Hoi An/Da Nang/Hue - To eat, drink, see & do (please share):
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Eat:
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Madam Khanh the Banh Mi Queen (baguettes), 115 Tran Cao Van
Tam Quang Minh (rice with a variety of different dishes), 33 Ly Thai To, Hoi An
Com ga ba Buoi (rice and crispy fried chicken), 22 Phan Chau Trinh, Hoi An
Hu Tieu Mr. Toan (rice noodles with pork in onion and garlic stock or served dry with the broth on the side), in the alley opposite the cinema, 47-51 Phan Chau Trinh (opens 6:30pm), Hoi An
Bà Trai (Central specialities - "Nem Lụi" grilled minced pork skewered on lemongrass, "Bò Lá Lốt" - grilled beef mince wrapped in beetle but leaves, "Bún Thịt Nướng" rice noodles with grilled pork marinated in sugar and lemongrass, and lettuce/herbs), 194 Đống Đa, Đa Nẳng
Mi Quang (Central speciality: thick yellow tape worm-like noodle with chicken, fish pork or beef and a sauce and sprinkled with peanuts) many street side food shops along Nguyen Van Cu (just before you start climbing the Hai Van pass after leaving from Da Nang.
Sao biển Bé Đen (tasty and cheap seafood, steamed crab in tamarind sauce), along the main road going through Lang Co bay (search google maps)
Seafood place (unknown name) on stilts overlooking the inland waters of Lang Co Bay and hills in the background, head North on Nguyen Van from the southern most point and it's the first place on the left (you'll see a boardwalk heading out into the water to get to it), Lang Co
Drink:
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Cabanon cafe AKA Nùa Giỏ (great coffee, chic, open fronted ground floor and balcony overlooking the Jade River - food is overpriced), near where Nguyen du meets cong nu Ngoc Hoa
Soul Kitchen Beach Bar (live music in the evenings), An Bang Beach (just outside Hoi An)
Perdu Bar (expat hangout, pool table, open until midnight), 2nd floor above the cafe (ask the cafe as there's a backdoor entrance), 29 Ngo Gia Tu, Da Nang
See:
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Ask for directions to one of several Hoi An tourist offices to buy tickets to its many old houses, music and dance shows, museums, pagodas, ... Search for he places on the maps and walk/cycle from your hotel
Drive the Hai Van mountain pass between Da Nang and Hue on a motorbike. If you can't ride a motorbike then hire a private car or go on a motorbike tour. Stop to have fresh coconut water on one of the bends overlooking Da Nang Bay (several shops just before heading inland over the mountain pass from Da Nang). There's also an old watch tower perched at at the top of the mountain pass. Stop at Sao biển Bé Đen in Lang Co Bay or other seafood place on Nguyen Van for tasty seafood (see food section).
Royal Palace (brought to life during the Hue festival, which happens every year on the last weekend in Apr/May), Hue
Kings tombs tour - several nice and peaceful tombs set outside the city in the forests/mountains. If you were to see only one temple then the must-see tomb is Khai Dinh's tomb (incredibly colourful mosaic interior and perched on the side of a hill overlooking forest)
An Bang beach (just outside Hoi An)
Ba Na Hills (French colonial hillside retreat: take a cable car up to the top (around VND 500k/person), where there's a gothic castle-like village resort with cobbled streets and stone buildings (run by Mercure hotel), gardens with a view of Da Nang, pagoda), 25km south-west of Da Nang. There's also a wax museum (~VND 50k) with 10-15 wax models on show (no way near as good as Madame Tussaud's in London)
See Da Nang by night - lit-up dragon bridge and Ferris wheel
Sunday, 26 June 2016
HCMC - To eat, drink, see & do V2
HCMC - To eat, drink, see & do (please share):
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***WHEN USING YOUR PHONE IN PUBLIC, KEEP IT CLOSE TO YOUR CHEST, FACE AWAY FROM THE ROAD, AND USE 2 HANDS TO AVOID SNATCHING***
Useful numbers:
- Police 113
- Fire 114
- Medic 115
- International operator 110
Taxi from the airport to home: Tan Son International Airport to Hem 483, Le Van Sy, Quan 3 VNĐ 85k (including car park fee).
Taxi from the airport to the centre of District (Q) 1: Tan Son International Airport to Bùi Viện (8.5km) VNĐ 170 (including car park fee).
Free interpretation services for tourists: Call/Text +84 165 240 0255
Food:
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Vietnamese street food:
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Banh Mi Que Da Nang (thin and crispy baguette with usual fillings, mobile vendor outside 29 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Lunch Lady street food stalls (Bun Bo Hue, Hu Tieu, Goi Cuon, Che), along Hoang Sa between Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Cau Thi Nghe
Hu tieu mi suon (10pm-6am), next to the tattoo parlour on the side heading South-East on Le Van Sy from the crossing with Trần Quang Dieu towards Cau Le Van Sy, Q3
Hu tieu mi, Hem 172 Ly Chinh Thanh, Q3
Anh Ba Bo Nhung Dam va Bo La Lot (5-9:30pm, go early), sour hotpot with beef and beetle leaf-wrapped beef meatballs), 460 Phan Xich Long, Q. Phu Nhuan
Bun Dau Mam Tom (good), 202 Nguyen Trai, Q1
Com ga xoi mo (chicken and rice), 174/8 Nguyen Thien Thuat, P3, Q3 OR Su Su 53 Tu Xuong, Q3
Hem 53 Nguyen Hue food stalls (com ga, che...) (after Duxton hotel when heading towards the river on Nguyen Hue), Q1
Quan ga Anh Tu (ga nuong - not as good as Hanoi), 449 Le Quang Dinh, P5, Go Vap
MOVEDBanh Cuon and cha muc (VND 12k per big calamari piece), 347 Le Van Sy, P1, Q Tan Binh
Banh cuon nong, 6am-1pm and 4:30-10pm, 353 Le Van Sy (near the cho), Q3
Bò Tơ Tây Ninh Năm Sánh (young beef) - Phạm Hùng- C3/21T Phạm Hùng, Bình Chánh
Hog roast places, around 272 Bac Hai, P.15, Q10
Xuan Tu, Bun Cha and nem ran (binh thuong) Ha Noi, Duy Nhat So 2 Pham Van Hai (near the flyover at the end of Le Van Sy, P2, Q Tan Binh
Can Anh 2, (Cha Gio (crispy and tasty spring rolls), cha vuong (big crab spring rolls), and banh tom), 362 Nguyen Trong Tuyen (crosses with ), P1, Q. Tan Binh, 08 6293 5559 or 0916 330 033 (free delivery)
Steamed dumplings with bean sprouts (hoang thanh - pork and prawn OR suoi cao - pork), 143 Nguyen Du, Q1
Muc 280 (muc mot nang and ghe ran muoai), 280 Le Van Sy (opposite cho Nguyen Van Troi, near home), Q3
Banh Canh Cua (VND 50k one big bowl with a whole crab in), corner of Vo Van Kiẹt and Phuong Hung
Mi Keo Kung Fu (Hu Tieu My va Dim Sum, watch them prepare wheat noodles by stretching and twisting in front of you, 7-11:30 & 16:30-22:30), 116 Ha Ton Quyen, P4, Q11
Baoz Dimsum (6:30am-2pm & 4-11pm), 76-78 Nguyen Tri Phuong, P7, Q5
Ngoc Y Sui Cao (delicious Mi Sui Cao, big Sui cao with whole shrimp inside, VND 40k per bowl), 187 Ha Ton Quyen, P4, Q11
Banh canh ghe (eat outside by the canal in the evening), Truong Sa (meets Cau Bong (just South of Dien Bien Phu bridge),
Quan Ba Dang (banh canh cua + Hue food), 59 bis, Nguyen Thong, Q3
Quan Chieu-Nay (BBQ lamb, beef, pork & chicken skewer kebabs, VND 110k per long skewer, dinner (5-9pm) only), 30b Vo Van Tan, P6, Q3 (near KWP)
Thị Quán (Hanoi food), lunch and dinner (closes at 10pm), Hẻm (lane) between 46 and 58 Vo Van Tan, Q3
Pho Binh (Former Viet Cong headquarters in SGN pre-1975), 7D Ly Chinh Thanh, Q3
Pho Loc (lots of meat but VND 100k, cow penis optional extra), 74 Dien Bien Phu (on the right from McDonalds to Dinh Tien Hoang), P Da Kao, Q1
Pho Bo Hanoi (opposite the overly bright hairdressers, good and cheap but little too mush MSG), 44 Rach Bung Binh, Q3
Pho Bac Ha Ha Noi (average pho & pho xao bo), corner of Truong Son and Tra Khuc, Q. Tan Binh (near TSN airport)
Banh xeo and banh tom (cheap), 35 Dang Dung, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Banh Xeo (over-priced; expats), 46A Đinh Công Tráng, Q1
Ốc Đào (good snails with butter and pig fat sauce), 132 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1
Oc Nhu, Hẻm 650/4 Điện Biên Phủ
Đac san cua bien (sea crab place), 94 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Q1
Khai Minh vegan restaurant, 157 Dien Bien Phu Street, P15, Q Binh Thanh
Ben Thanh Market food stalls, Le Loi, Q1
Hoàng Ty sac san banh trang (from Trang Banh, Tay Ninh province - pork and herbs wrapped in rice paper), 74 Truong Quoc Dung, P.10, Q Phu Nhaun
Banh Trang Cuon Da Nang (bun thit heo quay, cheap), 188 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Com Tam Ba Ghien (big pieces of grilled pork), 84 Dang Van Ngu, P10, Phu Nhuan
Green Bamboo Shelter restaurant, 40/P 34 Calmette, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, Q1
Xoi che Bui Thi Xuan (084835178333, http://www.xoichebuiyhixuan.com/), 33 Din Thien Hoang, Q Binh Thanh
Non-street Vietnamese food:
----------------------------------
Com Nieu (cheap Vietnamese food - rice with lots of different options (even gio thu), Hanoi family-run, AC), 48 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Bap Cai Tim (com binh dan buffet for VND 59k, had AC), 18A/5 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai (2 alleys up heading North from the Hoa Vien promo shop), P. Da Kao, Q1
Light Up Cafe (cheap VN set lunch VND 40k-45k, AC, busy so get there at 12pm), 227 Tran Hung Dao, Q1
Nha Trang 49 (Bun Ca), 49 Dinh Tien Hoang, P Dakao, Q1
Quan An Ngon (Pasteur st.), Q3
Cham Cham (expensive buffet, belongs to Khai Silk), Q7
Chateau Franco-Viet restaurant (in an old French colonial government residence with 7 villas and gardens; run by ex-KOTO-related family), 1B Ly Thai To, Q1
Cuc Gach Tiec Tung ("Brick Party", pricey but very nice ambience and good Vietnamese food - big menu, book rooftop private 7-seat greenhouse in advance; great for hosting guests), 9 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh, Q1; 0838480144; 01657101010
Buddha Chay (veg restaurant), 31 Dang Tat, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Prem Bistro (International cuisine - veg and vegan food; 4 cheese ngocchi is great but pricey > VND 150 for Western dishes), 129/4 Vo Van Tan (alley on the left after Ba Huyen Thanh Quan), Q3; delivery 086 27 99 920
Dau Homemade (Bun dau man tom & nem chua ran + che + free daily water puppet performances 1:30-2pm and 8-8:30pm), 1 Nguyen Van Trang (corner where it meets Le Lai), Q1
Red Door (VN fusion), 8 Hem 400, Le Van Sy, P14, Q3
Dong Pho, 57 Ho Xuan Huong, Q3
Monsoon (Vietnamese, Thai, Myanmar), 1 Cao Ba Nha, P. Nguyen Cu Trinh, Q1
Com Nhieu Sai Gon (Vietnamese; waiters smash com chay clay pots and throw the com chay across the room), 59 Ho Xuan Huong, Q3
Nem nuong Hoang Mao (meats and veg wrapped in rice paper with dips), 74 Truong Quoc Dung, P10, Q Phu Nhuan
Bun ganh (bun va banh Hue in an old French house), 110 Ly Chinh Thang, P8, Q3
Beefsteak Nam Son, 200 Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai & 157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia
Magnolia (lost recipes of VN), 190-192 De Tham, P. Cau Ong Lanh, Q1 (Viet Anh, BD Manager - Hanoian)
Bready Banh Mi Tuoi (fresh bread with soup based dish), 99 Vo Van Tan (near KWP) & 491 Le Van Sy (near home), Q3 + 77 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1
Ngoc Bich Chao cua quay (rice porridge with different meats and breadstick-like things, chao ga quay la VND 78k), 113 Pasteur (just after the Nguyen Minh Khai crossing and near KWP), P6, Q3
CLOSED Kim Food Court (rice with lots of different meats and verge tables, place is owned by an actress Kim Thu (billionaire couple (married to Phuoc Sang) that went bust and now started again; Kim Thu works in the restaurant), 149D Duong Pasteur (just before the crossing with Vo Van Tan), P6, Q3, 090 241 99 99/0838 226 226
Huong Ngu Quan (Hue food), 83 Thach Thi Thanh, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Món Huế, 134 Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Giay Bac (aka "Foil", Central Highlands food, cheap, soft shell crab), 96/1 Le Thi Rieng, Q1
Qua Ha Noi (good Hanoi food at reasonable prices - bun dau mam tom, xoi xeo, cha ca la vong, bun ca...), 7-22h, 21/1 Vo Van Tan (down the alley opposite where Tran Quoc Thao meets Vo Van Tan), P6, Q3
Nha Hang 12h (Western food for Vietnamese - steaks), 49 Tran Nhat Duat, P Tan Dinh, Q1
Duck Deli, 153 Nguyen Thai Binh, Thai Binh Ward, Q1
Gao Restaurant, 33 Le Quy Don, Q3
Food Street: Phan Xich Long, Q. Phu Nhuan
Indian food:
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Tandoor, 39 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Q1
Ganesh, 40 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Bến Nghé, Q1
Ganges (not tried yet), 74a2 Quận1, Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Q1
Saigon Indian Restaurant (quite authentic and reasonably priced - staff are a bit cold, decor is garish but the food is good), 1st floor, 73 Mac Thi Buoi St (almost corner with Dong Khoi), Q1
Indian street food (VND 50k for a chicken curry), 191 Dien Bien Phu, Q3
Chinese food:
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Ocean Palace (nice place, mid-range price, Peking duck, go early for lunch 11am to ensure availability), 2 Le Duan, P Ban Nghe, Q1
Mì 7 Tô (lots of small, different noodle-based dishes), Nguyen Duy Duong, Q5
http://oivietnam.com/2013/05/happiness-is-eating-chinese-food/
Dim Tu Tac Restaurant (Dim Tu Tac Cang Sai Gon) (off the menu but ask for Peking duck with pancakes for VND 620, feeds 4), 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, P12, Q4,
Yu Chu (Peking Duck), Intercontinental, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan
Li Bai (Peking Duck), Sheraton
Ly Hoa Tran Lap Vi Gia, 200B Phung Hung, Cho Lon
Nha Hang Saigon (Dim Sum), 877-279 Tran Hung Dao, P1, Q5
European food:
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Con Bo Map, (burgers, Full English Breakfast VND 150k), 178/4b Pasteur St OR S13-1 Huong Vuong 2, Phu My Hung, Q7
Cafe-Restaurant (smart bar and restaurant - expensive but recommended Chicken Roast - Platinum ale + ciders), 1st floor above ground, 171 Calmette, Q1
Le Padam Cheese Bar, 230 Nguyen Can Huong, Thao Dien, Q2
Beanie's Crepes & Waffles (Savoury and sweet but nothing amazing), 358B Le Van Sy, P14, Q3 or 15N Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1
Hoa Vien (fresh dark beer and good food), 16 Pho Quang (near our flat), Q. Tan Binh
Chateau Franco-Viet restaurant in a ex-gov villa and garden compound (al fresco dining in a lit up garden, family-run), 123b Tổ 19 Khu phố 2, phường 1, Quận 10
Bonjour Resto' French Restaurant (very affordable, USD 5.50 for a steak, salad, bread, and fries), 195B Hai Ba Trung (near Novotel), P6, Q3
The Hungry Pig (bacon sandwiches with cheese chorizo, ham and rocket, British owner, free beer with every sandwich over VND 70k from 4-10pm), 144 Cống Quỳnh, P. Pham Ngu Lao, Q1
Tapas Saigon, 53/26b Tran Khanh Du, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Zeus (Greek souvlaki, dolmades, gyros..., average prices), 164 Cong Quynh, Q1
4P pizza place (stone oven), Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Buzza Pizza (Gorgonzola pizza & 4 cheeses pizza, carbonara, 50% with members card), 5-7-9 Nguyen Trung Truc, P Ben Thanh, Q1
Le Crespo Pizza (overpriced 12" 4 cheeses pizza on thin stone-baked base with honey and chilli oil on the side for VND 200k, friendly host chi Ophely, grew up in Geneva), near the Starbucks on the New World hotel roundabout, Q1
Au Parc (French), 23-25 Han Thuyen, Q1
Mediterranean:
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Warda (food and sheesha), Hem 71 Mac Thi Buoi (near crossing of Dong Khoi), Q1
Korean Food:
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Gogi chains or King BBQ chains
Ga com nuong Han Quoc (sticky rice and BBQ-flavoured rotisserie grilled chicken served on a hot skillet + cheese toboki, r3 85 3 Hưng Phước 4 (road running parallel between Duong So 6 and Le Van Thiem), Tân Phong, Quận 7, Hồ Chí Minh
Pop Fries (chips with all sorts of toppings), 273 Phan Xich Long, Q. Phu Nhuan OR 14M Quoc Huong, Thao Dien, Q2
Choi Go Jip (authentic and good location but expensive), 11 Công trường Mê Linh, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Japanese food:
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SORAE Sushi & Sake Lounge (11:30-14h set lunch, VND 150k), 24th floor AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, Q1, 0838272372 for reservations
4Ps Japanese pizza, 168 Võ Văn Kiệt, Quan 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Blanchy St. (Japanese fusion in a former opium factory courtyard), 74 Hai Ba Trung, Q1
Tokyo Deli, 240 Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Sushi Bar, 2 Le Thanh Ton, Q1 OR 2F Saigon Court, 149 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q3
Uraetei BBQ, 2A Ngo Van Nam, Ben Nghe, Q1
CLOSED DOWN Tokyo Town (bright lantern decorations), 188 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3
American Junk:
-------------------
Quan Ut Ut (BBQ ribs, sausage & pork belly place with Platinum beer), Vi Van Kiẹt (near where it crosses with Nguyen Thai Binh, park under the bridge then head left on Vo Van Kiẹt.
ESPY Pizza (giant pizzas), 154 Cong Quynh, Dist 1, HCMC, 0838377555, 0966543352
Chucks Burgers, 73 Pasteur St. OR 196 Le Lai, Q1
Soul Burger (gourmet burgers around VND 300k per persons), 4 Phan Boi Chau (first floor above the nail salon), East of Ben Thanh market, Q1
Other burger places mentioned in reviews: Snap Cafe, Elbow Room
Hard Rock Cafe, Kumho Asiana Plaza, 39 Le Duan Street, Q1
Something different:
-------------------------
Noir Dining in the Dark (served by blind waiters and waitresses in pitch black), 180D, Hem 178 Hai Ba Trung (almost opposite Saigon Square), Q1
Shanty West Indian Curry (VND 88k) & Jerk (VND 100k) Chicken (run by Japanese guys, lunch Fri-Sat 11:30-14:00, dinner Tues-Sun 19:00-23:30), 36 Chu Manh Trinh (behind Sofitel), 01289890184
La Fiesta Mexican, 13 Dang Thi Nhu, Q1
Khoi Thom Mexican place, 29 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, P6, Q3
Tippy's Mexican, 99 Duong so 99, P6, Q4
Diegos Taco Shop (has a book exchange club where we get to 'take a book and/or leave a book'), 41/9 Co Giang, Q1
#tacos #ceviche #eastsidefries
Catch and cook your own fish, Thap Nga, Binh Xuyen2, At Nguyen Huu Tho, Phuoc Kien, Nha Be
Harry Potter-like experience (eat, drink, make cakes, make handicrafts), Thi Tran Ba Cay Choi, 61 Ho Xuan Huong, P6, Q3 (9am-10pm)
Top-end eating:
-------------------
Restaurant Bobby Chin, The Link, Kumho Asiana Plaza Saigon, 39 Le Duan, Q1
La Villa (French), 14 Ngo Quang Huy, P. Thao Dien, Q2
The Deck Saigon (on the river, call to arrive at your table by boat!), 38 Nguyen U Di, P. Thai Dien, Q2, 0837446632
Cafés:
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Caphe An Nam (Live VN music everyday starts around 7pm, basement, VND 200k per drink), 52 Truong Đình, P7, Q3
Piano cafe (classical triplet everyday around 7:30pm), 17 Ho Xuan Huong, Q3
Order individual cup paper filter coffee contraptions, Emotional Sublimation co., esocoffee.com, Vincom Centre, 72 Le Thanh Ton, 0937222386
Indika cafe (Matt Ryan, owner, Salesian), 43 Nguyen Van Giai (near Jade Emperor Pagoda), P Da Kao, Q1
Cong Caphe (Cot dua cafe/ coconut milk coffee is a gem), Catinat apartment (old USAID office and CIA Boss Lodging), 22 Ly Tu Trong OR Bui Vien
Villa Royale Antiques & Tearoom (tea and scones), 3 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Q2
L'Usine cafe and shop, Le Loi OR 2nd floor above the art gallery and souvenir shop on Dong Khoi (next to LV store), Q1
Lots of tea and coffee places in the building next to LV store on Dong Khoi (ground floor has souvenir shops, enter through the art arcade), Q1
M2C (Modern Meets Culture - good place to work), 44B Le Quy Don (crossing with Vo Van Tan), Q3
C15 cafe (24/7), 243 Le Van Sy (opposite Adam and Violet and Edena shops), P13, Q3
The Vintage Emporium (swanky), 95b Nguyen Van Thu, P. Da Kao, Q1
Heritage Cafe (24/7, play with British bulldogs), 10 Pasteur Street, Q1
Nomad cafe (chic kids cafe but no AC, has a architects place and shop selling movement trackers attached to it), middle of Hem 5, Nguyen Dinh Chieu (which connects with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai)
Cheesecake ngon (mission, run by Aussie, Nathan Milner, ex-HIF) cafe, 44 Truong Quyen, P6, Q3
I Love Kem (mix and match icecream from good selection of flavours and toppings, VND 27k per 100g), 355 Le Van Sy (opposite Sumi BBQ), P1, Q. Tan Binh
Moon & Sun Fresh Ice Cream, Hẻm 145 Hai Bà Trưng, alley next to Canalis
Osterberg Ice Cream, 212 Lè Lai, Ben Thanh, Q1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam District 1
iKem (ice cream made with liquid nitrogen in front of you, VND 60k-100k), 53B Nguyen Du(near crossing with Hai Ba Trung), Q1
Caphe Mien Dong Thao (along the train track heading north east to Hanoi), 221 Nguyen Trong Tuyen (Just South of the train track), P8, Q. Phu Nhuan
ATC rooftop cafe (part of a furniture store and has comfy hanging chairs), nice in evenings as looks over 268b Nguyen Van Troi and there's a nice breeze created by the low rise building next door, Nguyen Van Troi, Q3
http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-blog/ho-chi-minh-city-cafes/
Cakes & Ale (Chic cafe) is at 6B Cong Truong Quoc Te, Q3, HCMC — down the Papa’s Café alleyway, up one flight of the stairs to the left of Papa’s. Check facebook.com/cakesandale23 for more info
Container Cafe (everything's recycled), 1 Hoa Lan, P2, Q Phu Nhuan
Kujuz cafe (building made of windows and doors), 50k/glass or 100k unlimited drink within a day), 5 Tran Quy Khoach, Tan Dinh, Q1, 8am-8pm
House Coffee (Beach Cafe sand, waves, deck chairs...), HAVE TO MAKE BOOKINGS SOME HOURS BEOTE VISITING BECAUSE ONLY 12 SEATS, 408 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, P5, Q3
Toilet Cafe (sit on toilets, tables are washing basins, 29/2A Road 2D, Q Binh Thanh
Du Mien Tree House and Garden Cafe, 7 Phan Van Tri, P10, Go Vap
Cafe Ghe Dau (smart little street cafe under tree, good in evening), Đường Hoa Phượng (cross with Duong Hoa Mai), Phu Nhuan
10 Incredible HCM Cafés (2012) http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-blog/ho-chi-minh-city-cafes/
Nha ga 3A (creative space), 9am-9pm, 3A Ton Duc Thang, P. Ben Nghe, Q1
Minus 180 degrees tra sua (flavoured milk with jelly and tapioca balls), 2 for 1 Thursdays, 74 Vo Van Tan, P8, Q3.
Miền Đồng Thảo, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Cafe Trầm, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Cafe Nến, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Du Miên, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Co-working space:
-------------------
Citihub co-working space, 93 Bis. Nguyen Van Thu, P Dakao, Q1
WorkSaigon co-working space, 267/2 Dien Bien Phu (just South of crossing with Tran Quoc Thao), Q3
Dreamplex co-working space, 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan, P Ben Nghe, Q1
Drinks (bars and clubs):
----------------------------
Saigon Cigar Club (all Cuban, min USD 25, 20% off all cigars every Sunday 14:30-17:30h), 24th Flr AB Tower (in SORAE lounge), 76A Le Lai, Q1, REQUIRES RESERVATION 0902426976
SORAE Sushi & Sake Lounge (17:30-20h happy hour, 50% on cocktails), 24th floor AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, Q1, 0838272372 for reservations
BiaCraft (ales), 90 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Q2
Pasteur Street Brewing Co. (IPA is best but pricey), Hem 144 Pasteur, Q1
Hops Beer Garden, 43 Nguyen Dinh Chieu (just before hitting Hai Ba Trung), Q3
Liquid Sky Bar (roof of the Renaissance Hotel), 8-15 Tôn Đức Thắng Street, Q.1
Social Club Saigon (rooftop bar with pool and live music every night, 50% off drinks and small plates 17-20h everyday), 23rd Floor, Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery (USD 150/night, great views of the Notre Dame, parks, and Independence Palace), 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3
Glow Sky Bar (one club room and big outdoor table space and dance floor), 13th Floor, President Palace building (Starbucks on ground floor), 93 Nguyen Du, Q1
Cobalt rooftop bar, Pullman Saigon Centre, 31st Floor, 148 Tran Hung Dao, Q1
Chill Sky Bar, 26-27th Floors (happy hour between 17:30 and 20:30), AB Tower, 76 Le Lai St., Q1, +84838272372
Shri Rooftop Bar, 23rd Floor, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Q3, +8438279631
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar, Caravelle Hotel, Lam Son Square, Q1
OMG Rooftop Bar (David and Antoine know the French owner), 8th Floor, Tan Hai Long Hotel, 15-19 Nguyen An Ninh, Q1, +84937200222
The View rooftop bar (cheap drinks), 195 Bui Vien, P. Pham Ngu Lao, Q1
Cube Bar DJ venue (D&B nights - Hugh G, Will H, & Dan K), 31B Ly Tu Trong, Q1
Observatory DJ venue by the river (in the building opposite the big wooden ship in the same premises as Cargo), Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
OLD LOCATION The Observatory, Corner of Le Lai and Ton That Tung, Q1
Cargo DJ venue, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
Caramen Flamenco Bar, 8 Ly Tu Truong, Q1
Blanchy's Tash Bar (DJs), 95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1
CLOSED Uprising Bar (Acoustic Saturdays start at 8pm; Platinum pale ale (40k/glass; 265k/2.5L; owner is Leki, a Sri Lankan that's lived in HCM for 13 years and married to a Vietnamese. Used to manage a resort in Phan Thiet then opened a graphic design company an likes music so opened the bar in Sep '15) & Stowford cider), 420/6 Le Van Sy (alley opposite KFC), P12, Q3
Saigon Ranger (Bar/Indoor event space), 5/7 Nguyen Sieu, Q1
Yoko Cafe (Pasteur St. IPA VND 90-100 per 330ml, owner is Mr. Anh, Opening Hours: 08:00 – 24:00 (Live music from 21:00 Tues-Sun), 22A Nguyen Thi Dieu, Q3
Piano Cafe (pianist, guitarist and celloist playing Vietnamese and other songs good atmosphere), 27 Ho Xuan Huong, P6, Q3
Sax n Art jazz club (18-00h), 28 Le Loi, Q1
Snuffbox (Jazz & cocktail bar), 14 Ton That Dam, Q1
Saigon Soul Pool Parties (Sat afternoons, VND 200k except during monsoon), The New Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, Q1
La Fenetre Soleil, 44 Ly Tu Truong, Q1
Woodstock Live Music (every night, gets busy on Fri and Sat at around 8-9pm), 39 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, P6, Q3
Acoustic Live Music Bar, 7pm-midnight, 6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Q1
Cargo (DJs), 3pm-midnight Weds to Sun, 7a Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
Sights:
---------
Night flower market (& Cambodian food due to a big diaspora living there), Ho Thi Ky street & Tran Binh Trong street (but market falls within the triangle made by Le Hong Phong, Hung Vuong, and Ly Thai To streets), Q10
Leisure:
----------
Long graffiti wall along 15B Le Thanh Ton, Japanese area, Q1
Vietnam House Craft Emporium (9am-6pm everyday), 187 Nguyen Van Huong, P. Thao Dien, Q2
Khu Du Lich Suoi Mo (park with a waterfall), duong so 11, Long Bình, 9
Église Huyện Sỹ (beautiful exterior and interior, constructed in 1902-1905, corner of Nguyễn Trãi and Tôn Thất Tùng, Q1
Dong Dao live music venue (book tickets, 164 Pasteur, P. Ben Nghe, Q1, phongtradongdao.vn, 0918488585
Ticketbox.vn - event ticketing site
San khau ca ngac Trong Dong (Outdoor Theatre), 12b Cach Mang Thang 8 (crosses with Nguyen Du), Q1 (0883291292/0838277940/0883291292)
Galaxy Cinema (VND 75k per ticket late show weekday), Nguyen Du (one-way street after Dang Tran Con, Q1.
Chợ Lớn (China Town), It lies on the west bank of the Saigon River, having Bình Tây Market as its central market. Cholon consists of the western half of District 5 as well as several adjoining neighborhoods in District 6. --> Thien Hau Temple (old Chinese temple), 710 Nguyễn Trãi, phường 11, Quận 5; food http://m.kenh14.vn/doi-song/7-mon-an-nhat-dinh-phai-thu-khi-den-cho-lon-sai-gon-2014101501173875.chn
Van Thanh Resort (Restaurants, cafés, tennis courts and a swimming pool with sun loungers - pool open until 7:45pm and is VND 60k/day) 48/10 Dien Bien Phu, P22, Q. Binh Thanh
List of swimming pools in HCMC - http://vietnamcoracle.com/top-5-public-swimming-pools-saigon/
Ramana (4 star) small (shallow end is very shallow and difficult to swim) rooftop swimming pool and small gym (VND 100k per day), near where Le Van Sy crosses Tran Huy Lieu, Q3
Dam Sen Park & Water Park, No. 3 Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, Q11
Tao Dan (10ha, replica NHA Trang Cham temple), Q1
23/9 Park (popular with students learning English during the early evening), Le Lai Street & Pham Ngu Lao Street, Q1
Gia Dinh park (running track, sand and water playground for kids), Hoang Minh Giam, Q. Phu Nhuan
Museum of Fine Arts, 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Q1
War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan, Q3
Reunification Palace, 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Q1
Museum of Vietnamese History, 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Q1
The Ho Chi Minh Museum (Nha Rong Harbor), 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
F'Miss spa (clean & professional, Linh receptionist, +84 8 38447296, buy bundle that works out as VND 100k for 90min body massage), Địa chỉ : 155 Trần Huy Liệu, Phường 8, Quận Phú Nhuận OR 31/1 Ung Văn Khiêm, P25,Q Bình Thạnh, Tp, HCM
Blind massage (em Chieu, sinh nam '94, nha o Tien Giang, em hoc va lam o dai 14 nam roi), VND 60k per hour (tip VND 40k), VN Institute of the Blind, 185 Cống Quỳnh, Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Q1
Mach's Gym (modern with AC, VND 680k/month, 06:00-21:30 mon-sat and 10:00-18:00 sun), 1 Huyen Tran Cong Chua (near KWP), Q 1
Push Climbing Wall (VND 100k for 1 hour with a group of 5 OR VND 200k per day including all hire), in Saigon Outcast, 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Q2, 0126 47 22 134
Bollywood dance classes on Tues, Thurs & Sat (19:35-20:35) for VND 500k/month @ Dang Ngoc Spa, 1 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Q 1
Food Shopping:
-------------------
Golden Gerbera Mart (Small and cheap western shop that often discounts edible out-of-date stuff by 50%), 71 Tran Huy Lieu (crossing with Huynh Van Banh), P12, Q3
Phuong Ha 1 (Well-priced Western food and drink + Indian spices), 58 Ham Nghi, P. Ben Nghe, Q1
Binh Dien wholesale fruit and veg market, Q7
Indian spices from Cari anh Hai in block 867-875-919 (North-East corner). In Ben Thanh market. If you cannot find the shop you can ask around, they will show you. The shop is quite famous.
Esocoffee (paper filters for individual cups, VND 100k per pack of 10), Mr. Ha is he owner, office in Vincom, 0937222386
Vinmart supermarkets now sell Fullers London Pride for around VND 60k per 330ml bottle
Regional Beer/international soft drink wholesalers, Hẻm 666 Đường 3 Tháng 2, P14, Q10
Annam Gourmet Foods (good selection of British beers, world cheeses and cold-cuts but pricey), 16-18 Hai Ba Trung (crosses wih Dong Du), P. Ben Nghe, Q1
Nam An Market (hot cross buns), Thao Dien, Q2
Crumbs (hot cross buns), Q7
Chợ Lớn (China Town), It lies on the west bank of the Saigon River, having Bình Tây Market as its central market. Cholon consists of the western half of District 5 as well as several adjoining neighborhoods in District 6.
Non-food Shopping/Services:
-----------------------------------
iService (Official Apple maintenance, English speaking, VND 400k for MacBook service, Mon-Fri 9-12 13:30-17:30, Sat 9-12), D House building, 39 Nguyen Thi Dieu, P10, Q3, 0866832592, 0839305837
IKNOW Mac hardware and software shop, Thao Dien St, Q2
VN trainers and flip flop shops, Southern end of Ly Chinh Thanh, Q3
Zakka clothing and accessories shop, patterns designed by Japanese designer. Good quality cotton and silk products, 73 Pasteur St., Q1
Thuy's Tailor shop (Ben Thanh market stall no. 385-387-431; custom-made suits for VND 1.5mln, blazer VND 1mln, shirts VND 500k), shop: 0835201706, home: 0838253052, mobile: 0903676402, phucvx2000@yahoo.com
3D print shop, 130 Bis, Tran Huy Lieu, P15, Q. Phu Nhuan, HCM, cafein3D.com
Stainless steel home furnishing (drying rails, tables, stools, chairs), 640 Xo Viet, P25, Q. Binh Thanh
Big cardboard boxes, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4. OR crossing of Nguyen Du and Hai BA Trung, Q1
Wood pieces & carpenters (doors, windows, banisters), northern end of Ba Hat (where meets Go Gia Tu), P9, Q10
Viet My Luxury/sports car bodywork shop, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh (next to Cargo), Q4
2Day Sale Student Bazzar (in a 4-floor house), 16 Nguyen Thai Binh, Q1
Board Games Saigon, 796/2a Su Van Hanh, Q10
Board game shop, near Snap Cafe, 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, P. Thao Dien, Q2
Cobblers, Tran Quang Dieu (North-side of Le Van Sy), Q3
Dung Locksmiths, mobile shop but usually outside 29 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh in the mornings, 0909903147
Nice embroided shirts and dresses for elder ladies, Anh Vy Fashion, 402B Hai Ba Trung, Q1
Wadonka Outdoor Sports Shop, 6 Nguyen Phi Khanh, P. Tan Đình, Q1
Mattresses st, Bach Dang, Q Binh Thanh
Toc Yeu Hair Korea (affordable women's haircuts), 137 Nguyen Van Dau, P7, Q. Binh Thanh
Ti Ly Hair &Nails Salon, 60/66 Ly Chinh Thang, P8, Q3, 0902 35 09 90
Average design and quality Ao Dai fabrics, 57 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1
Ao Dai tailor, Pasteur St. (Near where it meets Trần Quoc Toan), Q3
Bacchus Corner Wine & Spirits (Laphroaig 10yrs VND 1,815,000), 9am-9pm, 158D Pasteur, Q1, +84838293306, info@bacchuscorner.com
Dong Ho Sai Thanh (watch and watch strap change shop), 246 Huyen Van Banh, P11, Q Phu Nhuan
Wedding planning - www.marry.vn
Wedding photos/video - www.muacuoi.vn
Wedding dress shops, Ho Van Hue, Q. Phu Nhuan
Print shop, banners, and signs street - Hoa Hong Print Shop (colour laser, wedding invitations), 156 Ly Thai To, P1, Q3
Glass bottle/jar seller, 189 Vo Thi Sao (before the crossing with Ba Huyen Thanh Quan), P7, Q3
Non-electrical home appliance shop, Thanh Uyen, 198 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, P6, Q3
Music equipment & DJ Gear, Southern end of Dien Bien Phu, Q1
Musictool (DJ and sound production equip), 4th floor, BlueSea building, 205B Hoang Hoa Tham, P6, Q. Binh Thanh
Audio Technicians (cables, speakers...), 97 Truong Dinh, P6, Q3
2nd hand hifi systems, Ly Nam De, Q11
Speakers, Nguyen Kim, P6, Q10
Canon Service Centre, corner of Trần Hung Dao and Bui Vien
Reliable camera fixing shop, Khanh Long Camera shop, 39-41 Huynh Thuc Khanh, Q1
Tissot + Lammy + Cohiba Showroom, 115 Nguyen Hue, Q1
DOJI diamond and jewellery shop, 161 Hàm Nghi, Q1
Sports shops, Le Van Sy (near T junction with Hoang Van Thu), Q3 OR 1-12 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Q 1
Bike Cafe (road and XC bike sales and repairs), 133 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen (near Ga Saigon/train station), P.10, Q.3
2nd hand road bike (French, Italian, Japanese) and components sales (a. Dang, +84 91 8842228), 46 Ly Nam De OR 52 Ly Nam De, Q11
2nd hand road and XC bikes (Chu Dinh & Co Cuc), 116 Pham Huu Chi, P15, Q5
2nd hand USA road and XC bikes (a. Phat), Hem 529 Dien Bien Phu, P3, Q3
Big motorbikes 600cc+, 151 Dien Bien Phu (before the bridge on the side heading from Q2 towards P. Da Kao, Q1), Q Tan Binh
Motorbike parts, around Pham Huu Chi, P15, Q5
Helmet fixer, corner of Đường Châu Văn Liêm and the roundabout, Q6
Standard Chartered Bank (2nd floor) VN, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Q1
Chợ Lớn (China Town), It lies on the west bank of the Saigon River, having Bình Tây Market as its central market. Cholon consists of the western half of District 5 as well as several adjoining neighborhoods in District 6.
Pen refills + Duck tape, Ngoc Tuyen, 151 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, P13, Q 5
Viet Uc Translation Company (anh Thanh), 8am-5:30pm, 95A Pasteur, P. Ben Nghe, Q1, +84862565777
Goodwill safe shop, 81 Vo Van Tan, Q3
Fan fixer, fan and padlock stall in Cho Nguyen Van Troi (small street side), opposite the Vinamilk shop (approximately 276), Ly Van Sy, Q3
Gardening shops, Nguyen Huu Tho (just south of Cau Kenh Te
Pet shops, Southern end of Le Hong Phong, Q10
Hotels:
---------
Budget:
Madame Cuc Hotel (VND 250-300/night twin/double/triple; most staff speak good English; 8 floors and no lift), 64 Bùi Viện (next to the police station), Q1, m: +84903906250, t: +84838365073, @: madamcuc@hcm.vnn.vn
Hong Kong Hotel (separate sex sleeping pod dorms (1 person per pod) with lockers, USD 8-9 per night), 22 Bui Vien, Q1
Mid-level:
CLOSED BUT REOPENED UNDER NEW NAME Golden Rose Hotel (3 Star, nice decor, good English service, clean, quiet, gym, USD 25 (long-term rate > 1 month)-30 per night, wifi pw: 38233378), 3A Vo Van Tan St. (Close to the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Cathedral), Ward 6, Q3, +84382 333 79
Top-end:
Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery (USD 150/night, great views of the Notre Dame, parks, and Independence Palace, live music bar at the top), 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3
Rex Hotel (Historic hotel where Yanky journalists used to write during the US invasion), Corner of Nguyen Hue and Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Caravelle Hotel (one of the oldest 5-star hotels in VN, opening Christmas Eve 1959), 19 Công trường Lam Sơn, Q1
Hospitals/Dentists:
----------------------
Ashish Kanchan's recommended dentist (Dr. Khoa speaks VN only but staff can interpret), 199 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai (crosses Nguyen Cu Trinh), Q3
Van Hanh General Hospital (4th Floor, Blue Cross), Hẻm 781 Lê Hồng Phong 781/B1, P14, Q10
Bệnh Viện Từ Dũ (HOSPITAL), 106 Cống Quỳnh, Phạm Ngũ Lão, Q1, Hồ Chí Minh
Benh Vien Tam Than (Mental hospital), 766 Đường Võ Văn Kiệt, Q5
Immigration Office:
------------------------
For foreigners (Mon-Sat 8-11:30am; 1:30-4pm; AM on Sat only), Ministry of Public Security & Immigration, 254 Nguyen Trai)
For Vietnamese 191 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3
People's Committee of District 1 AKA Uy Ban Nhan Dan Quan 1 (certified copies, certified translations), 47 Le Duan (next to the cathedral), Q1
Ho Chi Minh Justice Department (7:30am-11am and 1pm-5pm, certified translation, criminal record check), 141 Pasteur (between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Dien Bien Phu), Q3
Tax Department:
-----------------
63 Vũ Tông Phan St., An Phú Ward, Dist. 2, Hồ Chí Minh City, Tel: (08) 37 702288.
Churches:
------------
International Christian Fellowship (Methodist foundation but interdenominational led by Pastor Leslie Lim & Pastor Albert Low, pragmatic messages for business people congregation), Sunday Service in English at 10:30AM, smart casual dress code, 4th Floor, Hoa Hung Nha Tho Tin Lanh, 625D Cach Mang Thang Tam Str, P15, Q10
Agape Evangelical Church (Sundays in VN: 9-10:30am; EN: 5:30-7pm), 15 Tu Xuong, P7, Q3
The Well English service at 11am on Sundays, led by Tom Castor), Khanh Hoi Church, 98 Le Quoc Hung St., Q4, HCMC
Kỳ Đồng church (Mass is held at 5:00 am, 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm), 38 Ky Dong, Q3
Notre Dame Cathedral (Nha Tho Duc Ba), English service at 9:30am, Ben Nghe Ward, Q1
New Life City Church, 9am Sundays, 112 Mi Kim 2, Q7
Permanent Living:
----------------------
Free haircuts every other Saturday by Truong Day Nghe Minh Dang (Q12) students (Teachers name is Hung), corner of Truong Sa and Ngo Thoi Nghiem, Q. Phu Nhuan
Chi Yen (Antoine's state agent) - +84937532678
Many people live far away from their office. The easiest thing is that you live right in the District 3. Otherwise, you can live in district 4, district 10, district 7, district 2. However, the district is also large itself, some areas are crowded, some areas are not.
Standard Chartered multi-currency account (passport and visa), Mon-Fri 8:30-18:30, Saigon Trade Center, 1st Floor, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, HCMC, 0839110000, Swift code: SCBLVNVX.
Resources:
--------------
Any Arena - Events
Ticketbox.vn
TNH - All
Day/weekend trips:
-----------------------
Online bus bookings, Phuong Trang Bus Company Futa Buses, Futabus.vn/en-us/, 327C Le Hong Phong, Q10 (multiple offices), 019006067
Thanh Buoi Bus Co, 266 Le Hong Phong, Q10, 0838306306
Nui Sam (holy Sam mountain, annual festival in the lunar month of April), near Chau Doc (250km (6 hours) from HCMC on the border of Cambodia where the Mekong River splits), trek up the mountain and stay in Victoria Hotel, infamous for it's infinity pool with views of the paddy fields below. Canh chua ca is the specialty. Also visit Tra Su mangrove forest (Rừng Trà Sư), which is home to many rare birds and has boat tours from around VND 150k for 2 people. Nice lakes: Hồ Tà Pạ or Hồ Soài So (largest man-made lake on An Giang for irrigation) at Núi Cô Tô (has cave complexes that were used to fight the Americans)
Bull running festival (Lễ Hội đua bò Bảy Núi, coincides with the Dolta festival to pray for ancestors' happiness, end of Aug each year), Bảy Núi (7 mountains) area, An Giang province
Bo Tu (young beef) Cu chi, Bo Tu Truong Lac, To 1, Ap Phu Hoa, Xa Phu My Hung Đường Trung Lập (Near Cu Chi tunnels), Cu Chi
Kê Gà cove and lighthouse, travel on national highway 1A from HCMC to Thuan Nam, turn right, and go straight for 20km
Vuon Xoai Activity Resort (Paintballing, ostrich racing, small water park), Bien Hoa, Đồng Nai
Bo Cap Vang Activity Resort (watersport inflatables, swimming, quad bikes, ...), AP3, Phuoc Khanh, Nhon Trac, Dong Nai
Bao Loc Southern edge of Central Highlands
Dalat (hills, waterfalls, canyoning)
Phan Rang former Champa capital (Coastal) city (architecture and people), overnight train ideally over 3-day weekend
Can Gio: beach (not very clean and large but still ok), mangrove forest, monkey island and cheap fresh seafood (60km from Dist 1 - can go by motorbike, it would be fun)
Viet Cong's Cu Chi tunnels: historical site (35km from Q1)
Giang Dien Park: http://giangdien.com.vn/gioi-thieu/gioi-thieu-chung/gioi-thieu-ve-thac-giang-dien/ (60km from Saigon), 104/4 ấp Hoà Bình, X. Giang Điền - H. Trảng Bom, T. Đồng Nai.
Ba Ra Mountain (720m high; start trek at Thac Mo village; 1,767 steps on the trail up), Phuoc Long Province, 180km from HCMC
Vung Tau beach: 2 hours by bus or 3-4 hours by motorbike (bikes aren't allowed on the highway) Zenna Pool Camp is an upmarket beachside camp site with pool, lounge areas, outdoor BBQ spots... (https://m.facebook.com/ZennaPoolCamp/)
Suoi Tien Park - Amusement park for kids
Dai Nam amusement park (Binh Duong province)
Cat Tien National Park - trekking, cycling, kayaking, crocodile lake, stay in a park rangers' stilt house, elephants, bears, gibbons, gaur - Tai Lai Longhouse (hire traditional houses 30 people), Tan Phu, Dong Nai, +84974160827, info@talai-adventure.vn, www.talai-adventure.vn
Other provinces (easily reach by bus): Mekong Delta like Can Tho, Vinh Long, My Tho, Ben Tre..., Da Lat, Mui Ne beach, Dong Nai...
Phu Quoc island - Sao beach and Long beach for swimming and snorkelling, Dinh Cau beach for sunsets, and Khem or "kem" beach (narrow and only reachable be motorbike or foot) for a more local and chilled out beach, and Ong Lang jungle beach
High wire (tree-level) and forest zip wire at Alba Thanh Tan Hue hot spring, Hue
Son Dong USD 3k/person and only 500 permits per year (largest cave in the world (5km long) with underground river and 70m long stalagmites) and Va Cave (cave with conical formations in blue-green water), Phong Nha National Park, Ke Bang (between Vinh and Hue), Quang Binh, Dong Hoi city has the nearest airport
Ghenh Da Dia tubular rock formations near Tuy Hoa city in Phu Yen, 1-hour motorbike ride
-------------------------------------
***WHEN USING YOUR PHONE IN PUBLIC, KEEP IT CLOSE TO YOUR CHEST, FACE AWAY FROM THE ROAD, AND USE 2 HANDS TO AVOID SNATCHING***
Useful numbers:
- Police 113
- Fire 114
- Medic 115
- International operator 110
Taxi from the airport to home: Tan Son International Airport to Hem 483, Le Van Sy, Quan 3 VNĐ 85k (including car park fee).
Taxi from the airport to the centre of District (Q) 1: Tan Son International Airport to Bùi Viện (8.5km) VNĐ 170 (including car park fee).
Free interpretation services for tourists: Call/Text +84 165 240 0255
Food:
-------
Vietnamese street food:
----------------------------
Banh Mi Que Da Nang (thin and crispy baguette with usual fillings, mobile vendor outside 29 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Lunch Lady street food stalls (Bun Bo Hue, Hu Tieu, Goi Cuon, Che), along Hoang Sa between Nguyen Dinh Chieu and Cau Thi Nghe
Hu tieu mi suon (10pm-6am), next to the tattoo parlour on the side heading South-East on Le Van Sy from the crossing with Trần Quang Dieu towards Cau Le Van Sy, Q3
Hu tieu mi, Hem 172 Ly Chinh Thanh, Q3
Anh Ba Bo Nhung Dam va Bo La Lot (5-9:30pm, go early), sour hotpot with beef and beetle leaf-wrapped beef meatballs), 460 Phan Xich Long, Q. Phu Nhuan
Bun Dau Mam Tom (good), 202 Nguyen Trai, Q1
Com ga xoi mo (chicken and rice), 174/8 Nguyen Thien Thuat, P3, Q3 OR Su Su 53 Tu Xuong, Q3
Hem 53 Nguyen Hue food stalls (com ga, che...) (after Duxton hotel when heading towards the river on Nguyen Hue), Q1
Quan ga Anh Tu (ga nuong - not as good as Hanoi), 449 Le Quang Dinh, P5, Go Vap
MOVEDBanh Cuon and cha muc (VND 12k per big calamari piece), 347 Le Van Sy, P1, Q Tan Binh
Banh cuon nong, 6am-1pm and 4:30-10pm, 353 Le Van Sy (near the cho), Q3
Bò Tơ Tây Ninh Năm Sánh (young beef) - Phạm Hùng- C3/21T Phạm Hùng, Bình Chánh
Hog roast places, around 272 Bac Hai, P.15, Q10
Xuan Tu, Bun Cha and nem ran (binh thuong) Ha Noi, Duy Nhat So 2 Pham Van Hai (near the flyover at the end of Le Van Sy, P2, Q Tan Binh
Can Anh 2, (Cha Gio (crispy and tasty spring rolls), cha vuong (big crab spring rolls), and banh tom), 362 Nguyen Trong Tuyen (crosses with ), P1, Q. Tan Binh, 08 6293 5559 or 0916 330 033 (free delivery)
Steamed dumplings with bean sprouts (hoang thanh - pork and prawn OR suoi cao - pork), 143 Nguyen Du, Q1
Muc 280 (muc mot nang and ghe ran muoai), 280 Le Van Sy (opposite cho Nguyen Van Troi, near home), Q3
Banh Canh Cua (VND 50k one big bowl with a whole crab in), corner of Vo Van Kiẹt and Phuong Hung
Mi Keo Kung Fu (Hu Tieu My va Dim Sum, watch them prepare wheat noodles by stretching and twisting in front of you, 7-11:30 & 16:30-22:30), 116 Ha Ton Quyen, P4, Q11
Baoz Dimsum (6:30am-2pm & 4-11pm), 76-78 Nguyen Tri Phuong, P7, Q5
Ngoc Y Sui Cao (delicious Mi Sui Cao, big Sui cao with whole shrimp inside, VND 40k per bowl), 187 Ha Ton Quyen, P4, Q11
Banh canh ghe (eat outside by the canal in the evening), Truong Sa (meets Cau Bong (just South of Dien Bien Phu bridge),
Quan Ba Dang (banh canh cua + Hue food), 59 bis, Nguyen Thong, Q3
Quan Chieu-Nay (BBQ lamb, beef, pork & chicken skewer kebabs, VND 110k per long skewer, dinner (5-9pm) only), 30b Vo Van Tan, P6, Q3 (near KWP)
Thị Quán (Hanoi food), lunch and dinner (closes at 10pm), Hẻm (lane) between 46 and 58 Vo Van Tan, Q3
Pho Binh (Former Viet Cong headquarters in SGN pre-1975), 7D Ly Chinh Thanh, Q3
Pho Loc (lots of meat but VND 100k, cow penis optional extra), 74 Dien Bien Phu (on the right from McDonalds to Dinh Tien Hoang), P Da Kao, Q1
Pho Bo Hanoi (opposite the overly bright hairdressers, good and cheap but little too mush MSG), 44 Rach Bung Binh, Q3
Pho Bac Ha Ha Noi (average pho & pho xao bo), corner of Truong Son and Tra Khuc, Q. Tan Binh (near TSN airport)
Banh xeo and banh tom (cheap), 35 Dang Dung, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Banh Xeo (over-priced; expats), 46A Đinh Công Tráng, Q1
Ốc Đào (good snails with butter and pig fat sauce), 132 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1
Oc Nhu, Hẻm 650/4 Điện Biên Phủ
Đac san cua bien (sea crab place), 94 Dinh Tien Hoang St., Q1
Khai Minh vegan restaurant, 157 Dien Bien Phu Street, P15, Q Binh Thanh
Ben Thanh Market food stalls, Le Loi, Q1
Hoàng Ty sac san banh trang (from Trang Banh, Tay Ninh province - pork and herbs wrapped in rice paper), 74 Truong Quoc Dung, P.10, Q Phu Nhaun
Banh Trang Cuon Da Nang (bun thit heo quay, cheap), 188 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Com Tam Ba Ghien (big pieces of grilled pork), 84 Dang Van Ngu, P10, Phu Nhuan
Green Bamboo Shelter restaurant, 40/P 34 Calmette, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, Q1
Xoi che Bui Thi Xuan (084835178333, http://www.xoichebuiyhixuan.com/), 33 Din Thien Hoang, Q Binh Thanh
Non-street Vietnamese food:
----------------------------------
Com Nieu (cheap Vietnamese food - rice with lots of different options (even gio thu), Hanoi family-run, AC), 48 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Bap Cai Tim (com binh dan buffet for VND 59k, had AC), 18A/5 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai (2 alleys up heading North from the Hoa Vien promo shop), P. Da Kao, Q1
Light Up Cafe (cheap VN set lunch VND 40k-45k, AC, busy so get there at 12pm), 227 Tran Hung Dao, Q1
Nha Trang 49 (Bun Ca), 49 Dinh Tien Hoang, P Dakao, Q1
Quan An Ngon (Pasteur st.), Q3
Cham Cham (expensive buffet, belongs to Khai Silk), Q7
Chateau Franco-Viet restaurant (in an old French colonial government residence with 7 villas and gardens; run by ex-KOTO-related family), 1B Ly Thai To, Q1
Cuc Gach Tiec Tung ("Brick Party", pricey but very nice ambience and good Vietnamese food - big menu, book rooftop private 7-seat greenhouse in advance; great for hosting guests), 9 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh, Q1; 0838480144; 01657101010
Buddha Chay (veg restaurant), 31 Dang Tat, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Prem Bistro (International cuisine - veg and vegan food; 4 cheese ngocchi is great but pricey > VND 150 for Western dishes), 129/4 Vo Van Tan (alley on the left after Ba Huyen Thanh Quan), Q3; delivery 086 27 99 920
Dau Homemade (Bun dau man tom & nem chua ran + che + free daily water puppet performances 1:30-2pm and 8-8:30pm), 1 Nguyen Van Trang (corner where it meets Le Lai), Q1
Red Door (VN fusion), 8 Hem 400, Le Van Sy, P14, Q3
Dong Pho, 57 Ho Xuan Huong, Q3
Monsoon (Vietnamese, Thai, Myanmar), 1 Cao Ba Nha, P. Nguyen Cu Trinh, Q1
Com Nhieu Sai Gon (Vietnamese; waiters smash com chay clay pots and throw the com chay across the room), 59 Ho Xuan Huong, Q3
Nem nuong Hoang Mao (meats and veg wrapped in rice paper with dips), 74 Truong Quoc Dung, P10, Q Phu Nhuan
Bun ganh (bun va banh Hue in an old French house), 110 Ly Chinh Thang, P8, Q3
Beefsteak Nam Son, 200 Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai & 157 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia
Magnolia (lost recipes of VN), 190-192 De Tham, P. Cau Ong Lanh, Q1 (Viet Anh, BD Manager - Hanoian)
Bready Banh Mi Tuoi (fresh bread with soup based dish), 99 Vo Van Tan (near KWP) & 491 Le Van Sy (near home), Q3 + 77 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1
Ngoc Bich Chao cua quay (rice porridge with different meats and breadstick-like things, chao ga quay la VND 78k), 113 Pasteur (just after the Nguyen Minh Khai crossing and near KWP), P6, Q3
CLOSED Kim Food Court (rice with lots of different meats and verge tables, place is owned by an actress Kim Thu (billionaire couple (married to Phuoc Sang) that went bust and now started again; Kim Thu works in the restaurant), 149D Duong Pasteur (just before the crossing with Vo Van Tan), P6, Q3, 090 241 99 99/0838 226 226
Huong Ngu Quan (Hue food), 83 Thach Thi Thanh, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Món Huế, 134 Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Giay Bac (aka "Foil", Central Highlands food, cheap, soft shell crab), 96/1 Le Thi Rieng, Q1
Qua Ha Noi (good Hanoi food at reasonable prices - bun dau mam tom, xoi xeo, cha ca la vong, bun ca...), 7-22h, 21/1 Vo Van Tan (down the alley opposite where Tran Quoc Thao meets Vo Van Tan), P6, Q3
Nha Hang 12h (Western food for Vietnamese - steaks), 49 Tran Nhat Duat, P Tan Dinh, Q1
Duck Deli, 153 Nguyen Thai Binh, Thai Binh Ward, Q1
Gao Restaurant, 33 Le Quy Don, Q3
Food Street: Phan Xich Long, Q. Phu Nhuan
Indian food:
--------------
Tandoor, 39 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Q1
Ganesh, 40 Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, Bến Nghé, Q1
Ganges (not tried yet), 74a2 Quận1, Hai Bà Trưng, Bến Nghé, Q1
Saigon Indian Restaurant (quite authentic and reasonably priced - staff are a bit cold, decor is garish but the food is good), 1st floor, 73 Mac Thi Buoi St (almost corner with Dong Khoi), Q1
Indian street food (VND 50k for a chicken curry), 191 Dien Bien Phu, Q3
Chinese food:
-------------------
Ocean Palace (nice place, mid-range price, Peking duck, go early for lunch 11am to ensure availability), 2 Le Duan, P Ban Nghe, Q1
Mì 7 Tô (lots of small, different noodle-based dishes), Nguyen Duy Duong, Q5
http://oivietnam.com/2013/05/happiness-is-eating-chinese-food/
Dim Tu Tac Restaurant (Dim Tu Tac Cang Sai Gon) (off the menu but ask for Peking duck with pancakes for VND 620, feeds 4), 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, P12, Q4,
Yu Chu (Peking Duck), Intercontinental, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan
Li Bai (Peking Duck), Sheraton
Ly Hoa Tran Lap Vi Gia, 200B Phung Hung, Cho Lon
Nha Hang Saigon (Dim Sum), 877-279 Tran Hung Dao, P1, Q5
European food:
------------------
Con Bo Map, (burgers, Full English Breakfast VND 150k), 178/4b Pasteur St OR S13-1 Huong Vuong 2, Phu My Hung, Q7
Cafe-Restaurant (smart bar and restaurant - expensive but recommended Chicken Roast - Platinum ale + ciders), 1st floor above ground, 171 Calmette, Q1
Le Padam Cheese Bar, 230 Nguyen Can Huong, Thao Dien, Q2
Beanie's Crepes & Waffles (Savoury and sweet but nothing amazing), 358B Le Van Sy, P14, Q3 or 15N Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q1
Hoa Vien (fresh dark beer and good food), 16 Pho Quang (near our flat), Q. Tan Binh
Chateau Franco-Viet restaurant in a ex-gov villa and garden compound (al fresco dining in a lit up garden, family-run), 123b Tổ 19 Khu phố 2, phường 1, Quận 10
Bonjour Resto' French Restaurant (very affordable, USD 5.50 for a steak, salad, bread, and fries), 195B Hai Ba Trung (near Novotel), P6, Q3
The Hungry Pig (bacon sandwiches with cheese chorizo, ham and rocket, British owner, free beer with every sandwich over VND 70k from 4-10pm), 144 Cống Quỳnh, P. Pham Ngu Lao, Q1
Tapas Saigon, 53/26b Tran Khanh Du, P. Tan Dinh, Q1
Zeus (Greek souvlaki, dolmades, gyros..., average prices), 164 Cong Quynh, Q1
4P pizza place (stone oven), Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Buzza Pizza (Gorgonzola pizza & 4 cheeses pizza, carbonara, 50% with members card), 5-7-9 Nguyen Trung Truc, P Ben Thanh, Q1
Le Crespo Pizza (overpriced 12" 4 cheeses pizza on thin stone-baked base with honey and chilli oil on the side for VND 200k, friendly host chi Ophely, grew up in Geneva), near the Starbucks on the New World hotel roundabout, Q1
Au Parc (French), 23-25 Han Thuyen, Q1
Mediterranean:
------------------
Warda (food and sheesha), Hem 71 Mac Thi Buoi (near crossing of Dong Khoi), Q1
Korean Food:
--------------
Gogi chains or King BBQ chains
Ga com nuong Han Quoc (sticky rice and BBQ-flavoured rotisserie grilled chicken served on a hot skillet + cheese toboki, r3 85 3 Hưng Phước 4 (road running parallel between Duong So 6 and Le Van Thiem), Tân Phong, Quận 7, Hồ Chí Minh
Pop Fries (chips with all sorts of toppings), 273 Phan Xich Long, Q. Phu Nhuan OR 14M Quoc Huong, Thao Dien, Q2
Choi Go Jip (authentic and good location but expensive), 11 Công trường Mê Linh, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Japanese food:
------------------
SORAE Sushi & Sake Lounge (11:30-14h set lunch, VND 150k), 24th floor AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, Q1, 0838272372 for reservations
4Ps Japanese pizza, 168 Võ Văn Kiệt, Quan 1, Hồ Chí Minh
Blanchy St. (Japanese fusion in a former opium factory courtyard), 74 Hai Ba Trung, Q1
Tokyo Deli, 240 Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Sushi Bar, 2 Le Thanh Ton, Q1 OR 2F Saigon Court, 149 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Q3
Uraetei BBQ, 2A Ngo Van Nam, Ben Nghe, Q1
CLOSED DOWN Tokyo Town (bright lantern decorations), 188 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Q3
American Junk:
-------------------
Quan Ut Ut (BBQ ribs, sausage & pork belly place with Platinum beer), Vi Van Kiẹt (near where it crosses with Nguyen Thai Binh, park under the bridge then head left on Vo Van Kiẹt.
ESPY Pizza (giant pizzas), 154 Cong Quynh, Dist 1, HCMC, 0838377555, 0966543352
Chucks Burgers, 73 Pasteur St. OR 196 Le Lai, Q1
Soul Burger (gourmet burgers around VND 300k per persons), 4 Phan Boi Chau (first floor above the nail salon), East of Ben Thanh market, Q1
Other burger places mentioned in reviews: Snap Cafe, Elbow Room
Hard Rock Cafe, Kumho Asiana Plaza, 39 Le Duan Street, Q1
Something different:
-------------------------
Noir Dining in the Dark (served by blind waiters and waitresses in pitch black), 180D, Hem 178 Hai Ba Trung (almost opposite Saigon Square), Q1
Shanty West Indian Curry (VND 88k) & Jerk (VND 100k) Chicken (run by Japanese guys, lunch Fri-Sat 11:30-14:00, dinner Tues-Sun 19:00-23:30), 36 Chu Manh Trinh (behind Sofitel), 01289890184
La Fiesta Mexican, 13 Dang Thi Nhu, Q1
Khoi Thom Mexican place, 29 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, P6, Q3
Tippy's Mexican, 99 Duong so 99, P6, Q4
Diegos Taco Shop (has a book exchange club where we get to 'take a book and/or leave a book'), 41/9 Co Giang, Q1
#tacos #ceviche #eastsidefries
Catch and cook your own fish, Thap Nga, Binh Xuyen2, At Nguyen Huu Tho, Phuoc Kien, Nha Be
Harry Potter-like experience (eat, drink, make cakes, make handicrafts), Thi Tran Ba Cay Choi, 61 Ho Xuan Huong, P6, Q3 (9am-10pm)
Top-end eating:
-------------------
Restaurant Bobby Chin, The Link, Kumho Asiana Plaza Saigon, 39 Le Duan, Q1
La Villa (French), 14 Ngo Quang Huy, P. Thao Dien, Q2
The Deck Saigon (on the river, call to arrive at your table by boat!), 38 Nguyen U Di, P. Thai Dien, Q2, 0837446632
Cafés:
--------
Caphe An Nam (Live VN music everyday starts around 7pm, basement, VND 200k per drink), 52 Truong Đình, P7, Q3
Piano cafe (classical triplet everyday around 7:30pm), 17 Ho Xuan Huong, Q3
Order individual cup paper filter coffee contraptions, Emotional Sublimation co., esocoffee.com, Vincom Centre, 72 Le Thanh Ton, 0937222386
Indika cafe (Matt Ryan, owner, Salesian), 43 Nguyen Van Giai (near Jade Emperor Pagoda), P Da Kao, Q1
Cong Caphe (Cot dua cafe/ coconut milk coffee is a gem), Catinat apartment (old USAID office and CIA Boss Lodging), 22 Ly Tu Trong OR Bui Vien
Villa Royale Antiques & Tearoom (tea and scones), 3 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Q2
L'Usine cafe and shop, Le Loi OR 2nd floor above the art gallery and souvenir shop on Dong Khoi (next to LV store), Q1
Lots of tea and coffee places in the building next to LV store on Dong Khoi (ground floor has souvenir shops, enter through the art arcade), Q1
M2C (Modern Meets Culture - good place to work), 44B Le Quy Don (crossing with Vo Van Tan), Q3
C15 cafe (24/7), 243 Le Van Sy (opposite Adam and Violet and Edena shops), P13, Q3
The Vintage Emporium (swanky), 95b Nguyen Van Thu, P. Da Kao, Q1
Heritage Cafe (24/7, play with British bulldogs), 10 Pasteur Street, Q1
Nomad cafe (chic kids cafe but no AC, has a architects place and shop selling movement trackers attached to it), middle of Hem 5, Nguyen Dinh Chieu (which connects with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai)
Cheesecake ngon (mission, run by Aussie, Nathan Milner, ex-HIF) cafe, 44 Truong Quyen, P6, Q3
I Love Kem (mix and match icecream from good selection of flavours and toppings, VND 27k per 100g), 355 Le Van Sy (opposite Sumi BBQ), P1, Q. Tan Binh
Moon & Sun Fresh Ice Cream, Hẻm 145 Hai Bà Trưng, alley next to Canalis
Osterberg Ice Cream, 212 Lè Lai, Ben Thanh, Q1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam District 1
iKem (ice cream made with liquid nitrogen in front of you, VND 60k-100k), 53B Nguyen Du(near crossing with Hai Ba Trung), Q1
Caphe Mien Dong Thao (along the train track heading north east to Hanoi), 221 Nguyen Trong Tuyen (Just South of the train track), P8, Q. Phu Nhuan
ATC rooftop cafe (part of a furniture store and has comfy hanging chairs), nice in evenings as looks over 268b Nguyen Van Troi and there's a nice breeze created by the low rise building next door, Nguyen Van Troi, Q3
http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-blog/ho-chi-minh-city-cafes/
Cakes & Ale (Chic cafe) is at 6B Cong Truong Quoc Te, Q3, HCMC — down the Papa’s Café alleyway, up one flight of the stairs to the left of Papa’s. Check facebook.com/cakesandale23 for more info
Container Cafe (everything's recycled), 1 Hoa Lan, P2, Q Phu Nhuan
Kujuz cafe (building made of windows and doors), 50k/glass or 100k unlimited drink within a day), 5 Tran Quy Khoach, Tan Dinh, Q1, 8am-8pm
House Coffee (Beach Cafe sand, waves, deck chairs...), HAVE TO MAKE BOOKINGS SOME HOURS BEOTE VISITING BECAUSE ONLY 12 SEATS, 408 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, P5, Q3
Toilet Cafe (sit on toilets, tables are washing basins, 29/2A Road 2D, Q Binh Thanh
Du Mien Tree House and Garden Cafe, 7 Phan Van Tri, P10, Go Vap
Cafe Ghe Dau (smart little street cafe under tree, good in evening), Đường Hoa Phượng (cross with Duong Hoa Mai), Phu Nhuan
10 Incredible HCM Cafés (2012) http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-blog/ho-chi-minh-city-cafes/
Nha ga 3A (creative space), 9am-9pm, 3A Ton Duc Thang, P. Ben Nghe, Q1
Minus 180 degrees tra sua (flavoured milk with jelly and tapioca balls), 2 for 1 Thursdays, 74 Vo Van Tan, P8, Q3.
Miền Đồng Thảo, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Cafe Trầm, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Cafe Nến, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Du Miên, , Q1 (near the cathedral)
Co-working space:
-------------------
Citihub co-working space, 93 Bis. Nguyen Van Thu, P Dakao, Q1
WorkSaigon co-working space, 267/2 Dien Bien Phu (just South of crossing with Tran Quoc Thao), Q3
Dreamplex co-working space, 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan, P Ben Nghe, Q1
Drinks (bars and clubs):
----------------------------
Saigon Cigar Club (all Cuban, min USD 25, 20% off all cigars every Sunday 14:30-17:30h), 24th Flr AB Tower (in SORAE lounge), 76A Le Lai, Q1, REQUIRES RESERVATION 0902426976
SORAE Sushi & Sake Lounge (17:30-20h happy hour, 50% on cocktails), 24th floor AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, Q1, 0838272372 for reservations
BiaCraft (ales), 90 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, Q2
Pasteur Street Brewing Co. (IPA is best but pricey), Hem 144 Pasteur, Q1
Hops Beer Garden, 43 Nguyen Dinh Chieu (just before hitting Hai Ba Trung), Q3
Liquid Sky Bar (roof of the Renaissance Hotel), 8-15 Tôn Đức Thắng Street, Q.1
Social Club Saigon (rooftop bar with pool and live music every night, 50% off drinks and small plates 17-20h everyday), 23rd Floor, Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery (USD 150/night, great views of the Notre Dame, parks, and Independence Palace), 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3
Glow Sky Bar (one club room and big outdoor table space and dance floor), 13th Floor, President Palace building (Starbucks on ground floor), 93 Nguyen Du, Q1
Cobalt rooftop bar, Pullman Saigon Centre, 31st Floor, 148 Tran Hung Dao, Q1
Chill Sky Bar, 26-27th Floors (happy hour between 17:30 and 20:30), AB Tower, 76 Le Lai St., Q1, +84838272372
Shri Rooftop Bar, 23rd Floor, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., Q3, +8438279631
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar, Caravelle Hotel, Lam Son Square, Q1
OMG Rooftop Bar (David and Antoine know the French owner), 8th Floor, Tan Hai Long Hotel, 15-19 Nguyen An Ninh, Q1, +84937200222
The View rooftop bar (cheap drinks), 195 Bui Vien, P. Pham Ngu Lao, Q1
Cube Bar DJ venue (D&B nights - Hugh G, Will H, & Dan K), 31B Ly Tu Trong, Q1
Observatory DJ venue by the river (in the building opposite the big wooden ship in the same premises as Cargo), Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
OLD LOCATION The Observatory, Corner of Le Lai and Ton That Tung, Q1
Cargo DJ venue, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
Caramen Flamenco Bar, 8 Ly Tu Truong, Q1
Blanchy's Tash Bar (DJs), 95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1
CLOSED Uprising Bar (Acoustic Saturdays start at 8pm; Platinum pale ale (40k/glass; 265k/2.5L; owner is Leki, a Sri Lankan that's lived in HCM for 13 years and married to a Vietnamese. Used to manage a resort in Phan Thiet then opened a graphic design company an likes music so opened the bar in Sep '15) & Stowford cider), 420/6 Le Van Sy (alley opposite KFC), P12, Q3
Saigon Ranger (Bar/Indoor event space), 5/7 Nguyen Sieu, Q1
Yoko Cafe (Pasteur St. IPA VND 90-100 per 330ml, owner is Mr. Anh, Opening Hours: 08:00 – 24:00 (Live music from 21:00 Tues-Sun), 22A Nguyen Thi Dieu, Q3
Piano Cafe (pianist, guitarist and celloist playing Vietnamese and other songs good atmosphere), 27 Ho Xuan Huong, P6, Q3
Sax n Art jazz club (18-00h), 28 Le Loi, Q1
Snuffbox (Jazz & cocktail bar), 14 Ton That Dam, Q1
Saigon Soul Pool Parties (Sat afternoons, VND 200k except during monsoon), The New Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, Q1
La Fenetre Soleil, 44 Ly Tu Truong, Q1
Woodstock Live Music (every night, gets busy on Fri and Sat at around 8-9pm), 39 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, P6, Q3
Acoustic Live Music Bar, 7pm-midnight, 6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, Q1
Cargo (DJs), 3pm-midnight Weds to Sun, 7a Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
Sights:
---------
Night flower market (& Cambodian food due to a big diaspora living there), Ho Thi Ky street & Tran Binh Trong street (but market falls within the triangle made by Le Hong Phong, Hung Vuong, and Ly Thai To streets), Q10
Leisure:
----------
Long graffiti wall along 15B Le Thanh Ton, Japanese area, Q1
Vietnam House Craft Emporium (9am-6pm everyday), 187 Nguyen Van Huong, P. Thao Dien, Q2
Khu Du Lich Suoi Mo (park with a waterfall), duong so 11, Long Bình, 9
Église Huyện Sỹ (beautiful exterior and interior, constructed in 1902-1905, corner of Nguyễn Trãi and Tôn Thất Tùng, Q1
Dong Dao live music venue (book tickets, 164 Pasteur, P. Ben Nghe, Q1, phongtradongdao.vn, 0918488585
Ticketbox.vn - event ticketing site
San khau ca ngac Trong Dong (Outdoor Theatre), 12b Cach Mang Thang 8 (crosses with Nguyen Du), Q1 (0883291292/0838277940/0883291292)
Galaxy Cinema (VND 75k per ticket late show weekday), Nguyen Du (one-way street after Dang Tran Con, Q1.
Chợ Lớn (China Town), It lies on the west bank of the Saigon River, having Bình Tây Market as its central market. Cholon consists of the western half of District 5 as well as several adjoining neighborhoods in District 6. --> Thien Hau Temple (old Chinese temple), 710 Nguyễn Trãi, phường 11, Quận 5; food http://m.kenh14.vn/doi-song/7-mon-an-nhat-dinh-phai-thu-khi-den-cho-lon-sai-gon-2014101501173875.chn
Van Thanh Resort (Restaurants, cafés, tennis courts and a swimming pool with sun loungers - pool open until 7:45pm and is VND 60k/day) 48/10 Dien Bien Phu, P22, Q. Binh Thanh
List of swimming pools in HCMC - http://vietnamcoracle.com/top-5-public-swimming-pools-saigon/
Ramana (4 star) small (shallow end is very shallow and difficult to swim) rooftop swimming pool and small gym (VND 100k per day), near where Le Van Sy crosses Tran Huy Lieu, Q3
Dam Sen Park & Water Park, No. 3 Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, Q11
Tao Dan (10ha, replica NHA Trang Cham temple), Q1
23/9 Park (popular with students learning English during the early evening), Le Lai Street & Pham Ngu Lao Street, Q1
Gia Dinh park (running track, sand and water playground for kids), Hoang Minh Giam, Q. Phu Nhuan
Museum of Fine Arts, 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Q1
War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan, Q3
Reunification Palace, 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Q1
Museum of Vietnamese History, 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Q1
The Ho Chi Minh Museum (Nha Rong Harbor), 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
F'Miss spa (clean & professional, Linh receptionist, +84 8 38447296, buy bundle that works out as VND 100k for 90min body massage), Địa chỉ : 155 Trần Huy Liệu, Phường 8, Quận Phú Nhuận OR 31/1 Ung Văn Khiêm, P25,Q Bình Thạnh, Tp, HCM
Blind massage (em Chieu, sinh nam '94, nha o Tien Giang, em hoc va lam o dai 14 nam roi), VND 60k per hour (tip VND 40k), VN Institute of the Blind, 185 Cống Quỳnh, Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Q1
Mach's Gym (modern with AC, VND 680k/month, 06:00-21:30 mon-sat and 10:00-18:00 sun), 1 Huyen Tran Cong Chua (near KWP), Q 1
Push Climbing Wall (VND 100k for 1 hour with a group of 5 OR VND 200k per day including all hire), in Saigon Outcast, 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, Q2, 0126 47 22 134
Bollywood dance classes on Tues, Thurs & Sat (19:35-20:35) for VND 500k/month @ Dang Ngoc Spa, 1 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Q 1
Food Shopping:
-------------------
Golden Gerbera Mart (Small and cheap western shop that often discounts edible out-of-date stuff by 50%), 71 Tran Huy Lieu (crossing with Huynh Van Banh), P12, Q3
Phuong Ha 1 (Well-priced Western food and drink + Indian spices), 58 Ham Nghi, P. Ben Nghe, Q1
Binh Dien wholesale fruit and veg market, Q7
Indian spices from Cari anh Hai in block 867-875-919 (North-East corner). In Ben Thanh market. If you cannot find the shop you can ask around, they will show you. The shop is quite famous.
Esocoffee (paper filters for individual cups, VND 100k per pack of 10), Mr. Ha is he owner, office in Vincom, 0937222386
Vinmart supermarkets now sell Fullers London Pride for around VND 60k per 330ml bottle
Regional Beer/international soft drink wholesalers, Hẻm 666 Đường 3 Tháng 2, P14, Q10
Annam Gourmet Foods (good selection of British beers, world cheeses and cold-cuts but pricey), 16-18 Hai Ba Trung (crosses wih Dong Du), P. Ben Nghe, Q1
Nam An Market (hot cross buns), Thao Dien, Q2
Crumbs (hot cross buns), Q7
Chợ Lớn (China Town), It lies on the west bank of the Saigon River, having Bình Tây Market as its central market. Cholon consists of the western half of District 5 as well as several adjoining neighborhoods in District 6.
Non-food Shopping/Services:
-----------------------------------
iService (Official Apple maintenance, English speaking, VND 400k for MacBook service, Mon-Fri 9-12 13:30-17:30, Sat 9-12), D House building, 39 Nguyen Thi Dieu, P10, Q3, 0866832592, 0839305837
IKNOW Mac hardware and software shop, Thao Dien St, Q2
VN trainers and flip flop shops, Southern end of Ly Chinh Thanh, Q3
Zakka clothing and accessories shop, patterns designed by Japanese designer. Good quality cotton and silk products, 73 Pasteur St., Q1
Thuy's Tailor shop (Ben Thanh market stall no. 385-387-431; custom-made suits for VND 1.5mln, blazer VND 1mln, shirts VND 500k), shop: 0835201706, home: 0838253052, mobile: 0903676402, phucvx2000@yahoo.com
3D print shop, 130 Bis, Tran Huy Lieu, P15, Q. Phu Nhuan, HCM, cafein3D.com
Stainless steel home furnishing (drying rails, tables, stools, chairs), 640 Xo Viet, P25, Q. Binh Thanh
Big cardboard boxes, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4. OR crossing of Nguyen Du and Hai BA Trung, Q1
Wood pieces & carpenters (doors, windows, banisters), northern end of Ba Hat (where meets Go Gia Tu), P9, Q10
Viet My Luxury/sports car bodywork shop, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh (next to Cargo), Q4
2Day Sale Student Bazzar (in a 4-floor house), 16 Nguyen Thai Binh, Q1
Board Games Saigon, 796/2a Su Van Hanh, Q10
Board game shop, near Snap Cafe, 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, P. Thao Dien, Q2
Cobblers, Tran Quang Dieu (North-side of Le Van Sy), Q3
Dung Locksmiths, mobile shop but usually outside 29 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh in the mornings, 0909903147
Nice embroided shirts and dresses for elder ladies, Anh Vy Fashion, 402B Hai Ba Trung, Q1
Wadonka Outdoor Sports Shop, 6 Nguyen Phi Khanh, P. Tan Đình, Q1
Mattresses st, Bach Dang, Q Binh Thanh
Toc Yeu Hair Korea (affordable women's haircuts), 137 Nguyen Van Dau, P7, Q. Binh Thanh
Ti Ly Hair &Nails Salon, 60/66 Ly Chinh Thang, P8, Q3, 0902 35 09 90
Average design and quality Ao Dai fabrics, 57 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1
Ao Dai tailor, Pasteur St. (Near where it meets Trần Quoc Toan), Q3
Bacchus Corner Wine & Spirits (Laphroaig 10yrs VND 1,815,000), 9am-9pm, 158D Pasteur, Q1, +84838293306, info@bacchuscorner.com
Dong Ho Sai Thanh (watch and watch strap change shop), 246 Huyen Van Banh, P11, Q Phu Nhuan
Wedding planning - www.marry.vn
Wedding photos/video - www.muacuoi.vn
Wedding dress shops, Ho Van Hue, Q. Phu Nhuan
Print shop, banners, and signs street - Hoa Hong Print Shop (colour laser, wedding invitations), 156 Ly Thai To, P1, Q3
Glass bottle/jar seller, 189 Vo Thi Sao (before the crossing with Ba Huyen Thanh Quan), P7, Q3
Non-electrical home appliance shop, Thanh Uyen, 198 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, P6, Q3
Music equipment & DJ Gear, Southern end of Dien Bien Phu, Q1
Musictool (DJ and sound production equip), 4th floor, BlueSea building, 205B Hoang Hoa Tham, P6, Q. Binh Thanh
Audio Technicians (cables, speakers...), 97 Truong Dinh, P6, Q3
2nd hand hifi systems, Ly Nam De, Q11
Speakers, Nguyen Kim, P6, Q10
Canon Service Centre, corner of Trần Hung Dao and Bui Vien
Reliable camera fixing shop, Khanh Long Camera shop, 39-41 Huynh Thuc Khanh, Q1
Tissot + Lammy + Cohiba Showroom, 115 Nguyen Hue, Q1
DOJI diamond and jewellery shop, 161 Hàm Nghi, Q1
Sports shops, Le Van Sy (near T junction with Hoang Van Thu), Q3 OR 1-12 Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Q 1
Bike Cafe (road and XC bike sales and repairs), 133 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen (near Ga Saigon/train station), P.10, Q.3
2nd hand road bike (French, Italian, Japanese) and components sales (a. Dang, +84 91 8842228), 46 Ly Nam De OR 52 Ly Nam De, Q11
2nd hand road and XC bikes (Chu Dinh & Co Cuc), 116 Pham Huu Chi, P15, Q5
2nd hand USA road and XC bikes (a. Phat), Hem 529 Dien Bien Phu, P3, Q3
Big motorbikes 600cc+, 151 Dien Bien Phu (before the bridge on the side heading from Q2 towards P. Da Kao, Q1), Q Tan Binh
Motorbike parts, around Pham Huu Chi, P15, Q5
Helmet fixer, corner of Đường Châu Văn Liêm and the roundabout, Q6
Standard Chartered Bank (2nd floor) VN, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, Q1
Chợ Lớn (China Town), It lies on the west bank of the Saigon River, having Bình Tây Market as its central market. Cholon consists of the western half of District 5 as well as several adjoining neighborhoods in District 6.
Pen refills + Duck tape, Ngoc Tuyen, 151 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, P13, Q 5
Viet Uc Translation Company (anh Thanh), 8am-5:30pm, 95A Pasteur, P. Ben Nghe, Q1, +84862565777
Goodwill safe shop, 81 Vo Van Tan, Q3
Fan fixer, fan and padlock stall in Cho Nguyen Van Troi (small street side), opposite the Vinamilk shop (approximately 276), Ly Van Sy, Q3
Gardening shops, Nguyen Huu Tho (just south of Cau Kenh Te
Pet shops, Southern end of Le Hong Phong, Q10
Hotels:
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Budget:
Madame Cuc Hotel (VND 250-300/night twin/double/triple; most staff speak good English; 8 floors and no lift), 64 Bùi Viện (next to the police station), Q1, m: +84903906250, t: +84838365073, @: madamcuc@hcm.vnn.vn
Hong Kong Hotel (separate sex sleeping pod dorms (1 person per pod) with lockers, USD 8-9 per night), 22 Bui Vien, Q1
Mid-level:
CLOSED BUT REOPENED UNDER NEW NAME Golden Rose Hotel (3 Star, nice decor, good English service, clean, quiet, gym, USD 25 (long-term rate > 1 month)-30 per night, wifi pw: 38233378), 3A Vo Van Tan St. (Close to the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Cathedral), Ward 6, Q3, +84382 333 79
Top-end:
Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery (USD 150/night, great views of the Notre Dame, parks, and Independence Palace, live music bar at the top), 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3
Rex Hotel (Historic hotel where Yanky journalists used to write during the US invasion), Corner of Nguyen Hue and Le Thanh Ton, Q1
Caravelle Hotel (one of the oldest 5-star hotels in VN, opening Christmas Eve 1959), 19 Công trường Lam Sơn, Q1
Hospitals/Dentists:
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Ashish Kanchan's recommended dentist (Dr. Khoa speaks VN only but staff can interpret), 199 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai (crosses Nguyen Cu Trinh), Q3
Van Hanh General Hospital (4th Floor, Blue Cross), Hẻm 781 Lê Hồng Phong 781/B1, P14, Q10
Bệnh Viện Từ Dũ (HOSPITAL), 106 Cống Quỳnh, Phạm Ngũ Lão, Q1, Hồ Chí Minh
Benh Vien Tam Than (Mental hospital), 766 Đường Võ Văn Kiệt, Q5
Immigration Office:
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For foreigners (Mon-Sat 8-11:30am; 1:30-4pm; AM on Sat only), Ministry of Public Security & Immigration, 254 Nguyen Trai)
For Vietnamese 191 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Q3
People's Committee of District 1 AKA Uy Ban Nhan Dan Quan 1 (certified copies, certified translations), 47 Le Duan (next to the cathedral), Q1
Ho Chi Minh Justice Department (7:30am-11am and 1pm-5pm, certified translation, criminal record check), 141 Pasteur (between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Dien Bien Phu), Q3
Tax Department:
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63 Vũ Tông Phan St., An Phú Ward, Dist. 2, Hồ Chí Minh City, Tel: (08) 37 702288.
Churches:
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International Christian Fellowship (Methodist foundation but interdenominational led by Pastor Leslie Lim & Pastor Albert Low, pragmatic messages for business people congregation), Sunday Service in English at 10:30AM, smart casual dress code, 4th Floor, Hoa Hung Nha Tho Tin Lanh, 625D Cach Mang Thang Tam Str, P15, Q10
Agape Evangelical Church (Sundays in VN: 9-10:30am; EN: 5:30-7pm), 15 Tu Xuong, P7, Q3
The Well English service at 11am on Sundays, led by Tom Castor), Khanh Hoi Church, 98 Le Quoc Hung St., Q4, HCMC
Kỳ Đồng church (Mass is held at 5:00 am, 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 10:00 am, 3:30 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm, 8:00 pm), 38 Ky Dong, Q3
Notre Dame Cathedral (Nha Tho Duc Ba), English service at 9:30am, Ben Nghe Ward, Q1
New Life City Church, 9am Sundays, 112 Mi Kim 2, Q7
Permanent Living:
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Free haircuts every other Saturday by Truong Day Nghe Minh Dang (Q12) students (Teachers name is Hung), corner of Truong Sa and Ngo Thoi Nghiem, Q. Phu Nhuan
Chi Yen (Antoine's state agent) - +84937532678
Many people live far away from their office. The easiest thing is that you live right in the District 3. Otherwise, you can live in district 4, district 10, district 7, district 2. However, the district is also large itself, some areas are crowded, some areas are not.
Standard Chartered multi-currency account (passport and visa), Mon-Fri 8:30-18:30, Saigon Trade Center, 1st Floor, 37 Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, HCMC, 0839110000, Swift code: SCBLVNVX.
Resources:
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Any Arena - Events
Ticketbox.vn
TNH - All
Day/weekend trips:
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Online bus bookings, Phuong Trang Bus Company Futa Buses, Futabus.vn/en-us/, 327C Le Hong Phong, Q10 (multiple offices), 019006067
Thanh Buoi Bus Co, 266 Le Hong Phong, Q10, 0838306306
Nui Sam (holy Sam mountain, annual festival in the lunar month of April), near Chau Doc (250km (6 hours) from HCMC on the border of Cambodia where the Mekong River splits), trek up the mountain and stay in Victoria Hotel, infamous for it's infinity pool with views of the paddy fields below. Canh chua ca is the specialty. Also visit Tra Su mangrove forest (Rừng Trà Sư), which is home to many rare birds and has boat tours from around VND 150k for 2 people. Nice lakes: Hồ Tà Pạ or Hồ Soài So (largest man-made lake on An Giang for irrigation) at Núi Cô Tô (has cave complexes that were used to fight the Americans)
Bull running festival (Lễ Hội đua bò Bảy Núi, coincides with the Dolta festival to pray for ancestors' happiness, end of Aug each year), Bảy Núi (7 mountains) area, An Giang province
Bo Tu (young beef) Cu chi, Bo Tu Truong Lac, To 1, Ap Phu Hoa, Xa Phu My Hung Đường Trung Lập (Near Cu Chi tunnels), Cu Chi
Kê Gà cove and lighthouse, travel on national highway 1A from HCMC to Thuan Nam, turn right, and go straight for 20km
Vuon Xoai Activity Resort (Paintballing, ostrich racing, small water park), Bien Hoa, Đồng Nai
Bo Cap Vang Activity Resort (watersport inflatables, swimming, quad bikes, ...), AP3, Phuoc Khanh, Nhon Trac, Dong Nai
Bao Loc Southern edge of Central Highlands
Dalat (hills, waterfalls, canyoning)
Phan Rang former Champa capital (Coastal) city (architecture and people), overnight train ideally over 3-day weekend
Can Gio: beach (not very clean and large but still ok), mangrove forest, monkey island and cheap fresh seafood (60km from Dist 1 - can go by motorbike, it would be fun)
Viet Cong's Cu Chi tunnels: historical site (35km from Q1)
Giang Dien Park: http://giangdien.com.vn/gioi-thieu/gioi-thieu-chung/gioi-thieu-ve-thac-giang-dien/ (60km from Saigon), 104/4 ấp Hoà Bình, X. Giang Điền - H. Trảng Bom, T. Đồng Nai.
Ba Ra Mountain (720m high; start trek at Thac Mo village; 1,767 steps on the trail up), Phuoc Long Province, 180km from HCMC
Vung Tau beach: 2 hours by bus or 3-4 hours by motorbike (bikes aren't allowed on the highway) Zenna Pool Camp is an upmarket beachside camp site with pool, lounge areas, outdoor BBQ spots... (https://m.facebook.com/ZennaPoolCamp/)
Suoi Tien Park - Amusement park for kids
Dai Nam amusement park (Binh Duong province)
Cat Tien National Park - trekking, cycling, kayaking, crocodile lake, stay in a park rangers' stilt house, elephants, bears, gibbons, gaur - Tai Lai Longhouse (hire traditional houses 30 people), Tan Phu, Dong Nai, +84974160827, info@talai-adventure.vn, www.talai-adventure.vn
Other provinces (easily reach by bus): Mekong Delta like Can Tho, Vinh Long, My Tho, Ben Tre..., Da Lat, Mui Ne beach, Dong Nai...
Phu Quoc island - Sao beach and Long beach for swimming and snorkelling, Dinh Cau beach for sunsets, and Khem or "kem" beach (narrow and only reachable be motorbike or foot) for a more local and chilled out beach, and Ong Lang jungle beach
High wire (tree-level) and forest zip wire at Alba Thanh Tan Hue hot spring, Hue
Son Dong USD 3k/person and only 500 permits per year (largest cave in the world (5km long) with underground river and 70m long stalagmites) and Va Cave (cave with conical formations in blue-green water), Phong Nha National Park, Ke Bang (between Vinh and Hue), Quang Binh, Dong Hoi city has the nearest airport
Ghenh Da Dia tubular rock formations near Tuy Hoa city in Phu Yen, 1-hour motorbike ride
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