Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

MINH DANG QUANG AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa BUDDHIST INSTITUTE The Buddhist Institute, positioned in as a kitchen. Behind the main tower the area that spans 37.490m2 in District is a five-story building “Tay Phuong 2, has a three-story main tower that is Cuc Lac” (Pure land – Sukhavati) with 40m in width and 70m in height: the top a width of 12m and a length of 36m floor is a traditional, octagonal-shaped that worships Lich Dai To Su (soshi – hall with a diameter of 32m, which on important the Buddhist teachers, worships Buddha Shakyamuni; the high priests, and founders of Buddhist middle floor is a meditation hall 24m sects) and Cuu Huyen That To (the wide and 50m long; behind meditation ancestors), further are Tue Tinh Duong hall is a temple devoted to Buddha (the treatment room) and the buildings who is entering Nirvana; the lowest for the charitable cause. floor is the lecture hall 40m wide and 50m long with a large multi-functional 505 Ha Noi Highway, An hall at the back; and a basement used Phu Ward, District 2 Year established: 1966 (+8428) 3501 9988 51

VIETNAM QUOC TU Year establised: 1963 PAGODA 246 3/2 Street, District 10 (+8428) 3865 2700 Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda reveals the period of the Buddhist crisis in Vietnam in 1963. The Pagoda was damaged after ten years of the operation. After being dismantled, the Pagoda was left with the foundation. Currently, the restored Pagoda has two towers that combine the modern and traditional architecture and be covered by peaceful natural space. One tower has seven floors, another has thirteen floors. BUU LONG PAGODA Year established: 1942 Buu Long Pagoda, recognized by 81 Nguyen Xien Street, National Geographic as one of the top District 9 20 the most beautiful pagodas in the world, is also known as “Thai Pagoda (+8428) 3732 5059 in the heart of Saigon”. Besides having (+8428) 913 735 376 the largest stupa in Vietnam with various magnificent shrines, and halls that demonstrate a harmonious blend of Nguyen Dynasty’s architecture, Thai culture and Indian culture, the Pagoda also has a verdant campus and an emerald lake. Visitors will find here a peaceful and quiet atmosphere and quiet as their souls seek to escape the chaos of the bustling urban areas. 52

OTHERS Tran Hung Dao Temple: 36 Vo Thi Sau AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1 The temple was built in 1932, worshipping Tran Hung Dao who is revered as a national hero. In the main hall, there are various carved lacquerware that applaud Tran Hung Dao in Chinese characters. Tran Hung Dao was a military commander who repelled major Mongol invasions in the thirteenth century. AN QUANG PAGODA THIEN HAU TEMPLE 234 Su Van Hanh Street, 710 Nguyen Trai Street Ward 9, District 10 Ward 11, District 5 GIAC VIEN PAGODA ONG BON TEMPLE 161/35/20 Lac Long Quan 264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, Ward 3, District 11 Street, Ward 16, District 5 MOT COT PAGODA PHUNG SON PAGODA 100 Dang Van Bi Street, Binh 1408 3/2 Street, Tho Ward, Thu Duc District Ward 3, District 11 NGHIA AN ASSEMBLY HALL KHANH VAN NAM VIEN PAGODA 678 Nguyen Trai Street, 269/2, Nguyen Thi Nho Street, Ward 11, District 5 Ward 16, District 11 ATTENTION YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW Ask for permission before taking a photo. The incense coil is an indispensable item when visiting If possible, donate to the pagodas the pagodas. Presenting the burning incenses is a way to Dress appropriately show one’s gratitude to Buddha or the deceased. Do not laugh out loud, especially during the chanting. Do not touch statues and exhibits Do not step into the sacred areas, for example, around Buddha statues. Do not wear hats. 53

CHA TAM CHURCH This is one of the only two churches in the City that is decorated similar to the Chinese temples with the horizontal lacquered boards and vertical parallel lines. The Church was built in the early twentieth century and its two main colors which are light yellow and white were chosen by Father Pierre d’Assou (Chinese name: Tam An Su, Vietnamese name: Cha Tam. 25 Hoc Lac Street, Ward 14, District 5 CHO QUAN CHURCH As one of the largest churches in Ho Chi Minh City, being built for more than 100 years ago by the French with Gothic architecture, to this date, Cho Quan Church is still considered as the most majestic and monumental destination in Cholon (Chinatown). Cho Quan is also one of the oldest churches of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. The first chapel was built in 1674 by the believers from the Northern and Central regions. 120 Tran Binh Trong Street, Ward 2, District 5 54

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa The construction of Notre Dame Cathedral started in 1877. Cathedral was designed by the French architect Bourard, simulating Paris Notre Dame Cathedral. The square in front of the church places the statue of the Virgin Mary. Most of the materials, ranging from bricks, tiles, cement to decorative glasses, were shipped from France. The construction was completed after 3 years. Located in the heart of the City, the Cathedral shines as a special work in terms of planning and highlights the urban area. Over 140 years of political and historical upheavals, Notre Dame Cathedral is still regarded as the masterpiece of Ho Chi Minh City’s urban architecture. Starting from Notre Dame Cathedral, visitors can walk to Independence Palace and Saigon Central Post Office. 01 Cong xa Paris Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 TAN DINH CHURCH Tan Dinh Church, famous for its Gothic style architecture, Roman and Baroquestyle decorations and marvelous sculpture, is one of the most magnificent churches in Ho Chi Minh City. 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3 (near Tan Dinh market) 55

HINDU MARIAMMAN TEMPLE Being known as Ba Pagoda, Hindu Mariamman Temple is the most famous temple among the three Hindu temples in Ho Chi Minh City. The temple was built in the early 20th century that worships the Goddess Mariamman – the God of the crop, land, health, marriage, and family. 45 Truong Dinh Street, District 1 (in the west of Ben Thanh market) CHOLON MOSQUE Cholon Mosque was built by the Tamils in 1932 for the Muslim Malaysian and Indonesian. Contrary to the other crowded and bustling temples, Cholon Mosque finds its own quiet in the heart of the ancient Chinese town of the City. 641 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5 56

JAMIA AL MUSLIM MOSQUE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa (DONG DU MOSQUE) Jamia Al Muslim Mosque, built in 1935, is a long-standing work that is strongly influenced by the Muslim Indians living in the Southern region of Vietnam. The Mosque, by its harmonious architecture, contributes to the City’s architectural diversity. There are not only religious activities that take place here every day but also cultural activities of devout believers. 66 Dong Du Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 57

CUISINE An open kitchen to every region’s flavors 58

Ho Chi Minh City’s cuisine boasts to have To feel the touch of the City’s rich AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.2 Cuisines an unmatched diversity and regularly cuisine, you can find the street vendors be honored on the world rankings. standing in the age-old back-alleys, you Varied soil characteristics along with can taste dishes served by the sidewalk hot and humid climate all year round restaurants while watching the local bestow this land with numberless fresh people’s way of life, or you can enjoy ingredients. Meanwhile, the meeting your meals in the luxurious restaurants. between different cultures across the Regardless of the approaches world also enriches the City’s culinary you choose, the cuisine here will diversity. Throughout its history, the unquestionably give your taste buds, City has not only welcomed a variety of and your hearts so much to remember. flavors from all the regions of Vietnam but also brought the culinary culture of the Chinese, Khmer, Thai and European into the kitchen, to combine, to cook and to create its own culinary styles. 59

AMBROSIAL MAIN DISH 60

BANH MI AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.2 Cuisines Being touted as one of the world’s best delicacies, Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread) makes Vietnam’s cuisine shine on the world culinary map. During the French colonial period, the exquisite craftsmanship of the Vietnamese masters turned the French baguette into a type of bread that carries Saigon’s quintessence. Inside each lovely loaf of Banh Mi is a party of flavors: crunchy crust, creamy butter, savory ham, cha lua (pork sausage), velvety fried eggs, sweel-and-sour pickled daikon, bitter coriander leaf (cilantro) and little spicy chili. All of these flavors blend together as harmoniously as a colorful mix and leave an unforgettable aftertaste even for those who try the first time. 61

COM TAM “Have yet to try Com Tam, have yet to come to Ho Chi Minh city” Indeed, Com Tam not only witnesses the fusion of the New and the Old City, but also demonstrates the open-mindedness and the culinary creativity of people living here. The main ingredient of com tam is the broken rice – means the fragments of the rice grains being broken during milling. Com Tam is also served with a slab of grilled pork chop which is inspired by the steak from Europe, Bi (a mixture of thinly shredded pork and thinly shredded pork skin) mixing with Thinh (fried ground rice) which is crispy and crunchy, a slice of steamed pork loaf made from minced pork topped with egg yolks and sliced wood ear mushroom. Drizzling the Mo Hanh (onion cooked with pork fat) and sweet-and-sour fish sauce to make the party of flavors more delectable. Just that, a simple but elegant dish becomes a part of many generations. If you once stop at a sidewalk restaurant, do not forget to order Com Tam and enjoy it on the very sidewalk. This delicious dish will undoubtedly captivate your heart. 62

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.2 Cuisines BANH XEO Banh xeo might be the largest crepes with the most harmonious flavors in Ho Chi Minh city. With the crust made of the rice flour mixed with the turmeric and coconut milk, and the fillings that have green beans, onions, and bean sprouts, we know Banh Xeo is ready as hearing the “xeo xeo” sound (sizzling) on the pan and seeing the crepe crust turn into the golden brown. “Banh Xeo” was named after this funny sound which reveals the rustic and idyllic atmosphere of the Southwest countryside. Just one bite, the delicacy of the crispy crust, the bitterness of the cabbage and zesty flavor of the various herbs, the spicy-sweet-sour taste of the fish sauce will give you a tour to the paradise. The flavors that blend on the tip of the tongue is as delicious as it is impossible to forget. 63

BUN MAM Enjoying the stunning cuisine of Southwestern region of Vietnam right in Ho Chi Minh City with Bun Mam “Bun Mam” was named after the most bean sprouts. Bun Mam provides the special ingredient of this dish, which nutrition you need to boost your energy is also a must-try specialty when and serves as a leisure boat riding you visiting the Southwestern region – Mam to the idyllic Southwestern rivers that (fermented fish sauce) (Bun refers to will be etched on your memory forever. steamed rice vermicelli). Just a light touch, Mam Ca Linh (fermented the fish paste made from the mustached danio), Mam Ca Sac (fermented fish paste made from snakeskin gourami) can evoke the pungency and richness of broth in an impressive way. Bun Mam is also served with the Southwestern specialties, for example, catfish, shrimp, squid, roast pork and a little basil leaves, water lilies, Bap Chuoi (banana flower left after harvesting bananas), sawah lettuce, HU TIEU Hu tieu (noodle soup) might be the chewy cellophane noodles), hu tieu sa most diverse dish in this land. A full te (sa te refers to chili paste), hu tieu ca bowl of hu tieu, besides having umami (hu tieu cooked with fish), hu tieu kho broth, rice noodles, thinly sliced beef (“dry” version of hu tieu, not soup but or steamed beef ball, is served with with sauce), etc. You can find all these various herbs including shredded unique versions in Ho Chi Minh City. cucumber, bean sprouts, star fruit, Sitting on the sidewalk to enjoy a bowl basil and coriander leaves. There are of hu tieu and watching the street light numerous versions of hu tieu, for up all night are all singular experiences example, hu tieu Nam Vang (comes that only this land can offer. from Cambodia, served on thick, clear, 64

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FLAVORED SNACKS

GOI CUON Being ranked in the top 50 world’s most delicious dishes by CNN in 2011, Goi Cuon (salad rolls or summer rolls) is not only interesting in the way you can eat it directly using the hands, but also special in the way it is made. Various ingredients including boiled pork, shrimp, fresh noodles, chives being cut in half, herbs, lettuce are skillfully wrapped in the rice paper. Goi Cuon can be dipped with soy sauce or Mam Nem (a sauce made of fermented fish but more pungent than the fish sauce) mixed with pineapple. With either sauce, the refreshing and full-bodied taste of Goi Cuon shall enchant anyone who tastes it. (*) Nguồn thông tin: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/ world-best-foods-readers-choice/index.htm BANH TRANG TRON As the most popular snack in Ho Chi Minh City, banh trang tron (rice paper salad) can be found in every corner of the city: small alleys, markets or sidewalks. Banh Trang Tron is served with rice paper cut into strips mixed with sa te (chili paste) or oil, some fried onions, shrimp salt, and added mangos, dried beef and boiled quail eggs to be tastier. If your schedule allows, do not forget to try Banh Trang Nuong (flat rice crackers, when heated, enlarge into a round and be added various ingredients) and dozens of rice papers of the Southwestern region. The spicy, sour, velvety and nutty taste on the tip of the tongue and tender aroma lingering in your mouth will catch you off guard in a surprising and fascinating way. 68

PHA LAU AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.2 Cuisines As a culinary extravaganza, Pha Lau The simple but singular dish is extremely is made from bite-size offal that is popular among Saigonese, and is one of marginated with five-spice powder, the dishes that tourists should try when added coconut milk and simmered for traveling to Ho Chi Minh City. hours. Pha Lau can be served with bread, instant noodles or be fried, used as a hotpot, and baked. 69

CHE BA BA (CHE THUNG) Carrying the name that is easily likened to a typical costume of women living in the Southwestern region, che ba ba is a sweet dessert soup to which every Saigonese is familiar with. This “mixed soup” includes all kinds of Vietnamese typical vegetables and seeds: green beans, lotus seeds, peanuts, sweet potatoes, taro, tapioca, wood ear mushroom, potato flour, semolina, and coconut milk. Having a delightful piquancy and rich sweetness, Che Ba Ba is nutritious and as sweet as the people living in the Southwestern region. 70

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.2 Cuisines CAFÉ VOT Café vot reflects an interesting and unique culture of Ho Chi Minh city. The ground coffee beans are put into Vot (a piece of cloth that has the shape of the sock) and infused in the Chinese herbal medicine for it to take up all coffee flavors. This water is then “simmered” on the charcoal stove until it is served to customers. The aroma and aftertaste of Café Vot are exquisite, elegant but still rich in a unique way compared to traditional coffee. Paying a visit to a rustic café jostled in a small alley, sitting on an old dark chair, enjoying the bitterness and pungency of café vot to have the feeling that time and space stop for a moment in the heart of the city. 71

ENTERTAINMENT A style open to fun-filled experience 72

Most types of entertainment from good movie. Or if you fall in love with AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.3 Entertainment affordable to luxurious levels, or from the art and always desire to discover deeply imbued with national identity to local culture, experiencing your harmoniously integrated with the global evening with the unique Vietnamese culture, converge in this colorful city. art performances such as À Ố Show or water puppet shows will be also a If you are a lover of the movement wonderful choice. And if you have spent and the modern entertainment style, a long day exploring all the streets of the suggestions for you would be exploring city, why do you not reward yourself a Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden, relaxing moment with spa or massage? immersing yourself in an eco-tourism area or pampering your mind with a 73

AMUSEMENT PARK Beyond excitement 74

SAIGON ZOO AND AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.3 Entertainment BOTANICAL GARDEN Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is there are two unique architecture one of the most species-rich zoos in works: Hung King Temple built in 1926 Southeast Asia including approximately and Vietnam History Museum - Ho 125 species of animals, 260 species of Chi Minh City inaugurated in 1929. woody plants, 23 species of orchids, Visitors can easily get to Saigon Zoo 33 species of cactus, 34 species of and Botanical Garden by bus with bonsai, etc. Saigon Zoo and Botanical route No. 12; 18; 19 or 42, the closest Garden is also a park for children with stop is at Sofitel Saigon Plaza, 17 Le plenty of the interesting games and Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. activities. Also within the grounds, (+8428) 3829 1425. 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1 Children under 1m (with family): Free of charge Monday – Sunday 7 a.m – 6.30 Children from 1m to under 1.3m: p.m (including public holidays VND 30.000 and Lunar New Year) Visitors from 1.3m and above: VND 50.000 DAM SEN CULTURAL PARK Dam Sen Cultural Park, located in an area of over 52 hectares, is one of the largest and most modern parks in the country. The park's architecture is a harmonious combination of the Eastern and Western culture with plenty of the remarkable works namely Eastern-style gardens, European squares built with Roman architecture, bonsai gardens, Cuu Khuc Bridge, ... In addition, with numerous attractive games, the park is a great destination for numerous domestic and foreign tourists. 03 Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, Entrance fee: VND 100.000/ District 11 person (over 1.4m) and VND 60.000/chidren Monday – Friday 7.30 a.m – 6 p.m (from 1m to 1,4m) Saturday–Sunday7.30a.m–9p.m Public holidays and Lunar New Year 7.30 a.m – 10 p.m (+8428) 3963 2483 (+8428) 3963 4963 75

SUOI TIEN THEME PARK DAM SEN Suoi Tien is known as the largest theme WATER PARK park in Ho Chi Minh City with a total area of approximately 35 hectares. With a harmonious space combined The architecture and the types of the with romantic rivers, Dam Sen Water entertainment in this park illustrate Park will be a perfect place for you the Vietnamese history and legends to dispel your distress and recharge namely Lac Long Quan, Au Co, Hung full energy for a new day. With 31 King, Son Tinh, Thuy Tinh, nine levels modern aquatic types of equipment of hell or four spirits. Suoi Tien also and a 3.000m² wave pool, the Water has a water park and especially Tien Park promises to bring to visitors the Dong beach - the only artificial beach exciting and relaxing moments. in Vietnam. Therefore, this place always attracts a large number of visitors, not 03 Hoa Binh Street, only from Ho Chi Minh City but also Ward 3, District 11 from the neighboring provinces and cities who seek entertainment. Monday – Sunday 8 a.m – 4 p.m (including public holidays and 120 Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Lunar New Year) Ward, District 9 (+8428) 3858 8418 Monday – Sunday 8 a.m – 6 p.m Public holidays and Lunar New Visitors over 1.4m: VND 170.000 Year 6.30 a.m – 10 p.m Visitors from 0.8m - 1.4m: VND 130.000 Visitors under 0.8m tall and over 60 (+8428) 3896 0260 years old: free of charge VND 100.000 for adults & VND 50.000 for children from 1m to 1.4m 76

BINH QUOI 1 SNOWTOWN AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.3 Entertainment TOURIST AREA SAIGON Located in the Thanh Da peninsula Snowtown Saigon that spans an area of along with the Saigon River, 8 km from nearly 4.000m2 is the first amusement the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Binh park covered in snow all year round in Quoi tourist area is an ideal destination Ho Chi Minh City, simulating Europe's to relax on the weekends, especially winter season. Visitors will enjoy fun- for the nature lovers. With a wide range filled experiences in the central snow of services including restaurants, play area with the temperature always swimming pools, hotels, and at 18°C, kid playground, interactive entertainment activities (for example virtual reality game, and handmade tennis, sailing or games for children), area. The town also offers a food court your family will never be disappointed and a banquet area to serve all the when visiting Binh Quoi tourist area. needs of visitors. 1147 Binh Quoi Street, Ward 28, 3rd – 4th Floors, CBD Premium Binh Thanh District House, 125 Dong Van Cong Street, Thanh My Loi Ward, 09:00-20:00 District 2 from Wednesday to Sunday Monday – Friday 10 a.m – 10 p.m; (028) 3512 9546 -3512 9547 Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m – 9 p.m Hotline: 0901 889 708 (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) Adults: VND 130.000 Children (under 1m): (+8428) 1900 588 838 VND 90.000 VND 130.000 – 150.000 for children from 0.8m to 1.3m & VND 180.000 – 200.000 for adults 77

THEATERS AND ART PERFORMANCES 78

If you are an art lover and desire to City will satisfy your curiosity. A wide AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.3 Entertainment learn about culture, dozens of types range of the large and small theaters of outstanding art performances - with state-of-the-art facilities and from folk songs, classical music to dense schedules are always ready for contemporary dance in Ho Chi Minh you to explore. Search for theater showtimes and contact information, please see below website: Web portal of Website of Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department of Tourism Promotion Center THE MUNICIPAL THEATRE OF HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON OPERA HOUSE) The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, built in 1898 in an area of 2.016 m², is a valuable architectural building designed according to the European theater standards. In the Theatre, visitors will enjoy plenty of the stunning art performances that carry national spirits, timeless songs, fashion shows delivered by the young designers as well as the trumpet performance concerts held in the front hall every Sunday morning. 07 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 79

ART SHOWS AT THE MUNICIPAL THEATRE “À Ố SHOW” À Ố Show presents the harmonies between the rustic music of the countryside and the vibrant, youthful chords of Vietnam during the urbanization period. The play features a wonderful combination of acrobatics, bamboo circus, and contemporary dance on live music created by 17 traditional and modern musical instruments in order to vividly rebuild the stories and pictures of daily life, from urban to rural. \"TEH DAR\" SHOW By the bamboo circus technique together along with the risky and daring acrobatics on the enchanting music created by traditional musical instruments, the play invites the audience to a venture of elephant hunting, moonlight dating, jungle secrets and tales of death and reincarnation. Teh Dar which means \"going around\" in the K'ho language will convey to the audiences the values of Vietnamese culture in general and the Central Highlands culture in particular in the whirligig of life. 80

“THE MIST” SHOW AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.3 Entertainment Contemporary dance combining semi- Contact information for \"À Ố Show\", classical ballet called \"The Mist\" will help \"Teh dar\" and \"The Mist\" Show: audiences to understand the spiritual life of the Southern farmers which is 6 p.m on selected days simple and peaceful but resilient and of the week persevered. Their lifestyle, soul, and (+84) 01245 181 188. fate are beautifully portrayed through VND 630.000 – 1.500.000/person the smooth melodies and emotional body language of the artists in the show. OPERA – BALLET Opera – Ballet Performance is PERFORMANCE organized by Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera on ninth, nineteenth and twenty ninth day every month, aiming to introduce to domestic and foreign audiences about the famous, classical music works of Vietnam and the world through forms of concert orchestra, recital, opera, ballet, and so on. (+8428) 3823 7419 VND 200.000 – 800.000/person 81

GOLDEN DRAGON WATER PUPPET THEATER Water puppetry is an unique form of a traditional folk theater art, a special creation of Vietnamese people. On the water stage, the colorful puppets perform on Vietnamese folk music and tell deeply meaningful stories. The performance also has the spectacular acrobatics that modern robots are hardly able to do the same. 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1 (located in Ho Chi Minh City Labor Culture Palace) Monday – Sunday 5 p.m & 6.30 p.m (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) (+8428) 3827 2653; (+8428) 3827 9179; (+8428) 3827 9192 VND 200.000/person & free tickets for children under 3 years old TRAN HUU TRANG IDÉCAF THEATER THEATER Standing at a prime location of Ho Chi This is an ideal destination for the Minh City, Tran Huu Trang Theater is audiences to enjoy comedies as well a rare place that still lights up every as children’s shows. Professional night to introduce to the audiences staging and deep content that the plays high-quality Cai Luong shows as performed in this theatre deliver will well as to train the future artists. The certainly satisfy every audience. theatre performs for free of charge twice a month with the desire to 24 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1 preserve the traditional theater form and to rebuild the habit of enjoying Wednesday – Sunday Cai Luong singing in the community. 8 p.m – 11 p.m (+8428) 3823 9968. 515 Tran Hung Dao Cau Kho Ward, District 1 VND 120.000 – 250.000/person (+8428) 3920 0662 82

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BEAUTY & SPA 85

CARITA BEAUTY 74D Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1 With the professional services and Monday – Sunday 9 a.m – 9 p.m high-quality cosmetics, Carita Beauty (+8428)3829 6333 is confident to offer each customer the most relaxing moments. Services include skin care, skin treatments, exfoliation, massage, makeup, hair care, and hair design. Especially, all treatment and beauty packages are carefully consulted and monitored by Carita experts. KOSE SALON With a series of branches in Ho Chi Minh City, Kose Salon caters to the diverse beauty demands of customers, especially skin and nail care. In the Salon, cosmetic quality is always a top priority and all staff is of professionally training. BRANCH 1 BRANCH 2 New World Hotel Saigon, Metropolitan, 235 Dong Khoi Street, 76 Le Lai Street, District 1 District 1 Monday – Sunday 8.30 a.m – 9 p.m Monday – Sunday 8.30 a.m – 9 p.m (+8428) 3824 3739 (+8428) 3827 2882 86

L’APOTHIQUAIRE NGYEN THUY HAIR AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.3 Entertainment & SPA SALON La Maison de L’Apothiquaire Spa & Re-treat is a building designed in With relaxing services and body the French-style architecture from care ranging from hair care, skin the 1950s, surrounded by a garden care, massages to other specialized of vines, ferns, porcelain flowers, treatments, Nguyen Thuy Hair & Spa and fountains. Besides 33 treatment Salon has always gained the trust rooms, specialized beauty and body of customers. Coming to Nguyen care rooms, there are also physical Thuy, you will be in a place with an programs including yoga, tai chi, exceptional style, being quiet enough to Vietnamese martial arts and water temporarily forget the noise in the heart fitness combined with relaxation of the city, being luxurious enough to treatments. Coming to L’Apothiquaire, enjoy various comfortable services, you will be dedicatedly consulted on being warm and considerate enough nutrition to improve your health. so that you feel completely secure and confident to engage yourself into 64A Truong Dinh Street, District 3 absolute relaxation moments. Monday – Sunday 9 a.m – 9 p.m 6A Tu Xuong Street, District 3 & 201 Tran Binh Trong Street, District 5 (+8428) 3932 5181 QI SHISEIDO SAIGON OTHERS The salon's interior design applies Cat Moc Spa, 61-63 Tran Dinh Xu minimal style with soft lights, creating Street, District 1; Phone: (+8428) 3824- a sense of intimacy and standard 2467. Dang Ngoc Spa, 01 Huyen Tran Japanese relaxation style. There are the Cong Chua Street, District 1; Phone: specialized catering areas for men and (+8428) 2241 8968. In-dochine Spa, women, providing relaxation services 69 Thu Khoa Huan Street, District 1; including facial skin care, foot care, and Phone: (+8428) 3827 7188. Jasmine, body massages, hair design, waxing, 45 Ton That Thiep Street, District 1; and sauna. Qi Salon uses products from Phone: (+8428) 3827 2737. My Spa, Qi Shiseido in the services, one of the 15C4 Thi Sach Street, District 1; Phone: best quality cosmetic brands. (+8428) 8997 3309. Saigon Heritage, 69 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1; 151 Nguyen Van Troi Street, Phone: (+8428) 3827 2737. Sen Spa, Phu Nhuan District 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan Street, District 1; Phone: (+8428) 3910 2114. YKC Monday – Sunday 9 a.m – 11 p.m Beauty Sapa, 21 Dien Bien Phu Street, District 3, Phone: (+8428) 3829 2791. (+8428) 3844 1719 87

CINEMAS 88

Besides having a number of new and advanced technology including 4DX, IMAX, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.3 Entertainment most cinemas in Ho Chi Minh City are equipped with multi-dimensional visual gadgets and surround sound systems in line with international standards, aiming to bring realistic and vivid movies to audiences. Cinemas often update the latest movies from Hollywood, Bollywood, Korea, etc. and of course, Vietnam. FOR MOVIE SHOWTIMES AND CINEMA ADDRESSES, PLEASE FIND ON THE BELOW WEBSITES: BHD Cinemas CGV Cinemas GALAXY Cinemas Lotte Cinemas 89

LSIỰFEKSITỆYNLE AVhÀeart open LỄ HỘIto widespread vitality 90

The diverse and jubilant life of this land is possessed dynamism and agility in life, AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.4 Lifestyle generated from its generosity welcoming and have always been warm and friendly all the citizens from many places. This even to strangers. In particular, just city, therefore, is like a concert of a diverse walking on the street, into an alley or an community of people, not only those apartment, you will easily see and fall in of Lac Hong lineage but also those of love with the simple but lovely lifestyle of neighbors as China, Champa or Khmer. the people here without notice. Harmonizing the differences and absorbing the quintessence, people of Ho Chi Minh City have formed a chivalrous character against the grievances; 91

THE FAMOUS STREETS 92

DONG KHOI STREET AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.4 Lifestyle Located right in the heart of the bustling city, Dong Khoi is great for travelers on a scenic walk. This 630m long road is covered with numerous lively street lights, parallel with ancient French buildings; in particular, the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most impressive architecture. Built in 1861, Dong Khoi Street is now a center to many of the world's leading fashion brands as Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Hermès, Prada,... This road is also a blend of multiple handicrafts and souvenirs shops,... which open from early morning until late evening for shopping. NGUYEN HUE WALKING STREET This is a walking street with the most beautiful and modern square in Vietnam, having a width of 64m and a length of 640m starting from the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City and ending at Bach Dang wharf. Since its opening on 30 April 2015, this has not only been a promenade, entertainment place of thousands of city people and tourists in the evening, but also the venue for city festivals and events namely: the annual Ao Dai Festival in March, cultural events, tourism, art shows, etc. 93

TURTLE LAKE Turtle Lake is located in the heart of International Square. It concentrates more than 20 coffee houses with diverse styles: from a sophisticated elegance to a simple, idyllic style; which is one of the city symbols. Many young people, businessmen, and tourists visit here every day. There are some famous coffee houses here as Napoli, The Coffee House, Highlands, Phuc Long, Papa, ... Each cup of coffee ranges from VND 30.000 – 50.000 ($ 1.5 – $ 2.5). STREET OF GOLD, SILVER AND JEWELRY STONE IN DISTRICT 5 It was formed in the late 1980s at Nhieu Tam, Nghia Thuc and Bui Huu Nghia Streets in Ward 5, District 5. This is a concentration of many companies and individual business households with the major business of trading gold, silver, and jewelry stone; manipulating, processing jewelry and trading tools and equipment of silver and gold jewelry with diversified designs and materials. Here visitors can explore the culture of a traditional trade village - a profession of silversmithing, processing and manufacturing silver jewelry inherited from the jewelry industry – a flourished business in the old Sai Gon – Cho Lon. 94

PHAM NGU LAO - DE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.4 Lifestyle THAM - BUI VIEN Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, and Bui Vien are known as \"Backpacker Streets\" where a large number of solo travelers gather. Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City can find everything here, hotels, restaurants, bars, travel agencies, barbershops, motorbike rentals ... and all are very affordable. This is not only an interesting destination for many tourists backpackers who prefer budget tourism and would like to discover, experience the local culture of Ho Chi Minh City; but also an entertainment venue for the city's youth. LE CONG KIEU ANTIQUE STREET You may think Le Cong Kieu Street is the oldest street in Saigon after hearing its name. In fact, Le Cong Kieu Street is famous for another thing: Antique. With more than 10 antique shops along the road, you can find all kinds of antiques here: Money from the Napoleonic era to the Bao Dai, ancient bells from the Qing Dynasty of China, 100-year-old Buddha statues and Shiva statues, 50-year-old phonograph, flasks, bottles, jars. TRADITIONAL MEDICINE STREET IN DISTRICT 5 Traditional Medicine Street consists of three streets: Luong Nhu Hoc, Trieu Quang Phuc and Hai Thuong Lan Ong in Ward 10, District 5. Here visitors will be introduced, visit and purchase traditional medicines, medicines from medicinal materials, supplements, medicinal plant varieties, products made from medicinal materials in Traditional Medicine, etc... 95

PASTEUR AO DAI STREET This street, longer than 1km, focuses most of the famous Ao Dai shops of the City. With a life of up to 60 years, tailors as Thiet Lap, Nha, Phuong, and so on all own long handcrafted dresses sewed with embroidery lines, unique and elaborate decorations. More specifically, the store is divided into two separate areas, one specialized for brides and the other specialized in ao dai. At this point, you are free to choose your own Ao Dai pattern; the artisans will sew clothes according to your measurements in a dexterous movement and so you can get it right in the day. WHAT YOU NOTE WHEN MAY NOT HAVE VISITING THE KNOWN STREETS In order to appreciate the Jewel Do not go downtown after midnight. Ancestor, a traditional anniversary of the Vietnamese Silver Craft Gather in a group or find a local Ancestor's Commemoration is guide along with you in the evening. solemnly held for three days, from 6 to 8 February of the Lunar calendar Do not call motorbike taxies or yearly at Le Chau Restaurant, 586 cyclos by yourself. Rather, ask a tour Tran Hung Dao, Ward 14, District 5. guide or hotel staff for help. Negotiate the price before starting the trip. Do not bring your own valuable assets into the night. 96

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SHOPPING LỄ HỘItAVonÀeisntvaebslitsmheedntborpaennds 99

In one of Southeast Asia’s most developed cities, you can shop almost anything – from trendy accessories to traditional costumes, from up-to- the-minute equipment to conventional machines. The city is not only known for its feverish pace seen in many shopping centers that stand at the top of Vietnam in terms of luxury and modernity but also its peaceful but energetic atmosphere witnessed in dozens of bustling night markets. These two different styles of shopping will lull you into the concert performed by the Past and the Present, the Old and the New self of Ho Chi Minh City. 100