yumaki toothbrushes - AsiaLIFE Magazine

<strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> volume 32<br />

26<br />

front<br />

06 News & Events<br />

14 Dispatches<br />

16 Q&A with Chris Minko<br />

18 Street Smart: Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

22 Photo Essay: From the<br />

Camera's Eye<br />

The man behind bringing Leonard Cohen to Cambodia talks about the<br />

muiscal legend. We head down Dinh Tien Hoang and find cute little<br />

shops for kids and more. And in this month's photo essay, we find a tour<br />

through various terrain up north which is bound to tickle photographers,<br />

as it's geared for them.<br />

on the cover<br />

26 Styles that Go Together<br />

28 Walk This Way<br />

34 Spring's Runway Stars<br />

style & design<br />

54 Behind the Design: District 8<br />

56 Yumaki Toothbrushes<br />

57 The Korean Wave<br />

<strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> talks to the designer duo behind the firm keen to preserve a<br />

piece of the city's heritage. We look at the utterly stylish--and good for<br />

you too--toothbrush wowing the world. Our Photo Editor plays Sartorialist<br />

on the streets of Korea and finds spunk everywhere.<br />

back<br />

62 The List<br />

104 Spotlight<br />

106 Street Guide<br />

114 Pub Quiz<br />

To sign off, we capture a glimpse of HCM City nightlife; preview what's<br />

new in film, music and literature; and challenge your brain power with<br />

the Pub Quiz.<br />

In this year's style issue, our consultants pour over the Spring Summer<br />

2011 runway trends--from Balenciaga to Gucci and Marc Jacobs to<br />

Givenchy--to choose the best, and most easily adaptable, fashions to<br />

suit your wardrobe in HCM City.<br />

storyboard<br />

38 From Vietnam with Love<br />

42 Electric Youth<br />

44 Rediscovering Asia's Pearl<br />

A case of mistaken identity between an Australian veteran and a<br />

Vietnamese woman leads to something wonderful. We preview the<br />

highly anticipated film Saigon Electric which we believe will be the year's<br />

biggest hit. And we present the ultimate guide to Phnom Penh, a city no<br />

longer hostage to images of its past.<br />

food<br />

48 Bread Basket<br />

50 Sterling's Saigon<br />

51 IKI<br />

52 Blue Salute<br />

53 Pinocchio<br />

Our editorial assistant Stephy Thai gives us the low down on where to<br />

buy great bread in the city. Plus, we check out Sushi at IKI, Italian at<br />

Pinocchio and tapas at Blue Salute.<br />

Cover<br />

Art Direction<br />

365 Days Creative Studio<br />

Photography<br />

Fred Wissink<br />

Models<br />

Eduard Kazanov<br />

Katya Sulimenko<br />

asialife HCMC 3

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asialife Cambodia 1<br />

note from the editor<br />

Muna Khan<br />

When I started editing<br />

East&West in Hanoi in 2008,<br />

the theme of my first issue<br />

was fashion but the outlook<br />

was depressing as far as the<br />

luxury market was concerned—<br />

recessionistas, not fashionistas,<br />

ruled the runways. Fast forward<br />

to the present and I find myself<br />

in my new assignment with an<br />

issue on fashion but the mood is<br />

far more upbeat as brands from<br />

Chloe to Marc Jacobs expect<br />

favourable change in economic<br />

conditions. The optimism was<br />

in ample evidence in Spring<br />

Summer 2011 collections in<br />

Milan, London, New York and<br />

more recently Paris, matched by<br />

a truly decadent celebration of<br />

French Vogue’s 90th anniversary,<br />

which saw the biggest names<br />

in fashion come out to party like<br />

it’s not 2009. As cyclical, and<br />

sometimes ridiculous, as fashion<br />

can get (two words: double<br />

denim, what were they thinking)<br />

I find myself returning to a quote<br />

by Coco Chanel, which was<br />

tweaked and echoed by Yves<br />

Saint Laurent and features as<br />

our cover title: “Fashion fades,<br />

only style remains the same.”<br />

We chose to channel that belief<br />

in our quest to make sense of<br />

2011 Spring Summer trends<br />

and how best to adapt them into<br />

your wardrobes in HCM City. For<br />

that we are thankful to our consultants<br />

on all things stylish: Luis<br />

Antonio Torres who you know as<br />

our men’s style columnist and<br />

Soosie Lee, brand manager of<br />

highly covetable names in fashion<br />

and perhaps one of the most<br />

stylish women I’ve met in my<br />

short time here. We asked them<br />

to sift through the best from the<br />

runways and identify trends that<br />

will work here—which I think<br />

they did a fabulous job of. The<br />

trends are still timeless, and<br />

hopefully, effortless. Staying on<br />

the subject of fashion, our photographer<br />

Fred Wissink recently<br />

played Sartorialist in Korea,<br />

documenting what is described<br />

as the ‘Korean Wave,’ trends<br />

which will undoubtedly surface<br />

on our streets. And we even<br />

found you a stylist toothbrush to<br />

keep you in vogue. Essentially<br />

this issue defines what style<br />

is: a celebration of individuality<br />

matched with the confidence to<br />

carry it with aplomb.<br />

Luis Antonio Torres<br />

Luis Antonio Torres is Creative Director of<br />

Massimo Ferrari, an Italian lifestyle boutique.<br />

He has spent over 15 years in the Italian<br />

luxury apparel business and managed retail<br />

houses such as Gucci Group USA and<br />

Giorgio Armani‘s “A Misura.” Antonio has lived<br />

in Vietnam for seven years and has managed<br />

an offshore apparel manufacturing company<br />

in which he has produced for Barneys New<br />

York, Takashimaya, Isetan, Bergdorf Goodman<br />

and Neiman Marcus to name a few.<br />

Soosie Lee<br />

Next time you're across the border,<br />

check out the latest issue of <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong><br />

Cambodia or download it from<br />

www.asialifeguide.com.<br />

112010<br />

ISSUE47<br />

Soosie Lee was born and raised in Korea and<br />

majored in fashion design and marketing. In<br />

the last 15 years she has lived and worked in<br />

Melbourne, Kuala Lumpur and London before<br />

moving to Vietnam two years ago to work as<br />

marketing and PR manager for Global Link.<br />

In her present capacity, her portfolio includes<br />

over 30 prestigious brands in fashion and<br />

home décor including Balenciaga, Chloé, Marc<br />

Jacobs, Lanvin, Givenchy and Fornasetti,<br />

along with eight fashion mono-brand stores<br />

and two multi-brand concept stores.<br />

Find <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> articles on<br />

4 asialife HCMC

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Electrolux designers are inspired by your passions.<br />

Electrolux<br />

Design<br />

Department<br />

Pernilla Johansson<br />

Your passion for making every meal a memorable occasion is what inspires us<br />

to design better ovens. We take the time to deeply understand our consumers’<br />

homes and lifestyles before we begin, creating new appliances<br />

that win your trust, and win you compliments.<br />

View our online catalogue at<br />

www.electrolux.co.th<br />

Founded in Sweden

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volume 32<br />

NEWS<br />

Exotissimo to Give<br />

Away Two Leonard Cohen<br />

Tickets<br />

Anyone who purchases travel<br />

services from an Exotissimo<br />

travel agency before November<br />

15 will go into the draw to win<br />

two free Leonard Cohen tickets<br />

to see the legend perform in<br />

Phnom Penh on November<br />

27. The tickets are worth US<br />

$299.45 each.<br />

Burlesque Dance Workshop<br />

at DanCenter<br />

On November 20 and 21, Dan-<br />

Center will host a burlesque<br />

dance workshop from 5.30 to<br />

7.30 pm. Participants will learn<br />

the fundamentals of burlesque<br />

dance—walking and dancing<br />

in sky-high heels, especially.<br />

iBasic will showcase their<br />

slinky lingerie at exceptional<br />

prices for the participants,<br />

too, and Bacchus Corner and<br />

DanCenter will offer sparkling<br />

wine at cheap prices in support<br />

of KOTO. The course costs<br />

US $25 for one session or $40<br />

for both. To register, call 3840<br />

6974, email info@dancentervn.<br />

com or visit www.dancentervn.<br />

com.<br />

Qatar Airways Increases<br />

Vietnam Service<br />

Qatar Airways will increase<br />

capacity to and from HCM City<br />

by three extra flights per week.<br />

The expansion will see the current<br />

capacity increase from four<br />

weekly flights to 11. The extra<br />

flights, as well as those from<br />

Hanoi to Doha, will operate via<br />

Bangkok. Visit www.qatarairways.com/vn.<br />

Cupcakes on Sale at<br />

L’Usine<br />

Lifestyle store L’Usine is now<br />

selling cupcakes. The tasty<br />

treats are made by local brand<br />

Sweet & Sour and come in<br />

many flavours (Red Velvet’s the<br />

current favourite at <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong>).<br />

Email info@lusinespace.com for<br />

details or to order.<br />

Ivy Saigon Opens<br />

Vietnamese restaurant Ivy<br />

opened at 17A Ngo Van Nam<br />

in District 1. The menu takes<br />

diners on a culinary voyage<br />

across Vietnam with dishes<br />

that originate from the country’s<br />

northern, central and southern<br />

regions like Hoi An Chicken<br />

Salad to Stewed Rabbit in Red<br />

Stylish Shoes Available at Heatwave<br />

Singaporean women’s shoe brand Heatwave has opened a<br />

store at 88 Nguyen Trai, District 1. With 29 outlets across<br />

Asia, Heatwave stocks great quality footwear at reasonable<br />

prices. Their designs are taken from international fashion<br />

trends and each pair is crafted with attention to detail.<br />

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Wine. To celebrate their grand<br />

opening, until November 23rd<br />

Ivy will give each table one free<br />

dish plus deduct 20 percent<br />

from each bill. Call 3829 1515,<br />

email info@ivysaigon.com or visit<br />

www.ivysaigon.com for details.<br />

General Store Opens in<br />

Movenpick Hotel<br />

From the team behind L’Usine<br />

and District 8, comes the General<br />

Store. The concept has been<br />

borrowed from general stores of<br />

olden times and stocks unique<br />

and eclectic gifts, sourced from<br />

Vietnam and its neighbouring<br />

countries. The General Store<br />

opens November 1 in the Movenpick<br />

Hotel.<br />

New Air France Service<br />

Phnom Penh to France<br />

Starting March 27, 2011, Air<br />

France will launch a new service<br />

from Phnom Penh to Paris-<br />

Charles de Gaulle via Bangkok.<br />

The service will run three times<br />

per week. Visit www.airfrance.<br />

com/VN.<br />

Coldwell Banker Mega<br />

Office Opens<br />

Coldwell Banker opened its<br />

mega office on the first floor of<br />

the Rosana Building at 60 Nguyen<br />

Dinh Chieu, District 1 in HCM<br />

City recently. Coldwell Banker’s<br />

areas of expertise include<br />

commercial and residential real<br />

estate brokerage, consultancy,<br />

investment, facilities management,<br />

advertising, research,<br />

property valuation and marketing<br />

as well as sales, management<br />

and career training. Visit<br />

www.coldwellbankervn.com.<br />

Oasis Gourmet Shop<br />

Opens in HCM City<br />

Oasis Gourmet Shop—a<br />

delicatessen originally from<br />

Hanoi—recently arrived in<br />

HCM City. The Oasis has two<br />

locations, in downtown Phu My<br />

Hung across the Saigon South<br />

International School and on<br />

the grounds of the Snap Café<br />

in An Phu. A wide selection of<br />

affordable cheese and cold cuts<br />

are available, plus homemade<br />

Italian pasta, sauces, ravioli and<br />

lasagne.<br />

Saigon Golf, Country<br />

Club and Residences<br />

Begins Construction<br />

Construction has begun on<br />

the Saigon Golf Club and<br />

Residences. It will be the first<br />

development to offer a combination<br />

of golf, resort lifestyle<br />

and family entertainment in one<br />

location just minutes from the<br />

city centre. The project features<br />

an 18-hole championship golf<br />

RENAISSANCE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SAIGON<br />

PRE-SCHOOL PRIMARY SECONDARY<br />

Anupa Honoured at London Fashion Week<br />

www.rissaigon.edu.vn<br />

IB scholarship 2010 – 2011<br />

Scholarships offering up to 50% discount<br />

on school fees available to IB Diploma<br />

students satisfying the scholarship criteria.<br />

www.rissaigon.edu.vn<br />

Designer Anupa Horvil was honoured recently at Eco Luxe, an<br />

event that coincided with London Fashion Week. The organizers<br />

hand-selected a group of eco-conscious designers to<br />

showcase their collections. Horvil was one such eco-warrior<br />

and her line of high-quality leather products, each detailed<br />

with a unique tourmaline said to ward off evil spirits, was highly<br />

received.<br />

Horvil, who’s British, also decided to officially launch Anupa<br />

UK at Eco Luxe—a dream that allows her to return to her roots.<br />

What’s more, she displayed an antique men’s line at the event<br />

which also received rave reviews. Now HCM City men can accessorize<br />

with Anupa as she’s rolled out the entire range at her<br />

store, Villa Anupa at 17/27 Le Thanh Ton, District 1.<br />

Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS) is one of the premier<br />

international schools in Ho Chi Minh City providing a high quality<br />

British/International education leading to the IB Diploma Programme.<br />

Students are able to develop their full potential in a stimulating, challenging<br />

and supportive environment, capable of becoming leaders in the global<br />

community and experts in their chosen fields upon graduation.<br />

<br />

prepares students to become ‘life-long learners’<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

<br />

asialife HCMC 7

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Ticket Winners<br />

LEONARD COHEN LIVE<br />

Congratulations to the following people<br />

who have each won a pair of tickets:<br />

Scatt Giles<br />

Adam Gerard<br />

John Sadler<br />

Jan Alexander<br />

Elizabeth Luu<br />

<strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> will be contacting all winners via email.<br />

Special thanks to Rod Quinton of the Boat House.<br />

course designed by Greg Norman,<br />

residences, country club<br />

and a City Spa. It will also have<br />

fine dining restaurants, Olympicsized<br />

pools and tennis and<br />

squash courts. The golf course<br />

and residences are scheduled<br />

for completion at the end of<br />

2012 and 2013 respectively.<br />

For details, contact the Norfolk<br />

Group on 3825 7286 or sales.<br />

sgccr@norfolkgroup.com.vn.<br />

Visit www.sgccr.com.vn.<br />

Hotel Sofitel Dalat Palace<br />

and Mercure Dalat<br />

Hotel Du Parc Rebranded<br />

Two of Dalat’s leading hotels—<br />

Hotel Sofitel Dalat Palace and<br />

Mercure Dalat Hotel Du Parc—<br />

will be renamed Dalat Palace<br />

Hotel and Dalat Hotel Du Parc,<br />

respectively. With the rebranding,<br />

the hotels will expand their<br />

facilities and provide a broader<br />

range of food and beverage<br />

options.<br />

Sony Music Thailand<br />

joins Mekong Sessions<br />

PR campaign<br />

Sony Music Thailand, Leonard<br />

Cohen’s record label, has joined<br />

the Mekong Sessions publicity<br />

campaign with a special targeted<br />

programme in Thailand. The<br />

company will launch a comprehensive<br />

campaign, distributing<br />

posters and stickers throughout<br />

all their music outlets in Thailand.<br />

They are also working<br />

with three Thai radio stations to<br />

promote Leonard Cohen’s music<br />

and his Phnom Penh concert<br />

set for November 27.<br />

Win VIP Dive Pass From<br />

Rainbow Divers<br />

VIP dive passes are now<br />

available at Rainbow Divers.<br />

They are valid for 10 to 20<br />

dives or unlimited diving over a<br />

12-month period in Nha Trang,<br />

Phu Quoc or Whale Island.<br />

To win a free VIP pass email<br />

Jeremy@divevietnam.com with<br />

the subject VIP FREE DRAW.<br />

The winner will be announced in<br />

the next month’s <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong>. Visit<br />

www.divesaigon.com.<br />

Mekong Creations<br />

Launches Christmas<br />

Cross Stitch<br />

Mekong Creations—a nonprofit<br />

organization that promotes<br />

community development in rural<br />

Vietnam and Cambodia—has<br />

launched a range of cross stitch<br />

Christmas tree ornaments and<br />

gift tags. The products are on<br />

sale at the Mekong Creations<br />

store at 141 Bui Vien, District<br />

1. The ornaments costs 60,000<br />

VND each and a pack of three<br />

tags goes for 55,000 VND. For<br />

details visit www.mekong-creations.org.<br />

Vietnam Quilts Launches<br />

Christmas Range<br />

Vietnam Quilts has launched a<br />

range for the festive season including<br />

quilted Christmas stockings,<br />

advent calendars, bread<br />

baskets, table runners and tree<br />

skirts. Gift vouchers are also<br />

available in any dong or dollar<br />

amount. The range is available<br />

in all Vietnam Quilt stores. Visit<br />

www.vietnam-quilts.org.<br />

Rubba Duckies Classes<br />

Begin in Nha Be District<br />

Rubba Duckies classes for<br />

young swimmers will now be<br />

held at Hoang Anh Gia Lai 3<br />

located at Nguyen Huu Tho in<br />

Nha Be District. The lessons<br />

will take place every Tuesday<br />

from 9.30 to 11 am. To enrol,<br />

email rubbaduckiesswim@<br />

hotmail.com.<br />

8 asialife HCMC

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Chef Antoine Rodriguez<br />

Returns to Sheraton<br />

Saigon Hotel & Towers<br />

From November 10 to 20,<br />

award-winning chef Antoine<br />

Rodriguez will return to Signature<br />

Restaurant on the 23rd<br />

floor of the Sheraton Saigon<br />

Hotel & Towers after visiting in<br />

September last year. One of the<br />

world’s leading chefs, Rodriguez<br />

won the Executive Chef of<br />

the Year title at the Hospitality<br />

Asia Platinum Awards in 2007.<br />

For the duration of his stay, he<br />

will showcase his culinary skills<br />

(and particularly, his ability to<br />

work with the finest cuts of<br />

beef) and present a cooking<br />

demonstration. Call 3827 2828<br />

or visit www.sheraton.com/<br />

saigon.<br />

Jimmy Choo Opens at the Vincom Towers<br />

Jimmy Choo has opened its doors at the Vincom Towers. The<br />

luxury shoe brand was started by Jimmy Choo and Tamara<br />

Mellon, accessories editor of Vogue, in 1996 in London and in<br />

2001 he sold his stake in the company. Today he designs exclusively<br />

for the couture brand and is said to be keen on starting<br />

a shoe-making institute in his country of birth, Malaysia. All<br />

this is great news for clients in Vietnam who will continue to be<br />

spoilt for choice in the high-end shoe boutique.<br />

You’ll be safe<br />

in our hands<br />

Renaissance International School Saigon<br />

Receives Award<br />

Renaissance International School Saigon (RISS) was recently<br />

awarded ‘International Advocate’ for the ASDAN award<br />

scheme. ASDAN is an internationally recognized award body<br />

based in the UK and RISS is the first school in the world to<br />

receive the honour.<br />

RISS is also now an ‘Open Centre’ for the BioMedical<br />

Admissions Test (BMAT). This is a test taken by applicants to<br />

certain medicine, veterinary medicine and related courses at the<br />

University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College<br />

London, University College of London and the Royal Veterinary<br />

College. RISS is currently the only BMAT centre in Vietnam and<br />

accepts external students for testing.<br />

Private aerial ambulance<br />

on 24hr standby within Vietnam<br />

Evacuation and Emergency Assistance<br />

• Our own airplane on 24 hour standby within Vietnam<br />

• Medical evacuations back<br />

to your own country,<br />

Bangkok or Singapore<br />

• Ambulance pick-up<br />

• Strong domestic network<br />

throughout Vietnam<br />

• Affiliation with NUH Singapore<br />

Family Medical Practice HCMC<br />

Diamond Plaza: 34 Le Duan Street, District 1, HCMC<br />

For appointments and emergency care 24 hours:<br />

(84 8) 3822 7848<br />

www.vietnammedicalpractice.com<br />

Your health. Our care.<br />

• Emergency Medicine • Medical Evacuations • General Practice • Internal Medicine • Pediatrics<br />

• Obstetrics & Gynecology • Orthopedic & Trauma Surgery • Cardiology • ENT • Tropical Medicine<br />

• Radiology • Imaging • Ambulance Service • In-house Laboratory • Acupuncture • First Aid Training<br />

• Child Birth Education • Saigon International Mother Baby Association • Medical Check-ups

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Phnom Penh Events & Openings<br />

Download the latest issue of <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> Cambodia at www.asialifeguide.com.<br />

Leonard Cohen Performs<br />

at the National Olympic<br />

Stadium<br />

On November 27 from 6 pm<br />

musical legend Leonard Cohen<br />

will perform at the National<br />

Olympic Stadium. The concert<br />

will mark the renowned poet<br />

turned singer songwriter’s first<br />

performance in the Kingdom of<br />

Wonder. The next day he will<br />

stage a free concert exclusively<br />

for Cambodians. Visit www.<br />

themekongsessions.com.<br />

Pursat River Run<br />

The Pursat River Run is set<br />

for November 14. The event<br />

promotes the oft-forgotten town<br />

and encourages youth to stay<br />

active.<br />

Last year saw 495 runners<br />

took part in the 5km and 10km<br />

able-bodied races, as well as<br />

races for wheelchair users and<br />

amputees organized together<br />

with Pursat-based NGO Disability<br />

Development Services<br />

Pursat.<br />

Participation costs US $1<br />

for Khmers and US $15 for<br />

foreigners, with cash prizes for<br />

the first 15 to finish. Visit www.<br />

runpursat.info.<br />

Return of the Rugga<br />

Buggas<br />

The ANZ Royal Angkor 10s<br />

rugby tournament is back in<br />

Phnom Penh over the weekend<br />

of November 5 to 6. The tenth<br />

anniversary edition of the event<br />

will be held at Old Stadium in<br />

Toul Kork, and comprises of<br />

two separate competitions:<br />

the Old Boys’ Veterans series,<br />

which is played as a 15 a-side<br />

with Golden Oldies rules, and<br />

the actual tournament which<br />

is open to only 12 teams. The<br />

entry fee is US $600 per Angkor<br />

10s team and US $400 for Old<br />

Boys’ teams. This includes<br />

refreshments during a Friday<br />

night Meet and Greet, as well<br />

as a Saturday night tournament<br />

dinner.<br />

Angkor Wat Bike Race &<br />

Rally<br />

On December 5, Siem Reap will<br />

host the 15th Annual Angkor<br />

Wat International Half Marathon.<br />

The course winds through the<br />

UNESCO World Heritage site,<br />

past iconic temples and complexes<br />

like Bayon, Angkor Thom<br />

and Angkor Wat.<br />

Established in 1996 by Japanese<br />

non-profit organization<br />

Runners Aid, the two-day event<br />

generates funds for several organizations<br />

working to alleviate<br />

poverty and provide health and<br />

education services to the disadvantaged.<br />

Those looking for a<br />

less strenuous way to take part<br />

and contribute can participate in<br />

10K men’s and women’s races<br />

or a 3K family run on Saturday,<br />

December 4. Saturday will also<br />

see mobility-impaired athletes<br />

compete in a wheelchair marathon.<br />

Hotel and tour packages are<br />

available to runners who want<br />

to experience the temples of<br />

Angkor at a more leisurely pace.<br />

Visit www.angkormarathon.org.<br />

Angkor Photo Festival VI<br />

From November 20 to 27, the<br />

Sixth Annual Angkor Photo Festival<br />

will showcase works from<br />

international and Asian photographers.<br />

The festival’s mission is<br />

to highlight emerging Southeast<br />

Asian photographers. It will be<br />

held at the Angkor Photo Gallery<br />

at 331 River Side, Siem Reap.<br />

10 asialife HCMC

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EVENTS<br />

British International<br />

School Christmas Bazaar<br />

The third annual BIS Christmas<br />

Bazaar will take place on<br />

December 4 from 9 am to 2<br />

pm at the District 2 campus.<br />

More than 50 vendors will be<br />

present and entertainment from<br />

the school’s choirs and various<br />

musical groups. Santa will also<br />

make an appearance. Entry is<br />

25,000 VND per person.<br />

Vietnam Swans and<br />

Saigon Shooters Host<br />

Indochina Cup<br />

Aussie Rules Club Vietnam<br />

Swans and netball team Saigon<br />

Shooters will host the Indochina<br />

Cup on November 27 at RMIT.<br />

The Swannies will play the Cambodian<br />

Cobras, Lao Elephants<br />

and Thailand Tigers in a full day<br />

of fun, footy, food and drinks.<br />

For details visit www.vietnamswans.com.<br />

A Christmas Carol<br />

Comes to HCM City<br />

The International Choir &<br />

Orchestra of HCMC and Liberty<br />

Insurance will present “A Christmas<br />

Carol” in early December.<br />

The fully-staged musical is<br />

based on the Charles Dickens’<br />

classic and tells the story of<br />

grouchy Ebenezer Scrooge<br />

and his hair-raising adventures<br />

with the ghosts of Christmas<br />

Past, Present and Yet to Come.<br />

Tickets will be 550,000 VND,<br />

450,000 VND and 350,000 VND<br />

depending on seat location.<br />

All proceeds will go towards<br />

Poussieres de Vie (Dust of<br />

Life), Loreto Vietnam Australia<br />

Program and Education for<br />

Development—all organizations<br />

that support disadvantaged<br />

youth. Two evening performances<br />

will be held from 8 pm<br />

on December 3 and 4 and two<br />

matinee productions will run<br />

from 2.30 pm on December<br />

4 and 5. All performances will<br />

be held at the HCMC Drama<br />

Theatre located at 30 Tran Hung<br />

Dao, District 1. Email tickets@<br />

hcmcchoir.com to book.<br />

Piano Concert at HCMC<br />

Conservatory of Music<br />

Russian pianist Igor Chystkletov<br />

will perform at the HCMC<br />

Conservatory of Music at 112<br />

Nguyen Du, District 1, on<br />

November 19 from 8 pm. He<br />

will be joined by three talented<br />

Vietnamese pianists. Tickets are<br />

250,000 to 300,000 VND. Call<br />

0909 242 392 or 0913 902 024<br />

to purchase.<br />

Terry Fox Run in<br />

Phu My Hung<br />

The 14th Annual Terry Fox<br />

Run will take place at the<br />

Crescent Plaza in Phu My<br />

Hung on Sunday, November<br />

28. The 5 km non-competitive<br />

course begins at 8 am<br />

(though runners and walkers<br />

should arrive at 7 am).<br />

Afterwards, The Ten Dollar<br />

Bill Band will play and there<br />

will be a picnic. All proceeds<br />

of the event will go towards<br />

cancer research. Last year,<br />

more than 7,500 people<br />

registered to participate in<br />

the run, raising 730 million<br />

VND. For details contact<br />

Mark Fenwick on 3761 2345<br />

or terryfoxhcmc@gmail.com.<br />

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Live Music at the<br />

Snap Café.<br />

Every Saturday night, from<br />

7 pm until 10 pm, the Snap<br />

Café will host Acoustic<br />

Sessions—a variety of local<br />

and international bands that<br />

often turns into an eclectic<br />

jam session. Booked from<br />

now through until late November<br />

are: Slang of Angels,<br />

Jazz to Jazz, Juram, and<br />

Curtis King.<br />

Productive Thinking for<br />

Business Creativity and<br />

Innovation & Essential<br />

Management Skills<br />

Courses<br />

The International Management<br />

Initiative for Vietnam<br />

(IMIV)—a non-profit educational<br />

initiative within the VinaCapital<br />

Foundation—will present<br />

two high-quality international<br />

programmes in November<br />

from the Singapore Institute of<br />

Management. The first, Productive<br />

Thinking for Business<br />

Creativity and Innovation, held<br />

on November 12 to 13, is a<br />

dynamic programme suitable for<br />

managers of all levels. Participants<br />

will learn new techniques<br />

to overcome performance<br />

barriers and enhance workplace<br />

problem solving, creativity and<br />

innovation.<br />

The second, Essential Management<br />

Skills, from November<br />

25 to 27, is a core skills course<br />

for emerging junior and middle<br />

managers. It will focus on the<br />

self-awareness, skills and tools<br />

required to manage self, teams<br />

and change. Email info@imiv.org<br />

or visit www.imiv.org for details.<br />

Saigon South International<br />

School Annual<br />

Charity Bazaar<br />

Saigon South International<br />

School (SSIS) will hold its 8th<br />

Annual Charity Bazaar on Saturday,<br />

November 20 from 9 am<br />

to 3 pm. Last year, the Bazaar<br />

raised more than US $12,000<br />

for Operation Smile, Anh Linh<br />

Love School and Heartbeat<br />

Vietnam. Proceeds from this<br />

year's Bazaar will continue to<br />

fund some of these charities<br />

as well as others where SSIS<br />

students volunteer on an active,<br />

long-term basis. This year’s<br />

Charity Bazaar will have twice<br />

the number of artisans, food<br />

Bazaar at The Deck<br />

On November 6 from 9 am to 4 pm, The Deck will host a<br />

Bazaar. Unique Christmas gifts will be available for purchase<br />

as will delicious food along with live music. Part of the<br />

proceeds will be donated to IMMF and Heartbeat Vietnam.<br />

Call 3744 6632 for details.<br />

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vendors, and activities for kids.<br />

Many more prizes will be offered<br />

for a lucky draw as well as the<br />

tombola, too. For details contact<br />

Ms. Bich Mowrey at bichmowrey@ssis.edu.vn<br />

or Ms. Tina<br />

Haugbro at pta@ssis.edu.vn.<br />

SSIS is located on Nguyen Van<br />

Linh Parkway, Phu My Hung.<br />

Manager Effectiveness<br />

Workshop & Total<br />

Reward Survey Findings<br />

Seminar Autumn 2010<br />

Towers Watson will offer an<br />

insight into current human<br />

resource trends and key findings<br />

on the labour market at their<br />

Manager Effectiveness Workshop<br />

& TRS Findings Seminar.<br />

To register, call 3821 9488 ext.<br />

128 or email contact.vietnam@<br />

towerswatson.com.<br />

Third Vietnam Hockey<br />

Festival<br />

From 9 am to 4 pm on November<br />

13 and 14, the Third Annual<br />

Vietnam Hockey Festival will take<br />

place. The event, which aims to<br />

promote hockey in Vietnam and<br />

allow the local players a chance<br />

to integrate with overseas<br />

enthusiasts, will see teams travel<br />

from Australia, Singapore, Hong<br />

Kong, the United Arab Emirates<br />

and Malaysia to compete. The<br />

six-a-side competition will take<br />

place at the Futsal Pitches on<br />

Pham Hung Street, District 8.<br />

For details visit www.vietnamhockey.vn.<br />

Rocket Yoga Retreat with Larry Schultz<br />

From December 2 to 6, world-renowned yogi Larry Schultz<br />

will offer a four-day yoga retreat at Mango Bay Resort on Phu<br />

Quoc Island. Schultz will teach Rocket Yoga—a unique style<br />

that he developed to renew the body’s energy and vitality. Accessible<br />

for all ability levels, Rocket Yoga systematically works<br />

the entire body and clears the mind to leave those who practice<br />

it feeling refreshed, refocused and restored. Advanced<br />

students will study more difficult poses like handstands and<br />

inversions while beginners will learn the foundations of modern<br />

vinyasa yoga. Contact Michelle Lloyd on 0909 64 8193 or<br />

email michelle@michellelloyd.com for details.<br />

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dispatches<br />

Travel news from around the region and beyond<br />

Singapore Celebrates Christmas in the Tropics<br />

If a white Christmas isn’t on the cards, you can still explore a winter<br />

wonderland by hopping on a plane to Singapore this holiday season.<br />

From November 20 through January 2, the shopping district surrounding<br />

Orchard Road lights up for Christmas in the Tropics, Singapore’s<br />

annual yuletide festival. Throughout the month-long event, shopping<br />

centres like Tangs, Takashimaya, Wisma Atria, Orchard Central<br />

and ION deck out their premises to capture the Christmas spirit. The<br />

streets around Orchard Road are also abuzz with a festival atmosphere;<br />

acrobats, choirs, human statues, stilt walkers and other merrymakers<br />

are on hand to entertain families. Open-air fashion shows run<br />

throughout Christmas in the Tropics, giving the shopping legions a<br />

glimpse of winter fashions they’ll find around the city-state. For more<br />

information, visit www.yoursingapore.com.<br />

Bangkok’s Centralworld Re-Opens Bigger and Better<br />

Bangkok’s largest shopping complex, the 550,000-square-metre Centralworld,<br />

recently reopened—and just in time for the holiday season. The renovations<br />

were completed four months after fire destroyed the building during protests<br />

earlier this year. Developers have made the most of the opportunity to revamp<br />

the retail mecca, redesigning the space to include more natural and organic<br />

elements and completely overhauling the food court, now known as Garden on<br />

Seven. The new Centralworld also features an expanded range of international<br />

and Thai designer brands and new facilities, including Thailand’s first openair<br />

ice-skating rink located in a shopping centre. At present 80 percent of retail<br />

space is open for business. The remainder will open in December, with renovations<br />

to Zen Department Store scheduled for re-opening next fall. Visit www.<br />

centralworld.co.th for more information.<br />

Angkor Wat Half Marathon<br />

On December 5, Siem Reap hosts the 15th Annual Angkor Wat International<br />

Half Marathon. The race course winds through the UNESCO<br />

World Heritage site, past iconic temples and complexes like Bayon,<br />

Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Established in 1996 by Japanese<br />

nonprofit Runners Aid, the two-day event generates funds for several<br />

nonprofit organizations working to alleviate poverty and provide<br />

health and education services to the disadvantaged. Those looking<br />

for a less strenuous way to take part and contribute can participate<br />

in 10km men’s and women’s races or a 3km family run on Saturday,<br />

December 4. Saturday also sees differently-abled athletes compete in a<br />

wheelchair marathon. Hotel and tour packages are available to runners<br />

who want to experience the temples of Angkor at a more leisurely pace.<br />

Visit www.angkormarathon.org for more information.<br />

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Walking with Dinosaurs Asia Tour<br />

Following a record-breaking, three-year tour of the United States, the<br />

spectacular Walking with Dinosaurs arrives in Southeast Asia and<br />

Hong Kong. Based on the award-winning BBC series, the 20 milliondollar<br />

production features 15 life-size dinosaurs brought to life by a<br />

team of world-renowned designers, technicians and actors. Highlights<br />

of the show include titanic duels between dinos, the terrifying roar<br />

of Tyrannosaurus rex and the towering 22-metre Brachiosaurus. The<br />

show is on in Bangkok from November 17 to 21 before heading to<br />

Singapore for an engagement from December 1 through 10. The tour<br />

wraps up in Hong Kong, running from December 22 through 27. Visit<br />

www.dinosaurlive.com for ticketing and information and to view footage<br />

from the show.<br />

Bui Gallery Opens in Singapore<br />

On October 23, the Bui Gallery debuted its inaugural exhibition, Facing<br />

Deadlines, at its new location at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore. With a<br />

presence in both Paris and Hanoi, the Bui Gallery has established itself<br />

as a bridge between east and west, creating a dialogue by exhibiting the<br />

work of emerging Southeast Asian artists and established international<br />

practitioners. The Singapore branch seeks to extend the Bui Gallery’s<br />

mission to one of the region’s most important art-buying locations. Facing<br />

Deadlines features paintings by HCM City-based artist, graphic designer<br />

and DJ Bertrand Peret, one of the minds behind the artist initiatives Atelier<br />

Wonderful and Mogas Station, as well as the Jetlag art-meets-party events.<br />

The show runs through December 12. Visit www.thebuigallery.com for<br />

more information.<br />

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16 asialife HCMC

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The man behind bringing Leonard<br />

Cohen to Phnom Penh talks with<br />

<strong>AsiaLIFE</strong>’s Mark Bibby Jackson about<br />

the ground-breaking concert and clears<br />

the air on controversy surrounding the<br />

event. Photo by James Grant.<br />

What made you choose Leonard<br />

Cohen for the inaugural<br />

Mekong Sessions concert Or<br />

did Cohen choose you<br />

A little bit of both, actually. I<br />

personally approached Leonard<br />

Cohen after developing the<br />

concept of the Mekong Sessions<br />

not only because he is the acknowledged<br />

master of his genre<br />

but I also felt he would have an<br />

affinity with the country (being<br />

an ordained Buddhist monk),<br />

its struggles and its efforts to<br />

rejuvenate itself. However, the<br />

concert is only going ahead<br />

precisely because of Leonard<br />

Cohen’s exceptional generosity<br />

and vision.<br />

It’s very important to understand<br />

that this is not just another<br />

concert; there’s a level of passion<br />

and commitment from all<br />

the parties involved, including<br />

our sponsors, to ensure that the<br />

event is seamlessly organized<br />

and an unforgettable experience<br />

for everyone, including the<br />

artist, the band and the crew.<br />

Without these commitments<br />

and Leonard Cohen recognizing<br />

the potential of Cambodia, the<br />

concert wouldn’t be possible<br />

and I continue to be staggered<br />

and humbled by the privilege<br />

and the opportunity which his<br />

decision to perform here represents.<br />

We are all very lucky he<br />

is coming.<br />

You have stated previously in<br />

<strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> Cambodia that the<br />

Cohen show is a landmark concert<br />

and will rejuvenate Phnom<br />

Penh. What makes you feel that<br />

one concert can give the city<br />

such an uplift<br />

Leonard Cohen’s performance<br />

is a landmark event by virtue<br />

of being just the first in a long<br />

series of Mekong Sessions concerts.<br />

His concert is exclusive to<br />

Asia, the first time he has ever<br />

performed here, and will be the<br />

last live performance outside<br />

the U.S. These are enormous<br />

achievements for a city, which<br />

less than a decade ago had<br />

few paved streets. Establishing<br />

Phnom Penh as the Southeast<br />

Asian concert hub together with<br />

AEG Live is one of our primary<br />

aims, and Leonard Cohen agreeing<br />

to perform here has been a<br />

critical catalyst in building confidence<br />

that Cambodia not only<br />

has the potential to stand up as<br />

a recognized concert venue but<br />

can emerge as the most unique<br />

destination of choice for artists<br />

and fans alike.<br />

This has significant economic<br />

implications for Phnom Penh<br />

and Cambodia. As well as<br />

Cambodian residents, our target<br />

market is the affluent locals<br />

and expats in the region—there<br />

are over 11 million expats in<br />

Southeast Asia alone. This<br />

brings considerable revenue<br />

into the country from visa costs<br />

to hotels, hospitality and visits<br />

to places like Angkor Wat.<br />

Our mature regional media<br />

partnerships with <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong><br />

Phnom Penh/HCMC, the Bangkok<br />

Post, the Phnom Penh Post<br />

and F <strong>Magazine</strong> all contribute to<br />

promoting the region and fostering<br />

positive commercial co-<br />

operation. The partnership with<br />

the Bangkok Post in particular<br />

represents a historic development<br />

with businesses and media<br />

in Cambodia and Thailand<br />

cooperating to promote events<br />

in Phnom Penh.<br />

You have worked for 15 years<br />

in Cambodia with CNVLD,<br />

an NGO that develops sports<br />

programmes for disabled individuals.<br />

Can you explain how<br />

the disabled in Cambodia will<br />

benefit from the concert<br />

After 15 years, the CNVLD is<br />

still only touching the tip of<br />

the iceberg in terms of demographics.<br />

There are over 300,000<br />

persons with a disability in<br />

Cambodia, all of whom could<br />

benefit from access to sport<br />

and recreation programmes.<br />

With adequate resources we<br />

will be able to establish 20 or 30<br />

new volleyball and wheelchair<br />

racing clubs overnight, which<br />

would allow massive opportunities<br />

not only for persons with<br />

a disability at an individual<br />

level but also on the international<br />

competition level. Thanks<br />

to the input from the Mekong<br />

Sessions, the CNVLD’s current<br />

programmes will be able to<br />

strengthen and we’ll have the<br />

"Mekong<br />

Sessions is in<br />

the final stages<br />

of negotiation<br />

to see Bob<br />

Dylan perform<br />

here."<br />

capacity to expand the number<br />

of sports we offer. Just as importantly,<br />

the renovations to the<br />

Olympic Stadium will provide<br />

international standard facilities<br />

not only for athletes with a disability<br />

but all Cambodian and<br />

international athletes.<br />

You have informed me of your<br />

plans for future Mekong Sessions<br />

involving the greats of<br />

the music scene. Have you any<br />

fresh news<br />

We are exceptionally proud of<br />

our relationship with AEG Live,<br />

who manage some of the very<br />

best artists in the world and<br />

have singled out Cambodia as<br />

a key location in their global<br />

strategy. The Mekong Sessions is<br />

immediately focused on bringing<br />

legendary artists to Phnom<br />

Penh but is also exploring bringing<br />

big name contemporary acts<br />

to perform in the outdoor arena,<br />

as well as organizing regional<br />

concerts by homegrown talent.<br />

We are also working toward<br />

hosting large-scale cultural<br />

events. Fans can look forward to<br />

an anticipated three concerts a<br />

year here.<br />

I can also reveal for the<br />

first time to <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> that the<br />

Mekong Sessions is in the final<br />

stages of negotiation to see Bob<br />

Dylan perform here in the first<br />

half of 2011 in a concert absolutely<br />

exclusive to Asia. That will be<br />

historic, no doubt about it.<br />

As you know there has been a<br />

fair amount of criticism over<br />

the pricing policy for the Cohen<br />

concert. What do you say to<br />

those who claim the tickets are<br />

too expensive<br />

To a large degree the size of<br />

the venue at just 3,500 seats—<br />

compared to other tour venues<br />

of 10 –15,000—has a considerable<br />

impact on ticket prices.<br />

Thanks to the exceptional personal<br />

generosity of Mr. Cohen,<br />

together with Robert Kory<br />

Management and AEG Live, the<br />

artist fees have been reduced. If<br />

this weren’t the case, given the<br />

size of the venue and the costs<br />

required to produce an event to<br />

the quality required by an artist<br />

of such calibre, the cheapest<br />

tickets would be US $600.<br />

Remember, this is a benefit<br />

concert with the specific aim of<br />

raising funds to assist persons<br />

with a disability in Cambodia, so<br />

all ticket buyers can be assured<br />

that their hard-earned money is<br />

not only providing them the opportunity<br />

to witness one of the<br />

world’s greatest performers in<br />

the most intimate venue, but is<br />

also making a significant contribution<br />

to support the aspirations<br />

of some of the most marginalized<br />

in Cambodian society.<br />

For more information about the<br />

Mekong Sessions, visit www.themekongsessions.com<br />

online<br />

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Dinh Tien Hoang extends from Ton Duc<br />

Thang, intersecting at Le Duan right in the<br />

city’s centre, before cutting through Binh<br />

Thanh—an area ripe with local flavour. Beth<br />

Young investigates with a little help from<br />

Stephy Thai. Photos by Miguel Lopez.<br />

University of Social Sciences<br />

and Humanities<br />

10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

www.vns.edu.vn<br />

This university marks the<br />

beginning of Dinh Tien Hoang.<br />

It is also said to be the place to<br />

learn how to speak Vietnamese.<br />

The Faculty of Vietnamese<br />

Studies (the office is located<br />

just beyond the cafeteria) has<br />

a handful of helpful Englishspeaking<br />

staff that can suggest<br />

appropriate courses. Students<br />

can select from private or<br />

group lessons, and classes run<br />

throughout the day. The teachers<br />

speak great English and<br />

generally break their lessons<br />

into two components: pronunciation<br />

and vocabulary.<br />

Che Nam Bo 1<br />

2 Bis Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

www.chenambo.com<br />

More than 30 varieties of che<br />

(sweet soup) are available<br />

in this bare-bones quan. The<br />

dessert can be served hot or<br />

cold and can contain anything<br />

from lentils and beans to jelly<br />

and lotus seeds. <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong>’s<br />

enthusiastic editorial assistant<br />

Stephy and I tried the che nhan<br />

nhuc (14,000 VND)—a syrupy<br />

specialty served with tasty longans<br />

and crushed ice. We also<br />

sampled the rau cau dua (17,000<br />

VND)—coconut jelly. Both were<br />

delicious, light and refreshing.<br />

The slightly more upmarket<br />

Che Nam Bo 2 is located just 50<br />

metres down the road at 16/1A<br />

Dinh Tien Hoang.<br />

I-Cute<br />

21 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

This small gift shop’s moniker<br />

sums it up to a tee. Everything<br />

within the store’s candy pink<br />

walls is imported from Japan,<br />

Korea and Thailand. Delicately<br />

embroidered bronze bookmarks<br />

(140,000 VND) and clutches<br />

(950,000 VND) sit beside<br />

stuffed patchwork cats, funky<br />

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pencil cases, costume jewellery<br />

and quirky wind chimes.<br />

Women with excess facial hair<br />

are catered for, too. Nifty face<br />

shavers cost 500,000 VND. It’s<br />

not all kitsch though. I-Cute<br />

also stocks some very fashionable<br />

leather handbags, women’s<br />

shoes and dresses.<br />

Nuong Thit Cuoi<br />

109 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

Mainly a barbecue and hotpot<br />

joint, Nuong Thit Cuoi’s unique<br />

burners set it apart from the<br />

rest of the city’s Japanese restaurants.<br />

Made completely out<br />

of black volcanic rock sourced<br />

from Mount Fuji, the barbecues<br />

don’t let off any smoke and the<br />

stones don’t burn red. Also,<br />

because they are non-stick, no<br />

extra fat is required for cooking.<br />

Their hotpots are healthier than<br />

most, too, thanks to a hearty<br />

dose of added collagen. Small<br />

steamboats are 210,000 VND<br />

while medium-sized servings<br />

are 290,000 VND.<br />

Banh Cuon Tay Ho<br />

127 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

Banh Cuon is a popular breakfast<br />

meal, and reportedly some<br />

of the best is served at this<br />

50- plus year old institution. To<br />

make banh cuon, a thin layer of<br />

rice flour batter is poured onto<br />

a searing-hot griddle to create a<br />

super-thin savoury crepe. The<br />

pancake (22,000 VND) is then<br />

filled with ground pork and<br />

minced woodear mushrooms<br />

and rolled up nice and tight. It<br />

is eaten with cha lua (Vietnamese<br />

ham) and nuoc mam (fish<br />

sauce). Topped with crunchy<br />

fried shallots, fresh basil and<br />

bean sprouts, it’s a tasty, nofuss<br />

treat. Open 5 am to 9 pm.<br />

Quan Thuy 94 aka Crab Shack<br />

84 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

Quan Thuy 94 is regarded by<br />

many—former <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> staffer<br />

and Gas.tron.o.my blogger<br />

Cathy Danh included—as one<br />

of the best crab restaurants<br />

around. A must try is the nem<br />

cua be, crispy fried crab spring<br />

rolls with vermicelli, vegetables<br />

and fish sauce (65,000 VND).<br />

Other options are mien xao cua<br />

(stir-fried crab with vermicelli,<br />

for 85,000 VND) and the fried<br />

soft-shell crabs, known as cua<br />

lot chien bot (120,000 VND for<br />

two people). Definitely don’t<br />

miss out on the steamed pincers<br />

with salt and tamarind (100,000<br />

VND for four).<br />

DLS Paris<br />

181 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

DLS stands for Du Lundi au<br />

Samedi, which translates as<br />

From Monday to Saturday in<br />

French. The high-fashion clothing<br />

line caters for newborns to<br />

children up to 10. The garments<br />

are a little on the pricier side<br />

(200,000 to 700,000 VND), but<br />

asialife HCMC 19

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for the top-quality fabric and<br />

craftsmanship, it’s well worth<br />

spending the extra dong. DLS<br />

also stocks luxe toys, accessories<br />

and furniture and even baby<br />

perfume.<br />

Kon Heo<br />

32 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

www.konheo.com<br />

Designer Huynh Minh Hoang<br />

sells colourful and innovative<br />

graphic T-shirts at Kon Heo<br />

(Vietnamese for piggy, and his<br />

nickname). His creations (all<br />

180,000 VND) are emblazoned<br />

with cheeky local puns and<br />

catchphrases and are a refreshing<br />

change from the nonsensical<br />

English versions. The<br />

cheekiness extends to the unisex<br />

changing room too: black and<br />

white male and female symbols<br />

are printed on the wall next to<br />

the space with genitalia on display.<br />

Ironically, Hoang’s mother<br />

who dresses conservatively in<br />

Vietnamese pyjamas runs Kon<br />

Heo, seemingly with no qualms<br />

about the exposed private parts.<br />

Hachi Hachi<br />

127B-A5 Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

www.hachihachi.com.vn<br />

Hachi Hachi is the closest thing<br />

to a 99 cent store with most<br />

items selling for a mere 35,000<br />

VND. Everything from hair<br />

baubles and kitchenware to rolling<br />

pot-plant stands and plastic<br />

dumbbells that fill with water<br />

can be found at the Japanese<br />

store. Be warned: it’s difficult to<br />

walk out of Hachi Hachi without<br />

buying something.<br />

Lang Ong Ba Chieu<br />

Corner Dinh Tien Hoang & Phan<br />

Dang Luu<br />

Le Van Duyet was a military<br />

strategist and government officer<br />

whose life spanned over<br />

two dynasties: Nguyen Anh<br />

and Minh Mang. Duyet and<br />

his first wife Do Thi Phan are<br />

buried at the pagoda, known<br />

best to Vietnamese as Lang Ong<br />

Ba Chieu. Born in the Mekong<br />

Delta province of Tien Giang<br />

province in 1764, Duyet died in<br />

1832. He is regarded as one of<br />

the most important Vietnamese<br />

heroes and the hoards of<br />

locals who gather here to pray<br />

are testament to his legendary<br />

status. Inside, a stuffed tiger<br />

stands prominently on display,<br />

an ode to the Chinese lunar<br />

year he was born in and a massive<br />

bronze statue in his image<br />

takes centre stage. Elderly male<br />

volunteers man the pagoda and<br />

are on hand to offer guidance,<br />

too.<br />

Dinh Tien Hoang, as he was referred to after his death,<br />

founded the Dinh Dynasty—the second Vietnamese<br />

empire. Hoang’s reign as emperor didn’t last long<br />

though. He and his eldest son, Dinh Lien, were murdered<br />

in their sleep in 979.<br />

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From The Camera's Eye<br />

Imagine a band of brothers<br />

and sisters, all photographers,<br />

bound together with their love<br />

of the camera and driving<br />

through lush sceneries with the<br />

sole purpose of recording those<br />

images. It is now possible for<br />

photographers, amateur and<br />

aspiring alike, to discover and<br />

photograph terraced-rice fields,<br />

mountain vistas, lakes and<br />

waterfalls on tours organized<br />

by VN Photo Tours and hosted<br />

by Guy Gonyea, a professional<br />

Vietnam-based photographer<br />

with vast experience in skill and<br />

technique as well as nine years<br />

of travelling and shooting the<br />

country. Gonyea is on hand as<br />

guide, as well as to assist travellers<br />

on photography-related<br />

queries, from simple technical<br />

tasks to more complex ones that<br />

require learning how/when to<br />

know to capture an image.<br />

As the images on the pages<br />

showcase, it is now possible to<br />

take your passion for photography<br />

to a new level in comfortable<br />

surroundings and environs<br />

with peers who share the same<br />

passion and hold the same drive.<br />

22 asialife HCMC

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asialife HCMC 23

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24 asialife HCMC

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GUY GONYEA<br />

PhotoTours Viet Nam<br />

guy@phototoursvietnam.com<br />

www.phototoursvietnam.com<br />

0908490622<br />

asialife HCMC 25

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WOMEN<br />

A woman can feel daunted by the plethora<br />

of choices and trends that sashayed down<br />

Spring Summer 2011 runways in the west.<br />

Sheer long skirts, maxi dresses, the punk<br />

goth look, Bohemian rhapsodies and colour<br />

palettes ranging from wild to nudes. Learn<br />

to trust your instinct as you hone in on<br />

your own style and take a leaf from our<br />

pages to unleash the fashionista in you.

---

MEN<br />

The best looks from Spring Summer 2011<br />

runways were ones whose emphasis was on<br />

all things classic: In tailoring we saw it in<br />

the double breasted jacket and in colours we<br />

saw it in the muted tones and navys. Even<br />

military chic was presented in a classic<br />

manner. These examples, and more, are easy<br />

to emulate in HCM City, ensuring that every<br />

man looks distinguished.

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Givenchy<br />

28 asialife HCMC

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WALK THIS WAY<br />

The latest Spring Summer collections saw a vibrancy of<br />

colour, in a host of fabrics with attention to detail, matched<br />

with a return to decadence in style. Soosie Lee advises<br />

woman how to incorporate the best trends for HCM City.<br />

“A girl should be two things: classy and<br />

fabulous.” So said Coco Chanel, the grand<br />

matriarch of women’s fashion, a designer<br />

who possessed a tome of wisdom on all that<br />

is style and who continues to influence the<br />

runways, decades after her passing.<br />

Women covet a piece of Chanel—be it a<br />

tweed jacket, the chain belt purse or even<br />

the famed No 5 scent—as they believe that<br />

the item represents the ultimate in style. Karl<br />

Lagerfeld, showing his Spring Summer 2011<br />

(SS 11) collection in Paris, has ensured that<br />

Chanel’s legacy stays alive; this year, the<br />

feather showed up in hints and accents, be<br />

it in a pair of jeans or in the signature tweed<br />

jacket or as a wisp across a chiffon dress.<br />

But it is not just Chanel that women<br />

aspire to own; the list of designers creating<br />

timeless pieces fused with trends they hope<br />

catch on has grown exponentially. This is<br />

amply evidenced by the number of media<br />

outlets (print, online, TV and new media)<br />

devoted solely to fashion. That 14-year-old<br />

blogger Tavi Genison in the United States<br />

can share space at fashion weeks with<br />

Vogue editor Anna Wintour is an indication<br />

of the power of fashion—as much as it is a<br />

nod by the fashion industry to understanding<br />

the influence of bloggers. After all, social<br />

media too has aided in transforming brands<br />

into uber brands. Thanks to the media, more<br />

and more young women are aware—and<br />

hanker after—Marc Jacobs, Chloe, Balenciaga,<br />

Givenchy, Prada to name a few.<br />

But craving the latest sheer skirt by<br />

Balenciaga or wanting the wedge platform<br />

doesn’t necessarily translate into possessing<br />

style. Too often one comes across a<br />

person dressed head to toe in one brand.<br />

He/She may think they are stylish because<br />

they have draped themselves in a brand but<br />

little do they realize what a mockery they<br />

make of themselves by doing so. Then there<br />

is the fear of ridicule that prevents so many<br />

from attempting to infuse new life into their<br />

wardrobe: myths continue to be perpetuated<br />

by women who think that after a certain<br />

age, a particular colour can’t figure in their<br />

wardrobe. There’s truth to the adage that<br />

“the number one rule in fashion is that there<br />

are no rules” but one must find balance in<br />

their choice of dressing.<br />

How does one, thus, take in all the trends<br />

currently emerging out of Fashion Weeks in<br />

Milan, New York, London and Paris Briefly<br />

it’s important to understand the purpose and<br />

asialife HCMC 29

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Loewe<br />

Chloe<br />

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BOLD, BRILLIANT, VIBRANT COLOURS SASHAYED DOWN ALL<br />

MAJOR RUNWAYS BUT I WANT TO SINGLE OUT LOEWE WHO<br />

WERE PARTICULARLY ADVENTUROUS IN THEIR USE OF HUES<br />

OF COLOUR. THIS TREND CAN WORK WELL HERE WHERE<br />

MANY VIETNAMESE, AND EVEN EXPATS, MAY NOT FEEL BRAVE<br />

ENOUGH TO DON AN ORANGE SHIRT PAIRED WITH JEANS.<br />

rationale behind fashion weeks. Foremost,<br />

it is an opportunity for designers to present<br />

their latest collections to buyers, who<br />

choose inventory for their stores, and journalists,<br />

who also assess the mood, review<br />

the collection and identify the next big trend.<br />

Is it possible for individuals to do the same<br />

without having access to a personal stylist or<br />

breaking their bank balance Absolutely. A<br />

lot of it has to do with trusting your instinct:<br />

at 40, it is unlikely you can pull off an entire<br />

goth look as shown by Nicolas Bhesquiere<br />

of Balenciaga in Paris but you can certainly<br />

take elements from it—a tailored jacket with<br />

zips is sophisticated but still playful.<br />

In the following pages, I have chosen what<br />

I believe are the best of the trends for Spring<br />

Summer 2011 which can be easily adapted<br />

in Vietnam, specifically Saigon given the<br />

weather.<br />

Hue Said It<br />

Spring is always seen as celebratory and<br />

welcomed in the fashion world given that<br />

there are two collections a year (spring/<br />

summer and fall/winter) and the best way<br />

to do this is with colour, nearly an explosion<br />

of it. SS11 was no exception. Bold, brilliant,<br />

vibrant colours sashayed down all major<br />

runways but I want to single out Loewe who<br />

were particularly adventurous in their use of<br />

hues of colour. This trend can work well here<br />

where many Vietnamese, and even expats,<br />

may not feel brave enough to don an orange<br />

shirt paired with jeans. Hues of lavender,<br />

however, not only look stunning but is easier<br />

on the eye for women wanting to change<br />

the palette of their wardrobe; think of it<br />

as easing into colour if you tend to wear<br />

monotones.<br />

Bold prints, leopard prints, stars and<br />

stripes, florals were big trends too and can<br />

easily be paired with solid colours—think<br />

print shirt matched with plain coloured<br />

trouser or skirt or vice versa. A bold printed<br />

shift dress too can look elegant in the day or<br />

evening and works well for Saigon.<br />

For the more adventurous, however,<br />

embrace the boldness with joy as Marc<br />

Jacobs has done for his own label as well as<br />

for Louis Vuitton. The latter was especially a<br />

wonderful collection, a tribute to Shanghai<br />

Chic: vibrant colours in luxurious fabrics<br />

made the cheongsam stunning and Jacobs<br />

bought elegance to the pajama suit detailing<br />

it with tassles. In fact, Orientalism reared<br />

its fashionable head at Kenzo with kimono<br />

prints, lots of oriental flowers at Dries Van<br />

Noten and kimono style pajamas at John<br />

Galliano.<br />

Move To The Pleat<br />

It’s all in the details and pleats made their<br />

appearance in several collections, notably<br />

Chloe. They are an excellent detail to an<br />

otherwise monotone shirt, skirt or dress as<br />

they can enhance the figure very well. Be<br />

warned though that too many pleats can<br />

make a person appear bigger so go light on<br />

them. Stella McCartney showed a wonderful<br />

long dress, pleated with high slits, so as not<br />

to look overdone and that is a look that can<br />

be easily replicated here.<br />

Plenty Of Fluids<br />

The fashion industry is confident that the<br />

worst of global economic woes are over<br />

and heralded a new era by splurging on<br />

fabrics, and lots of it—most evidenced by<br />

the hemline going long. This is great news<br />

for women in Saigon who want to cover up<br />

and be comfortable in long flowy dresses in<br />

a plethora of fabrics. Nothing says luxe and<br />

glam more than diaphanous chiffon draped<br />

asialife HCMC 31

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Marc Jacobs<br />

AS SEXY AS IT MAY APPEAR ON THE RUNWAY, LEATHER<br />

PANTS (OR JACKETS FOR THAT MATTER) CAN ONLY BE<br />

PULLED OFF AS EVENING WEAR IN SAIGON, AND THAT<br />

TOO AT COOL INDOOR TEMPERATURES. IF THAT IS<br />

POSSIBLE THEN INVEST IN A PAIR OF LEATHER PANTS AS<br />

THEY ARE ULTRA CHIC AND DON’T STAY WITHIN THE<br />

BLACK/TAN/WHITE PALETTE.<br />

Balenciaga<br />

32 asialife HCMC

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Brioni<br />

THERE’S TRUTH TO THE ADAGE THAT<br />

“THE NUMBER ONE RULE IN FASHION IS<br />

THAT THERE ARE NO RULES” BUT ONE<br />

MUST FIND BALANCE IN THEIR CHOICE<br />

OF DRESSING.<br />

over your body. Think chiffon prints (or<br />

plains) accented with a few details (cut out<br />

sleeves which are a big trend for SS11 or<br />

pleats) as dresses for evening wear.<br />

Long Is Back<br />

Fashion is cyclical and what is in one day is<br />

out the next—only to resurface a few years<br />

later. This spring and summer bid farewell<br />

to the mini and prepare for the midi or maxi<br />

skirt. We saw this at Chloe with sheer long<br />

skirts, veiled ones at Givenchy and ballerinaskirts<br />

at Alexander McQueen. Brioni too<br />

put up a fabulous collection featuring midis.<br />

These can easily be worn with slightly more<br />

form fitting tops for the graceful bodied or<br />

slightly loose tops (but not too loose) for<br />

the more conservative amongst us. Those<br />

wanting to wear the sheer midi skirt can opt<br />

for a short slip inside and pair it with a more<br />

skin revealing top. To add more shape to the<br />

flowing skirt, wear a belt, big bulky ones are<br />

hot this coming season.<br />

Romancing The Bohemian<br />

The Bohemian look never goes out of style—<br />

thankfully or not depending on which side of<br />

the divide you fall into but for Saigon, it’s a<br />

relatively easy look to replicate. Think vintage<br />

and mix it up with more trendy hippie chic<br />

for a laid-back casual look. The midi or maxi<br />

dress in florals is a great example of how to<br />

go boho without looking like you tried too<br />

hard. Play with lace, a major SS11 trend on<br />

the runways, in either peasant tops or detailed<br />

in shirts—as we saw in Marc Jacobs’<br />

collection.<br />

Too Low To Get Under<br />

The flat shoe, a woman’s real best friend,<br />

is ideal spring summer footwear and will<br />

provide a respite from the sky-high heels one<br />

has stuffed their toes into. This is a wonderful<br />

opportunity to take a break and give your<br />

feet breathing room as the flat sole as well<br />

as the kitten heel are the big trends next<br />

season. Balenciaga had delicate sandals,<br />

Dolce & Gabbana had criss crossed sandals,<br />

and the ballet shoe (another classic) made<br />

its appearance on the runways. Saigon has<br />

a plethora of choices in bejeweled, delicate<br />

and fun flats and kitten heels.<br />

Snake Charmer<br />

Strictly for the brave hearted, leather was a<br />

star fabric on the Parisian runways. Jean-<br />

Paul Gaultier, closing his seven years at<br />

Hermes, showed skin tight leather pants,<br />

tight leather tops featured in Celine’s summer<br />

line, Balenciaga created fun leather<br />

jackets in blues and Burberry’s leatherstudded<br />

jacket gave off a sophisticated<br />

biker chic vibe on the runways. As sexy as it<br />

may appear on the runway, leather pants (or<br />

jackets for that matter) can only be pulled off<br />

as evening wear in Saigon, and that too at<br />

cool indoor temperatures. If that is possible<br />

then invest in a pair of leather pants as they<br />

are ultra chic and don’t stay within the black/<br />

tan/white palette; be adventurous and fuse<br />

colours into one outfit to make a smashing<br />

appearance.<br />

It is easy to get distracted by many things<br />

in our quest to look fashionable—especially<br />

when trying to replicate the latest collections,<br />

which have ditched previous minimalistic<br />

trends and are waking from their austerechic<br />

slumber. Instead of going all punk,<br />

goth, boho or Shanghai chic, choose elements,<br />

details that appeal to you and build<br />

on from there. Play with colours, fabrics,<br />

textures and lengths until you feel you’ve got<br />

a look that works for you, is comfortable and<br />

above all, looks luxurious.<br />

asialife HCMC 33

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34 asialife HCMC

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SPRING’S RUNWAY<br />

STARS<br />

Luis Antonio Torres studies the latest collections in the west<br />

and advises men how to take the best from the runway and<br />

adapt it into their HCM City wardrobe. Photos by Fred Wissink.<br />

Readers in Vietnam, or Southeast Asia for<br />

that matter, may enjoy following fashion<br />

trends on the runways but knowing how to<br />

apply them to their everyday wear is a subject<br />

that, I believe, is of greater interest. For<br />

expats, myself included and Southeast Asian<br />

men, who, while surfing through TV channels<br />

stop at FTV to catch glimpses of the latest<br />

collections of D&G, Roberto Cavalli and many<br />

others, we often wonder: "How do I apply<br />

cheetah skin spandex pants, goose feather<br />

lined coats and Gothic underground to my<br />

Vietnam wardrobe" The answer is quite<br />

simple: You don’t.<br />

Fashion tastes (and trends) can be a<br />

controversial subject matter. When looking<br />

at a particular image from a runway, my<br />

esteemed colleagues' opinions can range<br />

from "spot on" to "racy" or "this looks extra<br />

terrestrial." Against this backdrop, how does<br />

one ascertain what to take from the runways<br />

The good news is that there are a plethora<br />

of wonderful trends in Italy and the rest of<br />

Europe that most certainly can be emulated<br />

by the sophisticated gentleman, the young<br />

sartorialist and the fashionista right here at<br />

home. Fear not, they are sensible for Vietnam,<br />

nothing over the top, and most importantly,<br />

they do not break the bank but give a luxurious<br />

feel.<br />

Let's start with some big trends for spring,<br />

especially in Italy. The return of the double<br />

breasted blazer in navy blue and in a plethora<br />

of colours and textiles is welcome news. This<br />

is the piece that every man, young or old,<br />

must have in the closet. Keep in mind I’m<br />

not referring to the Armani 1980s shoulder<br />

padded version jacket that we so vaguely<br />

remember from the movie American Gigolo<br />

starring Richard Gere. Today's version is a<br />

soft shouldered, nice slim cut silhouette in<br />

through the waist, and a mid-chest length V<br />

gorge of the jacket. The absence of the neck<br />

tie for office wear is also prevalent, continuing<br />

from this fall into spring. The double breast<br />

jacket was spotted on the collections of Gucci,<br />

Balmain, Z Zegna, Ferragamo and many<br />

other houses for Spring 2011.<br />

The neck tie has also been replaced with<br />

the scarf, cravat or an open collar shirt which<br />

exudes that subtle chic and sophisticated<br />

feel. On my most recent trip to Milan, I spotted<br />

many men just wearing basic chinos,<br />

great blazers and jackets, with casual<br />

sneakers in the day. Many of us might find<br />

the sneaker a bit daunting, but if you wear<br />

a sporty luxe white leather tennis shoe and<br />

pair it with an awesome white chino, a navy<br />

blazer you've just whipped up the perfect city<br />

chic look which works best for those on the<br />

move in the city. Rest assured, this look is<br />

totally in, totally sexy, and almost anyone can<br />

wear it.<br />

Moving onto a more casual lifestyle trend,<br />

which I feel speaks to many of us and is a<br />

style that we can all relate to: the military cum<br />

safari chic. This is a hot Spring 2011 trend.<br />

I personally have always loved the idea of<br />

asialife HCMC 35

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36 asialife HCMC

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"HOW DO I APPLY CHEETAH SKIN SPANDEX PANTS, GOOSE<br />

FEATHER LINED COATS AND GOTHIC UNDERGROUND<br />

TO MY VIETNAM WARDROBE" THE ANSWER IS QUITE<br />

SIMPLE: YOU DON’T.<br />

a safari chic cargo shirt jacket, cargo chino<br />

shorts, a white voile shirt paired with a white<br />

canvas sneaker to tie the whole look in. This<br />

style bodes well for city dwellers in Vietnam:<br />

it is conservative in taste, however, there is<br />

just enough style to claim it as fashionable for<br />

2011. Designers such as Ralph Lauren Blue<br />

Label, Woolen of Canterbury and Burberry<br />

are all selling these looks in various colours<br />

and fabrics for spring. These basic items<br />

can also be paired with denim jeans, and<br />

other basic tropical woolen trousers for more<br />

versatility. So, take the commando out of the<br />

military and simplify it. After all, less is always<br />

more.<br />

I have also seen this trend transcend<br />

beyond ready to wear, into apparel lines, i.e.<br />

accessories like hand bags and footwear.<br />

Milanese local trends are all about the messenger<br />

bag, and the soft leather satchels one<br />

can use for all occasions. The messenger by<br />

Orobianco Italy is a perfect example of what<br />

is happening in the market in regards to a<br />

man’s must have accessory.<br />

Looking further down the runways,<br />

Hermes created a lovely spin on military chic<br />

this spring. I personally love the light weight<br />

suede military green pants, the silk printed<br />

shirt, and the silk scarf to tie the look together.<br />

Quite simply, the styles of each of the<br />

items are quite basic but a man can cherish<br />

these for many future seasons. An important<br />

point to remember about military style is that<br />

the colour palette must have the right amount<br />

of subtleness and match your skin tone accordingly.<br />

Light tones work well with lighter<br />

skin and dark tones excellent with dark skin.<br />

When wanting to wear military chic, stay<br />

away from trendy colourway camo prints in<br />

off beat colours. These are an example of the<br />

"here today, gone tomorrow" trend. However,<br />

tea green, brown, chocolate, and tobacco<br />

all work throughout the four seasons not to<br />

mention on the budget. These tones will work<br />

beautifully in our Southeast Asian climate and<br />

can be used season after season<br />

Let's talk about the night crawler crowd<br />

for whom everything seen on the runway is<br />

even more exciting than the military chic ensembles<br />

I have just discussed. This coming<br />

summer, there is an array of styles available<br />

in eveningwear. I personally lean towards the<br />

classic shawl collar one-button tuxedo jacket<br />

paired with lovely indigo denim jeans, a crisp<br />

white open collar shirt and a Black Berlutti<br />

loafer. This look, embodies uber taste, confidence<br />

and sophistication. Most men dare not<br />

attempt this look for fear of looking like a fish<br />

out of water, or, resembling the old guy who’s<br />

trying too hard to look young and trendy.<br />

Frankly, whichever suits your tastes: a white<br />

double breasted dinner jacket, a shawl collar<br />

tux jacket or even a black on black seersucker<br />

summer tux—all these items were hits on<br />

all the major houses and independent lines.<br />

The image of the double breasted tuxedo<br />

jacket by DSquared, a white poplin open<br />

shirt and black tapered trousers is refreshing,<br />

young and something that works well with<br />

Saigon's climate.<br />

What is of utmost importance when planning<br />

a look or contemplating a change in<br />

wardrobe, is that fashion and taste is what we<br />

make of it. I'm not suggesting you follow the<br />

look of a fashion photo down to the T; instead<br />

take your cue from it. I believe many men<br />

have a tuxedo in their closet but it's been relegated<br />

to black tie events, weddings or to be<br />

worn with a white tie. It is time to dust off that<br />

tux, wear it with a great pair of jeans, a white<br />

shirt and loafers—and take your wife out for a<br />

night on the town. I am confident this look will<br />

turn heads—and it's a double bonus that it is<br />

fresh off the spring runways.<br />

Here's another example of what tasteful<br />

evening wear can look like: A great two-tone<br />

shirt with rounded club collar and collar bar, a<br />

classic navy blazer with brass buttons paired<br />

with classic indigo jeans. This is totally amazing<br />

and chic. This can easily be adapted for<br />

Saigon evening wear.<br />

In conclusion, one should look at runway<br />

looks to ascertain what is most easy to<br />

emulate for themselves. All the examples I've<br />

quoted prove that you will have no problem<br />

pulling these looks off right here in Vietnam.<br />

If you have any questions or are in need of<br />

expert wardrobe advice, please feel free to<br />

email me. I will address them in my column,<br />

Sartorial Conundrums. a.torres@massimoferrari.com.vn<br />

asialife HCMC 37

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Vietnam veteran Stanley Walter Middleton wrote letters to<br />

Nguyen Thi Sinh for years during the American War without<br />

ever knowing she was his confidante. Now, they’re happily<br />

married, living in Australia and helping others reunite. Beth<br />

Young tells their story. Photos provided by Stan Middleton.<br />

A recent Aussie rules football<br />

game at Melbourne’s iconic<br />

MCG was the backdrop for a<br />

reunion.<br />

With the Sydney Swans vying<br />

for a win on the ground, a<br />

group of Australian Vietnam<br />

veterans converged to share<br />

battle stories and reminisce<br />

about the footy they played<br />

while serving at Vung Tau during<br />

the American War. For the<br />

duration of their stay, they ran a<br />

full-scale competition that saw<br />

the opposing units contend for<br />

bi-yearly premiership titles. A<br />

morale booster, the game also<br />

helped to forge strong bonds<br />

between the players, evident in<br />

the camaraderie on display at<br />

the gathering.<br />

The man behind the gettogether<br />

is Stanley Walter<br />

Middleton, a digger himself,<br />

who’s been central to many a<br />

personal reunion. His own story<br />

is particularly poignant: upon<br />

his return from Vietnam, and<br />

several years of correspondence<br />

later, he met his now wife faceto-face<br />

for the first time in 2002.<br />

Stan was just 20 when he<br />

was conscripted to the Australian<br />

Army. He completed<br />

his training, then on August<br />

23, 1967 was sent to 2 Composite<br />

Ordnance Depot (later<br />

known as 2AOD) on the Back<br />

Beach at “Vungers,” where his<br />

unit issued supplies to all the<br />

other Australian units posted in<br />

Vietnam.<br />

Stan also rode as a shotgun<br />

escort for convoys enroute to<br />

Nui Dat and Saigon—a role that<br />

was sometimes wrought with<br />

danger. Now and then, he and<br />

another digger would travel<br />

along the Saigon River from<br />

Vung Tau to HCM City and vice<br />

versa, taking the same route the<br />

hydrofoil now uses, to deliver<br />

supplies. Then, the journey<br />

could take up to eight hours and<br />

they were often subject to sniper<br />

attack.<br />

Scarier still, Stan was sometimes<br />

required to take shifts as a<br />

sentry, protecting the camp from<br />

raids. “We would be locked out<br />

of our barbed wire perimeter in<br />

the sand hills at night, propped<br />

behind a M60 machine gun,<br />

which wasn’t very pleasant,” he<br />

recalls.<br />

Still, from his time in Vung<br />

Tau, Stan remembers with great<br />

fondness the football he and his<br />

fellow diggers played and the<br />

relationships he fostered with<br />

the locals he worked alongside.<br />

“The friendships our diggers developed<br />

with those Vietnamese<br />

was very warm and reciprocal,”<br />

he says.<br />

One such colleague was Pham<br />

Thi Thom, a young woman with<br />

whom Stan developed a close<br />

friendship. When he left Vung<br />

Tau on May 8, 1968 the pair became<br />

pen pals, writing to each<br />

38 asialife HCMC

---

Aussie Rules Footy (Vung Tau) 1967<br />

Sinh & Thom (Vung Tau) 1969<br />

Stan Middleton 1966<br />

asialife HCMC 39

---

HMAS Sydney<br />

other until 1973 when the Australians<br />

pulled out of Vietnam.<br />

Unbeknownst to Stan, however,<br />

he was communicating with<br />

another woman—Nguyen Thi<br />

Sinh. “I didn’t even know she<br />

existed,” he says.<br />

Thom, whose written English<br />

wasn’t very strong, had asked<br />

Sinh—who worked at the Badcoe<br />

Club in Vung Tau, where<br />

the Australians would go for<br />

R&R—to pen the letters to Stan<br />

and gave her free reign to write<br />

what she liked. So she did, always<br />

signing off as Thom, and<br />

never once mentioning herself.<br />

Funnily, Sinh—who nearly 40<br />

years later would marry Stan—<br />

always addressed the letters to<br />

him and Trish—his late wife.<br />

It’s something that Stan’s three<br />

daughters, who lost their mum<br />

to cancer as children, relish.<br />

“The girls can’t believe that she<br />

Stan Middleton Saigon River 1967<br />

used to write to their mother.<br />

[They] think it’s amazing.”<br />

However, Stan wouldn’t discovery<br />

the real identity of the<br />

letter writer until much later,<br />

in fact, until he tracked down<br />

Thom. He’d tried for a long<br />

time to find her but it wasn’t<br />

until 2002, when he convinced<br />

Telstra (an Australian<br />

phone company) to contact<br />

the Saigon Exchange in a bid<br />

to assist in his search that he<br />

made some progress. With<br />

only Thom’s name to guide<br />

him the exchange couldn’t<br />

promise much. Still, they<br />

produced a telephone number,<br />

which he called straightaway.<br />

To his absolute surprise Thom<br />

answered and after quizzing<br />

her he was certain he had the<br />

right woman.<br />

With Thom’s help, Stan<br />

managed to find more Vietnamese<br />

who worked for the<br />

Australian Army and has since<br />

done his best to help them out<br />

financially. (Last year, he raised<br />

about AU $10,000 to be split<br />

between 16 of the former employees<br />

and their families.)<br />

Soon after making contact<br />

with Thom, Stan and some<br />

mates put on a dinner in Vung<br />

Tau to honour the Vietnamese<br />

employees’ contribution. It<br />

was at this reunion that Sinh<br />

finally introduced herself—and<br />

revealed her identity. “When<br />

I met Sinh she knew all about<br />

me,” he laughs.<br />

The pair were enamoured<br />

with each other, and Stan returned<br />

to Vietnam the following<br />

year, hailing the start of a love<br />

affair nearly four decades in the<br />

making. Married for five years<br />

now and living in Melbourne,<br />

Australia, the Middletons’ good<br />

luck has rubbed off on some of<br />

their friends, too.<br />

Thom has since married an<br />

Australian named Ritchard<br />

‘Johnno’ Johnston—a digger<br />

who was in Stan’s unit and a<br />

star of 2AOD’s Aussie Rules<br />

premierships in 1968. According<br />

to Stan the couple were sweet<br />

on each other during the war<br />

and rekindled the spark after he<br />

put them back in touch. Now,<br />

they live in Perth and couldn’t<br />

be happier, Stan says.<br />

Happiest of all though are<br />

the Middletons. Sinh (along<br />

with her youngest son Nguyen<br />

Thanh Luan, now 20) has<br />

escaped a lifetime of hardship<br />

and poverty and in doing so<br />

has created a new life with her<br />

husband and his extended family.<br />

And Stan has finally found<br />

love again after losing his first<br />

wife. “I’m a lucky old bugger,”<br />

he says lovingly. “I’m just very<br />

happy I met her.”<br />

Stan & Sinh Middleton Halong Bay 2006<br />

40 asialife HCMC

---

Follow the Leader<br />

Johnny Park of Right Management gives Beth Young a tutorial on great leadership<br />

and explains how core philosophies can be applied to the workplace and everyday life.<br />

In a recent study, Right Management—a<br />

career consultancy firm<br />

that operates under the Manpower<br />

umbrella—found only<br />

40 percent of employees were<br />

engaged and working at full<br />

capacity. According to business<br />

development manager, Johnny<br />

Park it takes a great leader to<br />

raise the bar and motivate their<br />

team to increase productivity<br />

to its peak. The same principles<br />

can be applied to daily life, too,<br />

Park says, adding that as members<br />

of a family or community,<br />

inspiring leadership can elicit<br />

startling results.<br />

To be an effective leader, Park<br />

suggests taking a cue from Dr.<br />

Stephen Covey, the author of<br />

Seven Habits for Highly Effective<br />

People. Covey believes there are<br />

four imperatives to leadership.<br />

They are to inspire trust, clarify<br />

purpose, align systems and<br />

unleash talent. It’s not enough<br />

to practice just one element,<br />

though, Park says. For success,<br />

each step should be taken<br />

together. And, as Park points<br />

out, they’re called imperatives<br />

for a reason. “It has to happen.<br />

It’s absolutely critical.” Follow<br />

his advice below and steer whoever’s<br />

in your charge to success.<br />

Inspire Trust<br />

Excellent leaders inspire trust.<br />

This is more complex than it<br />

first sounds. “It’s not just a<br />

matter of you trust them, they<br />

trust you… they have to have<br />

the competency,” Park says. To<br />

lead, you must be credible. Only<br />

then will your staff trust you<br />

fully. In turn, employees need to<br />

feel trusted. Let them know that<br />

you believe in them and their<br />

abilities. Also resist the urge to<br />

micromanage. This will lead to<br />

your team doubting your confidence<br />

in them and can result in<br />

underperformance.<br />

Clarify Purpose<br />

It is imperative to make sure<br />

your organization’s purpose is<br />

clear and compelling—a mission<br />

that your staff will aspire<br />

to achieve. Better yet, work<br />

with your team to develop the<br />

company’s vision, values and<br />

goals. Making your team part<br />

of the process will give them<br />

a sense of ownership, increasing<br />

morale. What’s more, the<br />

entire staff will be on the same<br />

page—eliminating confusion<br />

and boosting productivity. “If<br />

your leaders can really tap into<br />

you and get you into the same<br />

mindset as them, that will help<br />

you unleash your best behaviours,”<br />

Parks says.<br />

Align Systems<br />

Create successful systems that<br />

support the purpose and goals<br />

of the organization, enable staff<br />

to perform to the best of their<br />

abilities and most importantly,<br />

work independently. “As you<br />

align proper systems, in time<br />

employees can operate on their<br />

own. You can leave a legacy, so<br />

to speak,” Park explains. Your<br />

team will also have more confidence<br />

in the company and its<br />

functions and will go above and<br />

beyond to see to its success.<br />

Unleash Talent<br />

This step can be looked at in<br />

various ways. One, by practising<br />

the previous concepts<br />

your employees’ individual<br />

talents will be unleashed. Or<br />

two, and as Park prefers, be<br />

proactive in uncovering your<br />

employees’ unique hidden<br />

talents. It can be anything,<br />

Park says—cooking, listening,<br />

dog walking, even. In a<br />

business spectrum, it’s about<br />

tapping into your team’s resources,<br />

identifying the extra<br />

skills they can contribute and<br />

adding these skills to their<br />

work functions. The same<br />

can be achieved on a dayto-day<br />

basis, as well. Help<br />

your children, friends, family<br />

or partner to unleash their<br />

talents. You’ll be helping to<br />

shape a well-rounded person<br />

who’s satisfied on all levels—<br />

heart, body, mind and spirit.<br />

And when this whole-person<br />

paradigm is executed, you’ll<br />

really be on your way to success,<br />

Park says.<br />

asialife HCMC 41

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42 asialife HCMC<br />

Saigon Electric is highly anticipated for its depiction of<br />

coming of age issues faced by Vietnamese youth in a<br />

honest and touching way. By Chi Mai. Photos courtesy of<br />

Chang Phuong Films.

---

his December Vietnam’s<br />

theatres will welcome the<br />

Trelease of Saigon Electric, one<br />

of the country’s first hip hop<br />

movies directed by the awardwinning<br />

Vietnamese American<br />

filmmaker Stephane Gauger.<br />

Saigon Electric (Saigon Yo! in<br />

Vietnamese) is a new experiment<br />

by California-trained director,<br />

writer, producer Gauger,<br />

who in 2007, added more than a<br />

handful of international awards<br />

for his film Owl and the Sparrow<br />

into his existing collection of<br />

international acclaim and prizes.<br />

“This is my most commercial<br />

movie so far,” he says.<br />

The film is a coming of age<br />

story of Vietnamese youth set<br />

in the hip hop subculture of<br />

Saigon’s streets. The movie<br />

is a fresh attempt by Gauger<br />

to “give the teenagers a voice<br />

and present to an international<br />

audience a fresh new look at the<br />

dreams and struggles of Asian<br />

youth.”<br />

The plot centres around Mai<br />

(Van Trang), a traditional ribbon<br />

dancer from the countryside,<br />

who comes to Saigon to pursue<br />

her dream of dance. Though she<br />

fails her audition to the national<br />

dance academy, Mai befriends<br />

Kim (Quynh Hoa), a dancer<br />

from the city’s underground hip<br />

hop scene who aspires to enter<br />

the international dance contest<br />

in South Korea with her crew.<br />

On the path to their respective<br />

dreams, the two young girls<br />

from differing backgrounds<br />

and personalities become<br />

good friends as they learn to<br />

overcome hindrances associated<br />

with growing up: egos,<br />

self-doubt, jealousy, competition,<br />

social discrimination and<br />

romance.<br />

Their winding roads see them<br />

meet with Do-Boy (Ha Pham<br />

Anh Hien), Saigon Fresh’s hiphop<br />

dance crew captain, and<br />

Hai (Khuong Ngoc), a young<br />

man born with a silver spoon<br />

in his mouth who had a thing<br />

for the wild Kim; they also<br />

encounter other young fates<br />

representing the fresh seeds of<br />

the Vietnamese nation.<br />

“Except for a few trained professionals,<br />

most of us were firsttime<br />

actors. Many are involved<br />

in the real-life hip hop scene in<br />

Saigon so somehow it felt really<br />

natural being together in this<br />

particular movie,” says Quynh<br />

Hoa, who herself is a 20-yearold<br />

hip hop dancer. Gauger<br />

notes that, “we were very happy<br />

with the amateur actors we<br />

got from the large number of<br />

dancers who came to audition.<br />

They are just so natural for the<br />

movie.”<br />

After a month of acting for<br />

the first time the student cum<br />

hip-hopper Hoa says she realized<br />

how successfully the movie<br />

captured a part of the underground<br />

world she and her peers<br />

had experienced. “Of course,<br />

in real life not all of us [hip<br />

hop dancers] let loose in night<br />

clubs, seek escape in drugs or<br />

get wild and wasted,” she says.<br />

“But at the end of the day, I was<br />

truly impressed that the movie<br />

captured a world that we are<br />

familiar with. Not just the dancing<br />

but all these issues that kids<br />

endure.”<br />

There is much expectation<br />

that Saigon Electric will honestly<br />

reflect an underground culture<br />

and the vigorous spirit of a new<br />

generation of urban Vietnamese.<br />

It is a topic that has yet to be<br />

given the due consideration it<br />

deserves.<br />

Choreographed by American<br />

awarded choreographer Ricky<br />

Cole, Saigon Electric has all the<br />

ingredients of being a big hit<br />

and is already garnering buzz<br />

amongst the young.<br />

Saigon Electric, produced by<br />

Chanh Phuong Films, will be released<br />

tentatively on December 17,<br />

2010 in Vietnam and early 2011 in<br />

the United States and beyond.<br />

asialife HCMC 43

---

Set at the confluence of the<br />

Bassac, Sap and Mekong rivers,<br />

Phnom Penh’s riverfront<br />

has always been a major draw<br />

card. As the sun sets, the FCC’s<br />

balcony becomes congested<br />

with tourists trying to get the<br />

best seat to watch the glistening<br />

waters. However, for two years<br />

major works to the city’s drainage<br />

turned the riverfront into<br />

a worksite. Now completed,<br />

the construction plant has been<br />

replaced by green lawns and<br />

soft landscaping, allowing both<br />

locals and visitors to reclaim the<br />

communal space.<br />

Landscaping is one thing that<br />

Cambodians excel in. Walking<br />

towards the three rivers from<br />

the Independence Monument,<br />

along Sihanouk and Sothearos<br />

Boulevards, you can meander<br />

in beautiful gardens en route to<br />

the Royal Palace. Empty by day,<br />

they become full of Cambodians<br />

enjoying themselves in the<br />

early evening. The long stretch<br />

between Streets 106 and 108,<br />

once a parking lot for used car<br />

dealers has also undergone a<br />

facelift, helping to make Phnom<br />

Penh one of the greenest cities<br />

in Asia, at least in terms of flora.<br />

The city’s bar and restaurant<br />

scene has also seen a renaissance<br />

this year. Hit harder by<br />

the global recession than neighbouring<br />

Vietnam, established<br />

restaurants have suffered from<br />

the declining tourist dollar. Filling<br />

the void, bijou bistros have<br />

taken advantage of the cheap<br />

rent and liberal planning laws.<br />

Armand’s on Street 108 is as<br />

close to a Parisian bistro as you<br />

are likely to encounter outside<br />

of the French capital. Though<br />

44 asialife HCMC

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asialife HCMC 45

---

Yumi 182<br />

Armands<br />

space limits the number of<br />

customers to a select few, this<br />

ensures that the atmosphere<br />

is always intimate. Next door,<br />

Sonoma has transformed a<br />

space that erstwhile would have<br />

had scantily dressed women<br />

cooing for male customers into<br />

an upscale oyster bar with fresh<br />

produce from Vietnam.<br />

Continuing the trend established<br />

by Pacharan, dining in<br />

Phnom Penh often comes in<br />

bite-sized portions. Metro was<br />

the first to give tapas an Asian<br />

twist. Now funky Yumi has<br />

given tapas a touch of Japanese<br />

pizzazz. Modelled on izakaya<br />

restaurants, where food is seen<br />

as an accompaniment to sake,<br />

Yumi serves up its dishes in<br />

bonsai portions allowing plenty<br />

of room for ample quantities of<br />

the national rice wine.<br />

The city’s relative lack of<br />

development compared to<br />

other Asian capitals means<br />

that a number of old villas still<br />

remain in the city centre. Many<br />

are in need of restoration, but<br />

this provides opportunities for<br />

restaurateurs to create unique<br />

spaces. Le Sauvignon is just one<br />

such example. This elegant wine<br />

bar suffers from the pretension<br />

of being a restaurant too, but<br />

don’t be fooled. Order a good<br />

bottle of wine or better still<br />

some champagne and discuss<br />

where you should go to dine<br />

afterwards.<br />

One distinct change in the<br />

dining scene has been a decline<br />

in cultural apartheid. A couple<br />

of years back, it was most<br />

uncommon to see expats and<br />

Khmers dining in the same establishment.<br />

Metro has changed<br />

all that. Here, the fusion of east<br />

and west is not limited to the<br />

menu. You are as likely to find<br />

a table of middle class Khmers<br />

or wealthy Singaporeans sitting<br />

next to you as fellow expats.<br />

And, the low duty on wine in<br />

Cambodia means that you can<br />

all afford to drink some good<br />

wine with your meal.<br />

The bar scene has lagged<br />

behind that of restaurants in<br />

embracing the new age. The<br />

city is still dominated by holein-the-wall<br />

bars with more<br />

barmaids than customers, but<br />

here too times are a-changing.<br />

Setting the standard is Studio<br />

182. Located above upscale<br />

French diner Topaz, this jazz<br />

bar has live music played by<br />

French musicians Ritchy and<br />

Phil alongside singers imported<br />

from throughout the region.<br />

Despite attaining the sophistication<br />

of Singapore or Bangkok,<br />

the prices remain Cambodian<br />

ensuring that this is the place to<br />

go for a nightcap.<br />

Opened in October, Maos<br />

suggests that the city’s nightlife<br />

might be set to take off. Set in<br />

a former Chinese rice trader’s<br />

warehouse, this first floor bar<br />

has a large collection of prints<br />

of Chairman Mao, as well as<br />

sweeping views over the Tonle<br />

Sap. One of the few bars in town<br />

to create a sense of space, time<br />

46 asialife HCMC

---

Le Sauvignon<br />

will tell whether this will take<br />

over the more seedy Sharkys as<br />

the liveliest bar in town.<br />

Just along the riverfront,<br />

Paddy Rice became the third<br />

Irish bar in town earlier this<br />

year. Whereas the other two,<br />

Green Vespa and Rory’s Bar, are<br />

compact, the newcomer opens<br />

out onto both Sisowath Quay<br />

and Street 136. Large enough<br />

to host live bands and screen<br />

large sports events, the bar was<br />

packed during the World Cup<br />

and is likely to be the place to<br />

watch the Ashes.<br />

It’s not just restaurateurs that<br />

have benefited from the lack<br />

of development of local real<br />

estate. Phnom Penh is teaming<br />

with villas and 1960s building<br />

that have been converted into<br />

boutique hotels.<br />

Billabong led the way in<br />

providing a pool with a room<br />

right in the heart of the city. The<br />

Pavilion chain of hotels now<br />

includes Kabiki (aimed at families)<br />

and Blue Lime (designed<br />

more for the flashpacker set) in<br />

addition to the original Pavilion.<br />

All three have pools set in<br />

spacious gardens. Indeed with<br />

Wat Langka and Scan Hotel<br />

adopting the same format, and<br />

Circa On 51 due to open a time<br />

of going to press, it’s easy to<br />

avoid the heat of the dry season<br />

by taking a quick dip.<br />

Those coming to Phnom<br />

Penh for business rather than<br />

pleasure now have Le Biz Hotel<br />

as well as Almond Hotel to vie<br />

for their attention. Both have<br />

stylish, well-equipped rooms at<br />

competitive prices, with good<br />

restaurants downstairs, ideal if<br />

you want to grab something in<br />

a hurry while checking up on<br />

your emails.<br />

Images of its unsavoury past<br />

well and truly buried, Phnom<br />

Penh is set for a renaissance.<br />

In many respects the years of<br />

neglect have allowed the city<br />

to preserve a charm that other<br />

Southeast Asian cities have lost.<br />

For now the Cambodian capital<br />

has much to offer the discerning<br />

visitor from just across<br />

the border. However, if talk of<br />

direct flights to Europe starting<br />

next year is to be believed, time<br />

could be running out for people<br />

to discover Khmer charm.<br />

There’s never been a better time<br />

to make the short trip across the<br />

border.

---

Bread<br />

Basket<br />

StephY Thai<br />

presents a guide<br />

on what bakeries in town<br />

have to offer.<br />

Photo by<br />

Fred WissINk.<br />

48 asialife HCMC

---

CRUMBS<br />

Crumbs has been operational<br />

for two years now and prides<br />

itself on using wheat germ in<br />

their already healthy products.<br />

Wheat germ is a part of the<br />

wheat kernel, which is high<br />

in protein and contains lots of<br />

essential nutrients required<br />

to maintain energy levels and<br />

healthy muscles, organs, hair<br />

and skin. Wheat germ is also<br />

very helpful in preventing the<br />

body's aging process as well as<br />

heart disease.<br />

Crumbs is owned by an<br />

Australian Viet Kieu who studied<br />

baking bread in Australia<br />

and realized that despite the<br />

Vietnamese consuming bread on<br />

a daily basis, there was a market<br />

for bread that was rich in fiber<br />

and able to prevent diseases<br />

related to digestive system.<br />

What separates Crumbs from<br />

other bakeries, they claim, is<br />

that they don’t use Potassium<br />

Bromate, an ingredient banned<br />

for use in food products in<br />

many countries as it’s considered<br />

harmful and alleged to<br />

cause cancer. Crumbs' other distinction<br />

is that they bake bread<br />

sans dairy or any added sugar.<br />

There are a variety of breads<br />

ranging from 3,000 to 35,000<br />

VND: Champagne roll (5,000<br />

VND), dark rye roll (4,000<br />

VND), wheat baguette (12,000<br />

VND), many kinds of cheese<br />

rolls and various loaves like<br />

cheese and olive roll (15,000<br />

VND), cheese and bacon roll<br />

(25,000 VND), cheese olive<br />

loaf, cheese and garlic loaf,<br />

cheese and bacon loaf (48,000<br />

VND a loaf). Besides, they also<br />

make meat pies (from 35,000<br />

to 45,000 VND), various cakes<br />

(from 13,000 to 95,000 VND<br />

and muffins—blueberry, vanilla<br />

choco-chip, banana, chocolate,<br />

apple and cinnamon (15,000<br />

VND).<br />

The ingredients and mechanisms<br />

used for baking have all<br />

been imported from Australia.<br />

All leftover baked goods are<br />

donated to charity.<br />

54 Truong Dinh, D1<br />

www.crumbs.com.vn<br />

SCHNEIDER’S FINEST<br />

On the morning of September 9,<br />

2009 (precisely at 9.09 am) Mr.<br />

and Mrs. Harmuth K. Langer<br />

and Vân Langer opened Schneider<br />

Finest, the first German<br />

bakery in HCM City.<br />

There are more than 27 different<br />

types of breads baked<br />

fresh daily and prices range<br />

from 40,000 to 50,000 VND (for<br />

medium sized loaves) like the<br />

multigrain bread (52,000 VND),<br />

rustic German baguette (12,000<br />

VND), traditional German Brezel<br />

(18,000 VND), hazelnut triangle<br />

(25,000 VND), poppy seed pastry<br />

(18,000 VND) and the Norlander<br />

bread (59,000 VND) which is<br />

made of rice flour, fiber and<br />

many different seeds. They also<br />

bake various German cakes<br />

ranging from 10,000 to 40,000<br />

VND a piece like the Beesting<br />

Cake (15,000 VND), assorted<br />

German cupcakes (84,000 VND)<br />

and Tiramisu (25,000 VND). You<br />

can also find birthday cakes,<br />

pastries, croissants and the<br />

Berliner (17,000 VND a piece)<br />

which is best described as a German<br />

doughnut with strawberry<br />

jam inside seems to be a popular<br />

choice. Their special Yoghurt<br />

Bread (48,000 VND a loaf) and<br />

Yoghurt Fruit Cake (40,000 VND)<br />

is made of yoghurt flour rich in<br />

protein, non-fat so the bread is<br />

very fragrant but not sour.<br />

27 Han Thuyen, D1<br />

www.schneiders-finest.com<br />

UNE JOURNÉE À PARIS<br />

Une Journée à Paris has been<br />

open for a-year-and-a-half. The<br />

bakery is owned by a French<br />

couple who pride themselves in<br />

specializing in breads and cakes<br />

made in authentic French style.<br />

There are more than 14 different<br />

types of breads like black<br />

bread, brown bread, both of<br />

which are good for the digestive<br />

system. There are more than 10<br />

ingredients inside breads like<br />

sesame, raisin, walnut whose<br />

average prices are 12,000 VND<br />

a loaf. The bakery also serves<br />

more than 30 types of French<br />

cakes and meat pies, the latter<br />

of which are specially hand<br />

moulded. Items include the<br />

chouquettes (35,000 VND for<br />

10), chocolate tart (45,000 VND),<br />

Ciabatta olives (40,000 VND),<br />

Mille Feuille (45,000 VND) and<br />

various cakes.<br />

The bakery is liked for their<br />

Macarons (20,000 VND each)<br />

and Foudant Chocolate (40,000<br />

VND a piece). The owner is<br />

proud of these two dishes<br />

because they are unique to<br />

Vietnam; the Macaron is hard to<br />

make as it requires the utmost<br />

care and attention that only<br />

highly qualified chefs understand—one<br />

false move and the<br />

Macaron can easily burn. The<br />

same is true for the Foudant<br />

Chocolate, which is unique for<br />

its rich flavours and textures.<br />

Une Journée à Paris also<br />

serves a French breakfast set<br />

(70,000 VND) which includes a<br />

loaf of bread or croissant, jam<br />

and butter, a glass of fresh orange<br />

juice and a cup of hot coffee<br />

or cocoa.<br />

234 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

15 Ngô Quang Huy, Thao Dien, D2<br />

HARVEST BAKING<br />

Harvest Baking has been operational<br />

for two-and-a-half years<br />

now in Tan Binh District and is<br />

owned by Lulu and Tim Ottaviania<br />

who have between them<br />

15 years of experience as chefs<br />

in restaurants and hotels in<br />

America. In 2000, they moved to<br />

Vietnam to realize their dream<br />

of opening their own bakery. After<br />

running their business for a<br />

couple of years, they decided to<br />

realize another dream: training<br />

disadvantaged Vietnamese to<br />

bake in order for them to have<br />

gainful employment and a better<br />

shot at building a future.<br />

Harvest Baking is most<br />

known for traditional New York<br />

style bagels (65,000 to 90,000<br />

VND for a six-pack). The bakery<br />

has more than 80 different kinds<br />

of breads and is popular for its<br />

various cakes like the Chocolate<br />

fudge cake (275,000 VND)<br />

whose recipe has been handed<br />

down from generations as the<br />

cream is homemade.<br />

Harvest Baking also sells<br />

their brand of healthy breads<br />

made with 12 different seeds<br />

and grains or a touch of honey<br />

or bits of toasted soy beans<br />

whose price ranges from 45,000<br />

to 50,000 VND for 10. Another<br />

specialty is their Italian herb<br />

country loaf (50,000 VND for<br />

10) which is a round loaf made<br />

with fresh Italian herbs grown<br />

by Tim, the owner. The hand<br />

rolled tortillas (42,000 to 50,000<br />

VND for 6) are popular, too.<br />

30 Lam Son, Tan Binh<br />

TOUS LES JOURS<br />

Tous Les Jours is a Korean bakery<br />

but translates to “everyday”<br />

in French. They pride themselves<br />

on serving fresh products<br />

and emphasize that fresh also<br />

means no leftovers. Anything<br />

that is left over is given to<br />

charity.<br />

The bakery has an array of<br />

choices in baked goods: almond<br />

pastry (27,000 VND), sweet<br />

potato pastry (32,000 VND),<br />

choco-roll (20,000 VND), red<br />

bean pastry (10,000 VND) and<br />

toast pan (24,000 VND).<br />

Tous Les Jours also serves<br />

many sandwiches but two<br />

popular choices are the bacon<br />

cheese sandwich (55,000 VND)<br />

and the tuna sandwich (40,000<br />

VND). Some of the popular<br />

cakes on offer here are the<br />

chocolate cake (280,000 VND)<br />

with moist cream filling and the<br />

Tiramisu cake (250,000 VND).<br />

Tous Les Jour s distinguishes<br />

itself with a coffee bar which<br />

serves various teas like Peppermint<br />

(35,000 VND) or English<br />

Breakfast (32,000 VND) as well<br />

as various styles of coffee like<br />

the Machiatto (23,000 VND),<br />

Cappuccino (40,000 VND). They<br />

also serve many flavours of ice<br />

cream like Chocolate (40,000<br />

VND), Raisin (42,000 VND), and<br />

a variety of smoothies and juices<br />

from 38,000 to 47,000 VND. Tous<br />

Les Jours also has seating both<br />

inside and outside on a lovely<br />

terrace where all these goodies<br />

can be enjoyed.<br />

180 Hai Ba Trung, D3/ 59 Tran<br />

Hung Dao, D1<br />

asialife HCMC 49

---

HAIL, CAESAR!<br />

It's a good life we lead here<br />

as expats. “Palm trees grow,<br />

rents are low, and the feeling is<br />

laidback.” Being on the far side<br />

of the world, however, there<br />

are certain things we must do<br />

without. Although, I must say,<br />

the situation is improving. Back<br />

in the day it was impossible to<br />

find super premium gin. The<br />

best one could do then was a<br />

pint of Gordon's. That's a perfectly<br />

reasonable drop when gin<br />

and tonic is your goal. But it's<br />

cold comfort when in the rainy<br />

season you're dying to get out of<br />

your wet clothes and into a dry<br />

Martini. Then you've got to have<br />

Bombay or Tanqueray or such.<br />

If you're without those, you do<br />

without the Martini. I'd rather<br />

drink warm beer than a bad<br />

Martini. Those dark days are behind<br />

us. While few bartenders,<br />

other than the ones I've trained,<br />

know how to make a proper<br />

Martini, I can always enjoy one<br />

at home where a bottle of Sapphire<br />

always awaits me.<br />

Then there was the damnable<br />

practice of the short pour at<br />

the bar. The innkeeper would<br />

typically skimp on his watered<br />

down, counterfeit booze and<br />

pocket the difference. I was<br />

recently commiserating with<br />

Geoffrey Deetz of the Black Cat<br />

restaurant about this state of<br />

affairs. Geoff's joint gives not<br />

merely an honest pour, but a<br />

generous pour. And a double is<br />

the standard. A drink at Geoff's<br />

is worth as much as four at<br />

many of the lesser saloons of<br />

which you may be familiar.<br />

Happily, we both agree that<br />

the egregious practice of the<br />

short pour may be alive, but not<br />

kicking. We anticipate its early<br />

demise.<br />

But then there is still the<br />

problem of the dearth of Caesar<br />

Salad. I'm from San Francisco<br />

where we consider it one of the<br />

seven basic food groups. And<br />

anyone who has tasted a perfect<br />

Caesar Salad will agree that it's<br />

one of the most perfect balances<br />

of taste, texture, colour and<br />

I have found a<br />

Caesar Salad,<br />

in Saigon, that<br />

Cardini himself<br />

would approve of.<br />

aroma; one of the brightest stars<br />

in the gastronomic firmament.<br />

And the cruel irony is that we<br />

have no end of tattered menus<br />

and badly trained waiters and<br />

nefarious restaurateurs offering<br />

us something they dare to call<br />

Caesar Salad. They blaspheme.<br />

They know nothing of the dish<br />

but its name.<br />

So what exactly is Caesar<br />

Salad It's the greatest case of<br />

culinary serendipity. A happy<br />

accident. It began late on the<br />

night of July 4, 1924, in Tijuana,<br />

Mexico. A gaggle of U.S. Navy<br />

aviators from a San Diego<br />

airfield staggered into Caesar<br />

Cardini's restaurant seeking sustenance<br />

after a night of revels.<br />

Caesar had done good business<br />

that long day and his larder was<br />

all but exhausted. He had but<br />

Romaine lettuce, olive oil, eggs,<br />

Parmesan cheese, bread and a<br />

few staples of the kitchen such<br />

as garlic, Worcestershire sauce<br />

and lemons. But in taking this<br />

all in, he had a vision. Perhaps<br />

not as powerful as Saint Paul<br />

on the road to Damascus but,<br />

dammit, a vision nonetheless!<br />

He gathered up the goods and<br />

told his chef to take it to the<br />

table and toss it all together<br />

with the aplomb and show of a<br />

juggler's act. Voila! The world's<br />

most famous salad was born<br />

at 1059 Avenida Revolucion, at<br />

the corner of Calle Quinta (5th<br />

Street), Tijuana, BC, Mexico. In<br />

honour of his guests, Cardini<br />

called it “Aviator Salad.”<br />

They came back for more.<br />

They brought their friends.<br />

They all called it “Caesar's<br />

Salad,” rather than the original<br />

handle Cardini had given it.<br />

Eventually, it began to appear<br />

on menus north of the border as<br />

“Caesar Salad.” A few tweaks<br />

were added by Caesar's brother<br />

Alex. He added anchovy paste<br />

by mashing whole anchovies<br />

in the salad bowl with the back<br />

of a spoon. He made bigger,<br />

crunchier croutons. And the two<br />

of them made history.<br />

But is the salad made in this<br />

city Every other hash house in<br />

this city offers it bursting with<br />

bacon instead of anchovies!<br />

Bacon, dammit! Bacon! I got<br />

nothing against bacon. But not<br />

in my Caesar anymore than in<br />

my ice cream. And they've got<br />

no Parmesan, no Worcestershire,<br />

nothing you could call a crouton.<br />

Rather, they have little bits<br />

of banh mi, soggy from a bath<br />

in tropical oil and rice vinegar!<br />

Does this sound like a rant I<br />

could go on!<br />

But I won't, because I have<br />

found the genuine article at<br />

long last. I have found a Caesar<br />

Salad, in Saigon, that Cardini<br />

himself would approve of. I<br />

found it at Bernie's Steakhouse,<br />

19 Thai Van Lung, District 1.<br />

At first I thought it was a freak<br />

occurrence. But I have had it<br />

now a dozen times, and each<br />

time I feel the presence of<br />

Maestro Cardini. I thought it<br />

might have been a trick of some<br />

kind, using a bottled dressing.<br />

But the gracious Bernie took me<br />

into his temple of a kitchen and<br />

let me watch the preparation<br />

of the sacred dish. The ghost of<br />

Cardini hovered above, uttering<br />

his blessing.<br />

Excited with my discovery, I<br />

told Deetz of the Cat about Bernie's<br />

Caesar Salad. “Yeah,” he<br />

says. “I know all about Bernie's<br />

Caesar.”<br />

So you've been there and had<br />

it,” I ask<br />

“Well,” he says, “I actually<br />

taught him how to make it.”<br />

So, two places for a true Caesar:<br />

BC and B's. See you there.<br />

-Richard Sterling<br />

50 asialife HCMC

---

IKI<br />

A stylish Japanese restaurant that delivers on taste and value<br />

for money. By Brett Davis. Photos by Fred Wissink.<br />

The Movenpick Hotel Saigon<br />

recently reopened after a five<br />

month, US $15 million renovation.<br />

Along with the impressive<br />

bling and purple sofas in the<br />

lobby are several dining options.<br />

The Japanese restaurant IKI is a<br />

new addition to the lineup.<br />

The restaurant is billed as<br />

a ‘decidedly non-traditional<br />

setting,’ and while it does have<br />

a more informal and relaxed<br />

feel to it than many Japanese<br />

restaurants, it is still unmistakably<br />

of its type. The interior is<br />

full of cool, blonde timber tones;<br />

clusters of tables and chairs are<br />

circled by comfortable booths<br />

along walls painted in neutral<br />

tones with splashes of green<br />

foliage patterns.<br />

There is, however, a less<br />

traditional and more modern<br />

aspect to the place as evidenced<br />

by the enthusiastic young wait<br />

staff in their brightly-coloured<br />

polo shirts.<br />

While these touches set IKI on<br />

a slightly different path, what<br />

really sets it apart from not only<br />

Japanese restaurants but hotel<br />

restaurants in general is its<br />

value for money.<br />

The signature IKI sashimi,<br />

a selection of fish including<br />

salmon, tuna, squid, scallops,<br />

sea bass and more, is served up<br />

on a small boat-shaped dish for<br />

only 99,000 VND. The standout<br />

Australian beef teriyaki would<br />

probably come in at around 200<br />

grams, and is perfectly seared<br />

on the outside while remaining<br />

tender and richly red inside.<br />

This is available for 79,000 VND<br />

on its own or 109,000 VND as<br />

a set with the usual accoutrements.<br />

A salmon steak set is<br />

99,000 VND. There is also the<br />

usual range of sushi and sashimi<br />

such as the ever-popular California<br />

rolls (49,000 VND) and<br />

salmon sashimi (59,000 VND).<br />

The booth tables have a builtin<br />

heating plate for hotpots.<br />

There are seafood (199,000<br />

VND) and vegetable (119,000<br />

VND) hotpots available in<br />

addition to an extensive list of<br />

other ingredients so you can put<br />

together your own combination.<br />

On Wednesdays between 6<br />

pm and 10 pm the restaurant<br />

offers an all-you-can-eat special<br />

from a selected menu (199,000<br />

VND), including a scoop of<br />

green tea ice cream from the<br />

hotel’s adjacent Cay Da Café.<br />

IKI’s head chef Kittiskud<br />

Sujaritvetee learned his trade in<br />

numerous Japanese restaurants<br />

in his native Bangkok. He said<br />

his aim was to give the venue a<br />

warmer and more welcoming<br />

feeling than people normally<br />

associate with a hotel Japanese<br />

restaurant.<br />

“My vision is for IKI to be<br />

the preferred Japanese restaurant,<br />

trendy because of both<br />

the atmosphere and the value,<br />

not just for hotel guests but for<br />

HCM City.”<br />

IKI is only in its infancy, but<br />

its head chef’s vision looks to be<br />

well on track.<br />

Movenpick Hotel, 253 Nguyen Van<br />

Troi St, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3844 9222<br />

Open daily 11.30 to 2 pm for lunch,<br />

6 to 10 pm for dinner.<br />

asialife HCMC 51

---

Blue Salute<br />

While ostensibly a bar and lounge, the food<br />

is nothing like one finds at such premises. By<br />

Brett Davis. Photos by Fred Wissink.<br />

Tucked away on Ngo Van Nam,<br />

just off Le Thanh Ton in District<br />

1, Blue Salute is surrounded by<br />

plenty of culinary competition.<br />

Throwing its doors open seven<br />

months ago, the venue hosts<br />

live music and has also become<br />

a favourite among some of the<br />

city’s keener darts players.<br />

Not to be outdone on the<br />

food front, Blue Salute offers an<br />

extensive and inventive range<br />

of tapas to satisfy patrons. Chef<br />

Thierry Faburel, formerly of The<br />

Underground, says while the<br />

Blue Salute is a bar and lounge<br />

the food is an important part of<br />

what the place offers.<br />

“We have weekly specials<br />

and we will also be looking at<br />

having a new menu every two<br />

months or so,” he says.<br />

“I don’t focus on doing very<br />

traditional Spanish Tapas, but<br />

more playing around with different<br />

influences.”<br />

The menu contains a mix of<br />

more traditional tapas like the<br />

Serano ham platter served with<br />

toasted ciabatta and tapenade<br />

(75,000 VND), and Asianinfluenced<br />

numbers like the<br />

crispy duck rolls with Hoisin<br />

sauce (75,000 VND). The menu<br />

is broken down into categories<br />

featuring cold tapas, cheese<br />

tapas, wrap and roll tapas, fish,<br />

meat and special tapas.<br />

On our visit we tried the<br />

flamenco rolled crepe (85,000<br />

VND) which is filled with<br />

smoked ham, mushrooms and<br />

cheese, served topped with an<br />

egg yolk in shell. The generous<br />

proportions of this dish also<br />

make it a great choice for the<br />

budget conscious.<br />

Next is a chicken quesadilla<br />

with salsa and sour cream dipping<br />

sauce (85,000 VND). The<br />

marinated lamb skewers (85,000<br />

VND) are served on split red<br />

chilies and retain just a touch<br />

of their spicy heat. Finally, in<br />

another example of Blue Salute’s<br />

Asian-infused style, there is the<br />

crab meat and herb mayonnaise<br />

served on prawn crackers<br />

(85,000 VND).<br />

For those wanting something<br />

more substantial than tapas,<br />

Chef Faburel can prepare formal<br />

dishes upon request.<br />

The surrounds at the Blue<br />

Salute are a pleasant mix of the<br />

contemporary and traditional.<br />

Funky red and white bar stools<br />

are dotted around the front<br />

room, while the black wroughtiron<br />

work and scored plaster<br />

walls give a distinctly Mediterranean<br />

feel. Beyond the front bar<br />

area with its two dart boards is a<br />

split level with a relaxed lounge<br />

upstairs and another more formal<br />

lounge and bar downstairs.<br />

Relaxed, comfortable and with<br />

well-prepared and interesting<br />

food to accompany a cold beer<br />

or a glass of wine, Blue Salute is<br />

a pleasant place to enjoy tapas<br />

the customary way of standing<br />

and moving around, or perhaps<br />

even throwing a dart or two.<br />

22 Ngo Van Nam<br />

Tel: 3829 1483<br />

Open 4 pm to 2 am<br />

52 asialife HCMC

---

Pinocchio<br />

A casual restaurant in the Vincom Center<br />

serving affordable Italian and international fare.<br />

By Beth Young. Photos by Miguel Lopez.<br />

Casanova Laurent grew up in<br />

the south of France, close to<br />

Italy. A region where Mediterranean<br />

flavours reign supreme,<br />

it provided the inspiration<br />

for Pinocchio, the Italian<br />

restaurant he and his business<br />

partners opened recently.<br />

Tucked away in the basement<br />

beneath the Vincom Center,<br />

Pinocchio provides respite<br />

from HCM City’s frenetic pace<br />

with its plush suede lounges<br />

that skirt the walls, bright<br />

lollipop-coloured lighting and<br />

a decidedly casual air. And as<br />

it’s located at the food court’s<br />

rear, relatively hidden from<br />

view, Laurent says Pinocchio<br />

is a “secret” waiting to be<br />

discovered.<br />

Laurent has other secrets<br />

to share too, especially with<br />

Vietnamese diners: How to<br />

enjoy international cuisine and<br />

especially, Italian favourites<br />

at reasonable prices. He says,<br />

Pinocchio is a compromise<br />

between great quality and<br />

value for money. He’s spot on,<br />

considering the most expensive<br />

meal on the menu is the<br />

Australian tenderloin served<br />

with mashed potatoes or<br />

French fries and green pepper<br />

sauce for 250,000 VND.<br />

Among the other international<br />

mains, pizza, pasta<br />

and Paninis on offer, a cheese<br />

platter (135,000 VND for one to<br />

two people and 240,000 VND<br />

for three to four people) is<br />

available, too. Again, the aim is<br />

to educate. The platter comes<br />

with a selection of cheeses that<br />

graduate from mild Brie to<br />

stronger blue-veined varieties<br />

like Roquefort, allowing<br />

novices to test their palates a<br />

step at a time.<br />

The beef tartare (180,000<br />

VND) is perhaps the next step<br />

up for curious eaters. It is a<br />

mound of finely minced raw<br />

beef topped with an egg yolk<br />

and seasoned with Worcestershire<br />

sauce, salt, pepper and<br />

herbs. It is served with a tossed<br />

salad and French fries, as well<br />

as condiments to taste: olive<br />

oil, balsamic vinegar and tart<br />

yellow mustard.<br />

Pinocchio has plenty of<br />

tried and tested favourites,<br />

too. Choose from deep-fried<br />

calamari rings with garlic butter<br />

(70,000 VND), creamy Pasta<br />

Con Salmone (115,000 VND)<br />

and Frutti di Mare—crispybased<br />

seafood pizza topped<br />

with clam, squid shrimp,<br />

onion, capsicum and olives<br />

(180,000 VND).<br />

When asked to suggest<br />

a must-try meal Laurent is<br />

stumped. With so much to<br />

choose from, he’s still making<br />

his way through the menu. He<br />

does have one piece of advice,<br />

though. “You should come and<br />

try everything.”<br />

Vincom Center, B3, corner of<br />

Dong Khoi & Le Thanh Ton,<br />

District 1<br />

Tel: 3993 9199<br />

info@pinocchio.vn<br />

Open 9 am to 10 pm<br />

asialife HCMC 53

---

District<br />

...........................<br />

A design firm that values<br />

preservation. By Beth Young.<br />

Photos by Fred Wissink.<br />

When Darren Chew and<br />

Andrew Lieberman discovered<br />

the French colonial villa that<br />

would become their design firm<br />

District 8, it evoked little of the<br />

era it had been built in. Glossy<br />

salmon-coloured tiles lined the<br />

outside of what was once a dogmeat<br />

restaurant and spoke nothing<br />

of the period’s rich history<br />

while the natural brick walls<br />

inside lay beneath layers of render<br />

and paint. In less than two<br />

months the pair refurbished the<br />

space completely, stripping it<br />

back to its original glory. Here,<br />

they now create industrial-chic<br />

furniture and lighting using the<br />

same philosophy.<br />

Strategically positioned just<br />

across the canal from Chinatown,<br />

District 8’s location<br />

allows Chew and Lieberman<br />

unadulterated access to the<br />

quarter’s metal markets, which<br />

they trawl through constantly<br />

searching for old-style Indochine<br />

machinery. Once<br />

salvaged, the pieces, including<br />

antique weaving looms and<br />

misplaced wheels, are transformed<br />

into functional yet stylish<br />

fixtures. For the design duo,<br />

the equipment represents a slice<br />

of HCM City history—and one<br />

well worth preserving.<br />

It’s a sentiment Vietnamese<br />

developers don’t necessarily<br />

share. “As the city develops it<br />

seems like there’s not as much<br />

concern for all the historical<br />

elements. Our goal is to try and<br />

preserve them,” Lieberman<br />

says. With the rampant construction<br />

that’s seized Saigon,<br />

it’s no easy feat. Frequently<br />

scoping out the streets, Chew<br />

and Lieberman stumble across<br />

countless beautiful structures<br />

that beg to be renovated.<br />

Often only days later these<br />

same buildings are reduced to<br />

rubble. Their goal is to step in<br />

before it’s too late; before all the<br />

spaces and relics that whisper of<br />

Saigon’s past have disappeared.<br />

In their workshop, they bring<br />

the recovered equipment they<br />

find at such demolition sites<br />

back to life—stripping away the<br />

grime that’s accumulated over<br />

time and renewing their sheen<br />

with a liberal coat of beeswax.<br />

While some of the designs are<br />

conceptualized first, more often<br />

than not a fixture is created<br />

specifically around an eclectic<br />

piece found on the “junk heap,”<br />

as Chew says.<br />

It’s this fusion of design<br />

and build that makes District<br />

8 unique. Rather than simply<br />

putting pen to paper, Chew<br />

and Lieberman are actively<br />

involved in the entire process.<br />

“Essentially we’ll take a space<br />

and we’ll build everything from<br />

scratch—the lighting, we’ll do<br />

the install, build the furniture,<br />

everything,” Chew says. And it<br />

will take this level of dedication<br />

to ensure what’s left of Saigon’s<br />

architectural and industrial<br />

heritage remains intact.<br />

343-345 Binh Dong, District 8<br />

Tel: 0122 579 9214<br />

By appointment only<br />

54 asialife HCMC

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asialife HCMC 55

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YUMAKI TOOTHBRUSHES<br />

DESIGN-LED TOOTHBRUSHES THAT FUSE FORM AND FUNCTION.<br />

BY BRETT DAVIS. PHOTOS BY FRED WISSINK.<br />

e have all seen countless<br />

television commercials<br />

extolling the virtues of a revolutionary<br />

toothbrush that will<br />

make your smile whiter and<br />

brighter. Angled heads, raised<br />

bristles, tongue scrapers and<br />

gum massagers. Yet despite all<br />

this engineering, the humble<br />

toothbrush never actually looks<br />

that attractive.<br />

Now, a Swedish design house<br />

and a Japanese dental hygiene<br />

manufacturer have teamed up<br />

to produce the Yumaki range of<br />

<strong>toothbrushes</strong> with a sleek functional<br />

design and sharp colour<br />

combinations. The <strong>toothbrushes</strong><br />

are manufactured in Vietnam<br />

using recyclable materials and<br />

the nylon bristles are imported<br />

from Japan. There are plans to<br />

release a new range of brushes<br />

twice a year.<br />

So, they look cool, but do they<br />

do a good job of cleaning your<br />

teeth Yumaki designer Jakob<br />

Lennartson said the aim was to<br />

create the simplest, most modern<br />

and eco-friendly ergonomic<br />

toothbrush that would do the<br />

job just as well as any other<br />

high-quality toothbrush.<br />

“There has been some colourful<br />

<strong>toothbrushes</strong> produced in the<br />

past, but they were not very ergonomic<br />

nor were the colours or<br />

colour combinations very nice.<br />

“We made sure from the<br />

beginning to focus on what we<br />

thought was the most important<br />

parts—good grip in the palm of<br />

your hand and getting extremely<br />

high-quality bristles.”<br />

The 18 models in the A101<br />

range each have a name, and<br />

yes, there is even a Saigon (yellow<br />

handle with red bristles).<br />

The ideas for the names and<br />

colour combinations come<br />

from a range of sources, some<br />

straightforward and some a little<br />

more left-field.<br />

“I took inspiration from all<br />

over the place, Asahi came from<br />

the Japanese flag, Army came<br />

from, well, the army, Graf came<br />

from a graffiti piece I saw online,<br />

Surf came from those bubbles<br />

waves make when they hit the<br />

beach, while Speed came from the<br />

graphics of a dirt-bike helmet.<br />

“Each design was given a<br />

matching name to amplify the<br />

style and to communicate the<br />

personality for that particular<br />

toothbrush,” he says.<br />

Yumaki has started a recycling<br />

programme so even your toothbrush<br />

can do its bit for mother<br />

Earth. Only the handles and not<br />

the bristles are recycled. There<br />

are other benefits involved as<br />

for every three brushes returned<br />

for recycling you get one new<br />

toothbrush of your choice.<br />

The Yumaki Model A101 can be<br />

bought individually, as gift certificates<br />

or yearly subscriptions via<br />

Yumaki.com. They are also available<br />

at L'Usine (151/1 Dong Khoi).<br />

56 asialife HCMC

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The Korean Wave<br />

Korean fashion has jumped leaps and bounds in the past decade, from very conservative styles<br />

that are still prevalent today to a much more funky approach to clothing. Most of it is driven by the<br />

media, TV and pop stars but there are some Koreans who take style into their own hands and the<br />

results are excellent. Text and photography by Fred Wissink.<br />

Daegu<br />

Known as the fashion capital but considered almost a country town<br />

by Seoulites, Daegu has its own style, conservative but funky.<br />

This is an excellent fall outfit<br />

that is lightweight for day<br />

but warm enough for night.<br />

The colour scheme is subtle<br />

and understated. Definitive<br />

Korean style.<br />

Grown up school boy with<br />

dress shoes and no socks<br />

make this style unique. It's an<br />

updated, stylish version of the<br />

Angus Young look.<br />

asialife HCMC 57

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Seoul<br />

Considered the end all and be all of everything in Korea, Seoulites<br />

are usually the trend makers of the country. Fashion starts here, as<br />

does everything else on the peninsula.<br />

Almost a new punk look<br />

with some hipster style<br />

thrown in for good measure.<br />

The pants and jacket make<br />

this a great style.<br />

This is an evolution of the<br />

Japanese gyaru style, but much<br />

more subtle and conservative.<br />

Whereas the original was<br />

colourful, the muted tones make<br />

this look almost classic.<br />

58 asialife HCMC

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This is a classic Korean<br />

outfit, with one exception: the<br />

miniskirt. A decade ago no<br />

woman would ever wear one,<br />

but now it is part of this girl's<br />

almost business look.<br />

Dark grey faded knit shirt and<br />

the matching scarf with the<br />

Doc Martin boots and jacket.<br />

It is a good conservative fall<br />

outfit and the addition of the<br />

boots gives it an edgier look.<br />

asialife HCMC 59

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listings<br />

hotel &<br />

travel<br />

AIRLINES<br />

Air Asia<br />

254 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3838 9810<br />

www.airasia.com<br />

Asia’s largest low-cost airline operates<br />

one daily flight between HCM City-<br />

Hanoi, as well as international flights to<br />

Bangkok, Phuket, Jakarta and Kuala<br />

Lumpur.<br />

Air France<br />

130 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 0981<br />

ext. 82<br />

Fax: 3822 0537<br />

www.airfrance.com.vn<br />

An airline with a vast and effective global<br />

network. Now flies direct to Paris.<br />

Cathay Pacific<br />

72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3<br />

Tel: 3822 3203<br />

www.cathaypacific.com<br />

Hong Kong-based airline makes three<br />

flights daily to HCM City and two flights<br />

daily to Hong Kong’s international<br />

airport. Fares start at about $300.<br />

Jetstar Pacific<br />

www.jetstar.com<br />

Budget branch of Australian Qantas<br />

flies into Can Tho, Danang, Hanoi, Hai<br />

Phong, HCM City, Hue, Nha Trang and<br />

Vinh and operates cheap flights from<br />

HCM City to Siem Reap and Bangkok.<br />

Check out Friday Fare Frenzy online<br />

promotion from 2 to 5 pm every Friday.<br />

Malaysia Airlines<br />

www.malaysiaairlines.com<br />

Offers daily flights from Hanoi and HCM<br />

City to Kuala Lumpur for about $200<br />

round trip, with four economy class fare<br />

levels: low, basic, smart and flex.<br />

Philippine Airways<br />

229 Dong Khoi, D3 Tel: 3822 2241<br />

www.philippineairlines.com<br />

Operates daily service from HCM City to<br />

Manila, offering fare options through the<br />

PAL Econo Light Class.<br />

Royal Brunei<br />

Level 4, 129A Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Tel: 3914 6868<br />

www.bruneiair.com<br />

Royal Brunei provides scheduled service<br />

across Asia, the Middle East, United<br />

Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.<br />

Thai Airways<br />

65 Nguyen Du, Tel: 3829 2810<br />

29 Le Duan, D1<br />

www.thaiair.com<br />

Bangkok-based airline connects twice<br />

daily between the Thai capital and HCM<br />

City and Hanoi. Multiple daily flights are<br />

also operated from both to Phnom Penh<br />

and Phuket.<br />

VASCO<br />

Vietnam Airlines office, 116 Nguyen<br />

Hue, D1<br />

Tel: 3842 2790<br />

www.vasco.com.vn<br />

Though it’s primary business is cargo<br />

shipment, Vietnam Air Service Company<br />

(VASCO) flies daily from HCM City to<br />

Con Dao and makes connections to<br />

lesser-known cities like Ca Mau, Tuy<br />

Hoa and Chu Lai. Buy tickets at the<br />

Vietnam Airlines office.<br />

Vietnam Airlines<br />

Hanoi: 94 Tran Quoc Toan<br />

Tel: 942 0848<br />

HCM City: 116 Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Tel: 3832 0320<br />

www.vietnamair.com.vn<br />

The domestic route map is extensive,<br />

with several flights daily between major<br />

and less touristed cities throughout<br />

Vietnam. Flies internationally throughout<br />

Asia and to Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow,<br />

Sydney, Melboure, Los Angeles and San<br />

Francisco.<br />

CON DAO<br />

ATC Hotel<br />

16B Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830 666<br />

Rustic little 4-room, family-run guesthouse<br />

in converted French administration<br />

building. Rooms are simple, with<br />

exposed rafters inside and balconies<br />

outside. Bungalow accommodation is<br />

also available.<br />

Con Dao Resort<br />

8 Nguyen Duc Thuan Tel: 06 4830 949<br />

www.condaoresort.com<br />

Modern hotel with 45 rooms and seven<br />

villas set on 2km of private beach.<br />

On-premise facilities include restaurant,<br />

bar, beach-view swimming pool, tennis<br />

court and volleyball. Organizes outdoor<br />

activities and tours.<br />

Saigon Con Dao Resort<br />

18-24 Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830<br />

155<br />

www.saigoncondaoresort.com<br />

Opened in summer 2009, Saigon Tourist’s<br />

82-room hotel has a restaurant,<br />

swimming pool, tennis court and health<br />

club with sauna. Another 30 villas are<br />

available in the adjacent sister hotel, a<br />

renovated colonial-era administration<br />

building. Tours organized by hotel.<br />

DALAT<br />

Ana Mandara Villas Resort & Spa<br />

Le Lai, Ward 5, Dalat Tel: 063 3555<br />

888<br />

www.anamandara-resort.com<br />

Luxury 35-acre resort encompasses 17<br />

restored early 20th-century villas and<br />

65 rooms set in the rural highlands. La<br />

Cochinchine Spa offers wide range of<br />

treatments. Le Petite Dalat Restaurant<br />

serves Vietnamese and fusion cuisine.<br />

Heated swimming pool, art gallery and<br />

cooking classes in organic garden.<br />

Blue Moon Resort & Spa<br />

4 Phan Boi Chau Tel: 06 3578 888<br />

www.bluemoonhotel.com.vn<br />

An attractive 65-room, country-style resort<br />

with extensive gardens for strolling<br />

or al fresco dining, as well as restaurant<br />

serving local Dalat dishes. On-premise<br />

bike rental, fitness centre, sauna and<br />

indoor heated pool.<br />

Dalat Hotel Du Parc<br />

7 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 777<br />

www.hotelduparc.vn<br />

Built in 1932 as the Hotel Du Parc, this<br />

140-room structure pairs French colonial<br />

architecture with modern amenities.<br />

Café De La Poste serves French homestyle,<br />

international and Vietnamese<br />

cuisine. Facilities include tennis court<br />

and sauna.<br />

Dalat Palace<br />

12 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 444<br />

www.dalatpalace.vn<br />

The stately lakeside hotel was built in<br />

the 1920s and retains the period’s aesthetic.<br />

It encompasses 38 rooms and 5<br />

suites, a gourmet restaurant, brasserie,<br />

piano bar and Larry’s Bar. Golf can be<br />

arranged, and there’s tennis, boules,<br />

snooker and billiards on premise.<br />

activities<br />

Phat Tire Ventures<br />

73 Truong Cong Dinh Tel: 63 3829<br />

422<br />

www.phattireventures.com<br />

Runs guided trips for hiking/trekking,<br />

mountain biking, rock climbing, kayaking<br />

and canyoning in the highlands<br />

surrounding Dalat. Also operates mixed<br />

trip adventure packages and ropes<br />

escape take flight with travel promotions around the region<br />

Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa<br />

Vedana Resort & Spa—located on a<br />

27-hectare property between Hue and<br />

Hoi An and offering traditional and modern<br />

healing therapies like meditation, reiki,<br />

taichi and yoga—will open in January<br />

2011. To celebrate, the resort will offer<br />

a two-night stay for the price of one and<br />

a three-night stay for the price of two,<br />

including a 60-minute body treatment per<br />

person. Valid from January 10 through<br />

September 30. Call 54 3819 398, email<br />

info@vedanlagoon.com or visit www.<br />

vedanlagoon.com.<br />

Palm Garden Resort<br />

Through October 31, 2011 Palm Garden<br />

Resort in Hoi An will offer various packages.<br />

The Romantic Escape over three nights/two<br />

days is US $490 ++ per couple; the twoday/one-night<br />

Golf Discovery package is<br />

$155 ++ per person and the Family Holiday<br />

spanning over three days and two nights is<br />

$149 ++ per person. Call 51 03927 927 or<br />

email reservation@pgr.com.vn.<br />

Dalat Hotel Du Parc<br />

Dalat Hotel Du Parc is offering a Christmas<br />

and New Year package from US<br />

$84 ++ per person. The deal includes<br />

two nights accommodation in a Standard<br />

Room, daily buffet breakfast and a gala<br />

dinner on Christmas Eve or New Year's<br />

Eve at Le Café De La Poste. The deal<br />

is available from December 23 to 25<br />

and December 30 to January 1. Call 63<br />

3825 777, email Duparc.Reservations@<br />

DalatResorts.com or visit www.HotelDuparc.vn.<br />

Nam Hai<br />

From December 21 to 28, the Nam Hai<br />

is offering a seven-night stay for a family<br />

of four (two adults and two children) for<br />

US $890 ++ per villa per night, including<br />

breakfast and return airport transfers. A<br />

Grand Wine Dinner, including a five-course<br />

contemporary set menu with paired wines<br />

will cost $150 ++ per person. Call 0510<br />

394 0000, email afomre@thenamhai.com<br />

or visit www.thenamhai.com.<br />

Victoria Sapa Resorts & Spa<br />

Through December 31, Victoria Sapa<br />

Resort and Spa will offer room rates<br />

starting from US $260 ++ per person.<br />

The package includes a two-night stay<br />

in a Superior room with breakfast for<br />

two and round trip tickets on board the<br />

Victoria Express Train in a Superior cabin<br />

(four-berth, sharing with others). Valid only<br />

for departures on Sunday, Monday or<br />

Tuesday. Email resa.sapa@victoriahotels.<br />

asia.<br />

Dalat Palace<br />

The Dalat Palace is offering a Christmas<br />

and New Year Package from US $289<br />

++ per person. The deal includes two<br />

nights in a Superior Room, daily American<br />

breakfast and Christmas or New Year<br />

Gala Dinner in Le Rabelais Restaurant.<br />

Available from December 23 to 25 and<br />

December 30 to January 1. Call 63<br />

3825 444, email Palace.Reservations@<br />

DalatResorts.com or visit www.DalatPalace.vn.<br />

60 asialife HCMC

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MENU<br />

prices are for ordering for delivery or pick up.<br />

• Whole roast turkey (traditional)<br />

with gravy 6.5-7 kilos, 1,400,000<br />

• Deep fried 1,500,000<br />

• ½ half roast turkey sliced 750,000<br />

• Honey glazed ham<br />

250,000 per kilo<br />

• Home made duck sausages 210,000 per kilo<br />

• Whisky pork sausages 190,000 per kilo<br />

• Chicken and cranberry 220,000 per kilo<br />

• Corn bread stuffing<br />

25,000 per person<br />

• Giblet gravy extra<br />

25,000 person<br />

• Mashed potatoes<br />

25,000 per person<br />

• Candied sweet potatoes 20,000 per person<br />

• Beet salad with walnuts<br />

and ginger<br />

25,000 per person<br />

• Sesame carrots<br />

19,000 per person<br />

• Grease beans “green beans<br />

slow cooked with bacon” 25,000 per person<br />

• Green salad<br />

20,000 per person<br />

• Cranberry sauce<br />

38,000 per person<br />

• Fresh buttered corn<br />

• Cranberry beans<br />

• Hot homemade dinner rolls<br />

• Hot cross buns<br />

• Macaroni and cheese<br />

(kids and adults)<br />

16,000 per person<br />

18,000 per person<br />

5,000 per roll<br />

8,000 per roll<br />

25,000 per person<br />

Pies and desserts<br />

• Pecan pie 350,000<br />

• Pumpkin pie 190,000<br />

• Apple pie 260,000<br />

• Fruit cobbler 195,000<br />

• Cranberry pound cake 250,000<br />

• Pineapple up side down cake 180,000<br />

• Mincemeat pie (fruit and nuts) 290,000<br />

*Oysters available at 20,000 each raw on the half shell<br />

*Baked Rockefeller (spinach with Pernot) 30,000 each

---

course set among pine forest with 100+<br />

metre Flying Fox zip line.<br />

Dalat Easy Rider Tours<br />

70 Phan Dinh Phung<br />

dalateasyriders@yahoo.com<br />

www.dalat-easyrider.com<br />

Ride pillion with English-, French- or<br />

German-speaking tour guides on<br />

motorbike adventures that start in Dalat<br />

and snake through mountains, jungles<br />

and deltas, lasting anywhere from three<br />

to 21 days. Trips terminate in Nha Trang,<br />

Hoi An, Hanoi, Mui Ne or HCM City. All<br />

hotels and entrance fees included.<br />

HANOI<br />

Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi<br />

1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho Tel: 04 6270<br />

8888<br />

www.intercontinental.com<br />

Located on the waterfront with contemporary<br />

Vietnamese design, restaurants,<br />

business services, fitness centre including<br />

exercise classes and pool.<br />

Hanoi Hilton Opera<br />

1 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan Kiem<br />

Tel: 04 3933 0500<br />

www.hilton.com<br />

Housed in a colonial-style building<br />

that complements the adjacent Opera<br />

House, this luxury hotel features modern<br />

amenities, business services, outdoor<br />

pool and fitness centre. Vietnamese<br />

specialties are served at Ba Mien,<br />

and Chez Manon does Japanese and<br />

pan-Asian.<br />

Melia Hanoi Hotel<br />

44B Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: 04 3934 3343<br />

www.meliahanoi.com<br />

Located in the city centre with 306<br />

comfortable guestrooms elegantly decorated,<br />

complete with a host of modern<br />

amenities. Dining includes Asian cuisine<br />

at El Patio and El Oriental, snacks at<br />

Cava Lounge and tapas at Latino Bar.<br />

Mercure Hanoi La Gare<br />

94 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem<br />

Tel: 04 3944 7766<br />

www.accorhotels.com<br />

Situated in the Old Quarter with 102<br />

bright, spacious and modern rooms,<br />

Brasserie Le Pavillion restaurant serves<br />

Vietnamese and international cuisine.<br />

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi<br />

83A Ly Thuong Kiet<br />

Tel: 3822 2800<br />

www.moevenpick-hotels.com<br />

Conveniently located in the heart of<br />

Hanoi’s business district, a 40-minute<br />

drive from Noi Bai International Airport<br />

and only 5 minutes from the city centre,<br />

Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is the latest<br />

five-star hotel in town, tailored to meet<br />

the needs of discerning guests and<br />

especially corporate travellers.<br />

Nikko Hotel<br />

84 Tran Nhan Tong Tel: 04 3822 3535<br />

www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vn<br />

Luxury hotel offering spacious rooms,<br />

elegant furnishings, international fine<br />

dining from Europe, China and Japan.<br />

Sheraton Hotel Hanoi<br />

K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho<br />

Tel: 04 3719 9000<br />

www.starwoodhotels.com<br />

“Resort within a city” boasts 299<br />

spacious guest rooms with panoramic<br />

views, fitness centre, international<br />

restaurant and Hemisphere Vietnamese<br />

restaurant.<br />

Sofitel Metropole<br />

15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan Kiem<br />

Tel: 04 3826 6919<br />

www.sofitel.com<br />

Located downtown. Colonial-style hotel<br />

with well-regarded restaurants/bars<br />

serving French & Vietnamese cuisine,<br />

plus Italian steak house.<br />

HO CHI MINH CITY<br />

Caravelle Hotel<br />

19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823<br />

4999<br />

www.caravellehotel.com<br />

One of the city’s most prestigious<br />

venues. Features a casino, Reflections<br />

Restaurant and al fresco 9th-floor<br />

Saigon Saigon Bar.<br />

Duxton Hotel<br />

63 Nguyen Hue D1 Tel: 3822 2999<br />

www.duxtonhotels.com<br />

Located in downtown Saigon. Facilities<br />

include spa, beauty salon, Zanadu<br />

Health Club, gym, outdoor swimming<br />

and main restaurant, The Grill.<br />

Equatorial<br />

242 Tran Binh Trong D5 Tel: 3839<br />

7777<br />

www.equatorial.com/hcm<br />

On the intersect of 4 districts, with 333<br />

rooms, Orientica Seafood restaurant<br />

and bar, Chit Chat cafe, pool (swim-up<br />

bar), gym.<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon<br />

Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3520 9999<br />

saigon@interconti.com<br />

www.intercontinental.com/saigon<br />

305 rooms/suites with floor-to-ceiling<br />

windows, five restaurants/bars, meeting/<br />

banquet facilities, spa/health club and<br />

lounge with panoramic view.<br />

Legend Hotel<br />

2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 3333<br />

www.legendsaigon.com<br />

Located by the river with fitness centre,<br />

outdoor pool, kids play centre, Crystal<br />

Jade Chinese restaurant and jazz bar.<br />

Möevenpick Hotel Saigon<br />

253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3844 9222<br />

www.moevenpick-saigon.com<br />

Has 278 well-appointed rooms/suites,<br />

five restaurants/bars, meeting/banquet<br />

facilities and a shopping arcade as well<br />

as a popular e-gaming centre.<br />

New World Hotel<br />

76 Le Lai, D1 Tel: 3822 8888<br />

www.newworldsaigon.com<br />

Located in the city centre, with gym,<br />

outdoor pool, tennis court, event space<br />

and Dynasty Chinese restaurant.<br />

Park Hyatt<br />

2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234<br />

www.saigon.park.hyatt.com<br />

Luxury colonial-style hotel includes 21<br />

suites, lobby lounge with live music,<br />

Xuan Spa, pool, gym, international dining<br />

at Square One.<br />

Renaissance Riverside<br />

8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 0033<br />

www.renaissancehotels.com<br />

349 rooms/suites with panoramic views<br />

over Saigon River. Conference/banquet<br />

facilities, rooftop pool, gym, two<br />

restaurants.<br />

Sheraton<br />

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828<br />

www.sheraton.com/saigon<br />

Luxury downtown hotel with Level 23<br />

bar, Mojo cafe, Li Bai Chinese restaurant,<br />

fine dining at The Signature on the<br />

23rd floor.<br />

Sofitel Saigon Plaza<br />

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555<br />

www.sofitel.com/2077<br />

One of the city’s top hotels with in-room<br />

Wi-Fi, two restaurants with international<br />

cuisine, two bars, six conference rooms,<br />

outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre.<br />

Villa Hotel at Thao Dien<br />

195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 2222<br />

62 asialife HCMC

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www.thaodienvillage.com<br />

Colonial-style boutique hotel and spa<br />

with fine dining on the banks of the<br />

Saigon River in expat enclave.<br />

Windsor Plaza<br />

18 An Duong Vuong, D5<br />

Tel: 3833 6688<br />

services@windsorplazahotel.com<br />

www.windsorplazahotel.com<br />

Located in a main shopping hub. Four<br />

restaurants, modern discotheque,<br />

conference centre, casino, health club,<br />

shopping centre, supermarket, Chinese<br />

restaurant.<br />

activities<br />

Saigon Scooter Centre<br />

25/7 Cuu Long, Tan Binh District<br />

Tel: 4848 7816<br />

www.saigonscootercentre.com<br />

One-stop rental service with a wide selection<br />

of scooters/motorbikes available<br />

for around town travel or long trips<br />

Vietnam Vespa Adventures<br />

169 De Tham, D1, Pham Ngu Lao<br />

Tel: 3920 3897<br />

www.vietnamvespaadventures.com<br />

Headquaters located in Cafe Zoom.<br />

Offers 3-day trips to Mui Ne, 8-days to<br />

Nha Trang or half-day tours of HCMC on<br />

classic Vespas.<br />

HOI AN & DANANG<br />

Cua Dai Hotel<br />

544 Cua Dai Tel: 0510 3862 231<br />

www.cuadaihotel-hoian.com<br />

Open and airy rooms are tastefully<br />

decorated and overlook the garden<br />

and pool. Located roughly between Old<br />

Town and Cua Dai Beach. Bicycle rental<br />

arranged.<br />

Green Field Hotel<br />

423 Cua Dai, Hoi An Tel: 0510 863 484<br />

www.greenfieldhotel.com<br />

Mid-range hotel with simple but spacious<br />

rooms overlooking the garden<br />

and pool. Rates start below US $20<br />

per night. Located 400 metres from the<br />

Old Town.<br />

Le Domaine de Tam Hai Resort<br />

Tel: 0510 3545105<br />

www.domainedetamhai.com<br />

Occupying an island close to Hoi An, the<br />

resort features 12 villas, a private beach,<br />

and two restaurants serving French and<br />

Vietnamese cuisine.<br />

Life Resort Hoi An<br />

1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi An<br />

Tel: 0510 3914 555<br />

www.life-resorts.com<br />

Within walking distance of Hoi An.<br />

Rooms are chic and minimalist, offering<br />

all the mod cons. Two restaurants, two<br />

bars and an outdoor pool.<br />

Nam Hai<br />

Tel: 0510 3940 000<br />

www.ghmhotel.com<br />

Luxury resort accommodation from<br />

single villas to sumptuous five-room<br />

dwellings with private pools. Facilities<br />

include 8 private spa villas; 3 beachfront<br />

swimming pools; library; and tennis,<br />

basketball and badminton courts.<br />

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa<br />

Cua Dai Beach Tel: 0510 3927 040<br />

www.victoriahotels-asia.com<br />

Set on its own stretch of beach with<br />

105 rooms spread through a traditional<br />

fishing village design of small “streets”<br />

and ponds.<br />

Vinh Hung Hotel<br />

143 Tran Phu Tel: 0510 3910 393<br />

www.vinhhunghotels.com.vn<br />

Evocative wood carving, antique furniture<br />

and Oriental rugs fill this intimate<br />

guesthouse just down the street from<br />

the Japanese Bridge. Construction<br />

dates back more than a century.<br />

activities<br />

Hoi An Motorbike Adventures<br />

Tel: 0918 230 653<br />

www.motorbiketours-hoian.com<br />

Two-wheeled tours of the Central<br />

Highlands, Ho Chi Minh Trail, Monkey<br />

Mountain and more on a fleet of Minsk<br />

dirt bikes and fully and semi-automatic<br />

motorbikes. Customers can drive or be<br />

driven on half- to five-day trips.<br />

Mango Cruise<br />

info@mangorooms.com<br />

Chef Duc from the celebrated Mango<br />

Rooms restaurant and his wife Ly offer<br />

a cruise down the Thu Bon River, complete<br />

with a meal from a menu created<br />

by Duc himself.<br />

Phat Tire Ventures<br />

619 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 0510 391 1700<br />

www.phattireventures.com<br />

Offers rappelling and rock climbing at<br />

Marble Mountains, as well as walking<br />

and mountain biking excursions, from<br />

two-hour countryside trips to two-day<br />

cycling trips to Hue. Also does cultural<br />

and historical tours and car trips to My<br />

Son Holy Land.<br />

Vietnam Sailing<br />

88 Nguyen Thai Hoc Tel: 0918 255 521<br />

www.vietnamsailing.com<br />

Foreign-operated company operates<br />

chartered coach or private tours to<br />

Cham Islands aboard a Corsair Sprint<br />

750 Trimaran. One-day cruises or twoday<br />

excursions with beach camping by<br />

campfire are available.<br />

HUE<br />

Celadon Palace Hue<br />

105A Hung Vuong Tel: 054 3936 666<br />

www.celadonpalacehue.com<br />

Grand building inspired by Indochine<br />

Nobel House with panoramic views, international<br />

restaurant, lounge/bars, pool,<br />

ballroom and wedding planning.<br />

Imperial Hue<br />

57 Dang Dung Tel: 054 3522 478<br />

www.imperial-hotel.com.vn<br />

Opulent high-rise hotel with panoramic<br />

views of the city and Ngu Binh Mountain.<br />

Facilities include swimming pool, gym,<br />

Royal spa, Prince Club casino and business<br />

centre.<br />

La Residence<br />

5 Le Loi Tel: 054 3837 475<br />

www.la-residence-hue.com<br />

Former governor’s residence on the<br />

banks of the Perfume River is now home<br />

to a boutique resort where art deco<br />

meets Indochine. La Parfum restaurant<br />

serves local and international dishes.<br />

Facilitiesa include spa, saltwater pool,<br />

tennis court and fleet of bicycles.<br />

Mercure Hue Gerbera<br />

38 Le Loi Tel: 054 3946 688<br />

www.mercure.com<br />

Overlooking the Perfume River, this<br />

centrally located hotel has 110 contemporary<br />

rooms. Local Hue cuisine and<br />

international fare served at Le Bordeaux,<br />

and drinks served up top at Sky Bar or<br />

in the ground-floor Lobby Bar.<br />

Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa<br />

130 Minh Mang Tel: 054 3885 461<br />

www.pilgrimagevillage.com<br />

Boutique resort with hut, bungalow and<br />

villa accommodation draws on natural<br />

environment and local culture. Features<br />

Vedana spa, two restaurants serving<br />

Vietnamese & Western food and imported<br />

wines and three bar/lounges.<br />

NHA TRANG<br />

Evason Hideaway at Ana Mandara<br />

Ninh Van Bay, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa<br />

Tel: 058 3728 222<br />

www.sixsenses.com/hideawayanamandara<br />

An island hideaway accessible only by<br />

boat, 58 private pool villas, international<br />

and local restaurants, wedding services,<br />

water sports and scuba diving.<br />

asialife HCMC 63

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Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang<br />

Beachside, Tran Phu, Nha Trang<br />

Tel: 058 3522 222<br />

www.sixsenses.com/evasonanamandara<br />

Beachside resort set in 26,000 square<br />

metres of tropical garden, with 74 guest<br />

villas, three restaurants, Six Senses Spa.<br />

Hon Tam Resort Representative<br />

Office<br />

Level 1, 68 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3822 0632<br />

sales@hontamresort.vn<br />

A boutique eco-resort set on Hon Tam<br />

Island, located off Nha Trang.<br />

Novotel Nha Trang<br />

50 Tran Phu Tel: 058 625 6900<br />

www.novotel-nhatrang.com<br />

Each of the 154 rooms has a terrace<br />

with seaviews in this modern hotel<br />

located in the city centre. The Square<br />

serves international cuisine in a dining<br />

room overlooking the bay.<br />

Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa<br />

26 - 28 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, Khanh<br />

Hoa<br />

Tel: 58 388 0000<br />

www.sheraton.com/nhatrang<br />

Luxury hotel with 284 ocean view<br />

rooms, six restaurants and bars, club<br />

lounge, infinity edge swimming pool,<br />

spa, yoga studio, cooking school,<br />

Sheraton Adventure Club and (connected<br />

at) Link@Sheraton.<br />

Sunrise Beach Resort<br />

12-14 Tran Phu, Nha Trang<br />

Tel: 058 3820 999<br />

www.sunrisehotelvietnam.com<br />

Private beach resort equipped with gym,<br />

fitness centre, outdoor pool and water<br />

sports.<br />

PHAN THIET<br />

Full Moon<br />

98A Nguyen Dinh Chieu<br />

Tel: 062 3847 008<br />

fullmoon@windsurf-vietnam.com<br />

Resort set in a private garden with<br />

lovingly decorated bedrooms and<br />

terracotta-tiled bathrooms. The grounds<br />

include a good Vietnamese restaurant,<br />

pool and kitesurfing school.<br />

L’Anmien Beach Resort<br />

Mui Ne Beach, KM10, Ham Tien Ward<br />

Tel: 062 3741 888<br />

www.lanmienresort.com<br />

Beachfront resort with 90 fully equipped<br />

rooms, business centre, spa, fitness<br />

centre and outdoor pool.<br />

Princess D’Annam Resort and Spa<br />

Khu Hon Lan, Tan Thanh, Ham Thuan<br />

Nam, Binh Thuan<br />

Tel: 062 3682 222<br />

www.princessannam.com<br />

Located on Ke Ga Bay with 57 exclusive<br />

villas, eight swimming pools, two<br />

restaurants and 1,800 square metres<br />

spa complex.<br />

Romana Resort<br />

KM8, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet<br />

Tel: 062 3741 289<br />

www.romanaresort.com.vn<br />

10 beachfront villas and 18 hill villas with<br />

private pools and all the mod cons.<br />

The Sailing Club<br />

24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui Ne,<br />

Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3847 440<br />

www.sailingclubvietnam.com<br />

Open bar overlooking the sea, spacious<br />

rooms, restaurant, swimming pool and<br />

day spa.<br />

Shades Apartment<br />

Khu 1, Ham Tien Tel: 062 3743 237<br />

www.shadesmuine.com<br />

Design-led boutique hotel that uses<br />

minimal materials and draws on natural<br />

textures to achieve a sense of timelessness.<br />

Serviced apartments are soundproof<br />

with blackout curtains. Pool and<br />

beachside veranda outside.<br />

Victoria Phan Thiet Resort and Spa<br />

Mui Ne Beach Tel: 84 62 3813 000<br />

www.victoriahotels-asia.com<br />

Located on a private beach, 60 cosy<br />

bungalows, natural spa experiences<br />

among other great activities on offer at<br />

the resort.<br />

activities<br />

C2Sky Kitesurfing<br />

Sunny Beach, 64-66 Nguyen Dinh<br />

Chieu Tel: 0916655241<br />

www.c2skykitecenter.com<br />

Operates two schools roughly 500m<br />

apart, staffed by IKO-certified instructors.<br />

Offers a half dozen course types,<br />

as well as instructor training. Equipment<br />

rental and repair.<br />

Forester Spa & Mini Golf<br />

65 Nguyen Dinh Chieu<br />

Tel: 062 3743 447<br />

www.forestrestaurant.com<br />

Terraced nine-hole miniature golf course<br />

with distinctly Vietnamese terrain: rice<br />

paddies, palm trees, stilt homes and a<br />

fish pond.<br />

Jibes Beach Club<br />

84-90 Nguyen Dinh Chieu<br />

Tel: 062 3847 008<br />

www.windsurf-vietnam.com<br />

IKO-licensed kitesurfing centre offers<br />

highly structured kitesurfing classes<br />

taught by experienced watersportsmen.<br />

Also offer windsurfing lessons and retails<br />

in watersports equipment (bodyboards,<br />

kayaks, surfboards, windsurfs).<br />

Mui Ne Beach.net<br />

www.muinebeach.net<br />

Informative website run by local writer<br />

Adam Bray covering news, events, community/environmental<br />

issues and more<br />

in Mui Ne and Phan Thiet. Also issues<br />

safety advisories regarding crime and<br />

tour bus accidents.<br />

Mui Ne Cooking School<br />

Sunshine Beach Resort, 84 Tuyen<br />

Quang Tel: 062 383 0755<br />

Al fresco classes begin with a trip to<br />

Rang Market and focus on the provincial<br />

cuisine of Binh Thuan, like banh xeo<br />

(crepes with beef or seafood) and goi<br />

hai san (seafood salad).<br />

Surfpoint<br />

217 Nguyen Dinh Chieu<br />

www.surfpoint-vietnam.com<br />

Offers private and group kiteboarding<br />

courses and equipment rental (from<br />

$40-50/hr). Also runs group and private<br />

surfing lessons, as well as kayaking trips<br />

to Song Quao Lake.<br />

WindChimes School<br />

Saigon Mui Ne Resort, 56 Nguyen Dinh<br />

Chieu<br />

www.kiteboarding-vietnam.com<br />

Surf school situated on 235m of beach<br />

offers kiteboarding, windsurfing and<br />

surfing classes in multiple languages<br />

taught by IKO-certified instructors.<br />

Equipment rented and trips organised.<br />

Satellite school at Bamboo Village<br />

Resort.<br />

PHU QUOC<br />

Chenla Resort & Spa<br />

Bai Xep, Ong Lang Beach<br />

Tel: 077 3995 895<br />

www.chenla-resort.com<br />

sales-hcmc@chenla-resort.com<br />

Resort on a bay offers 36 luxury bungalows/villas<br />

with ocean views, swimming<br />

pool, water sports, diving centre, spa<br />

and Mediterannean restaurants.<br />

Freedomland<br />

Ong Long Beach Tel: 077 3994 891<br />

freedomlandphuquoc.com<br />

Secluded lodging in six different bungalow<br />

types built from natural materials<br />

sourced from the island. Private or<br />

shared bathrooms, no air-conditioning<br />

or hot water. Boat trips and scooter<br />

tours.<br />

asialife HCMC 65

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La Veranda<br />

Ward 1, Duong Dong Beach<br />

Tel: 077 3982 888<br />

www.laverandaresort.com<br />

Set amid tropical gardens along a beach.<br />

Features a highly-rated spa, beach grill,<br />

Vietnamese, Asian and European cuisine.<br />

Mango Bay<br />

Ong Lang Beach, Phu Quoc<br />

Tel: 0903 382 207<br />

www.mangobayphuquoc.com<br />

Low-cost seaside resort with ecological<br />

outlook promotes nature activities, forest<br />

walks, snorkelling, open-air seafood<br />

restaurant. No TV or telephone.<br />

SAPA<br />

Chau Long Hotel<br />

24 Dong Loi Tel: 020 3871 245<br />

www.chaulonghotel.com<br />

Mid-range hotel with wraparound<br />

construction offering panoramic views.<br />

Rooms in the newer wing are more attractive,<br />

with dark wood furnishings and<br />

polished hardwood floors.<br />

Topas Eco Lodge<br />

24 Muong Hoa Tel: 020 3871 331<br />

www.topasecolodge.com<br />

Overlooking the Hoang Lien Mountains,<br />

Topas is comprised of 25 white granite<br />

and golden hardwood lodges powered<br />

by solar energy. Premises include restaurant<br />

in traditional Tay stilt house, and<br />

Topas offers a range of outdoor activities,<br />

including mountain biking and trekking.<br />

Victoria Sapa Resort<br />

Sapa District, Lao Cai Province<br />

Tel: 020 0871 522<br />

www.victoriahotels-asia.com<br />

Mountain chalet perched over the village<br />

wth cosy but modern guestrooms<br />

overlooking the lawn and garden. Ta Van<br />

restaurant overlooks Mount Fansipan<br />

and Ta Fin bar has a stone hearth<br />

fireplace. Connection from Hanoi by<br />

private train.<br />

SCUBA DIVING<br />

Note: <strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> only lists dive centres<br />

recognized by international dive training<br />

programs, such as the Professional<br />

Association of Dive Instructors (PADI)<br />

and Scuba Schools International (SSI).<br />

We strongly advise against diving with<br />

unaccredited dive centres in Vietnam.<br />

Rainbow Divers<br />

55 Nguyen Giai Dang, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 6825<br />

www.divevietnam.com<br />

Diving tours and career/instructor development<br />

offered by Vietnam’s first PADI<br />

centre. established in the mid-90s. All<br />

courses can be started at the state-ofthe-art<br />

dive centre in An Phu, from beginner<br />

pool work and theory to divemaster<br />

and instructor certification. Operates dive<br />

centres in Nha Trang, Whale Island, Hoi<br />

An and Phu Quoc.<br />

Octopus Diving<br />

62 Tran Phu, Nha Trang<br />

058 826 528<br />

www.divenhatrang.com<br />

PADI/SSI dive centre based in Nha Trang<br />

and affiliated with the Sailing Club Co.,<br />

with additional centres in Mui Ne and Hoi<br />

An. Offers a range of services, including<br />

children’s Bubblemaker classes, courses<br />

in specialised techniques and divemaster<br />

certification.<br />

VUNG TAU<br />

The Imperial Hotel<br />

159-163 Thuy Van Tel: 06 4362 8888<br />

www.imperialhotelvietnam.com<br />

Victorian-style hotel with 152 rooms,<br />

outdoor pool, shopping mall and fully<br />

serviced gym.<br />

Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa<br />

Ho Tram Village, Xuyen Moc<br />

Tel: 06 4378 1525<br />

www.hotramresort.com<br />

Located about 45km from Vung Tau in<br />

the Phuoc Buu Reserve Forest, Ho Tram<br />

Beach Resort & Spa boasts uniquely<br />

designed bungalows and villas.<br />

TRAVEL AGENTS<br />

Budget Car Rentals<br />

198 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 2929<br />

Tan Son Nhat Airport Tel: 3930 2929<br />

International rental agency offers<br />

chauffeur-driven cars to destinations<br />

throughout Vietnam. Drivers are proficient<br />

in English and trained in defensive<br />

driving. Airport/resort transfers, daily<br />

rentals and corporate fleets available.<br />

Buffalo Tours<br />

Suite 601, Satra House, 58 Dong Khoi<br />

D1 Tel: 3827 9170<br />

www.buffalotours.com<br />

Tailor-made itineraries, communitybased<br />

tourism, cultural tours, adventure<br />

trips, golfing and premium trips offered<br />

by locally run and well-respected travel<br />

agent.<br />

Exotissimo<br />

HCMC: 20 Hai Ba Trung St, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 2911<br />

infosgn@exotissimo.com<br />

SD5-2 Grand View, Nguyen Duc Canh,<br />

Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5412 2761/62<br />

pmh@exotissimo.com<br />

HANOI: 26 Tran Nhat Duat St,<br />

Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3828 2150<br />

infohanoi@exotissimo.com<br />

www.exotissimo.com<br />

French-owned agency specializing in<br />

flight bookings, package holidays and a<br />

range of well-run cultural and historical<br />

tours of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.<br />

Indochina Ventures<br />

40 Truong Quyen, D3<br />

Tel: 3820 2563/3820 2564<br />

Fax: 3829 2565<br />

info@indochina-ventures.com<br />

Tour operator that specializes in<br />

Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Can<br />

tailor packages to suit customers’ time<br />

frames and interests.<br />

iTravel<br />

175/22 Pham Ngu Lao, D1<br />

Tel: 0836 4876<br />

www.itravel-online.com<br />

trung@itravel-online.com<br />

Operated out of Le Pub (Hanoi/HCMC)<br />

offering a wide range of tour and accomodation<br />

options throughout Vietnam,<br />

as well as custom-made tours tailored<br />

to customer specifications.<br />

iViVu<br />

www.ivivu.com<br />

Offering the traditional services of a<br />

travel agent – airline tickets, tours, packages<br />

and hotels - as well as tips and<br />

up-to-date travel news on Vietnam.<br />

Terraverde<br />

91/10 Tran Quoc Hoan, Tan Binh<br />

Tel: 3948 4754/56<br />

info@terraverdetravel.com<br />

www.terraverdetravel.com<br />

German-owned travel agency specializing<br />

in tailor-made tours combining<br />

nature experiences; site visits; cultural<br />

encounters; biking, boating and trekking<br />

expeditions. Mixes cultural experience<br />

with light adventure tourism.<br />

Trails of Indochina<br />

10/8 Phan Dinh Giot, Tan Binh<br />

Tel: 3844 1005<br />

www.trailsofindochina.com<br />

Specialists in custom-made tours<br />

offering cultural and adventurous experiences<br />

throughout the region. Exclusive<br />

resources and locations.

---

listings<br />

food &<br />

drink<br />

BAR RESTAURANTS<br />

Ala Mezon<br />

10 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 6291 0447<br />

www.alamezon.vn<br />

Colourful four-storey venue serves fusion<br />

French-Japanese cuisine, as well as<br />

cocktails and wine by the glass. Space<br />

spans a restaurant, lounge and main<br />

bar and spacious, airy rooftop. Open 5<br />

pm to late.<br />

Bread & Butter<br />

40/26 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3836 8452<br />

Lunch menu of American classics<br />

(California burritos, po boy sandwiches),<br />

Brit pub dinner (bangers & mash, fish<br />

& chips) and Sunday evening roast.<br />

Serves Huda Beer from Hue. Closed<br />

2:30 pm to 5 pm and Mondays.<br />

Bernie's Bar & Grill<br />

19 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 2684<br />

Serves a solid menu of certified Angus<br />

and imported Aussie steaks, fresh<br />

pasta, thin crust pizza, sandwiches and<br />

mains in an old school steak house<br />

setting. Drink menu includes smoothies,<br />

cocktails, premium wines and spirits and<br />

Saigon's largest martini. <br />

Buddha Bar<br />

7 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2080<br />

An Phu institution serves up tasty meals<br />

and good drinks in a friendly, chilled environment.<br />

Plenty of room to relax inside<br />

or out, plus a pool table on premise. <br />

Cafe Latin<br />

17 Dong Du, D1<br />

In its third location, this expat favourite<br />

continues to deliver good food, an<br />

extensive drink list and a comfortable<br />

atmosphere. Two levels to watch sport<br />

on or simply unwind. Said to serve the<br />

best chicken parmigiana in Vietnam.<br />

Corso Steakhouse & Bar<br />

Norfolk Hotel, 117 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Located in the chic Norfolk Hotel Corso<br />

Steakhouse & Bar is well known for its<br />

steak imported from the US and Australia.<br />

Good destination for both lunch<br />

and dinner.<br />

K Cafe<br />

28 Do Quang Dau, D1 Tel: 3913 4673<br />

www.kcafevietnam.com<br />

This down-to-earth bistro-bar is a haven<br />

for French-speaking emigrés looking for<br />

an alternative in the backpackers’ area.<br />

Prop up the bar with a beer or Ricard,<br />

or tuck into the tasty Gallic fare. Good<br />

atmosphere for conversation. <br />

La Habana<br />

6 Cao Ba Quat, D1 Tel: 3829 5180<br />

www.lahabana-saigon.com<br />

This charming little place has seating indoors<br />

and outdoors, upstairs and downstairs<br />

to fit your dining pleasure.Relaxed<br />

environment with frequent live music.<br />

Offers Spanish and Cuban fare including<br />

paella and a tapas fiesta comprising<br />

three plates. Open late daily.<br />

Le Pub<br />

175/ 22 Pham Ngu Lao, D1<br />

www.lepub.org<br />

One of Pham Ngu Lao’s favourite<br />

watering holes, Le Pub also has a good<br />

menu of well-executed pub grub and<br />

international favourites. Hearty breakfast<br />

is available all day and specials are<br />

offered daily.<br />

Mogambos<br />

50 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 1311<br />

This restaurant has been around since<br />

the mid-1990s, which offers an insight<br />

into its enduring quality. Specializes in<br />

American grain-fed steaks, hamburgers<br />

and salads served in a pleasant<br />

atmosphere. <br />

O’Brien’s<br />

74/A2 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3829 3198<br />

A large Celtic-style pub popular with<br />

media types that has an interior done in<br />

brickwork and wood, and an upstairs<br />

dining area. Draught beer is happy<br />

hour between 3 pm and 7 pm. Great<br />

pizzas.<br />

Pasha Bar & Restaurant<br />

25 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 08 629 136 77<br />

www.pasha.com.vn<br />

Turkish–Mediterranean restaurant<br />

located in heart of HCMC serves halal<br />

and high quality food with ingredients<br />

imported from Turkey, Spain, Singapore,<br />

Egypt, New Zealand, Japan and France.<br />

Long happy hour half price by glass.<br />

Various shisha flavours.<br />

Peaches: The Curry Pub<br />

Sky Garden 2, S57-1, Phu My Hung,<br />

D7 Tel: 5410 0999<br />

Serves up dishes from Thailand, Vietnam,<br />

Malaysia, China, Japan, Singapore<br />

and Indonesia with a focus on healthy<br />

preparation and fresh produce.<br />

Phatty’s<br />

46-48 Ton That Thiep, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 0705<br />

www.phattysbar.com<br />

Jaspa’s Steve Hardy and Ben Winspear’s<br />

sports bar has five widescreen<br />

TVs, a large drop-down screen and lots<br />

of pub grub and beer for fans looking<br />

to take in a game or two.<br />

Qing<br />

110 Pasteur, D1<br />

www.qing.com.vn<br />

Sophisticated downtown bar just off Le<br />

Loi specializes in Asian tapas, Asian/<br />

South American fusion dishes and a<br />

few delectable deserts. Variety of good<br />

wines by the glass or bottle.<br />

Sheridan’s Irish House<br />

17/13 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823<br />

0793<br />

www.sheridansbarvn.com<br />

Cosy Irish pub with authentic Irish decor,<br />

a pleasant atmosphere and regular<br />

live music. Wide range of classic pub<br />

grub, East Asian dishes and a fantastic<br />

breakfast fry-up available from 8 am.<br />

Storm P Bar & Restaurant<br />

5B Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3827 4738<br />

www.stormp.vn<br />

This friendly hangout is a favourite with<br />

both the Scandinavian community and<br />

English-speaking expats. Offers Danish<br />

cuisine to go with the drinks. <br />

The Tavern<br />

R2/24 Hung Gia 3, Bui Bang Doan,<br />

D7<br />

Tel: 5410 3900<br />

Boasts good international food, a pool<br />

table, dartboards and sports coverage<br />

on large screens. Outdoor seating on<br />

mutiple levels. Second floor sports<br />

lounge hosts DJs at the weekends. <br />

A noth er Q uality Devel opmen t B y<br />

Asia Life November 2010.indd 1<br />

10/26/2010 5:32:16 AM<br />

asialife HCMC 67

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Vasco’s Bar<br />

74/7D Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 2888<br />

Chic bar decked in deep reds that gets<br />

packed to capacity on weekends. Open<br />

Monday to Saturday with live music on<br />

Fridays. Food menu by chef with over 10<br />

years experience at La Camargue. Also<br />

does excellent pizza. <br />

ZanZBar<br />

41 Dong Du, D1<br />

Funky, modern interiors and varied<br />

international breakfast, lunch and dinner<br />

cuisine. Imported beers, cocktails,<br />

gourmet espresso coffee, and happy<br />

hours make ZanZBar a great after-work<br />

spot. Open late.<br />

CAFES<br />

Annam Cafe<br />

16-18 Hai Ba Trung<br />

Cosy corner cafe with free Wi-Fi overlooking<br />

Hai Ba Trung. Serves a slate of<br />

gourmet sandwiches, coffee and wine.<br />

Bobby Brewer’s<br />

45 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3920 4090<br />

70 Nguyen Cong Tru, D1 Tel: 3821<br />

8100<br />

86 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 6299<br />

1990<br />

www.bobbybrewers.com<br />

This is an attractive fast-food style coffee<br />

shop with friendly staff and good lattes.<br />

All the coffee is roasted on the premises<br />

and there are comfortable couches and<br />

travellers aplenty making it a chilled<br />

place to hang out. <br />

Bull’s Cafe<br />

113C Bui Vien Street, D1<br />

Tel: 3836 1925<br />

www.bullcafe.com.vn<br />

MotoGP-themed lounge serving up coffee,<br />

smoothies and cafe house special,<br />

fruit cocktail.<br />

Cafe Terrace<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

This funky café is frequented by trendy<br />

types attracted by the leather lounges,<br />

outdoor terrace and 52 non-alcoholic<br />

fruit concotions.<br />

Cay Da Cafe<br />

Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon<br />

253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 118<br />

www.moevenpick-saigon.com<br />

Stocks the Moevenpick’s chef’s most<br />

delicious cakes, pastries, ice cream and<br />

sandwiches.<br />

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf<br />

12-14 Thai Van Lung, D1<br />

94 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3<br />

Nowzone, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, D5<br />

Metropolitan Bldng, 235 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

International café chain with a wide<br />

variety of coffees and teas, as well as<br />

light snacks and food. Also sells freshroasted<br />

coffee beans and tins of whole<br />

leaf tea. <br />

Illy Café<br />

111A Pasteur, D1 Tel: 2220 2388<br />

Fax: 2220 2389<br />

Grand View Shop SA1-1, SB2-1<br />

Nguyen Duc Canh, D7 Tel: 5412 3292<br />

Fax: 5412 3293<br />

An Italian-style coffee bar that serves<br />

Illy—a world-renowned espresso blend.<br />

Makes classic coffees like the cappuccino<br />

as well as innovative alcoholic and<br />

non-alcoholic cocktails. Also serve light<br />

Italian cuisine and desserts.<br />

Jubarcalypse<br />

35 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 7930<br />

Jubarcalypse has an interesting underground<br />

design. Playing jazz music, it’s<br />

the perfect place to re-energize with a<br />

refreshing selection of juices and snacks.<br />

Loaves and Fishes<br />

5 Street 11, Thao Dien, D2<br />

Tel: 3547 0577<br />

Coffee house on a side street near<br />

Riverside Apartments serves up drinks<br />

and serves the full line of Western-style<br />

baked goods from Harvest Baking.<br />

Mojo<br />

88 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

www.sheratonsaigon.com<br />

A top-end cafe with an attractive interior,<br />

outdoor terrace at street level and<br />

comfortable lounges upstairs. Good<br />

business coffee or lunch venue.<br />

Nirvana<br />

14Bis Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1<br />

Tel: 3910 0745<br />

Pleasant retro-styled cafe with outdoor<br />

water features and welcome modern<br />

touches like free Wi-Fi. Live music at<br />

night.<br />

Paris Deli<br />

35 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 6127<br />

Grand View Building, Nguyen Duc<br />

Canh, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 412<br />

2179<br />

Petite boulangerie/cafe decked out with<br />

French-style furnishings. Offering tasty<br />

French and international dishes with a<br />

range of lunchtime specials at reasonable<br />

prices.<br />

Une Journee A Paris<br />

234 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3827 7723<br />

15B Ngo Quang Huy, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 0128 608 9551<br />

A Parisian-style café that serve French<br />

cuisine, coffee and pastries like fondant<br />

chocolat, baba au rhum and tropezienne.<br />

Free Wi-Fi. Open Monday to<br />

Saturday from 7 am to 7 pm.<br />

X Cafe<br />

58 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3914 2142<br />

212 A2 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925<br />

9307<br />

Bright, spacious foreign-run cafe decorated<br />

in the style of an Alpine chalet.<br />

Popular with local makers and shakers,<br />

has a great open-plan upstairs area and<br />

two outdoor terraces. Regular live music<br />

and homemade ice cream. Nguyen Trai<br />

location includes children’s playground.<br />

Catering available.<br />

Zenta<br />

41 Mac Dinh Chi, D3<br />

A large, extravagant, kitsch cafe with<br />

several rooms resembling airport<br />

departure lounges. Customers, though,<br />

tend to gravitate to the more attractive<br />

outdoor terrace with its pond and<br />

waterfall-style water features.<br />

CHINESE<br />

Chop Chop Chinese Delivery<br />

Tel: 3826 9135<br />

SMS: 09 3836 3030<br />

www.chopchopvietnam.com<br />

American-style Chinese delivery service<br />

brings classics like General Tso's<br />

chicken, moo shu pork and beef with<br />

broccoli to your door. Open seven days,<br />

11 am to 10 pm. <br />

Dragon Court<br />

11-13 Lam Son Square, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 2566<br />

Open until 2am, this vast, no-frills eatery<br />

gets packed with hungry locals who<br />

savour generous portions of tasty dim<br />

sum. All the Chinese staples are here.<br />

Expect a good feed for under 100,000<br />

VND per person.<br />

Dynasty Restaurant<br />

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 8888<br />

feast broaden your palate with promotions around town<br />

Café Rivoli<br />

Each Thursday the Sofitel Plaza’s Café<br />

Rivoli offers an Asian Buffet. For 790,000<br />

VND ++ for adults and 395,000 VND ++<br />

for children aged 5 to 11, diners can select<br />

from Asian delicacies like tom yum, sushi,<br />

lamb curry and roasted Peking duck. It includes<br />

Vietnamese desserts and seasonal<br />

fruit plus free flow of house wines, beers<br />

and soft drinks. Call 3824 1555 or email<br />

fb@sofitelsaigon.com.vn.<br />

Shang Palace Restaurant<br />

Starting November 1, the Norfolk Mansion’s<br />

Shang Palace will introduce its new<br />

dim sum menu. For US $2.40 ++ per<br />

serving, patrons can choose from several<br />

dumpling varieties including steamed spicy<br />

seafood, shrimp or pork and prawns. Call<br />

3823 222, email reservation@shangpalace.<br />

com.vn or visit www.shangpalace.com.vn.<br />

Restaurant Nineteen<br />

The Caravelle Hotel’s Restaurant 19 will<br />

host a buffet dinner to celebrate American<br />

Thanksgiving on November 25. The buffet,<br />

which costs 930,000 VND ++ per person,<br />

includes seafood, caviar and fish roe stations<br />

and of course, roast turkey. Other<br />

appetizers, soups, cheese and desserts<br />

will be available, too. Call 3823 4999 or<br />

visit www.caravellehotel.com.<br />

Cham Charm<br />

Indulge in a seafood buffet at Cham<br />

Charm’s Sunday Brunch from 10.30 am to<br />

3 pm for 585,000 VND ++ per person. Call<br />

5410 9999 or visit www.khaisilkcorp.com.<br />

Cafe Central An Dong<br />

Through November the Windsor Plaza<br />

Hotel’s Café Central An Dong will serve<br />

up traditional Swedish cuisine like pickled<br />

pork and poultry, steamed salmon with dill<br />

and premium rib-eye steak with mustard<br />

crust. The buffet runs from 6 to 10<br />

pm daily and costs 310,000 VND ++ on<br />

weekdays and 340,000 VND on weekends<br />

and holidays. Children 10 years and under<br />

eat for half price. Call 3833 6688, email<br />

services@windsorplazahotel.com or visit<br />

windsorplazahotel.com.<br />

Amigo<br />

This month, Amigo will prepare OP ribs—a<br />

800g cut stuffed with garlic and slow<br />

roasted—to share between two. The dish<br />

is served with gravy, herb sauce, steamed<br />

broccoli and spicy potato wedges for<br />

999,000 VND ++ for two people. Call 3824<br />

1248 or email amigo@vtpinvestment.com.<br />

Orientica<br />

This month, Hotel Equatorial’s Orientica<br />

restaurant will host award-winning chef<br />

Yong Bin Ngen. He will showcase his skills<br />

at two wine dinners (the first, on November<br />

19 for 1,450,000 VND ++ per person and<br />

the second on November 23 for 1,300,000<br />

VND ++ per person). He will prepare<br />

signature dishes like crisp wasabi prawn<br />

and chilled sake infused crabmeat salad<br />

and double-boiled shark’s fin with sea<br />

treasures and Japanese mushroom. Call<br />

3839 7777 ext. 8333 or email dine@hcm.<br />

equatorial.com.<br />

IKI<br />

On Wednesdays, the Moevenpick’s new<br />

Japanese restaurant IKI will offer all you<br />

can eat on selected sushi and maki for<br />

199,000 VND ++ per person. Call 3844<br />

9222 or email hotel.saigon.fb@moevenpick.com.<br />

68 asialife HCMC

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Fine Chinese dining in an opulent restaurant<br />

reminiscent of the Middle Kingdom’s<br />

imperial days. Delicacies clock<br />

in at 500,000 VND, but most dishes fall<br />

between 80,000 to 180,000 VND.<br />

Huy Long Vien<br />

99 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 7799<br />

www.huylongvien.com<br />

A magnificent Chinese restaurant with<br />

a leafy slate-tiled courtyard, Chinese<br />

lanterns and a labyrinth of water works.<br />

Lunchtime dim sum is 120,000 VND,<br />

while the a la carte menu runs higher<br />

with Chinese specialties such as Peking<br />

duck for 400,000 VND.<br />

Kabin<br />

Renaissance Riverside Hotel, 8-15 Ton<br />

Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033<br />

Elegant dining space with beautiful<br />

decor and great views over the river<br />

offers extensive lunch and dinner menus<br />

featuring authentic gourmet Cantonese<br />

and Szechuan dishes and an assortment<br />

of dim sum at lunchtime.<br />

Li Bai<br />

Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 2828<br />

Imperial-styled restaurant named after<br />

a famous Chinese poet. Excellent lunch<br />

time dim sum buffet for USD $17.00.<br />

Nightly à la carte menu with dishes going<br />

from 100,000 VND.<br />

Lotus Court<br />

1st floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon<br />

253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 168<br />

www.moevenpick-saigon.com<br />

Dim Sum and exciting Cantonese cuisine<br />

in a unique and elegant setting.<br />

Ming Dynasty<br />

23 Nguyen Khac Vien, Phu My Hung<br />

Tel: 5411 5555<br />

Decorated in Ming Dynasty-style; offers<br />

100 dim sum varieties and 300 dishes<br />

prepared by a chef from Hong Kong.<br />

The restaurant’s Imperial Buffet costs<br />

USD $39 per person and includes free<br />

flow of wine.<br />

Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant<br />

Windsor Plaza Hotel, 18 An Duong<br />

Vuong, D5 Tel: 3833 6688<br />

Beautiful wood paneling, colourful<br />

hanging lanterns and a sparkling mineral<br />

gallery make for a relaxing dining experience<br />

at the Windsor. Feast on roasted<br />

Pi Pa duck, giant grouper and steamed<br />

king prawns. Be sure to check out<br />

monthly specials.<br />

Ocean Palace<br />

2 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3911 8822<br />

Both traditional and trendy Chinese<br />

dishes are prepared by chef from Hong<br />

Kong and served in an opulent 280-seat<br />

dining room in this restaurant opposite<br />

the zoo. Intimate private rooms and<br />

larger party rooms available for booking.<br />

Shang Palace Restaurant<br />

Norfolk Mansion, 17-19-21 Ly Tu<br />

Trong, D1 Tel: 3823 2221<br />

www.shangpalace.com.vn<br />

An upscale Chinese restaurant with a<br />

spacious and welcoming atmosphere.<br />

The menu boasts a wide range of Hong<br />

Kong Cantonese cuisine, including both<br />

dim sum, a la carte and set menus,<br />

regularly changed by the creative chefs.<br />

Thao Li Restaurant<br />

Grand View C, Nguyen Duc Canh, Phu<br />

My Hung Tel: 5412 5999<br />

Daily Dim Sum Buffet costs USD $9.90<br />

per person, starting from 11 am. The<br />

daily A La Carte Dinner Buffet costs<br />

$14.90 per person; includes more than<br />

55 dishes.<br />

Truyen Ky<br />

261B Dao Duy Tu, D10<br />

Small homestyle Chinese restaurant<br />

specializing in the salty Hakka cuisine of<br />

southeastern China, including tofu and<br />

chilis stuffed with fish paste.<br />

Yu Chu<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner<br />

of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3520 9099<br />

dine@icasianasaigon.com<br />

Specializing in authentic Cantonese<br />

and Peking cuisine. Award-winning chef<br />

prepares dishes including handmade<br />

noodles, dim sum and wok-fried items.<br />

Wide selection of live seafood. Five<br />

interactive kitchens.<br />

DESSERT PARLOURS<br />

Bo Gia (The Godfather)<br />

29 Ngo Duc Ke, D1<br />

20 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1<br />

299 Nguyen Van Troi, Tan Binh<br />

Does brisk lunchtime trade with its<br />

selection of more than 25 ice cream<br />

favours and Vietnamese noodle and rice<br />

dishes.<br />

Ciao Cafe<br />

40 Ngo Duc Ke, D1<br />

With a number of branches downtown<br />

(21 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and 26 Tran<br />

Cao Van, among others), this popular<br />

cafe offers a mixture of food, drinks<br />

and books. Boasts about 20 ice cream<br />

specials and serves crepes, sodas and<br />

shakes.<br />

Fanny Ice Cream<br />

29-31 Ton That Thiep, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 1633<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1<br />

www.fanny.com.vn<br />

Tranquil open-terraced heaven for icecream<br />

lovers. Menu contains fresh fruit,<br />

ice cream, sherbets and sorbets (coconut,<br />

caramel and Bailey’s ice-cream and<br />

mango sorbet are standouts). All you<br />

can eat first Friday of the month. <br />

Ministry of Food<br />

30 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3827 7898<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1<br />

Two-floor dessert house specializing in<br />

Italian and Japanese treats serving a<br />

wide array of ice cream flavours using<br />

milk from Japan’s dairy capital. Also<br />

serves sandwiches and bento boxes.<br />

New Zealand Natural<br />

3rd Floor, Parkson Department Store<br />

39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

4th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan<br />

1st Floor, Saigon Superbowl, 843<br />

Truong Son, Tan Binh<br />

www.newzealandnatural.com<br />

Serves flavours ranging from chocolate<br />

ecstasy, fruits of the forest and boysenberry<br />

dream by the scoop.<br />

Yogen Fruz<br />

118 Pasteur, D1<br />

106 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1<br />

Panorama Apartments, Ton Dat Tien,<br />

Phu My Hung, D7<br />

www.yogenfruz.com<br />

Frozen yoghurt parlour is decked in<br />

mod-meets-IKEA decor and serves<br />

no-fat, and low-fat fro-yo blended with<br />

fresh fruits, as well as soft serve and<br />

smoothies.<br />

FRENCH<br />

Annamite French Restaurant<br />

21 Tu Xuong, Ward 7 D3<br />

Tel: 6277 8332<br />

annamite-restaurant.com<br />

The new VN restaurant area of D3 opens<br />

a classic French dinning option, led by<br />

ex Caprice chef. Snug atmosphere with<br />

a classic touch . French favourites such<br />

as escargot in garlic butter, Pan fried<br />

goose froie gras, duck in port wine,<br />

poached river sole with saffron sauce<br />

and classic flambé crepes.<br />

asialife HCMC 69

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imbibe<br />

street gourmet<br />

Alsatian Adulation<br />

By Beth Young<br />

Alsace—a region located at<br />

France’s most northeastern<br />

point, on the fringe of Germany—may<br />

only stretch across<br />

a modest 45,000 acres, but<br />

it churns out a vast selection<br />

of wines to tempt all palates.<br />

From sweet Gewürztraminer,<br />

to golden-hued Pinot Gris and<br />

fresh Riesling, wines made<br />

in the area are just “magic,”<br />

says oenologist Thierry Fritsch<br />

from the Alsace Wine Trade<br />

Council.<br />

Though Fritsch says each<br />

Alsatian wine has its own<br />

character, they share some<br />

traits. First, Alsatian wines are<br />

named after the grape they<br />

are produced from, rather than<br />

the village where the vine was<br />

grown. And as few Alsatian<br />

wines are blended, the grape<br />

variety printed on the label<br />

is what will be found inside,<br />

making it easier for beginners<br />

to make an informed choice.<br />

Second, Alsatian drops are<br />

mostly white and are, as such,<br />

fresh, fruity, aromatic and easy<br />

to drink.<br />

Fritsch suggests starting<br />

with Gewürztraminer, which<br />

sells at The Warehouse for<br />

428,000 VND. Packed with<br />

tropical flavours like lychee,<br />

mango and passion fruit plus<br />

a hint of cinnamon and even<br />

roses, Fritsch is only half joking<br />

when he says it could pass<br />

as a perfume. Creamy and<br />

smooth, it complements spicy<br />

food, especially curries. “A<br />

deep red [with Indian cuisine]<br />

would be a fight, not a match.<br />

With Gewürztraminer there is<br />

more fusion. It’s much more<br />

pleasant.”<br />

Next, he recommends the<br />

Pinot Gris (386,000 VND at<br />

The Warehouse), a wine he’s<br />

dubbed a “red-white,” for its<br />

smoky flavours. Deep yellow,<br />

Fritsch says it’s exuberant with<br />

notes of honey and dried fruit.<br />

Though it’s complex, it’s also<br />

completely well balanced with<br />

enough body and freshness<br />

to compete with rich duck,<br />

foie gras, cheese, veal and<br />

mushroom-based dishes. For<br />

best results, Fritsch points<br />

out, Pinot Gris, should be<br />

decanted at least half an hour<br />

before indulging and should<br />

be served at a just-right 10<br />

degrees.<br />

After Gewürztraminer<br />

and Pinot Gris it’s time to<br />

graduate to Fritsch’s favourite,<br />

Riesling. The most affordable<br />

of the trio at 356,000 VND,<br />

it has an elegant nose and a<br />

long, crisp aftertaste. Fritsch<br />

says a mouthful tastes like<br />

a thousand different flowers<br />

all at once, accentuated with<br />

tangy citrus. It pairs best with<br />

seafood, especially crab and<br />

fish. And as it’s so fresh, it easily<br />

cuts through the fattiness of<br />

smoked salmon, for example.<br />

Fritsch believes Alsace’s<br />

greatest strength is its ability to<br />

produce food-friendly wines. If<br />

in doubt, though, he recommends<br />

the Pinot Gris every<br />

time, especially with Asian<br />

food. “It goes with everything.<br />

It just works,” he says.<br />

Che Buoi<br />

Che buoi is traditional Vietnamese<br />

sweet soup with<br />

pomelo. Instead of using<br />

the flesh of the fruit though,<br />

tart rind is added to the<br />

concoction made from<br />

tapioca flour and peeled<br />

green beans. Around the<br />

Au Manoir de Khai<br />

251 Dien Bien Phu, Q3 Tel: 3930 3394<br />

This top-end contemporary French<br />

restaurant is set in a picturesque colonial<br />

villa with a lush courtyard and a lavish<br />

interior. Full of private rooms and opulent<br />

lounge areas, this unique eatery is the<br />

brainchild of Vietnamese fashion guru<br />

Hoang Khai of Khai Silk fame. Offers up<br />

dishes such as lobster consomme, panfried<br />

duck liver, salmon medallions with<br />

Moet and escalope de foie gras.<br />

Le Sud<br />

4 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 4722<br />

Located in a beautiful French villa with a<br />

swimming pool and spa open to diners,<br />

Le Sud specializes in high-end French<br />

cuisine. Hip setting provides a mishmash<br />

of colourful glass plates, chairs<br />

and massive paintings.<br />

La Bordeaux<br />

F7-F8, D2 Road, P25, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 3899 9831<br />

www.restaurant-lebordeaux.com.vn<br />

French fine dining in an elegant, intimate<br />

loft space with dark wood and linendraped<br />

tables. Expect simple, classic<br />

dishes prepared to perfection. Rotating<br />

seasonal menu.<br />

La Brasserie<br />

61 Hung Gia 2, Phu My Hung, D7<br />

Tel: 5410 4317<br />

www.labrasserie-hcmc.com<br />

Contemporary French restaurant and<br />

wine bar with outdoor seating and<br />

wine cellar stocked with more than 650<br />

wines. Features classic French fare like<br />

sliced raw beef Carpaccio with Parmesan<br />

cheese and grilled beef fillet served<br />

with French fries and vegetable gratin.<br />

La Camargue<br />

191 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3520 4888<br />

Boasts a reputation for excellence in fine<br />

outside lies a moat of white<br />

coconut cream. Served<br />

cold, it’s a refreshing antidote<br />

to those hot HCM City<br />

days. Che buoi is a mostly<br />

Southern delicacy and<br />

a portion goes for about<br />

5,000 VND.<br />

dining for more than 10 years. Modern<br />

French and Italian cuisine is served in<br />

a colonial-style alfresco dining space.<br />

An extensive wine list allows diners to<br />

choose the perfect pairing.<br />

La Fourchette<br />

9 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3829 8143<br />

Rustic downtown restaurant, with a<br />

good longstanding reputation for serving<br />

good traditional French fare at reasonable<br />

prices. Open 12 am to 2 pm and<br />

from 7 pm to 10 pm.<br />

La Nicoise<br />

42 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3822 8613<br />

Small French-style bistro, with pretty<br />

mosaic tiled bar and tables. Offers a<br />

good range of teas, coffees and espresso-based<br />

drinks. Lunch menu changes<br />

daily, but always encompasses traditional<br />

French food. Open until 10 pm.<br />

Le Jardin<br />

31 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3825 8465<br />

This delightful restaurant in a picturesque<br />

garden setting is open for lunch<br />

and dinner and serves excellent French<br />

food at reasonable prices. Main courses<br />

cost about 60,000 VND and a carafe of<br />

house wine costs 50,000 VND.<br />

L’en Tête<br />

139 Nguyen Thai Binh, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 4049, 0903 188 091<br />

This stylish bistro and gallery serves up<br />

a large selection of French fare representing<br />

an excellent selection of classic<br />

French fish and meat dishes, as well<br />

as international cuisine. Live music on<br />

Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays<br />

starting at 8 pm.<br />

Olivier Restaurant<br />

Level 2, Sofitel Saigon Plaza,<br />

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555<br />

Imaginative French cuisine cooked up<br />

in a blend of classic and contempo-<br />

70 asialife HCMC

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ary. Executive Chef Martin Becquart<br />

prepares a solid but creative selection<br />

of French favourites with an extensive<br />

range of fish and meat dishes.<br />

Sesame<br />

153 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 0989 765 472<br />

A self-styled hospitality school for disadvantaged<br />

children, Sesame gives practical<br />

experience to its students through its<br />

operational restaurant. Serving a mixture<br />

of French and Vietnamese cuisine.<br />

Ty Coz<br />

178/4 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3822 2457<br />

Homely and attractive venue specializes<br />

in classic French cuisine. Does excellent<br />

three-course business set meals for and<br />

sells carefully selected seafood.<br />

INDIAN<br />

Ashoka<br />

17/10 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823<br />

1372<br />

33 Tong Huu Dinh, D2 Tel: 744 4144<br />

S9-1 lo R13 - KP Hung Vuong 2, D7<br />

Tel: 5410 1989<br />

Ashoka is one of the city’s most popular<br />

and enduring Indian restaurants with a<br />

reputation for good food and service at<br />

a reasonable price.<br />

Ganesh<br />

15 - B4 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 3017<br />

Casual dining with takeaway available,<br />

Ganesh serves up both North and South<br />

Indian culinary traditions. Very reasonably<br />

priced, with vegetarian curries from<br />

40,000 VND and chicken dishes from<br />

64,000 VND. <br />

Mumtaz<br />

226 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3837 1767<br />

Reasonably priced north and south<br />

Indian fare in a clean, light and spacious<br />

setting. Vegetarian curries go for around<br />

30,000 VND while meat dishes cost<br />

between 45,000 VND and 55,000 VND<br />

each. Excellent kebabs. <br />

Saigon Indian<br />

73 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 5671<br />

Popular venue with an enormous menu.<br />

Serves both southern and northern<br />

Indian dishes like tandoori, biryani, dosa<br />

and idly snacks, plus a wide range of<br />

vegetarian dishes. Offers a set lunch<br />

menu. Cater service is available. <br />

Tandoor<br />

74/6 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3930 4839<br />

www.tandoorvietnam.com<br />

Part of a chain of restaurants covering<br />

Hanoi and Saigon, Tandoor features a<br />

large selection of standard northern Indian<br />

dishes, including a good vegetarian<br />

selection. Excellent cheap set lunches<br />

and reasonable prices all around. Will<br />

organize catering for events. <br />

INTERNATIONAL<br />

Al Fresco’s<br />

21 Mac Dinh Chi D1 Tel: 3823 8427<br />

27 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3822 7317<br />

D1-23 My Toan 3, D7 Tel: 5410 1093<br />

400 Nguyen Trai, D5 Tel: 3838 3840<br />

www.alfrescosgroup.com<br />

Theme restaurant boasting a range of<br />

Tex-Mex, Italian and Australian-style<br />

BBQ dishes. Huge portions and tasty<br />

Australian ribs coupled with a good<br />

atmosphere and helpful staff. Good<br />

lunch menu. <br />

Amigo Grill<br />

55 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 0437<br />

Outstanding steaks made with Australian,<br />

U.S. and Argentine beef, served<br />

in a cosy, family-friendly environment<br />

with large tables and banquette seating.<br />

Dishes like leg of lamb and seafood<br />

are also on the menu. Open 11 am to<br />

11 pm.<br />

Au Lac Do Brazil<br />

238 Pasteur, D3 Tel: 3820 7157<br />

36/19-21 Pham Van Nghi-Bac, D7<br />

Tel: 5410 5566<br />

www.aulacdobrazil.com<br />

A Brazilian barbecue restaurant that<br />

takes meat seriously. The mixed grills<br />

and rodizio are fantastic and served<br />

in generous portions. No meat-eater<br />

should miss the churrasco: 12 cuts of<br />

meat carved at your table, plus unlimited<br />

salad.<br />

Au Parc<br />

23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772<br />

Lavishly decorated brasserie borrowing<br />

from Moroccan and French styles and<br />

popular during lunchtime with expats.<br />

Specializes in Middle Eastern and North<br />

African food. The salad menu is a favourite,<br />

and a great range of lush smoothies<br />

and juices are on offer. <br />

Black Cat<br />

13 Phan Van Dat, D1 Tel: 3829 2055<br />

Tiny but popular District 1 restaurant<br />

serving up an excellent selection of<br />

Western and Vietnamese fare and an<br />

extensive range of sandwiches and burgers.<br />

The District 2 location also features<br />

a slate of sushi and Mexican food, and<br />

the District 7 outpost has a full barbecue<br />

menu. <br />

BoatHouse<br />

40 Lily Road, APSC Compound,<br />

36 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6790<br />

Riverside restaurant with umbrella-shaded<br />

tables spread across outdoor deck<br />

and small indoor dining room. Serves<br />

remarkably fresh and inspired dishes<br />

made with choice local and imported<br />

ingredients—favourites include the sirloin<br />

burger and pan-fried fish and chips.<br />

BoatHouse Cafe<br />

37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9182<br />

BoatHouse’s sister eatery for take-away<br />

and delivery service. Offers coffee,<br />

breakfast sandwiches, juices, smoothies,<br />

pre-packaged salads, sandwiches, burgers<br />

and fish and chips. <br />

Byblos Restaurant & Shisha Lounge<br />

11 Ngo Duc Khe, D1 Tel: 3825 7781<br />

www.byblos.com.vn<br />

Downtown restaurant serves a menu<br />

of Lebanese starters, salads and mains<br />

served in a casual dining room. Catering<br />

available. Events and weekly belly dance<br />

show hosted. <br />

Cafe Evita<br />

230 Nguyen Van Huong, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 3512 3888<br />

Academic-themed menu at this outlet<br />

near the British International School<br />

includes meals like The Principal, a<br />

triple-decker club with fries and salad<br />

and burgers that range from First to<br />

Fourth Grade. Also has a wood-fired<br />

pizza oven. <br />

Cafe Saigon<br />

Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon<br />

253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 234<br />

www.moevenpick-saigon.com<br />

An international buffet with unique food<br />

concepts that is perfect for gathering<br />

family and friends.<br />

Casablanca<br />

58/9 Thanh Thai, D10<br />

Tel: 3862 8859<br />

Moroccan cuisine from merguez to<br />

pastilla served in an intimate, attractive<br />

dining room. Owner/chef trained at<br />

Morocco's finest hotels and caters<br />

to guests' every need. Reservations<br />

required.<br />

Cepage<br />

Lancaster Building 22 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1 Tel: 3823 8321, 3823 8733<br />

asialife HCMC 71

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ecipes<br />

Seafood Paella<br />

serves 6–8 | prep time: 30 minutes<br />

Think of it as Spanish fried rice and so much more.<br />

Cooking the rice in a fragrant broth ensures that the<br />

seafood remains tender and succulent.<br />

1 tbs butter<br />

5 cloves garlic, crushed<br />

3 cups basmati rice<br />

3 1⁄2 cups chicken stock<br />

1 onion, chopped<br />

2 red peppers, julienned<br />

1 cup peas<br />

A pinch of saffron<br />

Assorted seafood: 15 each of prawns, squid pieces and mussels<br />

Seasonings: 1⁄2 tsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp oregano<br />

ONE<br />

Heat up chicken stock. Once boiled, add in saffron. Put aside.<br />

TWO<br />

On a low fire in a paella pan or flat pan, heat oil and butter and cook<br />

prawns for 2 mins. Lift prawns and put aside.<br />

THREE<br />

Fry onions, garlic and peppers until translucent–about 5 mins. Add<br />

seasonings.<br />

FOUR<br />

Add rice and coat it with oil and seasonings. Add stock and let it simmer<br />

for 20–25 mins. Make sure to add stock one tablespoon at a time to keep<br />

it moist.<br />

FIVE<br />

When rice is almost cooked, add in squid and mussels.<br />

SIX<br />

Lightly fluff a fork through rice to check that it doesn’t burn in the<br />

middle.<br />

SEVEN<br />

When mussels and squid are cooked, add in peas and prawns, cook for a<br />

further 5 mins. Garnish with chopped parsley.<br />

TIPS<br />

Don’t stir too hard or else the rice will break and turn mushy.<br />

Cover it with foil or a lid halfway so that the paella will cook with steam.<br />

Use saffron sparingly. Too much and it will be bitter.<br />

pantry<br />

If you can’t find saffron, use ½ tsp yellow food colouring for similar<br />

colour. However you will not get the aromatic fragrance of a true paella.<br />

For more information contact Elizabeth Png-Reade at<br />

elizabeth.png-reade@electrolux.com<br />

Recipes provided by<br />

www.cepage.biz<br />

One of the city’s premier venues, Cepage<br />

delivers an up-market bar, wine<br />

lounge and restaurant in one sleek<br />

package. Sells several wines by the<br />

glass with several hundred bottles to<br />

choose from. Mixes some of the city’s<br />

best cocktails.<br />

Cham Charm<br />

3 Phan Van Chuong, Phu My Hung<br />

Tel: 5410 9999<br />

The highlight of this upscale, beautifully<br />

decorated Asian restaurant is a special<br />

seafood buffet that includes Portuguese<br />

oysters, Alaskan crab, lobsters,<br />

sushi, sashimi, Japanese-style seafood,<br />

Langoustine prawns, American Angus<br />

beef and much more. Errazuriz wines<br />

are also included in the buffet. Part of<br />

the Khai Silk chain.<br />

The Deck<br />

38 Nguyen U Di, D2 Tel: 3744 6632<br />

Serves upmarket takes on regional<br />

specialties made with fresh local and<br />

imported products. Well-designed,<br />

minimalist dining space and bar on the<br />

river are a serious draw.<br />

The Elbow Room<br />

52 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3821 4327<br />

elbowroom52@yahoo.com<br />

American-style bistro offering a wide<br />

range of appetisers, soups, salads,<br />

sandwiches, mains and desserts, plus<br />

an extensive wine menu. Open daily<br />

7.30 am to 11 pm. Breakfast served<br />

all day.<br />

Gartenstadt<br />

34 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 3623<br />

Opened in 1992, it’s the first venue<br />

in town to offer German food with<br />

specialities such as pork knuckle and<br />

authentic German sausages prepared<br />

fresh each day. Also offers imported<br />

German draught beer.<br />

Gia Dining Room<br />

5A Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3827 9399<br />

www.giadiningroom.com<br />

Serves a mid-range slate of mainly<br />

grilled Western mains, single-entree<br />

Asian dishes and wide range of soups,<br />

salads, appetisers. Three intimate<br />

dining spaces pair modern design with<br />

Indochina-era sophistication. Extensive<br />

list of Old and New World wines.<br />

Good Eats<br />

NTFQ2, 34 Nguyen Dang Giai<br />

Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6672<br />

Easteran and Western dishes are low in<br />

saturated fat and made from all-natural<br />

ingredients. Organic vegetables, herbs<br />

and spices accompany meals. Even the<br />

French fries are healthy. <br />

Halal@Saigon<br />

31 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3824 5823<br />

www.halalsaigon.com<br />

Serving up a range of Vietnamese and<br />

Malaysian dishes prepared according<br />

to halal guidelines including ban xeo,<br />

pho and roti chennai and seafood<br />

favourites such as shrimp, squid and<br />

mussels.<br />

Hard Rock Cafe<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner<br />

of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3520 9099<br />

www.hardrockcafe.vn<br />

Popular theme restaurant/live music<br />

venue serves large portions of pub fare<br />

including salads, fajitas and burgers.<br />

Rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia adorns the<br />

walls in classic Hard Rock-style and the<br />

rock shop sells themed shot glasses,<br />

T-shirts and jewellery. <br />

Hideaway Cafe<br />

41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3<br />

Tel: 3822 4222<br />

www.hideawaycafe-saigon.com<br />

Stylishly decorated and relaxing restaurant<br />

and cafe serving an eclectic range<br />

of tasty European-style food. Dine al<br />

fresco in the charming courtyard. <br />

Jaspa’s<br />

33 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 9926<br />

www.alfrescosgroup.com<br />

Unpretentious brasserie-style restaurant<br />

specializes in Australian-influenced<br />

international fusion cuisine. Full range of<br />

drinks including Australian and French<br />

wines and good cocktails. Hosts monthly<br />

Spam Cham networking event. <br />

Juice<br />

49 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3829 6900<br />

Bright and stylish deli-style restaurant<br />

serving salads, sandwiches, quiches and<br />

meat pies with French fries and potato<br />

salad. Also has daily lunch and dinner<br />

menu. Excellent smoothies and juices,<br />

as well as novelty drinks like wheatgrass<br />

shooter and Cannonball cocktail. <br />

Juice Bar<br />

86 Ngo Duc Ke, D1<br />

Tel: 3914 0631 or 3915 3603<br />

www.juicebar.vn<br />

Serves healthy smoothies made with<br />

yoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetable juices<br />

and wholesome sandwiches. Also sells<br />

vitamins and supplements.<br />

Kita Coffee House<br />

39 Nguyen Hue, D1, Tel: 3821 5300<br />

Four-level restaurant serving a wide<br />

menu of mains, pastas, salads, sandwiches,<br />

soups and appetizers for lunch<br />

and dinner, as well as a variety of coffee<br />

and fresh fruit juices. Includes a bright<br />

ground floor cafe, sophisticated Old<br />

World second floor bar and rooftop dining.<br />

Also in Vincom Center. <br />

Market 39<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon<br />

Ground Floor, Corner Hai Ba Trung and<br />

Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099<br />

dine@icasianasaigon.com<br />

Seven interactive live kitchens offering<br />

French, Vietnamese and Southeast<br />

Asian cuisines, including a bakery,<br />

French patisseries, pancakes, tossed<br />

salads, grilled steak, seafood, wok-fried<br />

items, noodles and pasta dishes.<br />

Mekong Merchant<br />

23 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 4713<br />

Set in a courtyard, this rustic Australianstyle<br />

brasserie has brought modern<br />

international cuisine to suburban An<br />

Phu. Popular for weekend brunches.<br />

Weekly specials and seafood flown in<br />

from Phu Quoc. <br />

New York Dessert Cafe (nydc)<br />

Restaurant and Cafe<br />

NOWZONE 235 Nguyen Van Cu, D1<br />

Metropolitan 235 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Parkson Flemington 184 Le Dai Hanh,<br />

D11<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1<br />

The Crescent. Phu My Hung, 107 Ton<br />

Dat Tien, D7<br />

New York themed menu offering a wide<br />

selection of Western dishes and desserts,<br />

including a variety of cheesecakes.<br />

New York Steakhouse & Winery<br />

25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 7373<br />

New-york@steakhouse.com.vn<br />

www.steakhouse.com.vn<br />

Chic dining venue designed in a classic<br />

New York City Art Deco. Open every day<br />

until late. Specializes in certified U.S.<br />

Black Angus steak, and features a fully<br />

stocked wine cellar. Guests are invited to<br />

bring their own wine on BYOB Mondays.<br />

Orientica<br />

Hotel Equatorial, 242 Tran Binh Trong,<br />

D5 Tel: 3839 7777<br />

www.equatorial.com/hcm<br />

Top-end seafood and grill restaurant<br />

boasting modern decor. Good service<br />

and excellent food presentation make<br />

72 asialife HCMC

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this a pleasant alternative to the downtown<br />

scene.<br />

Pacharan Tapas and Bodega<br />

97 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3825 6024<br />

This tapas restaurant and bar serves<br />

up superb Spanish fare crafted from<br />

authentic imported ingredients. The<br />

exclusively Spanish wine list is extensive<br />

and Sangria is half price during happy<br />

hour from 5 pm to 7 pm and all day<br />

Wednesday.<br />

Pinocchio Restaurant<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9199<br />

Email: info@pinocchio.vn<br />

A quiet place in the Vincom Center<br />

to indulge in pizza, pasta, salad and<br />

international and Vietnamese mains for a<br />

reasonable price.<br />

The Refinery<br />

74/7C Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823<br />

0509<br />

Authentic bistro with cane furniture outside,<br />

informal indoor restaurant section<br />

and a bar area. Cuisine is light, modern<br />

European. The menu spans a price<br />

range to suit most budgets.<br />

Reflections<br />

Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square,<br />

D1 Tel: 3823 4999<br />

Contemporary fine dining that combines<br />

Asian flavors with classic Mediterranean<br />

cuisine in an ambiance of understated<br />

elegance and European style. Special<br />

culinary events include guest chefs from<br />

Michelin-star establishments around the<br />

world. Private rooms are available.<br />

Riverside Cafe<br />

Renaissance Riverside, 8-15 Ton Duc<br />

Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033<br />

International venue opening onto the<br />

bustling river sidewalk, open for breakfast,<br />

lunch and dinner, and particularly<br />

noted for its sumptuous buffet selection<br />

which combines Asian, Western and<br />

Vietnamese cuisine.<br />

Sandals<br />

93 Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

www.sailingclubvietnam.com<br />

Casual dining in evocative 3-floor space<br />

with blonde wood accents and cosy<br />

seating throughout. Kitchen turns out<br />

elegant and inspired fare at surprising<br />

value for money: meal-sized salads; filling<br />

burgers, wraps and sandwiches.<br />

Signature Restaurant<br />

Level 23, Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong<br />

Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828<br />

Fine dining with panoramic views over<br />

central HCM City. Food is stunningly<br />

presented, top-end European cuisine<br />

with Asian influences cooked by German<br />

chef Andreas Schimanski. A la carte or<br />

five-course set menu available.<br />

Skewers<br />

9A Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 4798<br />

www.skewers-restaurant.com<br />

Rustic Mediterranean restaurant where<br />

subtle colours and exposed brickwork<br />

combine with jazzy tunes. Serves tabouleh,<br />

falafel, couscous and kebab. Highly<br />

rated for its grilled meats, bread and dip<br />

combos, soups and pastas. <br />

Square One<br />

Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square,<br />

D1 Tel: 3520 2359<br />

Specializing in high-end Western and<br />

Vietnamese cuisine, Square One serves<br />

charcoal-grilled meats and seafood,<br />

as well as steamed and wok-cooked<br />

Vietnamese fare.<br />

Texas BarBQ<br />

15/1 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

The flavour and feel of the Wild Wild<br />

West is evoked by both the food and<br />

décor at this perennially popular eatery.<br />

Quarter rack ribs are a mainstay. . <br />

VillaFB<br />

79 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 3822<br />

www.villafb.com<br />

Refurbished villa with a spacious designled<br />

indoor dining room and an elegant<br />

enclosed courtyard. Serves bun noodle<br />

dishes for breakfast and lunch before<br />

switching to a menu of Eastern and<br />

Western fine dining for dinner.<br />

Warda<br />

71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 3822<br />

Chic, middle-eastern themed eatery<br />

swathed in oranges and reds serving<br />

Lebanese cuisine prepared by Damascan<br />

chef, Nouman. Mezze and tapas are<br />

the main draw, but you can also puff on<br />

hookas post-meal.<br />

Xu Saigon<br />

71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 8468<br />

www.xusaigon.com<br />

Inspired restaurant with an F&B director<br />

with a passion for mixing Vietnamese<br />

cooking with flavours and styles from<br />

around the world. Sleek but sparsely<br />

designed, the restaurant serves nouveau<br />

takes on Vietnamese cuisine.<br />

ITALIAN<br />

Baby Spoon Cafe & Restaurant<br />

Head Office: 47 Phan Chu Trinh, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 3356 Fax: 3822 3357<br />

SB 2-1 Parkview, Phu My Hung, D7<br />

Tel: 5412 0145<br />

Level 3, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,<br />

D1<br />

While Baby Spoon is primarily Italian,<br />

a vast selection of international cuisine<br />

is served in this Japanese-inspired<br />

restaurant.<br />

Basilico<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon,<br />

Ground Floor, Corner Nguyen Du and<br />

Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3520 9099<br />

dine@icasianasaigon.com<br />

Contemporary and casual trattoria-style<br />

restaurant specializing in authentic Italian<br />

dishes and homemade desserts. Woodfired<br />

pizza oven and a wide selection of<br />

Italian wines.<br />

Centro Caffe & Ristorante<br />

11-13 Lam Son Square, D1<br />

31 Ngo Duc Ke, D1<br />

6 Thai Van Lung, D1<br />

This is home of Illy coffee in Vietnam.<br />

Offers modern and traditional Italian<br />

cuisine in three central locations with<br />

lunchtime set menus and regular wine<br />

tasting evenings. Good spot for business<br />

coffee meetings.<br />

Da Vinci’s Pizza<br />

001B Hoang Dieu, H1, D4<br />

Tel: 3943 4982<br />

Wide variety of brick oven pizza, calzones,<br />

spaghetti, subs and sandwiches.<br />

Pizzas come in medium and large sizes<br />

and pay homage to Italy with names like<br />

Verrochio, Pompeii and Assisi. <br />

Good Morning Vietnam<br />

197 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3837 1894<br />

Popular authentic Italian restaurant with<br />

additional outlets around the country.<br />

Specializes in thin-crust pizza, pasta and<br />

a range of Italian dishes. Good selection<br />

of Italian wines. <br />

La Hostaria<br />

17B Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 1080<br />

Rustic eatery specializing in top-end<br />

traditional cuisine from various regions<br />

in Italy. Main courses from 130,000<br />

VND with daily specials on offer. Serves<br />

excellent pizza. <br />

Opera<br />

Ground floor Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 Lam<br />

Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234<br />

Slick, contemporary eatery with exposed<br />

brick and glass. The space revolves<br />

around an island kitchen from which<br />

chefs produce gourmet Italian fare. In-

---

47 Phan Chu Trinh St.<br />

Ben Thanh Ward D1 HCM City<br />

www.babyspoonvn.com<br />

ternationally trained chefs work with the<br />

freshest and finest ingredients around to<br />

produce some superb dishes.<br />

Pendalasco<br />

87 Nguyen Hue, D1, Tel: 3821 8181<br />

One of the city’s oldest Western restaurants,<br />

Pendalaso serves a wide range if<br />

Italian favourites, as well as remarkably<br />

authentic crispy, thin-crust pizza. <br />

Pepperoni’s<br />

111 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3920 4989<br />

Attractive pizza and pasta restaurant<br />

from the same chain as Al Fresco’s.<br />

Good cheap buffet lunches on weekdays<br />

and all-round large and tasty<br />

portions. <br />

Pomodoro<br />

79 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 8998<br />

A family-oriented Italian restaurant<br />

serving traditional fare are surprisingly<br />

reasonable prices. Offers daily lunchtime<br />

specials and has an extensive wine list.<br />

Sarpino’s<br />

125 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7788<br />

Tasty American-style pan pizza in a<br />

pleasant and fresh Italian-themed<br />

environment. Four sizes available, from<br />

personal to extra large, with a large<br />

range of toppings. Also serves pasta,<br />

soups, wings and salads. <br />

Scoozi<br />

6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3823 5795<br />

Italian pizza restaurant affiliated with<br />

Centro Caffe serving tasty gourmet pizzas<br />

prepared in a wood-fired oven. The<br />

delicious creations restore one’s faith in<br />

HCM City’s ability to turn out a quality<br />

pie. <br />

Villa Romaine<br />

Thao Dien Village, 195 Nguyen Van<br />

Huong, D2 Tel. 3744 2222<br />

This high-end restaurant with a riverside<br />

garden, bar and lounge serves authentic<br />

Italian and Mediterranean dishes<br />

prepared by an Italian chef. Boasts an<br />

extensive wine collection.<br />

JAPANESE<br />

Dragon Hot Pot<br />

122-124 Ho Tung Mau, D1<br />

Tel: 3915 1001<br />

info@dragonhotpot.vn<br />

Japanese hot pot restaurant serving<br />

motsu nabe, Japanese barbeque and<br />

lots of sake and shoju.<br />

Iki<br />

Ground floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon<br />

253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 127<br />

www.moevenpick-saigon.com<br />

A Japanese restaurant that turns the<br />

notion of the common hotel sushi eatery<br />

on its head thanks to an affordable<br />

menu and a fun atmosphere.<br />

K Cafe<br />

74 A4 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 5355<br />

Small, cosy and cheery, this café is<br />

noteworthy for its cracking hand rolls.<br />

Salmon skin rolls are also a treat. The<br />

assorted sushi and sashimi, tasty and<br />

beautifully presented, costs around USD<br />

$8. Leave some room for homemade<br />

yoghurt.<br />

Kuru Kuru Sushi<br />

129 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3824 3566<br />

Sushi restaurant with colour-coded<br />

menu and items served from a rotating<br />

conveyor belt. Helpful place mats in<br />

both English and Vietnamese break<br />

down prices and explain how to choose<br />

your food. Very affordable prices.<br />

MOF – Japanese Sweets & Coffee<br />

Level B3-17A, Vincom Centre, 70-72<br />

Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

30 Le Loi, D1<br />

Refined Japanese café specializing in<br />

unique desserts and food. Focusing<br />

on use of organic products, this casual<br />

eatery has a comprehensive Japanese<br />

dining menu along with a wonderful<br />

selection of sweets and offers possibly<br />

the most divine and delectable gelato in<br />

HCM City.<br />

Nishimura<br />

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 Nguyen<br />

Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222<br />

Exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimi<br />

from a globetrotting chef with three<br />

decades’ experience. A wide range of<br />

cooked dishes and monthly meal promotions<br />

are also available. Set lunches<br />

cost about USD $15.<br />

Okinawa Yamaneko<br />

13/1 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8433<br />

www.yamaneko-vn.com<br />

Part restaurant, part Japanese pub serving<br />

up a variety of Okinawa favourites<br />

like sashimi with sea grapes, namakari<br />

and goya champuru plus sushi and<br />

soba.<br />

Sakae Sushi<br />

Nowzone @ Royal Centre, Level 4<br />

235 Nguyen Van Cu, D1 Tel: 3504<br />

0054<br />

Healthy, affordable and quick service<br />

kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi makes for a<br />

fun dining experience. Extensive menu<br />

also includes beef, chicken and vegetarian<br />

options.<br />

The Sushi Bar<br />

2 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8042<br />

3A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3911 8618<br />

This brightly lit Japanese-style restaurant<br />

serves over 40 varieties of sushi at<br />

reasonable prices. Sit at the sushi bar<br />

or in private rooms upstairs. Open until<br />

11.30 pm, delivery available on request.<br />

Popular with expats and locals alike. <br />

74 asialife HCMC

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street gourmet<br />

new york<br />

steakhouse & winery<br />

saigon<br />

Bi Cuon<br />

Bi cuon is a variant to<br />

the common spring roll.<br />

Filled with fresh, crunchy<br />

vegetables, shredded pork<br />

skin (which looks like floss)<br />

and a little meat that is<br />

then wrapped tightly in rice<br />

paper it’s a savoury and<br />

cheap treat at just 3,000<br />

VND per roll. For best<br />

results, dip in nuoc mam<br />

(fish sauce).<br />

Open till late<br />

25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu St, Dist. 1 HCMC<br />

www.steakhouse.com.vn 38 23 73 73<br />

Zen<br />

20 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 0782<br />

Located amid the sea of Japanese restaurants<br />

on Le Thanh Ton Street, Zen<br />

offers a wide range of Japanese dishes.<br />

The yakitori station grills up fantastic<br />

steak and quail’s eggs, and the chilled<br />

udon noodles are also a standout.<br />

KOREAN<br />

25 Si<br />

8A/6D Thai Van Lung, D1<br />

Tel: 3824 6921<br />

Traditional Yasik-style drinking restaurant.<br />

Winter and summer scene<br />

murals fill the walls of this dual level<br />

eatery. Large menu with favs like budae<br />

jjigae, a mix of chilli paste, Spam, hot<br />

dog and tofu, as well as super spicy<br />

duruchigi.<br />

Hana<br />

8 Cao Ba Quat, D1 Tel: 3829 5588<br />

Japanese-Korean fusion in the heart<br />

of District 1. Contemporary decor with<br />

a private, yet open feel. Broad menu<br />

including cooked and raw fish and<br />

traditional hot pot with fish eggs, rice<br />

and vegetables.<br />

Kim Bab Chun Gook<br />

R4 42 Hung Phuoc 2, Phu My Hung<br />

Tel: 6296 9057<br />

Korean boonshik/snack food eatery<br />

serving up a wide variety of light but<br />

substantial foods including dumplings,<br />

rameyon and fish cakes.<br />

Kumdo<br />

6A Pham Ngoc Thach, D3<br />

Tel: 3824 3253<br />

Korean beef barbecue served in small,<br />

welcoming dining rooms with barbecues<br />

built into tables. Large selection of<br />

raw meat specialties.<br />

SOUTHEAST ASIAN<br />

Lac Thai<br />

71/2 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 7506<br />

An elegant restaurant tucked in an alleyway<br />

and decorated with art-deco furniture.<br />

Authentic Thai cuisine prepared<br />

by two Thai chefs. Food is tasty but less<br />

spicy than you’d find in Thailand. <br />

Little Manila<br />

S2-1 Hung Vuong 2, Phu My Hung, D7<br />

Tel: 5410 0812<br />

Small, no -frills eatery with outdoor<br />

and indoor seating located on a quiet<br />

street. Serves a range of dishes from the<br />

Philippines (pictured on menu for those<br />

unfamiliar) and draught San Miguel.<br />

Thai Village Sharksfin Restaurant<br />

38 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3825 6706<br />

Restaurant serving authentic Thai-Theochew<br />

cuisine including their specialty:<br />

whole braised shark’s fin in clay pot.<br />

The Red Dot<br />

21 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 5123<br />

Aptly titled, this Singaporean restaurant<br />

serves decent chicken rice, char kway<br />

teow, chili crab, and a handful of Malaysian<br />

specialties. <br />

Satay House<br />

35 Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Tel: 3822 1727<br />

Bright and rustic, this Malaysian-run<br />

place specializes in Halal food. Chicken<br />

and asam fish curries are must-tries. Its<br />

famous satays are equally delicious. <br />

Thai Express<br />

8A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 6299 1338<br />

www.thaiexpress.com.vn<br />

Modern restaurant with a massive menu<br />

of Thai specialties served in moderate<br />

proportions. The menu inludes chef’s<br />

recommendations and background on<br />

Thai cuisine. Warning: some dishes will<br />

test your tongue’s threshold.<br />

VEGETARIAN<br />

Best in Italian Cuisine.<br />

Extensive Wine Collection.<br />

79 Hai Ba Trung D1<br />

Tel: 08-382 38998<br />

www.pomodoro-vietnam.com<br />

asialife HCMC 75

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Explore a better life and enjoy a better place<br />

19 Thai Van Lung, District 1. Tel: 3822 1720<br />

where are you going tonight<br />

An Lac Chay<br />

175/4 Pham Ngu Lao, D1<br />

Tel: 3837 0760<br />

Apropos of the backpacker district,<br />

this little restaurant offers no frills and<br />

a vast menu. Though meat dishes are<br />

available, it specializes in vegetarian<br />

Vietnamese and quirky “backpacker<br />

favourites.” <br />

Hoa Dang<br />

38 Huynh Khuong Ninh, D1<br />

Swish vegetarian restaurant on a quiet<br />

street that serves up nutritious dishes,<br />

including meatless versions of bun bo,<br />

pho and steamboat. Cosy bar serving<br />

non-alcoholic drinks, fruits and other<br />

sweets.<br />

Saigon Vegan<br />

378/3 Vo Van Tan, D3 Tel: 3834 4473<br />

Rustic vegan restaurant with extensive<br />

menu of healthy food at moderate<br />

prices. Lots of tofu dishes and soya<br />

chicken/beef, soups, banh bao and<br />

more. Also has a kids menu.<br />

Tib Chay<br />

11 Tran Nhat Duat, D1 Tel: 3843 6460<br />

Intimate spot with a big menu of Vietnamese<br />

vegetarian appetisers, salads,<br />

soups, rice/noodle mains and desserts<br />

Viet Chay<br />

339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3<br />

Tel: 3526 5862<br />

Upscale vegetarian restaurant specializes<br />

in fake meat dishes. The attractive<br />

dining room is suffused with natural light.<br />

Located within the walls of Vinh Nghiem<br />

Pagoda.<br />

VIETNAMESE<br />

Cha Ca La Vong<br />

3 Ho Xuan Hung, D3 Tel: 3930 5674<br />

36 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3915 3343<br />

Two HCM City ouposts of the legendary<br />

Hanoi original serve only one dish: the<br />

eponymous and delicious cha ca la<br />

vong, fish pan-fried at the table with<br />

turmeric and dill and served with cold<br />

noodles and peanuts.<br />

Com Nieu<br />

19 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 6288<br />

The house specialty, com nieu (smashed<br />

rice), comes with a shattered-crockery<br />

and flying-rice show at this well-known<br />

restaurant, prominently featured in<br />

Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. An<br />

extensive and tasty selection of southern<br />

Vietnamese cuisine rounds out the<br />

menu.<br />

Hoa Tuc<br />

74 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3825 1676<br />

This comfortable high-end restaurant<br />

serves traditional Vietnamese fare with<br />

a contemporary, classy twist. Expect to<br />

find your local favourites as you’ve never<br />

experienced them before. Beautifully<br />

plated, this is Vietnamese cuisine at<br />

its best.<br />

Hoi An<br />

11 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 7694<br />

Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesy<br />

of two sumptuously decorated colonial<br />

villas, a bamboo-clad walled courtyard<br />

and a menu spanning the three main<br />

regions of Vietnam. Specialities include<br />

abalone soup and a raw fish salad. Four<br />

VIP rooms.<br />

Lang Nuong Nam Bo<br />

285/C145 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10<br />

Tel: 3862 2569<br />

Warehouse-sized quan well-regarded<br />

among locals serves everything from<br />

beef, chicken and fish to porcupine,<br />

weasel and field mouse. Great destination<br />

for intrepid gastronomes. Has<br />

standard hot pot, rice and noodle dishes<br />

too.<br />

Mandarine Restaurant<br />

11A Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 3822 9783<br />

Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesy<br />

of two sumptuously decorated colonial<br />

villas, an antique wooden stair and a<br />

menu spanning all regions of Vietnam.<br />

Traditional music performances are<br />

available for dinner.<br />

Marina<br />

172 Nguyen Dinh Chieu<br />

tel: 3930 2379<br />

www.ngocsuong.com.vn<br />

Swish seafood restaurant with al fresco<br />

and indoor seating and a vast menu of<br />

up-market Vietnamese dishes. Features<br />

10 set menus at varying price scales.<br />

Nam Phan<br />

34 Vo Van Tan, Q3 Tel: 3933 3636<br />

Well known at its previous corner<br />

location on Le Thanh Ton, Nam Phan<br />

continues to serve modern Asian cuisine<br />

including asparagus and crab meat<br />

soup, stewed bellyfish in pineapple and<br />

grilled duck breast in orange sauce. Set<br />

in a restored colonial villa, the interior<br />

is alive with reproductions of Cham-era<br />

bas-reliefs and is inspired by Euro-Zen.<br />

Nghi Xuan<br />

5/9 Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3823 0699<br />

Located down an alley just past Hai<br />

Ba Trung, featuring an attractive open<br />

first-floor and upstairs dining rooms<br />

with dark wood furniture and carved<br />

woodwork. Serving Hue staples, crab<br />

and prawn spreads and an impressive<br />

array of wines and cocktails.<br />

Papaya<br />

68 Pham Viet Cham, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 6258 1508<br />

www.chi-nghia.com<br />

Hanoian classics mingle with new interpretations<br />

created by Chi Nghia, whose<br />

experience and dedication to clean,<br />

41 Dong Du, D1, Tel 3822 7375<br />

Pinocchio<br />

Pg 53<br />

Photo By Miguel Lopez<br />

76 asialife HCMC

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fresh ingredients set Papaya's menu<br />

apart. 10 am to 11 pm, 7 days.<br />

Ngon Restaurant<br />

160 Pasteur, D1<br />

The long lunchtime queues tell the story:<br />

good food at low prices. More a food<br />

court than a restaurant, this has become<br />

a major favourite for its airy decor combined<br />

with cheap and tasty noodle, rice<br />

and other standard dishes.<br />

Quan Nuong 3T Barbecue<br />

29-31 Ton That Thiep, D1<br />

A favourite with both locals and expats,<br />

this rooftop restaurant above the Temple<br />

Club offers an extensive menu of meat,<br />

seafood and vegetarian dishes. Try the<br />

beef wrapped around tasty melting<br />

cheese or deliciously fresh skewered<br />

prawns.<br />

Son Ha Garden<br />

147A Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

281B Hai Ba Trung, D3<br />

Spacious and airy restaurant sculpted<br />

from bamboo with an open kitchen.<br />

Serves a range of affordable local favourites<br />

family style, as well as Vietnamese<br />

desserts including homemade yoghurt.<br />

Temple Club<br />

29 – 31 Ton That Thiep, D1<br />

Tel: 3829 9244<br />

This high-end restaurant attached to an<br />

elegant lounge bar is a must-try for its<br />

art deco atmosphere as much as for its<br />

food. Mains go from around VND80,000<br />

to VND150,000.<br />

Tib<br />

187 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3829 7242<br />

100 Nguyen Luong Bang, Phu My<br />

Hung, D7 Tel: 5413 6868<br />

www.tibrestaurant.com.vn<br />

Popular up-market dining spot serving<br />

Hue cuisine in an attactive dining room<br />

that draws on traditional architecture.<br />

Call for reservations.<br />

Tib Express<br />

162 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3<br />

Tel: 3822 5038<br />

Serves a large selection of Tib’s Huefood<br />

menu in a more casual dining<br />

rooom and at significantly lower prices.<br />

Specializes in bun bo Hue. <br />

Wrap & Roll<br />

62 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 4030<br />

SA1–1, My Khanh 1,<br />

Nguyen Van Linh, D7<br />

Attractive downtown venue that brings<br />

street-style food into air-conditioned<br />

and uncluttered comfort. Choose prewrapped<br />

appetisers such as the cha gio<br />

(spring rolls) or roll-it-yourself mains with<br />

ingredients like pickled shrimps, beef on<br />

sugar cane, fish, grilled eel and pork. <br />

nightlife<br />

BARS & LOUNGES<br />

See bar restaurant listings for more<br />

popular watering holes.<br />

Acoustic Bar<br />

6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 2239<br />

A Volkswagen Bug tries to scale the wall<br />

outside this well-priced music venue<br />

popular with college-age Vietnamese<br />

and the occasional expat.<br />

Amber Room<br />

59 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 6291 3686<br />

info@theamberoom.com<br />

A true London meets New York lounge,<br />

with chilled out tunes during the day and<br />

more funky vibes at night. A pleasant<br />

meeting place for drinks and a bite to<br />

eat.<br />

Boston Sports Bar<br />

28/4 Bui Vien, D1<br />

Tel: 6656 6338/6656 6328<br />

Sports bar featuring North American<br />

food. Satellite TV, free pool and darts.<br />

Catering services and private room<br />

available for parties. Takeout and free<br />

delivery. Open 24 hours. <br />

Ciao Lounge<br />

2nd Floor, 74-76 Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Trendy and attractive lounge bar with a<br />

mixture of retro and modern decor and<br />

a pleasant atmosphere to boot. A great<br />

escape from central Saigon but quite<br />

touristy.<br />

Cranberry Café & Pub<br />

45 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3914 0991<br />

Upmarket,quiet lounge great for private<br />

parties. Brickwork and cranberry-red<br />

chairs speak to the bar’s name, with a<br />

cocktail range and Tigers in blissfully<br />

frosted mugs.<br />

Level 23<br />

23rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel<br />

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828<br />

One of the best views of the city from<br />

this upmarket terrace bar and lounge.<br />

Excellent cocktails don’t come cheap<br />

but the atmosphere is great with live<br />

music throughout the week and a live DJ<br />

every Monday.<br />

The Library<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner<br />

of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3520 9099<br />

dine@icasianasaigon.com<br />

Unwind with a glass of wine or a cup of<br />

tea. The Library provides a welcoming<br />

atmosphere for those in search of calm,<br />

comfort and personalized service.<br />

M52 Bar<br />

52 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 6726<br />

Sparsely-appointed venue with reasonably<br />

priced drinks noted for packing<br />

a punch. Owners Annie and Ms. Van<br />

are never too busy to check on their<br />

patrons, and the busy bartenders are<br />

quick with a smile.<br />

Number Five Bar<br />

44 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 6300<br />

Number Five Bar is older than it looks,<br />

having formerly been located at 5 Ly Tu<br />

Trong. The bar attracts a regular clientele<br />

of established expats.<br />

Park Lounge<br />

Park Hyatt Hotel<br />

2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234<br />

Elegant lounge bar, with classic songs<br />

played every night by international musicians.<br />

The salubrious surroundings are<br />

matched by the range of the drinks, with<br />

vintage wines from USD $6 to $10 per<br />

glass. Tiger is $4.50 a bottle.<br />

Purple Jade<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner<br />

of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3520 9099<br />

Chic lounge blends the stylistic influences<br />

of contemporary design and<br />

opium dens. Hosts live music and<br />

serves special drinks, including Shaoxing<br />

and Maotai rice wines and an exclusive<br />

selection of luxury spirits.<br />

Q Bar<br />

Opera House, 7 Lam Son Square, D1<br />

With low ceilings, intimate cubbyholes,<br />

colonial arches, gold paint, ultraviolet<br />

lighting and clubhouse beats, this is a<br />

bar that has a reputation for being a<br />

place to be seen. Great outdoor terrace<br />

and late-night indoor opening.<br />

QD Bar & Lounge<br />

138 Ton That Dam, D1, Tel: 3821 5338<br />

Sophisticated lounge with New and<br />

Old World wines served by the bottle or<br />

glass, modern decor and floor-to-ceiling<br />

windows overlooking Ton That Thiep.<br />

Wine Discovery Month<br />

Sample 3 wines for the price of 1.<br />

7 combinations available.<br />

To find us, walk through the arch at<br />

74 Hai Ba Trung and discover our<br />

beautiful secluded courtyard.<br />

Telephone<br />

3823 0509<br />

Open 7 Days<br />

asialife HCMC 77

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Saigon Saigon Bar<br />

9th floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son<br />

Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999<br />

Popular bar usually packed out with<br />

tourists and business travellers searching<br />

for some delicious cocktails and a<br />

great view of the city skyline. Cuban<br />

band Warapo plays every night except<br />

Monday from 8.30 pm until late.<br />

Samsara Club<br />

131 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

A laid-back cosmopolitan drinking and<br />

dance venue with comfy lounge chairs<br />

around low-lying tables and an island<br />

bar bedecked in extravagant whitefeather<br />

decorations. Pink neon gives the<br />

joint a contemporary edge.<br />

T&R Tavern<br />

57 Do Quang Dau, D1<br />

Classic expat dive bar with pool table,<br />

darts and comfortable yet simple decor.<br />

Daily happy hour and sportsfans can<br />

catch games on the big screen.<br />

Vibe Billiards & Lounge<br />

102 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1<br />

Tel: 3925 2599<br />

Sleek bi-level lounge with Scandinavian<br />

design, Bansky-esque murals and<br />

top-notch billiards and snooker tables,<br />

paid for by the hour. Hosts league play,<br />

half-price Mondays, ladies’ nights and<br />

DJ events.<br />

Voodoo Lounge<br />

92 Ho Tung Mau, D1<br />

Voodoo paintings adorn the white walls<br />

at this small, attractive bar south of Sunwah<br />

Tower. A daily happy hour, plenty<br />

of stool space and a pair of dartboards<br />

make it a good place to grab a drink.<br />

Yoko<br />

22A Nguyen Thi Dieu, D3<br />

Tel: 3825 1901<br />

Compact and popular joint with nightly<br />

live music boasts a refreshingly eclectic<br />

range of Western styles, with most<br />

songs sung in English.<br />

BREWHOUSES<br />

Alderbrau<br />

98 Nguyen Du, D1<br />

Small brewhouse decorated with antique<br />

brewing miscellanea, with an enclosed<br />

garden for outdoor swilling the small<br />

range of house brews and bottled imports.<br />

The kitchen dishes up sausages,<br />

German fare, and Vietnamese dishes.<br />

Gammer Czech Beer<br />

107 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 8619<br />

www.biatuoitiepvn.com<br />

Attractive, multi-story Czech beer hall<br />

furnished with heavy wood and outfitted<br />

with a few flat screen TVs tuned in to<br />

sports. Dark and blonde beers are available,<br />

as well as a full menu of Vietnamese<br />

food from mussels to rabbit.<br />

Hoa Vien<br />

28bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Tel: 3829<br />

0585<br />

www.hoavien.vn<br />

Expansive beer hall serves up pilsner<br />

beer crafted from malt, hops and yeast<br />

from the Czech Republic. There’s also<br />

a large food menu and imported Pilsner<br />

Urquell.<br />

Lion Brewery<br />

11C Lam Son Square, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 8514<br />

Microbrewery featuring traditional German<br />

brew technology and German fare<br />

like pork knuckle and wurst. Good spot<br />

to meet friends and enjoy a hearty meal<br />

and a whole lot of beer.<br />

NIGHTCLUBS<br />

Fuse Bar<br />

3A Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

A popular bar that plays primarily hiphop<br />

music. Every Tuesday Fuse hosts a<br />

ladies night where women drink for<br />

free and two bottles of wine can be<br />

purchased for 2 million VND.<br />

Lush<br />

2 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3824 2496<br />

A large and lavishly decorated bar and<br />

club popular on weekends. Good DJs<br />

playing the latest in beat-based music<br />

and the city’s beautiful people add to<br />

the sights and sounds. It’s on-par with<br />

Western clubs in both ambience and<br />

drinks prices.<br />

Velvet Bar<br />

26 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1<br />

Hip-hop and Viet trance club with both<br />

bottle service and bottle beer that isn’t<br />

prohibitively expensive. Circular center<br />

bar is ringed with tables, and VIP areas<br />

and sofa seating line the walls.<br />

at home<br />

BAKERIES<br />

Crumbs<br />

54 Truong Dinh, D1 Tel: 3825 7199<br />

www.crumbs.com.vn<br />

info@crumbs.com.vn<br />

Eat-in bakery offering a wide range of<br />

muffins, whole-grain breads and pastries.<br />

Many of the breads are dairy-free,<br />

baked fresh daily with unbleached white<br />

flower, no added sugar.<br />

Harvest Baking<br />

30 Lam Son, Tan Binh Tel: 3547 0577<br />

harvestbaking@yahoo.com<br />

This authentic bakery offers a range<br />

of specialty baked goods for delivery.<br />

Offering bagels, scones, breads,<br />

desserts,cakes, tarts and more.<br />

LOUISIANE<br />

BREWHOUSE<br />

Beachside Nha Trang<br />

Asian & Western Cuisine<br />

Swimming Pool & Private Beach<br />

www.louisianebrewhouse.com.vn<br />

78 asialife HCMC

---

Chocolate fudge cake and cinnamon<br />

rolls with cream cheese icing highly<br />

recommended.<br />

Pat A Chou<br />

65 Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

25 Thao Dien, D2<br />

The home of the long and crusty<br />

baguette. Supplies many restaurants<br />

but also sells wholesale. The miniature<br />

patisseries such as crème brulée and<br />

cheesecake are worth a taste. Opens<br />

at 6.30 am.<br />

Schneider’s Finest<br />

27 Han Thuyen, D1<br />

Tel: 3829 1998<br />

www.schneiders-finest.com<br />

Traditional German bakery bakes 45<br />

Blue Salute<br />

Pg 52<br />

Photo By Fred Wissink<br />

different kinds of breads, rolls and<br />

baguettes and a wide range of danishes,<br />

pastries and cakes. Catering available.<br />

Sesame Bakery<br />

153 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 3518 0897<br />

Located in the premise of the Hospitality<br />

School of HCMC, Sesame<br />

Bakery provides practical experience<br />

to its students. Wide variety of French<br />

pastries, loaves, baguettes, cookies at<br />

very competitive prices. Special order &<br />

delivery available.<br />

Tous Les Jours<br />

180 Hai Ba Trung, D3<br />

Part of the Korean bakery chain, Tous Le<br />

Jours stocks a superb range of freshly<br />

baked good from sugary treats like pain<br />

au chocolat to superior quality baguettes<br />

and loafs.<br />

Voelker<br />

17 A7 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 7303 8799<br />

39 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 6296 0066<br />

Small bakery turns out sweet and salted<br />

pies and mousses in addition to baguettes<br />

and a range of Western sweets.<br />

CATERING<br />

Au Parc Catering Services<br />

23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772<br />

Catering services available every day of<br />

the year for birthday cakes, dinner parties,<br />

wine tastings and corporate events.<br />

For a custom-made quotation e-mail<br />

auparc@hcm.vnn.vn or call Quynh on<br />

0908 196261.<br />

Saigon Catering<br />

84 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 8388<br />

Provide services of catering, banquets,<br />

event planning, BBQ’s, daily deliveries<br />

and cocktail parties. For a custom-made<br />

quotation e-mail SaigonGG@gmail.com<br />

or call Huong on 0913 981128.<br />

The Caterers<br />

46D Vuon Lai, Tan Phu<br />

Tel: 3816 2901<br />

sales@thecaterersvietnam.com.vn<br />

www.thecaterersvietnam.com.vn<br />

Catering company offering extensive<br />

services from location sourcing, décor<br />

designing and food catering. All functions<br />

can be catered for, from low-key<br />

barbeques at home to full-blown weddings<br />

and parties.<br />

Xu Catering<br />

71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

Tel: 3824 8468<br />

www.xusaigon.com<br />

From the brains behind Xu Restaurant<br />

and Lounge comes this new catering<br />

service, promising the highest standards<br />

in service. Everything from the menu to<br />

the comprehensive bar service and the<br />

staff is tailor-made to your specifications.<br />

COOKERY CLASSES<br />

Caravelle Hotel Cooking Classes<br />

Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square,<br />

D1 Tel: 3823 4999<br />

Full-day Vietnamese cooking classes for<br />

groups of up to 20 people. The classes<br />

include a visit to the market with the<br />

sous chef. Costs USD $45++ each for a<br />

minimum 10 people.<br />

Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc<br />

The Courtyard, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

Tel: 3825 8485<br />

i.briosca@saigoncookingclass.com<br />

contact@saigoncookingclass.com<br />

Cooking classes available from Tuesday<br />

to Sunday 10 am-1 pm/2 pm-5 pm. Students<br />

make an entire meal that includes<br />

traditional dishes like pho and cha gio,<br />

as well as more creative fare. Conducted<br />

by Vietnamese chef in English, Japanese<br />

or French on request. Cost is $45. Market<br />

visit with the chef on request.<br />

Vietnam Cookery Centre<br />

362/8 Ung Van Khiem, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 3512 1491<br />

Well-known Vietnamese cooking<br />

classes with half-day and more in-depth<br />

eight-day courses. Students work in a<br />

comfortable kitchen area with their own<br />

stove and workspace. Eight-day course<br />

costs USD $160.<br />

GROCERIES<br />

Annam Gourmet Market<br />

16-18 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3822 9332<br />

41A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2630<br />

SB2-1 My Khanh 4, Nguyen Duc Canh,<br />

D7 Tel: 5412 3263 / 64<br />

www.annam-gourmet.com<br />

We are pleased<br />

to introduce the<br />

taste of ILLY<br />

caffe. Finally<br />

the best<br />

Italian coffee<br />

comes to<br />

Vietnam.<br />

Enjoy!<br />

111A Pasteur, D.1, HCMC<br />

Tel: (08) 22 202 388<br />

Fax: (08) 22 202 389<br />

Grand View, Shop<br />

SA1-1, SB2-1<br />

Nguyen Duc Canh Blvd, D.7, HCMC.<br />

Tel: (08) 54 123 292<br />

Fax: (08) 54 123 293<br />

Authentic Italian Coffee<br />

asialife HCMC 79

---

Where the game’s always on!<br />

NFL, College Football, NHL, Football, Rugby and More.<br />

Takeout and Free Delivery.<br />

28/4 Bui Vien Str. Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Dist 1.<br />

Phone: (08) 665 663 38 - (08) 665 663 28<br />

OPEN<br />

24/7<br />

Boutique grocer with wide selection of<br />

foreign foods; Annam-brand coffee, tea<br />

and spices; and household products.<br />

Wine and premium beer, full deli counter,<br />

produce, dairy-frozen and baked<br />

goods on second floor. Cosy café<br />

serves coffee, drinks and sandwiches.<br />

Au Parc<br />

23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772<br />

A fine deli counter displaying a wide selection<br />

of cheeses, roasted vegetables,<br />

dips and some tempting sweets. The<br />

shelves along the side wall also showcase<br />

a solid selection of dried goods<br />

and some imported condiments.<br />

Bellany Gelato & Sorbet<br />

Tel: 0122 774 3132<br />

New Italian gelato and sorbet brand<br />

made entirely from local fresh fruit and<br />

adapted to contain minimal fat and<br />

sugar. Delivers to Thao Dien, An Phu<br />

residents from 4 pm to 9 pm in just 30<br />

minutes. 125 ml, 450 ml and 2.8 litre<br />

packages are available and there are<br />

15 flavours to choose from.<br />

Gastro Home Delicatessen<br />

100 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward, D2<br />

Tel: 6281 9830<br />

Deli filled with fresh French-inspired<br />

delights ranging from salads to fish and<br />

vegetarian, meat and poultry dishes.<br />

Open 7 days from 9.30 am to 9 pm.<br />

Grand-Place Chocolate<br />

1A Me Linh Square, Room C4, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 4068<br />

www.grandplacechocolate.com<br />

delivery@grandplacechocolate.com<br />

Belgian chocolate manufacturer offering<br />

high quality chocolate for professionals<br />

and chocolate lovers. Chocolate available<br />

in 1kg blocks or 2.5kg buttons.<br />

Free delivery.<br />

Kim Hai Butchery<br />

41 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 6057 or 3914 4376<br />

Excellent chilled imported beef, lamb,<br />

veal and other meats sold at reasonable<br />

prices.<br />

Le Cochon D’Or<br />

32 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3829 3856<br />

French-style charcuterie selling quality<br />

cold cuts, smoked sausage and a<br />

range of cheeses at very reasonable<br />

prices.<br />

Metro<br />

An Phu, D2 Tel: 3740 6677<br />

www.metro.com.vn<br />

Warehouse wholesaler located just off<br />

the Hanoi Highway in D2 between the<br />

Saigon Bridge and the tollbooths. Sells<br />

bulk food, fresh fruit and vegetables<br />

and meat, as well as paper products,<br />

cleaning supplies, housewares--basically<br />

everything.<br />

Organik<br />

11A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 090 273 3841<br />

arlene@organikvn.com<br />

www.organikvn.com<br />

Online grocer based out of Dalat selling<br />

a range of organic vegetables and groceries,<br />

as well as imported all-natural<br />

products such as cereal, soymilk and<br />

tea. Operates a retail shop in An Phu.<br />

Phuong Ha<br />

58 Ham Nghi, D1 Tel: 3914 1318<br />

A mini-supermarket that sells an<br />

extensive assortment of imported packaged<br />

food, cheese, meat, fresh fruit,<br />

vegetables and fine wines.<br />

Veggy’s<br />

29A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8526<br />

Sky Garden<br />

Pham Van Nghi, Bac Khu Pho, D7<br />

Riverside Apartments<br />

53 Vo Truong Toan, Thao Dien, D2<br />

Popular expat market with a huge<br />

walk-in fridge area stocked with fresh<br />

fruit and vegetables, dairy products and<br />

a range of meats. Imported canned and<br />

dried foods, wines, beers, soft drinks,<br />

spirits and snacks also available.<br />

LIQUOR & WINE<br />

Bacchus Corner<br />

158D Pasteur, D1<br />

Reliable wine and liquor store owned<br />

by Tan Khoa Wines with a good range<br />

of spirits, whiskies, wines and more all<br />

at decent prices. English-speaking staff<br />

can help with selections.<br />

Connoisseur<br />

7 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 224 6324<br />

A decent range of wines from both old<br />

and new world vineyards lines the walls<br />

in this intimate store. Monthly offers on<br />

new arrivals are often a good deal. The<br />

staff are helpful, but little English.<br />

Red Apron<br />

22 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 3823<br />

0021<br />

Large wine and spirits wholesaler,<br />

with 90,000 bottles stored in its five<br />

locations around the country. Sells wine<br />

from all around the world, particularly<br />

France, Chile, Italy and Australia. Exclusive<br />

distributor of such fine brands as<br />

Taittinger Champagne.<br />

The Warehouse<br />

178 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 8826<br />

924 Tran Hung Dao, D5 Tel: 6261<br />

1525<br />

www.warehouse-asia.com<br />

One of the city’s premier wine distributors,<br />

The Warehouse is an aptly named,<br />

stylish wine store that stocks a full<br />

range of both New and Old World<br />

wines, sparkling wines, Champagne,<br />

spirits, imported beers and accessories.<br />

Provides advice and delivery<br />

service.<br />

80 asialife HCMC

---

listings<br />

culture<br />

CLASSES<br />

AngelsBrush by Vin<br />

Tel: 0983377710<br />

Shyevin@mac.com<br />

Oil painting course gives learners the<br />

opportunity to work from the different<br />

objects; explore different mediums,<br />

materials and techniques; and interpret<br />

line, tone and colour. Instructor works<br />

with students on individual basis.<br />

Creative Writing Classes<br />

Tel: 090 448 2957<br />

kate_orson@hotmail.com<br />

Writer Kate Orson teaches creative<br />

writing courses for fiction, non-fiction<br />

and travel writing. Beginners and experienced<br />

writers are welcome.<br />

Helen Kling Oil Painting<br />

189/C1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien,<br />

D2 Tel: 0903 955 780<br />

hk.painter@gmail.com/helenkling@<br />

yahoo.com<br />

www.helenkling.com<br />

Helene is a French painter who teaches<br />

beginners (children and adults) various<br />

techniques and the art of working with<br />

different mediums. She is also a fantastic<br />

tool for advanced artists who are looking<br />

to increase their creativity. Both day and<br />

night courses are available. Helene has a<br />

permanent exhibition at FLOW, located<br />

88 Ho Tung Mau, D1.<br />

Printmaking<br />

alphagallery@bluemail.ch<br />

Classes are held at Alpha Gallery taught<br />

by the gallery owner Bernadette Gruber,<br />

who offers the chance to learn monotype,<br />

intaglio and etching techniques.<br />

CINEMAS<br />

Bobby Brewer’s Movie Lounge<br />

45 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3610 2220<br />

86 Pham Ngoc Thach<br />

info@bobbybrewers.com<br />

Popular top-floor home cinema showing<br />

movies five times a day on a large<br />

screen. Email for the latest schedule.<br />

Cinebox<br />

212 Ly Chinh Thang, D3 Tel: 3935<br />

0610<br />

240 3 Thang 2, D10 Tel: 3862 2425<br />

Cinebox cinemas show both original<br />

language films with Vietnamese subtitles<br />

and the dubbed versions.<br />

Future Shorts<br />

futureshortsvietnam@gmail.com<br />

www.futureshorts.com/vn<br />

Vietnam branch of the international<br />

network screens foreign and local short<br />

films around town. Events often incorporate<br />

other media and elements, including<br />

live music, performances, installations<br />

and discussion. Submissions accepted.<br />

Galaxy Cinema<br />

116 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3822 8533<br />

230 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3920 6688<br />

www.galaxycine.vn<br />

Large, modern cinema that shows the<br />

latest foreign releases in English (with<br />

Vietnamese subtitles).<br />

IDECAF<br />

31 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3829 5451<br />

French cultural centre and cinema<br />

theatre. Showcases French movies with<br />

English and Vietnamese subtitles. Also<br />

hosts movies and documentaries from a<br />

number of overseas film festivals.<br />

Lotte Cinema<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 7897<br />

LotteMart, 469 Nguyen Huu Tho, D7<br />

Tel: 3775 2520<br />

www.lottecinemavn.com<br />

Modern cinema with four-way sound<br />

system. D7 location houses luxury<br />

theatre Charlotte with 32 seats and eight<br />

sofas.<br />

me phim<br />

HCM City-based film initiative that<br />

provides support to local filmmakers and<br />

hosts regular film screenings/discussions.<br />

Email dduukk@gmail.com for<br />

information or join the Facebook group.<br />

Megastar<br />

Hung Vuong Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong,<br />

D5 Tel: 08 2222 0388<br />

CT Plaza, 60A Truong Son, Tan Binh<br />

Tel: 6297 1981<br />

www.megastarmedia.net<br />

State-of-the-art cinema complex screening<br />

the lastest blockbusters with plush,<br />

reclining seats. All movies shown in original<br />

language with Vietnamese subtitles.<br />

GALLERIES<br />

a little blah blah<br />

OUT-2 STUDIO, L6 FAFILM Annex<br />

6 Thai Van Lung, D1<br />

albbsaigon-2010.blogspot.com<br />

Operates as an engine for contemporary<br />

art by organizing projects, exhibitions,<br />

screenings and talks. Runs one major<br />

art project each year and a reading<br />

room with more than 1,000 texts on<br />

art, design and creative culture. Free for<br />

everyone and open Tue to Sat 10 am<br />

to 6 pm.<br />

Blue Space Contemporary Arts<br />

Center<br />

97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 3695<br />

bluespaceart@hcm.jpt.vn<br />

www.bluespacegallery.com<br />

Busy, working gallery with easels<br />

propped up outside situated in the<br />

grounds of the beautiful Fine Arts<br />

Museum. Holds regular exhibitions by<br />

local artists.<br />

Galerie Quynh<br />

65 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3836 8019<br />

www.galeriequynh.com<br />

The city’s only international standard<br />

gallery, housed in a modern, two-floor<br />

space. Organizes regular exhibitions<br />

featuring established, emerging local/<br />

international contemporary artists, publishes<br />

original catalogs in both English<br />

and Vietnamese.<br />

Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum<br />

97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1 Tel: 3829 4441<br />

btmthcm@hotmail.com<br />

Institution housing contemporary/traditional<br />

works by Vietnamese and foreign<br />

artists. Pieces date from as early as<br />

the 7th century. Includes Vietnamese<br />

antiques, art crafted by the Cham and<br />

Funan peoples.<br />

San Art Independent Artist Space<br />

3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3840 0898<br />

hoa@san-art.org<br />

www.san-art.org<br />

Artist-run, non-profit exhibition space<br />

featuring contemporary work by young<br />

Vietnamese artists. San Art hosts guest<br />

lecturers and curators. A reading room<br />

of art books and magazines is open to<br />

the public.<br />

TuDo Gallery<br />

53 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 0966<br />

www.tudogallery.com<br />

Hosting permanent exhibitions of works<br />

by the city’s artists, Tu Do deals in oils,<br />

silk paintings and lacquerware. More<br />

than 1,000 pieces on show.<br />

82 asialife HCMC

---

listings<br />

California WOW Xperience<br />

Parkson Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong, D5<br />

28/30-32 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 6291 5999<br />

The world’s biggest fitness centre chain<br />

is one of Saigon’s most modern places<br />

to get your sweat on. Located in Hung<br />

Vuong Plaza, CWX offers a huge workout<br />

area and all kinds of classes including<br />

spinning, KickFit, yoga and more.<br />

Caravelle Club Spa<br />

19 Lam Son Square, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 4999<br />

Modern and stylish gym with lots of cardiovascular<br />

machines and free weights.<br />

The swimming pool is a great place for<br />

a dip, and the massage parlour, sauna,<br />

steam room and jacuzzi are there for<br />

winding down.<br />

Christophe Guillemin<br />

Tel: 0909 365525<br />

azia_shop@yahoo.fr<br />

www.azia-shop.com<br />

French fitness instructor offers his training<br />

assistance both at home or in your gym<br />

to help with everything from weight loss<br />

to muscle building. Also does cardio training<br />

sessions at An Phu swimming pool on<br />

Saturday at 11 am.<br />

Curves<br />

15 Trinh Van Can, D1 Tel: 3821 0319<br />

www.curvesvietnam.com<br />

Curves is a women’s only fitness<br />

franchise with over 10,000 locations and<br />

four million members. The centre offers<br />

a famous 30-minute total body workout<br />

that they say will burn up to 500 calories.<br />

Features training on ‘double positive’<br />

resistance equipment.<br />

Daphne Chua<br />

Tel: 012 6662 6467<br />

yogadaphne@gmail.com<br />

www.daphnechua.com<br />

Classes taught by a Yoga Alliance<br />

certified teacher from Singapore that<br />

focus on breathing and body awareness,<br />

combined with fluid movements to<br />

perfectly balance body and mind. Hatha,<br />

Restorative and Vinyasa classes are offered<br />

in group and private sessions.<br />

Diamond Plaza<br />

34 Le Duan, D1<br />

The city’s largest department store has<br />

a well-equipped gym with steam room,<br />

jacuzzi, massage parlour and swimming<br />

pool. The gym costs from USD $90 per<br />

month.<br />

Diamond Way Buddhism Meditation<br />

Group<br />

Tel: 093 804 3753<br />

Email: SaigonGompa@gmail.com<br />

www.diamondway-teachings.org<br />

Meditation group using methods of<br />

Tibetan Buddhism. Diamond Way or Vajrayana<br />

Buddhism guides practitioners to<br />

experience the nature of their own mind<br />

to reach Enlightenment.<br />

Equinox Fitness & Leisure Centre<br />

Equatorial Hotel, 242 Tran Binh Trong,<br />

D5 Tel: 3839 7777<br />

Decent-sized 3rd-floor gym with modern<br />

cardio and weights machines, sauna,<br />

steambath, jacuzzi, and large 4th floor<br />

pool great for swimming laps.<br />

Hollywood Fitness World<br />

H3 Building, 384 Hoang Dieu, D4<br />

Tel: 3826 4639<br />

One of the latest & best workout environsports<br />

&<br />

leisure<br />

Sport Street<br />

Huyen Tran Cong Chua, D1 between<br />

Nguyen Du and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai<br />

Services include mending and restringing<br />

broken tennis rackets. Products range<br />

from badminton birdies and rackets to<br />

basketball hoops, free weights, roller<br />

blades, scooters, soccer jerseys and all<br />

manner of balls.<br />

Trophies & Custom Signage Street<br />

Le Lai, D1 between Truong Dinh and<br />

Nguyen Thai Hoc<br />

Offers custom engraving on trophies and<br />

plaques made of plastic, wood, metal<br />

and glass.<br />

CRICKET<br />

Saigon Cricket Assocation<br />

Social cricket league plays 25 overs a<br />

side matches Sunday mornings at RMIT’s<br />

District 7 pitch. Season runs November<br />

through May, with friendly games<br />

throughout the pre-season. Practice on<br />

Saturdays and Sunday afternoons.<br />

Australian Cricket Club<br />

Terry Gordon<br />

terrygordoninasia@yahoo.com.au<br />

saigonaustraliancricketclub@yahoo.com<br />

www.saigoncricket.com<br />

English Cricket Club<br />

Richard Carrington<br />

Richard.carrington@pivotalvietnam.com<br />

info@eccsaigon.com<br />

www.eccsaigon.com<br />

Indian Cricket Club<br />

Manish Sogani, manish@ambrij.com<br />

United Cricket Club<br />

Mr. Asif Ali, asif@promo-tex.net<br />

keshav.dayalani@rmit.edu.vn<br />

DANCING<br />

DanCenter<br />

46/2 Nguyen Cuu Van, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 3840 6974<br />

www.dancentervn.com<br />

Modern, centrally located studio with<br />

foreign trained dance instructors. Classes<br />

for kids age 5+ in jazz, ballet, hip hop<br />

and tap dance. Classes for adults in<br />

yoga, jazz, hip hop, salsa, belly, tap and<br />

capoeira.<br />

Salsa Dancing at La Fenetre Soleil<br />

135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1<br />

Tel: 0909 365 525<br />

Every Thursday from 8 pm with Urko and<br />

Fred, with a total beginners workshop<br />

starting at 8.30pm (minimum 10 people<br />

required; 50,000 VND with a cocktail).<br />

Followed by social dancing until midnight.<br />

Salsa Dancing at La Habana<br />

6 Cao Ba Quat, D1<br />

www.salsaigon.com<br />

salsaigon@gmail.com<br />

Six-week salsa package at 350,000<br />

VND for single persons and 550,000 for<br />

a couple, run by Urko. Lessons every<br />

Tuesday (beginners L.A. style at 7.30<br />

pm; intermediate L.A style at 8.30 pm).<br />

Registration required.<br />

FITNESS & YOGA<br />

AIS Sports Centre<br />

36 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 6960, ext 126<br />

sportscentre@aisvietnam.com<br />

www.aissportscentre.com<br />

Features six-lane, 25-metre pool,<br />

basketball and netball courts, astroturf<br />

hockey/football area and outdoor gym<br />

equipment. Available for party hire, with<br />

BBQ included on request. Membership<br />

packages available. Kids swim club and<br />

adult masters programmes. Rainbow<br />

Divers offers scuba diving courses for<br />

children and adults. Free morning yoga.<br />

Mekong Creations specialises in unique locally produced household and gift items,<br />

including papier mache, silk, bamboo, and water hyacinth products. Mekong<br />

Creations also produces items for luxury French brand Terre d’Oc and has permission<br />

to sell these designs locally.<br />

Mekong Creations is a project of parent NGO Mekong Plus, that supports community<br />

development programmes in remote villiages in Vietnam and Cambodia. The<br />

key objective is to generate employment for women. All profits from<br />

products sold are returned to the villages. Mekong Creations focus<br />

is to provide rewarding employment, increase family incomes<br />

and improve conditions for children in these remote<br />

communities.<br />

Our producers are trained in production techniques for<br />

their field and supported in design and marketing by<br />

Mekong Plus. All products are made in the villages<br />

allowing more time to be spent with families.<br />

/<br />

asialife HCMC 83

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ments in the city, suitable for all ages and<br />

fitness levels. Personal training is offered.<br />

Erick Tony Varin, Fitness and<br />

Swimming Instructor<br />

Tel: 0939 026 540<br />

Erickforcearca@hotmail.com<br />

French instructor offers individual adapted<br />

programmes at home or at your gym,<br />

including weight loss, muscle gain, athletic<br />

training and post-traumatic treatment.<br />

Swimming and aqua aerobics classes for<br />

groups or individuals are also offered.<br />

K1 Fitness and Fight Factory<br />

346 Ben Van Don, D4<br />

Tel: 0918 337 111<br />

www.teamminetti.com<br />

Fitness centre teaching English and<br />

Thai boxing, karate, Vietnamese martial<br />

arts, judo, fencing, grappling, and mixed<br />

martial arts with classes for both adults<br />

and children. All training conducted by a<br />

professional foreign instructor.<br />

L’Apothiquaire Fitness Centre<br />

64A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3932 5181<br />

www.lapothiquaire.com<br />

Internationally-certified teachers offer daily<br />

classes in Sivananda, Iyengar, Power,<br />

Yoga, Abdo-Pilates, Taebo and Aqua-<br />

Aerobics. Peaceful swimming pool, sauna<br />

and steam room.<br />

La Cochinchine<br />

Rex Hotel, 146 Pastuer, D1<br />

Tel: 3825 1812 (ext 7477)<br />

New and affordable fitness centre located<br />

in the heart of the city. This gym has a<br />

wide range of weight machines, as well as<br />

many cardio machines, including treadmills,<br />

cross-trainers and bikes. A good<br />

variety of classes are available, including<br />

yoga and aerobic dance.<br />

Legend Hotel Fitness Centre<br />

2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

One of the best hotel fitness centres. Very<br />

well-equipped gym with cardiovascular<br />

and weight machines, along with a circular<br />

swimming pool and massage parlour.<br />

A three-month membership costs USD<br />

$400++.<br />

Michelle Lloyd Yoga<br />

Tel: 0909 64 8193<br />

michelleglloyd@gmail.com<br />

www.michellelloyd.com<br />

E-RYT200 certified yoga instructor offering<br />

Vinyasa yoga classes at various locations<br />

around the city. Private and corporate<br />

yoga programs available. Contact Michelle<br />

for more information on her current schedule<br />

and special events.<br />

Nutrifort<br />

2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, D1<br />

Tel: 3825 8560<br />

news@nutrifort.com/www.nutrifort.com<br />

Comprehensive health and fitness centre<br />

offering customized exercise, nutritional<br />

counseling to members. Specializing in<br />

weight loss programs, core/body alignment<br />

training with Pilates equipment.<br />

Healthy snacks available.<br />

NTFQ2 Spa<br />

34 Nguyen Dang Giai, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 6672<br />

Therapeutic massage with a focus on<br />

sports massage to increase circulation, remove<br />

lactic acid build-up, restore flexibility<br />

and relieve back pain.<br />

Park Hyatt Fitness Centre<br />

2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234<br />

Luxury health centre with the full range of<br />

facilities including swimming pool, steam<br />

room, jacuzzi and fitness centre. Threemonth<br />

peak membership costs USD<br />

$810++ and off-peak is $450++.<br />

Patricia Romero, ERYT200<br />

Phu My Hung, An Phu<br />

Tel: 090 387 2832<br />

saigonease@yahoo.com<br />

Alignment-based yoga classes that infuse<br />

elements from the Ashtanga and Iyengar<br />

traditions. Group and private classes. Also<br />

specialising in therapeutics and restorative<br />

yoga. Patricia has been teaching yoga in<br />

Saigon since 2002.<br />

Renaissance Hotel Health Club<br />

8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 0033<br />

Stylish health club with gym, swimming<br />

pool, steam room, massage parlour,<br />

pool-side bar and an outstanding view<br />

of the city. Costs USD $140 a month, or<br />

$10 a day.<br />

Saigon Fitness Club<br />

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 8888<br />

The modern Nautilus-equipped gym is<br />

staffed by highly-qualified instructors to<br />

cater for your fitness needs. Features a<br />

swimming pool, floodlit tennis court, golf<br />

driving range, jogging track, sauna, and<br />

massage rooms.<br />

Sheraton Fitness<br />

Level 5, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers,<br />

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828<br />

sheraton.saigon@sheraton.com<br />

www.sheraton.com/saigon<br />

Sheraton Fitness features a team of<br />

trained professionals and new Technogym<br />

equipment. Members have full use of<br />

leisure facilities and receive discounts at<br />

hotel bars and restaurants and Aqua Day<br />

Spa.<br />

Star Fitness Gym<br />

Manor Apartments, 91 Nguyen Huu<br />

Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0255<br />

This 1,600sqm gym is apparently the<br />

biggest in Vietnam. Has a good range<br />

of machines for any type of workout.<br />

Membership involves one time entry fee<br />

plus monthly subscriptions and gives free<br />

access to regular fitness classes.<br />

Sofitel Saigon Plaza Fitness Centre<br />

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555<br />

Small but well-equipped gym with helpful<br />

staff and quality equipment. Membership<br />

costs USD $700++ for six months and<br />

$1,300++ for a year. Also runs a number<br />

of fitness classes including yoga.<br />

Yoga & Meditation Centre<br />

335 Dien Bien Phu, D3<br />

Tel: 3929 1706<br />

www.ymc.org<br />

Professional team of Western and local<br />

teachers show you how to practice a<br />

combination of yoga and meditation with<br />

a range of classes such as Hatha, Yin,<br />

Vikram, Ashtanga yoga and Pilates.<br />

FOOTBALL & RUGBY<br />

Australian Rules Football<br />

Tel: 093 768 3230<br />

www.vietnamswans.com<br />

vietnamswans@gmail.com<br />

The Vietnam Swans play regular<br />

international footy matches around Asia.<br />

Training sessions are held weekly in HCM<br />

City (2.30 pm Saturday, RMIT D7) and<br />

Hanoi (midday, Saturday, UN International<br />

School, Ciputra). All skill levels and codes<br />

welcome.<br />

Les Gaulois de Saigon<br />

www.gauloisdesaigon.com<br />

info@gauloisdesaigon.com<br />

A new team of French footballers, the side<br />

invites players and their families to come<br />

and join in their friendly training sessions,<br />

where everyone can get together and<br />

enjoy the sport while making new friends.<br />

Contact Sebastien on 0919 691785 or<br />

Romain on 0908 060139.<br />

RMIT Vietnam<br />

sports.recreation@rmit.edu.vn<br />

A new player on the SIFL scene with<br />

a team made up of students from the<br />

University. They have their own football<br />

ground on-site consisting of two brand<br />

new pitches. Contact Landon Carnie.<br />

Saigon Raiders<br />

jon.hoff@saigonraiders.com<br />

Sociable football side who are always on

---

the lookout for new talent for their weekly<br />

matches and training sessions. The team<br />

participates in the Saigon International<br />

Football League and also has regular<br />

fixtures against local teams in the outlying<br />

provinces and also participates in international<br />

tournaments.<br />

Saigon Rugby Club<br />

Tel: 0903 735 799<br />

www.saigonrfc.org<br />

saigonrugbyfootballclub@yahoo.com<br />

Social, mixed touch rugby played every<br />

Saturday afternoon for adults at RMIT<br />

from 4 pm until 6 pm. Regularly welcomes<br />

visiting teams and tours the region for<br />

men’s contact and women’s touch rugby<br />

tournaments. Beginners welcome.<br />

Saigon Saints<br />

chris@saigonsaints.com<br />

www.saigonsaints.com<br />

Expat football club of all ages, which has<br />

been running since 1995 and plays in the<br />

SIFL. Regularly venture on international<br />

tours especially to Bangkok and Manila<br />

and play in other local and international<br />

tournaments. The players train weekly,<br />

and new players are encouraged to join.<br />

GOLF<br />

Dalat Palace Golf Club<br />

Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Dalat<br />

Tel: 063 3821 101<br />

dpgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com<br />

The most beautiful course in Vietnam,<br />

combining the crisp mountain air with<br />

an environment of stately pine trees.<br />

Overlooking Xuan Huong lake, the 7,009-<br />

yard course is an enjoyable challenge for<br />

golfers of all levels.<br />

Dong Nai Golf Resort<br />

Trang Bom Town, Trang Bom<br />

Tel: 061 3866 288 / 3677 590<br />

www.dongnaigolf.com.vn<br />

Large golf resort with 27 holes, plus a villa<br />

complex, bar, sauna. jacuzzi and billiards.<br />

The resort sits on 160 hectares of land in<br />

Dong Nai Province, about 50 kilometres<br />

from the city. Membership starts at USD<br />

$2,000 a year.<br />

Ocean Dunes Golf Club<br />

1 Ton Duc Thang, Phan Thiet<br />

Tel: 062 3821 995<br />

odgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com<br />

Designed by Nick Faldo, the 6,746-yard<br />

par-72 course winds through seaside<br />

dunes, with the variable coastal breezes<br />

changing its character each day. An<br />

enjoyable and eminently playable course<br />

and has become a favourite venue for<br />

expatriate tournaments.<br />

Saigon South Golf<br />

Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu, D7<br />

Tel: 5411 2001<br />

sgs.golf@yahoo.com.vn<br />

Nine-hole mini golf course and driving<br />

range set amongst attractive gardens just<br />

behind FV Hospital. Membership starts<br />

from USD $700 for 6 months. Visitors’<br />

greens fees for a round of golf are around<br />

USD $16 before 5 pm and $19 after.<br />

Club, shoe and umbrella hire is also<br />

available.<br />

SaigonSports Academy League<br />

Tel: 093 215 3502<br />

greg@saigonsportsacademy.com<br />

www.saigonsportsacademy.com<br />

12-week, 5 a side community football<br />

league with Adult, U18, U14, U10 and<br />

U7 divisions. Matches held at Thao Dan<br />

Stadium in District 1. Corporate, local and<br />

expat teams compete in adult division<br />

with cash prize for champions.<br />

Song Be Golf Resort<br />

77 Binh Duong Blvd, Thuan An<br />

Tel: 0650 3756 660<br />

info@songbegolf.com<br />

www.songbegolf.com<br />

Located 22 kilometres from the city<br />

centre, the premier golf course in the area<br />

features an 18-hole, 6,384-metre course.<br />

Also has tennis courts, a swimming pool,<br />

and a gymnasium.<br />

Vietnam Golf and Country Club<br />

Long Thanh My Village, D9<br />

www.vietnamgolfcc.com<br />

This facility consists of two courses of 18<br />

holes each, one of which is designed in a<br />

more traditional Asian style, and the other<br />

in international style. Has other attractions<br />

such as boating, tennis and a restaurant<br />

area.<br />

LEISURE<br />

Phun Runners<br />

www.phun-run.com<br />

info@phun-run.com<br />

Running group that meets Sundays at 7<br />

am for a scenic run around Saigon before<br />

breakfast. Great way to explore the city,<br />

meet fellow runners and get fit for future<br />

events. Check website for rendezvous<br />

points.<br />

Saigon International Dart League<br />

www.thesidl.com<br />

A highly popular group in town, the darts<br />

club runs a competitive year-long league<br />

for 16 pub-based teams. There are some<br />

excellent players in this sociable and international<br />

group. See website for details of<br />

how to join and latest 180 scores.<br />

Saigon International Softball League<br />

sisl@saigonsoftball.info<br />

www.saigonsoftball.info<br />

The league plays slo-pitch softball every<br />

Sunday (usually at the Taiwanese School<br />

in Phu My Hung) and always welcomes<br />

newcomers.<br />

Saigon Pony Club<br />

Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2<br />

Tel: 0913 733 360<br />

A standout facility offering pony rides,<br />

riding lessons, horse clinics and pony<br />

rentals. Also hosts events and birthdays.<br />

Senior Expat ChitChat<br />

Weekly “Coffee Talk” meetings among<br />

seniors at the Palace Hotel Café (56 – 66<br />

Nguyen Hue, D1) each Tuesday from 10<br />

to 11.30 am. The informal group is for<br />

local expatriates and English-speaking<br />

foreign travellers who meet to share<br />

experiences and make new friends. Call<br />

club organizer Sheldon Pruss at 0932<br />

031 837.<br />

Squash<br />

The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 2098 ext 176<br />

www.thelandmarkvietnam.com<br />

One of three squash courts in town.<br />

Membership is open to non-Landmark<br />

residents and drop-in players. Lessons<br />

and racquets are available for additional<br />

fees. Balls are provided. Book in advance<br />

or phone for further information.<br />

Ultimate Frisbee<br />

RMIT, 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7<br />

www.saigon-ultimate.com<br />

Join in this exciting popular sport every<br />

Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm in<br />

Saigon South. Pan-Asian competitions<br />

also organised for the more experienced.<br />

Contact David Jensen at 0909458890<br />

Vietwings Paragliding<br />

info@vietwings-hpg.com<br />

Promoted by a local advertising executive<br />

turned test pilot, paragliding, hang-gliding,<br />

trike plane can be performed in several<br />

locations across southern Vietnam including<br />

Dalat, Phan Thiet, Tay Ninh. Call Loco<br />

on 0903 825607 for more information.<br />

X-Rock Climbing<br />

Phan Dinh Phung Sport Centre<br />

75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3<br />

Tel: 6278 5794<br />

503A Nguyen Duy Trinh, D2<br />

Tel: 2210 9192<br />

www.xrockclimbing.com<br />

Offering safe and professional climbing for<br />

anyone aged 4 and up. Featuring mountain<br />

climbing routes rated from beginner<br />

to advanced, climbing and belay-safety<br />

courses and training, birthday parties,<br />

corporate team building. Excellent facilities<br />

for children and annual membership<br />

for kids.<br />

asialife HCMC 85

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listings<br />

health &<br />

beauty<br />

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE<br />

American Chiropractic Clinic<br />

8 Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3930 6667<br />

www.vietnamchiropractic.com<br />

A chiropractic, physiotherapy, foot<br />

care clinic staffed by American-trained<br />

chiropractors speaking French, English,<br />

Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Treats<br />

back pain, neck pain, knee pain, also<br />

specializing in sports injuries, manufacture<br />

of medical grade foot orthotics.<br />

Ciro Gargiulo<br />

CARE1 Executive Health Care Center<br />

The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh,<br />

Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757<br />

care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com<br />

www.care1.com.vn<br />

A holistic approach is used by this<br />

acupuncturist and traditional medicine<br />

practitioner to rebalance the body’s<br />

energy fields. A wide range of ailments<br />

are treated including back pain, allergies<br />

and insomnia.<br />

Institute of Traditional Medicine<br />

273-275 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Dr. Le Hung is the man to see at this<br />

well-established traditional hospital &<br />

training centre. He speaks good English<br />

and provides excellent treatments in a<br />

clean environment. The Institute also<br />

provides acupuncture lessons at USD<br />

$30 per day.<br />

COSMETIC TREATMENT<br />

FV Hospital Cosmetic Surgery<br />

45 Vo Thi Sau, D1 Tel: 6290 6167<br />

6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7<br />

Tel: 5411 3366<br />

www.fvhospital.com<br />

International-standard cosmetic procedures<br />

from simple dermabrasion and<br />

chemical peels to collagen injections,<br />

nose and eye shaping, liposuction, and<br />

breast enhancement. Procedures carried<br />

out by French and Vietnamese doctors<br />

using the latest equipment.<br />

Parkway Shenton International Clinic<br />

Suite 213-214, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Owned by the Singapore-based<br />

healthcare giant Parkway Holdings, this<br />

aesthetics clinic offers a range of both<br />

surgical and non-surgical treatments<br />

including dental reconstruction.<br />

DENTAL<br />

European Dental Clinic<br />

127 Dien Bien Phu, Dakao, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 8680<br />

Expat English and French-speaking<br />

dentist. Performs full range of dental<br />

treatment including whitening, aesthetic<br />

fillings, porcelain crowns, full ceramics,<br />

veneer and orthodontic treatment. 24-<br />

hour emergency line: 0909 551 916 or<br />

0918 749 204.<br />

Westcoast International Dental Clinic<br />

27 Nguyen Trung Truc, D1<br />

Tel: 3825 6999<br />

71-79 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 6777<br />

info@westcoastinternational.com<br />

www.westcoastinternational.com<br />

Canadian-run dental clinic staffed by<br />

French, Japanese, English and Vietnamese<br />

speaking dental professionals.<br />

See Medical listings for hospitals with<br />

dental services.<br />

HAIR & SALON<br />

Anthony George for London Hair &<br />

Beauty<br />

FIDECO Riverview Building<br />

14 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6475<br />

www.aglondonsalon.com.vn<br />

Top British stylist George brings his<br />

unique flair to hair in District 2. The modern,<br />

stylish and professional salon is host<br />

to a staff of professionally trained beauty<br />

therapists. Uses Dermalogica, Schwarzkopf<br />

and L’Oreal products. Shampoo,<br />

cut and blow-dry starts at USD $26; mini<br />

facials from $12.<br />

Jasmine<br />

45 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3827 2737<br />

jasminespa@hcm.vnn.vn<br />

Friendly and efficient staff offers haircuts<br />

and a wide range of services including<br />

waxing, manicures, pedicures and other<br />

beauty treatments. Skin renewal facial,<br />

salt or rice body scrub & deep tissue<br />

massage costs USD $98<br />

Lloyd Morgan International Hair<br />

Studio<br />

234 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2<br />

Tel: 090 8422 007<br />

International stylist Lloyd Morgan is one<br />

of the best in town. He’s been in the<br />

business for over 30 years and brings his<br />

expertise to this established, top-notch<br />

salon.<br />

Qi Spa<br />

151 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3844 1719<br />

Caravelle Hotel Tel: 3824 7150<br />

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon,<br />

Tel: 3997 5437<br />

High-end salon and spa offers the<br />

standard range of services in a calming<br />

atmosphere with good service. Waxing,<br />

nail services, hair dressing as well as<br />

luxurious facial and massage treatments<br />

on offer.<br />

Souche<br />

2nd Floor, Saigon Trade Centre<br />

37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 0372<br />

A top-end beauty salon using the<br />

Dermatologica line of skincare products.<br />

Specialises in personalized facial care<br />

treatments from USD $30 and medicated<br />

acne treatments from $40. Waxing and<br />

other aesthetic services are also available<br />

in a pleasant atmosphere with excellent<br />

service.<br />

Sunji Matsuo Hair Studio<br />

Saigon Paragon, 3 Nguyen Luong<br />

Bang, D7 Tel: 5416 0378<br />

Celebrity hairstylist Sunji Matsuo’s Singapore-based<br />

hair salon has a variety of<br />

hair services including scalp treatments,<br />

rebonding and hair extensions.<br />

The Salon<br />

21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 9660<br />

65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3821 6394<br />

Reliable haircuts from well-trained stylists<br />

at this local salon with multiple locations.<br />

A haircut starts at USD $28 for women<br />

and $22 for men.<br />

MEDICAL<br />

CARE1 Executive Health Care Center<br />

The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh,<br />

Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757<br />

care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com<br />

www.care1.com.vn<br />

Sister clinic of Family Medical Practice,<br />

CARE1 is an executive health care centre<br />

offering comprehensive preventative-care<br />

checkups in a modern and professional<br />

setting. State-of-the-art technology provides<br />

fast and accurate diagnoses.<br />

Centre Medical International (CMI)<br />

1 Han Thuyen, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 2366<br />

www.cmi-vietnam.com<br />

Located downtown next to the cathedral,<br />

questions for the coiffeur<br />

Help Your Stylist Help You<br />

By Lloyd Morgan<br />

Q: I went blonde but now<br />

want to return to my medium<br />

brown hair colour. How<br />

do you advise I proceed<br />

A: First, you must be absolutely<br />

certain you want to<br />

do this. My experience has<br />

taught me that those who<br />

change from light to dark<br />

always want to revert to the<br />

former. Keep in mind that<br />

as we age, our skin tone<br />

changes and you may think<br />

you’re ready to return to<br />

your natural roots whereas<br />

in reality, a horror could<br />

await when you unravel your<br />

new locks. If you are sure,<br />

then the process will largely<br />

depend on how many white<br />

hairs you have versus how<br />

long you have been lightening<br />

your hair. The problem is that<br />

synthetic hair colour cannot<br />

give the look of natural colour.<br />

If you’re a dark brown, you<br />

may like that look, but the<br />

colour will be one tonal and<br />

not have any natural light to<br />

it as it’ll be smothered by the<br />

colour—coupled with the fact<br />

that your skin tone too would<br />

have changed over the years.<br />

Before taking any drastic<br />

action, head to a wig shop<br />

and try on wigs in colours<br />

you want to change to. This<br />

will give you a good indication<br />

of whether the process is<br />

worth it.<br />

Q: I am a man and my<br />

medium brown hair is going<br />

grey. How can I hide the<br />

grey without looking like it<br />

has been coloured<br />

A: First, you need to go to<br />

a very experienced colourist.<br />

In order to hide the white<br />

hair without it looking like it is<br />

coloured, the stylist has to put<br />

a medium brown colour with<br />

the correct peroxide used to<br />

cover the white hair and then<br />

they have to apply the colour<br />

very quickly and process for a<br />

limited time. Most colours process<br />

in 30 minutes at which<br />

time the oxidation process is<br />

complete and the colour stops<br />

working. The desired effect<br />

requires staining the white hair,<br />

which produces what we call<br />

slate grey. This turns the white<br />

hair into a nicer tone, which<br />

tends to look very natural.<br />

Sometimes the colour can be<br />

applied for 10 minutes and<br />

then rinsed immediately. The<br />

hair is then quickly dried, and<br />

then depending on how the<br />

tone looks, more colour is applied<br />

very quickly, this time for<br />

five more minutes or until the<br />

client is happy with the effect.<br />

In so doing, in most cases,<br />

the client needs to come back<br />

more frequently as the colour<br />

tends to wash out quicker<br />

than normal. But, it's better<br />

than your mates giving you a<br />

hard time for colouring your<br />

obviously darkened hair and it<br />

fades out slowly. So, not many<br />

people notice the difference.<br />

Lloyd Morgan runs the Lloyd<br />

Morgan International Hair Studio<br />

at 234 Nguyen Van Huong,<br />

Thao Dien, D2. Contact him at<br />

0908 422 007 or lloydskate@<br />

hotmail.com.<br />

86 asialife HCMC

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the centre provides a high standard<br />

of medical care from qualified French<br />

and Vietnamese physicians. Its range<br />

of services include general and tropical<br />

medicine, cardiology, gynaecology, osteopathy,<br />

pediatrics, psychiatry, speech<br />

therapy and traditional Eastern medicine.<br />

Family Medical Practice HCMC<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 7848<br />

www.vietnammedicalpractice.com<br />

Leading international primary healthcare<br />

provider, with a 24-hour state-of-the-art<br />

medical centre and highly-qualified multilingual<br />

foreign doctors. Extensive experience<br />

in worldwide medical evacuations<br />

with car and air ambulance on standby.<br />

Also in Hanoi and Danang.<br />

FV Hospital<br />

6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7<br />

Tel: 5411 3333<br />

www.fvhospital.com<br />

A foreign-owned international-standard<br />

hospital with a mixture of French and<br />

Vietnamese physicians. Offers quality<br />

services, comprehensive patient care<br />

and is particularly well regarded for<br />

its maternity care. Full array of dental<br />

services from examination, cleaning and<br />

whitening to fillings, cosmetic procedures<br />

and implants.<br />

International SOS<br />

167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3<br />

Tel: 3829 8424<br />

www.internationalsos.com<br />

Globally-renowned provider of medical<br />

assistance and international healthcare.<br />

Specializes in offering medical transport<br />

and evacuation both within and outside<br />

of Vietnam for urgent medical cases.<br />

Foreign and Vietnamese dentists. Has<br />

multilingual staff.<br />

Victoria Healthcare International<br />

Clinic<br />

135A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

Tel: 3997 4545<br />

79 Dien Bien Phu, D1 Tel: 39104545<br />

Well-regarded clinic offering general<br />

examinations and specializing in pediatrics,<br />

digestive diseases, cardiology and<br />

women's health. Offers a membership<br />

program and cooperates with most<br />

insurance companies in Vietnam and<br />

abroad. Open with doctors on call 24/7.<br />

NAILS<br />

Nghia Beauty<br />

20 Phan Boi Chau, D1<br />

Tel: 3829 2688<br />

Located next to the Ben Thanh Market,<br />

clean efficient and friendly staff service<br />

your hands and feet with a range of<br />

treatments while you relax in a comfortable<br />

atmosphere.<br />

Nail P.KH<br />

51 Nguyen Huu Cau, D1<br />

A well-known local place with a number<br />

of manicure stations and an extensive<br />

range of services.<br />

OPI<br />

253 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3<br />

International brand of nail care offering<br />

a variety of treatments from standard<br />

manicures at 50,000 VND to the whole<br />

host nail services such as acrylics, powder<br />

gell, cuticle treatments and French<br />

polishing.<br />

Quang Qui’s Nails<br />

146 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

242 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Locally popular spots with low prices and<br />

good service, offering anything you could<br />

possibly want for your nails.<br />

SKINCARE<br />

Avon<br />

186A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 4018<br />

www.vn.avon.com<br />

HCMC branch of the world’s largest<br />

direct seller of cosmetics occupies the<br />

ground floor of District 3 villa, selling<br />

brand names like Anew, Skin-So-Soft<br />

and Avon Natural.<br />

AZIAL and Natural Rendez-vous<br />

38 Thach Thi Thanh, D1<br />

Tel: 3820 7646<br />

www.azial.com<br />

www.naturalrdv.com<br />

All-natural skin and body care products<br />

free from synthetic ingredients. Made<br />

with freshly extracted Aloe Vera gel<br />

and enhanced with therapeutic-grade<br />

essential oils. Found in many of the bestknown<br />

spas in Vietnam.<br />

The Body Shop<br />

87 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 3683<br />

31 Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

www.thebodyshop.com<br />

Internatioanl cosmetics retailer with<br />

strong commitment to environment<br />

sources natural ingredients from small<br />

communities for its line of more than 600<br />

products.<br />

Dermalogica<br />

Saigon Trade Center, 37 Ton Duc<br />

Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 0372<br />

www.dermalogica.com<br />

U.S. brand of cleansers popular among<br />

skin care professionals. The line of toners,<br />

exfoliants, moisturizers and masques<br />

are engineered by skin therapists to<br />

be free of common irritants, and the<br />

company is categorically opposed to<br />

animal testing.<br />

L’Apothiquaire<br />

100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1<br />

Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza<br />

Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza<br />

The Crescent, 103 Ton Dat Tien, D7<br />

64A Truong Dinh, D3<br />

07 Han Thuyen, D1<br />

Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082<br />

www.lapothiquaire.com<br />

info@lapothiquaire.com<br />

French-made natural products for all<br />

types of skin. Also offers exclusive<br />

natural Italian skin, body and hair care<br />

from Erbario Toscano. Available at all<br />

L’Apothiquaire outlets.<br />

L’Occitane en Provence<br />

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1<br />

French cosmetics company with a 30-<br />

year history offering a range of bath and<br />

massage oils, essential oils, body and<br />

hand care products are especially well<br />

known. Also has outlets in all the major<br />

downtown shopping malls.<br />

Sian Skincare Laser Clinic<br />

71–77 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel:3827 6999<br />

info@sianclinic.com<br />

www.sianclinic.com<br />

Skincare laser clinic offering the latest<br />

in non-surgical esthetic treatments<br />

including Botox, laser, acne treatments,<br />

hair loss regrowth, hair removal, skin<br />

rejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.<br />

Led by Dr. Tran Ngoc Si, a leading<br />

esthetic dermatologist from the hospital<br />

of Dermatology of HCMC.<br />

SPAS<br />

Aqua Day Spa<br />

Sheraton Saigon, 88 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 2828<br />

Recently revamped luxury eight-room<br />

spa with a holistic approach to treatment,<br />

using natural Harnn products plus hot<br />

stone therapy and seaweed treatments.<br />

La Maison de L’Apothiquaire<br />

64A Truong Dinh, D3<br />

Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082<br />

info@lapothiquaire.com<br />

www.lapothiquaire.com<br />

Traditional French day spa in colonial villa<br />

with professional therapists and state-ofthe-art<br />

treatments. Complimentary use of<br />

swimming pool, sauna and steam bath.<br />

Also offers exclusive natural Italian skin,<br />

body and hair care from ErbarioToscano.<br />

Xuan Spa<br />

Park Hyatt, 2 Lam Son Square, D1<br />

Tel: 3824 1234<br />

Beautiful spa with highly rated Swedish<br />

massage and water therapy including<br />

the unique 60 minutes Vichy shower to<br />

soften and smooth skin or the Indian Shirodhara<br />

with special oil for 45 minutes.<br />

Spa packages aimed at rejuvenation,<br />

calming, and hydrating are also available.

---

listings<br />

family<br />

ACTIVITIES<br />

Alpha Gallery<br />

10 Chu Manh Trinh, D1<br />

Printmaking classes for both adults and<br />

children run by Swiss artist Bernadette<br />

Gruber. Six-week courses start with the<br />

basics and swiftly move students towards<br />

producing proofs and final prints from<br />

copper plates they have created. Freedom<br />

of expression is encouraged and<br />

other mediums are also explored.<br />

Conservatory of Music<br />

112 Nguyen Du, D1<br />

The established training centre for professional<br />

musicians offers private piano<br />

and violin lessons to foreigners in the<br />

evenings.<br />

Helene Kling Painting<br />

helene_kling@yahoo.com<br />

Offers classes in oil painting to both<br />

children and adults for 150,000 VND and<br />

300,000 VND respectively. Classes are<br />

paced to suit each student.<br />

Rubba Duckies Swim School<br />

rubbaduckiesswim@hotmail.com<br />

Parent and infant water familiarisation<br />

classes in a group environment from<br />

six to 48 months. Classes take place<br />

at Somerset Apts., D1; Riverside, D2;<br />

APSC, D2 or AI D2 and D3. Email for<br />

schedule.<br />

Saigon Movement<br />

An Phu Tel: 098 702 7722<br />

saigonmovement@gmail.com<br />

Sports and creative movement classes for<br />

kids 2 to 11. Classes improve children’s<br />

total body awareness through a variety of<br />

games and sports-based activities. Phu<br />

My Hung schedule starts in September.<br />

Saigon Pony Club<br />

Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2<br />

Tel: 0913 733 360<br />

Close to X-rock climbing centre, kids<br />

from three and upwards can ride one<br />

of the stable’s 16 ponies. Lessons with<br />

foriegn teachers last 45 minutes and cost<br />

350,000 VND for kids from age six.<br />

SaigonSports Academy<br />

An Phu and Phu My Hung<br />

Tel: 0862 819 790<br />

info@saigonsportsacademy.com<br />

Sports academy founded by pro tennis<br />

coach currently offering tennis, football,<br />

basketball and swimming training to kids<br />

4 to 18. Professional coaches integrate<br />

international concepts and systems to<br />

draw out athletes’ natural abilities. Also<br />

operates a youth football league.<br />

The Performing Arts Academy<br />

19A Ngo Quang Huy, D2<br />

Tel: 090 339 0675<br />

info@paa.com.vn<br />

www.paa.com.vn<br />

Enrolling aspiring learners 6 and up for<br />

instruction in guitar, singing, piano, flute,<br />

clarinet, saxophone and drums. ABRSM<br />

qualified. Group dance and drama<br />

session also available. Offering Tiny Tots<br />

music enrichment & dance program for<br />

ages 3-5.<br />

Tae Kwondo<br />

BP Compound, 720 Thao Dien, D2 and<br />

Riverside Villa Compound, Vo Truong<br />

Toan, D2<br />

phucteacherkd@yahoo.com<br />

Private and group classes are run after<br />

school three times a week by the friendly<br />

Mr. Phuc. Anyone over the age of five<br />

is welcome to join in the course, which<br />

costs USD $50 for 12 classes/month with<br />

a $25 fee for non-members. Contact Mr.<br />

Phuc directly on 0903 918 149.<br />

BABY EQUIPMENT<br />

Baby<br />

66B Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10<br />

A large store stocking a good range of<br />

baby needs, including toys, buggies, cots<br />

and bottles. Prices are reasonable.<br />

Babyland<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Quality products including car seats,<br />

buggies, prams and travel cots and a<br />

good selection of baby toys. Carries<br />

Avent bottles and sterilizer sets, and a<br />

small range of educational books. Prices<br />

are higher than the other places, but so<br />

is the quality.<br />

Maman Bebe<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3825 8724<br />

www.mamanbebe.com.vn<br />

Stocks an assortment of modern strollers<br />

and car seats. Also sells various utensils<br />

and practical baby products. Small<br />

selection of clothing for ages newborn to<br />

14 years.<br />

Me & Be<br />

230 Vo Thi Sau, D3<br />

40 Ton That Tung, D1<br />

141D Phan Dang Luu, Phu Nhuan<br />

246 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3<br />

101-103 Khanh Hoi, D4<br />

287A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

The closest thing to Mothercare the city<br />

has to offer. Stocks a substantial range<br />

of apparel for babies including bottles<br />

and sterilizers, cots (including travel cots),<br />

clothing, toys, safety equipment and<br />

more, all at reasonable prices.<br />

Me Oi<br />

1B Ton That Tung, D1<br />

A small shop adjacent to the maternity<br />

hospital bursting at the seams with everything<br />

you need for your baby. Clothing,<br />

footwear, bottles, nappies, nappy bags<br />

and toys all at reasonable prices.<br />

New Parent Street<br />

Nguyen Thong Street, D3 between<br />

Ly Chinh Thang and Ky Dong Street.<br />

An interesting array of baby formula and<br />

hard liquor. A one stop shopping cluster<br />

for first time parents.<br />

CLOTHING<br />

Children Planet<br />

90 Vo Thi Sau, D1<br />

Mid to high-range prices for quality apparel,<br />

imported material from Singapore.<br />

Offering from the age of 5 to 14 years old<br />

boys and girls.<br />

Dabs Kids Fashion<br />

222 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3<br />

A good selection of both casual and<br />

formal clothing for kids aged five to ten.<br />

Party dresses, simple T-shirts, trousers<br />

and more are all good quality and very<br />

reasonably priced. Backpacks and other<br />

accessories are also on sale.<br />

DLS Paris<br />

17/5 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

A superb range of unique and beautiful<br />

clothing for young children (from newborns<br />

to pre-school age) at high to midrange<br />

prices. The quality compensates<br />

for the price. Bedding, baby equipment<br />

and furniture and organic and natural<br />

supplies also kept in stock.<br />

Little Anh – Em<br />

41 Thao Dien, D2<br />

A French brand made in Vietnam offering<br />

a wide selection of colourful, simply<br />

packaged and thoughtfully collated<br />

88 asialife HCMC

---

“sets” of garments for girls and boys<br />

from newborn to 10 years old. Lifestyle<br />

pieces also available include sleeping<br />

bags, bedroom accessories and bags.<br />

Ninh Khuong<br />

44 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3824 7456<br />

83 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 9079<br />

220 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3920 3224<br />

222 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 9183<br />

www.ninhkhuong.vn<br />

Well-known hand-embroidered children’s<br />

clothing brand using 100% cotton. Newborn<br />

to 10 years old (girl) and fourteen<br />

years old (boy). Also stocking home<br />

linens. Prices are reasonable.<br />

Peekaboo<br />

173 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3612 8329<br />

263 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1<br />

Locally designed apparel for girls, ages 1<br />

to 10. Materials include cotton, wool and<br />

satin. High to mid-range prices.<br />

REVE<br />

Villa Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

District 1, Tel: 3825 7307<br />

High-end cashmere, lace, and cotton<br />

clothes designed by a French mother/<br />

daughter team. All pieces are handmade<br />

and tailored for infants to kids 2 years<br />

of age.<br />

Small is Beautiful<br />

227 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 38 23 87 54<br />

contact@smallisb.com<br />

www.smallisb.com<br />

This newly opened boutique aims to be<br />

the chic shop for kids in the city. There<br />

is a selection of brand name clothing,<br />

accessories and creative toys. Clothing<br />

comes from international designers such<br />

as Baby Dior, Sonia Rykiel and DKNY.<br />

Tuti Bella<br />

Vincom Center, 70 - 72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

District 1<br />

75 Mac Thi Buoi, D1<br />

49A Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9088<br />

www.tutibella.net<br />

Self-described as a “chic and trendy<br />

children boutique.” Carries high-end<br />

causal clothes, formal wear, shoes and<br />

accessories for ages 1 to 12 years.<br />

EDUCATION<br />

ABC International School<br />

2,1E street, KDC Trung Son, Binh Hung,<br />

Binh Chanh Tel: 5431 1833<br />

abcintschoolss@vnn.vn<br />

www.theabcis.com<br />

UK standards-based curriculum awards<br />

diploma with IGCSE’s & A Levels certified<br />

by Cambridge Universit examinations<br />

board. From playgroup to pre-university<br />

matriculation. Served by 80+ British<br />

teachers. Good facilities and extra-curricular<br />

activities.<br />

ACG International School<br />

East West Highway, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 3747 1234<br />

www.acgedu.com<br />

Part of the Academic Colleges Group’s<br />

international network of schools, ACG<br />

offers comprehensive education from<br />

kindergarten to senior high school and a<br />

range of extracurricular activities. International<br />

curricula (IB PYP and Cambridge<br />

International Examinations).<br />

The Australian International School<br />

Saigon<br />

Cherry Blossom 1 & Lotus 1, APSC<br />

Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 6960<br />

Middle & Senior Campus<br />

21 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3<br />

Tel: 3822 4992<br />

enrolment@aisvietnam.com<br />

www.aisvietnam.com<br />

An international curricula and PYP/MYP<br />

candidate school. Senior students follow<br />

IGCSE and Cambridge A levels. Only<br />

SSIS: An Education That<br />

Opens Doors To The Future.<br />

SAIGON SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL<br />

Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, HCMC, Vietnam<br />

Telephone: (84-8) 5413-0901 - Fax: (84-8) 5413-0902<br />

Email: info@ssis.edu.vn - www.ssis.edu.vn<br />

asialife HCMC 89

---

ask auntie emily<br />

Happy Toy Soldiers<br />

By Emily Huckson<br />

Dear Auntie Em: I am a nanny<br />

for a family with a three-yearold<br />

girl and five-year-old boy.<br />

They are two great kids and<br />

I do love them, but ‘tidy up’<br />

time is a BIG problem. The<br />

parents are very strict about<br />

them taking responsibility and<br />

have given me some ideas on<br />

how to get the children to do<br />

that, but I find myself struggling<br />

with the tidy up chore.<br />

When I ask them to help me<br />

tidy up the toys, the usual<br />

answer is, “I’m too tired.”<br />

Help Clean UP!<br />

Dear Help Clean Up: Right<br />

away, I see a wording problem<br />

with your request. They are<br />

NOT your toys! They belong<br />

to the children. Asking them<br />

to help YOU tidy up their own<br />

belongings means that it is<br />

YOUR job and not theirs.<br />

Making instructions clear,<br />

concise and consistent allows<br />

the child to know that it is their<br />

responsibility and not yours.<br />

“Please pick up all your toys<br />

now and put them away” is a<br />

better instruction. You might<br />

also add, “I am willing to help<br />

you, if you need me, but I think<br />

you are old enough to do it<br />

yourselves.”<br />

You can make a game out<br />

of it, using a familiar song, or<br />

make one up together. Again,<br />

it is important that when this<br />

song is played, the children<br />

know it is time to put their toys<br />

away.<br />

Another strategy is to give<br />

them options. Let them know<br />

the consequences of their<br />

decision and let them choose.<br />

For example, “If you don’t pick<br />

up the toys, then I will do it.<br />

Then I will put them away in<br />

my room/cupboard/space, because<br />

then they will become<br />

MY toys. You won’t be able to<br />

play with them until I decide,<br />

because I was the one who<br />

put them away.” Or, “If you<br />

don’t put your toys away, they<br />

might get broken or lost. Your<br />

mom and dad will be upset<br />

about broken and lost toys<br />

that they bought for you. I better<br />

leave a note to your mom<br />

and dad and let them know<br />

that you don’t really want<br />

these toys.” Write it down and<br />

leave the note for the parents,<br />

letting them know that you<br />

tried to get the child to take<br />

responsibility, but failed.<br />

It helps to let parents know<br />

when/where you are having<br />

difficulties as they might have<br />

strategies to share with you.<br />

Communication (with both<br />

children and parents) is key.<br />

Email your questions about<br />

childhood development to<br />

auntie-em@asialifehcmc.com

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HÔ ` TRÀM<br />

… a breeze of serenity<br />

BEACH<br />

RESORT & SPA<br />

Lying on an 8 hectares land, Ho Tram Beach Resort<br />

& Spa showcase authentic Vietnamese architecture<br />

with a backdrop of blue seas , clear skies and rich<br />

garden landscapes.<br />

The resort is an ideal venue for both couples and<br />

families wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of<br />

city life.<br />

Ho Tram, Phuoc Thuan, Xuyen Moc, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Viet Nam<br />

Tel: (84)-(0)64-3781 525 - Fax: (84)-(0)64-3781 433<br />

Email: info@hotramresort.com - Website: www.hotramresort.com<br />

Ho Chi Minh Office<br />

656 Cach Mang Thang Tam st, Ward 11, Dist 3, HCMC<br />

Tel: (08) 3844 0951 - Fax: (08) 3993 4481<br />

school in Vietnam authorized to deliver<br />

University of New South Wales Foundation<br />

Studies grade 12 curriculum. Wellresourced<br />

classrooms, highly trained<br />

and experienced expatriate teachers,<br />

outfitted for academic, sport, creative<br />

activities.<br />

British International School<br />

Primary Campus<br />

43 - 45 Tu Xuong, D3<br />

225 Nguyen Van Huong, D2<br />

Secondary Campus<br />

246 Nguyen Van Huong, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 2335<br />

www.bisvietnam.com<br />

With campuses all over the city and<br />

expansion underway, BIS offers a mixture<br />

of both English and International curricula-based<br />

education alongside excellent<br />

facilities and extra-curricular activities.<br />

Senior students follow the IGCSE and IB<br />

programmes.<br />

Canadian International School<br />

SC 39, Panorama Building, Nguyen Duc<br />

Canh, Phu My Hung, D7<br />

Tel: 5412 1549<br />

Residential Quarter 13C, Nguyen Van<br />

Linh, Phong Phu Commune, Binh<br />

Chanh<br />

www.cis.edu.vn<br />

cis@cis.edu.vn<br />

The first Canadian international school in<br />

Vietnam offers classes from kindergarten<br />

to grade 9 for local and foreign students.<br />

Teaches core Ontario curriculum and<br />

awards Ontario Secondary School<br />

Diploma (OSSD), recognized by universities<br />

worldwide. Vietnamese programme<br />

taught by local teachers.<br />

International School HCMC<br />

28 Vo Truong Toan, D2<br />

Tel: 3898 9100<br />

www.ishcmc.com<br />

One of 136 schools around the world to<br />

be accredited as an IB World School. Offers<br />

all three of the IB programmes from<br />

primary through to grade 12. The school<br />

is fully accredited by CIS and NEASC<br />

and has a strong focus on community<br />

spirit and fosters an awareness of other<br />

languages and cultures.<br />

International School Saigon Pearl<br />

92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Dist.<br />

Tel: 2222 7788/99<br />

www.issp.edu.vn<br />

Opening in August, 2011, the single purpose-built<br />

campus will cater for nursery<br />

through grade five. In the second year,<br />

sixth grade will be added. ISSP’s longterm<br />

strategic plan includes complete<br />

middle and high schools. In the spring<br />

of 2010 ISSP will host the Western Association<br />

of Schools and Colleges (the<br />

largest American accreditation agency in<br />

Asia). Accreditation will allow children to<br />

easily transfer to schools abroad.<br />

The Little Genius International<br />

Kindergarten<br />

102 My Kim, Phu My Hung, D7<br />

Tel: 5421 1052<br />

Kindergarten with U.S.-accredited curriculum,<br />

modern facilities and<br />

attractive school grounds.<br />

Montessori International School<br />

International Program<br />

42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 2639<br />

Bilingual Program<br />

28 Street 19, KP 5, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 6281 7675<br />

www.montessori.edu.vn<br />

Montessori utilizes an internationally<br />

recognized educational method which<br />

focuses on fostering the child’s natural<br />

desire to learn. The aim is to create an<br />

encouraging environment conducive to<br />

learning by developing a sense of self<br />

and individuality. A wide array of curriculum/extra-curricular<br />

activities are on offer<br />

including Bilingual programs.<br />

Renaissance International School<br />

74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7<br />

Tel: 3773 3171<br />

www.rissaigon.edu.vn<br />

IB World school, one of Vietnam’s<br />

international schools operating within the<br />

framework of the British system. RISS<br />

provide a high quality English medium<br />

education in a stimulating, challenging<br />

and supportive environment. The purpose<br />

built, modern campus has excellent<br />

facilities.<br />

RMIT<br />

702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7<br />

Tel: 3776 1369<br />

Australian university located in District 7,<br />

offers a highly regarded MBA and undergraduate<br />

courses in various fields.<br />

Saigon Kids Centre<br />

104A Tran Quoc Toan, D3<br />

Tel: 3932 5579<br />

saigonkidscentre@yahoo.com<br />

An international childcare centre for<br />

children aged between two and six years<br />

old. Offers a homely and warm environment<br />

for children to play and learn.<br />

Saigon Language School<br />

02 Truong Dinh, D3<br />

Tel: 3933 0773 / 4<br />

www.saigonlanguage.com<br />

A professional language school that<br />

teaches Japanese and Vietnamese<br />

language courses. Vietnamese group<br />

lessons begin monthly.<br />

Saigon South International School<br />

Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7<br />

Tel: 5413 0901<br />

www.ssis.edu.vn<br />

An International school environment offering<br />

an American/international program<br />

in a large, spacious campus, to children<br />

from age 3 to grade 12. Great facilities,<br />

extra-curricular activities and internationally<br />

trained teachers giving unique<br />

opportunities to learn.<br />

Saigon Star International School<br />

Residential Area No. 5, Thanh My Loi<br />

Ward, D2<br />

Tel: 3742 STAR Fax: 3742 3222<br />

enroll@saigonstarschool.edu.vn<br />

www.saigonstarschool.edu.vn<br />

Offers a British primary curriculum<br />

approved by Cambridge University and<br />

integrated Montessori programme for<br />

nursery and kindergarten. Qualified, experienced<br />

teachers and small class sizes<br />

cater to individual needs and abilities.<br />

Singapore International School (SIS)<br />

No.29, Road No.3, Trung Son Residential<br />

Area, Hamlet 4, Binh Hung Ward,<br />

Binh Chanh District<br />

Tel: 5431 7477<br />

44 Truong Dinh, D3<br />

Tel: 3932 2807<br />

Ground floor, Somerset Chancellor<br />

Court, 21 - 23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,<br />

D1. Tel: 3827 2464<br />

The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh<br />

Thanh. Tel: 3514 3036<br />

www.kinderworld.net<br />

Students play and learn in an environment<br />

where the best of Western and<br />

Eastern cultures amalgamate to prepare<br />

KinderWorld’s students for today’s<br />

challenging world drawn from both the<br />

Singapore and Australian curriculum. The<br />

school offers International Certifications<br />

such as the iPSLE, IGCSE and GAC.<br />

SmartKids<br />

1172 Thao Dien Compound, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 6076<br />

26 Street 10, D2<br />

Tel: 3898 9816<br />

www.smartkidsinfo.com<br />

An international childcare centre that<br />

provides kindergarten and pre-school<br />

education for children aged between 18<br />

months and 6 years. A fun and friendly<br />

environment, the school focuses on<br />

learning through play.<br />

Stamford Grammar<br />

214 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 7343<br />

4Bis Phung Khac Khoan, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 3339<br />

www.stamfordgrammar.com<br />

enquiry@stamfordgrammar.com<br />

International kindergarten following a<br />

Singapore curriculum for children from<br />

18 months to 6 years of age. Taught by<br />

Vietnamese and native English-speaking

---

teachers. Outdoor play areas, swimming<br />

pool, music and art & craft rooms where<br />

students can play and learn in a safe<br />

environment.<br />

The American School<br />

172 - 180 Nguyen Van Huong, D2<br />

Tel: 3519 2223<br />

info@tasvietnam.edu.vn<br />

An independent and private collage<br />

preparatory school with a highly individualized<br />

and personalized program,<br />

The American School of Vietnam offers a<br />

strong, US based curriculum for Kindergarten<br />

through Grade 12.<br />

ENTERTAINMENT<br />

Diamond Plaza<br />

34 Le Duan, D1<br />

The top floor arcade and bowling alley is<br />

bound to keep your little ones entertained<br />

for hours with an impressive array of<br />

video games. Some child-friendly dining<br />

options too, with Pizza Hut on hand,<br />

a KFC and a New Zealand Natural ice<br />

cream concession.<br />

Gymboree Play & Music<br />

Somerset Chancellor Court<br />

21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 7008<br />

www.gymboreeclasses.com.vn<br />

The Gymboree Play & Music offers<br />

children from newborn to 5 years old the<br />

opportunity to explore, learn and play in<br />

an innovative parent-child programmes.<br />

Parkson Plaza<br />

39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Arcade game after arcade game line the<br />

top floor here with a bowling alley and a<br />

decent food court thrown in on the floor<br />

below. A good place to take the kids after<br />

trawling through Parkson’s numerous<br />

concession stands.<br />

Vincom Center<br />

72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3936 9999<br />

A six-storey shopping centre that houses<br />

the world’s most famous luxury brands<br />

plus more than 250 fashion retailers and<br />

various restaurants. Each level has a coffee<br />

corner to help weary shoppers recoup<br />

while looking over the city. Open daily<br />

from 9 am to 10 pm.<br />

Vinpearl Games<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Features fun and games for a wide range<br />

of ages. Air hockey, sports games and<br />

traditional arcade video games and a<br />

small children’s play place.<br />

PARTIES<br />

A2<br />

196 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3<br />

Well-known toy shop that also does a<br />

substantial line in fancy dress costumes<br />

and partywear. Also has a concession at<br />

An Phu Supermarket.<br />

Beatrice’s Party Shop<br />

235 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

A lovely little shop selling everything you<br />

need to throw your little ones a good<br />

party. A catalogue of entertainers showcases<br />

a number of party favourites such<br />

as magicians, circuses and more.<br />

Nguyen Ngoc Diem Phuong<br />

131C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

A curious shop stocking a range of handmade<br />

fancy dress costumes such as<br />

masks, superman outfits and much more.<br />

The stock changes seasonally, so this is<br />

a good place to stock up on Halloween,<br />

Christmas and other holiday-specific<br />

party costumes. Prices are also on the<br />

cheap.<br />

The Balloon Man<br />

Tel: 3990 3560<br />

Does exactly as his name suggests – balloons.<br />

Great service has earned this chap<br />

a reputation around town for turning up<br />

almost instantly with a superb selection of<br />

balloons. Also provides helium balloons.<br />

asialife HCMC 93

---

finance<br />

The End Of Little White Cards<br />

By Paul McLardie<br />

You’re an expat living in Vietnam<br />

and you receive all, or<br />

some, of your salary in cash.<br />

This may soon be coming<br />

to an end. At present you<br />

are able to deposit up to US<br />

$7,000 dollars per customs<br />

declaration card (that’s the<br />

little white form that you fill<br />

out when you land back into<br />

the country).<br />

Well, these are being<br />

scrapped. People arriving<br />

into the country at certain<br />

airports, ports and border<br />

crossings will no longer<br />

have to fill out the exit-entry<br />

declaration forms courtesy<br />

the go ahead given by Prime<br />

Minister Nguyen Tan Dung<br />

to the Ministry of Public<br />

Security and the Immigration<br />

Department. The idea<br />

is to expedite and simplify<br />

administration.<br />

How does this affect<br />

those who get paid in foreign<br />

exchange The $7,000 cash<br />

rule is still in place and the<br />

banks need to be able to<br />

show that their customers<br />

are not depositing more than<br />

they legally can. This means<br />

that people will still need to<br />

request a customs declaration<br />

card every time they<br />

enter the country.<br />

Perhaps the easiest way<br />

of getting round this is by<br />

asking your employer to pay<br />

you by bank transfer. This<br />

can be either here in Vietnam<br />

or abroad. There is no legal<br />

restriction on how much can<br />

be transferred bank to bank.<br />

Once the foreign currency<br />

is already in the banking<br />

system, it is understood as<br />

having been declared.<br />

If you choose to be paid<br />

abroad, however, this does<br />

not take away from your income<br />

tax obligations in Vietnam.<br />

You and your employer<br />

have a responsibility under<br />

Vietnamese law to make<br />

appropriate income tax and<br />

social tax payments for your<br />

declared earnings that is set<br />

out in your employment contract.<br />

Normally, this is taken<br />

care of by your employer, but<br />

if it is your responsibility, you<br />

should start to look into it as<br />

soon as possible.<br />

Personal Income Tax in<br />

Vietnam is supposed to be<br />

on your worldwide earnings<br />

whilst you are a resident in<br />

Vietnam. At present, the<br />

Vietnamese tax authorities<br />

are in a near impossible position<br />

of monitoring and implementing<br />

tax collection on a<br />

worldwide scale. However,<br />

this will change. As I have<br />

said before, there are two<br />

things in life that are certain:<br />

death and taxes.<br />

Paul McLardie is a partner<br />

at Total Wealth Management.<br />

Contact him at Paul.<br />

mclardie@t-wm.com<br />

listings<br />

living<br />

BUSINESS GROUPS<br />

AmCham<br />

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1<br />

Business Centre, Room 323<br />

Tel: 3824 3562<br />

www.amchamvietnam.com<br />

AusCham<br />

TV Building, Suite 1A, 31A Nguyen Dinh<br />

Chieu, D1 Tel: 3911 0272 / 73 / 74<br />

www.auschamvn.org<br />

British Business Group of Vietnam<br />

25 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 8430<br />

execmgr@bbgv.org<br />

www.bbgv.org<br />

CanCham<br />

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1<br />

Business Centre, Room 305<br />

Tel: 3824 3754<br />

www.canchamvietnam.org<br />

Eurocham<br />

257 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh<br />

Tel: 3845 5528<br />

www.eurochamvn.org<br />

German Business Group<br />

21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

www.gba-vietnam.org<br />

Singapore Business Group<br />

Unit 1B2, 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,<br />

D1 Tel: 3823 3046<br />

www.sbghcmc.org<br />

Swiss Business Association<br />

42 Giang Van Minh, Anh Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 6996<br />

Fax: 3744 6990<br />

Email: sba@hcm.vnn.vn<br />

www.swissvietnam.com<br />

Hong Kong Business Association<br />

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1<br />

Business Centre, Room 322<br />

Tel: 3824 3757 / 3822 8888<br />

www.hkbav.com<br />

NordCham<br />

Bitexco Building, 19-25 Nguyen Hue,<br />

D1 Tel: 3821 5423<br />

www.nordcham.com<br />

CAMERAS<br />

Hung Hai<br />

75 Huynh Thuc Khang, D1<br />

A good place to purchase hard-to-find<br />

gear and some rare equipment, mainly<br />

auto focus lenses.<br />

Le Duc<br />

5B Huynh Tinh Cua, D3<br />

A shop for all your professional accessory<br />

needs. From lighting equipment to<br />

tripods and reflectors, the shop offers the<br />

best equipment and service in HCM City.<br />

Pham The<br />

11 Le Cong Kieu, D1<br />

An authorized service centre for Nikon<br />

camera that also specializes in repairing<br />

all camera makes. Measurement equipment<br />

and spare parts also available.<br />

Shop 46<br />

46 Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Small shop run by photographer and<br />

collector. The owner’s more collectible<br />

pieces are pricey, but entry-level manual<br />

focus SLRs from the 70s and 80s are<br />

affordable.<br />

COMPUTERS<br />

Computer Street<br />

Luong Huu Khanh, D1 between Nguyen<br />

Thi Minh Khai and Nguyen Trai<br />

This stretch of District 1 is literally wall to<br />

wall with small shops selling computers,<br />

printers, monitors and everything computer<br />

related, more so toward the NTMK<br />

end of the drag.<br />

iCenter<br />

142A Vo Thi Sau, D3<br />

Tel: 3820 3918<br />

Professional, polished Apple retailer and<br />

repair centre with an attractive showroom<br />

featuring some of the latest in accessories<br />

and audio. English-speakers on staff.<br />

Honours Apple service plans.<br />

Future World<br />

240 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3<br />

Authorized reseller of Apple computers<br />

and products, as well as some off-brand<br />

items like headphones. Excellent service<br />

and English-speaking staff. Accepts<br />

credit cards.<br />

Phong Vu Computer<br />

264C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

Tel: 3933 0762<br />

www.vitinhphongvu.com<br />

The biggest and busiest of the PC<br />

stores in town. Known for good, efficient<br />

service, in-house maintenance and aftersales<br />

repair on the second floor.<br />

CONSULTING<br />

Concetti<br />

33 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1 Tel: 3911 1480<br />

www.concetti-vn.com<br />

Consulting and research company for<br />

technology transfer and investment.<br />

Embers-Asia Ltd.<br />

Level 9, Nam Giao Building, 80-8 Phan<br />

Xich Long, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3995 9163<br />

www.embers-asia.com<br />

With a focus on experiential learning,<br />

Embers-Asia has been creating and<br />

delivering high-performance training and<br />

development solutions for<br />

corporations, embassies, international<br />

schools and NGOs throughout Southeast<br />

Asia since 2002.<br />

Ernst & Young<br />

Saigon Riverside Office Center, 2A-4A<br />

Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3824 5252<br />

www.ey.com<br />

Professional service firm specializing in<br />

advisory, assurance, tax, transactions<br />

and strategic growth markets.<br />

Grant Thornton<br />

Saigon Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc<br />

Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9100<br />

www.gt.com.vn<br />

International business advisors specializing<br />

in auditing, management consulting,<br />

corporate finance, risk management and<br />

information technology.<br />

IF Consulting<br />

IBC Building, 3rd Floor<br />

1A Me Linh Square, D1<br />

4th Floor, 5 Ba Trieu<br />

Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi<br />

Tel: 3827 7362 Fax: 3827 7361<br />

Email: pascal@insuranceinvietnam.com<br />

Private insurance and finance.<br />

Indochine Councel<br />

Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 9640<br />

www.indochinecounsel.com<br />

Business law firm specializing in legal<br />

services to corporate clients in relation to<br />

their business and investment in Vietnam.<br />

Inspired Image<br />

42/2A Ho Hao Hon, D1<br />

Tel: 091 635 2573<br />

www.inspiredimage.co.uk<br />

Image consultant and personal stylist.<br />

Previous clients include business leaders,<br />

TV presenters and busy professionals.<br />

94 asialife HCMC

---

International Management Initiative<br />

for Vietnam (IMIV)<br />

info@imiv.org<br />

www.imiv.org<br />

The International Management Initiative<br />

for Vietnam (IMIV), a non-profit initiative<br />

within VinaCapital Foundation that<br />

promotes excellence in business leadership<br />

and management by bringing to<br />

Vietnam proven international executive<br />

education and professional development<br />

programmes.<br />

Phuong Nguyen Consulting<br />

TPC Business Center, 92-96 Nguyen<br />

Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 2391<br />

www.pnp-consulting.com<br />

Specializing in business facilitation,<br />

conferences, education counselling,<br />

market-entry research and IT/business<br />

consulting.<br />

Prism Information Technology<br />

Services<br />

Level 4, YOCO Building, 41 Nguyen Thi<br />

Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3829 6416<br />

info@prism.com.vn<br />

A foreign-owned information and communications<br />

technology company that<br />

offers value-added IT solutions. Enables<br />

local businesses to attain and maintain<br />

international IT standards to be more<br />

competitive in the marketplace.<br />

Rouse & Co. International<br />

Abacus Tower, 58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu,<br />

D1 Tel: 3823 6770<br />

www.iprights.com<br />

Global intellectual property firm providing<br />

a full range of IP services including patent<br />

and trade mark agency services.<br />

Star Management Limited<br />

92-96 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3897 2765<br />

www.starlimited.com<br />

Business advisory services for companies<br />

investing in Vietnam, business<br />

project advancement and a range of<br />

business development services.<br />

TMF Vietnam Company Limited<br />

Unit 501, 5th Floor, Saigon Trade<br />

Center<br />

37 Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Tel: 3910 2262 ext. 113<br />

Fax: 3910 0590<br />

www.tmf-group.com<br />

With headquarters in Amsterdam and<br />

Rotterdam, TMF Vietnam specializes in<br />

accounting outsourcing and consulting.<br />

Total Wealth Management<br />

66/11 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3<br />

Tel: 3820 0623<br />

www.t-wm.com<br />

Specialists in selecting and arranging<br />

tax-efficient savings and pension plans<br />

for expatriates. Offers councel on private<br />

banking services, wealth protection in<br />

offshore jurisdictions, currency risks and<br />

hedging strategies.<br />

Towers Watson Vietnam (formerly<br />

Watson Wyatt and SMART HR)<br />

Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue, Suite<br />

808, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 9488<br />

Global HR consulting firm specializing in<br />

executive compensation, talent management,<br />

employee rewards and surveys,<br />

HR effectiveness and technology, data<br />

services and total rewards surveys.<br />

DECOR<br />

Anupa Boutique<br />

84 Pho Duc Chinh, D1 Tel: 3915 1473<br />

Retails in unique and affordable range<br />

of console and coffee tables, trays,<br />

mirrors and lamps in a range of different<br />

textures such as leather resin, bamboo<br />

and walnut.<br />

Aquarium Street<br />

Nguyen Thong Street, D3 between Vo<br />

Thi Sau and Ly Chinh Thang<br />

Dedicated street has everything one<br />

needs to display fish: tanks, decor, feed,<br />

filters and the fish themselves.<br />

Budget Housewares Street<br />

Corner of Pasteur and Nguyen Dinh<br />

Chieu<br />

Stock up on shower heads, kitchen<br />

supplies (juicer, spatula, grater, etc.),<br />

coat racks, clothes hangers, pots, pans,<br />

champagne flutes, bowls, coolers, trash<br />

bins, ironing boards, magazine racks<br />

and the like.<br />

Chau Loan<br />

213 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 7991<br />

Gallery based in a colonial shophouse<br />

stocking mainly Vietnamese-themed oil<br />

paintings and images of Buddha. Also<br />

deals in better-known reproductions.<br />

Decosy<br />

112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917<br />

Producer of a large selection of European<br />

styled furniture and interior fittings,<br />

specializing in wrought iron and patine<br />

(distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks<br />

a wide-range of decorative accessories,<br />

crockery and fixtures. Custom design<br />

services available upon request.<br />

OUT-2 STUDIO<br />

L6 Fafilm annex<br />

6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3825 6056<br />

STUDIO@OUT-2.com<br />

www.out-2.com<br />

Studio space for independent designers<br />

to showcas their wares, sell their work<br />

and meet with clients. Open Monday t<br />

Saturday 10 am to 6 pm.<br />

Phuong Mai<br />

213C Dong Khoi<br />

www.phuongmai-gallery.com<br />

Gallery specializing in original oils by<br />

Vietnamese artists. The works here are a<br />

mish-mash of styles but do contain some<br />

standouts, particularly well-known local<br />

artists La Hon, Quy Tam and Pham Trinh.<br />

Vietnam Quilts<br />

64 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3914 2119<br />

www.mekong-quilts.org<br />

NGO enterprise specializes in quilts and<br />

sells a range of appealing handmade<br />

products created by underprivileged<br />

women in Binh Thuan Province.<br />

ELECTRONICS<br />

Hi End Audio<br />

84 Ho Tung Mau, D1<br />

A standout that stocks the very latest<br />

and greatest in home entertainment.<br />

Retails in everything from giant plasmascreen<br />

TVs to audio equipment. Most<br />

top brands are available.<br />

iDEAS Shopping Centre<br />

133-141AB Cach Mang Thang Tam, D3<br />

The largest of the electonics stores along<br />

the street, the three-storey iDEAS sells<br />

every type of electronic and home appliance<br />

imaginable. Offers proper warranties.<br />

Staff speaks some English.<br />

Nguyen Kim Shopping Centre<br />

63-65 Tran Hung Dao, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 1211<br />

www.nguyenkim.com<br />

Stocks DVD/CD players, cameras,<br />

TVs, hi-fis and more from Sony, Sanyo,<br />

Panasonic, Philips and other major<br />

manufacturers. Also a good place to pick<br />

up electronic kitchen supplies like coffee<br />

makers and rice cookers, as well as large<br />

and small appliances, from hot water<br />

heaters to regrigerators.<br />

Savico<br />

117 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7993<br />

One-stop electronics and home appliance<br />

superstore. All products have a one<br />

to three-year warranty.<br />

Tech Street<br />

Huyen Thuc Khang Street between Ton<br />

That Dam and Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Sells compact discs, DVDs, electronic<br />

money counters, video games and<br />

systems, Discmans, mp3 players and<br />

portable DVD players.

---

FURNITURE<br />

Appeal<br />

41 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 5258<br />

A small, upscale shop that offers modern<br />

accents for the sleek dining room. The<br />

colours of the over-sized vases and<br />

fruit bowls are either glistening red or<br />

lacquered black.<br />

AustinHome<br />

20 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3519 0023<br />

Outstanding quality and style for your<br />

home. The shop says its products are<br />

hand-picked by an American furniture<br />

expert from the best factories in Vietnam.<br />

Upholstery, accessories, antiques and<br />

more.<br />

Catherine Denoual<br />

15C Thi Sach, D1 Tel: 3823 9394<br />

Beautiful showroom with clean lines and<br />

a sumptuous array of bedroom products<br />

including bedside lamps, linens, pillowcases<br />

and duvet covers.<br />

Decosy<br />

112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917<br />

Producer of a large selection of European<br />

styled furniture and interior fittings,<br />

specializing in wrought iron and patine<br />

(distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks<br />

a wide-range of decorative accessories,<br />

crockery and fixtures. Custom design<br />

services available upon request.<br />

Esthetic<br />

2B Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 3910 1996/7<br />

Design and manufacture as order with a<br />

mixture of antique and modern furniture.<br />

Friendly staff speak excellent English.<br />

Furniture Outlet<br />

2C Nguyen Thanh Y, D1<br />

Tel: 2243 7955/3911 0104<br />

Wide selection of well-crafted and carefully<br />

constructed pine wood pieces at<br />

good prices, aimed at customers craving<br />

a taste of Europe.<br />

Furniture Street<br />

Ngo Gia Tu, D10 between Ly Thai To<br />

and Nguyen Chi Thanh<br />

Very affordable furniture can be found on<br />

this stretch: couches, mattresses, desks,<br />

chairs, etc. It often takes some looking to<br />

find a gem. A connected sidestreet, Ba<br />

Hat, features woodworkers’ shops.<br />

Gaya<br />

1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 Tel: 3925<br />

1495<br />

www.gayavietnam.com<br />

Four-floor store featuring the work of<br />

foreign designers: home accessories and<br />

outdoor furniture by Lawson Johnston,<br />

linens by Corinne Leveilley-Dadda,<br />

furniture and lighting by Quasar Khanh,<br />

laquerware decor by Michele De Albert<br />

and furniture and decor by vivekkevin.<br />

Linh’s White<br />

37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9863<br />

Furniture shop that focuses on solid<br />

wood furniture and decorative items<br />

ranging from pillows and lamps to<br />

bedding. Also offers kids’ furniture and<br />

custom pieces.<br />

Remix Deco<br />

222 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 4190<br />

www.remixdeco.com<br />

Boutique furniture store in sprawling<br />

white with modern furniture including<br />

sofas, tables and seating from around<br />

the world. Featured designers include<br />

Le Corbusier, Ray & Charles Eames,<br />

Philippe Starck and Ludwig Mies Van<br />

der Rhode.<br />

The Furniture Warehouse<br />

3B Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Tel: 6657 0788<br />

namtran121@yahoo.com, ttpnam@<br />

webtnl.com<br />

Offers a range of reasonably priced<br />

Italian, European and French colonial<br />

sofas, indoor/outdoor wooden furniture,<br />

lighting and interior décor, as well as<br />

custom designs based on clients’<br />

specifications. All at international quality<br />

export.<br />

Tran Duc Homes<br />

33 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1<br />

Tel: 7300 0777<br />

Level 5, Wonderbuy Center, 27b<br />

Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1<br />

Tel: 6291 8485<br />

B2-25, Vincom Center, 70-72 Le Thanh<br />

Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9700<br />

Wood solutions partner for high-end<br />

residential and resort projects. Experienced<br />

in manufacturing and installing<br />

wooden modular housing, interior<br />

fittings and contemporary indoor and<br />

outdoor furniture.<br />

LEGAL<br />

Allens Arthur Robinson<br />

Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 1717<br />

www.vietnamlaws.com<br />

Australian law firm for law translation<br />

services and legal advice on foreign<br />

investment and business in Vietnam.<br />

Baker & McKenzie<br />

Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3829 5585<br />

www.bakernet.com<br />

International law firm providing on-theground<br />

liaison and support services<br />

to clients interested in investigating,<br />

negotiating and implementing projects<br />

in Vietnam.<br />

Frasers International<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Tel: 3824 2733<br />

www.frasersvn.com<br />

Full service commercial law firm providing<br />

international and Vietnamese legal<br />

advice to both foreign and local clients<br />

specializing in transactions in Vietnam.<br />

96 asialife HCMC

---

Indochine Counsel<br />

Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 9640<br />

www.indochinecounsel.com<br />

Business law practitioners specializing<br />

in mergers & acquistions, inward investment,<br />

and securities & capital markets.<br />

Limcharoen, Hughes and Glanville<br />

Havana Tower, 132 Ham Nghi, D1<br />

Tel: 6291 7000<br />

www.limcharoen.com<br />

Full service international law firm with<br />

head office in Thailand. Main focus on<br />

real estate in Asia.<br />

Lucy Wayne & Associates<br />

17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 4395<br />

www.lwavietnam.com<br />

Law firm providing legal services across<br />

the board from entertainment and<br />

environmental law to health care and<br />

real estate.<br />

Phillips Fox<br />

Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 1717<br />

Full service law firm providing legal<br />

services in healthcare, education, crime,<br />

banking and hospitality among others.<br />

Pricewaterhousecoopers Legal<br />

Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 0796<br />

www.pwc.com/vn<br />

Part of a network of international legal<br />

and financial advisors, PWC gives both<br />

specialist and general legal advice with a<br />

focus on mutli-territory projects.<br />

Rödl & Partner<br />

Somerset Chancellor Court<br />

21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

Tel: 3824 4225<br />

www.roedl.com<br />

European legal firm assisting foreign<br />

investors with structuring/establishing<br />

companies, investment projects, and<br />

mergers & acquistions.<br />

LIGHTING<br />

Light House<br />

92 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1<br />

Tel: 3914 2662<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Small retail shop is packed with ceiling<br />

and wall light fixtures, and a good selection<br />

of desk and ceiling lamps. Most of<br />

the stock is decidedlly modern and sleak.<br />

Luxury Light<br />

1483 My Toan 1, Nguyen Van Linh,<br />

Phu My Hung, D7<br />

For those who really want to bring a<br />

touch of luxury to their homes, this<br />

place deals with Italian imported lighting<br />

from the ultra-modern to the traditional<br />

Murano style chandeliers. Extremely<br />

expensive reflecting the quality of the<br />

design and workmanship.<br />

Mosaique<br />

98 Mac Thi Buoi, D1<br />

One of the best and most diverse selections<br />

of lamps in town with everything<br />

from the ordinary decorative lotus silk<br />

lamp to more inventive and original<br />

designs in lacquer and silk.<br />

Treasure Light<br />

18A Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

Tel: 3822 4315<br />

www.treasure-light.com<br />

High-end lighting shop specialising<br />

in fine lacquered lamps. Designs are<br />

sophisticated and minimilast. Wide<br />

selection of table lamps, wall lamps,<br />

floor lamps and ceiling lamps.<br />

MOTORBIKES<br />

Automotive Street<br />

Ly Thai To Street, D10 starting at Dien<br />

Bien Phu and running southeast<br />

Services include mending motorbike<br />

seats and sound system installation.<br />

Products range from zebra print motorbike<br />

seat covers to car and motorbike<br />

tyres, hubcaps, rims, subwoofers and<br />

sound systems by Xplode.<br />

Bike City<br />

480D Nguyen Thi Thap, D7<br />

Luxury motorcycle shop carries a range<br />

of accessories, including apparel. Sells<br />

Vemar helmets, a brand that passes rigorous<br />

European Union standards.<br />

Protec Helmets<br />

18bis/3A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1<br />

248C Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan<br />

417B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3<br />

American nonprofit manufacturer makes<br />

helmets with densely compressed<br />

polystyrene shell with ABS, PVC or<br />

fiberglass exterior, available with polycarbonate<br />

shatter-proof shield. Lots of<br />

options for kids.<br />

REAL ESTATE<br />

Ava Residence<br />

40/10 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien,<br />

D2 Tel: 6281 8440<br />

www.avaresidence.com<br />

Modern serviced apartments located<br />

5 minutes from the British International<br />

School and Australian International<br />

School. Affords a great view over the<br />

Saigon River. Many facilities available<br />

including a swimming pool, Jacuzzi<br />

and gym.<br />

CB Richard Ellis<br />

Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke,<br />

D1<br />

Tel: 3824 6125<br />

www.cbre.com<br />

International property consultants and<br />

developers with both commercial and<br />

private properties for sale, lease and<br />

rent.<br />

InterContinental Asiana Saigon<br />

Residences<br />

Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Nguyen Du,<br />

D1 Tel: 3520 8888<br />

saigon@interconti.com<br />

www.intercontinental.com/saigonres<br />

Contemporary residential space in the<br />

heart of the major business and cultural<br />

area in District 1. There are 260 one, two<br />

or three-bedroom units plus health club<br />

and outdoor swimming pool.<br />

Namhouse Corporation<br />

24 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, D2<br />

Established since 2001<br />

Design, Interior/External Decorations of High Quality Wood Products<br />

Manufacturing for Export, Construction Projects, Retails,...<br />

Copy-Antique Productions, Modern Designs and Made to order<br />

More than 10 years experience<br />

Devoted premium services/after sales services, every time, every where<br />

2B Ngo Van Nam, Dist.1, HCMC<br />

(Near the Mandarine restaurant)<br />

Tel: (84 8) 3910 1996 / 97 –<br />

Fax: (84 8) 3910 1995<br />

Hot line: Ms. Nhat Thu Director - 0903 849 232<br />

Email: esthetic@vnn.vn<br />

Website: www.estheticfurnishing.com<br />

asialife HCMC 97

---

people matter<br />

Making the Most of Interviews<br />

By Gary Woollacott<br />

It is a quandary many of us<br />

have faced when looking to<br />

change jobs: We know we’ll<br />

be good at the job and will<br />

quickly exceed expectations<br />

but we don’t have all the<br />

experience that is required of<br />

us. This comes up more often<br />

than one might think, and<br />

is by no means exclusive to<br />

Vietnam; it happens all over<br />

the world. I'm often asked: In<br />

the case where you’re certainly<br />

qualified for a position in<br />

some respects, but recognize<br />

your weaknesses in other<br />

areas, how do you effectively<br />

“sell” yourself<br />

The first step would be to<br />

write a list of the must-have<br />

skills the employer wants, and<br />

then list the skills that they<br />

would like to have. These can<br />

be hard (education, training,<br />

experience) or soft skills (empathy,<br />

drive, initiative); each<br />

job has different demands.<br />

Try not to list more than four<br />

or five, and edit it down if you<br />

do. Assess yourself rigorously<br />

against that list: don't be<br />

too generous—the employer<br />

won't be when your resume<br />

reaches him/her, or if you are<br />

lucky enough to be invited for<br />

an interview.<br />

Let’s face it: most candidates<br />

are average (they have<br />

to be, according to a normal<br />

distribution of talent). You<br />

should try to stand out from<br />

the crowd. Think about the<br />

skills that are must-haves, and<br />

the nice-to-haves and then<br />

prepare accordingly. Take the<br />

time to address your strengths<br />

and don't hide the weaker<br />

areas. Equally, don't beat<br />

yourself up over them: we all<br />

have to approach our work<br />

with confidence and if that’s<br />

lacking in the interview, how<br />

strongly would you project<br />

yourself if they hired you<br />

Make it clear that you know<br />

there is plenty to learn and<br />

that you are the best person<br />

to do that—and back it up<br />

with reasons. We’ve all heard<br />

many unsupported statements,<br />

and that is all they are:<br />

utterances in the heat of the<br />

moment that have no basis<br />

in fact and can be easily dismissed<br />

as idle chatter. Don't<br />

be that candidate! Show your<br />

next potential employer that<br />

by hiring you they will have<br />

a fabulous resource in their<br />

hands, someone who can<br />

take the organization forward,<br />

not just occupy a chair.<br />

As usual, let me know if you<br />

have any particular topic you<br />

would like me to cover.<br />

Gary Woollacott is the Chief<br />

Representative for Opus Executive<br />

Search in Vietnam and<br />

Thailand. He can be reached<br />

at +84 8 3827 8209 or gary@<br />

opusasia.net. Opus is an<br />

associate of Horton International.<br />

Tel: 0989 007 700, 0989 115 511<br />

www.namhouse.com.vn<br />

Provides rental properties, construction<br />

services and interior decorating.<br />

Supports professional services and<br />

after-sales.<br />

Thao Dien Village<br />

195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2<br />

Tel. 3744 2222<br />

A riverside complex of international-standard<br />

hospitality and F&B outlets with a<br />

boutique hotel, four restaurants featuring<br />

Italian, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese<br />

cuisine, an event house, meeting rooms<br />

and a day spa with well-equipped<br />

health-club.<br />

The Nest<br />

Tel: 090 319 8901 (Laurence)<br />

Tel: 090 793 3000 (Thuong)<br />

laurence@thenest-vietnam.com<br />

thuong@thenest-vietnam.com<br />

www.thenest-vietnam.com<br />

Real estate agent maintains a well-organized<br />

and frequently updated website<br />

listing apartments, villas, townhouses<br />

condos and offices. Renters/buyers can<br />

receive regular updates via email.<br />

Platinum1<br />

Star Building, 33 Mac Dinh Chi, D1<br />

Tel: 3911 8193<br />

www.platinum1corp.com<br />

Your one-stop agency for housing and<br />

office space in the city with pre-viewing<br />

selection before the visit and full support<br />

throughout your lease.<br />

Riverside Apartments<br />

53 Vo Truong Toan, D2<br />

Tel: 3744 4111<br />

www.riverside-apartments.com<br />

One of the first luxury serviced apartments<br />

in town located next to the Saigon<br />

River set in lush tropical gardens.<br />

Saigon Properties<br />

Ground floor, 15-1A Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3823 7502 or 0903 946 517<br />

www.saigonproperties.com<br />

Real estate company with 15 years of<br />

experience. Provides various services<br />

including leasing and sales, property<br />

management, interior design and specializes<br />

in investment properties.<br />

Saigon Village<br />

523 To Hien Thanh, D10<br />

Tel: 3865 7249<br />

www.saigonvillage.vnn.vn<br />

Fully furnished villas and apartments in<br />

a tranquil, leafy complex cordonned off<br />

from the pressures of HCMC.<br />

Savills Viet Nam<br />

Level 18, Fideco Tower, 81-85 Ham<br />

Nghi, D1 Tel: 823 9205<br />

www.savills.com.vn<br />

Savills Viet Nam is a property service<br />

provider that has been established in<br />

Vietnam since 1995 offering research,<br />

advisory services, residential sales, commercial<br />

leasing, asset management, retail<br />

advisory, valuation, investment advisory<br />

and more.<br />

Sherwood Residence<br />

127 Pasteur St., D3<br />

Tel: 3823 2288<br />

Fax: 3823 9880<br />

Hotline: 0917470058<br />

leasing@sherwoodresidence.com<br />

www.sherwoodresidencecom<br />

Sherwood Residence is a luxury serviced<br />

apartment property and the first property<br />

certified by the Vietnam National Administration<br />

of Tourism. Modern living spaces<br />

meet prime location, comfort and class<br />

with 5-star facilities and service.<br />

Snap<br />

Tel: 0989 816 676<br />

www.snap.com.vn<br />

Online Real Estate service providing information<br />

on rental properties exclusively<br />

in District 2. Full listings online.<br />

RECRUITMENT<br />

First Alliances<br />

#609, Saigon Trade Center<br />

37 Ton Duc Thang, D1<br />

Tel: 3910 2080 Fax: 3910 2079<br />

www.firstalliances.net<br />

cv@firstalliances.net<br />

As Vietnam’s most established recruitment<br />

consultancy, First Alliances operates<br />

across all major industry sectors<br />

and at all levels of seniority. Also providing<br />

HR outsourcing solutions for staffing<br />

and payroll,overseas employment and<br />

education services.<br />

HR2B / Talent Recruitment JSC<br />

Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia<br />

Thieu, D3 Tel: 3930 8800<br />

www.hr2b.com<br />

HR consulting advises businesses on<br />

how to improve employee productivity.<br />

The search team specializes in matching<br />

senior level Vietnamese professionals<br />

and managers to top level opportunities<br />

in both major cities.<br />

Opus Vietnam<br />

2A Rolanno Offices, 128 Nguyen Phi<br />

Khanh, D1 Tel: 3827 8209<br />

www.opusasia.net<br />

Established in HCMC in 2005, Opus<br />

services local and multinational companies<br />

seeking to recruit high quality<br />

personnel. An Associate of Horton<br />

International, one of the world’s leading<br />

search groups with over 30 offices<br />

worldwide. For more info contact info@<br />

opusasia.net.<br />

TMF Vietnam<br />

Saigon Trade Center, Unit 2811, 37<br />

Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9229<br />

/ 9222<br />

hang.bui@tmf-group.com<br />

www.tmf-group.com<br />

With more than 3,300 professionals<br />

working out of 86 offices in 65<br />

countries, TMF provides independent<br />

accounting and corporate secretarial<br />

services to companies worldwide.<br />

Vietnamworks.com<br />

130 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1<br />

Tel: 5404 1373<br />

www.vietnamworks.com<br />

Excellent section on advice for jobseekers<br />

focusing on topics such as resume<br />

writing, cover letters, interview technique<br />

and more.<br />

RELOCATION AGENTS<br />

Allied Pickfords<br />

Satra Building, Room 202, 58 Dong<br />

Khoi, D1 Tel: 0122 5141 848<br />

aurelien.jouve@alliedpickfords.com.vn<br />

http://vn.alliedpickfords.com<br />

Moving and relocating services company<br />

specializing in business and office<br />

moves. Overseas and specialist movers<br />

also available.<br />

Asian Tigers Transpo International<br />

Room 201 and 202, 216 Nguyen Thi<br />

Minh Khai, D3 Tel: 3930 9484<br />

Tel: 3945 0891<br />

matt.king@asiantigers-vietnam.com<br />

www.asiantigersgroup.com<br />

International moving agency, homesearch,<br />

orientation, settling in programs<br />

and work permit assistance.<br />

Crown Worldwide Movers<br />

48A Huynh Man Dat, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 3823 4127<br />

www.crownrelo.com<br />

International moving company serving<br />

diplomats and private customers, employees<br />

and expats, providing domestic<br />

and iternational transportation of household,<br />

office and industrial goods.<br />

Santa Fe Relocation Services<br />

Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia<br />

Thieu, D3 Tel: 3933 0065<br />

www.santaferelo.com<br />

Provides a range of services including<br />

home/school search, language/cultural<br />

training, tenancy management and immigration/visa<br />

support.<br />

98 asialife HCMC

---

listings<br />

fashion<br />

ACCESSORIES<br />

Accessorize<br />

48 Dong Du, D1, Tel: 3822 1081<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/accessorize<br />

Fashion-forward accessories including<br />

necklaces, handbags, wallets, flip-flops,<br />

sunglasses, hair accessories, belts and<br />

more.<br />

Alfred Dunhill<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

A timeless style in male luxury providing<br />

formal and casual mens accesories<br />

tailored for the discerning man. Also<br />

stocking handcrafted leather goods.<br />

Anupa Boutique<br />

17/27 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 7307<br />

anupaboutiquevietnam@anupa.net<br />

The ever-changing boutique retails in<br />

the elegant design of anupa accessories<br />

made from high-quality leather. Collections<br />

available range from men, women,<br />

executive, travel, spa, yoga, board<br />

games, boxes and semi-precious stone<br />

jewellery. Collection changes on weekly<br />

basis. Also carries childrens wear, toys,<br />

furniture and homewares.<br />

Bally<br />

Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

www.experience.bally.com<br />

Flagship store in the Rex Hotel providing<br />

luxury Italian-made accessories for men.<br />

Among these are shoes, belts, wallets<br />

and a collection of male jewellery.<br />

Banana<br />

128 Ly Tu Trong, D1<br />

Women’s accessories and more, from<br />

bags, clutches and belts to clothes and<br />

jewellery, all at reasonable prices.<br />

Cartier<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan<br />

This well-known designer brand displays<br />

a wide range of accessories for men. Famous<br />

for its watches, Cartier also stocks<br />

pens, key rings, belts and sunglasses.<br />

Cincinati<br />

177P Dong Khoi, D1<br />

www.cincinati.vn<br />

info@cincinati.vn<br />

Vietnamese brand of genuine leather<br />

bags, shoes, accessories and personal<br />

goods for men and women such as<br />

notebooks for a classic vagabond look.<br />

Quality leather from crocodile, horse,<br />

snake and fish made with excellent local<br />

craftsmanship.<br />

Cleo-Pearls<br />

30 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2<br />

Tel: 091 3587 690<br />

Jewellery designer Birgit Maier operates<br />

Cleo-Pearls from her home, specializing<br />

in necklaces, bracelets, earrings, key<br />

holders and bag accessories. All pieces<br />

created with gemstones, fresh water<br />

pearls and beads.<br />

Coconut<br />

100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1<br />

Bags of all shapes and sizes rule the<br />

roost in this small shop. Made of silk<br />

and embroidered to the brim, these<br />

unique bags start at about USD $30,<br />

and many are suitable for both day and<br />

night.<br />

Creation<br />

105 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 5429<br />

A two-storey shop selling scarves,<br />

intricate handbags (from USD $30),<br />

tailor-made silk dresses and tops. Has<br />

a wide range of materials on the second<br />

floor. Prices start from $65 for an ao dai<br />

with simple embroidery.<br />

Deanh Jewellery<br />

Eden Mall, 106 Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 6039<br />

Gorgeous selection of gold accessories<br />

imported from Turkey and Italy. Also has<br />

a selection of simple ring designs to set<br />

your precious stones in.<br />

Gallery Vivekkevin<br />

FAFILM Building, 6 Thai Van Lung, D1<br />

Tel: 6291 3709<br />

info@vivekkevin.com<br />

www.galeryvivekkevin.com<br />

Handcrafted pendants, necklaces, rings<br />

and bracelets. The gallery’s focus is on<br />

design, craftsmanship and finish, as well<br />

as educating clients on the intricacies of<br />

each piece.<br />

Gucci<br />

88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 6688<br />

Located on the main shopping street in<br />

HCMC, this flagship store brings Florentine<br />

fashion to an array of luxury leather<br />

goods such as briefcases, luggage and<br />

a selection of men’s shoes for office or<br />

more casual occasions.<br />

Ipa-Nima<br />

85 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 3652<br />

New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai<br />

Well-known Hanoi-based fashion brand.<br />

Founder Christina Yu is a former lawyer<br />

turned designer who produces eclectic<br />

and eye-catching handbags. Also<br />

stocks costume jewellery and shoes.<br />

Houses & Villas<br />

For rent in Dist.2, HCM: An Phu,<br />

Thao Dien, & Tran Nao<br />

Save time:<br />

See all pictures<br />

& details online.<br />

Updated daily.<br />

www.snap.com.vn<br />

Saigon Trade Centre / R1901<br />

37. Ton Duc Thang District 1<br />

Ho Chi Minh City -Vietnam<br />

Mobile: +84 (0) 918 99 88 56<br />

Phone: +84 (0) 822 202 193<br />

Fax: +84 (0) 822 202 194<br />

Email: info.legillian gmail.com<br />

Web: www.le-gillian.com<br />

112 Xuan Thuy<br />

Ward Thao Dien<br />

District 2<br />

Ho Chi Minh City<br />

Tel/Fax. (+84) 8 62.819.917<br />

shop-hcm@decosy.biz<br />

asialife HCMC 99

---

J. Silver<br />

803 Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7<br />

Tel: 5411 1188<br />

Make a statement without being ostentatious<br />

with handcrafted silver jewellery<br />

from the boutique store. Expect big,<br />

interesting pieces that are simple yet<br />

glamorous.<br />

Laura V Signature<br />

11 Dong Du, D1<br />

Tel: 7304 4126<br />

www.laurav.net<br />

Vintage designs aplenty with everything<br />

from jewellery and hair accessories to<br />

funky styled sunglasses, umbrellas and<br />

colourful maxi dresses.<br />

Louis Vuitton<br />

Opera View, corner of Dong Khoi and<br />

Le Loi Tel: 3827 6318<br />

Designer brand name housing traditional<br />

craftsmanship of luxury leather goods for<br />

men and women. An array of bags, wallets,<br />

cuff links and watches are available.<br />

Mai O Mai<br />

4C Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 4007<br />

A superb little place with beautiful jewellery<br />

and accessories to suit all budgets.<br />

Silver necklaces, bracelets, rings and<br />

more in both classic and imaginative<br />

designs, as well as gorgeous handembroidered<br />

bags.<br />

Mont Blanc<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan<br />

Notable for fine writing instruments, Mont<br />

Blanc also houses cuff links and other<br />

male accessories<br />

Scorpion<br />

Vincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le Thanh<br />

Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9889<br />

www.scorpionbag.com<br />

Selling high-end leather products for<br />

both men and women, including shoes,<br />

handbags, belts and other accessories.<br />

Features a variety of leather in bright<br />

colors and styles.<br />

Tic Tac Watch Shop<br />

72 Dong Khoi Tel: 0838 293519<br />

www.tictacwatch.com<br />

Elegant show room displaying some<br />

of the world’s most recognized Swiss<br />

brands such as Rolex, Tag Huer, Baume<br />

& Marcer, Omega and Hirsch. On-site<br />

watch repair service and complementary<br />

watch evaluation available. Also carries a<br />

small collection of vintage Rolexes.<br />

Tombo<br />

145 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Of all the embroidered and sequined<br />

bags, shoes and tidbits (or “Zakka”<br />

shops) that can be found in Dong Khoi,<br />

this shop’s has products that are prettier<br />

than most. Shoes can be custom-made<br />

and the sales staff is friendly.<br />

Umbrella<br />

35 Ly Tu Trong, D1 and 4 Le Loi, D1<br />

Tel: 6276 2730<br />

www.umbrella-fashion.com<br />

Sophisticated boutique showcasing<br />

a diverse range of imported women’s<br />

accessories. Also houses women’s garments<br />

from office wear to cocktail and<br />

party creations.<br />

ACTIVE WEAR<br />

China Beach Surf Club<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

Stocks famous surf and surf-inspired<br />

brands like Reef, Rip Curl and men’s<br />

wear from Volcom. It has everything<br />

you’d need for a visit to the beach and<br />

more. There are string bikinis, tees,<br />

board shorts, caps and thongs, just to<br />

name a few.<br />

Pinko<br />

Rex Hotel, 146-148-150 Pasteur, D1<br />

Tel: 3827 2240<br />

Spacious and simple store displaying<br />

women’s sportswear imported from<br />

Hong Kong and China. Body lotion and<br />

perfume imported from America.<br />

Roxy and Quiksilver<br />

Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

The original active living and extreme<br />

sports brands, Roxy and Quiksilver products<br />

combine form and function. Choose<br />

from outdoor gear to cool indoor clothes.<br />

TBS Sports Centre<br />

102 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan<br />

This store stocks a range of good sports<br />

clothes and equipment from big name<br />

brands such as Puma, Adidas, Ecco,<br />

Nike and Converse.<br />

Volcom<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

Chic and funky ladies’ apparel brand<br />

from America. Lots of tank tops, minis<br />

and shorts for day tripping with girlfriends<br />

or lazing on the beach.<br />

READY TO WEAR<br />

unisex<br />

2bling<br />

246 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan<br />

Specializes in urban streetwear, with<br />

a range of t-shirts, sneakers, baseball<br />

caps, hoodies and more. Tees are both<br />

imported from around Asia and designed<br />

in-house.<br />

BAM Skate Shop<br />

174 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 0903 641 826<br />

In addition to a range of decks, wheels<br />

and trucks, this small shop is stocked<br />

with bookbags, skate sneakers, track<br />

jackets and t-shirts emblazoned with<br />

your skateboard company of choice.<br />

Bo Sua Local Streetwear<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9599<br />

www.bosua.vn<br />

An offshoot of the Boo street-style skater<br />

fashion brand made popular in Hanoi,<br />

this brand translated as “Cow Milk”<br />

features fun colourful t-shirts, women’s<br />

casual wear and sneakers that celebrate<br />

the quirky street life of Vietnam.<br />

“ello<br />

263 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan<br />

This tiny little shop on Phu Nhuan’s<br />

hipster fashion strip is stocked with some<br />

of the coolest trend items in HCMC.<br />

Carries a frequently refreshed selection of<br />

T-shirts, skinny pants and women’s tops.<br />

FCUK<br />

127 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3914 7740<br />

www.frenchconnection.com<br />

Trendy UK brand with a selection of<br />

fashion-forward dresses for women and<br />

smart workwear and funky casual wear<br />

for men, all at middle-market prices.<br />

Konheo<br />

32 Dinh Tien Hoang, Binh Thanh<br />

Tel: 6653 4187<br />

info@konheo.com<br />

www.konheo.com<br />

Founded and run by a group of local<br />

Vietnamese guys, this T-shirt store flaunts<br />

simple-cut T-shirts with playful prints<br />

and humorous printed texts. Also does<br />

custom made t-shirts for 160,000 VND.<br />

Levi’s Flagship Store<br />

19–21 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3500 1501<br />

The 320-square-metre retail space<br />

spread over three levels offers the city’s<br />

largest and most exclusive collection of<br />

Levi’s bottoms, tops and accessories.<br />

L’Usine<br />

151/1 Dong Khoi, D1

---

Lifestyle store and cafe housed in a<br />

period building restored to evoke the<br />

aesthetic of an early 20th-century<br />

garment factory. Carries an exclusive, frequently<br />

refreshed line of imported men’s<br />

and women’s fashion, including T-shirts<br />

and footwear, and a range of unique<br />

accessories. Entrance via the street-level<br />

Art Arcade.<br />

Lu.Xu.Bu<br />

320 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan<br />

Well known among the HCMC hipsterati,<br />

this trendy shop is mostly given over to<br />

T-shirts (many by young, Bangkok-based<br />

designers), but also carries jeans, button<br />

shirts and more.<br />

Orange<br />

238 Pasteur, D3<br />

Funky little boutique carries unique<br />

accessory pieces a good selection of<br />

T-shirts with quirky, unique graphics for<br />

very reasonable prices. A smaller outpost<br />

is located at the corner of Pasteur and Le<br />

Thanh Ton in District 1.<br />

Rok Factory<br />

382 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan<br />

www.rokexchange.com<br />

Small shop founded by local artist/<br />

photographer carries streetwear for the<br />

rock-oriented lifestyle, including T-shirts,<br />

hoodies, socks and accessories.<br />

Replay<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

116 Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

187 Hai Ba Trung, D3<br />

Tel: 3925 0252<br />

Wide variety of shoes, clothing, denim<br />

for teens and university-age men and<br />

women. Carries boots, sandals, pumps<br />

and sneakers at mid-range prices.<br />

Runway<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9988<br />

runway.sg@global-fashion.vn<br />

Massive and minimalist design-led interior<br />

lets ultra high-end designer garments<br />

stand out. Carries men's, women's and<br />

children’s clothing, swimwear, shoes, accessories<br />

along with home décor. Brands<br />

include Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga,<br />

Sergio Rossi and Eres.<br />

See By Harajuku<br />

130 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3<br />

Tel: 090 986 8622<br />

Small, friendly store stocking both men’s<br />

and women’s streetwear, channelling<br />

Japanese and Korean fashion trends.<br />

Bright and funky T-shirts and maxi<br />

dresses, as well as accessories and<br />

footwear. New stock every month.<br />

Versace<br />

26 Dong Khoi<br />

Designer brand in men’s formal wear.<br />

Houses suit jackets and trousers, shirts<br />

as well as an array of men’s accessories.<br />

Also stocks womens clothing and shoes.<br />

VOV<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

403 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuan<br />

www.vovietchung.com<br />

Retail base for Vo Viet Chung, one of<br />

Vietnam’s best-known designers. VOV is<br />

known for blending traditional form with<br />

contemporary cuts, colours and textures.<br />

men<br />

Lucas<br />

69A Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3827 9670<br />

Fashion store housing contemporary<br />

designs in casual, office and evening<br />

wear imported from Hong Kong.<br />

Massimo Ferrari<br />

42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 6212<br />

Bespoke menswear shop also boasts<br />

its own brand of contemporary preppy<br />

attire tailored for the tropics. Carries a<br />

line of European-quality shoes, bags and<br />

accessories designed in-house, as well<br />

as exclusive Orobianco unisex bags,<br />

designer fragrances and eyewear.<br />

Mattre<br />

19 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 3412<br />

This local men’s clothes shop has some<br />

funky tops and jeans for more fashionforward<br />

males. Apparel in sizes that fit<br />

the typical Western man’s frame are<br />

often available. Another store is located<br />

on Hai Ba Trung and Ly Tu Trong<br />

Milano<br />

Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi<br />

www.milanogoods.com<br />

A conjoining shop with D&G offering a<br />

selection of men’s shoes and accessories<br />

with a sideline in women’s clothing.<br />

D&G provides a collection of menswear,<br />

from casual jeans and T-shirts to<br />

uniquely designed suit jackets.<br />

Mizada<br />

150 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3822 2508<br />

mizada07@yahoo.com<br />

An A-to-Z collection of men’s clothing<br />

with an influx of new fashion arriving on<br />

the racks regularly. Carries smart, casual<br />

shirts, trousers, jeans and jackets, as<br />

well as bags and scarves.<br />

New Urban Male<br />

226 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3824 4416<br />

www.newurbanmale.com<br />

Caters to a wide range of consumer<br />

tastes from beach duds to streetwear.<br />

The goods include international men’s<br />

brands such as Havaianas, C-IN2, Jabs<br />

Waterboys, Rebel Jeans and aussieBum.<br />

Also carries men’s grooming products.<br />

Timberland<br />

Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Sells everything the brand is known<br />

for, from heavy-duty boots to tops and<br />

trousers that are both smart and casual.<br />

The emphasis is on muted tones and<br />

unobtrusive logos for men who don’t like<br />

to show off.<br />

women<br />

Axara<br />

Vincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le Thanh<br />

Ton, D1<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

21 Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9399<br />

www.axara.com<br />

Carries women’s clothing suitable for<br />

work, weekends or evening. Luxurious<br />

fabrics and simple cuts and styles all at<br />

reasonable prices. Also carries handbags<br />

and accessories.<br />

Balenciaga<br />

Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue<br />

Tel: 6291 3572<br />

Sporting modern shapes and elegant<br />

items crafted from natural, raw and<br />

artificial materials.<br />

BCBGMAXAZRIA<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1<br />

American brand sells women’s day<br />

dresses and tops, evening gowns and<br />

wear-to-work attire in many prints and<br />

colours. Also carries a small selection of<br />

accessories, sunglasses and watches.<br />

Bebe<br />

Saigon Center, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Tel: 3914 4011<br />

www.bebe.com<br />

An international brand that specializes<br />

in contemporary, modern tees and sexy,<br />

elegant dresse, tops and party attire.<br />

Bon Mua Boutique<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

D1<br />

Tel: 3993 9888<br />

www.itamoda.com.vn<br />

Luxury women’s clothing store with<br />

racks organized by designer. Carries<br />

small collection of unique pieces from<br />

designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier,<br />

Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Valentino,<br />

Philosophy and Brunello Cucinelli.<br />

asialife HCMC 101

---

femme fashion<br />

Let’s Go Local<br />

By Adrian Nguyen<br />

Lots of people seem to forget<br />

that HCM City has amazing<br />

local designers and stores.<br />

Take a walk this weekend<br />

with my column in hand and<br />

you’ll be amazed by how<br />

many fabulous things you<br />

can find. Consider this piece<br />

as my very own mini guide<br />

to unleashing the fashionista<br />

in you.<br />

DMC: One of my favourite<br />

stores in town, Do Manh<br />

Cuong is one of the best<br />

Vietnamese designers out<br />

there and his new line, DMC,<br />

is more affordable than previous<br />

collections. You can find<br />

pretty chiffon tops and silk<br />

skirts here along with some<br />

cardigans, just in time for fall.<br />

The store itself is worth the<br />

trip down there. 213 Ly Tu<br />

Trong, D1.<br />

Kelly Bui: If you’re a fan of<br />

Dolce & Gabbana, you will<br />

find many covetable items at<br />

Kelly Bui. The brand is new<br />

to HCM City but has been<br />

around for years in Hanoi.<br />

They are experts in silk and<br />

many of their fabrics are<br />

exclusively designed. Choose<br />

from an array of skirts and<br />

shirts and compile an incredible<br />

office wardrobe. Vincom<br />

Center, D1.<br />

Song: I love how their<br />

boutiques always smell so<br />

good—coupled with the fact<br />

that their relaxed, resort-life<br />

clothing line is as good as it is.<br />

So popular is the brand that<br />

Cameron Diaz wanted to wear<br />

it for a Vogue cover and Anna<br />

Wintour readily agreed.<br />

And that is a BIG deal in the<br />

fashion world. I also love their<br />

Fedora and some of the canvas/leather<br />

bags that are perfect<br />

for a weekend trip down<br />

to the beach. 76D Le Thanh<br />

Ton and Saigon Centre, D1.<br />

L’Usine: My new favourite<br />

lunch and shopping spot.<br />

They are an international<br />

clothing and luxe lifestyle<br />

store, and I tell you, their<br />

sandwiches are really nice on<br />

the taste buds. I can come<br />

here every day just for a bite<br />

to eat and stroll around the<br />

sales floor.<br />

You can find some Tylho<br />

pieces here and I love his<br />

free spirit floral silk shorts and<br />

tops. 151 Dong Khoi, D1.<br />

Valenciani: It’s easy to talk<br />

about yourself! You can find<br />

everything you need at my<br />

boutique. We have an upto-date<br />

selection of silk and<br />

chiffon tops, floaty skirts, and<br />

structured dresses made in<br />

beautiful imported fabrics.<br />

We also do custom orders for<br />

special events. Our collections<br />

have graced the pages of<br />

Travel + Leisure and DestinAsian.<br />

Find us at Saigon Centre<br />

and 66-68 Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

As usual, I’m out of space.<br />

But don’t worry, there’s plenty<br />

in store for the future. And for<br />

those of you who can’t wait<br />

for more local fashion hot<br />

spots, drop me an email.<br />

Adrian Nguyen is a designer<br />

and the owner of the Valenciani<br />

brand. Email your fashion<br />

questions to Adrian.ngn@<br />

gmail.com<br />

Caro<br />

Zen Plaza, 54-56 Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

Local designs and tailoring of elegant<br />

tops and dresses with a distinctly Eastern<br />

influence. Provides a range of attire<br />

for both the office and a night out. The<br />

friendly staff is eager to help find an outfit<br />

for any occassion.<br />

Chloe<br />

Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

Tel: 6291 3582<br />

Parisian-influenced fashion house<br />

specializes in simple, traditional designs<br />

with a feminine and fashionable twist.<br />

Jeans, satin dresses and a wide array of<br />

accessories are on display.<br />

Contraband<br />

Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Ready-to-wear brand for hip, modern<br />

women. Range includes office wear to<br />

evening wear. The collection is updated<br />

each month with new international<br />

trends.<br />

Dieu Thanh<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851<br />

www.dieuthanh.com<br />

Experienced tailor shop also carries its<br />

own line of clothing. Once specialized in<br />

swimwear and cotton clothing but has<br />

expanded to sell business suits, evening<br />

dresses, luxury fabrics and accessories.<br />

ER-Couture Boutique<br />

43 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2411 www.<br />

er-couture.com<br />

erolskov@er-couture.com<br />

Exclusive Scandinavian brand offering<br />

designer garments. Versatile fashion for<br />

women in European sizes 34-44. Each<br />

style is released in limited quantities and<br />

can be tailored to individual taste.<br />

Esprit<br />

58 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Outpost for the international brand of<br />

colourful, preppy men’s and women’s<br />

casual wear.<br />

Etam<br />

188 Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

Famous all over the world for their<br />

French style. There’s a large range of<br />

shirts, T-shirts, dresses and more. Also<br />

available in Zen Plaza and Diamond<br />

Plaza.<br />

Gaya<br />

1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 Tel: 3925<br />

1495<br />

Carries a range of couture and pret-aporter<br />

garments and silk and organza<br />

dresses in vibrant colours created by<br />

Cambodia-based designer Romyda<br />

Keth.<br />

Geisha Boutique<br />

43 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 8272<br />

enquiry@geishaclothing.com<br />

Facebook: Geisha Boutique<br />

Australian fashion label offering a contemporary<br />

range of casual and evening<br />

wear with an Asian influence. Printed<br />

tees, singlets, shorts, skirts, jeans, summer<br />

scarves, dresses, silk camisoles and<br />

satin maxi dresses.<br />

Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery<br />

2nd floor, 43 Ton That Thiep, D1<br />

Australian designer Tracey Kociuruba<br />

creates intricately embellished statement<br />

pieces in her Easten-European inspired<br />

shop slash studio.<br />

Kiwi<br />

74/1 Hai Ba Trung<br />

Tel: 3822 1191<br />

Small and intimate shop with a modern<br />

collection of fashion items geared<br />

towards the young and active urban<br />

female. The showroom has a wide<br />

collection, from casual clothing to office<br />

wear.<br />

Kookai<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi<br />

French brand stocking classic, feminine,<br />

styles with a twist. Gypsy day dresses<br />

and classic little black dresses at mid- to<br />

high-range prices are perfect for twentyand<br />

thirty-something women.<br />

La Senza<br />

47B–47C Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

Tel: 3925 1700<br />

65 Le Loi, Saigon Centre, D1<br />

Tel: 3914 4328<br />

www.lasenza.com<br />

Boutique carrying a wide range of bras,<br />

panties, pyjamas, accessories and<br />

lounge wear.<br />

Labella<br />

85-87 Pasteur, D1<br />

This three-storey shop will take care of all<br />

your wardrobe needs: affordable clothes,<br />

shoes, bags and lingerie, all well made<br />

and fashionable.<br />

Le Samedi<br />

21 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 5013<br />

Boutique retailing in clothes imported<br />

mainly from Italy and France, from cocktail<br />

dresses to chiffon skirts.<br />

Lulu Lacy<br />

www.lululacy.com<br />

Boutique label featuring retro designs in<br />

high-quality fabrics. Website frequently<br />

refreshed with latest offerings, including<br />

maxi-dresses, tailored blouses and<br />

shorts. Shop online or request a party at<br />

your house.<br />

Mango<br />

96 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 6624<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

A favourite with fashion-conscious<br />

women, this mid-range store stocks<br />

clothes from simple tees and jeans to<br />

evening wear.<br />

Marc Jacobs<br />

Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue , D1<br />

Tel: 6291 3580<br />

This spacious shop with high-ceilings<br />

carries up-market clothes, shoes and<br />

accessories from the internationally<br />

recognized designer brand.<br />

Minh Hanh<br />

24 Dong Khoi, D1 and 114B Nguyen<br />

Hue Tel: 3824 5774<br />

www.mhminhhanh.com<br />

Hand- and machine-embroidered fashion<br />

made from natural fabrics and materials<br />

wed traditional Vietnamese elements<br />

with modern trends. Local celebrities<br />

frequent this shop.<br />

Muse Boutique<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Boutique store carries well-known international<br />

brands like Miss Sixty, BCBG,<br />

Rock Republic, True Religion, Tbags<br />

and Killah.<br />

Nang Boutique<br />

181 Dong Khoi, Room 209, D1<br />

iheartnang@gmail.com<br />

Houses an assortment of mix-andmatch<br />

skirts, floral dresses, chiffon<br />

lace-trimmed gowns and accessories,<br />

such as hats, shoes, bags, scarves and<br />

jewellery.<br />

Nino Max<br />

189B Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

A local popular brand of active-casualwear<br />

t-shirts, jeans and khakis. Local<br />

pricing. You can also find their other<br />

outlets in Zen Plaza and Diamond Plaza.<br />

Peacock<br />

35 Ton That Thiep Tel: 3829 7045<br />

Moulin Rouge-themed boutique housing<br />

an interesting selection of women’s<br />

clothes designed and produced in<br />

Vietnam, including dresses, shirts and<br />

t-shirts, as well as jewellery.<br />

Rana Abodeely<br />

Villa Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton,<br />

102 asialife HCMC

---

District 1, Tel:3825 7307<br />

Luxury resort wear in soft, feminine<br />

styles. Made with 100% Vietnamese<br />

silk with signature glass bead detailing.<br />

Comfort, ease and elegance are the main<br />

forms of the collection.<br />

Signature Boutique<br />

154 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Houses some of the world’s most recognized<br />

luxury fashion brands: Roberto<br />

Cavalli, Versace, D&G and Missoni.<br />

Song<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

76D Le Thanh Ton<br />

Offers women’s fashion designs by<br />

Valerie Gregori McKenzie, including<br />

evening dress, tops and hats.<br />

Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery<br />

43 Ton That Thiep in District 1, 2nd fl.<br />

Tel: 3915 3242<br />

www.traceykociuruba,com<br />

Eastern European-inspired fashion boutique<br />

with eclectic yet elegant designs<br />

with intricate hand-spun details—50sstyle<br />

jumpsuits with bustier necklines,<br />

silk kaftans and high-waisted shorts and<br />

skirts.<br />

Valenciani<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Tel: 3821 2788<br />

66-68 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 7302 4688<br />

valenciani.sg@gmail.com<br />

www.valenciani.com<br />

Homegrown luxury boutique carries silk<br />

dresses, velvet corsets, chiffon shawls<br />

and a range of accessories, all designed<br />

in-house.<br />

SHOES<br />

Aldo<br />

157 Dong Khoi, D1<br />

Offering a wide selection of affordable<br />

footwear from mid- to high-range prices.<br />

Carries office-appropriate and partyready<br />

heels and flats, as well as a range<br />

of accessories and bags.<br />

Catwalk<br />

80 Pham Hong Thai<br />

Tel: 3829 6819<br />

www.catwalkshoes.com<br />

Carries a unique range of Spanish shoes<br />

and bags.<br />

Charles & Keith<br />

10 Mac Thi Buoy, 18-20 Nguyen Trai<br />

Tel: 3925 1132<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

www.charleskeith.com<br />

Singapore brand housing youthful and<br />

trendy shoes of a contemporary, high<br />

fashion design.<br />

Converse<br />

186 Hai Ba Trung, D1<br />

148 Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

122 Ba Thang Hai, D10<br />

Tel: 3827 5584<br />

www.converse.com.vn<br />

Sells iconic Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell<br />

and All-Star sneakers and Converse<br />

brand clothing and accessories. Also at<br />

department stores around HCMC.<br />

Dr. Marten’s<br />

173 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3822 4710<br />

Air Wair sandals and shoes here feature<br />

the classic yellow stitching and chunky<br />

rubber soles. Also stocked with clothes<br />

and accessories by Replay and Kappa<br />

tracksuit tops.<br />

Footwear Street<br />

Ho Xuan Huong Street, D3 between<br />

Cach Mang Thang Tam and Ba Huyen<br />

Thanh Quan<br />

Le Thi Hong Gam in D1 between Pho<br />

Duc Chinh and Calmette<br />

Selection ranges from leather loafers to<br />

plastic thongs and everything in between.<br />

Heat Wave<br />

88 Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

Tel: 6290 9588<br />

Singaporean shoe brand that stocks<br />

affordable yet fashionable women's footwear.<br />

Styles are taken from the runway<br />

and attention to detail reigns supreme.<br />

Jimmy Choo<br />

Ground floor, Vincom Center, 72 Le<br />

Thanh Ton, 47 Ly Tu Trong, D1<br />

Stocks a luxurious range of products<br />

from the extensive Jimmy Choo range.<br />

Synonymous with style, Jimmy Choo is<br />

the last word in women's footwear.<br />

Nine West<br />

Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1<br />

Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

Stocks an extensive range of designer<br />

footwear for women. Handpicked by a<br />

global community of independent trendsetters<br />

and stylists.<br />

Sergio Rossi<br />

146AB Pasteur, D1<br />

Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1<br />

World-renowned Italian brand stocks a<br />

diverse European-style collection of upmarket<br />

shoes and bags made of quality<br />

materials, from crocodile and python<br />

skin laterals to garnishings of Swarovski<br />

crystals and colourful beads.<br />

Star Polo<br />

97B Nguyen Trai, D1<br />

Mix of imported shoes and locally made<br />

footwear crafted from Australian leather<br />

for men and women as well as imported<br />

ones. Sizes from 38 to 42 for men, and<br />

from 34 to 40 for women.<br />

TAILORS<br />

Dieu Thanh<br />

140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851<br />

www.dieuthanh.com<br />

Experienced tailor shop specializes in<br />

swimwear and cotton clothing, as well as<br />

business suits, evening dresses, luxury<br />

fabrics and accessories.<br />

Dzung<br />

221 Le Thanh Ton, D1<br />

One of the most reliable and respected<br />

men’s tailors in town with prices and production<br />

time to reflect the quality of the<br />

workmanship. Shirts start from US $30.<br />

Fabric Street<br />

Hai Ba Trung, D1 across the street from<br />

Tan Dinh Market.<br />

Spools upon spools of fabric manufatured<br />

locally and abroad, with more than<br />

ample variety of textures, colours and<br />

materials to choose from.<br />

Massimo Ferrari<br />

42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3<br />

Tel: 3930 6212<br />

Traditional Italian sartorial techniques<br />

are employed to offer a full wardrobing<br />

service and custom tailoring for men.<br />

Stocked with imported fabrics primarily<br />

from Italy. In-office and workplace fittings<br />

available.<br />

Thuy Nga Design<br />

7 Lam Son Square, D1<br />

Conveniently located at the Opera<br />

House, this local boutique is a one-stop<br />

shop for both men and women. The<br />

range includes clothes, men’s and<br />

women’s accessories and costume<br />

jewellery.<br />

Uyen<br />

13 Nguyen Thiep, D1<br />

An excellent option with English-speaking<br />

staff and a good selection of fabrics<br />

(although the price takes a dip if you<br />

bring your own) and some off-the-rack<br />

staples to copy. Reasonable prices.<br />

LINH‘S WHITE<br />

PLEASANT LIVING MINIMALISM<br />

37 THAO DIEN<br />

(OPPOSITE AN PHU SUPERMARKET)<br />

67 XUAN THUY - DISTRICT 2<br />

PHONE: (84) - 62819863<br />

- 62818488<br />

E : linhnguyen@hbdecor.com.vn - www.linhfurniture.com<br />

asialife HCMC 103

---

<strong>AsiaLIFE</strong> Cambodia Launch<br />

Tammy Nguyen Opening at L'Usine<br />

Wasted Youth of a Nation at Tadao Bar<br />

Photos by Fred Wissink, James Grant and Miguel Lopez.<br />

104 asialife HCMC

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asialife HCMC 105

---

Street Guide<br />

3 Thang 2 D1<br />

Alexandre de Rhodes<br />

C4<br />

Ba Huyen Thanh Quan C1, C2, D2, D3<br />

Ban Co<br />

D1<br />

Ben Chuong Duong<br />

E4<br />

Ben Van Don<br />

E4, E5<br />

Bui Thi Xuan<br />

D3<br />

Bui Vien<br />

E3<br />

Cach Mang Thang Tam C1, D2, D3<br />

Calmette<br />

E4<br />

Cao Ba Nha<br />

E3<br />

Cao Thang<br />

D1, D2, E2<br />

Chu Manh Trinh<br />

C4, C5<br />

Co Bac<br />

E3<br />

Co Giang<br />

E3<br />

De Tham<br />

E3<br />

Dien Bien Phu B4, C3, C2, D1, D2<br />

Dinh Cong Trang<br />

B3<br />

Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

B3, B4, C4<br />

Do Quang Dau<br />

E3<br />

Do Thanh<br />

D1<br />

Doan Nhu Hai<br />

E5<br />

Doan Van Bo<br />

E4, E5<br />

Dong Du<br />

D5<br />

Dong Khoi<br />

C4, D4, D5<br />

Hai Cua<br />

B5<br />

Huynh Tinh Cua<br />

B2<br />

Huynh Van Banh<br />

B1<br />

Khanh Hoi<br />

E4<br />

Ky Con<br />

B3, C3, C4, D5<br />

Hai Trieu<br />

C5<br />

Ham Nghi<br />

D4, C5<br />

Han Thuyen<br />

C4<br />

Ho Hao Hon<br />

E3<br />

Ho Huan Nghiep<br />

D5<br />

Ho Tung Mau<br />

D4, D5<br />

Ho Xuan Huong<br />

C3, D2<br />

Hoa Hung<br />

B1<br />

Hoang Dieu<br />

E4, E5<br />

Hung Vuong<br />

E1<br />

Huyen Tran Cong Chua<br />

D3<br />

Huynh Man Dat<br />

B5<br />

Huynh Thuc Khang<br />

D4<br />

Ky Dong<br />

C1, C2<br />

Le Cong Kieu<br />

D4<br />

Le Duan<br />

C4, C5<br />

Le Hong Phong<br />

D1<br />

Le Lai<br />

C3, C4, D3<br />

Le Loi<br />

D4<br />

Le Quoc Hung<br />

E4, E5<br />

Le Quy Don<br />

C3<br />

Le Thanh Ton C4, C5, D3, D4<br />

Le Thi Hong Gam D4, E3, E4<br />

Le Thi Rieng<br />

D3<br />

Le Van Phuc<br />

B3<br />

Le Van Sy<br />

C1, C2<br />

Luong Huu Khanh<br />

D2, E2<br />

Luu Van Lang<br />

D4<br />

Ly Chinh Thang<br />

B2, C2<br />

Ly Thai To<br />

E1<br />

Ly Tu Trong C4, C5, D4, D5<br />

Mac Dinh Chi<br />

B3, C4<br />

Mac Thi Buoi<br />

D5<br />

Mai Thi Luu<br />

B4<br />

Mai Van Ngoc<br />

B1<br />

Me Linh<br />

B5<br />

Nam Ky Khoi Nghia B2, C2, C3, D4, E4<br />

Ngo Duc Ke<br />

D5<br />

Ngo Thoi Nhiem<br />

C2, D2<br />

Ngo Van Nam<br />

C5<br />

Nguyen Binh Khiem B4, B5, C5<br />

Nguyen Cong Tru<br />

E4<br />

Nguyen Cu Trinh<br />

E2, E3<br />

Nguyen Dinh Chieu B4, C3, C4, D1, D2, D3<br />

Nguyen Dinh Chinh<br />

B1<br />

106 asialife HCMC<br />

Nguyen Du<br />

Nguyen Hai Tu<br />

Nguyen Hue<br />

Nguyen Huu Canh<br />

Nguyen Huu Canh<br />

Nguyen Huu Cau<br />

Nguyen Khac Nhu<br />

Nguyen Khoai<br />

Nguyen Ngoc Phuong<br />

Nguyen Phi Khanh<br />

Nguyen Sieu<br />

Nguyen Son Ha<br />

Nguyen Tat Thanh<br />

Nguyen Thai Binh<br />

Nguyen Thai Hoc<br />

Nguyen Thi Dieu<br />

Nguyen Thien Thuat<br />

Nguyen Thong<br />

Nguyen Thuong Hien<br />

Nguyen Trai<br />

Nguyen Trung Ngan<br />

Nguyen Trung Truc<br />

Nguyen Truong To<br />

Nguyen Van Cu<br />

Nguyen Van Hai<br />

Nguyen Van Lac<br />

Nguyen Van Thu<br />

Nguyen Van Troi<br />

Pasteur<br />

Pham Hong Thai<br />

Pham Ngoc Thach<br />

Pham Ngu Lao<br />

Pham Viet Chanh<br />

Pham Viet Chanh<br />

Phan Dinh Phung<br />

Phan Ke Binh<br />

Phan Van Han<br />

Pho Duc Chinh<br />

Phung Khac Khoan<br />

Suong Nguyet Anh<br />

Tan Vinh<br />

Thach Thi Thanh<br />

Thai Van Lung<br />

Thi Sach<br />

Thu Khoa Huan<br />

Ton Duc Thang<br />

Ton That Dam<br />

Ton That Thiep<br />

Ton That Tung<br />

Tran Binh Trong<br />

Tran Canh Chan<br />

Tran Cao Van<br />

Tran Dinh Xu<br />

Tran Hung Dao<br />

Tran Khac Chan<br />

Tran Khanh Du<br />

Tran Minh Quyen<br />

Tran Minh Quyen<br />

Tran Nhan Ton<br />

Tran Nhat Duat<br />

Tran Phu<br />

Tran Quang Dieu<br />

Tran Quang Khai<br />

Tran Quoc Thao<br />

Tran Quoc Toan<br />

Tran Van Dang<br />

Truong Chinh<br />

Truong Dinh<br />

Tu Xuong<br />

Vinh Khanh<br />

Vo Thi Sau<br />

Vo Van Tan<br />

Vuon Chuoi<br />

Xo Viet Nghe Tinh<br />

Yersin<br />

C4, D3, D4<br />

B4<br />

D4, D5<br />

B2<br />

C5<br />

B3<br />

E3<br />

F3<br />

B5<br />

B3<br />

C5, D5<br />

D2<br />

E5<br />

D4, E4<br />

D3, E3, E4<br />

D2, D3<br />

D1, E1, E2<br />

C1, C2, D2<br />

D2<br />

D3, E2<br />

C5<br />

D4<br />

E4, E5<br />

E2<br />

B3<br />

B5<br />

B4, C3, C4<br />

B1<br />

C2, C3, C4, D4<br />

D2, D3<br />

C3<br />

D3, D4, E3<br />

B5<br />

E2<br />

B2<br />

B4<br />

B4, B5<br />

D4, E4<br />

C3, C4<br />

D2, D3<br />

E4<br />

B3<br />

C5<br />

C5<br />

D4<br />

C5, D4, D5, E4<br />

D4<br />

D4<br />

D2, D3<br />

E1<br />

E2<br />

C4<br />

E2, E3<br />

D4, E2, E3<br />

B3<br />

B2, B3<br />

D1<br />

C1<br />

E1<br />

B3<br />

E1<br />

B1, B2<br />

B3, B2<br />

C2, C3<br />

B2, B3, B2<br />

C1, C2<br />

C3<br />

C2, D3<br />

C2, C3, D2<br />

E4, E5<br />

B3, C2, C3<br />

C3, D2, D3<br />

D2<br />

B4, B5<br />

E4<br />

A<br />

Airport<br />

3km<br />

B<br />

Tran Van Dang<br />

C<br />

Tan Binh<br />

0.5km<br />

Hoa Hung<br />

District 11<br />

2km<br />

Tran Minh Quyen<br />

Tran Nhan Ton<br />

Huynh Van Banh<br />

Tran Minh Quyen<br />

Dien Bien Phu<br />

Le Hong Phong<br />

Saigon<br />

Train Station<br />

Lan Anh<br />

Sports &<br />

Leisure Club<br />

Ly Thai To<br />

Tran Quang Dieu<br />

Tran Quang Dieu<br />

Hung Vuong<br />

Nguyen Van Troi<br />

Cach Mang Thang Tam<br />

3 Thang 2<br />

Ban Co<br />

Nguyen Th ong<br />

Nguyen Thien Thuat<br />

Tran Binh Trong<br />

Ng Dinh Chinh<br />

Tran Phu<br />

Le Van Sy<br />

Tran Minh Quyen<br />

DISTRICT 10<br />

D<br />

E<br />

1<br />

PHU NHUAN<br />

An Duong Vuong<br />

Tran Van Dang<br />

Cao Thang<br />

Do Thanh<br />

DISTRICT 5<br />

Huyn h Van Banh<br />

Ky Dong<br />

University<br />

of Natural<br />

Sciences<br />

V<br />

Ng. Thuong<br />

. Chuoi<br />

Nguyen Van Cu<br />

Teacher<br />

Training<br />

University<br />

Ly Chinh T hang<br />

Hien<br />

Vuon<br />

Chuoi<br />

Market<br />

Nguyen Trai<br />

2<br />

Phan Dinh Phung<br />

Truong Dinh<br />

Tu Xuong<br />

Nam Ky Kh<br />

Vo Thi Sau<br />

Nguyen Son Ha<br />

Dien B<br />

Nguyen Thi Minh K<br />

Pham Viet Chanh<br />

Nguyen Tho<br />

Nguyen Dinh<br />

V<br />

DISTR

---

4th Floor ONG&ONG Building<br />

159 Phan Xich Long St<br />

Ward 7, Phu Nhuan District<br />

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam<br />

3<br />

Gia Dinh<br />

Hospital<br />

4<br />

5<br />

Ky Khoi Nghia Nam Ky Khoi Nghia<br />

Tran<br />

Sau Vo Thi Sau<br />

Dien Bien Phu<br />

yen Thong<br />

en Dinh Chieu<br />

Minh Khai<br />

Nguyen Trai<br />

Tran Khanh Du<br />

Huynh Tinh Cua<br />

Ba Huyen Thanh Quan<br />

Ngo Thoi Nhiem<br />

Luong Huu Khanh<br />

Suong Nguyet Anh<br />

Ton That Tung<br />

Thai Binh<br />

Market<br />

Cong Quynh<br />

Tran Dinh Xu<br />

War<br />

Remnants<br />

Museum<br />

Cultural Park<br />

Cach Mang Thang Tam<br />

Cao Ba Nha<br />

Ng. Huu Cau<br />

Le Thi Rieng<br />

Nguyen Trai<br />

Do Q. Dau<br />

Le Lai<br />

Thach Thi Thanh<br />

D. C. Trang<br />

Vo Van Tan Vo Van Tan<br />

Cao Thang<br />

N. V. Hai<br />

Cu Lao<br />

Quoc ToanTran Quoc Toan<br />

Ho Xuan Huong<br />

RICT 1<br />

Ngu yen Huu Canh<br />

Hoa Lan<br />

Tran Nhat Duat<br />

Nguyen Thi Dieu<br />

Hai Ba Trung<br />

Tran Quoc Thao<br />

Nguyen Gia Thieu<br />

Bui Thi Xuan<br />

Nguyen Cu Trinh<br />

Tran Khac Chan<br />

Le Quy Don<br />

Phan Xich Long<br />

DISTRICT 3<br />

Pham Ngu Lao<br />

Ho H. Hon<br />

Truong Quyen<br />

Bui Vien<br />

Co Bac<br />

Tran Quang Khai<br />

Le Van Tam<br />

Park<br />

Pham Ngoc Thach<br />

Pasteur<br />

Truong Dinh<br />

Vo Huy Tan<br />

Re-unification<br />

Palace<br />

Huyen Tran Cong Chua<br />

Nguyen Thai Hoc<br />

De Tham<br />

Ng Kh Nhu<br />

Ng. Phi Khanh<br />

L. V. Phuc<br />

Co Giang<br />

Thu Kh Huan<br />

Pham Hong Thai<br />

De Tham<br />

Le Thi Hong Gam<br />

Tran Hung Dao Tran Hung Dao<br />

Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

Ly Tu Trong<br />

Ng Hai Tu<br />

Nguyen Van Thu<br />

Alexandre De Rhodes<br />

Nguyen Du<br />

Nguyen An Ninh<br />

Mac Dinh Chi<br />

Nguyen Dinh Chieu<br />

Tran Cao Van<br />

Ben<br />

Thanh<br />

Market<br />

Bus<br />

Station<br />

Central<br />

Post Office<br />

Le Loi<br />

Nguyen Binh Khiem<br />

Hoa Lu<br />

Stadium<br />

Dinh Tien Hoang<br />

Hai Ba Trung<br />

Town Hall<br />

HTV<br />

television<br />

Le Duan Le Duan<br />

Pasteur<br />

Nguyen Trung Truc<br />

Ky Con<br />

Phan Ke Binh<br />

Nguyen Thai Binh<br />

Yersin<br />

Han Thuyen<br />

L. V. Lang<br />

Ng. Cong Tru<br />

Mai Thi Luu<br />

Dong Khoi<br />

Le Cong Kieu<br />

Pho Duc Chinh<br />

Calmette<br />

Ben Van Don<br />

BINH THANH<br />

Nguyen Du<br />

Hoang Sa<br />

Ham Nghi<br />

Le Loi<br />

Ton Th at Thiep<br />

T. T. Dam<br />

Xo Viet Nghe Tinh<br />

Chu Manh Trinh<br />

Ly Tu Trong<br />

Nguyen Hue<br />

Ton Duc Thang<br />

Thi Sach<br />

Le Quoc Hung<br />

Mac<br />

Thai Van Lung<br />

Dong Du<br />

Ngo<br />

Ng Sieu<br />

Cao Ba Quat<br />

Pham Van Han<br />

Le Thanh Ton Le Thanh Ton<br />

Pasteur<br />

Truong Sa<br />

DISTRICT 1<br />

Huynh Thuc Khang<br />

Vinh Khanh<br />

Hoang Dieu<br />

Ho Tung Mau<br />

Ng. Cong Tru<br />

Nguyen<br />

Trung Ngan<br />

Ng Truong To<br />

Hai Trieu<br />

Zoo & Botanical<br />

Gardens<br />

Nguyen Binh Khiem<br />

Phan Van Dat<br />

Thi Buoi<br />

H.H.Nghiep<br />

Duc Ke<br />

Doan Nhu Hai<br />

Doan Van Bo<br />

Ngo V<br />

DISTRICT 4<br />

Nguyen Cuu Van<br />

an Nam<br />

Nguyen Tat Thanh<br />

Nguyen Ngoc Phuong<br />

Nguyen Huu Canh<br />

Ton Duc<br />

Thang Museum<br />

Thu Thiem<br />

Ferry Port<br />

(for District 2)<br />

HCM City<br />

Boat Quay<br />

(for Vung Tau)<br />

asialife HCMC 107<br />

Huynh Tinh Cua<br />

Huynh Man Dat<br />

Saigon Bridge<br />

& Highway 1<br />

3km<br />

Cat Lai Ferry<br />

9km<br />

District 7<br />

& Nha Be<br />

Nguyen Van Lac<br />

Me Linh<br />

Vung Tau

---

oxoffice<br />

Red<br />

Oct 29 to Nov 11<br />

Galaxy Cinema, Thang Long<br />

Cinema<br />

Paranormal Activity 2<br />

Nov 5 to 18<br />

Megastar Cinema, Galaxy<br />

Cinema<br />

Detective Dee<br />

Nov 19 to Dec 2<br />

Galaxy Cinema<br />

Skyline<br />

Nov 26 to unspecified<br />

Thang Long Cinema<br />

With such a stellar cast—Bruce<br />

Willis, Morgan Freeman, John<br />

Malcovich, Mary-Louise Parker,<br />

Helen Mirren—what could go<br />

wrong Well, not a whole lot but<br />

this doesn’t mean that everything<br />

goes right either. Willis plays a<br />

retired CIA assassin who falls in<br />

love with Parker. He finds himself<br />

the recipient of an assassination<br />

attempt and realizes that Parker<br />

too is in danger so he assembles<br />

his old team to fight back. Old<br />

team consists of some great<br />

characters on varying degrees<br />

of being nutjobs that provide<br />

hilarity and a good way to spend<br />

a Sunday.<br />

You’d think making a sequel to<br />

Paranormal Activity would be<br />

pretty darn hard but the second<br />

installment is good and at times<br />

even funny—and made a record<br />

$41.5 million on opening in<br />

the U.S. Part two goes down<br />

the same promenade as its<br />

predecessor but its effects are<br />

stronger, and the actors put<br />

up a convincing performance,<br />

including the dog. Brian Bolden<br />

and Sprague Grayden play a<br />

couple who move into an old<br />

house with their children and<br />

well, things go bump in the night<br />

and you know the rest. Prepare<br />

to still be spooked.<br />

Filmmaker Hark Tsui has<br />

created what will inevitably be a<br />

crowd pleaser as his last films<br />

lacked the punch and frankly<br />

fun that Detective Dee and the<br />

Mystery of the Phantom is full<br />

of. Kung Fu fighter Andy Lau<br />

plays Detective Dee, jailed for<br />

opposing the Empress, who in a<br />

twist of fate, has no choice but<br />

to avail his services to solve a<br />

case threatening her reign. The<br />

sworn enemies are forced to join<br />

hands and fight evil. Detective<br />

Dee is pitted against an army of<br />

talking deer and other intriguing<br />

characters in an adventure that<br />

elicits much laughter too.<br />

A sci-fi thriller, Skyline centres<br />

around an alien group that emit<br />

a light onto Los Angeles which<br />

seems to swallow people up<br />

once they look at it. This strange<br />

blue light results in people<br />

vanishing, literally, into thin air,<br />

creating panic in the US as the<br />

government and military struggle<br />

to understand what is going on.<br />

A group of friends played by<br />

Eric Balfour and Donald Faison<br />

to name two, are desperate to<br />

escape from the giant vacuum<br />

but how can they survive while<br />

their leaders try to figure out how<br />

to nuke the spaceship that is<br />

swallowing people whole.<br />

Opening Dates<br />

CINEMAS<br />

C: Cinebox<br />

www.cinebox212.com.vn<br />

G: Galaxy<br />

www.galaxycine.vn<br />

Megamind (Nov 19)<br />

Skyline (Nov 26)<br />

Detective Dee (Nov 19)<br />

Cyrano Agency (Nov 5)<br />

Reign of Assassins (Nov 12)<br />

Eat Pray Love (Nov 19)<br />

Synopsis (Nov 12)<br />

Megamind (Nov 12)<br />

The information on this page was<br />

correct at the time of printing. Check<br />

cinema websites for screenings.<br />

L: Lottecinema<br />

www.lottecinemavn.com<br />

M: Megastar<br />

www.megastarmedia.net<br />

T: Thang Long<br />

www.giaitrithanglong.com/cinema<br />

Paranormal Activity 2 (Nov 12)<br />

Skyline (Nov 26)<br />

108 asialife HCMC

---

ookshelf<br />

Luka and the Fire<br />

of Life<br />

Salman Rushdie<br />

Johnathan Cape<br />

From the literary superstar Salman Rushdie comes a book for<br />

teenagers: Luka and the Fire of Life. Written much as a companion<br />

to his earlier book for children, Haroun and the Sea of Stories,<br />

Luka is a tribute to Rushdie's son, Milan, much like Haroun was a<br />

tribute 20 years ago to his elder son, Zafar. This book is about a<br />

journey the young Luka embarks on in a bid to save his storytelling<br />

father who has slipped into a coma; Luka's journey into<br />

the magical realm features incredible characters and unexpected<br />

twists and turns. Both books have this in common too: the child<br />

protagonist saves the parent. Luka is, amongst many things, more<br />

worldly than Haroun, as it features gods and goddesses from all<br />

over the globe.<br />

Inheritance<br />

Tara Palmer-Tomkinson<br />

Pan McMillan<br />

You won't be blamed for doing a double take when you read<br />

that the author of Inheritance is Tara Palmer-Tomkinson. How did<br />

London's one time most famed It Girl turn into a Lit Girl—and<br />

should we just scoff it off as, at best, an airport read Given that<br />

the reviews haven't been all that dismal, there may be more to<br />

Inheritance than meets the eye. Unsurprisingly the book is inspired<br />

by the author's real life events—our heroine, Lyric Charlton,<br />

emerges from rehab (sound familiar already) to discover a family<br />

secret (shock, horror). Sure it's one big homage to oneself but if<br />

you're up for a laugh and enjoy celebrity-written memoirs posing<br />

as literature, or just love chick lit, this might not make you want to<br />

immediately vomit.<br />

Even Silence Has<br />

An End<br />

Ingrid Betancourt<br />

Penguin Press<br />

It was one of modern times most horrific hostage stories yet a<br />

testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The story of Ingrid<br />

Betancourt, a young aspiring candidate for Colombia's presidential<br />

election in 2002, kidnapped by the feared FARC group and held<br />

hostage for six-and-a-half years, captivated audiences when she<br />

was eventually released a few years ago. How she endured those<br />

years in captivity, physically and psychologically deprived, is narrated<br />

with a quiet dignity that is inspiring. Her attempted escapes,<br />

her being dealt unimaginable punishments, her resilience throughout,<br />

not to mention her relationship with her captors, make this a<br />

gripping read. The memoir is as much a story of survival as it is of<br />

self-discovery but above all it is a journey towards forgiveness.<br />

Squirrel Seeks<br />

Chipmunk<br />

David Sedaris<br />

Little Brown and Co<br />

Think Aesop Fables re-written by America's leading humorist David<br />

Sedaris and you have in your hands Squirrel Meets Chipmunk,<br />

A Modest Bestiary. Of the 16 animal stories, some indeed are<br />

fables while others are not; suffice it to say they are all very funny,<br />

some heartbreaking, too. Imagine everyday human scenarios—<br />

standing in a line complaining about bureaucracy—acted out by<br />

animals. Sedaris deftly handles morality in a world where political<br />

correctness sometimes trumps common sense with hilarious<br />

results. That he can do with such panache and get you thinking<br />

too—should the storks tell the chicks the facts of life or lie and say<br />

they were brought to their parents by mice—proves why Sedaris<br />

can tackle any subject with an inimitable style.<br />

asialife HCMC 109

---

soundfix<br />

album review<br />

by John Thornton<br />

KINGS OF LEON<br />

COME AROUND<br />

SUNDOWN<br />

MAGNETIC MAN<br />

MAGNETIC MAN<br />

GRINDERMAN<br />

GRINDERMAN 2<br />

BELLE &<br />

SEBASTIAN<br />

WRITE ABOUT LOVE<br />

Following the gargantuan success<br />

of 2008’s Only By The<br />

Night, the Tennessee-bred<br />

quartet had a decision to make.<br />

They could either continue to<br />

distance themselves from fans<br />

of their first three albums by<br />

churning out more radio-friendly<br />

pop hits a la "Sex On Fire" and<br />

"Use Somebody" or put their<br />

collective middle finger up to<br />

the mainstream and return to<br />

the ramshackle charm of old.<br />

Intriguingly, on Come Around<br />

Sundown the Followills don’t<br />

commit to either. Instead, they’ve<br />

conjured an album that maintains<br />

the widescreen stadium-driven<br />

atmospherics of their previous<br />

LP but scales back the ambition<br />

with altogether subtler songs<br />

that, although not as immediately<br />

catchy (with the exception of<br />

"Radioactive"), are much more<br />

considered and thoughtful. "The<br />

End," "Pyro" and "The Face" are<br />

sparse, wistful gems teeming<br />

with reflective and melancholic<br />

qualities whilst "Back Down<br />

South" is a violin-flecked bluegrass<br />

lament to their southern<br />

roots. This is the sound of KOL<br />

taking a conscious step back<br />

from the precipice.<br />

When you live in a country<br />

such as Vietnam it’s sometimes<br />

easy to miss or feel disconnected<br />

from cultural happenings<br />

occurring elsewhere in the<br />

world. Dubstep, the minimalist<br />

underground dance subgenre<br />

born from a two-step garage<br />

in Croydon record shops at the<br />

beginning of the noughties, is<br />

one such example. This musical<br />

phenomenon has been slaying<br />

dancefloors from London to<br />

LA for the past several years,<br />

growing in popularity and stature<br />

exponentially. Comprising<br />

dubstep’s originators Skream,<br />

Benga and Artwork, Magnetic<br />

Man sees dubstep enter the<br />

pop arena with Top 40 heavyweights<br />

Ms Dynamite and John<br />

Legend enlisted to help smooth<br />

the transition. Musos will hate<br />

this album. Then again, it was<br />

never aimed at them in the first<br />

place. The undulating “wub wub<br />

wub” basslines, 80s keyboard<br />

synths and seductive vocals of<br />

Katy B are obviously targeted at<br />

those with their ears trained to<br />

FM radio stations and university<br />

students looking to splurge<br />

away their loans in overpriced<br />

and trendy superclubs.<br />

Showing no signs of growing<br />

old gracefully (or quietly, for that<br />

matter), Nick Cave allows the<br />

troublemaking noise merchant<br />

side of his personality to rise to<br />

surface once again on Grinderman<br />

2. Teaming up with fellow<br />

Bad Seeds members Martyn<br />

Casey on bass, Warren Ellis<br />

on violin and guitar and Jim<br />

Sclavunos on drums, the album<br />

is just as psychedelic, experimental<br />

and emotionally furious as<br />

its predecessor. The majority of<br />

sounds on display (dense layers<br />

of feedback, horror-movie organ<br />

chords, scuzzy guitars and coiled<br />

basslines) initially make for an<br />

impenetrable listening experience.<br />

The word ‘cacophony’ instantly<br />

springs to mind. However, given<br />

repeated listens, Grinderman 2<br />

opens up to become a thrilling record<br />

with elements of punk, blues<br />

and good old-fashioned rock n’<br />

roll colliding in reckless abandon<br />

("Bellringer Blues, Kitchenette").<br />

The greatest moment, however,<br />

is reserved for "Palaces Of Montezuma,"<br />

a wonderfully melodic<br />

track driven by Cave’s witticisms<br />

and completed by the infectious<br />

‘woooo-woooo’ backing vocals<br />

and uplifting rhythm section.<br />

The eighth album from the<br />

seven-piece Glaswegian band<br />

sees Stuart Murdoch and Co.<br />

consolidating their strengths<br />

rather than expanding into new<br />

territory. Swinging 60s pop and<br />

intimate folk are arranged smartly<br />

and intricately by producer Tony<br />

Hoffer as the group’s pretty<br />

melodies glide delicately through<br />

the album’s crisp, clean and full<br />

bodied sound. Standout tracks<br />

include the exhilarating "I Want<br />

The World To Stop" with its<br />

arms-aloft chorus and "Little Lou,<br />

Ugly Jack, Prophet John," which<br />

transforms Norah Jones’ usually<br />

flat and monotonous croon into<br />

sultry and honeyed tones. The<br />

retro cheeriness of "I’m Not Living<br />

In The Real World" comes over<br />

like early Blur and The Polyphonic<br />

Spree and the horn-driven "The<br />

Ghost Of Rock School" shimmers<br />

with a Mo-town thumbclicking<br />

rhythm. Lyrically, Murdoch<br />

remains as whimsical and surreal<br />

as ever, with many abstract and<br />

veiled references to the mechanics<br />

of relationships dotted<br />

throughout. Belle & Sebastian<br />

aren’t reinventing the wheel but<br />

why fix something when it’s not<br />

broken<br />

110 asialife HCMC

---

Official xoneFM Vietnam Top 10<br />

this last title artist<br />

week week<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

4<br />

2<br />

9<br />

10<br />

NEW<br />

6<br />

NEW<br />

NEW<br />

3<br />

NEW<br />

Doi Thay<br />

Suy Nghi Trong Anh<br />

Bat Song Cam Xuc<br />

Nguoi La Noi Cuoi Con<br />

Duong<br />

Hanh Phuc Thoang<br />

Qua<br />

Den Bao Gio<br />

Vet Nang Cuoi Troi<br />

Ho Guom Sang Som<br />

Nang Theo Chan Em<br />

Ki Uc Anh Va Em<br />

US Top 10<br />

this last title artist<br />

week week<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

2<br />

1<br />

3<br />

6<br />

5<br />

NEW<br />

4<br />

7<br />

9<br />

NEW<br />

Like A G6<br />

Just The Way You Are<br />

Just A Dream<br />

Only Girl (In The World)<br />

DJ Got Us Fallin' In<br />

Love<br />

Back To December<br />

Teenage Dream<br />

Dynamite<br />

Club Can't Handle Me<br />

Bottoms Up<br />

UK Top 10<br />

this last title artist<br />

week week<br />

1<br />

2<br />

3<br />

4<br />

5<br />

6<br />

7<br />

8<br />

9<br />

10<br />

xoneFM top ten<br />

2<br />

NEW<br />

3<br />

1<br />

NEW<br />

9<br />

4<br />

5<br />

NEW<br />

NEW<br />

Just The Way You Are<br />

Heart Vacancy<br />

Barbra Streisand<br />

Forget You<br />

Firework<br />

Cooler Than Me<br />

Miami 2 Ibiza<br />

Written In The Stars<br />

2012 (It Ain't The End)<br />

Best Behaviour<br />

Noo Phuoc Thinh<br />

Duy Khoa<br />

Wanbi Tuan Anh<br />

LK feat. Jay Tea<br />

Noo Phuoc Thinh<br />

Tran Trung Duc<br />

Minh Vuong<br />

Hoang Hai<br />

Phuong Vy<br />

V Music Band<br />

Far*East Movement<br />

Featuring Cataracs &<br />

Dev<br />

Bruno Mars<br />

Nelly<br />

Rihanna<br />

Usher Featuring Pitbull<br />

Taylor Swift<br />

Katy Perry<br />

Taio Cruz<br />

Flo-Rida feat. David<br />

Guetta<br />

Trey Songz Featuring<br />

Nicki Minaj<br />

Bruno Mars<br />

Wanted<br />

Duck Sauce<br />

Cee Lo Green<br />

Katy Perry<br />

Mike Posner<br />

Swedish House Mafia<br />

Vs Tinie<br />

Tinie Tempah Ft Eric<br />

Turner<br />

Jay Sean Ft Nicki<br />

Minaj<br />

N-Dubz<br />

endorsed<br />

Nobody's Perfect<br />

By Mark Jackson<br />

The small motorboat is sailing<br />

off into the horizon. Marilyn<br />

Monroe and Tony Curtis are<br />

kissing in the back seat while<br />

out front Joe E Brown is<br />

whisking Jack Lemmon off to<br />

his luxury yacht. Still in drag<br />

Lemmon lists the reasons why<br />

he cannot marry Brown—he<br />

smokes, he’s not a real blonde,<br />

he has lived for years with a<br />

saxophone player. Throughout<br />

Brown maintains a resolute “I<br />

don’t mind.” Eventually Lemmon<br />

tears off his wig announcing<br />

that he is a man. In probably<br />

the most famous closing line in<br />

cinematographic history, Brown<br />

responds: “Nobody’s Perfect.”<br />

To many Some Like It Hot<br />

(1959) is director Billy Wilder’s<br />

perfect movie. Judged the best<br />

comedy in American cinema<br />

by the American Film Institute,<br />

it is also ranked 14th in the<br />

organization’s top 100 films of<br />

the twentieth century.<br />

Wilder’s genius lies in taking<br />

a routine plot and giving it a<br />

twist: two musicians oversee a<br />

mob killing in Chicago and hide<br />

themselves in a travelling band.<br />

This is hardly groundbreaking<br />

stuff but by choosing to make<br />

the band all female, Wilder<br />

crosses transgender boundaries.<br />

Macho, womanizing Curtis<br />

has to hide in furs and tights in<br />

order to save his neck.<br />

The tension behind the twist<br />

turns a farcical comedy into a<br />

masterpiece.<br />

Although now widely acclaimed<br />

as one, if not the, funniest<br />

film of all time, Some Like It<br />

Hot was not as great a critical<br />

success at the time as his<br />

follow-up film, The Apartment.<br />

Also starring Lemmon, but this<br />

time teamed up with a youthful<br />

Shirley MacLaine, Wilder<br />

scooped Oscars for Best Film,<br />

Best Director and Best Screenplay<br />

for The Apartment.<br />

Again the master director’s<br />

focus is not as others would<br />

like. By choosing to cast Lemmon<br />

as a man who lets out his<br />

apartment to work colleagues<br />

for personal advancement<br />

in the office, Wilder chose a<br />

weak central character that is<br />

not instantly likeable. However,<br />

the making of the man is the<br />

making of the film, with Lemmon<br />

winning both the audience<br />

and MacLaine in the final<br />

sequences.<br />

What made Wilder stand out<br />

as a director was his ability to<br />

play against type—evidence<br />

Curtis in drag and wholesome<br />

Fred MacMurray as a skunk<br />

in both The Apartment and<br />

Double Indemnity. He also<br />

made stars perform. Monroe is<br />

a revelation in Some Like It Hot,<br />

proving she was more than a<br />

blonde bombshell.<br />

Never afraid to explore<br />

the darker side of humanity,<br />

Wilder’s classic film noir Sunset<br />

Boulevard is almost too painful<br />

to watch. Starting with William<br />

Holden’s drowned body floating<br />

in a pool, the whole film is<br />

played in flashback from the<br />

view of the dead man as he<br />

becomes ensnared by faded<br />

movie star Gloria Swanson.<br />

One of the strongest indictments<br />

of Hollywood’s star<br />

system, Sunset Boulevard is<br />

consistently voted as one of the<br />

best films of all time.<br />

After The Apartment Wilder’s<br />

career went into a decline.<br />

While his subsequent films fail<br />

to match up to his earlier work,<br />

this just goes to prove, as written<br />

on Wilder’s headstone, that<br />

nobody’s perfect.<br />

asialife HCMC 111

---

adar<br />

Dulce de Leche<br />

Cooking for Engineers<br />

www.cookingforengineers.com<br />

When it comes to cooking, some people are alchemists in the kitchen, able<br />

to cook on the fly with whatever’s on hand. For those less savvy behind the<br />

stove, there’s Cooking for Engineers, a website operated by tech professional<br />

and foodie Michael Chu. Mr. Chu takes an analytical approach to the culinary<br />

arts, tucking little lessons into his recipes that explain the rhyme and reason for<br />

using certain ingredients and techniques over others. For example, he makes<br />

a macaroni bake with American, Monterey Jack and sharp cheddar because<br />

they contribute to stabilization, creaminess and taste, respectively. In another<br />

case, he surmises that his gazpacho takes on a “fluffy” texture due to the<br />

introduction of air during automatic blending. Also helpful: Each step in Chu’s<br />

recipes is illustrated, so you know how the dish should be taking shape. The<br />

only thing that could make Cooking for Engineers more user-friendly is if Chu<br />

offered delivery service. Tom DiChristopher<br />

Go Fug Yourself<br />

www.gofugyourself.celebuzz.com<br />

For those obsessed with celebrity and their fashion sense (or lack thereof), the<br />

long-standing and award winning folks at the blog Go Fug Yourself continue to<br />

amuse with their verdicts on red carpet hits and misses. For a topic that seems<br />

so trite, the blog will surprise you because it is just so darn well written: clever,<br />

witty, sometimes downright laugh out loud funny. It is almost worth reading<br />

just for the titles to each post, for they always make some play on the subject<br />

they're going after or the few they manage to praise. Sometimes, there's also<br />

fictional dialogue between a couple posing at a red carpet event, usually a<br />

movie premiere, which can also elicit enough amusement to get you through<br />

until lunch. And if you don’t feel like napping during lunch, you can browse<br />

through the archives for more hilarity. M. Khan<br />

Posterous<br />

www.posterous.com<br />

Have you always fancied yourself as a blogger but found the process of setting<br />

up a site too complicated Does the idea of writing lengthy updates to<br />

your family and friends back home and then uploading it on a webpage sound<br />

appealing, albeit too daunting a task to do on a regular basis If so, the website<br />

Posterous may be a God-send. Here’s why: send in your content (writings,<br />

images) and within a short time frame, your content is up on the web.<br />

This is ideal for personal and collaborative blogs and for the more tech-savvy,<br />

it is also a rich bookmarking tool, better than Delicious as it allows you to<br />

easily upload, store and tag text, audio and video files. Posterous also hosts<br />

images (and is faster than Flickr) and video too—and can even plug your file to<br />

YouTube should you choose that option. It can do all this and more in steps as<br />

easy as 1-2-3. M. Khan<br />

112 asialife HCMC

---

With September came a flood of<br />

birthdays among people I know.<br />

My wife, a brother and many<br />

friends all celebrated the milestone<br />

last month. This should<br />

probably not be surprising<br />

given it is the ninth month after<br />

the Christmas and New Year<br />

holiday season, which would<br />

indeed appear to be a merry old<br />

time.<br />

All this birthday cheer had<br />

me thinking about this annual<br />

ritual. Why do we feel the need<br />

to celebrate making it through<br />

another year, and why do we<br />

usually do this by gathering<br />

with family and friends and<br />

eating and drinking far more<br />

than is good for us Certainly, if<br />

anything makes the passage of<br />

time clear it is that the hangovers<br />

from these occasions grow<br />

more painful and take longer to<br />

recover from.<br />

The birthday is a straightforward<br />

proposition when you are<br />

a kid. It’s all about the presents,<br />

end of story. However, with a<br />

birth date falling only a few<br />

days after Christmas, I was constantly<br />

lobbying my parents to<br />

allow me to move my birthday<br />

to June in order to more evenly<br />

spread present-receiving occasions<br />

throughout the year. No<br />

luck with that one.<br />

Then of course it is about<br />

reaching the age when you can<br />

do the fun, adult things you<br />

have been waiting for, like getting<br />

a driver’s license or going<br />

to a bar. Before long, usually<br />

while you are sitting in a traffic<br />

jam on the way to work or<br />

paying for over-priced drinks<br />

in a deafeningly loud nightclub,<br />

you realize the novelty of these<br />

things has a very short shelf life.<br />

As the numbers start to stack<br />

up, you are faced with a question:<br />

Do I mark each birthday<br />

with a bang, or let it slide by<br />

with barely a murmur Each<br />

person’s answer will really<br />

come down to how he or she<br />

feels about getting older. I am<br />

pretty happy these days my<br />

parents never gave in to my<br />

childish pleas to change my<br />

birthday. Sandwiched in between<br />

Christmas and New Year<br />

it is very easy to fly under the<br />

radar while everyone is busily<br />

enjoying the holidays.<br />

I’m not for a moment suggesting<br />

I would like to turn back<br />

the clock a decade or two. Who<br />

in their right mind would want<br />

to revisit the spotty uncertainty<br />

of their teenage years I’m also<br />

not sure the relative impoverishment<br />

and bad fashion choices of<br />

my twenties (think grunge-era<br />

flannel shirts, big boots and long<br />

hair) is something I would be<br />

rushing to have a second go at.<br />

All things considered, my<br />

life now is as good as it has ever<br />

been. It is more that recently I<br />

have started to notice those little<br />

signals my body sends to my<br />

brain to let it know I’m not 21<br />

anymore. I think what I would<br />

really like to do is just hit the<br />

pause button for a while to stop<br />

those birthdays, which seem to<br />

arrive with greater and greater<br />

haste.<br />

Unfortunately, due to lacking<br />

the ability to bend time to my<br />

will I have to think about it a<br />

different way. Dylan Thomas<br />

wrote about raging against the<br />

dying of the light. He also drank<br />

an awful lot of whisky. Perhaps<br />

a birthday brings out a little of<br />

the Dylan Thomas in us, and<br />

gives us a chance to raise a glass<br />

to life and shout into the face of<br />

time that we will not go gentle<br />

into that good night. That’s as<br />

good a reason for a party that I<br />

can think of.<br />

asialife HCMC 113

---

cars<br />

1) What was the nickname given<br />

to the 1969 Dodge Charger in<br />

Dukes Of Hazard<br />

2) To what speed does the car<br />

in Back To The Future have to<br />

reach to travel in time<br />

3) What make of car does TV`s<br />

Mr Bean drive<br />

4) Which 1984 movie starred<br />

Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray and<br />

a 1959 Cadillac Miller Meteor<br />

Ambulance<br />

5) Which car had the Racing<br />

number 53<br />

bars<br />

6) Where did Sam, Diane and<br />

Carla work<br />

7) What links Clark Gable,<br />

Grace Kelly, Ava Gardner<br />

and a bar in HCMC<br />

8) Who runs a “Café Américain”<br />

in Morocco<br />

9) Who would you find behind<br />

the bar in the Ten Forward<br />

10) What is the name of<br />

Walford’s best known pub<br />

mr<br />

pub quiz<br />

11) Which Dickens character<br />

was continually 'waiting for<br />

something to turn up'<br />

12) Which book characters<br />

were created by Roger<br />

Hargreaves<br />

13) Who is the owner of<br />

Springfield Nuclear Power<br />

Plant<br />

14) Which actor played both<br />

B. A. Baracus and Clubber<br />

Lang<br />

15) Whose parents are Sarek<br />

and Amanda Grayson<br />

and mrs<br />

16) Who did Robin Williams<br />

portray in a 1993 film<br />

17) Which Simon and Garfunkel<br />

hit single featured in the<br />

1967 film The Graduate<br />

18) Which Virginia Wolf<br />

character has the first name<br />

Clarissa<br />

19) How is Bessie Wallis<br />

Warfield better known<br />

20) Who wrote a Book of<br />

Household Management<br />

and died aged 28<br />

saved by the bell!<br />

21) Who played the title role in<br />

the 2002 film Billy Elliot<br />

22) The Liberty Bell designed<br />

by Charles Fay in 1889 was<br />

the name of the world’s first<br />

what<br />

23) Andy Bell is the lead singer<br />

for which group<br />

24) Who recorded the best<br />

selling album Tubular Bells<br />

25) Rupert Everett and Colin<br />

Firth starred in two recent<br />

films set in an English girls<br />

school. What was the name<br />

of the first film in this series,<br />

made in 1954<br />

grand masters<br />

26)<br />

27)<br />

28)<br />

29)<br />

30)<br />

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1) The General Lee 2) 88 miles per hour 3) Mini (British Leyland Mini 1000)<br />

4) Ghostbusters 5) Herbie (The Love Bug) 6) Cheers 7) Mogambo 8) Rick<br />

(Blaine) 9) Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) 10) The Queen Vic(toria) 11) Mr Micawber<br />

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17) Mrs Robinson 18) Mrs Dalloway 19) Mrs Simpson 20) Mrs Beeton 21)<br />

Jamie Bell 22) Fruit/Slot Machine (pokie) 23) Erasure 24) Mike Oldfield 25)<br />

The Belles of St Trinians 26) Cate Blanchett 27) Dustin Hoffman 28) Jennifer<br />

Lopez 29) Vladimir Putin 30) Willie Nelson<br />

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Pub Quiz Answers<br />

114 asialife HCMC