Hotline: +84 (0)918 713 456 Ho Chi Minh City hello@trailsofindochina.com www.trailsofindochina.com POCKET GUIDE “The city’s dynamic energy is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move“

Ho Chi Minh City is a sprawling metropolis of approximately 10 million people. Formerly known as “Saigon” prior to 1975, today the city is Vietnam’s commercial centre. The dynamic energy of the city is apparent in the bustling street scenes with thousands of people on motorbikes constantly on the move.

Although Saigon has rapidly developed into a modern city with skyscrapers and shopping centres, there are still remnants of its past visible in the historic landmarks and beautiful French colonial buildings dotted throughout the city. You will fnd great nightlife and a palpable energy in this fast-changing city, which is home to people from all aspect of Vietnamese society.

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 2 Must-Try Local Foods

COM TAM Broken rice with variations of grilled pork and meat pie

BANH MI Vietnamese baguette meat BUN THIT NUONG sandwich Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles PlacesTo Eat The culinary capital of the south, Ho Chi Minh City is filled with a diverse range of food options and dining establishments. Eat like a local in home- style eatery or enjoy fine dining in one of the many CHE BANH XEO international restaurants. Vietnamese dessert Savoury crispy pancake

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 4 Hoang Yen $$ Hoang Yen is a local favourite restaurant. They recently upgraded all their branches to reflect a new contemporary look while still retaining their specialty in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Open daily 10am to 10pm VIETNAMESE 7 Ngo Duc Ke St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-1101 DINING 148 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-4564 Mandarine Restaurant $$$ An established fne dining restaurant with beautiful cuisine presentation along with an extensive selection of wines. Reservation recommended. Open daily 5:30pm to 11pm 11A Ngo Van Nam St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-9783

Pho 24 $ Popular ‘pho’ chain serving chicken and beef noodle soup with no MSG. Also on the menu are rice dishes, spring and summer rolls. Clean, air-conditioned facilities. Open daily 6am to 10pm 85 Dong Khoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-825-7505 158D Pasteur St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-521-8518

Quan Bui $$ Trendy restaurant with old Saigon feel serving traditional Vietnamese food with an emphasis on Northern style dishes. Open daily 8am to 11pm Pricing Reference: $ - Inexpensive $$ - Moderate $$$ - Expensive 17A Ngo Van Nam St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-829-1515

Hoa Tuc $$ Wrap & Roll $ Specialising in contemporary Vietnamese cuisine, the A casual eatery specialising in rolls and dips from Vietnam’s restaurant is located in a courtyard with indoor and outdoor three regions, in addition to serving noodle soups and rice seating. Reservation recommended. Open daily 11am to 11pm dishes. Open daily 11am to 10:30pm 74/7 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-825-1676 62 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-2166

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 6 Hum Vegetarian $$ Upscale Vietnamese vegetarian dining experience with beautiful cuisine presentations and flavours that even non-vegetarians would appreciate. Open daily 10am VEGETARIAN to 10pm 32 Vo Van Tan St., D3 Tel. +84 283-930-3819 2 Thi Sach St., D1 Tel. +84 283-823-8920

Loving Hut $$ A local favourite for traditional vegan Vietnamese dishes in a clean and spacious dining environment. Particularly busy on the 1st and 15th day of lunar calendar. Open daily 9am to 2pm; 4pm to 9pm 38 Huynh Khuong Ninh St., D1 Tel. +84 283-820-9702

Pi Bistro $$ Specialises in Asian vegetarian. Includes salads, stir-fry, curries and rice dishes. Open daily 11am to 3pm; 5pm to 9:30pm 1st Floor, 19 Vo Van Tan St., D3 Tel. +84 091-641-4133

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 8 Au Parc $$ A stone’s throw from the pink spires of the Notre Dame cathedral, this airy bistro serves healthy Mediterranean food and deli-style sandwiches. Open daily 7:30am to 11pm INTERNATIONAL 23 Han Thuyen St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-829-2772 DINING Ciao Bella $$ Small, cosy family-style restaurant offering classic Italian fare. Reservation recommended. Open daily 7:30am to 11pm 11 Dong Du St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-3329

El Gaucho Argentinian Steakhouse $$$ Reputable steakhouse with comprehensive menu and extensive wine list of Argentinian and Chilean labels. Reservation recommended. Open daily 11am to 11:30pm 74/1 Hai Ba Trung St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-827-2090

EON51 $$$ Elevated fne dining on the 51st floor with an open-kitchen concept and unparalleled panoramic view of the city. Open daily 8am to 11pm Bitexco Financial Tower 50th – 52nd floor, 2 Hai Trieu St., D1 Tel. +84 286-291-8751

Koh Thai $$ Contemporary Thai restaurant and lounge offering Siamese cuisine and hip cocktails. Open daily 11am to 2pm; 5:30pm to 11pm Kumho Asiana Plaza 39 Le Duan St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-4423

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 10 Le Corto $$ Modern French cuisine with extensive wine list. Cosy dining atmosphere in walking distance to the Opera House. Their 3-course set lunch is quite reasonable and popular. Open daily 11am to 2:30pm; 5pm to 11pm 5/7 Nguyen Sieu St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-0671

Pizza 4P’s $$ Offering an exceptional selection of handmade pizza and pastas. Cuisine mimics a touch of Japanese flavor in a contemporary dining space. Reservation recommended. Open daily 10am to 2am 8 Thu Khoa Huan St., D1 8/15 Le Thanh Ton St., D1 - Tel. +84 28 3622 0500

Racha Room $$ Stylish resto-lounge featuring Thai street eats with fusion cocktails along with hip beats. Open daily 11:30am to midnight 12-14 Mac Thi Buoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 0908 791 412

Sorae Restaurant & Lounge $$$ Trendy, contemporary Japanese restaurant located on the top floors of a high rise with spectacular city views. Open daily 11:30 to 2pm; 5:30pm to 1am 24th-25th Floor, AB Tower 75A Le Lai St., D1 Tel. +84 283-827-2372

Tandoor Indian Restaurant $$ Specialising in classic, authentic Indian cuisine with ornate Indian décor and pleasant ambience. Open daily 10:30am to 2:30pm; 5pm to 11pm 39A-B Ngo Duc Ke St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-930-4839

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 12 GUE BIH KHIEM MAI THI LUU HAI BA T PHA KE BIH

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C U C f H ro I 1. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica 9. Museum of Vietnamese i st 1 Cong Xa Paris St., D1 History ri M ct 1 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St., D1 2 2. Saigon Central Post Office T G 2 Cong Xa Paris St., D1 10. Ben Thanh Market Intersection of Le Loi and 3. Reunification Palace Ham Nghi St., D1 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., D1 B 4. War Remnants Museum 11. Ho Chi Minh City T T 28 Vo Van Tan St., D3 Museum of Fine Arts T N 97 Pho Duc Chinh St., D1 B 5. Ho Chi Minh City Hall 86 Le Thanh Ton St., D1 12. Saigon Skydeck 36 Ho Tung Mau St., D1 6. Ho Chi Minh City Musuem 65 Ly Tu Trong St., D1 13. Jade Emperor Pagoda B T 73 Mai Thi Luu St., D1 7. Municipal Theatre 14. Saigon Zoo and M (Opera House) A t T ric Botanical Gardens E ist 7 Lam Son Square, D1 G ON fro 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St., D1 E M 8. Ho Chi Minh Museum 1 Nguyen Tat Hanh St., D1

HO CHI MINH DISTRICT MAP Chill Skybar $$ Trendy rooftop bar popular with locals and foreigners alike. Known for its cocktail mix and impressive views of the city’s skyline. Wearing shorts or flip flops are not allowed. Open daily 5:30pm to 1am BAR & LOUNGE AB Tower Rooftop, 76A Le Lai St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-827-2372 East West Brewing Co. $$ Spacious brewery-restaurant with an American brewer on board producing handcrafted beer along with an extensive menu to complement. Open daily 11am to 11pm 181-185 Ly Tu Trong St., D1 - Tel. +84 091-3060-728

Pasteur Street Brewing Company $$ Popular brewery producing award-winning American style craft beer, using American hops, European malts and exotic Vietnamese ingredients. Open daily 11am to 11pm 144 Pasteur St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-823-9562

Saigon Saigon Bar $$ This historic low rooftop bar is best known as a haven for wartime journalists in the 1960s. Enjoy cocktails and bar bites while listening to live music. Open daily 11am to midnight Caravelle Hotel, 10th Floor, 19-23 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel. +84 283-823-4999

Social Club Rooftop Bar $$ 2 Lam Son $$ Cosy rooftop bar with comfortable seating and some of the best cocktails, offering the uninterrupted views of the city’s Stylish, contemporary bar serving international wines, skyline. Open daily 8am to 10pm premium spirits, local and imported beers with signature cocktails and artisanal snacks. Open daily 5pm to 2am MGallery Hotel, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., D3 Tel. +84 283-889-8888 Park Hyatt Saigon, Lobby Level, 2 Lam Son Tel. +84 283-824-1234

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 16 L’Usine Café $$ Trendy café and lifestyle shop in an old French colonial warehouse space. Menu includes European café classics including salads, sandwiches, and pastas. Open daily 7:30am to 10:30pm CAFÉ & TEAHOUSE 151/5 Dong Khoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 286-674-3565 Maison Marou $$ A chocolate lover’s delight. Everything chocolate under one roof with a gourmet café, patisserie, and chocolate factory where you can watch the making of their award-winning chocolate bars while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and pastries. Open daily 9am to 11pm 167-169 Calmette St., D1 - Tel. +84 287-300-5010

The Workshop Specialty Coffee $$ Artisanal coffee shop offering the wide selection of home- grown and imported coffee beans along with innovative brewing options. Located in a refurbished shop house with trendy décor and open space makes it ideal space to enjoy a cup of coffee or two. Open daily 8am to 9pm 27 Ngo Duc Ke St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-824-6801

Villa Royale Downtown $$ An antique tea room concept takes guests to another time and space. Enjoy artisanal TWG teas while perusing through vintage collections available for sale. Open daily 10am to 9pm Level 1, 25 Ho Tung Mau St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-821-0088 Khanhcasa Tea House $$ $ Located in a spacious restored shophouse, this trendy The Coffee House teahouse offers a comprehensive tea selection and variety of A popular local chain that serves Vietnamese and European fruit and herbal drinks sourced locally and imported. Open style coffee. The iced fruit tea drinks are also popular here. daily 7am to 10:30pm Open daily 7:30am to 10:30pm 48 Dong Khoi St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-825-1756 42 Tran Cao Van St., D3 - Tel. +84 287-303-9079

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 14 Top Things To Do

Enjoy a cocktail with a sunset view at a rooftop bar

Enjoy traditional Vietnamese coffee in a local coffeehouse

Take part in the lively youth atmosphere on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street Things To Do The cosmopolitan city centre offers an array of shopping options from glitzy malls to boutique shops. In your leisure time, explore the contemporary art scene visiting newly opened art galleries, or indulge in relaxation at Explore quirky shops and the one of the many spas in the city. Sit on the back of a scooter for an architecture inside old Saigon adventurous evening foodie tour buildings

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 16 Ben Thanh Market Gingko Concept Store Saigon’s iconic wholesale Gingko was founded on a market is a one-stop shop for principle of sustainability and everything from food and fair trade. The impressive clothing to souvenirs. The spacious lifestyle store streets outside the market in carries a range of unique the evening become a food handmade items from bazaar with a wide variety of clothing to souvenirs. Expect SHOPPING street food. Open daily 5am high quality, natural and to 6pm sustainable materials in their Gifts, Accessories Intersection of Le Loi and product offerings. Open daily and Decor Ham Nghi St., D1 9am to 9pm 92-96 Le Loi St., D1 Cao Fine Jewelry Tel. +84 283-837-3077 Boutique jeweler offering bespoke handcrafted designs Mekong Quilts using the fnest gold, silver A non-proft organisation and precious stones. Choose specialising in producing from ready-wear to custom high quality hand-stitched designs. Open daily 7am quilts made by women from to 8pm impoverish rural Vietnam Artbook Authentique Home 74 / 2 H a i B a Tr u n g S t . , D 1 and Cambodia. An impressive Though small in size, Artbook Beautiful, high-quality Tel. +84 283-824-3402 range of quilt styles from has a comprehensive stock of handcrafted ceramics from traditional to modern, using art, design, travelphotography, northern Vietnam. Items Nga Art & Craft patchwork, piecing and culture, and history books. include tableware, utensils, Showroom various stitching techniques. teapot sets and vases. The Open daily 9am to 7pm Popular English-translated Innovative lacquerware unique designs make them 68 Le Loi St., D1 (1st floor) Vietnamese novels are also designs with high quality one of a kind. Open daily 9am Tel. +84 282-210-3110 available. Open daily 8am craftsmanship. Lacquerware to 9pm to 9pm home décor range from wall 43 Dong Khoi St., D1 113 Le Thanh Ton St., D1 decorations to plates and trays Tel. +84 283-822-0838 Tel. +84 283-822-8052 and decorative lamps. Open daily 8am to 9pm 91 Le Thanh Ton St., D1 Tel. +84 283-823-8356

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 18 Ninh Khuong Hand Saigon Centre Fine Arts Museum Embroidery Newest arrival in the The white and ochre walls, The best quality of upmarket retail-shopping courtyard and quaint bridge embroidered linens can be scene. The sleek seven floor of this magnifcent classical found at this shop, with a mall carries international building mean the architecture wide selection of quality luxury and high-street and ambience are just as much hand embroidery items brands, in addition to being an attraction as is the art on including clothing for kids home to Takashimaya, a display. The museum houses a collection of artwork including and adults. Also known Japanese department store. traditional lacquerware and for their exquisite linen The basement and top ART oil paintings to contemporary embroidered tablecloths and floors offer a wide selection works. Open daily 9am to 5pm napkins. Open daily 8am to of international foods and GALLERY 9:45pm restaurants. Open daily 97a Pho Duc Chinh St., D1 Tel. +84 283-836-8019 71 Dong Khoi St., D1 9:30am to 10pm Tel. +84 283-827-9079 65 Le Loi St., D1 Gallery Quynh Tel. +84 283-829-4888 One of the leading contemporary art galleries in Saigon, Gallery Saigon Kitsch Quynh showcase emerging A fun, kitschy souvenir Vietnamese artists as well as works of distinguished artists shop that sells colourful from around the world. Private reproductions of socialist showings by appointment only. propaganda designs adapted from original posters and Level 3, 12C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St., D1 - Tel. +84 283-822-9969 Sadec District billboards. The items range Artisan-inspired homewares from T-shirts to tote bags and Salon Saigon make great gifts for all ages. with modern touches. Housed in a two-storey refurbished Open daily 9am to 10pm In-house designers create villa, this art space is dedicated unique ceramic, wood and 43 Ton That Thiep St., D1 to contemporary creation and glass items reflecting folk Tel. +84 283-821-8019 Vietnamese culture. The Salon craftsmanship from Vietnam hosts regular exhibitions of and neighbouring countries. emerging artists as well as Open daily 8:30am to 8:30pm live performance and flm showings. Private showings by 91 Mac Thi Buoi St., D1 appointment. Open to public on Tel. +84 283-822-9909 Tuesdays 9am to 6pm 6D Ngo Thoi Nhiem St., D3 Tel. +84 283-933-3242

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 20 Glow Spa A boutique spa situated in the heart of Saigon along Nguyen Hue’s pedestrian street. Reasonably priced services include foot and body massage, facial and nail care, and hair spa. Open daily 11am to 8pm 129A Nguyen Hue St., D1 ENTERTAINMENT SPA & Tel. +84 283-823-8368 WELLNESS Spa at the Reverie Saigon Encompassing two floors of the Reverie Saigon Hotel, the Spa provides holistic therapies within a luxurious yet tranquil setting. Facilities feature ten treatment rooms, steam and sauna facilities and AO Show Sax ‘N Art Jazz Club Mandala Wellness swimming pool. Open daily A creative and entertaining A small and cosy bar owned Located in the expat 10am to 9pm live performance featuring by larger-than-life ‘Saxman’ community in District 2, The Reverie Saigon, 6-7th Floor, the Vietnamese rural way of Tran Minh Tuan. When Mandala Wellness provides 22-36 Nguyen Hue St., D1 life through acrobatics and not touring, Tuan takes to consultation and treatments Tel. +84 283-823-6688 bamboo cirque. The shows the stage every night to in complementary medicine take place in the iconic Opera performing smooth grooves including osteopathy, reiki, House with three different from around the world. and acupuncture. A regular themed performances Open daily 8pm to midnight schedule of yoga, qi gong, alternating weekly schedules. 28 Le Loi St., D1 and meditation are also Advance ticket purchase is Tel. +84 283-822-8472 available. Open daily 9am recommended. to 6pm 7 Lam Square, D1 41 Tran Ngoc Dien St., D2 Tel. +84 012-4518-1188 Tel. +84 090-277-4584

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA HO CHI MINH CITY 22 Notes

TRAILS OF INDOCHINA