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 (TAKE CARE OF BAGS AND JEWELLERY)***
Useful numbers:
• Police 113
• Fire 114
• Medic 115
• International operator 110
• Ministry Of Public Security 0694.2877 or 0694.2593 (if worried that you've been stopped by a fake cop)
Take Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white) taxis as they offer the most reliable service. Uber is also good and cheaper but often offer smaller 4-seater cars unless you request otherwise.
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
Around VND 200k/day to rent a manual, semi-automatic, 100cc motorbike. Few shops in the alleys connecting Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien. VND 2k to fill each motorbike tyre. VND 50k to patch a puncture and VND 80k-100k for a new inner tube. VND 50k for one set of brake pads. VND 100k oil change.
Food:
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Vietnamese street food:
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***BEST HU TIEU IN SAIGON with pork ribs (overnight 10pm-6am but not open on Sundays), 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 at Hà Nội Phố (ingredients flown down from Hanoi), 2 Tam Đảo, quận 10.
Bun Dau Mam Tom (good, very local hole in the wall), 66 Ngo Tat To, P21, Q Binh Thanh
***BEST Bun Dau Mam Tom IN SGN, 202 Nguyen Trai, Q1
Bun Cha Hanoi Van Anh (also have nem cua be), corner of Nguyen Trong Tuyen and Pham Van Hai, P1, Q Tan Binh
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/BBQ chicken not as good as Ly Van Phuc st. in 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
Mega BBQ place (open air coal BBQ on your table, cheap - VND 200k for plate for 2 people of red/white meat veg, good atmosphere, VND 16k Saigon green bottle, busy in evenings so get a table and ask for the BBQ coals while someone goes to order/pay for the food), Just after Cau Kenh Xanh (bridge) on the D7 side (you can't miss it!), Q7
Quan 39 for Bò Tơ nuong (Young beef), 39 Song Hanh (crossing with Nguyen Quy Canh, Thao Dien, Q2
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)
Muc 280 (muc mot nang and ghe ran muoai), 280 Le Van Sy (opposite cho Nguyen Van Troi, near home), Q3
Restaurant 94 (soft shell crab), Dinh Tien Hoang, Q1
***BEST DISH IN VIETNAM*** Banh Canh Cua (VND 60k-100k one big bowl with a whole crab, crispy pork skin puffs, prawns, and boiled blood jelly; price varies depending on how much stuff you want in; ask for 60k bowl), 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
Steamed dumplings with bean sprouts (hoang thanh - pork and prawn OR suoi cao - pork), 143 Nguyen Du, Q1
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 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
Banh da ca Hai Phong (breakfast busy VND 35k per bowl), 9 Nguyen Quy Duc, P An Phu, Q2
Banh canh ghe (eat outside by the canal in the evening), Truong Sa (meets Cau Bong (just South of Dien Bien Phu bridge)), Q3
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
***BEST PHO (beef or chicken, legit Hanoi style) IN SAIGON, opposite Cafe Mien Son Cuoc, Hem 714 Xo Việt Nghe Tinh, P25, Q. Binh Thanh
Pho Ga (chicken), 14/5Bis Ky Dong, P9, 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 (pricey but big portion (VND 90k big banh xeo share between 3); Viet kieu/expats), 46A Đinh Công Tráng, Q1
Co Hue (cheap and tasty grilled snails place), 63 Ung Van Kiem (near the crossing with D2), P25, Q. Binh Thanh
***BEST SNAILS AND BREAD IN SGN - Ốc Đào (good snails with butter and pig fat sauce, dense and crusty bread (VND 5k per small baguette), personal favourite in HCM), 132 Nguyen Thai Hoc, Q1
Oc nuong (tasty and cheap) with plastic tables along the lit riverside walk way, follow the slip road exiting off Xo Việt Nghe Tinh (as if you were heading over Cau Kinh to Binh Quoi) then drive straight to the riverside and the restaurant is there on the corner, on the right, Q Binh Thanh
Oc Nhu, Hẻm 650/4 Điện Biên Phủ
Đac san cua bien (sea crab place, tasty mien sao cua), 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, pig ear noodles, egg & pork cake), 84 Dang Van Ngu, P10, Phu Nhuan
***BEST COM TAM THIT NUONG Com Tam Nho (big pieces of grilled pork, pig ear noodles, egg & pork cake HALF PRICE OF COM TAM BA GHIEN), 609 Nguyen Thi Thap (opposite Lotte Mart), P. Tan Hung, Q7
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:
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Com Nieu (cheap Vietnamese food - rice with lots of different options (even gio thu), Hanoi family-run, AC), 48 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Quan 45 (very good Vietnamese food at reasonable prices and cheap beer - Heo que and thit de thai rieng), Opposite Mercedes Benz Factory and almost opposite the T-intersection of Tan Son and Quang Trung (around 670) Quang Trung, P8, Q. Go Vap
Tu The (outdoor eatery with lots of BBQ, seafood, noodle, rice dishes and VND 7k for a 330ml bottle of Saigon Red beer), next to the AstroTurf fields on D2 (follow the road heading North after the crossing of D2 and Ung Van Kiem), 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 (overpriced VN food but in a beautiful villa and with average foods from all over VN), 160 Pasteur, Q3
Quan Bui (overpriced VN food but in a snazzy setting), 55 Ngo Quang Huy, Thai Dien, Q2
Cham Cham (expensive buffet, belongs to Khai Silk), Q7
Cuc Gach Tiec Tung ("Brick Party", overpriced but very nice ambience and average Vietnamese food - big menu, book rooftop private 7-seat greenhouse in advance; owner is an architect; great for hosting guests), 9 Dang Tat, Tan Dinh, Q1; 0838480144; 01657101010
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
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; mid-price; waiters smash com chay clay pots and throw the com chay across the room), 59 Ho Xuan Huong, Q3
Nem nuong Hoang Ty (meats and veg wrapped in rice paper with dips), 74 Truong Quoc Dung, P10, Q Phu Nhuan
***BEST BUN BO HUE IN SGN Bun ganh (bun va banh Hue in an old French house), 110 Ly Chinh Thang, P8, Q3
The Gangs Grill & Bar (good for work party drinks/food; outdoor; beer club style), 131 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen (near the train station), Q3
The First (good value steak), 20 Nguyen Van Giai, P. Da Kao, Q1
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/curry based dishes for dipping), Truong Dinh (between Vo Van Tan and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai) & 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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Dim Tu Tac Restaurant (Dim Tu Tac Cang Sai Gon) (off the menu but ask for "Vịt Quay Bấc Kinh" (Peking duck) with pancakes for VND 620, feeds 4, RESERVE DUCK IN ADVANCE TO GUARANTEE), 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh, P12, Q4, (08) 3826 6668
Crystal Jade, Lotte Legend (1st floor, now owned by LV), Q1
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 & Dimsum restaurant upstairs but can order to the 3rd floor, big space with AC catering for big groups), 3rd floor Tòa Nhà Cầu Vồng, 20 Nguyễn Duy Dương, P. 8, Quận 5
http://oivietnam.com/2013/05/happiness-is-eating-chinese-food/
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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JJ's Fish & Chips (DELIVERY ONLY; Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 AM - 02:00PM; 5-10pm), order online https://www.gloriafood.com/api/websites/preview/kpOYcl0kSlQlMVD0e/ or phone 01262909077
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
CLOSED 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 Czezh/German food), 16 Pho Quang (near our flat), Q. Tan Binh
Chef Royale (Polish food - Perogi), Toa Nha Belleza, Pham Huu Lau, Phu My, Q7
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, no frills if you eat in), 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 (Lebanese/Turkish 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:
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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:
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1960s Room (live jazz from 7pm with a range of average priced Western dishes), 38 Ly Tu Trong (about 10metres north-east along Ly Tu Trong from the crossing with Pasteur), Q1
The Cave (wine bar with good food, ask for Mr. Hong), 279/4d Le Van Sy, Q3, 0838249592
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
Nha Hang Ngoạ Long Trại (Tam Quoc Saigon aka 3 Kingdoms style Restaurant, in the style of China before unification, with actors, menu on a bamboo scroll, drinking from bowls), 283 Binh Quoi, P28, Q. Binh Thanh
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
Pyongyang North Korean Restaurant, 30 Le Quy Don Street, District 3, +84873076666
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:
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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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With live music:
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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
River-side cafes:
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Relax Garden cafe (nice garden furniture, 2-person loungers), 12AB Thanh Đa, phường 27, Bình Thạnh, Hồ Chí Minh
Ca Phe Lasan Mai Thon (peaceful river front cafe, cheap, big lounger chairs, views of Thao Dien, VND 25k cafe sua da), Hem 970 Xo Việt Nghe Tinh (but actually it's down the lane just about opposite Saigon Domaine Luxury Residences (1057 Bình Quới, 28, Hồ Chí Minh) on the first right angle bend), Binh Quoi island
Garden cafes:
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Indika cafe House of Curiosity (2-11pm daily, set in an old traditional house and garden; reggae vibe; Sunday hangouts with roast chicken for VND 100k on Sunday's; craft beers on tap; DJ workshops run by Manager, Morgan; Matt Ryan, owner, Salesian), 43 Nguyen Van Giai (near Jade Emperor Pagoda), P Da Kao, Q1
Cafe Ghe Dau (smart little street cafe under tree, good in evening), Đường Hoa Phượng (cross with Duong Hoa Mai), Phu Nhuan
Du Mien Tree House and Garden Cafe, 7 Phan Van Tri, P10, Go Vap
Caphe Mien Dong Thao, 221 Nguyen Trong Tuyen (along the Westside of the train track just south off Nguyen Trong Tuyen), P8, Q. Phu Nhuan
Cafe Trầm (zen like garden with stepping stones, cosy tree house like interiors), 100 Trần Huy Liệu, phường 15, Hồ Chí Minh
Cafe Nến (garden cafe with candles at night), 92 Trần Huy Liệu, phường 15, Hồ Chí Minh
Unique character cafes:
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Art Cafe (in the compound of the museum of one arts, very nice design and ambience, pricey but good food and drink), 97A Pho Duc Chinh, 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 OR best one in my opinion 336 Truong Sa, Q. Phu Nhuan)
Heritage Cafe (24/7, nice bicycles on the walls, play with lazy British bulldogs), 10 Pasteur Street, Q1
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
C15 cafe (24/7, quirky mix of old and new), 243 Le Van Sy (opposite Adam and Violet and Edena shops), P13, Q3
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
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
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)
Villa Royale Antiques & Tearoom (tea and scones), 3 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Q2
Lots of tea and coffee places in the big apartment building next to LV store on Dong Khoi (ground floor has souvenir shops, enter through the art arcade) OR big apartment building at 42 Nguyen Hue, Q1
Overpriced hipster cafes:
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Ciao (VNese high society hangout during early weekday lunches), 167 Nguyen Van Huong, P. 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
The Vintage Emporium (swanky), 95b Nguyen Van Thu, P. Da Kao, Q1
The Kafe, many across Q1
Cafes that are good for working in:
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M2C (Modern Meets Culture, good and cheap set lunches with a drink around VND 40k), 44B Le Quy Don (crossing with Vo Van Tan), Q3
Pat'a Chou (quite quiet, good selection of savoury and sweet baked food), 135 Hai Ba Trung (between crossings with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Le Duan), Q1
Desert/ice cream cafes:
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Little Paris (6-8 flavours, VND 29k per scoop or VND 50k for 2 scoops), 24 Duong D2 (near intersection with Dien Bien Phu), P25, Q. Binh Thanh
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 OR Pearl Plaza, Dien Bien Phu, Q. Binh Thanh
Moon & Sun Fresh Ice Cream (family-run biz, creamy icecream, rum and raisin is delicious but often sold out), 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
Minus 180 degrees tra sua (flavoured milk with jelly and tapioca balls, 2 for 1 Thursdays), 74 Vo Van Tan, P8, Q3 or Le Van Sy, P12, Q3.
Rooftop cafes:
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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
Nha ga 3A (creative space), 9am-9pm, 3A Ton Duc Thang, P. Ben Nghe, Q1
If you can't find the cafe you're after, check these links out...
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http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-blog/ho-chi-minh-city-cafes/
10 Incredible HCM Cafés (2012) http://www.nomadicnotes.com/travel-blog/ho-chi-minh-city-cafes/
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
Open Space (small space by the railway),
Drinks (bars and clubs):
----------------------------
Rooftop bars:
Studio38 (DJs and Musicians on 8pm onwards on Fridays & Saturdays), 38 Le Lai, Q1
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
The Lighthouse (DJs), 6th floor, 104 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia
Rogue SGN (low rooftop, Owned by SGN Outcast, craft beer), 13 Pasteur, Q1
Chilled bars:
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
Indika cafe House of Curiosity (2-11pm daily, set in an old traditional house and garden; reggae vibe; Sunday hangouts with roast chicken for VND 100k; craft beers on tap; DJ workshops run by Manager, Morgan; Matt Ryan, co-owner, Salesian), 43 Nguyen Van Giai (near Jade Emperor Pagoda), P Da Kao, Q1
Caramen Flamenco Bar, 8 Ly Tu Truong, Q1
Blanchy's Tash Bar (DJs), 95 Hai Ba Trung, Q1
Saigon Soul Pool Parties (Sat afternoons, VND 200k except during monsoon), The New Saigon Hotel, 76 Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, 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
Beer clubs:
Guru, 10 Ky Dong, Q3
Poc Poc (behemoth), 39 Pham Ngoc Thac, Q3
The Gangs Grill & Bar, 131 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen (near the train station), Q3
Hops Beer Garden, 43 Nguyen Dinh Chieu (just before hitting Hai Ba Trung), Q3
Cube Bar DJ venue (Saigon Dub Station nights; D&B nights - Hugh G, Will H, & Dan K), 31B Ly Tu Trong, Q1
Clubs:
Apocalypse (2 rooms, live downstairs), 2b Thi Sách, P. Ben Nghe, Q1
Lush (ballroom style), corner of Ly Tu Trong and Ton Đuc Thang, 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
CLOSED Cargo DJ venue, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4
Live music:
Saigon Ranger (Bar/Indoor event space), 5/7 Nguyen Sieu, Q1
Thi bar (live music every night), 224 De Tham, 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
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
Leisure:
----------
Museum of Fine Arts, 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Q1
Phong Tranh (owned by artist Nguyen Tien Len), 450 Le Van Sy, P. 14, Q3, 01234066999
Craig Thomas Art Gallery (Pricey), 165 Calmette, P Nguyen Thai Binh, Q1
GiantStep Urban Art Gallery, 3A Ton Đuc Thang, Q1
Long graffiti wall along 15B Le Thanh Ton, Japanese area, Q1
Him Lam Ba Son driving range (VND 140k per basket of bowls, closes 21:30), 234 Ngo Tat To, P22, Q. Binh Thanh
Sai Gon Skate Park (Dat runs the ticketing and Henry organises skate and DJ events, builds the ramps and teaches skating, owner is Việt Kieu Anh, VND 30k for 90mins or VND 50k for the day), 1017 Bình Quới, Cư xá Thanh Đa, phường 28, Hồ Chí Minh
EN-Dee Skate Park (double half pipe with spine) 915/22 Lê Văn Lương, Phước Kiển, Nhà Bè, Q7
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
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
Tân Định church (pink church), 289 Hai Ba Trung, Q3
Nha Tho Vinh Hoi (Taoist looking Catholic Church), 156 Ban Van Don (next to Ong Lanh bridge), P6, Q4
Ticketbox.vn - event ticketing site
Dong Dao live outdoor theatre (book tickets, 164 Pasteur, P. Ben Nghe, Q1, phongtradongdao.vn, 0918488585
San khau ca ngac Trong Dong (Outdoor Music performances), 12b Cach Mang Thang 8 (crosses with Nguyen Du), Q1 (0883291292/0838277940/0883291292)
Chi iMax 3D cinema (VND 180k per person), 415 Hoang Van Thu, P2, Q. Tan Binh
Galaxy Cinema (VND 75k per ticket late show weekday, started by a business woman that was Vietnams first PhD holder from the US), Nguyen Du (one-way street after Dang Tran Con, Q1.
Day/night flower market (fresh flowers arrive 1-2am everyday; & 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
Dan Sen day flower market, Nguyen Van Phu, Q11
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/
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
The Factory, Contemporary Art Centre (entry fees, Tues-Fri 10-19h), 15 Nguyen Du, Thao Dien, Q2
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 69/2/17 Duong D2 (service not as friendly), P25, Q Bình Thạnh 0835112870/0906993730
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
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
Vietnamese classes, University of Social Sciences and Humanities, 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang, P. Ben Nghe, Q1, http://www.vns.edu.vn/index.php/en/vietnamese-courses/program-and-certification
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
Small range of Western and Korean food (Quinola), drink (almond milk, hazelnut milk) and non-food stuff @ Sunflower Market, 4th floor of Pearl Plaza, 561A Dien Bien Phu, P25, Q. Binh Thanh OR Kumho Link OR Xi Riverview Palace OR Aeon Mall Binh Duong
Meat Works (Aussie Butchers), 1 Duong so 2, Thao Dien, Q2
Binh Dien wholesale fruit and veg market, Q7
Honey products from Le Nguyen, 65 Tran Huy Lieu, P12, Q Phu Nhuan, 0866789009
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 (disposable 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
Wholesale fruit market, Trang Tu, Q5
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 & factory reset that takes 2-3 working days, Mon-Fri 9-12 13:30-17:30, Sat 9-12), D House building, 39 Nguyen Thi Dieu, P10, Q3, 0866832592, 0839305837
Doctor Laptop (fix windows and mac pcs, cheaper (VND 300k for service and factory reset) and quicker (same day) than iService, very good circuit board solderers), 179 CMT8, P5, Q3, 0838340246, 0838340137
IKNOW Mac hardware and software shop, Thao Dien St, Q2
Music equipment & DJ Gear (GMusic sells and services pioneer), Southern end of Dien Bien Phu, Q1, 0938096600
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
Electrical micro components (e.g. ceramic capacitors, RFID chips, GPS, GSM, NFC), Thien Minh Electronics Store, 220 Tan Phuoc, P6, Q10, 0839573224, 0903883768, sale@tme.com.vn
Electronics specialist (circuit board components, solder irons, ...), Cua Hang Ngoc, 174/1 Ly Thuong Kiet (15m east along Nhat Tao st from the crossing of Nhat Tao and Ly Thuong Kiet), P7, Q11
New/2nd hand hifi systems, Ly Nam De or Nhat Tao, Q11
Speakers, Nguyen Kim st., 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
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
Dũng Tailor (real wool cashmere blend better materials for around USD 185), 411 Le Van Sy, P2, Q Tan Binh
Contemporary ao dai with embroidery (1-1.5mln), 89 Tran Quang Dieu, Q3
Ao Dai tailor, Pasteur St. (Near where it meets Trần Quoc Toan), Q3
Average design and quality Ao Dai fabrics, 57 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1
Nice embroided shirts and dresses for elder ladies, Anh Vy Fashion, 402B Hai Ba Trung, Q1
Little Paris (great value accessories and bags for women, also serves icecream), 24 Duong D2 (near intersection with Dien Bien Phu), P25, Q. Binh Thanh
Tranh Thieu (Cross-stitch DIY shop), 97 Ngo Tat To, P21, Q. Binh Thanh
Excellent cobblers, Hem 11 Tran Quang Dieu (Opposite Benh Vien An Sinh), Q3
Dong Ho Sai Thanh (watch and watch strap change shop), 246 Huyen Van Banh, P11, Q Phu Nhuan
USD 2 shop called Komonoya (loads of everyday home stuff, Japanese design), Pearl Plaza, 561A Dien Bien Phu, P25, Q. Binh Thanh
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 (VND 40k-50k for a box 1m length x 0.5m wide x 0.5m high), 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Q4. OR crossing of Nguyen Du and Hai BA Trung, Q1
Loading palettes (wooden and plastic), wholesaler at 81 Quoc Lo (National Highway) 1A (near the crossing with QL51A, heading away from HCM but before the crossing with QL51A), Binh Duong Province
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
Pearl Plaza Flea Market (weekends), Dien Bien Phu, P25, Q Binh Thanh
Board Games Saigon, 796/2a Su Van Hanh, Q10
Board game shop, near Snap Cafe, 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, P. Thao Dien, Q2
Dung Locksmiths, mobile shop but usually outside 29 D2, P25, Q Binh Thanh in the mornings, 0909903147
Wadonka Outdoor Sports Shop, 6 Nguyen Phi Khanh, P. Tan Đình, Q1
Home furniture & 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
Liem's Barbershop (men's cuts), 79 Nguyen Son Ha, P5, Q3
Average design and quality Ao Dai fabrics, 57 Thu Khoa Huan, Q1
Bacchus Corner Wine & Spirits (Laphroaig 10yrs VND 1,815,000), 9am-9pm, 158D Pasteur, Q1, +84838293306, info@bacchuscorner.com
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
Wedding cards (small collection of paper filigree cards, VND 120k each) @ Tribook, 158ED Dong Khoi, Q1, 0937886658
Cheap birthday and other greetings cards + big range of stationary & kids' toys, Nhan Van Book Store, 875 Cach Mang Thang Tam, P15, Q10
Glass bottle/jar seller, 189 Vo Thi Sao (before the crossing with Ba Huyen Thanh Quan), P7, Q3
CLOSED Vietnam House Craft Emporium (9am-6pm everyday), 187 Nguyen Van Huong, P. Thao Dien, Q2
Non-electrical home appliance shop, Thanh Uyen, 198 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, P6, Q3
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
Bicycle shops & motorbike spare parts shops, Bui Huu Nghia (just North of the Nhieu Loc-Thi Nghe Canal, P2 Q. Binh Thanh
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,Saigon Trade Centre, 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
CLASSROOM / MEETING ROOM / WORKING SPACE FOR RENT - 15 square meter with FREE Internet-wifi, FREE whiteboard and markers, FREE water 50k/h (8am-5pm, Mon-Fri), 80k/h (5pm-9pm Mon-Fri, full day Sat-Sun), Location: 23 Ly Chinh Thang, Dist 3. Book your meeting now, contact us on 0903665595 or quangntn85@yahoo.com
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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TOP VALUE SURGERY/HOSPITAL Vinmec hospital (great value - clean and cheap; USD 2k pre- and post-natal maternity package), 208 Nguyễn Hữu Cảnh st, Dist Bình Thạnh, Q1
TOP VALUE DENTIST Nha Khoa ADC (Very near ICF Church, Dr. TIÊN, Open : 2:30pm_8:30pm from Mon to Fri, Sun: 7:00am_12am), 160 Hòa Hưng F13, Q 10, 0903929595, http://nhakhoaadc.com/en/
Dr. Khoa (speaks VN only but staff can interpret), 199 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai (crosses Nguyen Cu Trinh), Q3
CHEAPEST Maternal Health Clinic (Vietnamese clientele), Dr. Le Thi Kieu Dung's practice (VND 100k per general checkup, Chi Hai is the receptionist, get there at opening to avoid queues, 1700-1900hrs on Mon-Fri, and 1500-1700hrs on Sat) , 221 Nguyen Thien Thuat, P1, Q3, 0913835777
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.
Golf Courses:
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Try to book early tee times (6-7am) as it gets very hot and sweaty by 11am. Take a swim wear and a change of clothes for jacuzzi/shower afterwards. Shorts are permitted on the course but golf shoes are a must. Weekday play is far cheaper than weekends. Caddy tips around VND 200 are the norm.
BEST MAINTAINED, LONG FAIRWAYS AND TRICKIEST GREENS (RAISED AND LOTS OF BUNKERS) Tan Son Nhat Golf Course (VND 1.7mln for 18 holes including green fees, caddy fees and buggy fees), just West of Tan Son Nhat Airport, HCMC (30-40mins from Q1)
TRICKIEST FAIRWAYS THAT ARE NARROW AND HILLY WITH LOTS OF WATER HAZARDS Long Thanh Golf Course (VND 1.5mln for 18 holes including green fees and caddy fees. Buggy is extra), Dong Nai (1hr-1.5hrs from Q1)
EASIER COURSE WITH FAIRLY WIDE AND FLAT FAIRWAYS AND BIG GREENS Song Be Golf Course (VND 1.4mln for 18 holes including green fees and caddy fees. Buggy is extra), Binh Duong (1hr-1.5hrs from Q1)
Churches:
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International Christian Fellowship (Methodist foundation but interdenominational led by Pastor Leslie Lim; Singaporeans, Korean, Nigerian, Brits, Viets), Sunday Service in English at 10:30AM, smart casual dress code, 2nd 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:
----------------------
Open Up 20L water bottle with tap, VND 12k per bottle (use for boiling and cooking only), VND 35k water bottle deposit
Vinh Hao 20L water bottle with tap, VND 40k per bottle, deliver minimum of 2 bottles each time, VND 100k deposit for 2 bottles, 0866765338 or 0914989569
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
Mid-range new motorbike e.g. Honda Vision is USD 1,500
Cheapest car in Vietnam is Kia Morning (4-seater) for USD 20k
Car hire in HCM (Kia Morning/Mazda 3 (4-seater sedan/Toyota Innova USD 30-90/day), call Chloe 0909389900 or PM Chloe Tran on FB
Cheapest 1-2 bed apartment to buy in SGN is in Go Vap/Thu Duc districts for USD 35k-40k
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
Saigoneer
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
Kumho bus co. To go to Phnom Penh (USD 10 1-way)
Mekong Delta trips (1-2days) - Boating, floating market, noodle making, fruit orchards...
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
Thuy Chau park (swimming waterfall, stream and pool with sprinklers, can bring BBQ to cook, ONLY OPEN FRI, SAT & SUN in Sep - check website www.dulichthuychau.com, VND 80k/adult and VND 40k per child under 1m40cm), 55 TL743C, P. Binh Thang, xa Di An, Binh Duong
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 mangrove forest: 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
Coco Beach Camp (tents and bungalows, great vibes by the beach), Le Minh Cong, P. Tan Phuoc, tx. La Gi, Binh Thuan, cocobeachcamp.vn
Kê Gà cove and lighthouse, travel on national highway 1A from HCMC to Thuan Nam, turn right, and go straight for 20km
Vung Tau beach: 2 hours by bus or 3-4 hours by motorbike (bikes aren't allowed on the highway) OR take the 90min speedboat for VND 200k/1way (4 boats either way per day; www.taucaotoc.vn/en www.pacificexpress.com.vn ; HCMC: 0838253333 or 0838254067 ; VT: 0643626262), 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
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
Tranh Son Mai (Lacquer art village - 100% contemporary design making bulk for hotels/restaurants/souvenirs; can walk to the back of the shops where artists are making lacquerware, "Binh Duong Lacquer" in Google Maps), 1399 Le Chi Dan, Tuong Binh Hiep, Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong --- Shop: Tay Thi Lacquerware Exports, 137 Duong Ho Van Cong, P. Tuong Binh Hiep, TDM Binh Duong, sonmai_taythi@yahoo.com, 06503864989, 06503887872, 0978787589
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