Untitled - Trails of Indochina

Mini guide to Vietnam
Cẩm nang du lịch Việt Nam
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam
Vietnam 1
Content
Hanoi
Hue
Hoian
Ho Chi Minh
 A Warm Vietnamese Welcome
5
 Local Customs
6
37
51
64
 Eating out
7
38
52
65
* Casual Dining
8
39
52
66
* Mid-range
10
39
54
68
* Fine Dining
12
40
54
70
* Feel -good food
14
72
 Shopping
16
4155 73
 Nightlife
22
4258 77
 Pleasant Pastimes 24
43
59
80
* Art
25
4459 80
* Culinary
27
45
59
* Golf 28
81
* Yoga & Spa
29
46
59
82
* and more...
32
60
83
 Reaching out
33
47
61
86
 Useful phrases
88
2 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 3
A warm Vietnamese welcome
In 1010 Emperor Ly Thai To founded his capital,
which he christened ‘Rising Dragon’, on the banks of the
Red River. Almost a millennium later, Hanoi remains
Vietnam’s picturesque political centre, and one of Asia’s
most captivating cities.
Hanoi
“Tự nhiên như người Hà Nội”
To be as easy-going and open as a Hanoian
An abundance of elegant examples of colonial
architecture affords the city a distinctly Parisian
ambience, but its hectic winding streets are packed with
evidence of the Hanoi’s varied and tumultuous history.
Visit the Temple of Literature, a bastion of Confucian
scholarship founded in 1015, and explore the quaint
narrow streets of the Old Quarter, riddled with winding
alleys, crowded markets and traditional shop-houses.
Circle the dark reflective waters of Hanoi’s romantic
lakes, and stroll along tree-lined avenues flanked by
stately French colonial villas.
Explore the unique flavours of Vietnamese cuisine at
lavishly decorated restaurants, indulge in traditional art
and culture at the city’s varied museums and theatres,
and visit the Soviet-style mausoleum built in honour of
the man who led the country to independence,
Ho Chi Minh himself.
4 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 5
Local customs
“Xin Chao!” Use this friendly phrase to say ‘hello’ to
everyone you meet. Hanoians are perceived to be the
most well-spoken of Vietnamese people, and most
would agree that Hanoian Vietnamese is more refined
and elegant than other accents. See if you can hear the
difference for yourself as you travel through the country!
The custom of chewing betel and areca nut is
traditionally thought to freshen the breath, help
digestion, and calm your mood, and it’s usually older
Vietnamese people who indulge in the practice. The
mixture typically contains areca leaf, betel bark, chay
root and lime for a mixture of sweet, hot, bitter and
sour tastes.
Eating out
Traditionally, Vietnamese people list their family name
first, then their middle name, with their first (given)
name listed last. You’ll also notice that Vietnamese
people use ‘Miss’ and ‘Mr’ as a prefix to their given
name as a polite form of address.
6 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 7
Casual Dining
Fusion Bar
A lounge and cafe with a mix of Vietnamese, Western,
and Arabic foods as well as many types of shisha.
25 Truc Bach St. - Tel: (04) 3 715 3004
Phở Vuong
Phở is one of Vietnam’s most famous dishes, eaten by
people of every age and social stratum, and here both
the traditional and modern come together in a uniquely
atmospheric setting. Try a hot bowl of phở accompanied
with coriander leaves, bean sprouts, hot peppers and
onions for a satisfying meal or snack.
44 Ngo Thi Nham St. - Tel: (04) 3 945 4740
Cha Ca La Vong
Reputed to be 200 years old, this rustic restaurant has a
decidedly local character and there’s only one dish - grilled
fish served in boneless chunks, smothered in greens and
saffron-infused oil. Fresh & authentically Hanoi!
14 Cha Ca St. - Tel: (04) 3 825 3989
Quan An Ngon
You’ll find this popular restaurant in every guide book,
and for good reason – the Ngon (delicious) chain has
built a solid reputation on serving affordable, tasty
Vietnamese fare in a nice garden setting.
18 Phan Boi Chau St. - Tel: (04) 3 942 8162
8 Trails of Indochina
Le Pub
Serving a wide selection of ice cold beers, both local and
international. Le Pub also has a great reputation for its
tasty pub grub and friendly service.
25 Hang Be St. - Tel: (04) 3 926 2104
Vietnam 9
Don’s Bistro
Mid-range
Bordering Hanoi’s West Lake, Don’s serves classic and
innovative international cuisine, including Vietnamese
favourites, great pizzas, steaks and fresh oysters from their
roof-top oyster bar. Also boasts one of the best wine lists
in the city.
16/27 Xuan Dieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 719 2828
Ly Club
Set in a lush garden, this French colonial building was
the former residence of the Governor of Indochina
in the 19th century. Today Ly Club is an elegant setting
for enjoying delightful Asian & Western cuisine and
traditional Northern folk opera music.
4 Le Phung Hieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 936 3069
La Verticale
Au Lac House
Set is a lovely restored French colonial mansion, and
decorated with photos of Hanoi’s past, Au Lac house is
truly a beautiful place to dine. The wonderful Vietnamese
menu features many favorites and a good selection of fresh
seafood such as roasted shrimp with salt and grilled crab.
Take a tour of the open home-style kitchen with affable
French character, and five-diamond chef Didier Corlou,
who will also happily guide you through his menu
creations before you take your seat in this carefullyrestored unique French-Chinese Villa.
19 Ngo Van So St. - Tel: (04) 3944 6317
13 Tran Hung Dao St. - Tel: (04) 3 933 3533
10 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 11
Fine Dining
Bobby Chinn
The blend of open tables, robed cubbyholes and
curtained-off partitions give this richly decorated lounge
bar and restaurant a distinctly boudoir-feel. Operated by
world-famous chef Bobby Chinn, the menu features an
innovative fusion of Western and Asian dishes, blending
Californian, French and Vietnamese flavours.
77 Xuan Dieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 719 2461
Mandarin
A nice & traditional Vietnamese restaurant, located in the
popular West Lake area. Boasts a good view & relaxing
dining rooms.
74 Xuan Dieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 719 1168
Nineteen 11
Located within the grounds of the historic Opera House
- built in 1911 - the Nineteen 11 has authentic colonial
ambiance with the flair of a fine dining restaurant. Nineteen
11 provides intimate corners for couples, special functions
for small to medium sized groups, and hosts many visiting
celebrities. Its wine cellar is also an ideal place to hang out
after dinner for a digestif or two.
1 Trang Tien St. - Tel: (04) 3 933 4801
Wild Lotus
A reclining Buddha, glass-encased waterfall and stone
water feature welcome you to this sharply appointed
contemporary restaurant. The menu offers a range of
Vietnamese and international cuisine rich in flavour
and colour.
Ginger
55A, Nguyen Du St. - Tel: (04) 3 943 9342
Ginger restaurant, named for an essential ingredient in
Vietnamese cuisine, is an elegant space in downtown
Hanoi. Hand selected art pieces adorn the walls and the
contemporary kitchen turns out modern Asian fusion
alongside an extensive wine list.
Wild Rice
87C Ly Thuong Kiet St. - Tel: (04) 3 941 2098/9
This elegantly furnished restaurant serves a range of
beautifully presented contemporary Vietnamese cuisine
within intimate surroundings. Dishes such as wild
rice chicken salad or prawn and banana spring rolls
is perfectly complemented by a great range of wines,
locally-produced art and attentive service.
6 Ngo Thi Nham St.- Tel: (04) 3 943 8896
12 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 13
Feel-Good Food
Hoa Sua restaurant
Hoa Sua provides disadvantaged youngsters with
training in vocational skills, and their restaurant is very
popular - during peak times reservations are a must if
you want to get a tree-shaded table at this colonial villa.
A delectable array of European and Asian dishes are
served up daily, and the dessert selection is to die for.
34 Chau Long St. - Tel: (04) 3 942 4448
KOTO
Standing for ‘Know One Teach One’, KOTO is a
not-for-profit restaurant and vocational training program
for street and disadvantaged youth. Located opposite
the Temple of Literature, KOTO serves a tasty and
extensive menu of Western and Asian fare over four
floors. The roof terrace and tempting array of expertly
blended cocktails are also big selling points.
59 Van Mieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 747 0337
14 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 15
Shopping
Antiques
54 Traditions
A gallery featuring antiques, cultural artifacts
and art from Vietnam’s 53 minority groups
and the Kinh majority people.
30 Hang Bun St. - Tel: (04) 3 715 0194
Books
Bookworm
Known as the first and friendliest English
bookshop in Hanoi, Bookworm stocks over
4000 new and second-hand fiction and
non-fiction titles.
44 Chau Long St.- Tel: (04) 3 943 7226
16 Trails
Trails of
of Indochina
Indochina
Vietnam 17
Clothing, Silks & Accessories
Kana
A new and popular clothing and accessories outlet
located in the old quarter.
41 Hang Trong St..- Tel: (04) 3 928 6208
Ipa-Nima
Delicately beaded bags, purses and accessories from
Hong Kong designer Christina Yu. Flamboyant colours,
rhinestones and sequins are used to create sheer
portable glamour.
34 Han Thuyen St. - Tel: (04) 3 933 4000
Khai Silk
Specializing in chic, timeless style, Khai Silk is the largest
retail silk outlet in Vietnam with a number of prominent
city boutiques and small deluxe hotel shops.
113 Hang Gai St. - Tel: (04) 3 828 6198
La Bella
This well- established Vietnamese label includes a
feminine range of chic clothes & bags.
9 Ly Quoc Su St. - Tel: (04) 3 928 8192
18 Trails of Indochina
George’s Fashion Boutique
George’s offers a huge range of dresses,
shirts, pants, skirts,accessories & homewares,
in local and imported fabrics. Clothes fit all
sizes, from petite to average to the generous
figure. Alterations and made-to-measure
service are available at no extra cost.
36 To Ngoc Van St. - Tel: (04) 3 718 6233
Song
Soft lilacs, pistachio greens, pastel pinks and
lemon yellows complement Valerie Gregori
McKenzie’s up-market contemporary linen
and cotton designs. Also stocks a great
range of soft furnishings.
27 Nha Tho St. - Tel: (04) 3 928 8733
Three Trees
Finely crafted modern jewelery in a variety of
precious metal and diamond designs.
15 Nha To St. - Tel: (04) 3 928 8725
Vietnam 19
Interiors
Important notes with shopping
Dome
Stylish soft furnishings, unique giftware, and a range of
contemporary furniture & interior items to compliment
every modern home.
10 Yen The St. - Tel: (04) 3 843 6036
La Casa
Inspired by Hanoi’s traditional charm, Valentina Bottari
has designed a range of rustic yet modern furnishings
and ornaments crafted in fine woods and silks, ceramic,
and horn by Vietnamese artisans.
51 Xuan Dieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 718 4084
Mosaique
Bright fabrics, beads and baubles for the home.
Mosaique’s sequinned bags, cushions, lamp shades,
quilted bed rolls, candles, and table sets also make great
gifts.
Southeast Asia is still developing, and so its people can
be very persistent when trying to earn money,
especially around tourists whom they perceive as very
wealthy. People will try to overcharge you. Rather
than becoming irritated, join the game and try to
bargain! It is also recommended to check prices of the
same items in the neighbourhood before reaching a deal.
If you are being followed by street vendors and do not
wish to make a purchase, often the best course of action
is say “no” firmly and politely, and continue on your
way. Do not hesitate or linger, as this will encourage the
seller to try and engage you further.
If you choose to ship items home, we highly recommend that you buy shipping insurance and check the
policy details. As shops are not responsible for damages
incurred en route, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Trails of Indochina cannot accept responsibility for any
misrepresented or faulty goods. We cannot take
responsibility for following up on merchandise that you
choose to ship home.
27 Nha Tho St.- Tel: (04) 3 928 6181
20 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 21
Nightlife
My Way
Bobby Chinn
60 Ly Thai To St. - Tel: (04) 3 936 5917
One of the most fashionable nightlife spots in West
Lake, the lounge area of Bobby Chinn’s restaurant
is worth a visit. But the hookah pipes, 100+ cocktail
selections and intimate atmosphere may keep you here
until the very early hours!
77 Xuan Dieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 719 2461
Le Club
Finding sophisticated independent bars can prove
difficult in Hanoi, so for a more upscale evening
experience, visit the bars of the city’s numerous luxury
hotels or restaurants. Le Club at Hanoi’s elegant
Metropole is one of the best.
15 Ngo Quyen St. - Tel: (04) 3 826 6919
This modern cafe-lounge has a distinctly understated
appeal, offering a huge selection of beers from around
the world. A popular gathering point after dark.
Press Club
This impressive six-storey property has classic
1920s-inspired interiors replete with varnished wood
and polished brass accents. Bringing together decadent
surroundings, fine food and excellent service, the
Press Club is an great place to spend the evening. The
rooftop terrace is also a perfect spot to unwind over a
cocktail and enjoy unsurpassed views over the city. Their
first Friday parties (first Friday of every month) are a long
running tradition among Hanoi’s expat crowd.
59A Ly Thai To St. - Tel: (04) 3 934 0888
Rooftop Lounge – Pacific Place
Wine and dine at new heights in this slick rooftop
lounge and restaurant – a favourite of Hanoians with
money to spend.
83B Ly Thuong Kiet St. (19th fl).- Tel: 091 246 1296
22 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 23
Art
Pleasant
Pastimes
Art Vietnam
An authoritative source for contemporary art in
Vietnam with a track record of identifying and
developing exceptional new talent, Art Vietnam is
a truly international gallery featuring contemporary
Vietnamese painting, sculpture, lacquer, photography,
video, and prints.
7 Nguyen Khac Nhu St. - Tel: (04) 6 292 6668
www.artvietnamgallery.com
Art Salon Natasha
Set up in 1990 by Russia-born Natasha and her
Vietnamese artist husband, this art salon introduces
new directions and innovation in contemporary art
beyond the mainstream.
30 Hang Bong St. - Tel: (04) 3 826 1387
www.artsalonnatasha.com
Apricot
Apricot gallery gathers most top-rank artists from
the master generation to up-coming stars. Their
paintings express the aesthetic instincts of Vietnam
contemporary art
40B Hang Bong St. - Tel: (04) 3 828 8965
www.apricot-artvietnam.com
24 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 25
Mai Gallery
Aiming to bring Vietnamese art to an international
audience, this spacious modern gallery features up-andcoming, popular and master Vietnamese artists across
three floors, 10 of whom are exclusive to the gallery. The
main focus is on four masters Nguyen Tu Nghiem, Bui
Xuan Phai, Tran Luu Hau, and To Ngoc Van, two of
whom are now deceased.
183 Hang Bong St. - Tel: (04) 3 828 5854
www.maigallery-vietnam.com
Culinary
Hanoi Cooking Center
What better way to experience a fascinating culinary
tour than to take a stroll around the market to enjoy the
tantalizing sights, smells and flavors of local produce? Then
concoct your own culinary creations under the guidance
HCC’s trained chefs. Share fun with other members in your
group and enjoy what you prepared for lunch.
44 Chau Long St. - Tel: (04) 3 715 3277
Mai Hien’s Gallery
A member of Vietnam Fine Arts Association, Mai Hien
has ironically chosen traditional Vietnamese lacquer
to express her abstract art. Her small home and studio
offers an insight into her interpretation of the life and
people around her.
99 Nguyen Thai Hoc St. - Tel: (04) 3 846 9614
www.buimaihienart.com
Other Recommended Galleries
- Salon des Beaux-Arts, 4 Ha Hoi St.
- Le Cuong’s gallery, 39 Ly Quoc Su St.
- Green Palm gallery, 110 Hang Gai St.
- Maison des Arts, 31A Van Mieu St.
26 Trails of Indochina
EZ Cooking Class
Well-regarded names from the Metropole hotel kitchens
regularly give classes at this very bright, modern TV
studio-like building. Culinary tours to local villages can
also be organized on request. One popular trip is to a
local vermicelli village. Noodles anyone?
49, alley 49, Huynh Thuc Khang St. - Tel: (04) 3 732 5732
Vietnam 27
Golf
Hanoi Golf Club
Japanese owned, designed and operated, Hanoi golf
club provides members and guests with excellent,
world-class facilities attended by a highly motivated
professional staff. Designed by Susumu Fujiwara, this
18 hole, 7076 yards and par 72 course is the first worldclass championship golf course in Vietnam, and offers
challenging 9, 18, 27, and 36-hole rounds. Closed on
Mondays, open all public holidays.
Minh Tri Commune, Soc Son Dist. - Tel: (04) 3 599 1365
Yoga & Spa
Chi Linh Star Golf
At just over one hour’s drive from Hanoi on the way
to Halong Bay, on a magnificent valley nestling beside
a large lake and surrounded by rolling forest hills
proudly sits the Chi Linh Star Golf course. It features
36 challenging fairways, with every hole constructed and
designed to international standards.
Sao Do, Chi Linh, Hai Duong - Tel (320) 358 5617
28 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 29
Yoga at Bo De Pagoda
Built in the 14th Century, this peaceful complex set
along the river is the perfect setting for a serene yoga
experience, led by local instructors. Please ask your
Trails of Indochina guide to book a private session a
day before.
Bo De Pagoda, Long Bien Dist.
Zenith Yoga
Slow down, refocus, and breathe at Zenith Yoga
studio. American and German instructors have
been developing their own unique styles to benefit
participants of all levels.
Corner of Au Co St. & Xuan Dieu St.
Tel: 0904 356 561 (Marzena)
30 Trails of Indochina
Anam QT Spa
This well-established spa is one of Hanoi’s leading
beauty therapy and relaxation centres. Split into men
and women’s sections over three floors, this elegantly
decorated lakeside building has a number of rooms
designed specifically for different massage techniques,
facials, hair and foot treatments.
28 Ly Thai To St. - Tel: (04) 3 928 6116
Antal Spa
An upscale spa on Xuan Dieu street (West Lake area) where
you can experience a peaceful ambience & professional
treatments.
112 Xuan Dieu St. - Tel: (04) 3 718 4686
Vietnam 31
And More...
High Tea and Chocolate Buffet
at the Sofitel Metropole Hotel
Dieters beware! More than 20 kinds of fine
chocolate from France and Belgium are prepared
by the Metropole’s maitre chocolatier in this daily
chocoholic’s bonanza. Chocolate fondue, chocolate
jelly with passion fruit and the famous Metropole hot
chocolate are just some of the irresistible offerings
on the menu. Every afternoon, from 3-5.30pm.
15 Ngo Quyen St. - Tel: (04) 3 826 6919
ext 8212 for reservations
Opera house
No music lover should be content to leave Hanoi
without taking in a show at the breathtakingly
beautiful opera house. Shows change regularly –
visit the opera house or check out the website for
information and ticketing.
Trang Tien St - Tel: (04) 3 565 1806
www.ticketvn.com
32 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 33
Hue
“Nơi hội tụ của tinh hoa và ẩm thực Cung Đình”
Home to Vietnam’s Nguyen Kings and royal cuisine
34 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 35
Home to the Nguyen Emperors who ruled Vietnam
from 1802 to 1945, the central city of Hue became
a key cultural centre, attracting the country’s best
craftspeople, entertainers and artists, as well as
leading scholars and monks.
In response to the nobles’ thirst for luxury and
learning, everything from architecture to dance
to cuisine was developed and refined, creating a
distinctive court culture that remains evident to this
day.
Local customs
Artisans and trades people clustered in specialized
villages around Hue’s periphery to produce wares
ranging from huge bronze drums to incense sticks.
Hue has a rich tradition of áo dài, the Vietnamese
traditional dress. Under the Ming Mang dynasty, the
king issued a dress code for the whole country.
While some of these traditional trades have been
abandoned, many of the villages remain, as do
the dozens of pagodas and imperial gardens once
patronized by Hue’s royals and mandarins.
All imperial concubines and servants had to wear áo
dài when they set foot in the forbidden palace, and all
citizens had to wear trousers, not skirts, so áo dài soon
became daily attire for everyone. Purple áo dài are
particularly symbolic of Hue.
Hue people often think of the Perfume river and
the Royal Screen hill as a symbol of the city, and are
very proud of the natural appointment of Hue and
its surrounds.
36 Trails of Indochina
In feudal times, Hue cooks created hundreds of
different dishes as part of the royal cuisine. Many of
these dishes remain today so be sure to try as many as
you can during your stay in this Ancient City.
Vietnam337
Casual Dining
La Carambole
Eating Out
Serves European & Vietnamese food, including Hue
specialties, in a friendly, homely atmosphere. You’ll find
the local expats gather here most evenings.
19 Pham Ngu Lao St.- Tel: (054) 3 810 491
Villa Hue
Currently the restaurant at this well-run tourism
training school offers light Western and Vietnamese
dishes for dinner, with plans to develop the menu in
the near future. The management politely request that
guests call to make a reservation so that students can
practice booking tables, but feel free to drop in any time
for some of the best coffee & cakes in Hue.
4 Tran Quang Khai St. - Tel: (054) 3 831 628
Mid-range
Tropical Garden
The place specializes in flaming dishes and
multitiered platters that would impress that eccentric
uncle of yours. Do not miss the grilled minced
shrimp with sugar cane wrapped in rice paper and
served with peanut sauce: unique and delicious.
27 Chu Van An St. - Tel : (054) 3 847 143
38 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 39
Fine Dining
Shopping
Ancient Hue
XQ Embroidery
The Nguyen emperors’ banquets were legendary, and
to satisfy the nobles’ craving for variety, Hue’s royal
cooks specialized in small, bite-sized morsels, developing
delectable appetizers and snack foods unique to this
region. This opulent restaurant showcases the best
authentic dishes from the region, as well as a wide range
of innovative fusion cuisine.
There is very little shopping in Hue, but visit XQ
Embroidery for beautiful decorative items created from
thousands of shimmering stitches.
4/4/8 Lane 35, Pham Thi Lien St., Kim Long
Tel: (054) 3 590 356
Selling beautiful handicraft & eco-friendly gift items
produced by disabled students. All proceeds return to
fund these artisans and heart surgeries for poor children
in Vietnam
Le Parfum at La Residence hotel
Le Parfum chefs use the freshest market ingredients to
create delicious local, regional and international dishes.
The airy high-ceiled dining area enjoys views across the
Perfume River to the Imperial Citadel.
49 Le Loi St. - Tel: (054) 3 825 026
Healing the Wounded Heart Shop
23 Vo Thi Sau St. - Tel: (054) 3 833 694
5 Le Loi St.- Tel: (054) 3 849 808
40 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 41
Nightlife
Peaceful, traditional Hue
tends to be quite quiet
after dark, but head to La
Residence, Ancient Hue
or the pubs around Le Loi
and Pham Ngu Lao street
for a nightcap after dining
out.
Ancient Hue
4/4/8 Lane 35,
Pham Thi Lien St., Kim Long
Tel: (054) 3 590 356
La Residence Hotel
5 Le Loi St.
Tel: (054) 3 849 808
DMZ
Vietnamese bar style with
reasonable price
60 Le Loi St.
Tel: (054) 3 823 414
42 Trails of Indochina
Pleasant Pastimes
No trip to Hue is complete without a tour of
the citadel and a boat trip on the perfume river
to explore the many ornate pagodas & temples
dotted around the city and surrounding
countryside. When you’ve finished discovering
Vietnam’s feudal past, head to the pristine
sands of nearby beaches, or try some of these
spots in and around town.
Vietnam 43
Art
Diem Phung Thi’s Exhibition House
This beautiful French colonial villa houses works by the
late renowned academic and sculptor Diem Phung Thi.
After she donated her life’s work to the people of Hue,
the People’s Committee opened her former home as an
exhibition house in 1994.
1 Phan Boi Chau St. - Tel: (054) 3 823 257
New Space Art Gallery
Twin brothers Le Duc Hai and Le Ngoc Thanh are
celebrated as the front-runners of Hue’s contemporary
art scene. Famous for their lacquer art, their work fuses
eastern and Western influences.
28 Pham Ngu Lao St.- Tel: (054) 3 849 353
Martial Arts demonstration
Master Truong Quang Kim practices Vo Kinh, the
royal sect of the Vietnamese native martial art Vo Ta.
The sect was created by Nguyen Huu Canh, crown
prince of King Gia Long and founder of the Nguyen
Dynasty. Truong Quang Kim is now the head of the
martial art training centre and is recognized as a white
belt – the highest level of qualification. He is highly
skilled at using 18 different kinds of weapons, including
swords, hammer and daggers. Please ask your Trails of
Indochina guide to book a live demonstration.
44
Trails of Indochina
Vo Xuan Huy Art Gallery
A talented artist in different areas including lacquer, oil,
photo art, water color ink and ceramic, Vo Xuan Huy has
many solo exhibitions around the country as well as French,
Holland, etc. He also works as an art lecturer at Fine Arts
University.
37/107 Phung Hung St. - Tel: (054) 3 523 154
www.huylacquer.com
Culinary
Ancient Hue Cooking Class
The talented chef from this restaurant can take you
to Hue’s colorful local market to guide you through
the sights, smells and flavors of authentic Hue cuisine
before returning to the kitchen. Here you’ll learn to
prepare local specialties such as bun bo Hue (special Hue
rice noodle soup with beef and lemongrass) goi hoa chuoi
(banana flower salad) and che hat sen (sweet soup with
lotus seeds). The restaurant also offers a food carving
course which lasts about 1,5 hours.
4/4/8 Lane 35, Pham Thi Lien St., Kim Long
Tel: (054) 3 590 356
Vietnam 45
Yoga
&Wellness
Spas are few and far
between in Hue, but for
some personal pampering
after a day’s sightseeing,
try La Residence, Hue
Gerbera and Pilgrimage
Village
La Residence
5 Le Loi St.
Tel: (054) 3 837 475
Reaching Out
Long Tho pagoda – Helping Center
Located in the compound of ancient Long
Tho pagoda built in 1936, the helping center
is run by a group of dedicated nuns. So far,
they support more than 80 children suffering
from disabilities. Let give the nuns a hand
to help these unfortunate lives. A visit to
this center is best combined with a trip to
the Royal Tombs – please ask your Trails of
Indochina guide to arrange.
Hue Gerbera
38 Le Loi St.
Tel: (054) 3 936 688
Pilgrimage Village
130 Minh Mang St.
Tel: (054) 3 885 461
46
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 47
Hoi An
48
Trails of Indochina
“Phố cổ thế kỷ 15, nơi Đông Tây giao hoà”
Dating back the 15th century, a town where East meets West
Vietnam 49
In Vietnamese, the word ‘Hoi’ means ‘festival’, and ‘An’
can mean ‘safety’ or ‘happiness’ – a combination that
sums up this atmospheric ancient town on Vietnam’s
central coast perfectly.
Set near the coast in central Vietnam, from the 16th
to 19th centuries the riverside town of Hoi An once
drew merchants keen to buy the area’s silk, spices and
porcelain from as far afield as Japan, India, Indonesia
and Europe. A Japanese district and a Chinese quarter
were built, later joined by a French district.
What makes Hoi An remarkable today is that its town
centre has been beautifully preserved, the streets still
lined with old tile-roofed shop-houses, shady pagodas
and colorful communal halls. Declared a World
Heritage Site by UNESCO, this little town is like a
living museum.
Local Customs
Every month the quaint cobbled streets come alive with
light and color as lanterns are lit to celebrate a number
of festivals, the most special of which falls on the
14th day of the Lunar Month and is called the Lantern
Festival.
When you finish eating, place your chopsticks either on
the rest provided, or across your bowl – leaving them
sticking out from inside the bowl evokes the incense
sticks burned in worship and to honor the dead.
Vietnamese people are quite conservative, so dress
modestly. Always remove your shoes when entering
a temple, and remember that sunbathing topless
is inappropriate – at the beach you’ll find most
Vietnamese women bathe fully-clothed.
True to it’s name, the town holds many festivals
throughout the year including one each month on the
full moon. Ask your Trails of Indochina guide for
details of other Festivals.
50 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 51
Eating Out
Casual Dining
Cargo Club
Although the menu, well-stocked wine bar and riverview terrace are excellent, many people come here just
for dessert. Cargo Club has some of the best patisseries
in town.
107-109 Nguyen Thai Hoc St. - Tel: (0510) 3 910 489
Tigerlily
Located two streets away from the Japanese bridge, Tigerlily
has a courtyard at the front where you can watch life pass by,
whilst savoring delicious food that originates from Hanoi,
Saigon and of course some local Hoi An offerings. The main
restaurant is a subtle mixture of natural colours and bamboo,
with traditional bench seating, colonial lights and a plethora
of historical photos of Vietnam through the ages. There is a
courtyard at the front and garden in the back – all of which
offer a variety of dining atmospheres. Friendly service and
good food make the restaurant a favorite with many visitors.
83 Tran Hung Dao St., (0510) 3939 299
52
Trails of Indochina
Mango Mango
It is the second Hoi An venture for chef-owner Duc
Tran. East-meets-west dishes like rice paper tuna and
nori rolls drizzled with passion fruit–mint yoghurt sauce
and cashew-encrusted red snapper with spicy pineapple
salsa compete for attention with Hoi An’s covered
Japanese bridge which is picturesquely reflected on the
river in front of the restaurant.
45 Nguyen Phuc Chu St. - Tel: (0510) 3911 863
Morning Glory
Run by a well known Hoi An chef, the Morning Glory
Restaurant serves up a great selection of Vietnamese
food around an open kitchen layout.
106 Nguyen Thai Hoc St. – Tel: (0510) 2 241 555
Hoi An Garden
Indulge yourselves in beautiful gardens with birdsong
and bubbling water surrounding. The mix of local and
Western snacks are fresh, prices are reasonable and the
service is good.
246-248 Nguyen Duy Hieu St. - Tel: (0510) 2 222 779
Vietnam 53
Mid-range
Shopping
Brother’s Café
A quaint, sprawling, ochre-walled colonial building filled
with fish ponds and strings of multicolored lanterns set
right on the waterfront. Serves Western and Vietnamese
cuisine and is a great place to enjoy a dinner and drinks on
the river after dark.
27 Phan Boi Chau St. - Tel: (0510) 3 914 150
Full Moon
Located on the banks of the Co Co River along a street
leading to Cua Dai beach, Full Moon brings together
traditional and modern architectural styles in a romantic
setting. Serving typical Vietnamese dishes, this is a great
place to explore local flavours and soak up Hoi An’s
renowned atmosphere.
101 Cua Dai St.- Tel: (0510) 3 923 922
Fine Dining
Hotel Restaurants
Local high-end hotels provide fine dining experiences.
Head to the following Hotel Restaurants for finely
prepared Eastern and Western cuisine.
Life Resorts | 1 Pham Hong Thai St.- Tel: (0510) 3 914 555
The Nam Hai | Hamlet 1, Dien Duong Vil. - Tel: (0510) 3 940 000
Victoria Hotel & Spa | Cua Dai Beach - Tel: (0510) 3 927 040
54
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 55
Clothing, Silks
& Accessories
Handicrafts
&Sounvenirs
Thang Loi Textile & Garment
Au Lac Wood Art
Specializing in chic, timeless style, differrent stocks,
ties, scarves and a range of clothing and accessories.
92 Phan Chu Trinh St. - Tel: (510) 3 864 610
Yaly Couture - tailors
Hoi An has more tailors that you can shake a tape
measure at, but for guaranteed quality and service,
Yaly is unbeatable. They can whip up that perfect
traditional dress ‘ao dai’, prom dress, wedding
tuxedo or haute couture copy in next-to-no time.
47 Nguyen Thai Hoc St. - Tel: (0510) 3 910 474
Viet Lac - silversmith
One of Hoi An’s longest-established silversmith
shops. Mr Phi can copy anything, whether it’s your
favorite pair of earrings, or a designer piece from a
glossy magazine. One-day orders and hotel delivery
available.
51 Phan Boi Chau St. - Tel: (0510) 3 914 471
Craftsmen have built on the tradition
of Vietnamese woodcarving to create
modern pieces for the home.
152 Tran Phu St. - Tel (0510) 3 911 092
Ngoc Thu Lanterns
A traditional lantern from this
atmospheric town makes the perfect
souvenir or gift, and this family-run
shop here have been making lanterns
for generations.
109 Tran Phu St. - Tel: (0510) 3 861 964
Interiors
Hoi An Art Café
Hand-crafted abstract shapes and
images of Buddha in marble and
bronze by Swedish sculptor Eric
Kappeler and his team.
30 Nguyen Thai Hoc St.
Tel: (0510) 3 910 311
56
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 57
Nightlife
Pleasant Pastimes
Hoi An generally doesn’t stay up too late, but there are a
few night spots worth a mention.
You can easily find many small galleries while strolling
around the old quarter. The gallery of the artist Hoang
Trong Tien is one of the best.
White Marble
With a great selection of wines from all over the world,
this simple yet elegant wine bar has tables overlooking a
main intersection in the old town.
98 Le Loi St. - Tel: (0510) 3 911 862
Mango Mango
Stark white matte walls and shiny red lacquer bar and
cocktail tables lend a crisp, cosmopolitan air, while Latin
beats on the stereo invite kicking back with an afterdinner glass of wine.
45 Nguyen Phuc Chu St. - Tel: (0510) 3911 863
Art
107 Tran Phu St. - Tel: (0510) 3 910 964
Culinary
Red Bridge Cooking Class
A half-day course includes a trip to the local market to buy
ingredients, a half-hour river cruise, recipe notes and – of
course – a hearty lunch. Please call to make a booking.
Thon 4, Cam Thanh commune - Tel: (0510) 3 933 222
Yoga & Spa
Jaspas Beach Club
ALY Spa & Beauty Salon
Situated on the white sands of the hip An Bang beach
(near The Nam Hai hotel), JBC is a chilled out and funky
Mediterranean style inspired beach club and restaurant. The
interior is a mix of fresh iridescent greens and ocean blues
contrasted with Santorini whitewashed walls and natural
earthy tones. The menu, is a fusion of fresh salads, pastas,
Asian dishes and a collection of steaks, fish and curries.
Enjoy your own pure oriental atmosphere, a real world with
sublime emotion and wallowing yourselves in absolutely
relaxing state.
49 Ba Trieu St. - Tel: (0510) 3 917 972
Tel: (0510) 3928 727
58 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 59
And More...
Reaching Out
An Bang Beach
Children’s Hope in Action
Long popular with the locals, An Bang Beach is located
just 5 minutes from Hoi An old town by taxi or 5-10
minutes from most hotels in Hoi An. The beach has
only recently started to be developed and these days,
visitors can find small Vietnamese seafood beach
shacks as well as a few international drinking and
dining options. La Plage (far right) serves tasty, fresh
western food and Jaspa’s Beach Club (JBC) has a funky
Mediterranean feel with good cocktails and Australian
food.
Everywhere in Vietnam, children are born with
conditions such as cleft palate, hydrocephalus
(‘water on the brain’) and talipes (‘clubbed feet’) which
remain untreated and become life-limiting. CHIA was
set up in 2006 to provide medical sponsorships support
to families of disadvantaged children. Drop in to learn
more and make a donation.
516 Cua Dai St. -Tel: (0510) 3 921 487
www.childrenshopeinaction.org
Cham Island Diving Centre
Located some 25 minutes off-shore, the Cu Lao Cham
Marine Park offers some of the best snorkeling and
diving available in Vietnam. The Park comprises of
eight islands where 155 species of corals and 202
species of fish have been recorded so far. Cham Island
diving centre offer a range of day trips catering for
experienced, beginner and non-divers, including lunch
on the pristine white sands of the island.
88 Nguyen Thai Hoc St. - Tel: (0510) 3 910 782
(Not recommended Oct-Jan)
60
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 61
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the commercial hub of
Vietnam, and the best way to soak up the energy of this
dynamic city is to get out onto the streets and experience
it like a local.
Ho Chi Minh City
“Ồn ào & náo nhiệt, thành phố này không ngủ bao giờ”
“With all its hustle and bustle, it is a city on the move”
If you’re an early bird, rise with the sun and head out - one
of the city’s most colorful early morning sights is Ho Thi
Ky flower market around 5.30am, when the market is at
its most frenetic. If a market sounds a little too busy, head
to any green space and join the locals as they go through
the motions – most Vietnamese perform their exercises
before the sun gets too strong, and HCMC’s parks are
filled with people performing tai chi during the cooler
hours of the day.
Even if you’re not an early riser, head out before 9 to
wander and soak up the morning atmosphere along the
wide avenues and colonial architecture of Districts 1 and 3.
After grabbing a steaming bowl of phở (Vietnamese
noodle soup) for breakfast, you’ll be more than ready to
explore the sensory whirlwind of Saigon.
62 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 63
Local Customs
Many Vietnamese practice ancestor worship and have
shrines in their homes where they burn incense to
honour deceased family members. They also observe the
anniversary of their deaths, and believe that they must
treat their ancestors well, or risk misfortune.
Eating out
When accepting something from another person,
whether it’s food or a bus ticket, it is customary to take it
in both hands.
Vietnamese people calculate their age according to
the sign of the year in which they were born, such as
the Year of the Mouse, or the Year of the Rooster,
and become one year older at Lunar New Year, which
typically falls mid-February. Even if they were born in
January, they would be deemed one year older on the first
day of the first lunar month.
64
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 65
The courtyard at The Refinery
Casual Dining
Au Parc
A stone’s throw from the pink spires of the Notre
Dame cathedral, this airy bistro serves delicious
French-Mediterranean cuisine and deli-style produce
across two charming floors. Perfect for lunch or a quick
snack between sights.
23 Han Thuyen St.- Tel: (08) 3 829 2772
Wrap and Roll
Fresh vegetables and herbs with fresh and dry rice
paper form the key ingredients of Wrap & Roll menu.
The absence of preservatives together with simple but
refine cooking process make eating at W&R a very
healthy choice.
62 Hai Ba Trung St. - Tel: (08) 3 8222 166
At 74 Hai Ba Trung Street in central Saigon, near the
Park Hyatt, pass under the archway and enter in to
a courtyard which boats an infamous history having
once been home to the city’s largest colonial era
opium refinery. The opium is long gone from Refinery
Courtyard these days but hordes of people still flock
to the area for the popular dining and nightlife venues
on offer. There’s Jaspa’s, a western grill, Vino, a wine
shop with a tapas menu and tastings, Hoa Tuc with
contemporary Vietnamese and finally after dinner head
to one of the city’s longest running nightclubs, Vasco’s.
74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1
Quan An Ngon
Another enormously popular branch of the local
chain serving cheap, tasty Vietnamese fare. Nearby
the Reunification Palace, the pleasant mist-cooled
setting, prime location and extensive menu means this
restaurant is always busy.
160 Pasteur St. - Tel: (08) 3 829 9449
111 Nguyen Hue St. - Tel: (08) 3 8218 371
66
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 67
Mid-range
An Vien
Decorated like an upscale home, the numerous rooms
of this charming restaurant are tastefully ornamented in
an Indochine style. Smartly dressed waiters nip between
oil landscapes, embroidered silken lampshades, pastel
jade ceramics to serve you beautifully-presented dishes
from Vietnam’s provinces.
178A Hai Ba Trung St. - Tel: (08) 3 824 3877
Shri
This restaurant is situated on the rooftop of a 23-storey
building in the heart of HCMC. It offers perfect skyline
dining experience with one of the best Western chefs in
town. Superb wine list as well.
72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., 23rd floor of the
Centec building – Tel (08) 3 827 9631
Pacharan
This colourful four-storey tapas and bodega has
unsurpassed view of Opera House at one of the
most coveted down-town locations. Food from
Spain’s provinces is complemented by an extensive
and carefully selected list of Spanish wines, and the
romantic rooftop is the perfect place to enjoy a candlelit
dinner on a balmy summer evening.
97 Hai Ba Trung St. - Tel: (08) 3 825 6024
Tib
The extensive menu of tasty Vietnamese specialties
has made this ancient Hue-style eatery very popular
among locals and ex pats. Dishes like shrimp and lotus
shoot salad, grilled shrimp and tamarind sauce, chicken
barbequed in fermented bean curd; and fish in a clay
pot are all irresistible examples of traditional Hue
cuisine.
187 Hai Ba Trung St. - Tel: (08) 3 829 7242
Temple Club
Housed within an ancient Chinese temple setting, this
atmospheric eatery is decorated with original wood
and masonry, and dotted with Buddha statues, rich
tapestries and antique throws. The extensive menu is
filled with dishes from all corners of Vietnam.
29-31 Ton That Thiep St. - Tel: (08) 3 829 9244
68
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 69
Warda
Warda’s Damascan chef has drawn up a sizzlingly exotic
menu of tempting specialities at this Middle Easternthemed restaurant. Succulent meats, aromatic spices and
fragrant rice make for some really mouth-watering dishes
– try the wedding medallion chicken, mezze-style tapas
and substantial kofta kebab, each authentically served by
friendly, fez-toting staff.
71/7 Mac Thi Buoi St.- Tel: (08) 3 823 3822
Fine Dining
All the hotels have a range of first-class dining areas and
menus to match. Most of them also host guest chefs on
a regular basis – contact them directly for information on
current promotional menus.
Caravelle | 19 Lam Son Square - Tel: (08) 3 823 4999
Sheraton | 88 Dong Khoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 827 2828
Park Hyatt | 2 Lam Son Square - Tel: (08) 3 824 1234
InterContinental Asiana | 39 Le Duan St. - Tel: (08) 3 520 9999
Au Manoir De Khai
Noted for its excellent foie gras and traditional French
cuisine, this magnificent restaurant serves up the finest
Western fare in a beautifully appointed colonial villa
setting.
251 Dien Bien Phu St. - Tel (08) 3 930 3394
Dining in the sky – atop BITEXCO Tower
Opened in 2011, the BITEXCO Tower is Saigon’s tallest.
The building is primarily dedicated to office space, but
there is some excitement to be found high up on the
50 – 52nd floors. There is a range of drinking and dining
venues from casual café style (50) to chic urban bar where
you can see and be seen among Saigon’s trendy set.
Corner Ho Tung Mau and Ngo Duc Ke, District 1
Xu Lounge
The popular Xu Restaurant offers Western cuisine
alongside traditional Vietnamese favorites, in an elegant
and romantic dining atmosphere. The Lounge area
downstairs is also a perfect area to relax and enjoy a
cocktail and modern music.
75 Hai Ba Trung St. - Tel: (08) 3 824 8468
70
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 71
Mandarin
Dress up for a table at Mandarin, where you can find
authentic Vietnamese dishes in a refined, traditional
setting. Housed in a large, tastefully-restored colonial
villa, this upmarket eatery is perfect for discerning
diners in search of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Shopping
11A Ngo Van Nam St. - Tel: (08) 3 822 9783
Nam Phan
Housed in a 4- floor Villa (stairs only), Nam Phan
is the most recent endeavour and another jewel in
their culinary crown. Impeccable service, exquisite
furnishings decor, lighting and serene clam cal music
all create an atmosphere in which you feel spoilt and
indulged.
34 Vo Van Tan St. - Tel: (08) 3 933 3636
Feel-Good Food
KOTO Saigon
Standing for ‘Know One Teach One’, KOTO is a notfor-profit restaurant and vocational training program
for street and disadvantaged youth. The Saigon branch
opened in late 2011 and has quickly become one of
the most popular spots in town. Conveniently located
in District 1, KOTO Saigon offers a fresh Vietnamese
and Western menu and a spacious airy courtyard.
151A Hai Ba Trung St.
72
Trails of Indochina
Dong Khoi & Ton That Thiep streets
Home to a plethora of sophisticated shops, restaurants
and cafes, Dong Khoi is where you’ll find up-market
boutiques, local labels, and international brands like
Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Explore the side streets filled
with silver shops, quaint cafes and silk couture before
crossing Nguyen Hue Boulevard to Ton That Thiep
street, and its quirky little boutiques.
Vietnam 73
Books
Fahasa
Large, well-stocked book store across three levels, with
titles in English, French, Chinese and Vietnamese
40 Nguyen Hue St. - Tel: (08) 3 822 5796
Clothing, Silks & Accessories
Alphana
This well-established Vietnamese label includes a
feminine range of sweet and chic clothes & bags, as
well as some well-cut shirts for men.
85-87 Pasteur St. - Tel: (08) 3 823 0172
Mai’s
Casual and evening wear, bags and shoes. Military
surplus and other fabrics are delicately embroidered in a
range of eye-catching contemporary Indochine-inspired
designs
Attractive jewelry in a range of gold, diamond and
precious stone designs. Also offers made-to-order service.
132-134 Dong Khoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 827 2733
159 Dong Khoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 824 7005
For 15 years, Mr. Le Si Hoang has been designing
and making áo dài using all-natural fabrics crafted by
Vietnamese artisans. Much of his silk, chiffon and
brocade comes from places like La Khe, a village near
Hanoi which created textiles for the royal court in the
18th century and has a reputation for producing the
most beautiful silks in the country.
Ipa-Nima
Delicately beaded bags, purses and accessories from
Hong Kong designer Christina Yu. Flamboyant colours,
rhinestones and sequins make for sheer portable
glamour.
71 Pasteur St. - Tel: (08) 3 824 2701
Khai Silk
Specializing in chic, timeless style, Khai Silk is the
largest retail silk outlet in Vietnam with a number
of prominent city boutiques and small deluxe hotel
shops.
107 Dong Khoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 829 1146
74
La Bella
Trails of Indochina
Si Hoang Ao Dai
135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St. - Tel: (08) 3 507 3840
Tamanie
Sophisticated jewelry with an abundance of gold,
diamonds and precious stones, as well as fashionable
silver and stainless steel designs.
71B Dong Khoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 827 6285
Vietnam 75
Interiors
Handicrafts & Souvenirs
38 Mac Thi Buoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 829 4408
Here you’ll find a great selection of lifestyle must-haves
– laquerware in a kaleidoscope of colours, wrought
aluminium light fixtures, hand-embroidered furnishings
by a range of international and locally-based designers.
Also stocks clothing.
Minh Long porcelain
1 Nguyen Van Trang St. – Tel: (08) 3 925 1495
Em Em
Specialising in Bat Trang pottery from northern
Vietnam, handmade handicrafts, clothing and gifts.
It has been admired in Asia & Europe for its timeless
quality as well as its meticulous craftsmanship and rich
tradition. Visit the shop and you will surely be filled
with a desire to own a Minh Long creation
65 Le Loi St. (2nd floor) - Tel: (08) 3 821 8268
XQ Embroidery
Each beautiful image, composed of thousands of
shimmering stitches, is hand-crafted by a team of
skilled artisans and can take from three months to
over a year to complete. Choose from the exquisitely
detailed pictures, screens and decorative pieces on
display, or provide an image of your choice for a
bespoke service.
26A, Le Loi St. - Tel: (08) 3 829 9866
76
Gaya
Trails of Indochina
Liti
Wide range of high quality ceramics, tableware and
dining sets, modern designs and classical pieces.
40D Ly Tu Trong St. - Tel: (08) 3 824 7114
Nightlife
2 Lam Son
This chic bar in the Park Hyatt is one of Saigon’s
newest hotspots. Good cocktails, nice wine
selection and music meant to make for a fun night.
2 Lam Son Square - Tel: (08) 3 824 1234
Vietnam 77
Acoustic
One of the best spots to see live rock music. Good singers,
good covers - the house band itself usually starts at 10pm.
They are professional musicians who have have worked closely
together for many years. This popular club is on the small side,
so arrive early (8pm) to get a table and enjoy the show!
The Amber Room
It is a designed, sophisticated New York style lounge
bar with dark woods, tinted mirrors, dark soft leathers,
and brushed metals, with the feel of a cool new London
members club, serving cocktails, champagnes and fine
wines.
Saigon Saigon
The roof-top bar of the Caravelle hotel is a great place to
admire the skyline and listen to live Cuban music from their
imported house band.
59 Dong Du St. - Tel: (08) 6 291 3686
19 Lam Son Square – Tel: (08) 3 823 4999
Level 23
Sax’n’art
Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 827 2828
28 Le Loi St. - Tel: (08) 3 822 8472
Chill Bar
ZanZbar
Admire the spectacular panoramic city views while sipping your
favorite tipple in this sophisticated terrace bar and lounge.
The cocktail menu is wide and well-mixed, and the nightly
live music creates a great atmosphere.
Designed by the same firm behind Bangkok’s famous Sirocco,
Saigon’s Chill Bar is the city’s highest roof-top open-air bar.
Sleek and new, the view from the top is unlike any other in the
city. The cocktails are inspired and there is an international team
behind both the food and drinks menu. The view doesn’t come
cheap but the view and tastes are worth it.
Level 26, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai St. - Tel: (08) 38272 372
78
6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem St. - Tel: (08) 3 930 2239
Trails of Indochina
Owned by larger-than-life ‘Saxman’ Tran Manh Tuan, Sax’n’art
is a celebration of everything jazz. When not touring, Tuan
takes to the stage every night to blow his audience away with
smooth grooves from around the world.
Upmarket bar and restaurant ZanzBar has an excellent menu,
wine selection and imported beers along with a pleasant and
relaxing atmosphere.
41 Dong Du St. - Tel: (08) 3 822 7375
Vietnam 79
Pleasant Pastimes
Art
Duc Minh Gallery
Duc Minh was one of Vietnam’s pioneering art
collectors, and after his death in 1983, his son
continued to build on his legacy. The building’s two
floors are dedicated to contemporary art, while the
basement holds works by Vietnamese masters.
31C Le Quy Don St. - Tel: (08) 3 933 0498
Tu Do (Liberty) Gallery
Started since 1989, this compact gallery provides an
insight into emerging new Asian talents, as well as
providing a good opportunity for collectors to pick up
a piece or two.
53 Ho Tung Mau St. - Tel: (08) 3 821 0966
Golf
Vietnam Golf and Country Club
HCMC’s nearest golf club, here two great par 72 golf
courses have been carved out of the existing woodland.
The West Course winds its way through the trees,
offering challenging tee shots to the tree lined fairways
before playing to the softly contoured greens. The East
Course offers more generous fairways than the West
Course but is protected by well positioned bunkers, water
hazards and undulating greens.
The Club House, Long Thanh My Ward, Dist. 9
Tel: (08) 6 280 0101
80
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 81
Sen Spa
Yoga & Wellness
Jasmine Spa
Jasmine may look small and unassuming but for those in
the know, this long established, total body wellness spa is
a gem and rightly so. Renowned for great results, this cozy
urban sanctuary has a large, loyal following that swears by
its friendly and professional service.
45 Ton That Thiep St. – Tel: (08) 3 827 2737
L’Apothiquaire
Both the town and elegant villa branches of this popular
day spa practice a purely holistic approach to therapy,
using natural products rich in essential oils imported from
France. Skilled therapists and health experts offer a
comprehensive range of wellness choices, from nutrition,
yoga, fitness, beauty to massage.
64A Truong Dinh St., Dist. 3 - Tel: (08) 3 822 1218
100 Mac Thi Buoi St., Dist.1 - Tel: (08) 3 822 2158
82
Trails of Indochina
Meaning ‘lotus’ in Vietnamese, ‘Sen’ Spa has a strong
emphasis on locally-produced essential oils and
extracts. All oil blends are created in-house by the
Vietnamese owner to maximize their properties and
ensure purity. The four hand massage, so-called because
two therapists work in perfect harmony, is particularly
popular.
10F Miss Ao Dai Building, 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan St.
Tel: (08) 3 910 2174
And more...
Binh Quoi Village
HCMC has a terrific energy, but there are some days
when you just need to get away from it all… This
peaceful leafy retreat on the eastern edge of the city
(30min drive from the downtown) has everything for
a family day in the sun – a pleasant pool, tennis courts,
spacious lawns with swings for the little ones and a
restaurant with several open-air gazebos set right over
the lake.
1147 Binh Quoi St. - Tel: (08) 3 556 5470
Vietnam 83
City Centre Walking Tour
After a practicing your bartering skills at Ben Thanh market,
stroll up Le Loi boulevard to the People’s Committee
Building, where the ornate cream façade provides HCMC’s
most photogenic backdrop.
Continuing up the street, turn right before the elegant
colonial Opera House onto Dong Khoi street, home to the
city’s high brow shops, restaurants and cafes. Then cross
Nguyen Hue Boulevard to Ton That Thiep street.
Wine tasting
It could be their passion for wine or a cunning
marketing ploy, but if you have a hankering for a glass
there’s little chance of leaving wine merchants Vino or
The Warehouse with a clear head and empty hands.
At the end of the street, take a right onto Nam Ky Khoi
Nghia and continue until you reach the Reunification Palace
on the left. Explore this historical site before heading to the
War Remnants Museum at 28 Vo Van Tan street (closed
between 12.30-1pm), and then walk east along Le Duan to
the pink spires of the Notre Dame cathedral. This walking
tour will take a few hours and is best done with a break for
lunch. Bear in mind that taxis are an alternative option for
weary feet!
84 Trails of Indochina
Vino
74/ 17 Hai Ba Trung St. - Tel: (08) 6 299 1315
The Warehouse
178 Pasteur St. - Tel: (08) 3 825 8826
Vietnam
85
Reaching Out
ILA Community Network currently provides support to
the centres below, and volunteer coordinators are happy
to arrange a visit. Please call to make a donation or to get
involved with a project.
www.ilavietnam.com
Contact: Ms. Diana Collins
Tel: (08) 3838 6788/ 01212081895
Email: dianna@ilavietnam.com
Trails of Indochina has many contacts in the world of
development, philanthropy and NGOs. If your visit
has inspired you to help in some other way, whether
financially or by volunteering your time, we would be
happy to help you get connected to the right person
or organization here in Vietnam. Please contact us at
product@trailsofindochina.com for more information.
86
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 87
88
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 89
Duhn
Kom
Chao
Lam uhhn
Cam uhhn
Zin loy
Thoy kom hew
Ooer dow?
Toilet ooer dow?
Bow n-yoo?
Toy mo-unn mu-wah kai nay
Cack day bow zaa?
Thahm bee-yut
Bahn co kwaey kom
Thoy kwaey cam uhhn
Henh gahp lie
Thoy lack doo-uhng
Kom sow
Yo
Làm ơn
Cám ơn
Xin lỗi
Tôi không hiểu
…ở đâu?
Toilet ở đâu?
Bao nhiêu?
Tôi muốn mua cái này
Cách đây bao xa?
Tạm biệt
Bạn có khỏe không?
Tôi khỏe, cám ơn
Hẹn gặp lại
Tôi lạc đường
Không sao
Dzo!
Please
Thank you
Sorry / Excuse me
I don’t understand
Where is….?
Where is the toilet?
How much is this?
I’d like to buy this
How far is it?
Good-bye
How are you?
I’m fine, thanks
See you again
I’m lost
No problem
Cheers
No
Hello
Pronunciation
Vuhng
Ya’a
Vietnamese
Vâng (affirmative-Northern)
Dạ (affirmative, Central &
Southern)
Đúng (correct)
Không
Chào
English
Yes
Vietnamese Useful Phrases
90
Trails of Indochina
Vietnam 91
mo’oht (N), mop
hi
bah
bohn (N); buom (S)
namb
sao
buh-ee
thahm
jin
muh-uh-ee
muh-uh-ee mo’oht
muh-uh-ee hi
muh-uh-ee bah
muh-uh-ee bohn
muh-uh-ee lahm
muh-uh-ee sao
muh-uh-ee buh-ee
muh-uh-ee thahm
muh-uh-ee jin
hi muh-uh-ee
hi muh-uh-ee moht
bah muh-uh-ee
bohn muh-uh-ee
nahm muh-uh-ee
sao muh-uh-ee
buh-ee muh-uh-ee
thahm muh-uh-ee
jin muh-uh-ee
moht cham
mo’oht nyeen
mo’oht chiew
một
hai
ba
bốn
năm
sáu
bảy
tám
chín
mười
mười một
mười hai
mười ba
mười bốn
mười lăm
mười sáu
mười bảy
mười tám
mười chín
hai mươi
hai mươi mốt
ba mươi
bốn mươi
năm mươi
sáu mươi
bảy mươi
tám mươi
chín mươi
một trăm
một nghìn
một triệu
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
1,000
1,000,000
“Chúc bạn một chuyến du lịch Việt nam đầy thú vị!”
Have a fabulous trip to Vietnam!
92 Trails of Indochina
Vietnam
10/8 Phan Dinh Giot St., Tan Binh Dist.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tel: (84 8) 3844 1005
Fax: (84 8) 3844 3350
info@trailsofindochina.com
www.trailsofindochina.com