Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
NH XUT BN LAO NG
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VIETNAM EDITION
DECEMBER 2014
contents
wordvietnam.com
DECEMBER 2014
068
108
092
THE TALK
INSIDER
BRIEFINGS
012 / A Bender with Beckham
FASHION
110 / Winter in Hanoi
018
110
contents
116
126
192
HCMC
TRAVEL
116 / Rwanda
048 / Overscene
196
CONTRIBUTORS
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EDITORIAL
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Deputy Editor
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Creative Director
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Staff Editor
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Photo Editor
kyle@wordvietnam.com
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Staff Editor
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Staff Reporter
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Hanoi Cocktail Pick: CAMA ATKs
Negroni
My favourite drink is without a doubt
the Negroni from CAMA ATK.
Tt c hnh nh v ni dung
trong n phm ny thuc bn
quyn ca n phm Word ca
C.Ty CP TMDVQCTruyn Thng
Dng Hunh. Mi s sao chp
khng c php s b xem l
vi phm lut S Hu Tr Tu hin
hnh ca nh nc Cng Ha X
Hi Ch Ngha Vit Nam.
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6 | Word December 2014 | wordvietnam.com
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The prelude
out as a simple Best
of 2014 ended up as
something else our
first annual awards.
The Wordies.
Putting them
together was both
rewarding yet difficult.
On the one hand we
tried to maintain an
element of The Best
of 2014. If you read
the first section of the
cover story, youll see
that weve managed
to do this. Yet we were
also determined to get
a voting system going,
to get a real sense
of what are the best
VIETNAM EDITION
DECEMBER 2014
W
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AM
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he festive
season is
upon us, and
as ever its
an opportunity to
overdose on an excess
of food and drink,
look back on the past
12 months and reflect
on our expanding
waistlines. With Tet on
the horizon, its also a
chance to look ahead.
However, Tet arrives
late this year. So we
decided to take a
retrospective approach
and leave our crystal
ball predictions to
January. What started
NH XUT BN LAO NG
inbox
DO YOU HAVE ANY COMMENTS THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO AIR? IF SO, REACH OUT AND TOUCH US
AT EDITOR@WORDVIETNAM.COM WERE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS.
Print Lives On
I didnt realise how big you were getting. It gets
better all the time. And you seem to have lots of
adverts, too. I know the other mags are smaller,
but they also seem to have a lot of ads. Maybe the
internet isnt killing everything after all. SM
Cooking up a Storm
insider
INSIDER
NATIONAL
The World of
Expat Facebook Groups
C
Hanoi Massive
Most Succulent Trollbait
An entrepreneur offers to sell two cans of
333 beer for VND15,000 or trade them for an
iPhone (76 likes, 24 comments)
A man shares his terrible English
lesson centred around a tired BDSM joke,
comparative insults and euphemisms for fat
people (34 likes, 20 comments)
The Methodology
Words of Wisdom
Analysis
Hanoi Massive
T OTAL M EMBERS :
19,881 (Oct. 13)
P ERCENTAGE
OF
P OSTS :
the talk
THE TALK
TALK LEAD
02,03,05,06
DEC.
07
DEC. SUNDAY
HCMC
11,12,13
DEC.
HCMC
CAROLS AT THE CONVENT
DEC.
HANOI
05&06
19&20
DEC.
HANOI / HCMC
JOHN MORALES
briefings
We tried to get photos on the night, but
the bodyguards got in the way. So here
is an official image instead. Yup, he is
built like an upside-down triangle with
perfect hair.
BRIEFING
HCMC
Party Time
When we arrived at the bar, there were a
lot of people waiting outside. They didnt
have tickets, so they couldnt come in. The
security guards were scowling at them. But
when Ed and I showed up with our special
tickets, the guards let us right in. VIPs,
coming through!
We took an elevator up to the rooftop,
because all the best parties are on rooftops.
You could see the whole city from up there!
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
The Allies
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HANOI
Fragrant Path
Green Tea Gardens
A Return
When we first bought the land we had no
idea this valley even existed, says Pete.
The forest was so thick that it wasnt until
we started following the creek through the
dense vegetation that we realised there was
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HANOI
Prime Cuts
After disappearing into the Spy
Bar kitchen, Soren returns with a
neat square of brown paper folded
around one of his spectacular
creations. Walking me through it,
he explains that compared with
usual hotdog sausages, which are
actually quite low on protein, our
sausages are 80 percent meat and
we only use prime cuts.
We also use no artificial
flavours and the sausage is our
At the Ready
Having litmus-tested their
Danish wieners with Spy Bars
clientele, the pair hopes to
gradually roll out hotdog stands
across the Old Quarter.
Weve spent a month and half
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HANOI
In Transition:
Ha Hoi
Developers are trying to give a classic
area of the capital a makeover. Yet
the 1930s buildings of the past refuse
to give way. Words by Katie Jacobs.
Photo by David Harris
Saving Face
In all fairness, the peaked
window mouldings and
French-style doors leading
onto wrought-iron balconies
suggest attempts have been
made to mimic the neighbouring
aesthetic. The result, however,
lacks the delicate details of
adjacent buildings, making it
seem a little too big and a little
too gaudy.
The older buildings are more
beautiful than the new ones
and it would be good if they
could be all renovated, says
Chi Hoa. But old buildings
are uncomfortable and new
buildings make more money.
A new rule has been put into
place since the villa at number
65 was knocked down. Owners
are no longer allowed to destroy
old buildings without first going
through a long approval process,
making it more difficult to
replace old buildings with new
ones.
But with the promise of
money, people will always
find ways around this rule,
continues the coffee shop
owner. Then the character of
the neighbourhood will really
change.
Charity
of
the
Month
Cargill
A Partner in Progress
Cargills school-building programme
has been recognised several times by the
Vietnamese government recognition
that includes the Labour Medal Class 3,
given by President Nguyen Minh Triet.
It aims to provide access to education
for students from low-income families
in rural Vietnamese communities, and at
present estimates has achieved exactly
that for around 13,000 students proving
briefings
F
Surfing
BRIEFINGS
MUINE
Suoi Nuoc
briefings
BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL
The Love Below asks the question: Whats a Saigonese band got to do to
get some national notoriety?
Dear Diary
After the tour, bassist / vocalist Gabriel
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HANOI
The Rant
You Read That Article
About Facebook,
Didnt You?
On Facebook, cats, The Top 10 Things You Didnt Know About Toothpicks! and
Niko Savvass neuroses
Feline Frustrations
But you liked it. And that puts me in a bit of a
pickle, because the editors at Word are always
telling us to write stuff that readers will like.
This is really hard. Trying to guess what
readers like is like trying to choose the perfect
toy for a cat. You guys like cats, right?
Of course you like cats. Readers like the
dumbest things. Like articles about Facebook,
or The Top 10 Things You Didnt Know About
Toothpicks! You like lists, dont you? Theyre
easy to read, and they often have pictures.
What kind of pictures do you like? Pictures
Me and You
I give up. You people are impossible to please.
Ive gone through all five kinds of ideas Im
capable of having, and youre not impressed
by any of them. You know how that makes
me feel?
We have a relationship, you and I. And
relationships are a game of give-and-take.
I give you a story, and you take it home to
read. Then you pat me on the back for being
a great writer, and later I become rich and
famous. There may be another step in there
somewhere, but its not important.
When you stop reading, the relationship
falls apart. If youre not going to read an
article just because its boring and poorly
written, what am I supposed to do? Choose
more interesting topics? Write better?
Pfft, please. From now on youre getting
nothing but lists of Facebooks sluttiest cats
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
Future Comix
So, the upshot of my interview with Kyle and
Anna Thu Nguyenova recent transplants
to Saigon from Prague, and the team behind
Saigon Comic Con 2014 is that theyre being
methodical and far-reaching in stacking the
pieces, but no-one knows exactly which way
theyll fall.
One burning question is in their minds
will the cool geeks show up?
Kyle says, We do plan on seeding were
renting costumes and having costumes made,
just to make sure we have that foundation to
go off of. And were also having a costume
contest, for people who dress up in western
costumes. Were really trying to encourage and
develop that aspect of Comic Con.
BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL
briefings
BRIEFINGS
HCMC
The Great
Escape
In a locked room, the only
way to go is out
briefings
IN BRIEF
Vietnamese Youngsters
Swing into Action
More than 400 young golfers
from Vietnam, other countries
in the ASEAN region and South
Africa will compete at the
Kids Golf World Championship
2014 in Malaysia next month,
according to Thanh Nien.
Young people between the
ages of five and 18 years from
over 20 countries are expected
to compete in Johor Baru from
Dec. 8 to Dec. 12.
BRIEFINGS
NATIONAL
Saigon Luta-Livre
W
Harry Hodge
headed to District
3 to check out Ho
Chi Minh Citys
first gym devoted
to Brazilian LutaLivre grappling.
Photos by Kyle
Phanroy
hen we arrived at
the doors of a fancy
coffee shop with
an outdoor pool,
we wondered if we were in the
right place.
A new gym with a rooftop fight
space was meant to be hosting
a Brazilian jiu-jitsu fight card
for its opening. But the parking
attendant could see what had
brought us there, and pointed up.
Once we got to the top of
the stairs, a crowd of martial
arts enthusiasts and students
of the Saigon Luta-Livre gym
were there, either in the cosy
clubhouse or warming up on the
Williams a Slam-Dunk as
Defensive MVP
to do list
03
DEC. WEDNESDAY
FOOD FOR WEIGHT LOSS
Get a jump on the holiday
season weight gain with certified
health coach and yoga teacher
Chiara Squinzis Healthy Eating
Class Series Food for Weight
Loss. In this 75-minute talk on
Wednesday Dec. 3 youll learn
what food and eating habits to
choose in order to help your
body find its best shape and
optimal weight.
The Food for Weight Loss class
meets at 10am at Cyril and You
Sports Center, 49A Xa Lo Ha Noi,
Q2, HCMC. VND190,000 includes
the talk, calorie calculation and
a Q&A session. Email chiara@
laholista.com to RSVP
04
DEC. THURSDAY
06
DEC. SATURDAY
SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS
THE COSMOS AND THE SEA
Los Angeles-based artist
Christine Nguyen is bringing
her art-science lab to Galerie
Quynh on Thursday Dec.
4, and it should be a new
experience for Saigons art
goers. Combing drawing with
photographic techniques,
she plays with negatives,
opening dark corners to
dream-like speculation. In
this way she disseminates her
personal cosmology where
06,13,20,27
07
DEC.
DEC. SUNDAY
07-16
DEC.
INTERNATIONAL DANCE
FESTIVAL HCMC 2014
Get ready to dance your socks
off some more because the
International Dance Festival
is back for the second time
in Ho Chi Minh City. This
year, the event will include
choreographers and dancers
from Italy, France, Japan, Korea,
to do list
PRIME MOVER
09
DEC. TUESDAY
UNICEF ZERO
150 business leaders will gather
at The Sheraton on Thursday
Dec. 9 to talk about Childrens
Rights and Business Principles,
as well as how we can reach
the target of Zero Zero
preventable child deaths, Zero
malnourished children and
Zero violence against children.
With support from UNICEF,
Save the Children, KOCHAM,
AUSCHAM and EUROCHAM,
this is a chance to put the
rights of children on your
organisations CSR agenda.
To RSVP and get your ticket in
the mail, contact Ms. Le Thi Thanh
Tam by Dec. 4, at ltttam@unicef.
org or on (08) 3821 9413. The event
runs from 3pm to 5pm at Level 23.
The Sheraton is at 88 Dong Khoi,
Q1, HCMC
Paul Tonkes
Founder of Heart Beat Saigon
heartbeatsaigon.com
If my older-yet-still-cool
Mom came to town, I
would take her to...
She experienced our event at
Pogo Bar in Mui Ne. This was
in fact the after-party of my
wedding. Never seen my mom
dance so much.
11 DEC. THURSDAY
PIANO RECITAL WITH CELIMENE DAUDET
Having performing for years
as a soloist in France and
abroad Carnegie Hall,
Moscow philharmonic halls
the skillful pianist Celimene
Daudet is coming to Saigon
at the request of IDECAF on
Thursday Dec. 11. See her
12 DEC. FRIDAY
JINGLE BELLS JOY RIDE
Cyclists, Santa outfits and
the spirit of Christmas
this has the potential to
become a classic. Already an
established monthly event
starting in District 2, the Joy
Ride gets festive on Friday
Dec. 12 in the name of good
cheer and as always, the joy
of cycling.
Leaving from The Bike
Shop at 7pm, riders are
encouraged to bring a bike
with lights, a helmet and
a good attitude. Prizes
will be awarded for best
costumes, (something
which we at Word wholeheartedly support) and the
approximately 15km gently
paced ride is an A to A,
meaning you end up exactly
where you started. Stay safe
out there Santas, and enjoy
the ride!
The Bike Shop is at 250
Nguyen Van Huong, Thao
Dien Q2, HCMC. Bike Rentals
are available on the day. Check
out the Bike Shop on facebook.
com/thebikeshopVN. The event
is family-friendly, though
for safety reasons, children
under the age of 12 are not
encouraged to participate
12 DEC. FRIDAY
Christmas markets are one of the
most season-appropriate things
there are for this time of year,
and Loreto knows were missing
them in sunny Saigon. So Friday
Dec. 12 will be a festive catch-all
with Christmas gifts for sale,
a raffle and auction, food and
drink, flashy decorations and a
nighttime concert with Thanh
Bui & The Soul Club as well as
other artists. All proceeds go
to do list
Au Lac do Brazil
aulacdobrazil.com
All Dec. 24 and Dec. 25, Au Lac
do Brazil is keeping the holiday
buzz going with a welcome
drink of Swedish Glogg and
their Churrasco main course,
all for VND900,000++. Take in
your meat feast to the sounds
of live music, and get a sense
of what its like to celebrate the
holidays in Brazil.
Caravelle Hotel
caravellehotel.com
If you find yourself at Caravelle
this month, chances are
youre getting your festive
season done in style. Take
a traditional Christmas Tea
with a side of carols at Cafe
de lOpera from Dec. 15 to
Dec. 23 VND380,000++
per person. If that isnt your
thing, hold onto your Veuve
Clicquot flutes until Dec. 24
when the recently refurbished
Restaurant Nineteen starts
putting its kitchen through its
paces VND1,980,000++ for
the Christmas Eve Gala Buffet
(VND1,390,00++ for early
birds) or VND1,680,00++ on
Christmas Day. Sleep that off
until Dec. 31 and go again at the
New Years Eve Gala dinner
buffet VND2,380,000++ from
8pm (VND1,390,000++ for the
home-before-midnight set).
If you want to step it up
a notch, get to Reflections
fine dining venue and
enjoy Chef Darren Watsons
creations on Dec. 24
VND1,680,000++ and Dec.
31 VND1,980,000++. After
thats all said and done dont
forget to dance the final night
of the year away at the iconic
rooftop bar Saigon Saigon
where everyones invited for
VND1.4 million net including
one standard drink.
Hotel Equatorial
equatorial.com/hcm
This Christmas and New Years,
Hotel Equatorial is inviting you
to stay traditional with its Chit
Chat Restaurant or to mix it up
in its fine Asian resto, Orientica.
On Dec. 24, take your
pick of Christmas Eve buffet
dinners with a VND1.59
million++ fresh seafood and
carving station option at Chit
Chat, and a family feast of their
own at Orientica for VND1.38
million++. Brunch on Dec. 25
is VND940,000++ at Chit Chat
international delicacies style
VND50,000++ at Orientica
dim sum style.
And if you havent had
enough grilled seafood, USDA
prime beef and cheese boards
Intercontinental Asiana
Saigon
icasianasaigon.com
The Intercon is a by-word for
classy soirees in Saigon, so
with three dining venues to
choose from, theres no shortage
of opportunity to pop a few
buttons this Christmas.
Start things off on Dec. 24 at
Market 39 by indulging in a
Gourmet Christmas Buffet Dinner
VND1,998,000++ per person.
Follow that up on Dec. 25 with
the appropriately titled Lavish
Brunch VND2,100,000++.
If your not in a food coma by
then, try the Dec. 25 Buffet
Dinner for VND1,090,000++. All
inclusive of a free flow of house
wine, selected cocktails, soft
drinks and Tiger beer.
For a change of pace on
Dec. 31 check out Yu Chus
East Meets West Buffet Dinner
VND1,888,000++ which
includes entry into Purple
Jades countdown party
VND380,000 for those showing
up just for that. Add an extra
VND199,000++ and youve got
yourself a free flow of Vueve
Clicquot all night.
If Italian is more your flavour,
Basilico has two set dinners
on Dec. 25 and Dec.31
VND1,488.000++ each, inclusive
of free flow Prosecco and all
the good cheer of the season. If
this all sounds great but youd
rather just bliss out at home,
Intercons Turkey Take Away is
still on, with VND3,250,000++
getting you a huge bird with
all the trimmings delivered
directly to your door.
12-14
DEC.
13&14
DEC.
to do list
Dance Parties
SATURDAY 6th
Electric Kicks
Saigon Ranger is the new
kid on the block, effortlessly
cool but unproven. Electric
Kicks is the sleazy, indie-styled
discopunk whos gonna show
them the electro ropes. Wed
say give them their privacy but
Crazy Monkey is doing visuals,
Superkid, El Capitan and Mike
Pham are DJing, and it sounds
too cool a scene to be prudish
about.
Electric Kicks is at Saigon
Ranger, 5/7 Nguyen Sieu,
FRIDAY 12th
Heart Beat Two-Year
Anniversary
Heart Beat has been bringing
the underground body music
to Saigon for two years now,
flying in international guest DJs,
dropping techno bombs on their
imprint and generally getting
people moving. This celebration
looks to be one of their most
ambitious yet, with headliner
Martin Eyerer making the trip
John Morales
Adrian Giordano
Nu-disco pioneer and veteran
producer, party-provider and
DJ, Adrian Giordano will bring
his two decades of experience to
a night that's going to burst with
funky electronic energy.
SATURDAY 6th
Groove Control
Anniversary
Get your groove on big time as
DJs Starchild, Joey T and Dan Lo
are joined by live act Dat Phonk
for a night of pure, solid, footmoving sounds.
SATURDAY 13th
Trusme
His third visit to the city and
the first to The Observatory.
Label boss, producer and DJ
Trusme has played in the
most underground clubs and
festivals on the planet, honing
his signature touch of disco and
techno for one of Saigons best
nights of the month.
FRIDAY 19th
John Morales and Alton
Miller
Detroit veteran Alton Miller is
short of epic.
SATURDAY 20th
La Royale
A key agent of the vibrant
and emerging electronic
just in
EXOTISSIMO DROPS THE TISSIMO, BECOMES EXO TRAVEL COULEURS DASIE OPENS ITS DOORS
Last month marked the launch
of the new-look EXO Travel
brand. Designed not only to
incorporate EXOs pioneering
and professional values, but
also to inspire a connection
between our incredible
customers and suppliers, its
been business as usual for the
two-decade-old travel company.
With offices all over Asia, the
EXO experience wont change,
only the name will from now
on reflect their immersion in the
CARAVELLE GETS A
MAKEOVER
Just in time for Christmas,
Caravelle has given itself a
gift with a refreshed lobby
and reception, and a renewed
design on Restaurant
Nineteen. This is just the start
of its most significant overhaul
in 15 years, which will also take
on the Cafe de lOpera and
Champagne Corner before its
completion in mid-2016.
To check out Restaurant
Nineteens new, even cosier
iteration, head to the Caravelle
at 19-23 Lam Son Square, Q1,
HCMC
LAZADA OVERCOMES
LANGUAGE BARRIER
With 80,000 expats now residing
in Vietnam, Lazada have decided
that its a slice of the market
they could no longer afford
to ignore. Thats the simple
wisdom behind the leading
e-commerce players decision to
go bilingual. Simply click on the
Union Jack tab at the top of your
screen and voila! a world of
buying opportunity is now open
to you in a language you can
understand.
Alexandre Dardy, CEO of
Lazada Vietnam, had this to
say: After nearly three years
in Vietnam, we came to the
conclusion that the 80,000
plus foreigners that live here
still faced huge difficulties in
negotiating the language barrier
for both online and offline retail.
Therefore, it was a priority for
us to offer a convenient and
accessible platform for shopping
to all consumers regardless of
nationality. See, we told you so.
To check out Lazadas massive
catalogue, holiday discounts and
plans for world domination go
lazada.vn and shop online to your
hearts content
For all your healthcare needs, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
just in
THE OBSERVATORY
MOVES TO DISTRICT 4
CMI-HEART INSTITUTE
CHARITY GALA RAISES
OVER VND2.5 BILLION
Leveraging the work of
Professor Alain Carpentier
a French pioneer in
providing heart surgery to
underprivileged children in
Vietnam CMI has once
again proven how far a little
bit of magic and a lot of
goodwill can go. With the
show-stopping moment being a
wallet-splitting US$40,000 live
auction bid for a 7-day trip to
the Komodo Islands, the Monte
Carlo-themed charity event did
just what it set out to do.
Smashing last years
VND1.98 billion take-home
record, the luxurious gala at
the Park Hyatt Hotel in Ho Chi
Minh was the very model in
how to raise money for a good
cause; invite the well-heeled
and well-intentioned, put them
in a beautiful room, entertain
them with magic and music,
ply them with great food and
drink, add some sex appeal in
the form of the Urban Dance
Group performers, and ask
them to give generously.
Congratulations to all
involved in supporting such a
worthy cause. A silent auction
featured magazines handled
by royalty, artwork donated
by dignitaries and the coolest
pair of bespoke leather brogues
weve ever seen. And while
VND2.5 billion is indeed
an impressive figure, the
most important one is the 60
Vietnamese children whose
lives will now be saved because
they can get the heart surgery
they need. Merci beaucoup CMI
keep up the great work and
see you next year!
If you missed the gala, you
can still donate to CMI at cmivietnam.com
ELEVATE INNOVATION
The British Council are
dangling a carrot worth S$50,000
at cultural innovators with a
passion for early childhood
education. The ELEVATE
StartWell Challenge is a brand
new programme developed
in partnership with the Lien
Foundation in Singapore, that
asks applicants to present new
concepts to improve the element
of play in early childhood,
reimagine urban spaces and
playgrounds, and the way young
people interact with space. If
this sounds like your thing, you
could end up at a residential
innovation camp in Japan in
February 2015 and be in the
PENDOLASCO
REFURBISHES
LIT LOUNGE
Ngo Van Nams newest bar
should make the District
1 corridor even more of a
destination. A couple doors
down from The Orient, LIT
Lounge has a cool, decadent,
after-hours vibe, which will
spread over two DJ-manned
shouting, Im a ladyboy!
With VND600,000 in drink
vouchers for the bars on the
board including popular
spots like Spotted Cow, BMV,
Phattys Boomarang, Game On,
Blanchys Tash and more the
game makers have made real-life
pub crawls easier as well.
The game can be played at any
of the featured pubs, or by emailing
saigonboardgames@gmail.com.
For more info, go to facebook.com/
pages/Saigon-Pub-Crawl-BoardGame/1551966475018601
27grill
stella artois
Q2 Gaya Opening
to do list
hanoi
05
DEC. FRIDAY
SOUL DEEP SESSIONS
One of the founding fathers of
house, Alton Miller, returns to
Vietnam for a magical night of
deep record digging, soulful
loving and explosive dancing.
Miller has been entwined
with the scenes and sounds
of Detroit and Chicago for
two decades. Inspired by his
house heroes DJ Ron Hardy,
Frankie Knuckles, Larry Levan
and Timmy Regisford, Alton
05-08
DEC.
05-28
DEC.
05,06,12,13
DEC.
06
DEC. SATURDAY
to do list
07
hanoi
DEC. SUNDAY
07,14,21,28
DEC.
11,12,13
DEC.
to do list
12-30
hanoi
DEC.
SEEDS
Kilomet109 is hosting another
exciting runway show and textile
installation to mark the launch
of its new Sustainable Line
collection on Friday Dec. 12 at
Manzi Art Space. The installation
will be shown at Manzi until
Dec. 30.
13&14
NOV.
14
DEC. SUNDAY
THE MARRIAGE OF
FIGARO
Screened opera continues
its renaissance this month in
the capital with the showing
of Mozarts Marriage of
Figaro on Dec. 14 at Hanoi
Cinematheque (22A Hai Ba
Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi).
A four-part comic opera
that first premiered in Vienna
15
DEC. MONDAY
THE STIRRING OF A
THOUSAND BELLS
Moon Gramophone presents the
official Vietnam premiere of The
Stirring of a Thousand Bells (Matt
Dunning, 2014) on Monday Dec.
15 at Manzi Art Space.
A fascinating, two-part
'unconventional' documentary
that introduces viewers to
Indonesia's ancient Javanese
gamelan culture, in doing so,
it examines the relevance and
reverence of this tradition in the
modern world.
Manzi Art Space is at 14 Phan
Huy Ich, Ba Dinh, Hanoi. Doors
are at 8pm. Entry is by donation on
the door
20
DEC. SATURDAY
JOHN MORALES
John Morales, straight out of the
Bronx USA and one of the pioneers of
the disco mix comes to CAMA ATK
on Dec. 20.
Starting his trade in 1975 spinning
records to the US troops, John found
his true calling in taking short disco
hits and making them epic. A hugely
in demand DJ and a pioneer of his
craft, if you are into disco then you
are into him
Entry is VND80,000 in advance or
VND120,000 on the door. Doors open at
8pm. CAMA ATK is located at 73 Mai
Hac De, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi
just in
hanoi
ZEN HOUSE
Well-known spa outlet Zen Spa has added a
new location to its portfolio, Zen House.
Located inside a 1,000-year-old village by
the Red River and next to Ba Gia Pagoda,
the peace and quiet of the new location offer
a perfect way to escape and get yourself
pampered.
As well as the standard range of holistic
UMA EXPANDS
Furniture producers, UMA Vietnam, are
continuing their meteoric expansion to
the north with the opening of two new
showrooms.
The closest Vietnam has to IKEA or
maybe we should say, IKEA is the closest
the world has to UMA UMA not only
sells furniture, interior decoration and
accessories for all your homely needs, but
is also running a number of promotions
with the arrival of its new stores.
The two new UMAs are at 84 Quan
Thanh, Ba Dinh and 36 Cat Linh, Dong Da.
For more information or to see their online
catalogue, click on uma.vn. To take advantage
of the promotions, head directly to the two
new stores
Photos by Tuong Vi
overscene hanoi
argentine food
festival
fashion fringe
festival
based on kyoto
Insider
MANY FACES // RECONSTRUCTING THE CAPITAL // THE 1ST ANNUAL WORDIE AWARDS // BENEATH
THE WRAPPER // ZONE 9: ONE YEAR ON // MURDER ON THE RED CARPET // MYSTERY DINER HANOI //
STREET SNACKER HANOI // MYSTERY DINER HCMC // STREET SNACKER HCMC // FASHION // RWANDA
PASSPORT-EATING DOGS, VOLCANOES AND GORILLAS // THE BLUFFS HO TRAM // BIEN HOA
PHOTO BY GLEN RILEY
wordvietnam.com | December 2014 Word | 61
insider
MANY FACES
HCMC
In the market for a suit, Niko Savvas gets fitted by one of Saigons true originals.
Photo by Kyle Phanroy
Sartorial Psychology
The resemblance is no accident. As a tailor
Kenn is in the business of image crafting,
and hes good at it. He has a businessmans
attention to detail, which makes sense
because he was once the chief financial officer
for a multinational corporation based in the
US.
His business background is evident when
he sits down at the table. His handshake is
firm but not bone-crushing. When he speaks,
his voice is deep and calm. He makes polite
eye contact but doesnt stare. Not once does
he glance at his phone.
Kenn makes me feel like everything I say is
interesting. Its a practised skill.
The most important aspect of human
communication is body language and facial
expression, he explains. You may hear a
word, but that isnt enough to tell you what
the person intended. You need to see and feel
the undertones.
When Kenn talks, the rest of the room
fades away like the blurry background of a
photograph.
55 percent of our communication comes
from that, he adds. And 37 percent
comes from the quality of our voice. How
are we using it are we raising it or
lowering it, whats the tone? That tells
us a lot more than the words alone, also.
The actual words we say only give us
eight percent, which is why I dont carry a
smartphone. I prefer to communicate face
to face with people.
Hes like a professional hypnotist; I know
that hes exerting a subtle influence over me,
but the effect is so pleasant that I dont mind.
insider
THE CITY
HANOI
Reconstructing
the Capital
While Saigon is working on a public transport network that will transform the city,
Hanoi has some solutions of its own in the works. Words by Lucy Sexton.
Photos by Julie Vola
The Nhat Tan Bridge
The seventh bridge in Hanoi to cross the
sprawling Red River delta, Nhat Tan is
Vietnams newest and largest cable-stayed
bridge at a massive 33.2m wide and 8.9km
long (including the approach road). Its eight
lanes four of which are reserved for buses
and motorbikes and pedestrian sidewalks
are scheduled to open to traffic in January
2015.
Although the bridge arose from pragmatic
considerations shortening the distance
to Noi Bai Airport and connecting major
When the first international terminal opened [at Noi Bai], the airport
largely operated out of its old military skeleton. Today the skeleton
still survives, but its struggling to keep up with a new Vietnam
management and consultant company
was signed in January 2010. The flurry of
reports promised US$15 billion (VND315
trillion) in FDI money towards building new
international airports Long Thanh in Ho
Chi Minh City, Hai Duong in Hanoi and Chu
Lai in Quang Nam Province.
Each airport was expected to out-shadow
their predecessor in the hopes of alleviating
the growing strain on the countrys three
international airports. The new airport
is due to replace the overloaded Noi Bai
International Airport, which will likely be
relegated to domestic flights only, said Mr.
Koenigsberg, the director of the proposed
GARUDA project, back in 2010.
So Noi Bai, according to Hai Duong
advocates, was to take on recent growth in
domestic air traffic, which had increased by
304 percent since 2005. An initial capacity of
35 million international passengers a year, and
80 million by the 2035 end of the new airport
project, is a scale hard to compete with.
Designs proposed for Hai Duong also
posed a challenge to an outdated Noi
Bai. Two heliports, a hospital, a school,
apartments and hotels in the surrounding
area, would introduce a predicted 10,000
new permanent jobs. The vision, beyond
merely satisfying a hunger for runway
space, reflected a Hanoi aspiring to become
a globalizing and dynamic nexus in the
region.
After 2010 the media coverage came to
a lull. Presumably plans were underway
for the late 2014 airport deadline well,
money.
The facts remain shaky. Requests for
information on the Hai Duong airport
revealed that no one could either confirm
or deny that there ever was such a project.
Further entreaties for information were
bounced around in a bureaucratic game of
email ping-pong.
It seems safe to say, Noi Bais international
future will not be dimmed by Hai Duong.
Terminal 2, Nhat Tan Bridge, JICA, tourists
and the capital will have a moment to
breathe more comfortably in a new skin
until the phantom Hai Duong project
precipitates out of its wafty vision.
WORDIE
AWARDS
W
THE
WORDIES
NE
2014
WS
AWA R D
NEWS AWARDS
The Mad Fishmonger Award for Most Dead Fish in a Weird Place goes to...
Known as a relaxing area for early exercisers, on the morning of Sep. 15 Hanois Thien
Quang Lake stopped being a pleasant place to walk by. Tonnes of dead white fish floated
over the water and covered many parts of the lake. The smell from the fish on that still-warm
day was not pleasant. One official charged with cleaning the lake estimated that over six
tonnes of dead fish were removed in the morning only.
This wasnt the first time this has happened in Thien Quang. Locals say that the fish
die every time the lake is dredged with fishing nets, which stir up the mud at its bottom.
However, this was the biggest fish massacre seen here to date.
The Who Are the Real Animals Here? Award for Hastening the Apocalypse goes to...
This past June, authorities patrolling National Highway 1A in Nghe An Province saw a truck
driving without a plate number, so they signaled the driver to pull over for a routine check.
Instead of stopping, the driver sped away. In the ensuing chase, people in the truck
started throwing obstacles at the car following but what happened next went beyond
anyones imagination.
Two anesthetised tigers were thrown from the hold, stopping the police in their tracks.
The two rope-bound animals were identified as endangered Indochinese tigers, weighing
75kg and 90kg respectively. They were taken to Pu Mat National Park for care on the same
day, waking up four days later and eventually making a full recovery.
The No Frills Airline We Will Get You There Eventually Award goes to...
VietJet Air
Sep. 19 will forever be remembered as the day the VietJet girls flipped the no smoking light
off. A photo set posted on Lingerie Queen Ngoc Trinhs Facebook went viral, showing a
sneak peek at a new Vietjet Air promotional campaign featuring nine scantily-clad models
posing in the airlines branded bikinis. The models were seen inside the cabin checking the
overhead lockers, walking down the aircraft steps waving sparklers, and doing other things
that lingerie models routinely do on VietJet flights.
The photo leak was met with mixed reactions from netizens some thought it was fun
and creative, while others objected. Perhaps VietJet would have garnered less criticism if
one of their planes hadnt landed in the wrong airport in June going to Cam Ranh instead
of Dalat.
The Wear Your Titanium Alloy Flip-Flops Most Flooded Road in Vietnam Award goes to...
In November, an accident occurred in Bien Hoa that would give even the most ardent flipflop wearer pause for thought. A truck carrying 5,000 litres of hydrochloric acid flipped over,
flopping the plastic cases containing the toxic acid onto the highway. The leaked substance
flooded the road, creating a threatening scene of simmering liquid and toxic fumes.
Fortunately no-one was injured.
EL
2014
OP
DS
WORDIES
V
THE
DE
DEVELOPMENT
AWARDS
AR
M E N T AW
Son Doong is the worlds longest cave, and part of a network of outstanding natural beauty
recognised by UNESCO a pristine part of Vietnams heritage. So, what to do? Team up
with the Sun Group to build a cable car linking the network of caves in Phong Nha-Ke Bang
National Park ending at Son Doong to encourage tourism.
Using a manmade solution to access a place of natural beauty has a certain logic to it.
Bring more people to the site, make money out of it and, in theory, protect it. Yet theres
another issue here. Places like Son Doong are ecologically delicate. And mass tourism
has the potential to create mass destruction. To make this work, the project needs to be
undertaken with the upmost care.
That the go-ahead has now been given to build a cable car up to the top of Fansipan
is also a worry. On the one hand, Europes tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, is served by a
cable car. So, giving access to the summit of Indochinas highest peak makes sense, both
economically and in terms of attracting tourists. But as with so much in Vietnam, the issue
once again is conservation. The path to the top of Fansipan already suffers from an excess
of litter along its sides. By bringing up more tourists, unless stringent rules are put in place,
this will only be exacerbated.
The Expat Forums are Frothing Award for Corporate Debut goes to
Monsanto
Over the last two years, the Ho Chi Minh City authorities have
opened a series of five-star toilets based on those that you would
expect to find in the finest hotels with estimated construction
costs ranging up to VND1billion a go. Except these are not in fivestar hotels or restaurants, but in public parks.
Our award for the number one toilets, with stiff competition,
goes to one of the originals at the one and only Tao Dan Park. It
even comes with toilet paper.
THE
C
TE
HN
2014
OLO
DS
WORDIES
AR
GY AW
TECHNOLOGY
AWARDS
For keeping us inside on Friday nights
The Maybe We Should Try Laying Two Cables Award goes to...
A break in the Asia Pacific Gateway (AAG) Internet cable connecting Southeast Asia with
the US mainland caused uproar among Internet users not once or twice, but three times this
year and perhaps set a new record.
The cable, which was found sliced 70km off the coast of Hong Kong, resulted in a
significant slowdown in bandwidth for weeks in March, September and October, and meant
we couldnt stream Game of Thrones episodes. So yes it was really, really annoying.
Authorities have since repaired the cable and are probably on standby until it breaks
again. On the plus side, they seem to be getting faster at repairing it.
The From Where Youd Rather Be Award for Best Facebook
Updates goes to...
Everyone knows the whole point of Facebook is to post jealousyinducing updates that make your life seem way more awesome
everyone elses. So when Tan Lap Prison inmate, Nguyen Duc
Hung, took to Facebook to update his friends on life behind bars,
we were a tad surprised.
The young prisoner, who still has five years to serve before his
release, caused a media storm after posting selfie after glorious
selfie of himself and his cellmates parading in stripey prison slacks
and appearing a bit too happy with their incarceration.
Unimpressed prison officials soon shut down the holiday camp
slideshow, confiscating mobile phones and restricting Hung to
solitary confinement for three months. Hung soon responded with
a cheery Facebook farewell to his newfound Internet fans. Touch,
Hung, touch.
The Sharing Economy is Here Award for App Arrivals goes to...
You cant spell start-up without the word upstart and thats
exactly how some perceived the arrival of US-bred apps Airbnb
and Uber this year. While the firebrand apps drew protest from
Vietnamese industry groups and befuddled regulators, they wasted
no time in attracting consumers obsessed with luxury experiences
and low-end price tags.
American taxi app service Uber, which offers a cheap-butdefinitely-not-nasty private car service, launched in Ho Chi Minh
City in June and reached the capital in October. Meanwhile, Airbnb,
which debuted in August, allows users to rent apartments from
local hosts, and already boasts more than 1,000 listings across
Vietnams major cities.
The Is That With a Zero or an O Award goes to...
Wireless Vietnam
Nowadays, cash incentive schemes are, well, just plain boring. Like,
wheres the imagination? Which is why we were delighted to see
the crafty marketing gurus at Viettel put on their thinking caps and
devise a sales strategy that was a bit more moo-ving.
As reward for purchasing 15 new Viettel SIM cards at VND50,000
each, 1,300 lucky people in Quang Ninh Province were handed the
keys to a real-life, cud-chewing, milk-producing cow. The gimmick
saw the company smash an ambitious sale of 20,000 new SIMs in
the province. Now THATs what we call marketing, folks.
THE
WORDIES
2014
UL
TUR
E AWA R
DS
CULTURE
AWARDS
For Wasting Time in Fun Ways
In Hanoi, promotional powerhouse CAMA teamed up with the American Embassy and
several LGBT groups to put on a glittery, grungy showcase of the best music Southeast Asia
has to offer, all in support of diversity and acceptance. Eight bands and one high-heel dance
troupe provided the soundtrack last May at the American Club, but the spotlight was on
rockin in the free world.
Hardwell
The Techsavvy Manchild Memorial Award for Best Selfie goes to...
Visitors to Ho Chi Minh Citys Crescent Lake were greeted by a delightful photo op for
nearly a month last May, when a 600kg yellow duck took to the waters off Phu My Hung.
Bobbing merrily alongside the lakefront attractions created to complement its presence, the
duck aimed to trigger everyones fond childhood memories, in the words of its Dutch
creator. And no future recollections were harmed in this escapade, as the duck enjoyed the
smooth seas that evaded it last year in Hong Kong, when it deflated into a giant rubber
puddle, and in Belgium in 2009, when it was stabbed 42 times by a vandal.
The Wu Tang Clan Memorial RuckusBringing Award for Most Informative Raps
goes to...
RapNews+
The Janet Jackson Memorial Prize for Best Nip Slip goes to...
Ho Chi Minh Citys cosplay scene got a little too heated at the Japanese-themed Spring
Days Festival, when according to Tuoi Tre scene icon Erina aka Yokusou Gyo (bathtub
fish), aka Sakana-chan (fish girl) acted provocatively pulling up her skirt and
crawling on the floor. After cosplay enthusiasts circulated videos of her sexy act, some of
which were taken from a ground-level vantage, online outrage mounted, and Erina was
forced to issue an apology. Soon after the blow-up she disappeared, both from the scene
and online which was perhaps best for Vietnamese cosplays gentle heart, considering
the masturbatory toy-laden Facebook profile she took with her.
THE
WORDIES
2014
ON
PE
RS
E
OF THE Y
2014
AU
NA
RE
ST
ET
TOP
WORDIES
THE
I
V
R A N T S IN
THE TOP
RESTAURANTS
IN VIETNAM
Blanchy Street
Pizza 4Ps
The Deck
Pizza 4Ps
Racha Room
In the past few years, Ho Chi Minh Citys Pizza 4Ps has achieved
something of a cult status. Set down an alleyway off Le Thanh Ton
on the other side of the Expat Ghetto, this Japanese-run, homemademozzarella joint has long tickled the fancy of its customers. From our
judges votes, it was very much the number one restaurant in Saigon.
In fact, it was the runaway number one, getting 40 percent more
votes than the nearest contenders, El Gaucho and The Deck. A bit
of an anomaly, really. Who ever heard of a pizza restaurant being the
best restaurant in a city of over 10 million?
That El Gaucho ran in equal second with The Deck tells you how
well this Argentinean-themed restaurant with its taste-like-home
steaks, themed dcor and international ambience has managed to set
itself up in Saigon. With three restaurants already opening their doors
to grill-loving customers, so popular is its Bangkok outlet that you
have to book in advance to get a table.
The Deck, too, has managed to carve itself out a niche, one that is
not just due to its riverside, District 2 location. Elegant and romantic,
and serving up great cocktails to go with its contemporary pan-Asian
fusion menu, together with two other Top 10 restaurants in the same
area of Saigon Lubu and Trois Gourmands it provides quality
cuisine outside the city centre.
Of the newcomers, Racha Rooms entry into the Top 10 is perhaps
the most surprising. Serving up Thai-accented, Pan-Asian cuisine,
this restobar set within the confines of a colonial-era building on
Mac Thi Buoi is finding success in a location where past restaurants
have failed.
Don's Tay Ho
Foodshop 45
El Gaucho
Hanoi
When Dani Himi, the brains behind El Gaucho, was opening his
first restaurant in Hanoi, he researched the dining scene in the
capital. His opinion was that Da Paolo was the best restaurant
in Hanoi. Its an opinion that was shared by our judges, with the
Italian eatery getting the most votes.
That El Gaucho came in at a close number two was perhaps no
surprise. And other well-known favourites such as Dons Tay Ho,
Foodshop 45, Jacksons Steakhouse, Moose & Roo and Namaste
making the Top 10 was expected. What was perhaps less expected
was the entry of Cousins a French-inspired eatery only opened
in the summer. Likewise, the fact that Pots n Pans was one of
only two Vietnamese eateries making the Top 10 in either city
suggests that the concept of mid to top-end Vietnamese fare in an
international setting is still in its infancy.
Also interesting was the lack of classic French restaurants
among your favourites, with only La Badiane hitting the spot. The
contemporary yet traditional eatery came third in the rankings.
A number of other restaurants came close to the Top 10 including
1946, Angelina, Highway 4, Cau Go, Quan An Ngon and
interestingly, both the restaurants in the JW Marriott French
Grill and Crystal Jade. Like Cousins, they are new to the dining
scene in the capital. And despite location the JW Marriott is in
My Dinh in West Hanoi they are already getting a reputation.
Hanoi
Au Parc
Cousins
Ciao Bella
Da Paolo
Dons Tay Ho
El Gaucho
El Gaucho
Lubu
Foodshop 45
Pizza 4Ps
Jacksons Steakhouse
Racha Room
La Badiane
The Deck
Trois Gourmands
Namaste
Vesper
Pots n Pans
Au Lac Do Brazil
1946
Bahdja
a la Folie
BiBi at Alibi
Al Frescos
Blanchys Street
Angelina
Corso
Au Lac Do Brazil
Elbow Room
Bluebird
Ganesh
Hoa Tuc
Crystal Jade
Khoi Thom
French Grill
May Restaurant
Green Tangerine
Mekong Merchant
Halia Hanoi
Mogambo
Highway 4
Quan Ut Ut
Khazaana
Pendolasco
Refinery
La Verticale
Restaurant 13
Le Beaulieu
Saffron
Madame Hien
Secret Garden
Pyza
Shang Palace
Quan An Ngon
Shri
Ray Quan
Skewers
Salt n Lime
Square One
Sen
Sorae Sushi
Sushi Bar
Ty Coz
The Republic
THE
TO
P
2014
BA
R S IN VIE T
WORDIES
NA
Xu Lounge
Vesper
Chill Skybar
Tadioto
Hanoi
Hanoi
Hanoi
Blanchys Tash
88 Lounge
Broma
Barbetta
Chill Skybar
Cama ATK
La Fenetre Soleil
t Bar
OMG
HRC
Saigon Outcast
Madake
The Observatory
Vesper Bar
Tadioto
Xu
The Republic
Blue Gecko
+84
17 Cowboys
Bootleg DJ Caf
Cargo Bar
deciBel
Chez Xuan
Game On
Kub
Last Call
Lake Kub
McSorleys
O Briens
Mojito Bar
Phattys
Rockstore
Saigon Ranger
Rooftop
Summit Lounge
The Cube
Sunset Bar
Tay Tap
Wine Embassy
2014
CA
AM
FE S IN VIET
WORDIES
TO
THE
managing to stand out in a sea of corporate-come-latelies like nearmiss Urban Station, and far-misses like My Life Coffee and The
Coffee Factory.
But thats not where the heat is at in Saigon, which also toplisted design-heavy favourites such as lead vote-getter Lusine, the
thoughtful architecture of ID Caf and two places with work in the
name co-working surrogates The Workshop and WORK Saigon.
These places are hip enough to make it in world cities like New York
or Melbourne, but faithful enough to local design traditions to only
be possible in Saigon.
Escaping the trendwatch are our second and third-highest votegetters Caf RuNam and Cuc Gach Caf, respectively. With
their cool vintage stylings, theyre not tapping into global currents
rather a current that is very localised, and runs very deep. And
while were on the topic, we want to give an honorary mention to
Things Caf, which might be too niche for even our expert judges,
located in the crumbling caf-tattoo-vintage clothing mecca of 14
Ton That Dam, Q1. Its also home to three other cult favourites: The
Other Person Caf, Mockingbird Caf and Nep Caf.
And rounding out the Top 10 is a true original, Fly Cupcake
Garden. Synthesising the Saigonese love of cupcakes with Alice in
Wonderland-like decor is a challenge, but the Fly Cupcake empire
builders did so with finesse in their premises on Tu Xuong. And
its fittingly on the periphery of this list, representative of the
still-alternative caf corridor it shares with other standouts like
Den & Trang, Caf Cuckoos Nest and the second iteration of ID
Caf.
Hanoi
Cong Ca Phe
Hanoi
When talk turns to where to get a healthy meal that isnt light on
flavour, youd be surprised not to hear about The Hanoi Social
Club, which now enjoys cult status in the capital. Tucked away in
the central business district on Hoi Vu, this rustic caf-cum-live
music venue has topped our polls with its hearty gourmet cuisine
and refreshing homemade drinks menu.
Close behind, Cong Caphes iconic Communist-themed hangouts
have also earned your collective high-fives, with their precisionlike consistency, effortlessly cool spaces and rigorous dedication to
artisan coffee.
Art-house caf and gallery space Manzi has also gotten your
tick of approval. Beautifully designed in a colonial-era villa, the
contemporary art hub has won a place in the hearts of Hanois art
lovers and home-grown artists with its constant flood of exhibitions
and stage performances.
Injecting a dose of North American caf culture into our list, Joma
has carved out some serious kudos from this years voters with
its killer mugs of fair trade coffee, tasty bagel eggers and delicious
pastries baked fresh, daily.
Tay Hos Tet Dcor Caf also rounds out our Top 5. After being
open for barely a year, it has quickly attracted a loyal band of
followers that flock there for its strong flat whites, farm-fresh produce
and organic cooking. The caf also doubles as a comfy showroom for
the uber rustic furniture designs of the Tet Lifestyle Collection.
Modern hipster hangout the KAfe has also earned a place on our
list. The urban cafs focus on affordable quality and its international
menu was a much-needed game changer for Hanois culinary
establishment. Its wide selection of tapas dishes and handmade
cupcakes have now made it a pet favourite.
Even with so many new kids on the block, its hard to shake an
institution like Puku thatll deliver greasy hash browns and bacon
sandwiches to your door at literally any hour of the day. Further
north, fellow brunch-master Commune follows close behind with its
modest-but-poignant mix of baguettes and breakfast treats.
Newcomer Six Degrees on Nghi Tam has made a big splash this
year with its sweeping views of West Lake and the Red River, while
serving up reasonably priced gourmet cuisine and curious-sounding
waffle sandwiches.
Nha San Caf, a rural Muong ethnic minority house on stilts run
by the avant-garde Nha San Collective, is located in the quiet streets of
Vinh Phuc. With its impressive collection of Subsidy Era and wartime
antiques, and unpretentious drinks-only menu, its easy to see why this
one has charmed its way into the final spot in our Top 10.
Hanoi
Caf RuNam
Commune
Cong Caphe
Joma
KAfe
ID Caf
Manzi
LUsine
Phuc Long
Puku
Starbucks
Six Degrees
The Workshop
WORK Saigon
[a] caf
Boo Caf
Caf Centro
Caf Kinh Do
Era Caf
Caf Pho Co
Fix Republic
La Rotonde
Kafe Village
Kitchen
The Loop
Oriberry
Things Caf
Ray Quan
Urban Station
Yolo
THE
2014
NI
TC L
TN
TOP
GH
AM
WORDIES
VI
U B S IN
THE TOP
NIGHTCLUBS
IN VIETNAM
een too long since last Ladies Night? Up for some bad
decisions and want a good excuse for having made them?
Check out our judges selections of the best nightspots
in Vietnam, and find the cure for what ails you (sobriety).
Hanoi
Gyrating its way to the top of our ballot pile, The Bank is your
favourite place to hit the town and twerk your respective derrieres.
Complete with state-of-the-art lasers, roped-off areas, bottle service
and bathroom attendants, Hanois hippest club is the citys Mecca
for party-seekers and visiting DJs.
Anchored off Pier 1 in Tay Ho, floating fortress Taboo Bar and
Lounge was your second favourite place to see and be seen. Never
failing to cause a traffic jam on Thuy Khue on a Saturday night,
Taboos raised stages and winding stairwells are the perfect place to
as their motto encourages unlock your secret.
Rounding out our list is Level 10. Hidden up high and away from
the hustle and bustle, the clubs attentive cocktail staff, slick dcor
and sweeping views make it a good place to let your hair down and
meet Hanois most vibrant party animals.
THE
WORDIES
B
Vuvuzela in Saigon
RC
AM
2014
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Brauhaus also popular in the city to the north. With the Saigon
branch dating back to 2001, its the first brewpub in Vietnam, and
whether you believe theyve made the most of that head start or not,
at least they dont have puke sinks.
Bursting onto the Hanoi scene last year, Vuvuzela tops our list with
its vast selection of imported brews and tasty beer accompaniments,
including beef carpaccio and glazed chicken wings. Located in Hoan
Kiem District, the beer club has been a firm favourite with the after
work business crowd.
Coming in at a close second, Hoa Vien Brauhaus specialises in its
own variations of Czech beer brewed in-house and poured on tap.
This distinctly Vietnamese beer hall also serves up a mix of Czech
and Vietnamese fare, all suitably aimed to line/grease the stomach
in between strong pitchers of golden ale.
Fellow Czech-inspired pub Pilsner Urquell snags the final spot
on our list. Whether its the weirdly technologised toilet seats,
authentically decorated walls or English-speaking staff, this place
has plenty to offer beer-lovers and casual beer drinkers alike. The
balanced brews are concocted to the highest possible standards,
while the happy hours are second to none.
Hanoi
THE
2014
SEE
IN
PLACE
WORDIES
SI
TOP
kay, so we occasionally hype stuff up a bit, but damn 2014 was good to us live
music fans. And it wasnt so much the periodic thrill of seeing live acts like The
Lemonheads and Jagwar Ma come through that got us excited for the future,
but rather seeing venues like Cargo Bar/Q4 come into their own, and festivals
like ASEAN Fest figure out their formula with hosting by the versatile American Club
playing a big part.
So you know the usual suspects: in Ho Chi Minh City, head to Acoustic if youre looking
for virtuosic covers in Hanoi its Rockstore. For a touch of the weird, Saigon Outcast is a
fitting backdrop in the southern city, while Madake mixes it up in the north. CAMA ATK and
Hanoi Rock City handle the big draws, and have for years, while Cargo is finally realising the
potential crowds it was built for (1,100 paid entry to the Run For Cover: Halloween Party a
local band showcase!). 2014 debutantes Saigon Ranger and Eden Hanoi are ones to watch.
But local tastes for live music are growing, outpacing the ambitions of yesteryear, couching
mega-concerts in quirky outdoor concepts. Its no longer if you build it, they will come
theyve come, and those live music cravings weve had forever are finally being satisfied.
VIE T N A M
U
LIV E M
THE
GU
ES
Tim Doling
2014
DS
WORDIES
R
TJ
U D G E AWA
45-47 Le Duan, Q1
Last month it was announced that the
former Cercle des Officiers (Officers
Mess) of 1876 is to be demolished to
make way for a new high-rise.
WHAT
YOU
SAY
Reborn
Saigon Outcast
An Oi
Catinat Building
159-161 Ly Tu Trong, Q1
OMG
Lola Guimond
FAME Nails
Last Call
Lydmor
Regurgitator
Le Cat Trong Ly
Perhaps Vietnams
Anchorsong
Blue Hawaii
Say Oms
Ngot
The Offensive
George Burchett
The Best Bia Hoi in Hanoi
An artist and perhaps one of only a
handful of Caucasians born in Hanoi
during the war era, George Burchett
just loves his bia hoi. Heres his pick
of where to go to get your favourite
tipple.
Bia Hoi 68
Nick Greenfield
The Best Hamburgers in Hanoi
The general manager of the Press Club,
together with friend and colleague Darren
Gall, Kurt Walter has been doing the
rounds of Hanois burgers.
A long-term resident of the capital with
a nose for the finer things in life, according
to Kurt, the best burgers in Hanoi can be
found at El Gaucho (11 Trang Tien, Hoan
Kiem); JW Marriott (8 Do Duc Duc, Me
Kurt Walter
wordvietnam.com | December 2014 Word | 89
Phu Quoc
Dalat
Hoi An
Phu Quoc
Sapa
Agree to Disagree
2014
NA
DE
ST
VI
IN A
TIO N S IN
ET
TOP
WORDIES
THE
Hue
The Judges
Ha Giang
insider
INSIDER
NATIONAL
The Rebirth of
Vietnamese Chocolate
In 2011, Vincent Mourou and Samuel Maruta
a pair of French expats living in Ho Chi
Minh City came back from a trip out of
the city with a small sack of cocoa beans
and an idea. What started as an evening of
Google-assisted experiments on Samuels
kitchen table soon became Marou Chocolate,
today an award-winning range of singlesource gourmet bars grown and produced
entirely in Vietnam and sold in 25 countries
worldwide.
Using nothing more than cocoa, cocoa
butter and sugar, their products are a return
to artisanal chocolate making traditions.
Our process is simple, explained Vincent
when I met the pair at their factory in Thu
Duc before our expedition. We like to say
that we find the taste at the farm. Were not
magicians and we dont want to be. Its a lot
more fun to find great cocoa.
Raising Standards
Were it not for Marou, such a fate may have
befallen Toan. From his two-hectare field in
Dong Nai, he has been growing cocoa since
2010 as well as fermenting his own harvest
a process vital to the quality, flavour and
value of the beans.
When Marou first came here, Toan says,
they checked the fermented beans and said
that the quality was not right, so I had to
sell to other buyers at a much lower price.
When they came back, Marou helped me
with the fermentation process. They showed
me how to monitor the timings and check
temperatures so I could sell good beans to
them.
With Alexandres supervision, Toan was
able to increase the value of his harvest by
over 30 percent in just two months.
Our process is
simple, explained
Vincent Mourou. We
like to say that we find
the taste at the farm.
Were not magicians
and we dont want to
be. Its a lot more fun
to find great cocoa
insider
INSIDER
HANOI
Tadioto
After putting so much energy into the
popular Tadioto bar, owner and operator
Nguyen Qui Duc had no plans to reinvest in
hospitality after the precinct closed.
But sometimes an entrepreneurial and
adventurous flame can be hard to extinguish,
and so it was when Duc came across a perfect
space near the Hanoi Opera House. In early
2014, the new Tadioto opened its doors.
To be fair, this is a far more pretentious
location than an old factory with dubious
safety standards. But there is also no doubt
that the surrounding business and luxuryshopping district had been crying out for a
cool and chic venue where you could settle
Tadioto
Zone 9 gave us
the publicity and the
standing to help people
know what we were
doing super fast
almost overnight. You
had all these people
coming through and
visiting and thats
how a lot of people
found us
Barbetta Centre
X98
Opening its doors as recently as October
2014, X98, a once-thriving entertainment and
arts venue in Zone 9, has reemerged bearing
a striking resemblance to its forbearer.
New Beginnings
insider
INSIDER
HCMC
Murder on the
Red Carpet
At a swanky soire, Niko Savvas uses his reporter instincts to expose a killer. Photos by Francis Xavier
Dressed to Kill
If I was to have any hope of scoring a juicy
quote, however, I needed to act (and look)
the part. The name didnt give me much to
work with. Joe Svenson sounded like the
name of a lumberjack or a semi-successful
used vacuum salesman.
My character card suggested I dress in
my most fashion-forward designer outfit,
which was slightly more helpful than
saying wear clothes, but not by much. So
I was on my own.
At first I thought of going as a Jazz
Age news reporter complete with fedora,
suspenders and over-caffeinated nasal voice.
Lookee here see, whats the big idea with
this new talkie in the works? Which choice
dame is gonna get the lead? Is some blind
tiger slinging suds on the side? Poppycock!
Horsefeathers! Calvin Coolidge!
Then I realised this would probably get
tiring after five minutes.
I decided to play it Miami Vice style,
figuring coked out paparazzi slimeball
would be a more sustainable persona. For
my costume I wore a white linen suit over
a neon sky blue shirt, with some matching
ear studs and a turquoise ring. A giant
gold chain with a lions head rounded out
the ensemble. The outfit could have been
stolen from a Cuban drug lords closet.
Le Petit Mort
At some point in the night a person got
murdered, the evidence was examined,
and the murderer was revealed. Joe
Svenson didnt pay much attention to any
of this. Instead he slunk around the room
with his camera, snapping scandalous
cleavage shots and eavesdropping on
people who were more important than
him.
He mercilessly critiqued the sartorial
faux pas of his fellow guests. He bemoaned
his lack of industry connections. He
unsuccessfully flirted with a woman twice
his age and weight. He almost threw up
on the sidewalk. He found himself outside
McDonalds at 3am, wallowing in shame
and Chicken McNuggets.
He had to admit that Annette Lorde was
right. It was exactly like a real Hollywood
party.
To read more about the parties, check
facebook.com/mysteriesinsaigon. The next
party, Terror in a Toga, will take place in
Saigons District 7 on Friday Dec. 19
MYSTERY DINER
HANOI
The Finale
The desserts are listed on a separate
menu but dont offer much in the
way of heavy continental pastries.
However, with each spoonful of our
refreshing mango cream served with
grass jelly and pomelo (VND75,000),
I became convinced that eating cake
after five courses of Chinese food
would have been a bad idea.
Taking our final sips of jasmine
tea, we savoured the views of the
Hanoi Convention Centre from our
corner of Crystal Jades elegantly
proportioned dining room. Just like
the food, the destination had been an
experience in itself.
Crystal Jade Palace presents a
compelling choice for those who like
their Chinese food authentic and their
service with a flourish.
Crystal Jade Palace is in the JW
Marriott, 8, Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, Tu
Liem, Tel: (04) 3833 5588
THE VERDICT
13
FOOD
12
SERVICE
11
DCOR
STREET SNACKER
HANOI
Trade Secrets
MYSTERY DINER
HCMC
Racha Room
Down to Business
My visit to Racha Room was my
fourth, but on previous occasions Id
been there as a drinker, only sampling
bites and morsels of other peoples
dishes.
Arriving without an entourage
of fellow revellers, this time I found
myself taking in the ambience. Bare
brick walls, high ceilings, a bar area,
THE VERDICT
13
FOOD
12
SERVICE
14
DCOR
STREET SNACKER
HCMC
fashion
Winter
in Hanoi
A change in the weather ushers in a change
in the fashion. And with temperatures
starting to dip, its time to get out the
winter clothing.
Photos, styling, hair and makeup by Julie
Vola
Clothes from Kilometer 109, Magonn
and Emporium
Modelling by Amy Pons and Laurinda
Belcher
Amy
Jacket, shirt and pants
from
Kilometer
109
Bracelet
Emporium
from
Laurinda
Grey dress, Cattan @ Emporium, VND1,150,000
Amy
Red pants, Magonn, VND920,000 | Grey
Sweater, Georges @ Emporium, VND360,000 |
Shoes, Emporium, VND800,000
Laurinda
Grey pants, VND920,000 |
Cardigan, VND920,000. Shirt,
VND450,000 | Grey coat,
VND1,980,000. All from Magonn
| Necklace from Emporium,
VND1,500,000
Amy
Penny Lane dress, VND1,350,000
| Blue coat, VND1,950,000 | Red
clutch, VND920,000. All from
Magonn | Shoes from Emporium,
VND800,000
travel
Rwanda
Passport-Eating Dogs,
Volcanoes and Gorillas
When Danny Armstrong went to sleep in Rwanda at
night, he didnt know about the suspense and beauty the
morning would bring. Photos by Frankie Randle
Disaster Strikes
However, the local Kigali dog populace
Testing Fate
The remaining members couldnt let this
tragic turn of events sap our morale, as we
were going to need every ounce of strength
we could muster as we set off for the
Virunga Mountain range where gorillas
and volcanoes awaited.
Do not attempt to climb Mount Bisoke
in the wet season, which is in April; do
not climb this volcano if you are not an
experienced mountaineer; make sure you
have enough supplies, like water; and please
make sure you have the correct mountainclimbing attire, it reads in the guidebook.
We were not privy to this information and
given that it was in fact April, none of us had
any experience going up mountains, we had
very little water and were dressed like we
were going for a Sunday stroll, it may have
proved useful. On the other hand, it may
have prevented us from choosing to go up.
The peak of Mount Bisoke sits at an
elevation of 3,711 metres and is an active
volcano with the benefit of hindsight Im
glad our desperately unlucky friend did not
accompany us, as it no doubt would have
erupted! There were times when we crawled
through mud on all fours for what seemed
an eternity, hour after hour. At some point
I broke through the pain barrier and was
in a strange euphoric state which was
shattered on the way down.
The eldest member of our group suffered
terribly and at times broke into what
sounded like fluent Chinese and at other
times made noises similar to what I was to
20 Years Ago
As we left the gorillas our ranger gave us a
moving talk about the genocide of 1994.
The result of growing tension between
the Hutu majority and Tutsi minority, the
spark point came when a plane carrying
the Hutu President, Juvnal Habyarimana,
was shot down. The following day the
conservative elements of the Hutus went
on the rampage, slaughtering moderate
Hutu and Tutsi. By the time the genocidal
killings came to an end, 20 percent of the
population were lost to the madness.
Although there has since been a period
of reconciliation and healing, Rwanda
remains unstable and tension still bubbles
under the surface. Everyone in the country
has been scarred by this trauma in some
way, and despite much forgiveness, it is a
memory that is difficult to forget.
Yet, such is the beauty of this altitude
land, that it remains one of the most
stunning travel locations in Africa. In the
same way that so many people now head
to Cambodia, which had its period of
genocide in the late 1970s, travellers should
not be put off by the scars of the past.
As our ranger explained to us, as a
nation, Rwandans must never allow
anything so terrible to occur again.
Information
You can fly to Rwanda via Nairobi with
Thai Airways and Turkish Airways. Both
do direct flights to the Kenyan capital.
From there youll need to hop on a
Kenyan Airways flight to Kigali.
Wikitravel has a fairly comprehensive
travel guide to Rwanda online. Click
on wikitravel.org/en/Rwanda for
information.
travel
TRAVEL
NATIONAL
The Bluffs
Glen Riley got invited to the three day-long opening of The Bluffs,
a Greg Norman-designed golf course in Ho Tram. He even got a
chance to meet the great man himself
Bring it On
Put up at the Ho Tram Grand, the enormous
Las Vegas-style resort complex replete
with a casino, the first evening was given
up to a pool party and a buffet with live
entertainment from well-known model and
DJ, Angie Vu Ha. Of course the standard
speeches came as part of the package. The
audience was introduced to the various
Ho Tram is an ecologically
delicate area. Here the
ecology has, as much as
possible, been left intact
Teeing Off
The second day was our entourage of
guests and journalists introduction to
The Bluffs. It started with speeches we
were told what had been involved in
transforming this sandy, hilly outcrop into
the golf course that is.
The Bluffs has been built with full
respect for the lands natural topography.
The course designers and Norman himself
have worked hard to avoid the typical
environmental issues that can come with
the construction of golf courses. Ho Tram
is an ecologically delicate area. Here the
ecology has, as much as possible, been left
intact.
One of the issues was getting the right
grass so that it wouldnt affect the natural
landscape. Strategic lakes have also been
placed within the course all the water
feeds into the lakes and is purified and
re-used. Already this is ticking the right
boxes.
travel
DAY TRIPPER
HCMC
Bien Hoa
hy are you
going there?
Counting
out
VND46,000, I paused. The
ticket agent frowned, baffled.
Why not go to Mui Ne or Phan
Thiet?
I explained it was for fun, that
I was writing a story about Bien
Hoa.
Still puzzled, she handed me
two tickets, saying, Good luck.
I think she was wishing me
luck at finding fun in Bien Hoa.
Dont be surprised by similar
reactions when announcing
youre deliberately going to
Bien Hoa. Despite only being
a 45-minute train ride away
from Ho Chi Minh City, many
Saigonites seem to regard it as
part howling wilderness, part
bleak industrial exurb.
Its neither. Its a fun little
town, with more possibilities
than the uninitiated think, easily
enough for a pleasant day or
weekend getaway. The train
ride is cheap and quick, though
cab fare mounts up once there.
Driving takes twice as long.
Buses are even cheaper, though
schedules are limited.
The train has the added bonus
of going over the Ghenh and
Rach Cat Bridges, built by one
M. Gustave Eiffel, famous for a
couple other little trifles in Paris
and New York... though these
little bridges are deservedly not
world-famous.
understood my Vietnamese,
so ordering took time. Im
fairly confident we got what
we requested, point-and-grunt
being universal.
Its sad when the best thing
about a restaurant is the rice.
Everything looked beautiful,
and KTans garlic-fried rice
was good, but the colourful
mango salad included a
smoked fish (Tastes more like
smoked mud, commented my
companion), complete with
pop-eyed head, not listed in
the menu. The grilled goat
with soya cheese was actually
deep-fried in margarine, and
even sweet garlic sauce couldnt
enliven steamed sweet potato
buds.
Lang Buoi:
Pomelo, Pomelo and More Pomelo
Tan Trieu
Our second lunch was far
better, at Lang Buoi, a riverside
restaurant of thatched huts and
tables scattered amid artfully
tamed jungle, next to a pomelo
orchard. According to a local
friend, Lang Buoi was the first
pomelo-orchard restaurant, now
much imitated.
Here too were local delicacies
field eel, selachian, herring,
game birds, boar alongside
dishes from many regions of
Vietnam (but usually including
pomelo.) The Hmong chicken
looked particularly intriguing.
Finally, we chose bap xao, an
appetiser of fried corn, followed
The Friendliest
Man in Town
Despite
only being a
45-minute train
ride away from
Ho Chi Minh
City, many
Saigonites seem
to regard it as
part howling
wilderness, part
bleak industrial
exurb
travel
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AIRLINES
travel
AIR ASIA
$$$$
Le Lai, Dalat, Tel: (063)
3555888
anamandara-resort.com
DALAT PALACE
$$$$
12 Ho Tung Mau, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 5444
dalatpalace.vn
CUC PHUONG
$
Cuc Phuong, Nho Quan, Ninh
Binh, Tel: (030) 384 8006
cucphuongtourism.com
$$$$
Tel: (04) 3935 1888
emeraude-cruises.com
Reproductions, of 19th
century paddle steamers,
trawl around Halong Bay
in colonial style. A classic
experience, complete with,
overnight accommodations
in impeccable cabins suites.
LA FERME DU COLVERT
$$
Cu Yen, Luong Son, Hoa Binh,
Tel: 02183 825662
etoile-des-mers.com
LA VIE VU LINH
$
Ngoi Tu Village, Vu Linh, Yen
Bai , Tel: (04) 3926 2743
lavievulinh.com
$
22 Bui Thi Xuan, Dalat, Tel:
(063) 382 2663
AROUND HANOI
BEST WESTERN PEARL RIVER
HOTEL
$$$
KM 8 Pham Van Dong, Duong
Kinh, Hai Phong, Tel: (031)
388 0888
pearlriverhotel.vn
$$$
Tel: 0933 446542
bhayacruises.com
Experience breathtaking
$$$
Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh,
Tel: (0218) 386 8959
maichaulodge.com
$$
Ha Long Road, Bai Chay
Ward, Ha Long City, Quang
Ninh, Tel: (033) 384 8108
novotelhalong.com.vn
HANOI - INTERNATIONAL
CROWNE PLAZA WEST INTERNATIONAL
$$$
36 Le Duc Tho, My Dinh Commune, Tu Liem, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 6270 6688
crowneplazawesthanoi.com
This premier five-star
property lies beside the My
Dinh National Stadium and
Convention Centre. Boasts
two swimming pools, a spa,
and a fitness centre in its 24
stories.
DAEWOO HOTEL
360 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3831 5555
www.hanoi-daewoohotel.
com
This enormous structure
offers the most modern of
amenities, and with four
restaurants and two bars,
the events staff is well
equipped to handle any occasion. Close to the National
Convention Center, and a
favourite of the business
traveller, Daewoo even
boasts an outdoor driving
range. Shortly to become a
Marriot property.
HOTEL DE LOPERA
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555
contact@hoteldelopera.com
Resting just a step away
from the Opera House, the
hotel mixes colonial architectural accents and theatrical interior design to create a contemporary space.
The first boutique five star
in the heart of Hanoi, the
lavish, uniquely designed
107 rooms and suites contain all the mod cons and
are complimented by two
restaurants, a bar and complimentary Wi-Fi.
INTERCONTINENTAL HANOI
WESTLAKE
1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6270 8888
www.hanoi.intercontinental.
com
This stunning property built
over West Lake falls in between a hotel and a resort.
Beautiful views, great balcony areas, comfortable,
top-end accommodation and
all the mod-cons make up the
mix here together with the
resorts three in-house restaurants and the Sunset Bar,
a watering hole located on a
thoroughfare over the lake.
Great gym and health club.
JW MARRIOTT HANOI
8, Do Duc Duc, Me Tri, Tu
Liem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3833
5588
jwmarriotthanoi.com
From the expressive architecture outside to the
authentic signature JW
Marriott services inside,
this Marriott hotel in Hanoi
MELIA HANOI
44B Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 3343
www.meliahanoi.com
Excellently located in central
Hanoi, Melia Hanoi draws
plenty of business travellers and is also a popular
venue for conferences and
wedding receptions. Stateof-the-art rooms, elegant
restaurants, stylish bars,
fully equipped fitness centre with sophisticated service always make in-house
guests satisfied.
PULLMAN HOTEL
$$$$
40 Cat Linh, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3733 0808
pullman-hanoi.com
With deluxe rooms and
suites, a contemporary
lobby, an excellent buffet,
and a la carte restaurant,
this Accor group property
is prestigious and close to
the Old Quarter.
SHERATON
K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu,
Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3719 9000
www.sheraton.com/hanoi
www.airasia.com
AIR FRANCE
130 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3825 8583
www.airfrance.com.vn
AIR MEKONG
1st Floor, Centre Point
Building, 106 Nguyen Van
Troi, Phu Nhuan
Tel: (08) 3846 3999
www.airmekong.com.vn
AMERICAN AIRLINES
194 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3. Tel: 3933 0330
www.aa.com
CATHAY PACIFIC
5th Floor, Centec Tower,
72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3
Tel: 3822 3203
www.cathaypacific.com/
vn
CHINA AIRLINES
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Tel: 3911 1591
www.china-airlines.com
JAPAN AIRLINES
3rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel,
88 Dong Khoi, Q1
Tel: 3821 9098
www.vn.jal.com
JETSTAR PACIFIC
www.jetstar.com/vn
KOREAN AIR
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3824 2878
www.koreanair.com
LAO AIRLINES
93 Pasteur, Q1
Tel: 3822 6990
www.laoairlines.com
MALAYSIA AIRLINES
Ground Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Q1
Tel: 3829 2529
www.malaysiaairlines.
com
SINGAPORE AIRLINES
Saigon Tower Bulding,
Room 101, 29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3823 1588
www.singaporeair.com
THAI AIRWAYS
29 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: 3822 3365
www.thaiairways.com.vn
TIGER AIRWAYS
www.tigerair.com
VIETJETAIR
www.vietjetair.com
VIETNAM AIRLINES
27B Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1
Tel: 3832 0320
www.vietnamairlines.com
travel
HANOI MID-RANGE
6 ON SIXTEEN
16 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem
www.sixonsixteen.com
Another boutique hotel to
grace Hanois Old Quarter,
the six rooms here mix contemporary and fresh with
handicrafts and antique.
Breakfast is included and in
the long, lounge restaurant
on the second floor, homestyle Vietnamese fare is
served up with fresh fruit
juices and Lavazza coffee.
$$$
109-111 Hang Gai, Hoan
Kiem, Hanoi, Tel: (04) 3928
6969
goldensilkhotel.com
Located in the centre of the
Old Quarter, this little slice of
heaven offers complimentary sundries and a replenishable minibar. The Orient
restaurant, serves the finest
in international and Vietnamese cuisine.
hanovahotel.com
A minute from Hoan Kiem
Lake, this glowing pearl in
the heart of Hanoi provides
tranquility with an art gallery
and piano bar.
MAY DE VILLE
24 Han Thuyen, Hai Ba
Trung, Tel: (04) 2222 9988
Set in the old French Quarter
a short walk from the Opera
House, May de Ville City Centre is a welcome new addition to the capital. Combining
contemporary architecture
with traditional Vietnamese
style and materials, this elegant property has 81 wellappointed rooms including
four suites.
HANOI BUDGET
HANOI BACKBACKERS HOSTEL
48 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 5372
www.hanoibackpackershostel.com
Probably the cheapest, European-style hostel in town,
with bunk-style beds mixed
or single-sex dorms starting at VND150,000, plus
a couple of double suites
from VND250,000. A place
to meet like-minded fold in
the Old Quarter.
HCMC - INTERNATIONAL
CARAVELLE HOTEL
$$$$
19 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
Winner of Robb Reports
2006 list of the worlds top
100 luxury hotels, the Caravelle houses the popular
rooftop Saigon Saigon bar,
and the restaurants Nineteen and Reflections.
DUXTON HOTEL
$$$
63 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2999
saigon.duxtonhotels.com
Famous for its daylong
rotatingmenu buffets, the
Duxton deserves luxury appellation with a pool, gym,
spa, and fine dining.
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON
$$$$$
Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
In the heart of Ho Chi Minh
City, resides the Asiana with
signature dining options,
an innovative cocktail bar,
exclusive spa and health
club, together with luxury
boutique arcade.
$$$$
2A4A Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 3333
legendsaigon.com
Immaculate architecture,
spacious rooms, and a fine
selection of fine dining, with
buffets specialising in Americana and Pan-Asian cuisine.
$$$$
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Former guests include U.S.
presidents two Bushes,
Clinton and K-Pop sensation Bi Rain. An ongoing event
as well as a hotel, New World
is one of the best luxury
stops in town.
PARK HYATT
$$$$$
2 Lam Son Square, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
Fabulous in style, prime in
location, everything one
would expect from the Hyatt.
The Square One and Italianthemed Opera restaurants
have garnered an excellent
reputation, as has the landscaped pool.
$$$
242 Tran Binh Trong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3839 7777
equatorial.com/hcm
This massive property
boasts seven dining and
entertainment outlets, a
business centre, meeting
rooms and a comprehensive fitness centre and spa.
The Equatorial also has an
on-site casino.
REX HOTEL
$$$$$
235 Nguyen Van Cu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 7777
hotelnikkosaigon.com.vn
RIVERSIDE APARTMENTS
53 Vo Truong Toan, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4111
riverside-apartments.com
Situated on the banks of the
Saigon River, a 15-minute
scenic boat ride or 20-minute bus ride from town,
Riversides complementary
shuttle services take you
right in the city centre. With
152 fully equipped serviced
apartments, the property
offers special packages for
short-term stay starting at
VND2.1 million per apartment per night for a onebedroom facility.
RIVERSIDE HOTEL
$$$$$
1819-20 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1417
riversidehotelsg.com
This distinct French architectural wonder offers
complimentary Wi-Fi, airport
pickup or drop off, a 4th floor
ballroom, and authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the River
Restaurant.
SHERATON
$$$$$
88 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 2828
sheraton.com/saigon
Sheraton boasts one of
the best locations in town,
with firstclass facilities,
an openair restaurant 23
floors above the city and
a live music venue on the
same floor.
$$$$
17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
This 20story building in
downtown Saigon, caters
to upscale business and
leisure travelers seeking a
classic yet contemporary
stay in Saigon.
WINDSOR PLAZA
$$$
18 An Duong Vuong, Q5, Tel:
(08) 3833 6688
windsorplazahotel.com
The full ensemble with its
own shopping hub (including
a bank), fine dining, a sauna,
health club, and superb
panoramic views of the cityscape. Also hosts the largest
Oktoberfest in the region.
HCMC - DELUXE
CONTINENTAL
$$$
132-134 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 9201
continentalhotel.com.vn
HOTEL MAJESTIC
$$$
1 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 5517
majesticsaigon.com.vn
NORFOLK HOTEL
$$$
117 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 5368
norfolkhotel.com.vn
Intimate atmosphere and excellent service, this boutique
business hotel is located
minutes from famous landmarks, designer shops, and
is renowned for its fabulous
steaks at its in-house restaurant, Corso.
$$$
167 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3822 4866
novotel-saigon-centre.com
Novotel Saigon Centre has
a contemporary feel, an
international buffet The
Square a rooftop bar, and
a wellness centre including a
swimming pool, gym, sauna
and spa.
$$$
144 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu
Josephs Hotel
Foreign-run,boutique hotel
Next to the cathedral
$$$$$
148 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 8686
pullmanhotels.com
Recently completed on the
site of the old Metropole,
this upscale, contemporary
property boasts 306 signature rooms combining
design, comfort and connectivity. Innovative cuisine,
a great downtown location
and high-tech meeting venues able to host up to 600
guests make up the mix.
EQUATORIAL
$$$$
141 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2185
rexhotelvietnam.com
travel
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 3999 8888
starcitysaigon.vn
The newly-built hotel is near
Tan Son Nhat International
Airport. With spectacular
city views and a comfortablydesigned outdoor swimming
pool, there is little reason not
to choose this shining star.
HCMC - MID-RANGE
ROYAL HOTEL SAIGON
$$
133 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 5914
kimdohotel.com
EMM HOTEL
157 Pasteur, Q3
A sleek, contemporary threestar hotel that mixes vintage
appeal and modern chic
thanks to a subdued palette
of white and grey around two
pop colours: azalea pink
and green hot pepper. Part
of the Thien Minh Group that
includes Victoria Hotels and
Buffalo Tours.
$$$
46 and 73-75 Thu Khoa
Huan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
7926
lanlanhotel.com.vn
$$
195 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2222
thaodienvillage.com
A colonialstyle hotel and
spa offers fine Italian, Thai
and Japanese dining. Manicured gardens and a view
that overlook the bank of
the Saigon River, this is truly
someplace special.
$$$
133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh,
Phu Nhuan, Tel: 08 6256
9966
alcovehotel.com.vn
HCMC - BUDGET
DUC VUONG HOTEL
$
195 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 6992
ducvuonghotel.com
Free WiFi offered in every
room. Low prices, friendly
staff, clean rooms. This modern oasis is only a few steps
from the backpackers area.
DUNA HOTEL
$
167 Pham Ngu Lao Q1, Tel:
(08) 3837 3699
dunahotel.com
$
185/28 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3836 1915
honghoavn.com
$
157 Nguyen Du Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 4648
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sinhhuonghotel.com.vn
CUA DAI
$
544, Cua Dai, Hoi An, Tel:
(0510) 386 2231
hotelcuadai-hoian.com/
$$$
Truong Sa, Hoa Hai, Ngu
Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 396 1800
danangbeachresort.com.vn
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang, Tel:
(0511) 384 7888
furamavietnam.com
$$$$
Hoa Hai, Ngu Hanh Son, Da
Nang, Tel: (0511) 398 1234
danang.regency.hyatt.com
The Hyatt Regency Danang
Resort and Spa is beachfront
with a stunning view of the
Marble Mountains. There
are 182 luxurious residences and 27 private ocean villas, each with a private pool.
$$$
Tam Hai Island, Thon 4, Nui
Thanh, Quang Nam, Tel:
(0510) 354 5105
domainedetamhai.com
$$$
1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An,
Tel: (0510) 391 4555
life-resorts.com
MERCURE DANANG
$$$
Lot A1 Zone Green Island,
Hoa Cuong Bac, Hai Chau,
Danang, Tel: (0511) 379
7777
mercure-danang.com
$$$$
Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My,
Ngu Hanh Son, Danang
Tel: (0511) 395 8888
pullman-danang.com
Located on the stunning
white sands of Bac My An
Beach, the stylish Pullman
Danang Beach Resort is
an oasis of activities and
facilities for the modern
traveller. With an idyllic setting, this luxury property is
perfect for a family holiday
or romantic beach getaway.
And with extensive function
facilities, Pullman Danang
also provides the a great location for your next incentive
getaway or event.
$$$$
Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Village,
Quang Nam, Tel: (0510) 394
0000
ghmhotels.com
Includes three massive
swimming pools, a gourmet restaurant and elegant
spa on a lotus pond. Each
massive room has its own
espresso machine, pre
programmed iPod and both
indoor and outdoor showers.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5800
angsana.com/en/lang_co
Located on Vietnams South
Central Coast, Angsana Lang
Co commands an unrivalled
beach frontage of the shimmering East Sea. Traditional
Vietnamese design encompasses the resorts contemporary buildings and chic
interiors.
$$$$
Cu Du Village, Loc Vinh Commune, Phu Loc, Thua Thien,
Hue, Tel: (054) 369 5888
banyantree.com/en/
lang_co
Built on a crescent bay, The
Banyan Tree offers privacy
and unparalleled exclusivity
with all-pool villas reflecting
the cultural and historical
legacy of past Vietnamese
dynastic periods.
LA RESIDENCE
$$$$
5 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 383
7475
laresidencehue.com
$
66 Le Loi, Hue, Tel: (054) 382
6736
hoangphuonghotel.com
NHA TRANG
EVASON ANA MANDARA AND SIX
SENSES SPA
$$$$
Beachside Tran Phu, Nha
Trang, Khanh Hoa, Tel: (058)
352 2222
sixsenses.com/evasonresorts/ana-mandara/
destination
2.6 hectares of private
beachside gardens and
villastyle accommodation
furnished in traditional native woods, this resort offers verandah dining, a pool
bar and the signature Six
Senses Spa.
$
Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Hoa, Khanh
Hoa, Tel: (058) 362 2384
junglebeachvietnam.com
On a secluded promontory north of Nha Trang, this
budget place is all about
hammocks, the sea, the jungle and nature.
$$$$
Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong,
Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa, Tel:
(058) 398 9666
mianhatrang.com
$$$
50 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Tel:
(058) 625 6900
novotel-nhatrang.com
This four-star hotel with
154 guestrooms, all with
a terrace and sea view.
Complete with a pool, spa,
restaurant, bar and meeting room that caters for up
to 200 delegates.
$$$
1214 Tran Phu, Nha Trang,
Tel: (058) 382 0999
sunrisenhatrang.com.vn
$$$$
8 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
374 3777
allezboo.com
This resort offers exotic
$$$$
54 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7322
blueoceanresort.com.vn
life-resorts.com
COCO BEACH
$$$$
58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Phan Thiet, Tel: (062)
384 7111
cocobeach.net
With charming wooden
bungalows, a private beach,
a swimming pool (both with
attached bars) and a French
restaurant, Coco Beach continues to be run by those who
opened it in 1995.
$$$
24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui
Ne, Tel: (062) 384 7440
miamuine.com
$$$$
Mui Ne Beach, Phan Thiet,
Tel: (062) 381 3000
victoriahotels.asia
Another beachfront Victoria
chain, the thatchedroof
bungalows and family villas
are set in exotic gardens
with an infinity swimming
pool, a seafood restaurant, spa, beauty salon and
jacuzzi.
PHONG NHA
EASY TIGER AND JUNGLE BAR
$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7844
easytigerphongnha@gmail.
com
A hostel and street-front bar
all in one. Has a pleasant,
airy atmosphere in the bar
and restaurant area while
the 52 dorm beds four
beds to a room go for
US$8 (VND168,000) each a
night.
HO KHANH'S HOMESTAY
$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: 01299 597182
phong-nha-homestay.com
PEPPER HOUSE
$
Tel: 01678 731560
pepperhouse-homestay.com
$$
Hoa Son, Cu Nam, Bo Trach,
Quang Binh, Tel: (052) 367
5135
phong-nha-cave.com
The first western-run farmstay in Phong Nha, this wellappointed travellers joint
has a great bar and restaurant area, a swimming pool
out back and views overlooking paddy fields and
mountains. Rooms start at
VND600,000 for a twin or
double, with a family room
for five costing VND1.4 million a night.
$$
Khuong Ha, Hung Trach, Bo
Trach, Quang Binh, Tel: (052)
367 5999
phongnhalakehouse.com
$$$
Son Trach, Bo Trach, Quang
Binh, Tel: (052) 367 7016
sgphongnhahotel@yahoo.
com.vn
PHU QUOC
BEACH CLUB RESORT
$$
Ap Cua Lap, Xa Duong To,
Long Beach, Phu Quoc Island, Tel: (077) 398 0998
beachclubvietnam.com
A quaint and popular island
guesthouse featuring a
beachside restaurant, and
includes free Wi-Fi. Motorbike rental, boat trips and
tours are easily arranged.
Discount rates during rainy
season.
$$$$
Bai Xep, Ong Lang, Cua
Duong, Phu Quoc, Kien Giang,
Tel: (077) 399 5895
centarahotelsresorts.com
MANGO BAY
$$
Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc,
Tel: 0903 382207
mangobayphuquoc.com
An ecofriendly approach
with a gorgeous beachside
location, the bungalows are
made of rammed earth, no
TVs or telephones (although
Wi-Fi is available). Excellent
sunsets from the beach bar.
SAPA
CAT CAT VIEW HOTEL
$$
Cat Cat Road, Tel: 0203
871946
catcathotel.com
The best view in town from its
bar restaurant, the Cat Cat
Guesthouse is paradise at
very reasonable rates. The
rooms have big windows,
balconies, and log fireplaces.
travel
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$$
Thanh Kim, Sapa, Lao Cai
Tel: (04) 3715 1005 (Sales)
topasecolodge.com
With its panoramic views of
the surrounding mountains
and valley, Topas Ecolodge
is the perfect place to experience the remoteness and
quiet of the Northern Vietnamese mountains the
landscape, the fresh air and
the ethnic peoples. Guests
stay in private bungalows
with dinner served in a local
stilt house restaurant.
TOPAS ECOLODGE
$$
24 Muong Hoa, Sapa, Tel:
0203 872404
topasecolodge.com
For the environmentally
conscientious, 25 individual
lodges rest on hills overlooking valleys. Employing solar
technology and a wastewater facility, the Topas also
organises treks and bicycle
tours.
VICTORIA SAPA
$$$
Tel: 0203 871522
victoriahotels.asia
$$$$
1 Tran Phu, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 335 1553
binhanvillage.com
$$
Nguyen Duc Thuan, Con
Dao, Vung Tau, Tel: (064)
383 0939
condaoresort.vn
HO TRAM SANCTUARY
$$$$
Ho Tram, Ba Ria-Vung Tau,
Tel: (064) 378 1631
sanctuary.com.vn
The spacious villas come
with their own pool and have
direct access to the beach.
Extras include tennis courts,
a mini supermarket, and cycling and motorbike tours.
REX HOTEL
$$
1 Le Quy Don, Vung Tau, Tel:
(064) 385 2135
rexhotelvungtau.com
$$$$
Dat Doc Beach, Ba Ria-Vung
Tau, Tel: (064) 383 1222
sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao
EXO TRAVEL
66A Tran Hung Dao, Hanoi,
Tel: (04) 3828 2150
exotravel.com
A one-stop, all-in-one travel
agency with an extensive
operational track record in
the Indochina region and
beyond. Providing up-market
services, Exotissimo brings
their clients close to culture
through personalised tours.
Also find travel desks at the
Hilton, Sofitel Plaza and Intercontinental hotels, which
are open on weekends and
holidays.
HANDSPAN TRAVEL
78 Ma May, Hanoi, Tel: (04)
3926 2828
www.handspan.com
Established in 1997, Handspan provides customers
with safe, high quality, diverse, small-group adventure tours to both popular
and isolated locations in
Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Has a focus on off-thebeaten-track sustainable
and responsible tourism
initiatives. Also provides to
excursions to more wellworn destinations.
INDOCHINA LAND
SYRENA CRUISES
EXO TRAVEL
41, Thao Dien, Q2. Tel (08)
3519 4111, Ext. 15/17/19
exotravel.com
A reliable and experienced
travel company operating
through Southeast Asia,
Exotissimo brings you personalized tours across the
region, many including insights into culinary customs,
handicrafts and humanitarian initiatives.
HG TRAVEL
47 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3944 8844
www.hgtravel.com
Travel company specialising
in small-group tours around
Vietnam and further afield in
Indochina. Is also the sole
representative agent for
Kenya Airways (for 40 cities
in Africa www.kenya-airways.com), American Airlines
(www.aa.com) and Turkish
Airlines (www.thy.com).
www.cocobeach.net
paradise@cocobeach.net
travel
GINKGO VOYAGE
TRAVEL PROMOS
TERRAVERDE
12/20 Nguyen Canh Di,
Ward 4, Tan Binh District,
Tel: (08) 3984 4754
terraverdetravel.com
If you like cycling through
the Mekong Delta, trekking
in the highlands, or lazing in
a junk on Ha Long Bay all
while making a difference in
peoples lives then this
company will suit you well.
BEENINASIA.COM
www.beeninasia.com
info@beeninasia.com
Online travel in Southeast
Asia. Offers you selection of
best hotels and great tours.
Create your own trip or we
can tailor make your itinerary.
TU TRAVEL
60 Hai Ba Trung, Can Tho
City, Tel: 0713 752436
tutrangtravel-mekongfeeling.vn
Hanoi
Recalling Hanoi // coffee cup // top eats // srudent eye // food promos //
the alchemist // the therapist // Medical buff // book buff
Photo OF NGO VAN SAC'S 2014 WORK, UP THE STREAM, by david harris
wordvietnam.com | December 2014 Word | 135
hanoi
business
CCIFV
Sofitel Plaza, No 1 Thanh
Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3715
2229
ccifv.org
A business group with over
240 members that supports the French business
community in Vietnam by
listening to their members
needs and expectations. Also
promotes Vietnam to French
companies and helps them in
developing their businesses
here.
EUROCHAM
G/F, Sofitel Plaza Hanoi, 1
Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3715 2228
eurochamvn.org
A confederate organisation
with strong ties to national
business associations in its
member countries, Eurocham looks after and provides advice and support
for the business interests of
European Union members in
Vietnam.
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
com
indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
CORPORATE SERVICES
ENDO
79, Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3783 2085
endo.vn
Endo offers garment manu-
INSURANCE
IF CONSULTING
CCIFV/Eurocham, Sofitel
Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien, Ba Dinh,
Tel: (04) 3936 5370
Emergency: 0903 732365
insuranceinvietnam.com
Specialises in medical, employee benefits and personal
lines insurance advice to expatriates. The company has
been operational in Vietnam
since 1994 and offers free
advice and comparative
quotes.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL, HANOI
Hoa Lan Road, Vinhomes
Riverside, Long Bien, Hanoi
Tel: 04 3946 0435
www.bishanoi.com
The British International
School (BIS) Hanoi, is a selective, independent, co-educational day school. It provides
a British style education for
an international student
body operating from a modern purpose-built campus
in the vibrant and cultured
city of Hanoi. The National
Curriculum for England, International General Certificate of Secondary Education
(IGCSE) and Advanced Level
(A Level) are taught to English speaking students from
Pre-School to Year 13. The
International Baccalaureate
(IB) Diploma will, pending IB
authorization, be offered
from 2016 onwards.
CONCORDIA INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HANOI
CMC Building, Duy Tan, Cau
Giay, Tel: (04) 3795 8878
concordiahanoi.org
International brand, Concordia, has highly performing
schools in both Hong Kong
and Shanghai at the top tier
of the educational system.
All instructors and teachers
are native English speakers
and admission applications
are accepted throughout
the year.
ETONHOUSE INTERNATIONAL
KINDERGARTEN HANOI
3rd floor, Tower A, Keangnam Landmark, DinhNghe,
Me Tri. Tel: 0965 588888
etonhouse.edu.vn
Thanks to a unique curriculum used in over 100
schools, a stimulating and
motivating environment, and
a child-centred approach,
children at Eton House make
rapid progress and achieve
their maximum potential.
Classes offeredfor students
aged 18 months to 6 years
and there isan Open Door
Policy at all times.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL OF
VIETNAM
6-7 Nguyen Cong Thai, Dai
Kim Urban Area, Dinh Cong,
Hoang Mai, Tel: 3540 9183
www.isvietnam.org
The International School of
Vietnam (ISV) is a not-forprofit, Pre-Kindergarten to
Grade 12 school serving the
international and local community of Hanoi. ISV accepts
students of any nationality
aged 3 and up. ISV offers
an international education
experience. Highly qualified
and experienced international educators are supported by a 21st-century
campus with the latest in
educational technology
plus excellent resources
for learning. Class sizes are
small.
kinderworld.net
Classes are kept small with
a foreign teacher leading the
class with the assistance of a
Vietnamese teacher according to the teacher-student
ratio. KinderWorld provides
pre school education for
children from 18 months to
below 6 years.
SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (SIS)
2D Van Phuc Diplomatic
Compound, 46 Van Bao, Ba
Dinh, Tel: 3726 1601; Block
C3, Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel:
3758 2664; Dilmah Building, Duy Tan, Cau Giay, Tel:
3795 1036
www,kinderworld.net/sis
SIS provides international
education for students from
Primary up to University
Foundation Programme. A
strong curriculum combines
the best aspects of the Singaporean, Australian and
Vietnamese curricula, all
taught by qualified teachers.
Runs various co-curricula
activities and prepares
students for internationally
recognised qualifications:
iPSLE, Cambridge IGCSE &
AS/A Level, GAC
APOLLO
67 Le Van Huu, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: (04) 3943 2051
Apollo.edu.vn
Established in 1994, Apollo
offers high-quality and costeffective English language
classes including general
English, English for teens,
English for business communication and a pronunciation
clinic. One of the countrys
BRITISH COUNCIL
20 Thuy Khue, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3728 1922
britishcouncil.org
The cultural arm of the British governments presence
in Vietnam, the BC offers a
variety of English language
courses business writing, corporate training and
general English in a large
learning centre close to West
Lake.
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
RMIT
Hanoi Resco Building, 521
Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3726 1460
rmit.edu.vn
A leading international provider of skills training and
professional staff development, RMIT offers both short
and long-term courses,
customised courses, and
can provide for either on or
off-campus clients. Known
for its Business MBA which
is open to both Vietnamese
and overseas students.
ALLIED PICKFORDS
Room 302, 12A Ho Xuan
Huong, Tel: (04) 3943 1511
vn.alliedpickfords.com
The international home
moving company helps
make the burden of moving
a lot easier. As the largest
home moving company in
the world, Allied Pickfords
moves over 1,000 families
in over 175 countries every
day. Available with a full
range of services domestic moves, office moves and
storage whether you are
moving within Vietnam or
across the world.
MARKET RESEARCH
CIMIGO
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS
KINDERWORLD INTERNATIONAL
KINDERGARTEN
MARKET RESEARCH
xavier@indochinaresearch.
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indochinaresearch.com
Active in Vietnam for more
than 20 years, Indochina
Research has the capacity to
run large research projects
in the country, for commercial and social purposes.
hanoi
location services including
home search, orientation,
cultural training, immigration services and records
management. For more information email Vietnam@
santaferelo.com.
SERVICED APARTMENTS
ATLANTA RESIDENCES
49 Hang Chuoi, Hai Ba Trung,
Tel: 0912 239085
atlanta.com.vn
Atlanta Residences fully
serviced apartments have
been created to provide a
space where you can feel
at home. Within walking
distance from Hanois Opera
House and Hoan Kiem Lake,
this building offers a panel of
51 spacious apartments for
you to choose from. The serviced apartments here offer
the luxury of a hotel mixed
with the peaceful comfort
and privacy of your home,
under one roof of course.
old quarter
BARS & CLUBS / CAFES / CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES & LIQUOR / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS
DRAGONFLY
FRASER SUITES HANOI
51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3719 8877
Located in the West Lake
area, Fraser Suites Hanoi
consists of 186 apartments, from studios to four
bedrooms, which meet any
lifestyle. With a calming and
warm interior feel, each
apartment features all the
latest amenities. 24-hour security surveillance provides
peace of mind.
SPORTS GARMENTS
SCORE-TECH
44 Ngo 31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: 01203 802832
A 100 percent foreigninvested company offering
personalised sport garments. Using the latest printing technology as well as a
design team from Barcelona,
Score-Tech controls the
whole production process
from producing fabrics and
sewing to printing. Big and
small orders of garments
produced for all sporting
needs.
DANCEHALL LOUNGE
15 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 4926 2177
11am to late
One of the better venues in
the Old Quarter for dancing
on the weekends. Although
crammed into a small space,
cheap drinks and a mix of
chart chits makes Dragonfly
the regular go-to for younger Vietnamese crowds, tourists and the foreign resident
looking to get up on the
dance floor. If you dont feel
like dancing, relax upstairs
with shisha and friends with
one of the two lounges on
the second floor. The sister
venue on Phung Hung has a
bigger menu and an earlier
opening hour (11am instead
of 6pm) but still keeps with
the shisha, pool table and
dance floor combo so popular on Hang Buom.
FATCAT BAR
FUNKY BUDDHA
ELECTRO LOUNGE
2 Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3292 7614
8pm to late
IRISH WOLFHOUND
IRISH PUB
4 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 2212 6821
irishwolfhoundpub.com
8am to 2am
The open-air watering hole
with seating on the pavement
is a great spot to enjoy a tall
dark stout or light pilsner at
anytime, day or night. What it
lacks in gaudy decorations,
it makes up for with a constant stream of regulars, occasional live Irish music and
billiards on the third floor.
Has a decent food menu and
even better pizzas.
LA BOMBA LATINA
LATIN BAR
46 Ngo Huyen, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: 0917 245155
LE PUB
BRITISH / INTERNATIONAL
RESTOBAR
25 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 2104
7am to midnight
Dark red walls and even
darker brown seating run
through the homely and
casual Le Pub, one of the few
bars in town with a regular
stream of clientele. A long
list of imported beer, Tiger
draft, a decent international
cum Vietnamese food menu,
happy hour specials and live
sport make up the comfortable mix. The venue also gets
involved in the local community through regular events.
MOJITO BAR
POLITE PUB
LONG BAR
5 Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3825 0959
5pm to 2am
A bit musty and jaded, despite being one of the oldest
pubs in the city, this staple
watering hole on Bao Khanh
continues to be a hit. Probably the closest thing Hanoi
has to an authentic Englishstyle pub, Polite is frequented by a steady mix of locals
and expats who find solace
in the nightly conversations
at the long bar, billiards and
live football matches.
ROCKSTORE
LIVE MUSIC BAR
61 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
01653 336087
Hanoi's home-made, homegrown version of Hard Rock
Cafe without the stigma and
the expensive prices. Nightly
live music or DJing events
are coupled with creative
decor, a selection of Belgian
Beer and a food menu.
SPY BAR
TEMPLE BAR
TET BAR
LATE-NIGHT BAR
2a Ta Hien, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 3050
THE SPOT
CAFES
JOMA
INTERNATIONAL CAFE
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem
joma.biz
Housed in a two-storey converted, colonial-era villa, the
concept of the third Joma is
the same as at its two other
cafes - fair-trade coffee, payas-you-order at the counter,
and a great selection of
sandwiches, bagels, salads,
cakes, ice-cream and tea.
COFFEE/BAKERY
222 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 3388
joma.biz
7am to 9pm
With two branches, Joma
KINH DO
MOCA CAFE
CAFE / INTERNATIONAL
14-16 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
(04) 3825 6334
8am to 10pm
Set in a deliciously attractive slightly run down colonial villa, the tourist friendly
location gives Moca a large
amount of guidebook-driven
clientele. But dont let this put
you off. The faded but charmingly run down Frenchstyled retro interior, good
WiFi and some of the best
coffee in town makes this
a great spot to while away
a couple of hours. The food
menu mixes Vietnamese fare
with sandwiches, western
and pan-Asian mains.
PUKU
INTERNATIONAL / CAFE
16-18 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 1745
Open 24 hours
This spacious spot on food
street is open around the
clock, offering Aussie-inspired comfort food along
with more eclectic Irish
nachos, cottage pies and
pan-Asian fare. Upstairs
is fit for social gatherings
and live music while the nosmoking downstairs space
is filled with people working
and socialising. Serves as
community centre, catering
both to ravenous backpackers whove just arrived off
the night train from Sapa and
locals looking to meet up.
THE CART
SKATESHOP
84 Hang Dieu, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3923 1147
Booskateshop.com
CONTRABAND
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
23 Nha Chung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9891
Launched in Hanoi in 2007,
Contraband targets young
hip working women. Garments are made from versatile fabrics that are comfortable to wear and easy to look
after making them ideal for
work and travel. New styles
are introduced each month
with limited production runs,
offering a sense of exclusivity.
LATELIER
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC / LIFESTYLE
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem.
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
RECALLING HANOI
PART EIGHT
Tran May
A Moving Scene
Location: Little Lane (Ngo Hep), 1988
The movie I was working on was shot
during Doi Moi, a time when everything
was changing in Vietnamese society,
and the subject was very rare: a girl
decides to marry an old but rich man
instead of choosing love.
The scene I remember the most is the
one where local people were lining up
to take water from the communal tap
in a very narrow lane. That communal
area was like a small society. People
would fight and be aggressive to get
to the water first, but whenever the
hanoi
BY JULIE VOLA
hanoi
COFFEE CUP
AND HERE CAF
An IKEA Bomb
Inside, the cafs trendy white, yellow and
timber design, cafeteria-style seating and
whitewashed walls make you think an
IKEA bomb has exploded and left nothing
untouched. To the side, a black spiral
staircase winds its way to a second-floor
mezzanine in front of a feature wall covered
with bright green foliage. Funky magazine
racks adorn the walls with the latest issues
of Harpers Bazaar, Elle and gay-friendly
mag Attitude, in a nod to Vietnams liberalminded youth.
If you consider watching people take
selfies by the dozen (each with the same
pouted expression and background)
an intriguing spectator sport as I
most certainly do then visiting is a
must. You can also enjoy a colourful list
hanoi
move to the capital has seen
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
THINGS OF SUBSTANCE
AUSTRALIAN-STYLE UNISEX
5 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 6965
This shops motto Western
sizes, Vietnamese prices,
says it all. While mostly retailing womens separates
in soft cotton jersey and
linen, the store also carries a range of accessories
like embroidered canvas
totes and printed tees. Has
a good selection of unique
mens shirts.
THREE TREES
JEWELLERY
15 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3928 8725
HANDMADE / CHARITABLE
QUILTS
58 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 4607; 13 Hang
Bac, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3926 4831
Mekong-quilts.org
Community development
non-profit quilt shop featuring handmade quilts and accessories. Styles vary from
traditional to patterned and
Asian-inspired. Founded in
2001 and with outposts in
several locations around
the region, the shop employs women in rural areas,
enabling them to make an
income and care for their
families.
METISEKO
ECO-CHIC
71 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 2645
metiseko.com
A lifestyle brand that started
out life in Hoi An, Metisekos
move to the capital will see
them bring us their creative, poetic prints designed
for an eco-chic lifestyle. The
products clothing, accessories and furniture are
made from natural silk and
organic cotton certified to
global organic standards.
Metiseko is also certified
by the fair-trade, Textile Exchange.
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
24 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3938 1155
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
CAFE DE PARIS
FRENCH BISTRO
12 Luong Ngoc Quyen, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926 1327
cafedeparis-hanoi.com
8am to 11pm
Thanks to its original tiled
floor, cast iron backed chairs
and wall-hung black and
white photography, there is
something decidedly charming about this tiny Parisianstyled bistro and bar. Serving
up a simple menu of snacks
such as quiche Lorraine,
Paris beurre and croque
monsieur, there is also a selection of classic but unpretentious French mains. Has
a daily specials board and a
decent range of pizzas.
FOODSHOP 45
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN
32 Hang Buom, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3993 1399
10am to 10.30pm
A slither of a joint serving
up the same fare that the
lakeside Foodshop 45 location in Truc Bach has become famous for. Selling an
international version of the
mighty curry they even
sell pork and beef here
the menu keeps to the northern part of the subcontinent
with masala, dopiaza, korma
and the more Goan vindaloo
taking centre stage. Also has
a good range of breads and
tandoor-cooked kebabs.
GREEN MANGO
WESTERN / VIETNAMESE
18 Hang Quat, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 9916
greenmango.vn
7.30am to 11.30pm
GREEN TANGERINE
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
5 Hang Tre, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 4200; 25 Bat Su,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3926
0639
10am to midnight
LITTLE INDIA
littleindianhn@gmail.com
LA RESTAURANT
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
25 Ly Quoc Su, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 8933
8am to 10pm
The complimentary warm
bread with rosemary is
reason enough to visit this
homely spot featuring hearty
lentil and black bean soups,
along with a range of international and Vietnamese options like New Zealand beef
tenderloin or tofu with chilli
and mushrooms. We arent
quite sure why the Miele
Guide nominated it as one of
Asias finest restaurants as
service is lackadaisical and
tables could use candles to
improve the lackluster ambience, but the immaculately
tasty dishes more than make
up for any quips.
NAMASTE HANOI
PAN-INDIAN
46 Tho Nhuom, Hanoi, Tel:
(04) 3935 2400
namastehanoi.com
11am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10.30pm
The latest newcomer to the
Indian restaurants family, Namaste specializes in
dishes from both northern
and southern India using Halal meat throughout. A meal will cost you
between VND150,000 and
VND300,000 and everything
is there, from curries and
breads to soups and desserts. Available to dine in or
out with a free delivery.
thekafe.vn
Spacious, casual, energetic
and beautifully designed, The
KAfe serves up unfussy comfort food that aims to satisfy
the modern urban diner.
Preparing fresh food and
drinks that show respect to
natural ingredients and flavours from around the globe,
this caf-cum-restaurant is
a popular choice for Hanois
metrosexual community.
LA SALSA
IBERIAN / MEDITERANEAN
25 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3828 9052
8am to 11pm
A small but eternally popular Spanish-themed caf
and bar with an extensive
list of reliable cuisine. Tapas are available, as well
as full courses such as
veal, and duck with currant
sauce. Known for its good,
European-style coffee and
first-floor terrace area with
views over the cathedral.
Has a second garden restaurant on Xuan Dieu.
LITTLE HANOI
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
21-23 Hang Gai, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3828 8333
7.30am to 11pm
MEDITERRANEO
PAN-ITALIAN
23 Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3826 6288
10am to 11pm
This long-running, cozy restaurant near the cathedral
serves all the traditional
Italian fare you could need
homemade mozzarella
and fresh pasta, spinach
and ricotta ravioli, cold cut
boards, soups, salads and
fish. Throw in an extensive
wine list, a traditional wood
fire oven and a balcony spot
looking over Hanois trendy
caf scene and youre onto
a winner.
MILLENIUM
PAN-FRENCH
11B Ngo Bao Khanh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3828 7207
10.30am to 2.30pm, 6pm to
10pm
Clean and fresh with a finedining vibe, the Millennium
restaurant is the minimal
and chic result of a Caf Des
Arts makeover. The streets
new go-to for a high standard of eating and drinking
OLD HANOI
GOURMET VIETNAMESE
4 Ton That Thiep, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3747 8337
10am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Gordon Ramsay once filmed
a show at this restaurant in
a renovated French villa and
now the ribs carry his namesake. But its the twist on old
world favourites, think fried
snail spring rolls and miniature vegetarian banh xeo,
in a casually elegant setting
that make this spot near
the train tracks standout.
Be sure to try the roll-yourown cha ca spring rolls and
check the schedule for live
traditional music.
PROVECHO
SOUTHGATE
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
28 Tong Duy Tan, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3938 1979
southgatehanoi.com
THE KAFE
TAMARIND
CONTEMPORARY VEGETARIAN
80 Ma May, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3926 0580
5.30am to 10.30pm
Perhaps the only restaurant
in Hanoi to cater to vegetarians that doesnt focus on
faux meat. Features a wide
range of juices and shakes
in a crunchy granola backpacker atmosphere. Has
Asian favourites like vegetarian pho, Ma-Po tofu
and Thai glass noodle salad,
along with some falafel and
western influences. Vegetarians and carnivores alike will
find something to try on this
menu.
SPICE
TANDOOR
PAN-INDIAN
24 Hang Be, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3824 5359
11am to 10.30pm
A long-popular, Indianfood enclave specialising
in Northern Indian cuisine.
Has an indoor and upstairs,
white tablecloth aircon
area with a more casual
dining and bar space out
front. Does excellent kebabs
served from an authentic
tandoor oven as well as the
full range of mainly North
Indian curries. Also has a
branch in Saigon and does
excellent set lunches.
ZENITH YOGA
WINE RETAILER
1C Tong Dan, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3935 1393
Part of the Tan Khoa chain,
the largest liquor and wine
distributor in the country,
the walls here are lined with
a decent selection of wines,
pleasantly arrayed and back
lit. Besides their selection of
new and old world wines
Helpful staff and free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE RETAILER
59 Hang Trong, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3928 7666
warehouse-asia.com
The Warehouse is Vietnams
ultimate premium wine importer, distributor, and retailer, representing many of
the greatest wines from the
best wine-growing regions
on the planet. The portfolio
mixes the best of both old
and new world wines.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
hanoi
TOP EATS
COUSINS
Family Connections
Cousin Maya insists that it is her 15 years
in project management and Cyps stern eye
for quality that has helped the restaurant
function like a well-oiled machine.
The emphasis on quality is evident from
my very first bite of fresh bread smeared
with generous spoonfuls of olive tapenade
(VND60,000). The concoction, made from
green olives, capers, chilli and anchovies,
is a burst of unapologetically bitey flavours
that instantly whet the appetite.
Our second starter of calamari and
mango bruschetta (VND75,000) is another
knock-out, with the lumps of fresh squid
providing a surprisingly good match for
the diced mango.
The stand-out starter, however, is
Cousins glorious falafel served with a mint
yoghurt sauce (VND50,000). As I carve
hanoi
HANOI INTERNATIONAL THEATRE
SOCIETY (HITS)
hoan kiem
THEATRE GROUP
hitshanoi.com
LESPACE
PARIS DELI
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MODEL CLUB
CATWALK BAR
45 Hang Bai, Hai Ba Trung
8pm to late
PHUC TAN
RELAX BAR
ROOFTOP
SKYLINE LOUNGE
19th Floor, Pacific Place, 83B
Ly Thuong Kiet, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3946 1901
8am to midnight
ZONE 17
CAF / BOULANGERIE
6 Phan Chu Trinh, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934 5269
7.30am to 11pm
Time has been good to this
airy, bistro-style caf and
patisserie opposite the Opera House. One of the original international-style establishments to hit the capital,
despite its prime location
prices remain reasonable
espresso-style coffees cost
around VND40,000 and
the cakes and croissants
are moreish. Also does filled
baguettes and a larger cafcum-restaurant menu. Has a
second establishment at 13
Nha Tho, Hoan Kiem.
Tin
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FRENCH-STYLE CONTEMPORARY
Hotel de lOpera, 29 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
6282 5555
Hoteldelopera.com
7am to 2am
La Fe Verte (or the Green
Fairy) is a metaphor for the
decadence of another age,
an allusion to the hallucinatory effects of absinthe. The
signature bar of the Hotel
de lOpra Hanoi where, just
as in Paris at the dawn of the
20th century, the making of an
evening drink a lavish event
of ritual and celebration. Understated lighting, a lounge
atmosphere, great music and
ultra-contemporary interior
design combine to bring a
genuine sense of occasion to
after-dark in the capital.
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HOAN KIEM
DISTRICT
BAMBOO BAR
17D Hong Ha, Hoan Kiem
The first bar in what will
eventually (hopefully) be a
CAFES
CIAO CAF
RESTO LOUNGE
2 Hang Bai, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3934 1494
7am to 11pm
A stones throw from the
shores of Hoan Kiem Lake,
this Saigonese franchise
tries its hand with a variety
of different western dishes
at reasonable prices, especially considering the location. Loaded with booths and
a steady, young Vietnamese
crowd, the establishment is
a great place to squash a
sandwich or bowl of pasta
and people watch. Oh, and
they also do coffee, too.
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
5 Dinh Tien Hoang, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 3228;
Opera House, 1 Trang Tien,
Hoan Kiem; Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
KINH DO
CINEMAS
CINEMATHEQUE
ARTS CINEMA
22A Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3936 2648
Not a movie theatre per se,
but a private film club that
charges a membership fee in
return for entrance to a wide
selection of movies, new and
old. The management has
an eclectic taste and shows
films from all over the world.
EVENT SPACE
21 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 1850
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
23L Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 7782
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
ANGELINA
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Sofitel Metopole Legend Hotel, 56 Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 6919
11.30am to 2.30pm and
6.30am to late (restaurant)
11am to 2am (bar)
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN
6A Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3845 5224
aulacdobrazil.com
11am to 2pm, 5pm to midnight
A nicely themed Brazilian
churrascaria steakhouse offering all you can eat grilled
meat and seafood on the
skewer, Au Lac do Brazil is
not for the feint of stomach.
In typical Brazilian rodzio
fashion, waiters bring cuts of
meat to the table for patrons
to pick and choose, all for a
set price. They also offer wine
pairings, a salad bar and an a
la carte menu, with a creative
selection of fruit caipirinhas
on hand to wash it all down.
The prices arent for anyone
on a budget, but the amount
and quality of meat is more
than worth cost.
CAF LAUTREC
MEDITERRANEAN / INTERNATIONAL
Hotel de lOpera, 29 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
6282 5555
6am to 10pm
Featuring both -la-carte
and buffet dining as well
as an innovative Sunday
brunch, this namesake of the
French artist Toulouse-Lautrec provides an exotic ambience for diners to enjoy a
mixture of international and
Mediterranean-style fare.
Has an extensive wine list
to match the cuisine, which
is all served up in a contemporary yet colonial-inspired
environment.
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
11 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3824 7280
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines
traditional Argentinian recipes and preparation with
great service in a contem-
JACKSONS STEAKHOUSE
STEAKHOUSE / GRILL
23J Hai Ba Trung, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3938 8388
alfrescogroup.com
9.30am to midnight
Then newest venture from
the team behind Jaspas
and Pepperonis is an all-day
eating and drinking lounge fit
for all occasions. It has three
floors for different vibes
lounge bar, restaurant and
boardroom but fine imported steads can be found
on each, as well as seafood
and a huge wine list. A popular venue.
JASPAS
INTERNATIONAL / AUSTRALIAN
Hanoi Towers, 49 Hai Ba
Trung (4th Floor), Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 8325
alfrescosgroup.com
6.30am to midnight
Recently refurbished, the
Australian-influenced Jaspas is known for its attentive
service, tasty food and large
portions. A place with something for everyone, it has
proved itself to be popular
with both the western and
Asian expat communities
who come back again and
again. The comprehensive
menu is a fusion of western
and Asian cooking. The cocktails come large. The wine is
mainly New World. Also has
a spacious bar and lounge
area that stays open late for
all the live sport.
LA BADIANE
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
10 Nam Ngu, Hoan Kiem, Tel:
(04) 3942 4509
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm to
10pm. Closed Sunday night.
A white-washed, colonial
era villa replete with period
wooden shutters greets you
as you enter this contemporary French restaurant.
Guests can either dine indoors in aircon comfort or
take to the leafy covered
terrace out back with its
walls lined with art and photography from 21st century
Hanoi. The menu here mixes
modern Gallic cuisine with a
touch of Mediterranean and
Vietnam thrown in, all creating an innovative and evocative selection of fare. Has an
extensive wine list and an
excellent, well-priced threecourse lunch menu.
hanoi
STUDENT EYE
Hair: Be Sexy
First off, you must realise that the old
Justin Bieber hairstyle, like J.B. himself, is
no longer cool. The current trend is to keep
your hair fairly short, and to use excessive
amount of wax to delicately lift your hair
upwards rather than sideways.
Legs: Be Comfortable
With pants, you must completely ignore
the core purpose of belts, and allow them
to merely sit on the edge of your bottom,
showing a significant amount of your
underwear (you should aim for 8.5cm).
Here, your choice of the underwear is
very important, for they must have a
very clear band that highlights the brand,
which will subtly indicate your impressive
taste in fashion. Another way this can be
done is by clearly presenting your belt
buckle over the edge of your shirt.
Refrain from any baggy clothing,
especially pants, unless you want to
be remembered either as a hip hop
enthusiast or an artefact from the 1990s.
Also note that old, worn out trainers do
not qualify as vintage items.
hanoi
FOOD PROMOS
PROMOTIONS OF THE MONTH
LE BEAULIEU
LUNO DAUTUNNO
CLASSIC ITALIAN
27 Nam Ngu, Tel: (04) 3823
7338
11am to 11pm
This old-favourite Italian
uses traditional wood ovens
to prepare some of the citys
finest pizzas, which range
from VND80,000 to buildyour-own-skies-the-limit.
Set inside a large, thoughtful
space seasoned chefs also
make fresh pastas, soups
and cheeses the latter often bought by other restaurants. Monthly opera nights
make it well worth a visit, as
does the large wine list and
choice of desserts.
NINETEEN 11
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
The Opera House, 1 Trang
Tien, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3933 4801
nineteen11.com.vn
11am to 2pm, 6pm to 10pm
PANE E VINO
A French Christmas
For the festive season,
Millenium Caf des
Arts are running a sixcourse Christmas dinner
on Dec. 24 and Dec. 25
all cooked up by French
chef, Baptiste. The meal
includes appetizers, two
starters, two main courses
one pre-dessert and Caf
des Arts special Christmas
cake. The price is
VND1,030,000 per person.
Mention that youve heard
about this in Word, and get
an additional 10 percent
discount off your final bill.
Caf des Arts is at 11B
Ngo Bao Khanh, Hoan Kiem,
Hanoi
Christmas at the
Hilton
The Hilton is putting
on a lavish buffet for
Dec. 24 with a wine and
champagne free-flow to
the accompaniment of a
live band, kids games and
a visit by Santa. Running
from 6pm to 10pm, the cost
is VND1,800,000++ per
person and VND900,000++
per child aged six to 12.
Christmas Day brunch
on the 25th from midday
to 3pm follows the
same format but costs
VND1,500,000++ per
person and VND750,000++
per child aged six to 12. In
both instances, kids under
six eat for free.
The Hilton is at 1 Le
Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem,
Hanoi
Christmas at the
InterContinental
The InterCon in Hanoi
is pulling out all the
stops this Christmas with
all their dining outlets
getting into the Christmas
spirit. But the key event
will be in the Grand
Ballroom on the evening
of the 24th where the
property will set up the
ultimate festive buffet of
delicious international
and local dishes,
complemented with
exciting entertainment
and cheerful live music.
Together with a visit from
Santa Claus, adults pay
from VND2,000,000++ per
person including a free
flow of wine.
If youd rather tone
down your celebrations a
bit and focus instead on
Christmas Day, then the
buffet restaurant Caf Au
Lac is running a sashimi,
sushi and Christmas
roast buffet costing
VND1,300,000++ per adult
excluding beverages.
InterContinental Hanoi
Westlake is at 1A Nghi Tam,
Tay Ho, Hanoi
PAN-ITALIAN
3 Nguyen Khac Can, Hoan
Kiem, Tel: (04) 3826 9080
8am to 10.30pm
Just a stroll away from the
Hanoi Opera House and
Hoan Kiem Lake in the heart
of Hanoi, Pane e Vino serves
up authentic Italian food
and has done for as long as
anyone can remember. Renowned for the highly rated,
oven fresh pizzas and large
variety of pasta and salad
dishes look forward to fine
food done well at this eatery
that has the feel of Europe.
Huge wine lists, friendly staff
and a loveable owner.
PRESS CLUB
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
3rd Floor, 59A Ly Thai To,
Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04) 3934
0888
hanoi-pressclub.com
11.30am to 2pm and 6pm
to 10.30pm. Closed Sunday
lunch
Wooden flooring, paneling
and bold but subtle colours
pervade this traditional but
contemporary, fine-dining
70-seater venue close to
the Opera House. Serving
up quality cuisine for over a
decade, Press Club boasts
a bar area, two private dining rooms, including a wine
room, a library and a vast
selection of cigars, all in an elegant atmosphere. Does four
excellent wine pairing menus,
put together through the aid
of the Press Clubs extensive
new and old world wine list.
Also hosts a popular firstFriday-of-the-month party.
SATINE
CONTEMPORARY VIETNAMESE
29 Trang Tien, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 6282 5555 ext. 6414
hoteldelopera.com
SUPERMARKET
Ground Floor, Hanoi Towers,
49 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 2999
DA LOC
WINE RETAILER
96 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3826 2076; 65 Le
Duan, Hoan Kiem, Tel: (04)
3941 2789
Daloc.vn
FIVIMART
SUPERMARKET
27A Ly Thai To, Hoan Kiem
HANOI GOURMET
INTIMEX
VIETNAMESE SUPERMARKET
22-23 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
10 Da Tuong, Hanoi Tel: (04)
3943 7226
GROCERY STORE
17 Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem,
Tel: (04) 3934 3854
hanoi
THE ALCHEMIST
ARE YOU FEELING THE SHIFT?
Moving from 3D to 5D
Teachers in the spiritual community
inform us that the accelerated drive in the
Earths shift in consciousness took place
on December 21, 2012. Since that time the
Earth has continued her journey from a
three-dimensional being to one vibrating at
a five-dimensional level, and everyone and
everything on her is going along for the ride.
This ride were on is causing a spiritual
awakening and although it may be difficult to
see at times, especially in our environment of
wars and conflict, there is a rapid awakening
of humanity at this time on Earth.
How do you know if youre vibrating at
a five-dimensional level? Each person on
the planet is passing from the third to the
fifth dimension whether they realise it or
not. Were all at different stages along the
path, however were all headed in the same
direction. According to spiritual teacher Jafree
Ozwald, there are seven signs that youre
BY KAREN GAY
Divine Inspiration
God Manifest
Heightened Senses
You begin to physically experience a more
beautiful world as everything around you
appears more vibrant and you tune into the
symphony of the universe.
Timelessness
Time feels fluid, eternal and illusory. Your
daily events are filled with lightness and love
as you begin to realise you are not the doer
but that things are being done through you.
Synchronicity
You constantly have unexplainable
synchronistic experiences and miraculous
tay ho
ARTS / BARS & CLUBS / BOOK SHOPS / CAFES / CLOTHING / COOKING CLASSES /
CRAFTS & FURNITURE / CYCLING & BICYCLE RENTALS / EAT / FITNESS & YOGA /
GROCERIES, LIQUOR & KITCHEN PRODUCTS / MEDICAL & DENTAL / EXPAT SERVICES
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LIQUOR LOUNGE
31 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 6377
sontinh.com
8am to 11.30pm
As part of the Highway 4 group, which now
has its offices in the establishments upstairs
areas, this bar-cum-restaurant outfitted
with comfortable, stylish furnishings is famed
for its luxurious rice wine liquors and newly
created cocktail class. Does regular events
on the first floor and also has a creative Vietnamese food menu based on cuisine sold
at other restaurants in the chain.
MADAKE
CONTEMPORARY RESTOBAR
81 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6276 6665
or 0984 002181
With a stunning garden overlooking a peaceful lotus pond, this bar and restaurant is ideal
for those seeking a fusion of Western and
Eastern cuisine. Famed for its many weekday and weekend events, the ambient Asianstyle dcor, weekend DJ nights and general
atmosphere makes Madake a popular West
Lake go-to joint.
SPORTS BAR/GRILL
40 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho , Tel: (04) 6675 9838
tracyspub.com
11am to 12am
This Canadian-run, miniscule sports bar on
the main drag of Xuan Dieu is perpetually
crowded with regulars drinking out front
on plastic stools. Notorious for its mouthwatering burgers, cooked fresh to order,
Tracys is most famous for their draft beers,
claiming to serve the coldest draft beer in
Hanoi, and always in a frosted mug. For those
missing their dose of North American sports,
they play all day via satellite on two plasmas.
BOOK SHOPS
BOOKWORM TOO
CAFES
COFFEE BEAN AND TEA LEAF
hanoi
HIGHLANDS COFFEE
CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
Ground Floor, Syrena Centre, 51B Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
COFFEE/BAKERY
43 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6071
joma.biz
7am to 9pm
With two branches, Joma
has brought a little slice
of home to Hanoi for expatriates with a contemporary western feel to the
counter-style service and
atmosphere. The food is
all there too: breakfasts,
salads, soups, ice cream,
muffins, cakes, cereals and
bagels. Starting in Laos in
1996, Joma moved to Hanoi in 2009 and contributes
2 percent of each sale to
charitable organisations.
KUB CAFE
BIKING CAFE
so 12 ngo 264 Au Co, Tay Ho
kub.vn
Think obsession, think motorbikes and you get Kub
Cafe, an industrial, warehouse-style watering hole
bringing thats become a favorite of the motorbike clubs.
Does good on-the-table bia
hoi and runs biking events.
SAINT HONORE
CAFE / BOULANGERIE
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3933 2355
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
0912 254045
hiddenhanoi.com.vn
A wide range of Vietnamese
culinary classes are offered
in these well-appointed and
clean facilities. The knowledgeable staff will guide you
through the secrets of Vietnamese cooking in an open
air courtyard.
GLOBAL HANDICRAFTS
8 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho
Fair trade or bought directly
from the artisans who made
them, Betterworld stocks
unusual handicrafts from
around the world as well as
second-hand books, DVDs
and more.
LA CASA
CONTEMPORARY DESIGN
Syrena Tower, 51 Xuan Dieu,
Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3718 4084
lacasavietnam.com.vn
A shop whose speciality
is designing furniture and
other household objects,
this spot has everything from
beds and bookshelves, to tableware and silverware. The
items are all locally made by
skilled artisans from Hanoi
and the surrounding regions.
MEKONG QUILTS
CONTEMPORARY WESTERNSTYLE
36 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6233
With new styles arriving in
store every second day, this
shop offers a huge range of
dresses, shirts, pants, skirts
and accessories in local and
imported fabrics. Clothes fit
all sizes, from petite to average to the generous figure.
Alterations and a made-tomeasure service are available at no extra cost.
HANDMADE / CHARITABLE
QUILTS
9 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3926 4831
Mekong-quilts.org
Community development
non-profit quilt shop featuring handmade quilts and accessories. Styles vary from
traditional to patterned and
Asian-inspired. Founded in
2001 and with outposts in
several locations around
the region, the shop employs women in rural areas,
enabling them to make an
income and care for their
families.
LATELIER
COOKING CLASSES
HIDDEN HANOI
COOKING CENTRE
147 Nghi Tam, Tay Ho, Tel:
EAT
AL FRESCOS
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
98 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3719 5322
alfrescogroup.com
8.30am to 11pm
COUSINS
CONTEMPORARY INTERNATIONAL
3 Quang Ba, Tay Ho, Tel:
01238 670098
A contemporary, Frenchinfluenced restaurant selling international cuisine
at reasonable prices in a
spacious, airy atmosphere.
Blackboards, whitewashed,
bare-brick walls, period tiles,
a well-chosen wine list and
an outdoor terrace overlooking the lake make up the
formula.
DA PAOLO
CLASSIC ITALIAN
18 Lane 50/59/17 Dang
Thai Mai, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3718 6317
11am to 11pm
This airy, contemporary
looking Italian restaurant
next to the famed lawn chair
and coconut caf on West
Lake has all the right ingredients to become a classic.
Run by the long time former
manager of Luna DAutunno,
it features scrumptious
wood-fired oven pizzas from
VND120,000 and other Italian delicacies. Open every
day for lunch and dinner,
delivery is also available.
DALUVA
BICYCLE RENTALS
16 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 3719
Dons-bistro.com
FUSION / MIDDLE-EASTERN
33 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 5831
daluva.com
8am until late
A popular hang-out for expats and trendy Vietnamese in the Xuan Dieu area
on West Lake. This bar and
restaurant offers casual
dining with a classy, MiddleEastern twist, as well as
wine, tapas, events and attractive dcor.
DONS TAY HO
DONS TAY HO
CYCLING COLLECTIVE
29 Nhat Chieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 3156
thbc.vn
A place for bicycle lovers,
THBC is the official supplier
of ORBEA, DEDA, MEKONG
EL GAUCHO STEAKHOUSE
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
99 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3718 6991
elgaucho.com.vn
4pm to late
This theme eatery combines
traditional Argentinian recipes and preparation with
great service in a contemporary and thoughtfully
designed space over three
floors. Already with venues
in Saigon and Bangkok, the
essence of this popular
chain is quality top grade
meats off the grill. Steak is
the mainstay, but everything
from chicken, pork and seafood is also up for grabs.
Add to this a backdrop of low
Latin music, low, subtle lighting and an extensive wine list
and thats another reason to
head to El Gaucho.
IL FARO
ITALIAN / MEDITERRANEAN
Villa 3, Cong Doan Hotel
Compound, 98 To Ngoc Van,
Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 6327 1142
Hidden away in Cong Doan
Hotel, this pan-Mediterranean restaurant owned
by the same people behind
Mediterraneo serves up
an assortment of French,
Spanish and Italian dishes
in a pleasant, white-washed
yet Italian-influenced atmosphere.
INDIA PALACE
NORTH INDIAN
10B Quang An, Tay Ho Tel:
01247 668668
indiapalacehn@vnn.vn
Like a phoenix rising from
the ashes, so India Palace
has once again returned
to Tay Ho, this time on the
strip between Dons and The
Warehouse. Tasty North
Indian fare in a pleasant
environment from the team
behind Tandoor.
J.A.F.A.
HALIA HANOI
SINGAPOREAN / CONTEMPORARY
INTERNATIONAL
29 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3946 0121
thehalia.com
Daily 11am to 11pm
A multi-floored venue with a
bar area and a refined dining
space. The menu includes
Singaporean specialities
such as the shrimp satay
salad and the chilli crab
spaghetti. A pan-European
classical menu mixed in with
light Asian flavours is also
on offer. Has an extensive
wine list.
INTERNATIONAL
G2-G3 Ciputra, Tay Ho, Tel:
(04) 3758 2400
7am to 11pm
One of the larger and more
comfortable bars in Hanoi,
J.A.F.A. is a great place for
drinking cocktails by the
pool. The beverages are
not the cheapest, but this is
made up for by service and
ambiance. They also have a
full menu featuring familiar
western dishes such as pizza
and cheeseburgers and cater for large parties or dinner functions. Periodic buffets and drink specials are
also offered.
KITCHEN
R&R TAVERN
SAINT HONORE
BOULANGERIE / BISTRO
5 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3933 2355
sainthonore.com.vn
7am to 10pm
Decked out in maroon, dark
browns and cream, this bakery
and French-style bistro is best
visited in the morning when that
Gallic, fresh-cooked aroma of
bread, croissants and patisseries hits you as you walk through
the door. The downstairs space is
split into the bakery on one side
with a small non-smoking dining
space on the other. The upstairs
lounge area has standard tables
as well as sofa seating. Simple
French and international fare
is served at meal times. Has additional venues at 31 Thai Phien,
Hai Ba Trung and Unimart, 8
Pham Ngoc Thach, Dong Da
TAKEAWAY PIES
2nd Floor (on the left), Syrena
Center, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 1507
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.
EXPAT SERVIES
MAID IN VIETNAM
HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES
Suite 201, 5 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 3112
maidinvietnam.com
Offering a licensed hire service
for trained domestic and office
housemaids, cooks and nannies.
Courses include health checks,
housekeeping, safety, basic 1st
Aid, courses for external maids
and household management for
Vietnamese wives of foreigners.
3718 6281
elitefitness.com.vn
The luxury gym features topof-the-line fitness equipment,
separate cardio and spinning
areas and an indoor swimming
pool with a retractable roof. The
spacious studios and natural
light make it a welcoming place
to squeeze in a work out, but be
prepared to pay. This place is top
of the range.
HANOI CLUB
ELITE FITNESS
L'S PLACE
GROCERY SHOP
3 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 9911
hanoinetball@gmail.com
Hanoi Ois Netball Club is a mixed
ability, mixed gender club for
adults wanting to enjoy team
sport while also improving fitness and developing skills. The
club plays every Tuesday from
6pm to 7pm at UNIS. Email for
more information
VIETCLIMB
PUNTO ITALIA
HANOI OIS
CLIMBING CENTRE
40 Ngo 76 An Duong, Tay Ho, Tel:
0914 143185
vietclimb.vn
Although a little hard to find,
VietClimb is a French-owned,
200-meter climbing gym with
state-of-the-art courses. There
are 100 different climbing routes
within the gym that are changed
every few months. They offer
clinics, classes and childrens
events. Membership and group
rates are available, but be sure to
check out the three-month pass.
ZENITH YOGA
COFFEE MACHINES
62 To Ngoc Van, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6258 3510
puntoitalia.asia
Trendy, reliable and stylish coffee machines for the workplace
or home, specialising in authentic Italian coffee. Also sells their
own brand coffee in capsules,
ready ground or as the original
roasted mix of beans.
ANNAM GOURMET
GROCERIES / DELI
First Floor, 51 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho,
Tel: (04) 3718 4487
KITCHENWARE
38 Quang An, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
6680 2770
kitchenart.vn
Kitchen Art is a little haven for
all foodies, cooks and bakers
to grow their love and passion
for cooking and baking. Come to
Kitchen Art Store to buy restaurant-grade tools and ingredients
RED APRON
WINE RETAILER
28 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho. Tel: (04)
3719 8337
THE OASIS
ITALIAN DELI
24 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04)
3719 1196
A great place to get all kinds of
imported groceries and homemade foods. All of the breads
and pastas are made in the inhouse kitchen. A great variety of
fresh sauces, a limited, but wellchosen selection of wines and a
fantastic deli and cheese case.
Free delivery.
THE WAREHOUSE
GROCERIES, LIQUOR & KITCHEN PRODUCTS
com
a-roamingbodyworker.com
Provides various holistic healing modalities. Services include
craniosacral therapy, deep tissue massage, prenatal massage,
healing stones massage, as well
as energy healing including Reiki
and Jin Shin Jyutsu. Workshops
are also available.
NATURALLY VIETNAM
COUNTRY CLUB
76 Yen Phu, Tay Ho, Tel: (04) 3823
8115
thehanoiclub.com
KITCHEN ART
WINE RETAILER
27 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho Tel: (04)
3718 3701
warehouse-asia.com
The Warehouse is Vietnams ultimate premium wine importer,
distributor, and retailer, representing many of the greatest
wines from the best wine-growing regions on the planet. The
portfolio mixes the best of both
old and new world wines.
HOLISTIC HEALTH
A-ROAMING BODYWORKER
karen@a-roamingbodyworker.
SUPERMARKETS
BIG C SUPERMARKET
222 Tran Duy Hung, Cau Giay
FIVIMART
210 Tran Quang Khai, Hoan
Kiem
10 Tran Vu, Ba Dinh
671 Hong Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh
71 Nguyen Chi Thanh, Dong Da
51 Xun Dieu, Tay Ho
93 Lo Duc, Hai Ba Trung
Online shopping: www.fivimart.
com.vn
INTIMEX
22 & 23 Le Thai To, Hoan Kiem
131-135 Hao Nam, Dong Da
17 Lac Trung, Hai Ba Trung
27 Huynh Thuc Khang, Dong Da
METRO
126 Tam Trinh, Yen So, Hoang
Mai
Pham Van Dong, Co Nhue, Tu
Liem
hanoi
THE THERAPIST
This month Douglas
Holwerda, American trained
and licensed mental health
counsellor, advises on how
to best deal with existential
boredom
Simulated boredom
Dear Douglas,
I read your section in the Word every month
and I like the way you explain certain
problems. It helps me to think about myself.
I dont have a mental problem or experience
with a terrible event, but I feel bored and
unhappy with life. I should be happy
because I have a good husband and children
and enough money, but sometimes I feel like
it is not enough. Sometimes people tell me to
compare to others who have less than me to
make me feel better and sometimes they tell
me to not think too much and to just accept
the life I have. What do you think? Is there a
way to feel better about my life?
Bored
Dear Bored,
Thank you for writing about your feelings
and the questions of how to feel better in
your life. You have all the things that you
believed would make you feel happy
but they dont. Acceptance, as your friends
have suggested, is often good advice when
you dont have control of the things you
can change. But it sounds to me like you
are willing to make changes in order to feel
more happiness.
There is a famous book written by Viktor
Frankl called Mans Search for Meaning.
Frankl was a prisoner of war in the Nazi
concentration camps during World War II. In
the suffering of that experience he observed
people all around him giving up hope and
losing the will to live. He himself maintained
a determination to live as long as he could
hanoi
ba dinh
BARS & NIGHTCLUBS / BOOKSHOPS / CAFES / CLUBS & SOCIETIES / COOKING CLASSES / EAT /
FITNESS & YOGA / HAIRDRESSERS & SALONS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
FOODSHOP 45
Ph
ETE BAR
FRENCH LOUNGE
95 Giang Van Minh, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 0976 751331
10am to midnight
A favourite among those who
roam further west of the
city centre, this multi-storey
restobar has been going
strong for more than two
years. It has balconies, mezzanine seating and a long bar
guarding exactly 50 different
cocktails. For many the Ete
burger is right on the mark
as are the sandwiches, tartines and salads. Its always
crowded especially during the weekends. Amiable
staff, pleasant vibes.
SUMMIT LOUNGE
Ho
BOOKSHOPS
BOOKWORM
BOOK SHOP
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 3711; 1/28 Nghi
Tam Village, Tay Ho Tel: (04)
3829 2322
Bookworm has been the cornerstone of Hanois literary
scene since 2001. It has
been around the block quite
a bit and now shares a space
with Hanoi Cooking Centre.
With over 15,000 new and
second-hand fiction and
nonfiction titles in stock, the
shop also buys used books
and offers free travel advice.
Has a second shop in Tay Ho
CAFES
CAF GOETHE
ARTS CAF
56 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Ba Dinh,
Tel: 3734 7395
CONG CAPHE
Ca B
c
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CONTEMPORARY / COFFEE
CHAIN
28A Dien Bien Phu, Ba Dinh
(Next to the Flag Tower) Tel:
(04) 3823 3339
highlandscoffee.com.vn
7am to 11pm
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BA DINH
DISTRICT
COOKING CLASSES
HANOI COOKING CENTRE
COOKING CENTRE
44 Chau Long, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3715 0088
hanoicookingcentre.com
Hanoi Cooking Centre is a
school, retail outlet and caf,
where you can find classes
on not just Vietnamese
cooking, but international
cuisine, held in a beautiful
setting. They also offer culinary tours.
EAT
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
BRAZILIAN CHURRASCO
6A Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3845 5224
aulacdobrazil.com
Open for over a decade,
Au Lac Do Brazil is home to
the Hanoi's best Churrasco
menu with a wide variety of
meats from Calabrian sausage and picanha through
to D-rump steak and smoked
hams. Pioneering the eat-asmuch-as-you-can theme in
Vietnam, Passadors bring
the meat skewers to your
table, and you, the customer
then choose your accompaniments from the salad bar.
Best washed down with red
wine or a Caipirinha or five.
INTERNATIONAL INDIAN
59 Truc Bach, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3716 2959
10am to 10.30pm
Lakeside location, low bamboo seating and a history
that screams empathy make
this eatery one of the most
popular Indians in town. Selling an international version
of the mighty curry they
even sell pork and beef here
the menu keeps to the
northern part of the subcontinent with masala, dopiaza,
korma and the more Goan
vindaloo taking centre stage.
Also has a good range of
breads and tandoor-cooked
kebabs.
HIGHWAY 4
VIETNAMESE / ETHNIC
575 Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel: (04)
3771 6372
10am to midnight
MATCHBOX
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40 Cao Ba Quat, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3734 3098
11am to 11pm
PAN-CHINESE
Fortuna Hotel, 6B Lang Ha,
Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3831 3333
fortuna.vn
11am to 2pm, 5.30pm to
10pm
Elegant and luxurious, May
Man has long been regard-
MING PALACE
PAN-CHINESE
Sofitel Plaza, 1 Thanh Nien,
Ba Dinh, Tel: (04) 3823 8888
11am to 2pm, 5.30pm to
10pm
A fine dining destination at
the Sofitel Plaza serving
Cantonese and pan-Chinese
cuisine in a sleek modern
setting with private dining
rooms. With more than 80
dim sum selections available
along with Chinese entrees,
Mings is an ideal eatery for
those hungry for higher end
Chinese fare.
THE BISTRO
FRENCH FLAIR
2/2c Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3726 4782
thebistro.com.vn
7.30am to 9pm
A modern eatery offering
western cuisine with shades
of French influence in a comfortable setting. Think gardens in a courtyard, drink
and food deals and a warm
indoor atmosphere you
know, just how the French
do it.
HAIR SALON
2A Cua Bac, Ba Dinh, Tel:
0987 718899
MEDICAL
298 I Kim Ma, Ba Dinh, Tel:
(04) 3843 0748
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
On the little street directly
below Kim Ma, with all sorts
of specialists including OB/
GYN, Pediatricians and ENT.
A Medium-sized practice
with both Vietnamese and international doctors, but they
are used to treating expats.
Also a 24-hour emergency
service.
hanoi
MEDICAL BUFF
SLEEP HYGIENE
Things to Avoid
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
Say...
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
BOOK BUFF
HCMC
business
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING / ADVERTISING & MKTG / BUSINESS CONSULTING / BUSINESS GROUPS / CORPORATE GIFTS & SERVICES /
EVENT MANAGEMENT / EXPAT SERVICES / HOUSING & REAL ESTATE / INSURANCE / INTERIOR DESIGN / INVESTMENT & FINANCE /
LANGUAGE SCHOOLS / LEGAL SERVICES / MANAGEMENT TRAINING / MARKET RESEARCH / PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES / PUBLIC RELATIONS /
RECRUITMENT & HR / RELOCATION AGENTS / SERVICED APARTMENTS
ACCOUNTING & AUDITING
PRICEWATERHOUSE COOPERS
TMF GROUP
GREY GROUP
PURPLE ASIA
DENTSU VIETNAM
AB TOWER, 23rd Floor, 76 Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 9005
Dentsu.com.vn
MARKETEERS VIETNAM
PHIBIOUS
RIVER ORCHID
10th Floor HDTC Building,
36 Bui Thi Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3925 2538
riverorchid.com
TBWA\VIETNAM
4th Floor, Saigon Finance
Center, 9 Dinh Tien Hoang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 5315
tbwa.com.vn
BUSINESS CONSULTING
BDG VIETNAM
11th Floor, Capital Place, 6
Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 7858
Bdg-vietnam.com
CONCETTI
33 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3911 1481
Concetti.vn
GRANT THORNTON
28th Floor, Saigon Trade
Center, 37 Ton Duc Thang,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3910 9100
Gt.com.vn
INSPIRED IMAGE
Villa 15, Duong 58, Phu
Nhuan, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel:
0916 352573
Inspiredimage.co.uk
PRISM INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
4th Floor, YOCO Building, 41
Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1,
Tel: (08) 7305 0905
prism.com.vn
ROUSE
6th Floor, Abacus Tower, 58
Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 6770
iprights.com
XAGE CONSULTANCY
35A-1-2 Grandview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: (08) 5412
3402; 31st Floor, Saigon
Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc
Thang, Tel: (08) 3911 0454
xageconsulting.com
BUSINESS GROUPS
AMCHAM
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 3562.
amchamvietnam.com
An independent association
of American and international businesses, the objective
of the American Chamber of
Commerce in Vietnam is to
promote trade and investment between the United
States and Vietnam.
CANCHAM
Room 305, New World Hotel,
76 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3824
3754
canchamvietnam.org
Open to all nationalities, the
Canadian Chamber of Commerce aims to create an effective network of business
associates together and to
facilitate discussion forums
about business in Vietnam.
NORDCHAM
17th Floor, Petroland Tower,
12 Tan Trao, Q7, Tel: (08)
5416 0922
nordcham.com
HCMC
CINEMAS
Showcasing the latest
Hollywood blockbusters
and 3D cinematic sensations, chains such as
Megastar Media, Lotte
and Galaxy Cinema offer
the most up-to-date and
modern cinema-going
experiences in Saigon.
For those partial to more
esoteric and independent flicks, smaller outlets such as Cinebox and
Idecaf carry little known
Vietnamese and European
efforts.
CINEBOX
240 Ba Thang Hai, Q10
Tel: (08) 3862 2425
cinebox.vn
LOTTE CINEMA
13th Floor, Diamond Plaza,
34 Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 38227897
3rd Floor, Lotte Mart, 469
Nguyen Huu Tho, Q7
Tel: (08) 3775 2521
lottecinemavn.com
GALAXY CINEMA
230 Nguyen Trai, Q1
Tel: (08) 3920 6688
116 Nguyen Du, Q1
Tel: (08) 3823 5235
246 Nguyen Hong Dao,
Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 3849 4567
galaxycine.vn
IDECAF
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1
Tel: (08) 3829 5451
idecaf.gov.vn
MEGASTAR CINEMA
Level 5, Crescent Mall,
Nguyen Van Linh, Phu My
Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5412 2222
Level 10, CT Plaza, 60A
Truong Son, Tan Binh
Tel: (08) 6297 1981
Level 5, Parkson Paragon,
3 Nguyen Luong Bang,
Phu My Hung, Q7
Tel: (08) 5416 0088
megastar.vn
EVENT MANAGEMENT
CENTERPIECE EVENT ORGANIZERS
Tel: 0906 761190
centerpiece-vn.com
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
venues to make any kind of
event a success.
EXPAT SERVICES
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.
CREATION
International Plaza Building,
Room 16B8, 343 Pham Ngu
Lao, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 7553
EASY SAIGON
Tel: 0932 112694
easysaigon.com
The Easy Saigon website is
a useful real estate website
helping expats to find apartments in Ho Chi Minh City.
Enquiries via their website
are welcome.
CHUMS HOUSE
HAPPY HOUSE
RESIDENT VIETNAM
KNIGHT FRANK
Suite A, level 7, VTP Office
Building, 8 Nguyen Hue, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 6777
knightfrank.com.vn
Founded in 1896, Knight
Frank has grown to become
the worlds largest privately
owned global property agency and consultancy. In Vietnam, they offer commercial,
residential and residential
development services.
NAMHOUSE CORPORATION
48A Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: 0989 007700
namhouse.com.vn
Expert in providing rental
properties, constructions
and interior decoration,
especially in District 2. Supports professional services
and aftersales.
HCMC
BUSINESS BUFF
PRODUCT MARKUPS
Puppies
The price difference between a pure breed
and a rescue puppy can be astronomical,
with the typical Humane Society dog in
the US costing around US$200 (VND4.2
million), and a pure breed US$3,000
(VND63 million). Markup 1,400 percent.
Printer Ink
A famous comedian once joked this was the
most expensive substance on the planet, and
while this is not true the markup in retail is
pretty good. Markup 300 percent.
Furniture
Most furniture stores normally mark up
their inventories by a minimum of 100
percent. Thats one of the reasons why you
can see sales all year round on furniture and
mattresses. Branded furnitures markup is
even higher, so when they advertise up to
80 percent off sales, chances are theyre still
making a handsome margin. Markup 300
to 400 percent.
Restaurant Drinks
Wine. The average restaurant puts a
markup of 200 to 400 percent.
Domestic beer. Traditional beer has only
four ingredients, and with huge economies
of scale, the average beer markup is around
650 percent.
Coffee. Theres a whopping 2,900 percent
average markup when bought at the latest
trendy coffee shop, as compared with
making a similar brew in the comfort of
your own home.
Communications
Text messages were developed as a service
BY SHANE DILLON
Designer Clothes
When compared to a designer brand, the
markup on lingerie can be as high as 1,100
percent. The same with jeans, which are
usually marked up by around 600 percent.
Magic
But the products with the biggest markup
by far are the pseudoscience services and
products.
Power balance bracelets can be marked
up in excess of 5,000 percent, Psi bands
over 3,500 percent and biggest of all, the
crystal healing gypsum bracelet is marked
up as high as 2,000,000 percent. The average
bracelet costs over US$100 (VND2.1 million)
and contains only a few miligrammes of
gypsum. A tonne of the stuff costs about
US$30 (VND630,000).
Shane might still buy a puppy this Christmas
and wishes everyone a great 2015! He can be
contacted at shanedillon@bluecross.com.vn
HCMC
advisory and other services.
IGLOBALASSIST
Tel: 0934 874271
Iglobalassist.com
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.
LIBERTY INSURANCE
15th Floor, Kumho Asiana
Plaza, 39 Le Duan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3812 5125
libertyinsurance.com.vn
PRUDENTIAL
25th F, Saigon Trade Centre,
37 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 1660
prudential.com.vn
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
ABC INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
(ABCIS)
Saigon South Campus 1 (Primary & Secondary), Tel: (08)
5431 1833; Saigon South
Campus 2 (Foundation Stage
& Early Primary), Tel: (08)
5431 1833
theabcis.com
Rated as outstanding by
British government inspectors, academic results puts
ABCIS among the top 8 percent of schools worldwide.
Provides education for two
to 18 year olds in a supportive and friendly environment.
bisvietnam.com
Inspected and approved
by the British Government,
BIS provides a British style
curriculum for an international student body from
pre-school to Year 13. The
school is staffed by British
qualified and trained teachers with recent UK experience. Fully accredited by
the Council of International
Schools and a member of
FOBISIA, BIS is the largest
international school in Vietnam.
CITYSMART
Horizon Tower, 214 Tran
Quang Khai, Q1, Tel: (08)
3526 8833
7 Street 2, Cu Xa Do Thanh,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3832 8488
citysmart.vn
CitySmart delivers a range
of diverse, internationallyrecognised educational
programmes, as well as life
skills and character building
for comprehensive development.
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.
MONTESSORI INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL
42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2639
montessori.edu.vn
Aiming to encourage childrens engagement with their
surroundings, MIS offers
children from age three to 12
a classic Montessori education as well as a variety of
extracurricular activities.
RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL SAIGON
74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7,
Tel: (08)3773 33171 ext
120/121/122
renaissance.edu.vn
Renaissance is an International British school providing an inclusive curriculum
based upon the British curriculum complemented by
the International Primary
Curriculum and International Baccalaureate. It is a
family school with first-class
facilities including a 350seat theatre, swimming pool,
mini-pool, play-areas, gymnasium, IT labs, music and
drama rooms, science labs
and an all-weather pitch.
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (AIS)
Xi Campus, 190 Nguyen Van
Huong, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519
2727; Thao Dien Campus,
APSC Compound, 36 Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: (08) 3744
6960; Thu Thiem Campus,
264 Mai Chi Tho (East-West
Highway), An Phu, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3742 4040
aisvietnam.com
The Australian International
School is an IB World School
with three world-class campuses in District 2, offering
an international education
from kindergarten to senior
school with the IB Primary
Years Programme (PYP),
Cambridge Secondary Programme (including IGCSE)
and IB Diploma Programme
(DP).
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL (BIS)
246 Nguyen Van Huong, Q2,
Tel: (08) 3744 2335
EUROPEAN INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL HO CHI MINH CITY (EIS)
730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, Thao
Dien, D2, HCMC, Vietnam.
Tel: (08) 7300 7257
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.
HCMC
JOB SEARCH
BY NICOLA CONNOLLY
HCMC
(08) 5413 0901
ssis.edu.vn
Offers an American-style education (SAT, IB and AP) from
elementary to high-school,
emphasizing a multicultural
student environment and a
commitment to wellrounded
education at all levels.
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.
THE ETHICAL
INVESTMENT GROUP
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL
OF VIETNAM
172-180 Nguyen Van Huong,
Q2, Tel: 0903 952223
theamericanschool.edu.vn
VAS
INTERIOR DESIGN
PROFESSIONAL PAINTING AND
REMODELING
Tel: 0936 330869 (Darren
Hawk)
Thinking about upgrading a
bathroom? Perhaps a new
colour in the living room?
Maybe even a new wood
floor? Professional Painting
and Remodeling can help
with these and many other
projects. Provide international standards of quality
as well as professional and
timely service at reasonable
rates. Call today to schedule
a free evaluation.
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
LATELIER
33/19 Quoc Huong, Thao
Dien, Q2, Tel: 0908 381492
latelier-anphu.com
VLS SAIGON
45 Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 0168
vlstudies.com
Offers courses ranging
from basic conversational
Vietnamese to upper elementary, intermediate and
advanced levels, as well as
special courses including
Vietnamese literature, composition or a 6-hour survival
crash course.
VUS
LEGAL SERVICES
ALLENS
embers-asia.com
G&H
INDOCHINE COUNSEL
Unit 4A2, 4th Floor, Han Nam
Building, 65 Nguyen Du, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 9640
indochinecounsel.com
MANAGEMENT TRAINING
EMBERS ASIA
80-82 Phan Xich Long, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 3822 4728
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 spe-
HCMC
BODY
AND
RECOVERY
TEMPLE
BY PHIL KELLY
HCMC
cialist 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.
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.
MEKONG RESEARCH
PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES
DRAGON IMAGES
Crescent Plaza, 105 Ton Dat
Tien, Q7, Tel: 01643 172 660
dragonimages.asia
Dragon Images production
studio is a professional team
of photographers, stylists.
shooting administrators,
casting managers and retouchers. They make photos
on various topics, from business to sport.
NIELSEN
PUBLIC RELATIONS
MATTERHORN COMMUNICATIONS
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
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
SERVICED APARTMENTS
VIETNAMWORKS.COM
130 Suong Nguyet Anh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 5404 1373
vietnamworks.com
RELOCATION AGENTS
CROWN RELOCATIONS
2nd Floor Coteccons Office
Tower, 236/6 Dien Bien
Phu, Binh Thanh, Tel: (08)
3840 4237
crownrelo.com
RESIDENT VIETNAM
Unit 601 48 Hoa SU, Phu
Nhuan, Tel: (08) 2226 8855
residentvietnam.com
SAIGON EXPRESS
AGENCY LIMITED
7th Floor, 6-8 Doan Van Bo,
Q4, Tel: (08) 3826 8850
seal.com.vn
ALLIED PICKFORDS
CITYVIEW
INTERCONTINENTAL ASIANA
SAIGON RESIDENCES
Crn. of Nguyen Du & Le Van
Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 8888
intercontinental.com/saigonres
Adjacent to the InterContinental Asiana Saigon youll
find 260 luxurious and spacious residential suites. The
residences offer panoramic
views of the downtown area.
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.
THE LANDMARK
5B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2098
thelandmarkvietnam.com
65 serviced apartments located in the city centre overlooking the river. Also has a
comprehensive health club
for tenants and members,
a squash court and a 16th
floor swimming pool.
SERVICED APARTMENTS
SCORE-TECH
260 TTH21, Tan Thai Hiep,
Q12, Tel: (08) 3711 9958
A 100 percent foreigninvested company offering
personalised sport garments. Using the latest printing technology as well as a
design team from Barcelona,
Score-Tech controls the
whole production process
from producing fabrics and
sewing to printing. Big and
small orders of garments
produced for all sporting
needs.
HCMC
COFFEE CUP
MERCI BOUTIQUE CAF
A Family Thing
Pulling the name from a Vietnamese
poem, Ngoc and his family wanted to
convey the feeling of being grateful for
things you have every day, regardless of
your wealth.
The story started when my parents
retired from Le Cong Kieu and moved back
to the house here. I quit my job, Vy quit her
job and we all decided to work together,
says Van.
She describes fashion and design as her
left-hand skill. Among the racks in the
back hang formal skirts, brightly-coloured
blouses and more subtle pieces. Evidence of
her designs are splattered throughout the
caf with her choice of French accents
pink, lush lounge chairs, deep royal purple
on the walls, lustrous wooden pieces a
HCMC
downtown
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
DANCE / NIGHTCLUB
2B-C-D Thi Sach, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 6124
apocalypsesaigon.com
BEER REPUBLIC
BLANCHYS TASH
RESTOBAR / NIGHTCLUB
95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel:
0909 028293
Blanchystash.com
BOOTLEG DJ CAF
BOUDOIR LOUNGE
BROMA
COCKTAILS / ROOFTOP
41 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 6838
Bromas medieval rooftopcocktail lounge conglomeration is a magnet for the
citys weirdest and coolest
events/random moments.
A sophisticated cocktail
menu and quite possibly the
best lamb burger in town.
Check out their bun bo Hueinspired cocktail.
CARMEN
CUNHOUSE
LOUNGE BAR
Hem 36, Chu Manh Trinh, Q1,
Tel: 0908 033982
GAME ON
SPORTS BAR
115 Ho Tung Mau, Q1 Tel:
(08) 6251 9898
gameonsaigon.com
ICE BLUE
EXPAT BAR
54 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2644
Expats keep returning to
this smoky dive bar, largely
due to its amicable service,
brewsky-downing atmosphere, and spirited dart
games. A mainstay in the
local darts league.
LA HABANA
LA FENETRE SOLEIL
LAST CALL
AFTERHOURS LOUNGE
59 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 3122
LEVEL 23 NIGHTSPOT
OBRIENS
PACHARAN
PARK LOUNGE
Huu
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Ng
uy
en
Le
ng
Th
an
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Le
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District 2
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Vo
saigon.park.hyatt.com
An elegant, ground floor
venue in The Hyatt, perfect
for social and business
gatherings. As well as nightly
live music, serves afternoon
tea staples including warm
scones with generous portions of homemade jam and
clotted cream.
PHATTYS
AUSTRALIAN / SPORTS
46-48 Ton That Thiep, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 0796
phattysbar.com
From its roots as the famed
Caf Latin, Phattys has
become the go-to, Aussie
beer-guzzling / sports viewing emporium, showing everything from international
cricket to Aussie rules and
serving an array of pub grub
favourites.
SAIGON RANGER
SAIGON SAIGON
cT
ha
n
Da
o
District
10
Ma
Du
h
an
Ng
uy
en
Ca
ch
Tr
u
Th
i
ie
n
an
Ba
Du
Bi
e
Ha
i
Hu
ng
LE RENDEZ-VOUS DE SAIGON
District 3
Kh
ai
Ph
APOCALYPSE NOW
FUSE
lastcallsaigon.com
If youre in need of dense,
soulful atmosphere and
maybe an artisanal cocktail on your way back from
wherever, Last Call is your
stop and fast becoming
that of the similarly inclined.
Great happy hour deals for
early evening starters.
Tr
an
TOP-END INTERNATIONAL
Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
International dcor blends
seamlessly with local
themes. Style joins forces
with a wide-ranging drink
menu and hip dance tunes to
create one of the most tasteful if pricier bars in Saigon.
To
n
Ho
DRUNKEN DUCK
an
g
in
h
en
Ti
Binh Thanh
in
h
District 4
STORM P
DANISH / INTERNATIONAL
5B Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 4738
Stormp.vn
HIP RESTOBAR
31B Ly Tu Trong, Q1 Tel:
0903 369798
facebook.com/thecubesaigon
A sleek, industrial looking
restobar with edgy dcor
and just a hint of Spanish
style. Tapas, sangria, Iberian-influenced cocktails and
an emphasis on all things
Latin.
THE OBSERVATORY
BAR, ART & DJ SPACE
5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4, (Opposite Elisa Boat)
Known for its late night parties and focus on international artists, Observatory
is now at a bigger space in
District 4. Complete with a
new balcony overlooking
the Saigon River and an even
larger sound system, The
Observatory is a key node
in the Asian underground
music circuit.
THE ORIENT
VASCOS
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL
Landmark Building, 5B Ton
Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9698
Headed up by well-known
chef Andy Ertle, Vesper Bar
is a sophisticated yet downto-earth wine and cocktail
bar. Serving creative, Japanese-influenced tapas to
supplement the drinks, the
subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this
a great drinking and dining
venue
VINO
VINYL BAR
HCMC
vinylbarsaigon.com
A small but popular bar
with all the shenanigans of
the nightlife scene set to a
backdrop of classic 60s, 70s
and 80s tunes. Has a darts
area out back and is a popular space for watching the
live English Premier League.
WINE BAR 38
WINE EMBASSY
XU
ZANZBAR
EUROPEAN / MEDITERRANEAN
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2772
Auparcsaigon.com
Set in a shophouse-style
building, Au Parc offers a
chic colonial space to indulge in sensibly priced European and Mediterranean
food complemented with
good coffee and excellent
desserts.
BACH DANG
BASKIN ROBBINS
CASBAH
MIDDLE EASTERN
59 Nguyen Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 5130
This secluded Middle Eastern coffeehouse has both
cozy indoor and rooftop
seating to admire views of
the city. With such a prime
downtown location, expect
prices to match.
CENTRO
INTERNATIONAL
Metropolitan Building, 235
Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3508
7285
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures
customers into the flagship
store of this international
caf chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating and a menu
to satisfy any sweet tooth.
FRENCH
5 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 9117
Known for its fantastic
street-side seating opposite
the park on Le Duan and savoury crepes, this hang out
caf will impress you with its
location as much as its food.
FANNY
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL
80 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3915 3704
saigongivral.com
GOODY
GUANABANA SMOOTHIES
HAGEN-DAZS
LUSINE
CONTEMPORARY / FRENCH
First Floor, 151 Dong Khoi,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6674 9565; 70B
Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521
0703
lusinespace.com
French-style wooden decor
compliments the spacious,
whitewashed contemporary
interior of LUsine. A simple,
creative menu combines
with reasonably priced coffee, and a fashion store and
art gallery out back. Second
location on Le Loi.
M2C CAFE
44B Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 2495
facebook.com/m2ccafe
At M2C (Modern Meets
Culture), everything gets a
touch of modernity. From
the rich menu of Vietnamese food and drinks, shows
immense local culture, done
with a modern flare. Be seen
here at one of the latest popular joint in town.
PLANTRIP CHA
TEA ROOM
8A/10B1 Thai Van Lung
Street, Q1
Tel: 0945 830905
Tea, tea and more tea, all in
a contemporary, quirky environment. At Plantrip Cha
customers go on a sensory
journey to experience the
tastes and smells of teas
from across Asia, Europe,
America and the Middle East.
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
158 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 4990
Second-storey coffeehouse
offers a quiet atmosphere
to chill out or read from
their book-nook collection.
Comfortable couch seating,
open table space and a cappuccino costs VND40,000.
TRUNG NGUYEN
INTERNATIONAL VIETNAMESE
80 Dong Khoi, Q1
trungnguyen.com.vn
INTERNATIONAL
5 Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08)
3911 5599
This two-storey building with
a mezzanine level boasts an
industrial style complex with
block walls, steel structures
and huge glass windows.
The mid-range menu offers
over 40 options from appetizers to desserts.
DEBENHAMS
GALLERY VIVEKKEVIN
GINKGO
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
10 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3521
8755
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnamthemed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
wires and motorbikes to
creative, Siddharta-style
imagery.
saigoncookingclass.com
Learn to cook quality Vietnamese cuisine with local specialist Hoa Tuc. The
three-hour lesson, conducted by an English-speaking
Vietnamese chef, includes a
trip around Ben Thanh Market to gather fresh ingredients for the class.
HIGH-END FURNITURE
Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3821 4201
bellavitafurniture.com
IPA-NIMA
BOCONCEPT
LUSINE
DIABOLO
LIFESTYLE / ACCESSORIES
First floor, 151 Dong Khoi,
Q1, Tel: (08) 6674 9565
lusinespace.com
Exclusive labels, elegant and
sophisticated clothing and
casual high-quality cottons
are stocked at this boutique/
caf. Lifestyle accessories
include shoes, homewares,
knickknacks, cameras, stationery and a range of vintage bicycles.
MANDARINA
TAILOR-MADE SHOES
171 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3827 5267
SONG
T&V TAILOR
TAILORS
39 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 4556
triciaandverona.com
VESPA SHOP
VESPA PRODUCTS / HELMETS
Unit 66, Saigon Square, 7-9A
Ton Duc Thang, Q1
Stocks a wide range of Vespa-inspired tidbits and memorabilia including t-shirts,
riding gear, Italian helmets,
Respro face masks, DVDs,
books, bags, magazines,
posters and more. Rental
scooters and bikes available.
COOKING CLASSES
SAIGON COOKING CLASSES BY
HOA TUC
74 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8485
DANISH FURNITURE
68-70 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 6604; The Crescent
Mall, 101 Ton Dat Tien, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5413 7357
boconcept.vn
EM EM
SOUVENIRS
38 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 4408
8am to 9.30pm
MEKONG CREATIONS
NGUYEN FRERES
NIK-NAKS / CRAFTS
2 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 9459
8am to 8pm
EMBROIDERED PRODUCTS
83 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 9079; 42 Le Loi, Q1.
(08) 3824 7456
ninhkhuong.vn
SAPA
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
1st Floor, 68 Le Loi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 2210 3110
mekong-quilts.org
NHA XINH
HOME FURNISHINGS
2nd Floor, Saigon Centre,
HCMC
65 Le Loi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
6115
www.nhaxinh.com
EUROPEAN-STYLE FURNITURE
3B Ton Duc Thang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 6657 0788
thefurniturewarehouse.
com.vn
EAT
3T QUAN NUONG
VIETNAMESE BBQ
Top Floor, 29 Ton That Thiep,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3821 1631
AL FRESCOS
INTERNATIONAL
27 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
38238424
alfrescosgroup.com
The downtown outlet of
one of Vietnams most successful restaurant chains,
Al Frescos offers international, Australian-influenced
comfort fare in a pleasant
environment with efficient,
friendly service to match.
Excellent delivery service.
ASHOKA
AU PARC
EUROPEAN / CAF
23 Han Thuyen, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2772
auparcsaigon.com
Consistently tasty European
caf fare think deli-style
sandwiches, salads and
mezzes, plus coffees and
juices served at a popular park-side Le Duan location with classic cream and
green-tiled dcor.
BAHDJA
87-89-91 Ho Tung Mau, Q1,
Tel: 0122 763 1261
bahdjarestaurant@gmail.
com
Located just beneath Au Lac
Saigon Hotel, Bahdja is Saigons first ever Algerian restaurant, serving authentic,
multi-ethnic Berber North
African and Mediterranean
cuisine cooked and served
in a traditional Algerian style.
Best experienced in a group,
this small but pleasant restaurants soothing ambience
is matched by the owners
genuine hospitality and
complimented by an array of
tasty tajines and couscousbased dishes. Make sure to
try the excellent Moroccan
wine, too.
BARBECUE GARDEN
VIETNAMESE / BARBECUE
135A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3823 3340; 134-136
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q1
barbecuegarden.com
BASILICO
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Kumho Plaza,
Cnr. Nguyen Du and Le Van
Huu, Q1, Tel: (08) 3520 9099
intercontinental.com/saigon
BIBI@ALIBI
5A Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 6257
The legendary chef Bibis
newest creation, a convivial
restaurant serving Mediterranean cuisine using fresh
products bought early morning at the market by Bibi himself. Delicious meats and fish
dishes together with the famous tarte tatin.
BLACK CAT
AMERICAN
13 Phan Van Dat, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 2055
blackcatsaigon.com
Creatively named burgers,
tasty Vietnamese-styled
sandwiches, spiced up
cocktails, mains and more,
all served up with a Californian edge at this small but
popular two-storey eatery
close to the river.
BLANCHY STREET
BOMBAY INDIAN
INDIAN MALAY
57-59 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel:
0903 863114
BROTZEIT
GERMAN / RESTOBAR
Level 1, Kumho Link, 9 Le
Duan, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 4206
brotzeit.co/kumholink
BUN CHA
26/1A Le Thanh Ton, Q1
CORSO
STEAKHOUSE / INTERNATIONAL
117 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 5368
norfolkhotel.com.vn
Although a hotel restaurant,
the enticing range of US and
Australian steaks plus great
grill and comfort food menu
in this contemporary eatery make for a quality bite.
Decent-sized steaks start at
VND390,000.
DRAGON NOODLE
JAPANESE NOODLES
29 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3521 0008
ELBOW ROOM
AMERICAN
52 Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 4327
elbowroom.com.vn
The comfort food on offer at this striking US-style
diner ranges from meatball
baguettes to chilli burgers,
pizzas, blackened chicken
salads and a selection of
more expensive international mains.
EL GAUCHO
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
5D Nguyen Sieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 1879
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an Argentinian
steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade
spicy sausage, skewers,
burger dishes and everything that can come off a
grill.
CIAO BELLA
NEW YORK-ITALIAN
11 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 3329
saigonrestaurantgroup.com
New York-style Italian restaurant offering a range
of tasty and affordable antipasti, pastas, and pizzas.
GANESH
GOLDEN ELEPHANT
CLASSIC THAI
34 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 8554
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
PAN-VIETNAMESE
7 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 1101
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
Ground Floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3915 6066
hogsbreathcafe.com.vn
Mixing hearty pub grub
such as burgers, salads
and prime rib steaks with a
sports bar atmosphere, this
Australian chain also offers
regular promotions and a
4pm to 7pm happy hour. Excellent outdoor terrace.
INAHO
SUSHI / SASHIMI
4 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 0326
INTERNATIONAL FUSION
The Square, 74/7 Hai Ba
Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827
0931
Alfrescosgroup.com
Although a chain restaurant,
the international offerings
here are consistently good
and creative. Excellent service, an attractive outdoor
terrace area, and a good
kids menu. Check out their
pepper steaks.
KABIN
CANTONESE
Renaissance Riverside Hotel,
815 Ton Duc Thang. Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 0033
marriott.com
Offers authentic, gourmet
Cantonese cuisine in an elegant, classic setting, with
striking dcor and the bonus of views over the Saigon
River. Dishes range from
VND80,000 to VND900,000.
KOH THAI
LE BANH MI
12 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08)
3822 1036
HCMC
TOP EATS
NOIR, DINING IN THE DARK
HCMC
LOLIVIER
FRENCH/MEDITERRANEAN
Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le Duan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1555
sofitel.com
Exuding a southern Gallic atmosphere with
its tiled veranda, pastel-coloured walls and
ficus trees, this traditional French restaurant
has quarterly Michelin star promotions and
an award winning pastry team.
LA BETTOLA
LITTLE ITALY
84 Ho Tung Mau Q1, Tel: (08) 3914 4402
labettolasaigon.com
Located in the heart of Saigon, La Bettola is
the only restaurant in town managed by two
Italian chefs and an Italian waiter. A woodfired pizza oven, a downstairs bar and a
stylish, elegant setting on the second floor
are part of the mix. As is the home-made
mozzarella, ricotta cheese, ravioli magro,
tortelli mushrooms, pappardelle and mascarpone cheese for the tiramisu, which is
made fresh every day. Has a great selection
of Italian wine.
LA CUISINE
FRENCH / MEDITERRANEAN
48 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 2229 8882
lacuisine.com.vn
This intimate, open-kitchened restaurant
bathed in white specialises in a mix of contemporary Mediterranean and French cuisine. Has a small but well thought out menu,
backed up with an extensive wine list.
LA HOSTARIA
TRADITIONAL ITALIAN
17B Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 1080
lahostaria.com
This downtown hideaway with rusticstyle
decorative trawls features fresh, light regional cuisine from across Italy. Try the carpaccio misto di pesce and agnello dantico.
Also specializes in excellent wood-fired
pizzas.
LE BOUCHON DE SAIGON
LUONG SON
PAN-VIETNAMESE
31 Ly Tu Trong, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 1330
PASHA
MAY RESTAURANT
19 21 Dong Khoi, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 3686
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
TURKISH / INTERNATIONAL
25 Dong Du, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291 3677
pasha.com.vn
Sumptuous, Turkish-themed restaurant
close to the mosque with Islamic-style white
dome dcor and comfortable, cushioned
seating.Authentically Turkish cuisine with a
sprinkling of western fare thrown in.
PENDOLASCO
PAN-ITALIAN
36 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel: (08) 6253 2828
pendolasco.vn
Opening out into a large, leafy terracottatiled garden area, this trattoria-style Italian
restaurant serves up quality homemade
pasta, risotto, gnocchi, excellent pizza and
grilled dishes. Another branch downtoan at
87 Nguyen Hue, Q1.
PIZZA 4PS
EUROPEAN/ASIAN FUSION
8/15 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 9838
pizza4ps.com
This quirky but highly rated Italian / Japanese fusion pizza parlour serves wacky yet
delicious pies such as tuna curry pizza and
calamari seaweed pizza, as well as more
traditional varieties.
NINETEEN
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
Ground floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son
Square, Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 4999
caravellehotel.com
OMG!
OSAKA RAMEN
LE JARDIN
CLASSIC FRENCH
31 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 8465
Unpretentious but tasty French fare in a
relaxed garden setting within the French
cultural centre. The robust, bistro-style cuisine is very well-priced, and excellent, cheap
house wine is served by the carafe.
LUCCA
TRATTORIA-STYLE ITALIAN
88 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe, Q1, Tel: (08)
3915 3691
A contemporary trattoria in the heart of
Saigon, serving home-cooked Italian cuisine
with New York flair in a beautifully designed
space with high ceilings. The menu features
both traditional antipasti and substantial
main courses.
JAPANESE NOODLES
18 Thai Van Lung, Q1; SD04, Lo H29-2, KP My
Phat, Phu My Hung, Q7
OPERA
CONTEMPORARY ITALIAN
Ground Floor, Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
A contemporary, casual, trattoria-style restaurant with al fresco dining overlooking
the Opera House. Specialising in both traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine,
the restaurant also features an impressive
breakfast menu.
PACHARAN
SPANISH / EUROPEAN
97 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08) 3825 6924
HCMC
PROPAGANDA
QUAN BUI 2
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE
17A Ngo Van Nam, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 1515
With its leafy roof garden
and chic interior, Quan Bui
offers a wide selection of
Vietnamese cuisine which is
cooked in their open kitchen.
REFINERY
REFLECTIONS
RIVERSIDE CAF
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
Renaissance Riverside,
815 Ton Duc Thang, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 0033
Offers versatile allday dining of international quality,
with the bonus of being able
to watch the action on the
river sidewalk. Features
SAIGON CAF
INTERNATIONAL / BUFFET
Level 1, Sheraton Saigon
Hotel and Towers, 88 Dong
Khoi, Q1 Tel: (08) 3827 2828
sheratonsaigon.com
SEOUL HOUSE
KOREAN
33 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3829 4297
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.
SQUARE ONE
TOP-END INTERNATIONAL /
VIETNAMESE
First Floor, Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son, Q1, Tel: (08)
3824 1234
saigon.park.hyatt.com
An atmospheric Ho Chi
Minh City restaurant featuring simple and authentic
Vietnamese and Western
cuisine offered from an
impressive display of integrated show kitchens to
serve guests in five different
dining areas. Open for lunch
and dinner.
TANDOOR
SKEWERS
INTERNATIONAL / MEDITERRANEAN
9A Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 4798
skewers-restaurant.com
Simple, unpretentious
Greek-influenced, international cuisine ranging
from the zucchini carpaccio through to the saganiki,
a range of dips, mousaka,
osso buco and lamb chop
skewers. Also has an excellent upstairs cigar room.
SORAE
TEMPLE CLUB
PAN-VIETNAMESE
29-31 Ton That Thiep, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3829 9244
Templeclub.com.vn
Once a hotel for Indian dignitaries visiting old Saigon,
the elegant and atmospheric Temple Club is one
of the citys best-preserved
buildings. Serving quality
Vietnamese and Indochine
cuisine at reasonable prices.
TOKYO BBQ
JAPANESE BARBECUE
15A6 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2527
VESPER BAR
INTERNATIONAL / TAPAS-STYLE
Landmark Building, 5B Ton
Duc Thang, Q1, Tel: (08) 3822
9698
Headed up by well-known
chef Andy Ertle, Vesper Bar
is a sophisticated yet downto-earth wine and cocktail
bar. Serving creative, Japanese-influenced tapas to
supplement the drinks, the
subtle lighting and loungestyle atmosphere makes this
a great drinking and dining
venue
WARDA
MIDDLE-EASTERN
71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3823 3822
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.
NUTRIFORT
GENERAL FITNESS
2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3825 8560
nutrifort.com
Offers fitness classes and
personal training with excellent facilities. Group classes
include power yoga, pilates,
circuit training, martial arts
and spinning. There is also a
spa and a restaurant serving
caloriecalibrated meals.
TOP-END PAN-CHINESE
1st Floor, InterContinental
Asiana Saigon, crn.of Hai Ba
Trung & Le Duan, Q1
Tel: (08) 3520 9999
intercontinental.com/saigon
Skillful chefs prepare authentic hand-pulled noodles,
fresh dim sum and hot wok
dishes within an impeccably
designed open kitchen, as
diners look on. Stylish and
spectacular.
SHERATON FITNESS
INTERNATIONAL
43 Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 0094
FITNESS CENTRE
Queen Ann Building, 2830
32 Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 6291
5999
Cfyc.com.vn
GALLERIES
BLUE SPACE & PARTICULAR ART
GALLERY
97A Pho Duc Chinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3821 3695
bluespacearts.com
DOGMA
8A/9C1 Thai Van Lung, Q1
dogmacollection.com
The home of Vietnamese propaganda art and a collection put together over the last two decades
by art collector Dominic Scriven,
the majority of the work comes
from the war period when provocative poster art was used to
inspire and motivate. Sells prints
of the originals and related products.
BACCHUS CORNER
WINE SHOP
158D Pasteur, Q1, Tel: (08) 3829
3306
bacchuscorner.com
A range of spirits, whiskies
and wines at affordable prices.
Wines come from all over the
world with an especially good
selection from France, Chile
and South Africa. Also has an
excellent range of single malts,
top shelf tequilas and has an
onsite wine tasting machine,
the Enomatic, the first of its kind
in Vietnam.
DALOC
WINE SHOP
74E Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
5404 3575
daloc.vn
BUTCHERS
73 Le Thi Hong Gam, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 4376
kimhai.vn
PHUONG HA
GROCERS
58 Ham Nghi, Q1, Tel: (08) 3914
1318
RED APRON
WINE SHOP
22 Chu Manh Trinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 0021
THE WAREHOUSE
WINE SHOP
15/5 Le Thanh Ton, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8826
One of the busiest wine retailers
in town. In addition to their excellent range of wines, they also
stock imported beers, bottled
mineral water and spirits.
VEGGYS
VINIFERA
WINE SHOP
7 Thai Van Lung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3521 0860
viniferavn.com
WINE SHOP
74/17 Hai Ba Trung, Q1, Tel: (08)
6299 1315
Professional advice on selecting
and tasting wines. Also offers
regular popular wine courses.
The outdoor terrace area is the
perfect spot to sample a new
vintage.
HAIRDRESSERS
VENUS
41 Nguyen Trung Ngan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3829 6298
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.com
Fullservice 24hour healthcare provider with highlyqualified doctors handling everything
from emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and outpatient care, checkups, travel
medicine and medical evacuations.
FV SAIGON CLINIC
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
3rd Floor, Bitexco Financial
Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, Q1, Tel: (08)
6290 6167
fvhospital.com
Stateoftheart medical centre located in District 1. Experienced American, French, and
Vietnamese doctors provide the
full spectrum health care. Plus
sports medicine, cosmetic treatments, skin care and surgical
consultations.
INDOCHINE SPA
69 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 7188
Indochine-spa.com.vn
Indochine Spa provides a peaceful and serene atmosphere with
aromatic scents and lulling melodies. Customers are pampered
by qualified therapists using
natural French products in a
clean and pleasant environment.
JASMINE
45 Ton That Thiep, Q1, Tel: (08)
3827 2737
Jasminespa.vn
Sparelated salon with a good
reputation for quality and comfort offers washes and leisurely
haircuts from VND330,000 plus
a range of related services including massage and some excellent treatments.
THANH SANCTUARY
Nguyen Du Villas, 111 Nguyen Du,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 0885
THE SPA
GLOW SPA
129A Nguyen Hue, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 8368
glowsaigon.com
Modern and bright downtown
spa, offers massages lasting
from 30 minutes, to two-hour
hot stone therapy, includes one
suite with a Jacuzzi bath; offers
hand and foot care and a hair
styling area.
XUAN SPA
Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son Square, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3824 1234
hyattpure.com
HCMC
A food blogger and self-styled chef, this month Riccha Arora unveils one of
her secret weapons
Ingredients:
6 whole flour tortillas
300g of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup fresh sweet pineapple, cut into wedges
1/2 cup of red bell pepper, chopped finely
2 jalapenos, deseeded and chopped finely
172 | Word December 2014 | wordvietnam.com
or margarine.
Layer half the tortilla with the grated
cheese, chicken and vegetable mixture.
Only use about two heaping tablespoons
of filling per large tortilla.
The half-moon technique is easier to
flip than a quesadilla made with two
tortillas. Just spread your filling over half
of the tortilla, then fold the other half over
the filling.
Now heat the nonstick grilling pan and
lay down the filled quesadilla, flipping it
with a spatula under the open side.
Once the cheese is perfectly melted
youll know its ready.
Repeat the assembling procedure with
each quesadilla stopping when its hot,
crunchy and gooey. Dip it in your favorite
salsa or sour cream.
Riccha Arora runs the Facebook page
Sassy Kitchen facebook.com/pages/SassyKitchen/514471675341572
HCMC
BAKERY
117 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 1992
crumbs.com.vn
Dubbed the local bakery,
Crumbs serves up a variety
of baked goods including baguettes, muffins, cheese and
garlicbased buns and loafs,
meatfilled pastries, sweet
pastries, healthconscious
breads and more. There is
also a breakfast menu and
variety of sandwiches available.
KOREAN BAKERY
59 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3914 4350
BIA HOI
33 Bui Vien, Q1
INTERNATIONAL / COMFORT
FOOD
40/24 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8452
With a free book exchange,
and tasty Sunday night
roasts, the tiny Bread &
Butter is a perfect place for
homesick expats and beer
enthusiasts (excellent HueBrewed Huda beer served
here exclusively in Ho Chi
Minh City).
GO2
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
187 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 9575
GODMOTHER BAR
RESTOBAR / VIETNAMESE /
WESTERN
129 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3832 4589
godmothersaigon.com
Only a couple blocks from
the bru-haha of Bui Vien,
Godmothers is a small watering hole with big attractions including excellent
mojitos, good food, and the
weekly Optimus Club featuring international DJs.
LE PUB
INTERNATIONAL / RESTOBAR
175/22 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 7679
Warm colors, artsy dcor
and a friendly ambiance
combine to create a perfect
UNIVERSAL BAR
LONG PHI
FRENCH / RESTOBAR
207 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2704
French-run but universally
appealing, Long Phi has been
serving the backpacker area
with excellent cuisine and
occasional live music since
1990. Excellent late-night
bistro cuisine.
SAIGON VIBRATIONS
REGGAE BAR
143 Nguyen Trai, Q1
facebook.com/saigon.vibrations
Just off The Pham, this intothe-early-hours reggae
inspired joint holds regular themed nights all in the
name of that most special
of sounds the one from
Jamaica.
SEVENTEEN SALOON
SPOTTED COW
CAFES
BOBBY BREWERS
INTERNATIONAL
45 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 4090
bobbybrewers.com
Choose from a full range
of caf beverages and a
fast-food style menu as you
watch the latest Hollywood
hits in their upstairs lounge.
Check website for movie locations and schedule.
INTERNATIONAL
157-159 Nguyen Thai Hoc,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3837 9347
coffeebean.com.vn
Large portioned coffee lures
customers into the flagship
store of this international
caf chain. The contemporary, yet generic atmosphere is bolstered by comfortable seating and a menu
to satisfy any sweet tooth.
INTERNATIONAL / SPORT
111 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7670
Alfrescosgroup.com
Spotted Cow delivers the
fun-loving atmosphere that
its playfully decorated black
and white spotted interior
promises, as well as decent
international comfort food,
a range of happy hours, live
sports, and darts.
THI CAF
SOUVENIRS / CLOTHING
1B Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
2210 2084
8am to 10.30pm
T&R TAVERN
DIVE BAR
57 Do Quang Dau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3838 9839
BLUE DRAGON
GINKGO
VIETNAM-THEMED CLOTHING
54-56 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
6270 5928
ginkgo-vietnam.com
Quality, original, Vietnam-
HCMC
TOP EATS
ROM BBQ
Where Its At
Although hotpots are available, the clue
is in the name. The barbecue section of
the menu is where the fun is really at,
occupying several pages with a wide
variety of meat and seafood options. Along
with a side of zingy lemongrass rice and
assorted barbecue friendly vegetables such
as okra and sweet potato, we commence
HCMC
themed tees are the showpiece at this airy French-run
store. Designs are inspired
by anything from the Vietnamese flag, local telecom
wires and motorbikes to
creative, Siddharta-style
imagery.
CORIANDER
MARATHON
LA CANTINA
BUDGET CLOTHING
147 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 7442; 123A Bui Vien,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 0019
PAPAYA
BUDGET CLOTHING
232 Bui Vien, Q1
papaya-tshirt.com
THAI / VIETNAMESE
16 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08) 3837
1311
TEX-MEX / VIETNAMESE
175/3 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
U.BEST HOUSE
TRAVEL GEAR
163 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1, Tel:
0978 967588
Ubesthouse.com
ITALIAN / TEX-MEX
175/1 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3837 0760
EAT
BABAS KITCHEN
BURRITO REVOLUTION
CHIS CAF
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
40/31 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 2502
Chiscafe.com
This affable caf is a rarity
in the backpacker area for
its genuinely good musical
playlist. Excellent, buildyour-own breakfasts, baked
potatoes, toasties, Vietnamese fare and more. Has a
popular motorbike rental
service.
VEGAN
9 Tran Hung Dao, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3821 2538
One of the citys oldest eateries (established in 1925)
does some of the cheapest
and tastiest vegan cuisine in
town, all cooked up without
onions, garlic or MSG.
MARGHERITA
ORANGE
BUDGET CLOTHING
152 Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3820 2620
9am to 10pm
TIN NGHIA
SISTERS CAFE
VIETNAMESE/WESTERN
185/30 Pham Ngu Lao, Q1,
Tel: 0903 643446
Light wood paneling, beige
walls and locally themed
artwork help to create a
fresh and airy ambience in
this caf-cum-restaurant
that is owned by the woman
behind Chis Caf. Also does
visa extensions and motorbike rental.
ZEUS
GREEK / KEBAB
164 Cong Quynh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3837 3248
ZOOM CAF
AMERICAN / TEX-MEX
169A Bui Vien, Q1, Tel: (08)
3920 3897
vietnamvespaadventures.
com/cafe_zoom
This corner-located Vespainfatuated venue is a caf
and restaurant by day and
a sidewalk drinking joint
by night. Friendly staff and
American deli-style and Cajun fare makes it a regular
expat haunt.
GALLERIES
GALERIE QUYNH
65 De Tham, Q1, Tel: (08)
3836 8019
galeriequynh.com
In addition to working with
artists based in Vietnam,
Galerie Quynh also exhibits the work of artists from
around the world. This wellestablished gallery supports
education through talks, lectures and publications.
HCMC
A WORLD
OF
What Empathy Is
Many say empathy is understanding or
perceiving accurately another persons
state, and sympathy is pity or sorrow
for that persons rotten luck. Problem is,
too many confuse the two and then muck
it up further by tossing in altruism as
synonymous for empathy and compassion
(more pity, by the way). I know, I
understand, I feel your pain. Blech.
How can you know me? Youre not me.
Altruism is unselfish concern for others
(sorry, impossible. Everyone is selfish).
However, did you spot the key word?
Thats right: pity. Blech. There is not a
GOOD
BY DANA MCNAIRN
HCMC
district 1
DISTRICT 1
Downtown
Pham Ngu Lao
Binh Thanh
in
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an
Tr
u
Th
i
ie
n
Le
Huu
C
cT
ha
n
ng
Th
an
g8
Le
Lo
i
ng
Ng
.H
ue
Ham Nghi
District 2
Hu
ng
Da
o
District
10
t
Kie
Tr
an
n
Va
District 4
Vo
CHILL SKYBAR
HOA VIEN
CZECH BREWHOUSE
28 Mac Dinh Chi, Q1, Tel: (08)
3825 8605
hoavien.vn
BOOKS
LIBRAIRIE FRANCAISE NAM
PHONG
82 Truong Dinh, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 7858
Nam Phong Bookstore was
founded at the of end 2002 in
Ho Chi Minh City as the first
and only francophone bookshop in the whole of Vietnam.
Only books written in French
are for sale, covering for all
ages and tastes. A catalogue
is available at namphongsaigon.com
MZ CLUB
SAIGON VIBRATIONS
Du
Ng
uy
en
Ma
Du
Ba
h
an
Ng
uy
en
Kh
ai
Ph
n
Bi
e
To
n
Ho
Ha
i
Ca
ch
in
h
en
Ti
District 3
an
g
REGGAE BAR
143 Nguyen Trai, Q1
facebook.com/saigon.vibrations
Saigons first reggae bar
located close to The Obser-
CAFES
(A) CAFE
15 Huynh Khuong Ninh, Da
Kao, Q1, Tel: 0903 199701
Settle into the Javanesestyle interior and enjoy possibly one of the best brews
in Saigon. Using own grown
and specially sourced Dalat
beans, speciality coffee such
BANKSY CAFE
1st Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: 01699 990003
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
HCMC
Large portioned coffee
lures customers into the
flagship store of this international caf chain. The
contemporary, yet generic
atmosphere is bolstered by
comfortable seating and a
menu to satisfy any sweet
tooth.
DECIBEL
INTERNATIONAL
79/2/5 Phan Ke Binh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6271 0115
Decibel.vn
Trendy without pretense,
this two-floor, relaxed caf
offers beautiful decor and
unique original events like
live music, film screenings, and art exhibits. Great
prices and food with daily
specials.
GIVRAL CAF
INTERNATIONAL / FRENCH
97 Nguyan Huu Cau, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3844 3295
saigongivral.com
I.D. CAF
CONTEMPORARY CAFE
34D Thu Khoa Huan, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3822 2910
Idcafe.net
Centrally located near Ben
Thanh Market, i.d offers
casual caf dining with a
wide variety of food and
beverages. Where modern
design and a warm ambience meet for coffee.
INTERNATIONAL / VIETNAMESE
76A Le Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3821
2718
The outdoor, well-aired terrace is the centrepiece of
this popular, contemporary
caf. Enjoy live music on
weekends as you sip on reasonably priced Vietnamese
or espresso-based coffee.
LE PETIT CAF
FRENCH
112 Pham Viet Chanh, Q1,
Tel: (08) 6291 2067
MOCKINGBIRD CAFE
4th Floor, 14 Ton That Dam,
Q1, Tel: 0935 293400
facebook.com/mockingbirdcoffee
Sitting atop of a number of
cafe establishments in an old
apartment complex, Mockingbird is just the place for a
romantic time over mojitos,
or good ol caffeine-infused
relaxation.
THINGS CAFE
CAF IF
COBALT
COOKING CLASSES
OVERLAND CLUB
35Bis Huynh Khuong Ninh,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3820 9734
overlandclub.jp
Sunday 1.30pm to 5pm
The Overland Club organises
pottery classes, VietnameseJapanese cooking classes,
cultural art events and
monthly special activities,
such as the Soba Festival,
pottery painting classes, the
art of decorating paper and
multinational cuisine days.
CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS
1 Nguyen Van Trang, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3925 1495
gayavietnam.com
Set in one of the most attractive post-World War II
buildings in the city, Gaya has
a reputation for chic and sophisticated indoor and outdoor sofas, pod seats, lamps
and tableware, with all products both constructed and
designed locally. You can
find a wide range of mirrors
and lacquerware with bowls,
vases and contemporary
Asian-style boxes as well as
a fantastic selection of linenembroidered bedding in all
colours and designs. Prices
here match the quality of the
products.
EAT
27 GRILL
VIETNAMESE FRENCH
38 Dang Dung, Q1, Tel: (08)
3846 9853
MSG-free traditional Vietnamese cuisine with a
French twist, cooked fresh
to order. Dishes include noodle soup, steamed ravioli and
beef stew, stir fries, hot pots
and curries.
GRILL-STYLE RESTAURANT
Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le
Lai, Q1, Tel: (08) 3827 2372
chillsaigon.com
Besides the spectacular
views, the cuisine at 27 Grill
is a real draw, with steaks
and other international
grill-style fare in a refined
yet contemporary atmos-
ROOFTOP RESTOBAR
Floor 30-31, Pullman Saigon
Centre, 148 Tran Hung Dao,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3838 8686
pullman-saigon-centre.com
A tapas-style contemporary
international menu in an
equally modern chic space,
Cobalt also has panoramic
views over the city thanks to
its 30th-floor location. Has a
focus on wine matching and
tasting. A hotel restaurant
with a difference.
DYNASTY
CANTONESE / PAN-CHINESE
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Elegant surroundings, top
quality ingredients, attentive service and comfortable,
roundtable dining makes Dynasty one of the top Chinese
restaurants in town, with a
classic dim sum menu.
LION CITY
SINGAPOREAN
45 Le Anh Xuan, Q1, Tel: (08)
3823 8371
lioncityrestaurant.com
Friendly, authentic fivestorey Singaporean eatery,
plating up the likes of nasi
lemak, mee rebus, and awesome chicken curry, as well
as specialities like frog porridge, chilli crab and fish
head curry.
MAY RESTAURANT
INDOCHINE VIETNAMESE
3/5 Hoang Sa, Q1, Tel: (08)
3910 1277
May-cloud.com
Meaning Cloud, May utilises homemade recipes
and broths developed by the
restaurateurs father, such
as pan-fried duck breast
served with nuoc mam and
ginger, and 1940s style
spring rolls. This is the Saigonese cooking of old set in
an Indochine atmosphere.
6290 8899
Traditional pan-Southeast
Asian favourites served in
a visually arresting setting
within a French colonial-era
villa, just minutes from the
backpacker area. Reasonably priced, with healthy
juices and smoothies.
PAN-SOUTHEAST ASIAN
1 Cao Ba Nha, Q1, Tel: (08)
AMERICAN / FRENCH
2527 Nguyen Dinh Chieu,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3823 7373
steakhouse.com.vn
NYSW is well known for
serving up formidable prime
signature cuts of New York
strip steak, rib eye, double
strip loins and chateaubriands along with sophisticated sides, in a glitzy, Hollywood-esque atmosphere.
PARKVIEW
INTERNATIONAL / ASIAN
New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 8888
saigon.newworldhotels.com
Flagship restaurant of The
New World Hotel, serving
lavish buffets all day. Many
cooking stations ranging
from Chinese to Italian, sushi and seafood, to salads,
cold cuts, cheese plates and
desserts.
QUAN BUI
TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE
8 Nguyen Van Nguyen, Q1,
Tel: (08) 3602 2241
Make sure to try the sauted
shrimps with cashew nuts
and crispy fried tofu with
lime wedge, at this popular,
high-quality eatery where all
food is served in traditional
crockery.
QUAN UT UT
US-STYLE BARBECUE
168 Vo Van Kiet, Q1, Tel: (08)
3914 4500
facebook.com/quanutut
Its a no-brainer, right?
American-style barbecue in
a contemporary Vietnamese,
quan nhau-style setting. Of
course it is, which is why
Quan Ut Ut is constantly
packed with grill-obsessed
diners going for the burgers, meats off the barbecue
and Platinum pale ale served
on tap.
Manor Apartments, 91
Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh
Thanh, Tel: (08) 3514 0253
Steve Chipman, who had a
hand in establishing gyms
at the Sofitel hotels in Hanoi
and Ho Chi Minh City, is behind Star Fitness one of
Vietnams largest and bestequipped gyms.
GALLERIES
CRAIG THOMAS GALLERY
27i Tran Nhat Duat, Q1, Tel:
0903 888431
cthomasgallery.com
Located in a quiet corner
of District 1, Craig Thomas
Gallery offers a compelling
mix of up-and-coming and
established local artists. In
operation since 2009, its
founder has been promoting
Vietnamese art for a decade.
WE LINK
COUNSELLING
64 Ho Hao Hon, Q1, Tel: (08)
6291 2900
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.
SAN ART
3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh, Tel:
(08) 3840 0183
San-art.org
San Art is an independent,
artist-run exhibition space
that offers residency programmes for young artists, lecture series and an
exchange programme that
invites international artists/
curators to organise or collaborate on exhibitions.
re.com
MEDICAL
& DENTAL
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,
Q1, Tel: (08) 3822 7848
vietnammedicalpractice.
com
Fullservice 24hour
healthcare provider with
highlyqualified doctors
handling everything from
emergencies to tests and
Xrays, inpatient and out
patient care, checkups,
travel medicine and medical
evacuations.
INTERNATIONAL CLINIC
79 Dien Bien Phu, Q1, Tel:
(08) 3910 4545
HAIR BAR
CONTEMPORARY SALON
68 Ngo Duc Ke, Q1, Tel:
(FREEPHONE) 1800 1108
hairbar.vn
A unique themed hair salon
where stylists use no scissors but styling equipment
only, giving female clients the
opportunity to get their hair
done on the run. Of course,
they have to look fabulous,
too. Fortunately this is one of
Hair Bars specialities. Check
the salon out on Facebook:
facebook.com/hairbarvn.
SPA TROPIC
HCMC
CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES
district 2
LITTLE ANH-EM
DISTRICT 2
Ni
Thao Dien
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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.
VOELKER
BAKERY
39 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
6296 0066
voelker-vietnam.com
Frenchrun bakery selling
probably the tastiest range
of patisseries, breads, quiches and pies in town. The signature passionfruit tart is
a must try.
Xa
DISTRICT 2
BMV PUB & GRILL
38 Quoc Huong, Q2 Tel:
01299 839314
facebook.com/bmv.pubgrill
With its seven TVs, full-size
mezzanine area, pool table
and aircon lounge space,
BMV is the perfect place in
District 2 to relax and watch
the sports. Has live music on
Thursday and Friday nights,
and is home to the only German Hofbrau Beer Garden in
Thao Dien.
BUDDHA BAR
RESTOBAR
7 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: (08)
3345 6345
Buddhabarsaigon.com
Just across the lane from
McSorleys, this pub with an
eccentric European tilt and
some nice, authentic cuisine
draws an older crowd with
darts, pool and weekly poker
tourneys.
MCSORLEYS
IRISH BAR
4 Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0126
9026006
Standing in the former home
of Gaudi, McSorelys is full of
surprises, including a beautifully backlit swimming pool,
reggae parties, comedy
nights, and sporting events
projected onto the patio wall.
SAIGON OUTCAST
Th
Ni
nh
Song H
Mai Ch
Tr
Hu Cnh
BAKERIES
g
n Hon
n
uy
Ng
No
Trn
Nguy
Xa
nh
Song H
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H
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Qu
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Binh Thanh
Th
VESPA SHOP
AUSTIN HOME
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
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
HCMC
DELIVERY
BEN STYLE
CHEZ GUIDO
DOMINOS PIZZA
EAT.VN
www.eat.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
EL GATO NEGRO
HUNGRYPANDA.VN
www.hungrypanda.vn
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
KFC
LOTTERIA
SCOOZI
TACO BICH
www.tacobich.com
Homemade Mexican fare
WILLY WOOS
VIETNAMMM
www.vietnammm.com
Delivery service website
for local restaurants
while the second level stocks
all types of indoor furniture
except beds. Accessories
are found on the level above.
Special orders are taken for
delivery within three weeks.
Also offers a rental service.
GAYA
CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS
3 Tran Ngoc Dien, Q2, Tel:
(08) 6281 9680
gayavietnam.com
Set in a typical suburban
villa, Gaya sells chic and
sophisticated indoor and
outdoor
sofas, rugs, lamps, jewellery, scents, bedding, lac-
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
baanthai-anphu.com
Subtle lighting and comfortable sofa-like seating at this
An Phu eatery. The menu
has a whole page dedicated
to tom yum soup as well
as firey larb moo and Laotian som tam. Thai cuisine
cooked up by no-holdsbarred Thai chefs.
BOAT HOUSE
AUSTRALIAN / INTERNATIONAL
40 Lily Road, An Phu Superior Compound, Thao Dien,
Q2, Tel: (08) 3744 6790
Live music, mini-festivals and
functions are regular events
at this spacious restobar in
An Phu on the banks of the
Saigon river. The menu offers seasonal dishes, classic mains and sharing plates.
LA CLOSERIE DELISA
LU BU
CONTEMPORARY MEDITERRANEAN
97B Thao Dien, Q2 Tel: (08)
6281 8371
luburestaurant.com
Drawing inspiration from
the great cuisines of Europe, The Mediterranean
and The Orient, this contemporary, Australian-run
restaurant bathed in white
focuses on wholesome,
fresh ingredients, with
breads, cheeses, pickles,
pastas and preserves made
on site daily from scratch. A
well-conceived wine list supplements the excellent fare.
Has petanque on the terrace.
MEKONG MERCHANT
PENDOLASCO
PAN-ITALIAN
36 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel:
(08) 6253 2828
pendolasco.vn
Saigons longest running
Italian restaurant, classic fare is combined with a
special contemporary menu
that brings together a fusion
of European dishes, cooked
up with Italian flair. Excellent Facebook-based delivery service. Go to facebook.
com/Pendolasco2 for full
menu and info.
TAMAGO
AUTHENTIC JAPANESE
39 Tong Huu Dinh, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 4634
tamagoresto@gmail.com
Located on the main drag
in Thao Dien, Tamago has
indoor and out door seating,
a terrace and private rooms.
They have a ladies night on
Tuesdays as well as a Teppanyaki themed night on
Saturday evenings. Have a
second restaurant in Mui Ne.
THE DECK
THE LOOP
AQUABIKING
65 Truc Duong, Lang Bao
Chi, Thao Dien, Q2, Tel: 0909
008985
aquafit.vn
CHIARA SQUINZI
Tel: 01278 163620
laholista.com
Experienced health coach
and corporate & school wellness coach. Can help clients
achieve health and weight
goals through an innovative
holistic approach of food,
body and mind. Email chiara@laholista.com for info.
NUTRIFORT (NTFQ2)
GENERAL FITNESS
34 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel:
(08) 3744 6672
nutrifort.com
A well-appointed gym also
offering fitness classes and
personal training with excellent facilities. Group classes
include power yoga, pilates,
circuit training, martial arts
and spinning. Also has a restaurant serving caloriecalibrated meals.
WINE SHOP
Corner of Thao Dien & Duong
2, Q2, Tel: (08) 6281 9059
Professional advice on selecting and tasting wines
with a portfolio spanning
old and new world as well
as everything in between.
The outdoor terrace area is
the perfect spot to sample a
new tipple.
HAIRDRESSERS
CONCEPT COIFFURE
BOXING / FITNESS
49A Xa Lo Ha Noi, Q2. Tel:
0947 77 13 26
Cyril-and-you.com
This sports centre in An Phu,
started by fitness guru Cyril
features the same personalized mentorship Cyrils
clients love. Includes yoga,
boxing and fitness for kids
and adults every day. No
membership fees. Pay for
classes in installments of
10. Also has kids activites
classes. Monday to Friday
every week at 4pm. All activities are safe and run by
Cyril himself.
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,
SHOPPING MALLS
DIAMOND PLAZA
PARKSON PLAZA
SAIGON CENTRE
SAIGON SQUARE
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
ZEN PLAZA
HCMC
ing renders a great spot to
relax. The mouth-watering
western menu is on the expensive side.
district 3
ACOUSTIC
LIVE MUSIC
6E Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3930 2239
Though only 1km from the
city centre, Acoustic is well
off most foreigners radars.
Come see the Vietnamese
house band play nightly, as
well as performances from
overseas bands and guest
artists.
Th
n
CLOUD 9
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Ph
Th
Bi
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Du
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Showcases a variety of different types of music anything from rock, pop and rap
to Latino as well as the everlasting songs of Metallica,
Bon Jovi, Scorpions, Santana
and Guns n Roses. Covered
live by well-known, Vietnambased Filipino bands. Music
starts at 8.30pm.
ONTOP BAR
Novotel Saigon, 167 Hai Ba
Trung, Q3, Tel: (08) 3822
4866
Located on the 20th floor
with stunning views of the
city, houses an upscale,
contemporary interior and
an outdoor terrace. A good
venue to chill out in a relaxed and casual, yet hip
ambience.
n D
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Du
n
Kh
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h
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Nguy
S
u
Th
Cn
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L
Thi
WOODSTOCK BAR
Th
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g
Tr
Na
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u
Ng
Ca
o
L Thi T
ng
Ph
i
n
n
i
ng
Kh
i
te
et
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Ca
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i
Ha
a
Ngh
i
Th
Ba
Th
i
Ha
Tr
n
g
VIETNAMESE / INTERNATIONAL
40C Tran Cao Van, Q3, Tel:
SKATEWEAR / STREET
148 Dien Bien Phu, Q3, Tel:
0903 641826
Bamskateshop.com.vn
BOO
STREETWEAR
187A Hai Ba Trung, Q3
boo.vn
CRAFTS
& FURNITURE
i
Kh
nh
Th
n
Th
V
n
n
Bi
C
ch
Ba
Ph
District
10
Ng
h
a
Ho
n
g
District 1
Ha
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y
n
Th
n
g
g
nh
n
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H
ng
ng
Ti
Tr
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Tr
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Vn
Kh
i
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ch
h
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Sa
Na
m
K
i
nh
Th
H o
ng
Tr
n
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V
V
Ng
n
uy
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Th
M
in
h
Kh
a
Hi
Th
n
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hT
hn
g
M
ng
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Sa
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Ch
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C
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Ha
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Th
Ho
V
n
Sa
Hong
TEA ROOM
335/31 Dien Bien Phu, Q3,
Tel: 0169 3583563
operationteavietnam.com
Traverse a wooden bridge
over a bamboo-shaded goldfish pond to enjoy high quality tea, starting at VND35,000,
in this quaint, open-air tearoom. Tea and tea-ware
available for purchase.
V
n
T
Ng
n
uy
n
Th
Binh Thanh
DISTRICT 3
OPERATION: TEAROOM
BUDS
ICE-CREAM PARLOUR
171 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3932 2778
budsicecream.com.vn
HIDEAWAY
INTERNATIONAL
41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3822 4222
Hideawaycafe-saigon.com
Hidden in a colonial building
with an outdoor courwrd,
the ample soft, sofa seat-
ATC FURNITURE
ECO-FRIENDLY FURNITURE
SR1: 268B Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia, Dist.3, HCMC, Tel: (08)
39326455
SR2: 30A Nguyen Huu Canh,
Binh Thanh, HCMC, Tel: (08)
38403946
atc-craft.com
Filled with the scent of nature, is it what you are looking for to spice up the living
space of your home? Come
to ATC FURNITURE, you will
find a wide range of moderndesigned products (sofas,
chairs, beds...) manufactured
from eco-friendly materials
(water hyacinth & rattan). Our
outdoor (poly rattan) wickerfurniture range is suited
to your balcony or garden
space. A hanging (hammock)
chair is irresistible for complete relaxation after a long
day at work.
HCMC
SPORTS
REMIX DECO
INDOOR FURNITURE
222 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,
Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 4190
remixdeco.com
EAT
AU LAC DO BRAZIL
CRICKET
ECCS (THE ENGLISH CRICKET
CLUB OF SAIGON)
Richard Carrington, Tel:
0909 967 353
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
isao.shimokawaji@sapporobeer.co.jp
VIETNAMESE STEAKHOUSE
200 Bis Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3; 157 Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia, Q3, Tel: (08) 3930 3917
Namsonsteak.com
HIGHWAY 4
NORTHERN / PAN-VIETNAMESE
101 Vo Van Tan, Q3, Tel: (08)
3602 2069
highway4.com
Named after the mountain
highway that skirts the Chinese-Vietnamese border to
the north, Highway 4 serves
up authentic north Vietnamese cuisine. Also does
excellent Son Tinh branded
rice wine.
JOIE DE VIVRE
WESTERN / FRENCH
292/10, Cach Mang Thang
Tam, Q3 Tel: (08) 6260 0066
facebook.com/joie.vn
SQUASH
PHO HOA
ULTIMATE FRISBEE
gauloisdesaigon.com
XROCK CLIMBING
OLYMPIQUE SAIGON
BRAZILIAN CHURRASCO
238 Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3820 7157
aulacdobrazil.com
Open for over a decade, Au
Lac Do Brazil is home to the
city's best Churrasco menu
with a wide variety of meats
from Calabrian sausage
and picanha through to
D-rump steak and smoked
hams. Pioneering the eatas-much-as-you-can theme
in Vietnam, Passadors bring
the meat skewers to your
table, and you, the customer
then choose your accompaniments from the salad bar.
Best washed down with red
wine or a Caipirinha or five.
PHO EATERY
260C Pasteur, Q3, Tel: (08)
3829 7943
SHRI
CONTEMPORARY EUROPEAN
23rd Floor, Centec Tower,
7274 Nguyen Thi Minh
Khai, Q3, Tel: (08) 3827 9631
A breezy terrace, indoor
bar and separate dining
room with sweeping views
over central Saigon make
up this enormous, comfortable space. A well-thought
out and romantic venue,
with excellent food.
SUSHI / SASHIMI
53-55 Ba Huyen Thanh
Quan, Q3, Tel: (08) 3930
0039
sushidiningaoi.com
Sushi Dining AOI offers fullblown Japanese-style sushi,
sashimi, and other dishes
such as tempura, pork cutlet and cold soba noodles
in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Good value set
lunches. Probably the best
sushi in town.
TIB
HUE / VIETNAMESE
187 Hai Ba Trung, Q3, Tel:
(08) 3829 7242
Tibrestaurant.com.vn
VIET CHAY
VEGAN
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, 339
Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3
vietchay.vn
YOGA
Tel: 0909 648193
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
HAIRDRESSERS
YKC HAIR STUDIO
DANCENTER
53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Q2, Tel: (08) 3519 4490
dancentervn.com
Children and teenagers can enjoy jazz, ballet, hip-hop,
funk, belly dancing, salsa and in multi-level classes at
this modern dance studio.
PIANO CLASSES
Tel: 01225 636682
morrissokoloff@hotmail.com
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
HCMC
pain, sports injuries, and all
types of foot problems. We
also provide effective treatment for Flat foot syndrome
in children and adult.
phu my hung
PANORMA FITNESS
L in
V
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Tr
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C
Ph
Nguy
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V
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T
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Tr
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L
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Ti
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EASTERN MEDICINE
187 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3,
Tel: (08) 3932 6579
n
uy
Nguyn Vn Linh
Nguyn
ng Ch
Ng
Linh
n
uy
Ng
Nguyn Vn
DISTRICT 7
BAKERIES
LAMOUR
SAVOURE
BAKERY
Grand View, SD 4-1, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7
SIMRANS
BAKERY
SL15-1 Grand View, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Q7, Tel: 0908
828552
simrans.sg
EXPAT BAR
SA8-1 Parkview, Nguyen
Duc Canh, Phu My Hung, Q7,
Tel: (08) 5412 3282
A downstairs pool table, an
open, street side terrace and
specials on Tiger draft, this
fun but slightly run-down
joint is a local haunt for many
a resident of Saigon South.
PEACHES
CURRY PUB
S57-1 Sky Garden 2, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08) 5410
0999
Known as the Curry Pub,
this pleasant Saigon South
watering hole mixes the beer
PHU MY HUNG
TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
HOSPITAL
ng
yn
Ch
N gu
BAKERIES / BARS & CLUBS / CRAFTS & FURNITURE / EAT / FITNESS, DANCE
& YOGA / INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS / MEDICAL & DENTAL
RUBY SOHO
CARTOON BAR
S52-1 Sky Garden 2, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 3900
mekong-creations.org
MEKONG QUILTS
HAND-MADE QUILTS
S17-1 Sky Garden , Nguyen
Van Linh, Q7, Tel: (08) 6271
7758
mekong-quilts.org
EAT
BOOMARANG BISTRO SAIGON
INTERNATIONAL / GRILL
CR2 3-4, 107 Ton Dat Tien,
Phu My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6592
boomarang.com.vn
Australian themed but Singaporean-owned eatery and
bar on The Crescent with
great terraced seating specializing in huge-portioned
international fare, all set in
a contemporary, spacious
environment.
EL GAUCHO
HIGH-END FURNITURE
The Crescent Mall, 101 Ton
Dat Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 5413
7355
bellavitafurniture.com
MEKONG CREATIONS
PAN-VIETNAMESE
The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat
Tien, Q7, Tel: (08) 2210 2304
MING DYNASTY
NATHALIES
THE TAVERN
HOANG YEN
ARGENTINIAN STEAKHOUSE
Unit CR1-12, The Crescent,
Phu My Hung, Q7, Tel: (08)
5413 6909
elgaucho.com.vn
A pleasant downtown eatery mixing an Argentinian
steakhouse theme with pork,
chicken, lamb, homemade
spicy sausage, skewers,
burger dishes and everything that can come off a
grill.
THAI / VIETNAMESE
S9 Hung Vuong 3, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5410 0822
nathaliesrestaurant.com
INTERNATIONAL
15-17 Cao Trieu Phat, Phu
My Hung, Q7, Tel: 0948
901465
bizuhotel.com/main/pages/
scottbinhs.php
Serving creative, all homemade comfort food, this
restaurant boasts a full bar,
ice-cold beer and an international wine list to complement meals. Has a focus
on the creative use of local
ingredients.
FV HOSPITAL
INTERNATIONAL HOSPITAL
6 Nguyen Luong Bang, Saigon South Parkway, Q7, Tel:
(08) 5411 3333
Emergency: (08) 5411 3500
fvhospital.com
International hospital
whose standard of health
care matches that found
anywhere, with 19 fulltime
French doctors and 58 Vietnamese doctors, providing
expertise in 30 medical and
surgical areas, especially
maternity care.
EASTERN MEDICINE
432 Pham Thai Buong, Q7,
Tel: 0906 684 969
D Tic Cng
Beckham
Nhp Tic
Hotdog Ny Ca Ai?
Sn Sng
02,03,05,06
STABIL ELITE
Bn c th xem h nh l s kt hp gia
nhm Cut Copy v nhm Kraftwerk mt tri
nghim vi dng nhc dance kt hp Krautrock
y m hoc do cc ngh s chi nhc c nghim
ngh v n mc chn chu. V l dng nhc in
t, nn h khng c bit ti nhiu y
l l do v sao vin Goethe-Institut thc hin
THNG 12
07-16
THNG 12
05-28
CH NGH THUT H NI
THNG 12
VIETNAM
For the next 13 issues, Word is presenting excerpts from Wilfred Burchetts
seminal account of the American War. A close friend of Ho Chi Minh, Burchett
was the only westerner to be embedded with the Viet Cong frontlines in the
early 1960s. This work was written in 1964
From the Authors Forward
Apart from my general interest in the peoples
of the former states of Indochina and my
special sympathy for the South Vietnamese
people in their heroic struggle, I had an
important, added reason to visit the Liberated
Areas and battlefronts of South Vietnam
during late 1963 and the first three months of
1964.
The United States is experimenting with
a new type of warfare in South Vietnam, socalled special warfare, the theoretical father of
which is General Maxwell Taylor.
Maxwell Taylors thesis was that in this
nuclear era, the United States must prepare to
fight three types of war global, nuclear war;
limited or local wars; and special wars. The
special thing about the latter is that US combat
troops are not involved.
I went there to find out on the spot what
Liberation Intelligence
One thing that constantly astonished me
was the absolute precision with which
the Liberation Front forces operated. The
contact to steer us past enemy posts was
Military Manhunt
Early next morning the operation was in
full swing, the main body of Saigon troops
having moved into the area. Mesdemoiselles
were soaring overhead like wasps, trying
to spot defense positions and direct
artillery fire. It was easy to distinguish
the attackers artillery, mortar and long
bursts of machine gun and automatic fire
from the lighter, shorter bursts from the
defenders automatic weapons and single
shots of rifle fire.
The guerillas never like to fire a single
unnecessary shot cartridges are too
precious. It sounded like a terribly unequal
combat with bombs and shells thundering
machine guns.
Later in the day, when things got a bit
quieter, some of us went to see the results.
A delegation of US taxpayers would have
been impressed! There were 12 craters
spread over a strip of jungle about 300
yards long by 100 yards wide and some
holes not more than three inches deep
with remains of rockets around them. The
target was a tiny patch of jungle track that
showed through the trees, on which one
bomb had squarely landed. Perhaps there
had been a column of troops passing? I
thought, but a check was made. Nobody
had been in the area and troops in any case
would have been well under the trees with
planes about. It would take the guerillas
five minutes with their knives to hack out
a new bit of track around the water.
Its typical, said the area commander
when we reported back. Theyll bomb
and strafe for hours at any tiny bit of track
they see. Every day there is this fantastic
waste of shells and bombs.
Wilfred Burchett was an Australian reporter
often described at the rebel journalist for
his stories about the American War from the
other side. After years of being at odds with
the Australian government, last month the
Melbourne Press Club inducted him into their
Hall of Fame. Burchett was also the journalist
who broke the scoop of the 20th century the
devastation caused by dropping nuclear bombs
on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Special thanks to George Burchett for
allowing us to republish this work
AUSTRALIA
Young Ambassadors
In the process of meeting some other
Vietnamese students including Lily a
Finance and Accounting undergrad from
Hanoi I am invited to the launch of a new
marketing film by Study Adelaide. This is
an organisation with remit to position the
city as a premier choice for students. Its a
competitive marketplace, and after canapes,
drinks and much hobnobbing, the film is
unveiled as a day in the life of a newly
arrived student. Its filled with life affirming
experiences and cultural exchanges where
On The Spot
No surprises on the one thing they agree on
missing as well, the food and possibly
the immediate sense of sharing what the
street life of Vietnam creates. In Danang,
where I am from, says Brian, a medicine
student on full scholarship, if you wanted
to do something you would just meet
outside, see whoever was there and go do it
The Students
W ILSON T U N HAT B UI
H OMETOWN : Phan Rang
A GE : 21
C OURSE : Pharmaceutical Engineering
F AVOURITE A USTRALIAN CELEBRITIES :
Hamish and Andy. Check em out!
Corporate Finance
VIETNAM:
B EST
C OURSE : Medicine
Swedish-Vietnamese trade
has grown to historic levels
because of the liberalisation