rt.
Vi n lc mang li mt cht hng v truyn thng
Ty Ban Nha n th nu truyn thng c ngha l
mt ci cht liu lnh do b b hc th qun bar Ty Ban
Nha The Hanoi Bicycle Collective s ch th hin iu
trn ng ph. Gii ua s bt u t Phng Quang An
gn Xun Diu t 12 gi tra ngy 6/7. Vi nhng con b
tht? Khng, tt c nhng g bn cn lm l ct dy giy v
thm mt cht ch.
The Hanoi Bicycle Collective nm ti 44, ng 31, Xun
Diu, ln u tin t chc Gii ua San Fermin Ca Nhng
Con B H Ni. bit thm thng tin v a im c th,
xin email v hanoibicycle@gmail.com
Breaking Up Bad
An open letter to women by Alexander Mayall
Dear Women,
When it comes to you, Im no expert. You can love me or try to forget me. I might
deserve the last part. Im just A. Mayall after all what did you expect? Im not
the best and not the worst, just one man with a story you might enjoy. Its about
karma, internet dating and how I got stung by both.
THE SCENE
On Transience
Not Forgotten
Theres a lesson in this for music lovers
in Vietnam. Part of the responsibility for
building a music scene with valuable foreign
contributions is squarely on the shoulders of
the fans, and not the bands. Going to every
gig that a band plays in the year that theyre
together before unceremoniously dropping
them the moment they part ways is a surefire
way to screw over any music scene. Perhaps
the problem is in the fact that the fans, too,
are usually transient but certainly through
the magic of thumb drives and the Internet,
music can be passed down through the expat
generations.
Doing something as simple as buying
an album when a band is together and
then still playing it after theyve moved on
could completely transform how expats
listen to locally grown music in Vietnam.
Taking it a step further and sharing it with
is easy when
you are young and fearless and you have
nice clean water to swim in. Vietnamese
kids have the first two items ticked but not
always the third.
Giving something back to the community has meant involving the people of
Ho Tram directly in our project. Local men
have been trained by Water Safety Vietnam.
These men volunteer their time to give back
to their community in the form of coaching
and helping other people to learn to swim.
Saving lives is our absolute priority. More than 35 kids per day drown in
Vietnam! This is the third-highest rate in the
world. Water Safety Vietnam is committed to
reducing that drowning rate. UNICEF notes
that teaching children how to swim is a
proven intervention for child injury prevention, and that this could save many lives.