AsiaLIFE Media Vol. 98
VIETNAM’S
PARALYMPIC STAR FORMULA
MOT
Sri Lanka
ON RAILS
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLISHING HOUSE
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CAMBODIA // THAILAND // VIETNAM
MAY 2016
VOLUME 98
AsiaLIFE Media Vol. 98
| MAY 2016
This month's cover
FINDING FREEDOM
IN THE POOL FORMULA
MOT
Photography: Vinh Dao
RIDING
SRI LANKA
INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS PUBLISHING HOUSE
for more news and events, features, restaurant reviews and video, visit:
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www. A s i a L i f e M a g a z i n e .com For advertising and marketing enquiries please contact: +84 938 298 395 / +84 903 325 543 or adsales@asialifehcmc.com Director Jonny Edbrooke jonny@asialifemagazine.com Editorial Director Lorcan Lovett lorcan@asialifemagazine.com
Art Director
Deputy Editor
Thang Pham L.C. leo@asialifemagazine.com Photo Editor
Simon Stanley simon.stanley@asialifemagazine.com
Style Editor
Vinh Dao photoeditor@asialifemagazine.com
Ruben Luong ruben@asialifemagazine.com
Production Manager Hoa Nguyen nguyenhoa@asialifehcmc.com
Contributors Claudia Davaar Lambie Monica Majors
Commercial Director Nguyen Kim Hanh kimhanh@asialifehcmc.com
FRONT EVENTS ............................................................... 0 6 TOP 5: BUDGET HOTELS. . ............................... 1 0 Q &A Mar k Wiens.......................................................... 1 4 BUSINESS VIEW.................................................. 1 6 DAY IN THE LIFE................................................ 1 8 TRENDING.......................................................... 1 9
C OV E R STO RY SILICON SAIGON ?
Tr ansfor ming into a tech hub . . ......................... 2 0
F E AT U R E S
FOOD & DRINK FOOD NEWS
Savour ing the tastier side of Saigon............... 4 0
LOCAL EATS
Best places for bo kho . . ..................................... 4 1
SNUFFBOX
Hidden speak-easy bar...................................... 4 2
JAKE’S BBQ
New Amer ican BBQ........................................... 4 3
JANE’S BISTRO
Freshest bistro in town...................................... 4 4
LA MAISON WINE BAR & RESTAURANT
D3’s newest French eater y............................... 4 5
STYLE & DESIGN
FINDING FREEDOM IN THE POOL
THE QUANTIC FAMILY
BATTLES OF THE BEACHES
BODY OF WATER
Vietnam’s Par alympic swimmer. . ...................... 2 6 Da Nang vs Nha Trang....................................... 2 8
FORMULA MOT
Motor spor t ar r ives in Saigon........................... 3 0
REAL COFFEE
Finding the best brew........................................ 3 2
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Chilling Tr uths . . .................................................... 3 4
T R AV E L 5 NIGHTS IN HUE
Luxur y, lagoons and wildlife............................. 3 6
RIDING SRI LANKA
Tr aver sing the nation by tr ain . . ........................ 3 8 4 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Ar tist Tr uc-Anh’s latest wor k........................... 4 6 dieuANH’s fashion collection . . ......................... 4 8
COLUMNS IMBIBE ............................................................................. 5 6 FITNESS .......................................................................... 5 8 EDUCATION HUB .................................................... 6 2 PERSONAL FINANCE ............................................. 6 4 PEOPLE MATTER ....................................................... 6 6 FASHION FIELD NOTE ........................................... 6 8 APP CHAT .................................................................... 7 2 SUB-TOPICAL HEAT ................................................ 7 6 NGO FOCUS ............................................................... 7 7 PUB QUIZ ..................................................................... 7 8
EVENTS All Month
8.30am - 5.30pm Mon - Sat Spring Collection @Vin Gallery Entry: Free Vin Gallery’s 2016 Spring Collection displays a selection of works from national and international artists currently represented by the gallery including Yohei Yama, Will Whitehouse and Juergen Buhre. vingallery.com
4 MAY
7.30pm - 10.30pm
Autarcie (...) @Ben Thanh Theatre Entry: From VND100,000 Hosted by the Institut Français du Vietnam, the Compagnie Par Terre present an evening of contemporary dance and hip hop fusion. ticketbox.vn
Saigonettes Social Club @Hotel des Arts Entry: VND500,000 (includes free-flow wine and soft drinks) A herd of women will invade one of Saigon’s most beautiful rooftops for an evening full of friends, fun, wine and exciting surprises. FB: Saigonettes
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5 MAY 7pm - 9pm
EVENTS Forbes Vietnam Under 30 Summit @GEM Center Entry: From VND660,000 Forbes’ ‘30 under 30’ 2016 is a list of 30 faces, from different fields, all under the age of 30, who are making positive changes in Vietnam. Featuring keynote speakers, group discussions, interviews and presentations, a food festival and live music, 12 May will be a day to celebrate Vietnam’s best and brightest. ticketbox.vn
The Box @TBC Entry: Registration
12 MAY 8am
Once again Ubiquest has hidden The Box somewhere in the city. The first team to open it will win its valuable contents. Get your bikes and headlights ready and scout a maze of hidden lanes in search of QR codes and riddles.
14 MAY
8pm - 12.30am
ubi-quest.com
12 - 14 MAY 7pm
The Complete Works of Shakespeare (abridged) @The Vista Walk Entry: VND300,000 In a feat never before attempted in Saigon, watch as three actors attempt to perform ALL of Shakespeare’s plays. If you ever thought Romeo and Juliet has too many characters, Macbeth is lacking in Scottish pride, or Titus Andronicus is just down right disgusting, this show is for you. FB: Saigon Players
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Relocation Vietnam @Thao Dien Coffee Entry: VND700,00 Relocation Vietnam fundraises for ARC Pet Rescue in this business networking event. arcpets.com
12 MAY 7pm - 9pm
19 MAY
6.30pm - 9pm
22 MAY 4am
A Night of Russian Music @HCMC Opera House Entry: From VND200,000 The HBSO Symphony Orchestra present an evening of works by Mussorgsky, Tchaikovsky and Kalinnikov hbso.org.vn
Ultra Trail Nam Cat Tien @Cat Tien National Park Entry: Registration Run Vietnam’s first event will take place among the spectacular scenery of Nam Cat Tien and feature courses for all levels and abilities, from three kilometres to 10 kilometres, half and full marathons, right up to a 60 kilometre ultra marathon.
Fest in Breizh @Cargo Bar Entry: VND100,000 (adv), VND150,000 (door)
runvietnam.org
The Breton Society of Vietnam presents a sumptuous programme of Celtic music from Brittany. More than 30 local and international musicians, singers and DJs will perform a variety of styles from the traditional to the modern, with kids’ entertainment also thrown into the mix. ticketbox.vn
21 MAY
4.30pm - late
Acoustic Open Mic @Broma Entry: Free The Vietnomads kick-off proceedings with their eclectic playlist before the stage is opened up for anyone to perform solo or jam with the house band.
31 MAY 9pm
FB: bromabar 9 AsiaLIFE HCMC
By Lorcan Lovett and Simon Stanley. The hotel market is booming in Vietnam, with around 3,000 new rooms put into service nationwide last year, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Like the rest of Southeast Asia, there’s a sweeping range, from the most luxurious resorts in the world to the cockroach havens with planks for beds and rotting backpacks for pillows. For travellers with modest amounts of cash in their pockets, Vietnam offers plenty of interesting and comfortable lodgings. They may not be the Hiltons, but at least you won’t be woken by the sounds of rats nibbling on your toenails. Of course, it’s impossible to truly identify the top five budget hotels in the country. Instead we’ve given our recommendations, each in a different city.
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CON DAO | Con Dao Camping An island getaway doesn’t need to get all Robinson Crusoe but, still, some wilderness is good, which is why Con Dao Camping has become a favourite for travellers to the island. The rooms, which are built entirely from local wood, look out to the sea where dozens of small fishing boats bob along. The resort’s name implies something much more basic but there are more bungalows than tents. You can spend the day on its private beach, which caters for activities and campfires, or use it as a base to explore the tropical island. Nearby attractions include Ong Dung Forest, snorkelling in Hon Tre and watching the sunset at Bai Nhat. Staff will be happy to arrange tours. And as it’s a remote, exotic island, don’t forget the bug spray. 2 Nguyen Duc Thuan Street From US$32 condaocamping.com
HO CHI MINH CITY | Alcove Library Hotel This charming hotel is pleasantly calm, tucked away down a side street, yet is only a 10-minute drive to downtown Saigon. The theme of the place, as its name suggests, is literary, and instead of diving into the chaos of the streets, guests often prefer to spend their evenings reading from Alcove’s extensive collection of books. There’s even a slide-ladder to find novels on higher shelves. Aside from the reads, Alcove’s elegant architecture and rooftop restaurant mean you may never explore the city at all, and conveniently, the airport is about 15 minutes away. The continental breakfasts are generous and there’s a wide range of A la Carte dining throughout the day. Also, the staff remember your name; always a nice touch. 133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh Street, Phu Nhuan District From US$64 alcovehotel.com.vn
DA LAT | Du Parc Hotel For those heading to Dalat for the first time and expecting to find a quiet, rustic huddle of French colonial chalets tucked among the pine trees, you’re about 100 years too late, but for a hint of how things used to be, book a few nights at Du Parc. Constructed in the early 1930s on top of a hill just south of the town centre, it’s a wonderful example of art deco architecture and design. Its original ‘caged’ elevator is even still in operation. With high ceilings, wooden floors, a lobby bar straight out of a Marguerite Duras novel and dozens of black and white photos of Dalat in its youth, it’s a firm favourite with several members of the AsiaLIFE team. Breakfast is taken in the equally quaint ‘Cafe de la Poste’ across the street, and rooms at the rear of the property afford stunning views over the town and surrounding countryside (the higher the better). 15 Tran Phu Street From US$36 dalatresorts.com
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HANOI | Art Boutique Hotel Situated next door to Hanoi’s most famous Bun Bo Nam Bo joint, as a guest here you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to grab a cheap and tasty bite. The hotel itself is compact (it’s in the old quarter after all), but while the rooms may be small, they are wellappointed, tastefully decorated, quiet, comfortable and spotless. With thick windows, even those at the front of the property don’t suffer too much from the noise of the traffic outside. The buffet breakfast is large and varied enough to fuel even the pickiest of eaters, and the friendly team of staff are possibly the nicest people you’ll meet in Hanoi and will be happy to help organise taxis, tours and transport, or simply offer their local knowledge of the area. 63 Hang Dieu Street, Hoan Kiem District From US$28 artboutiquehotelhanoi.com
DA NANG | Grand Mango Hotel If the scent of the ocean breeze draws you to the Grand Mango, then the hospitality of the staff will keep you there. The workers are known to take guests out for meals and give them little surprise presents. The hotel itself has a modern layout, and is four kilometres from the Museum of Cham Sculpture and six kilometres from the Dragon Bridge that runs over the River Han. The laid-back vibe is complimented by sea-view rooms which have the usual Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs as well as a kettle and some coffee/tea. Upgrade for your own personal kitchen. Every stays comes with a free buffet breakfast. The Grand Mango also has a good location near all the tasty dining spots, and is only a one-minute walk away from the beach, although bikes and scooters are available. 60 An Thuong Street, My Khe From US$37 grandmangohotel.com
Apples aren’t just for teacher SAIGON SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 78 Nguyen Duc Canh Street, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam T: (84-8) 5 413 0901 - F: (84-8) 5 413 0902 - E: info@ssis.edu.vn - W: www.ssis.edu.vn
Simon Stanley talks to the Bangkok-based food and travel blogger about his love of chilli peppers, durian, and Southeast Asia’s street food. Photos by Mark Wiens.
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You were born in the United States and have lived in France, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Kenya. So it’s fair to say travelling is in your blood?
My parents laid a foundation in me from an early age, both for travelling and learning to appreciate food from all over the world. Being raised in a number of different countries, and travelling frequently with my family while growing up, provided me with a very open perspective on the world.
Your journey from teachercum-blogger to YouTube star has been outstanding; especially now you have over 300,000 subscribers and videos attracting millions of views. How did you make the leap into the big leagues?
For both YouTube and my blogs, it’s been a gradual growth process. I don’t think there was one big leap, but I think the most important factor has been a lot of persistence; taking small steps each day, and producing and publishing a frequent schedule of quality content. It was about two years after going full-time that I started earning a decent living. Most bloggers and YouTubers will likely experience viral content at some point, but I think it’s often the sustainable growth that’s more effective in the long term.
Since beginning your travels eight years ago in South America, how many countries have you racked up and which ones are your favourites?
I’ve visited about 30 countries. When my wife and I travel, we like to stay in one place for a few weeks to really get a feel for that city or country, and be able to experience the local food scene. Ethiopia, for its incredible culture, history, and unique food, was one of the most memorable countries I’ve visited. Nepal, with its mountains and natural scenery, was mind-blowing. Overall though, the entire region of Southeast Asia has a special place in my heart, for the energy, the friendliness of the people, the convenience of just about everything, and, of course, the incredible food.
You’ve now made dozens of videos about street food stalls across Southeast Asia. Have you picked up any gruesome bugs or parasites on the way?
Fortunately I haven’t experienced anything severe - or really even anything minor that often. I do try to stick to street food stalls that are busy with local customers, and, if possible, I prefer to visit a restaurant or food stall when I think the food will be at its freshest. You can often almost feel if it’s a good choice to eat there or not.
Your enthusiastic reaction to each new dish you try seems to have become your trademark, even earning a parody or two on YouTube. What’s the story behind the ‘Mark Wiens face’?
I originally started blogging and taking photos of the food I ate before I ever thought about making videos. And one of the things I could never capture was the atmosphere, the passion, and the emotion. What I love so much about the food video format is that you can capture that, more than with any other type of media. My hope is that the ‘delicious food face’ helps others feel it, and come that much closer to tasting the food themselves.
How do you stay in shape while eating for a living?
I don’t eat desserts often, and I also try to stay away from packaged snacks. I also drink mostly water, black coffee, and tea, and occasional alcoholic beverages, but I avoid sweet drinks like sodas and juices. When I have a chance, I love to walk, jog, bike, exercise, and I frequently do pushups while travelling. I also eat a lot of chilies, which potentially increases my metabolism - at least I’d like to think so.
Yes, your love of chilli peppers is another trademark. Have you ever surrendered to a particularly fiery dish?
There have been a couple of times. There’s this one restaurant in Udon Thani in northeastern Thailand that served me a green papaya salad with about 45 chilies in it - there were more chilies than green papaya! It made me cry!
Aside from the food, is there a particular encounter from your travels that has stuck with you?
There was a time on the island of Langkawi, Malaysia, when we were driving around and spotted a local wedding. Many weddings are set up in tents outsides people’s homes, often along the side of the road, and our plan was to just stop by and try to catch a glimpse of the festivities. But when we arrived the family welcomed us in and invited us to eat buffalo curry with them. It was incredible. Somehow they found out that I loved durian and one of the owners of the house went and got a fresh one from the backyard for me. The hospitality, the generosity, and the relationships that come as a result of appreciating local food is amazing. Food is delicious, but the real reason why I think food is the best reason to travel is the people.
You now live in Bangkok, but Vietnam is clearly one of your favourite foodie destinations. What keeps you coming back?
I love the vibrant herbs and contrasts of flavours and textures that go into Vietnamese cuisine. For noodle soup, one of my favourites in Saigon is bun rieu, from a restaurant called Bun Rieu Nguyen Canh Chan. Another dish I love is bo la lot. Co Lien Bo La Lot on Vo Van Tan (District 3) makes a delicious version.
Can you give us any insider tips for Bangkok?
Not exactly an undiscovered gem, yet a place that still remains very local, is Wang Lang Market. Along with clothes and gadgets, you’ll find a sea of street food snacks and restaurants. Away from there, one of my favourite southern Thai restaurants in Bangkok is called Ruam Dai. It’s near the Siriraj hospital Visit Mark’s blog at migrationology. com and for more excerpts from our interview with the man himself visit asialifemagazine.com.
AsiaLIFE HCMC 15
Lorcan Lovett rounds up the latest business and economic news from Vietnam
OMINOUS TIMES FOR COFFEE EXPORTS
ONE of Vietnam’s biggest exports – coffee – has been forecast to fall 25 percent in 2016 to a decade low of one million tons (the equivalent of 16.67 million 60 kilogram bags). The industry has been plagued by drought, lower yields from old trees and an increased output from domestic roasters, a senior industry official said. However, tighter supply from Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of robusta
beans, coupled with concerns over lower output in Brazil and Colombia, could boost global coffee prices. The International Coffee Organisation’s July robustas contract settled up US$13, or 0.8 percent, at $1,578 per ton last month, reported Reuters. “Coffee processing in the country serving a higher number of coffee shops, plus more newly registered roasting businesses, will bring down the country’s coffee bean
exports,” said Luong Van Tu, chairman of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association. He added that local consumption now accounted for 10 percent of Vietnam’s output, up from 5 percent in 2006, when the Southeast Asian nation exported 981,000 tons of coffee. Apart from domestic roasters, foreign firms including Nestlé have established processing facilities in Vietnam. Nestlé alone buys up to a quarter of Vietnam’s coffee. Farmers in the Central Highlands coffee belt have been hit by the widening impact of the worst drought in three decades brought on by the El Nino weather pattern among other factors. The October 2016/September 2017 coffee crop could drop 30 percent if the drought intensifies in the Central Highlands during April, Tu told Reuters. The region produces 80 percent of the country’s coffee. Output from the key growing province of Daklak is expected to drop 30 percent. Tu said lower yields from old trees, which account for 35 percent of Vietnam’s 650,000 hectares of coffee, will contribute to the decline in output. (Turn to page 32 for an insight into Vietnam’s family-orientated coffee production.)
RUSSIAN SANCTIONS ON TURKEY CONCERN FOR VIETNAM’S TOURISM INDUSTRY MAJOR tour operators have been banned from conducting business in Russia, sparking concerns for Vietnam’s tourism industry. Pegas Touristik, Anex Tour and Coral Travel, which account for 70 percent of the Russian tourists in Vietnam, were are among 19 companies unable to secure licence renewals in March. The three operators are said to have business ties to Turkey, which upset Russia with the downing of a Russian jet in November. Operators in Vietnam are worried that the peak season for Russian tourists, which started in October, may end prematurely. The news comes after the market bounced back slightly in October, after months of decline following the fall of the ruble. 16 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Around 340,000 Russians visited Vietnam in 2015, a 7 percent drop from the previous year, according to figures from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Most of them came to the central resort of Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc island in
the south, staying for 12 days on average, according to Thanh Nien News. A resort owner in Nha Trang said Russians contribute the most to local tourism revenues. “If they stop coming, it will be a very big loss to us,” the owner said, as cited by Tuoi Tre. But Russian tourism officials said the hiccup should not be overhyped, as there are still other tour providers who can take over. The owner of a local resort also said that the market will survive as Russians’ demand for tropical beach destinations like Vietnam is huge, especially after Russia turns it back on Turkey and Egypt. (Turn to page 28 to see how Vietnam’s coastal attractions are battling a fall in visitors.)
PLANS FOR NEW WILDLIFE ATTRACTION
NEWS
IN BRIEF UBER COMPETITIVE Cab rivals Uber and Grab have extended their battle in Vietnam to a new arena: xe om, the nation’s ubiquitous motorbike taxi. Grab introduced the option to capitalise on xe om drivers in Vietnam in May 2015, forcing its competitor Uber to toss its hat into the ring. As with Grab, Uber was initially an app allowing people to book a car via smartphones before recently launching its UberMoto service for users in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
US VISAS A MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR safari park has been earmarked for development in the Central Highland province of Lam Dong, a national park management board and travel firm announced last month in a joint project. The 490 hectare wildlife park, named Highland Safari, is expected to be located in Lac Duong District, Le Van Huong, director of the Bidoup – Nui Ba National Park, said at a meeting that set duties for its 2016 plan. Bidoup – Nui Ba will team up with Dalat Tourist to develop the VND1 trillion ($44.64 million) facility, VND350 billion ($15.63 million) of which will be funded by the government, according to the national park director. The zoo will be zoned inside a protective forest in Lat Commune, and is slated for completion by 2020, according to Tuoi Tre
News. Doan Van Viet, chairman of Lam Dong administration, said: “Safari is a new product that will appeal to tourists in many other places, and it is also suitable with the local ecosystem.” Last Christmas, Vinpearl Safari, under the group Vingroup, opened its wildlife attraction on the island of Phu Quoc. Zoologist blogger Peter Dickinson reported that within months “over 1,000 birds and nearly 700 mammals died and around 500 monkeys and birds escaped,” according to his source. Vingroup admitted that more than 100 birds and animals died, claiming the shipping process was to blame, and that monkeys had escaped, but denied the rest of the claims.
HOUSE PRICES TAKE A DIVE
HOUSE prices in Vietnam may have hit bottom and are likely to remain stable before rising again in 2018, industry insiders said at a conference in Hanoi recently. “It is not possible for prices to fall further. Prices have dropped by around half since 2010 and the profit margin for developers is now 10-20 percent,” said Nguyen Tran Nam, chairman of Vietnam Real Estate Association (VNREA). After the existing stock is cleared, prices will increase again in 2018, he said.
According to the association, the property market started to pick up in 2014, with strong recovery in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, reported Thanh Nien News. “Transactions have increased not only for apartments but also villas, resorts and land,” Nam said. Industry insiders said that buyers have become more demanding and investors are also rushing to diversify their products. Vietnam’s average housing area per person is around 20 square meters. The Ministry of Construction is seeking to increase that to 30 square meters. Le Khac Hiep, deputy chairman of Vingroup, said the market is demanding houses of good quality and location. “Building a civilised and friendly community in a green and smart space is important in urban housing projects,” he said.
US citizens will have to wait for another month to obtain new, longer-duration visas to enter Vietnam, compared to the current three-month single entry one. The country’s lawmaking National Assembly unveiled the visa extension last month, in which it will issue yearlong multiple-entry visas to Americans who travel temporarily for business or tourism. The US Embassy in Hanoi said in a press release that it expects the change to be implemented in early June.
NEW FLIGHTS Budget carrier Vietjet Air has announced that it will operate two new nonstop flights from Saigon, to Kuala Lumpur and to the Taiwanese city of Tainan, in the next two months, with 50,000 promotional tickets to be offered. Flights on the Ho Chi Minh City-Kuala Lumpur route will be available daily from 1 June, with the flight time being one hour 55 minutes, a spokesperson from the airline said.
LOTTE STORES South Korean retail giant Lotte Mart is closer to reaching its goal of 60 stores in Vietnam by 2020, with the opening of its 12th outlet last month. The latest store, located in Go Vap District, Saigon, opened to shoppers on 28 April. It cost $USD45 million to build and features an entertainment area, a supermarket, and a cinema on each floor.
AsiaLIFE HCMC 17
Chief Operating Officer At Glass Egg Digital Media
GUILLAUME MONIER “I
By Claudia Davaar Lambie. Photo by Vinh Dao.
’m a gamer. When I was five years old [I had] a SEGA Mega Drive. My first game was Sonic the Hedgehog,” says Guillaume Monier, 30. “I’ve always had a console at home; selling the previous one and saving my pocket money to buy the next one.” Monier originally from France, has a grandmother who once urged him to visit Saigon. He fell in love with the country and moved here permanently in 2008. In 2009 he joined Glass Egg Digital Media as the marketing manager. “Most people who want to work in the gaming industry became coders, game designers or artists. I don’t have those kind of hard skills, I can’t draw or code, but I still wanted to work in that field, so I went for the marketing and business side of the industry.” Glass Egg, which was established in Ho Chi Minh City in 1999, has two core business functions. The main area is outsourcing for video games. In a nutshell, this means producing artwork and 3D modelling for game developers around the world. The second aspect of the business is mobile game development and publishing for the iPhone, iPad or Android. “We are the pioneers of the game industry in Vietnam,” declares Monier. Monier was subsequently promoted to business development director and in 2014 became the agency’s chief operating officer (COO). Monier mainly handles the client side of things. Glass Egg works with game developers in around 20 different countries spanning from the US and Australia to the UK and more recently Japan. “I am the ‘face’ of the company and am responsible for ensuring that clients are satisfied with the services,” he says. A typical day for Monier begins at around 9am. “If I have a call with clients in the US, I will come in earlier due to the time zone difference. I block my morning to catch up with emails.” If the clients have any problems, Monier works directly with the managers of different teams to try and solve them. Queries relating to changes to a project as well as the progress of it are quite common.
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Zika Virus
Working with video game giants such as Microsoft, Electronic Arts, Sony and Ubisoft, provides an impressive portfolio of clients and one which has to be well managed with any risks mitigated. The biggest project the agency has worked on took around one and a half years to complete, with around 110 artists involved. On average though, a project usually takes a few months to finish with a handful of artists working on it. Another key element of Monier’s role is dealing with the contractual side of the business. “I negotiate the contracts, propose quotations and pitch new projects.” As Glass Egg continues to grow and develop, so too does the volume of work. “We have a lot of enquiries everyday and I have to sort out what we can do, what we can’t do, or what we could do in the future.” Daily, Monier works closely with the other directors of Glass Egg. “We discuss the company’s strategy, where it should go and where it should be.” Over the last four years particularly, Glass Egg has grown, with around 300 staff now spread over three floors. “We are trying to consolidate what we have, slow down and be good enough to compete with our competitors.” In the afternoon, Monier meets with the different teams and checks on progress of all of the projects. For a few hours a day, it is important that he oversees the mobile game development division. “I sometimes test the games or assist with the design.” As mobile game applications are already a huge industry, Monier is aware of the risks of penetrating such a market.“It will either be a hit or a miss, but we hope that gamers will download our games.” As well as keeping the clients happy and satisfied, Monier believes that the employees at the agency are the greatest asset to the company. He happily operates an open-door policy which can only serve to boost the morale of the employees. Alongside this, having fun at work is an essential component of employee satisfaction, as Monier explains, “We have even just redesigned a meeting room for the staff where they can play video or board games, or just chill.”
‘Health emergency’: two words that you really don’t want to hear together, but national officials have declared it in Saigon following two reported cases of the Zika virus so far. Local news and social media have been citing measures taken in an effort to limit the virus, including monitoring travellers’ body temperatures at airports. The country’s first two Zika cases involved a 33-year-old pregnant woman who is now stable and another case in D2, which health officials have identified as a “hot spot” area for the virus’s transmission.
Back to School
Traffic police in Danang have been handing out an altogether different type of sentence this past month. When Thu Tuyet, 22, was caught driving on the wrong side of the road, she expected to receive the usual ‘fine’, but was instead handed a sheet of paper and asked to write out ‘I promise I will not drive on the wrong side again’ 20 times, according to Thanh Nien News. While many commentators have praised the “friendly educational” approach, the local police chief made clear that it was similar to a warning and reminded drivers not to repeat the act, said the news site.
public holiday mayhem
As Vietnam celebrated the festival of the Hung Kings on 16 April, millions flocked to the Hung Temples Relic Site in the northern province of Phu Tho. The festival honours the first 18 rulers of ancient Vietnam. But as festivities got underway, chaos erupted when an immense crowd began to overwhelm the site. A video posted on Tuoi Tre News shows a sea of bodies pouring upwards towards the temple, many carrying offerings in the hope of receiving a dose of good luck. People were seen fainting in the intense heat and police officers stepped in to try to keep families safe.
Nude or Rude?
Models and industry insiders have been left scratching their heads over a new law which comes into effect on 15 May. According to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, celebrities or winners of modelling or beauty contests will be forbidden from taking nude or overly revealing images. According to an article published by Tuoi Tre News, many are in support of the new ruling. Others, though, feel the law is too vague, that the line between offensive and inoffensive (or art and pornography), is too subjective and may not be fairly judged by the appointed review board. AsiaLIFE HCMC 19
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Saigon is attracting the attention of the world’s largest high-tech corporations and is becoming home to thousands of startup companies, prompting people to ask, could this chaotic city of a developing nation become the next Silicon Valley? By Lorcan Lovett. Photos by Vinh Dao.
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“Vietnam’s startup scene has had a funny habit of confounding people’s expectations. I mean, five years ago I thought it would take 10 years to get to where we are now.” Tech entrepreneur Eddie Thai, 31
A
bout 20 yellow-shirted motorbike riders are delivering food to homes around Saigon right now. These workers represent more than just a startup service promising quality groceries to your door. They represent a city undergoing a technical revolution. Launched by experienced startup talent, Truong Nguyen, 30, in November 2015, Chopp. vn takes orders via an app, using ‘shoppers’ and ‘choppers’ to take the food from trusted chains to the customer – the first of its kind in the country. It charges a fixed sum of VND40,000 and VND10,000 more for each additional store visited during the shop. “I realized there was a lot of potential here because of the crises in food security,” says Truong, who came up with the idea as a way of alleviating the stress of handling a busy work
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schedule and daily chores while working in Canada. “I thought there was a need to have trusted food brands that are safe but there is also the problem of traffic; getting to the store on your bike,” he explains. Truong, born in a small town an hour south of Saigon, may have struck tech gold. He began promoting the business two months ago and now has more than 1,000 users and 10 to 20 orders a day. “We have got something going here,” he says. “Now it’s a matter of making it more accessible to more Vietnamese. “A lot of our products cater to expats and higher income families but we have a lot more products planned that will be less expensive for the Vietnamese. Our ultimate goal is to have low-income families afford our services.”
Could it really be true?
California-based Silicon Valley, nicknamed after the silicon used in computer chips, has transformed itself into the tech hub of the US, arguably the world. Ho Chi Minh City, named after its revolutionary leader, is a restless melee of entrepreneurs, manic traffic and renowned street food. Like the Valley, it too has made huge leaps, becoming the commercial hub of Vietnam and distinguishing itself as an exciting, expanding market. But lately, international media has been touting the city as, potentially, the “next Silicon Valley”. It’s a fashionable catchphrase for anywhere that has tech promise, though it’s no throwaway speculation in the eyes of entrepreneurs Eddie Thai and Binh Tran.
The Viet Kieu pair created their reputations in the US - Tran by co-founding tech company Klout, which sold for US$200 million in 2014, and Thai, who was educated at Harvard and Yale. The pair strayed from the home of Google, Apple and Facebook to focus on a dusty plot of land in District 9, soon to become ‘Saigon Silicon City’. As partners in US-based venture capital firm, 500 Startups, they will seek out the country’s budding startups with the possibility of offering a life-changing investment: Chopp got the knock on the door. Still, 31-year-old Thai is realistic about the Silicon Valley comparison. “I think asking if the next Silicon Valley will be Saigon or New York, or London, or Tel Aviv for that matter, sets the stage for disappointment,” he says.
“Silicon Valley is an incredibly special place, between the concentration of talent, the audacity of belief that any scrappy team can change the future or can fail and try again, the willingness of individuals and businesses to try new products, the ‘pay-it-forward’ mentality, the financing capacity, the clear and simple regularity environment…it goes on.” Interestingly for Vietnam, Google’s chief executive Sundar Pichai visited the country last December, meeting the prime minister and announcing that the search engine would help train about 1,400 local IT engineers. Apple has recently announced plans to invest up to $1 billion to build a database centre in the nation. It even sent its co-founder Steve Wozniak to the Southeast Asian nation last year. On behalf of the world’s leading mobile phone manufacturer, the animated Wozniak delivered
a stirring talk to thousands of young Vietnamese entrepreneurs. Industry expert Anh Minh Do, 31, however, is equally dubious about the ‘Silicon Valley’ comparisons. Minh, director of Communications at venture capital firm Vertex Ventures, wrote an article on Vietcetera countering a BBC feature that suggested Saigon was prepped to become ‘the next’. “No one really can be the next Silicon Valley. To assume it can have the influence the Valley has over the world and what that creates is asking a lot,” he says. Minh wrote that the Valley has a unique ecosystem that “grew out of hundreds of years of American history”. He asks the reader to consider that Apple is worth over $530 billion and Vietnam’s GDP was $170 billion in 2013. It
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simply does not have the money. “You would need a lot of capital to get Vietnam to that stage,” he says. “Even Singapore does not have that capital.” Minh says that Apple and Google will have an impact in terms of the GDP of the country overall, but they are more likely to suck up the best talent rather than encourage new creators. In the article, he writes that even if the BBC’s premise that it is possible for Saigon to become Silicon Valley is true, then it may take 60 to 100 years.
What now then?
Both Thai and Minh agree that the Valley comparison isn’t plausible, but they also see Saigon as a fertile ground for Vietnam’s tech
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future. “Vietnam can be influential in technology, especially because of the tech talent that exists as well as the strength of the entrepreneurs themselves who are very aggressive,” says Minh. “It will likely become a more serious tech hub. If the current trend continues, we will likely see a few IPOs (initial public offerings – the first sale of stock by a private company to the public). It is promising but not at the scale of the Valley.” The city, he says, can link the likes of China and the US. It has a formidable arsenal of advantages, such as an abundance of talented computer science students, and what Minh dubs its “secret weapon”: the Vietnamese diaspora community. A considerable number of study-abroad and
overseas Vietnamese are coming home to create startups. Out of 27 of the most successful tech startups from Vietnam, nearly half of them have founders who have worked or studied abroad, according to a Topica Founder Institute study. Homegrown entrepreneurs will have a better understanding of Vietnam’s problems than entrepreneurs in places like San Francisco or London, although he admits that Vietnam lags in terms of product design, sharing and trust. “To build a solution you need technical skills, and Vietnam has been said to have great and affordable technical talent,” says Thai. “To make a solution widespread, you have to have the guts, and Saigon’s entrepreneurs are truly hustlers – really energetic, really resourceful.”
There are more than 40 million internet users and 30 million smartphone users in Vietnam.
The future, it seems, comes down to collectively using Saigon’s native talent and resources not to replicate Silicon Valley, but to create a Vietnamese version of Silicon Valley. “The answers are still coming into view, but I’ve been really encouraged by more and more people getting into the scene,” says Thai, “and learning from each other, by more companies and investors taking a close look at the country, by various government agencies and international organizations moving to support the ecosystem, and, most importantly, by the success that some of our founders and tech talent have demonstrated over the last six to 12 months.” Minh lists hurdles that Vietnam needs to overcome to flourish as its own unique tech hub.
They include changing policy to make it easier for foreign investment, producing bold investors willing to bet on new companies, those same companies learning the management and product development to go big globally, and, generally, Vietnamese people integrating with foreign cultures. “It seems that Vietnam is quite strong on technical talent, sheer energy, resourcefulness, and market growth potential,” adds Thai. “How long will it take for Vietnam to ‘catch up’ on some of these other points? I don’t know, five years? But I do know that Vietnam’s startup scene has had a funny habit of confounding people’s expectations. “I mean, five years ago I thought it would take 10 years to get to where we are now. I’m happy
to have been wrong on that, and I know it’s not the last time I’ll have been wrong.” Meanwhile, Truong of Chopp has plans to boost more than just food safety in Vietnam. He’s at the beginning of a journey that he hopes will help modernise farming production and aid the remarkable growth of Vietnamese agriculture, whose exports have become big enough to face global competition. Coffee, cotton, peanuts, rubber, sugarcane, tea, and, of course, rice are the most profitable fields. The efficiency of producing these exports could be better. “Also the environmental impact of the motorbike culture could be targeted on some level,” he says, hinting at the opportunities. “We have something special here.”
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Having lost the use of her legs as a child, Trinh Thi Bich Nhu’s future was far from certain,until she started swimming. By Simon Stanley. Translation by Cam-Tu Tran.Photo by Vinh Dao.
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“I
was born in Kien Giang province,” says 30-year-old Trinh Thi Bich Nhu quietly. She’s understandably nervous about talking to me. From the inquisitive looks I’ve received on the way to meet her, I’d guess they don’t get too many foreign journalists out here in the far reaches of HCMC’s Thu Duc district. “My village is 250 kilometres southwest of Saigon,” she adds, “almost at the bottom of the map.” Growing up in such an isolated part of the country was never going to be easy, but when Nhu accidentally fell into a river near her home at the age of three, her life was changed forever. “I developed a fever,” she explains. “My parents took me to various places to find a treatment. However, at that time there were no proficient doctors, so my fever couldn’t be cured.” Nhu had contracted poliomyelitis, a highly contagious virus that had been present in the water. At three years old, Nhu had polio. “I was about 10 or 11 when my parents told me that story,” she says, now unable to remember the incident herself. By the time the fever had subsided, it was too late. The muscles in Nhu’s legs grew thin and weak and were soon unable to support her weight - a rare but devastating after-effect of the disease. She spent her childhood on crutches. “I couldn’t run or hop or play outside anymore, and I didn’t have any friends. At night I would think, why do I have to suffer this? Why didn’t Mum and Dad try to cure it? My thoughts were very pessimistic. It felt like my life was coming to a dead-end.” But the young Nhu was determined to break free of the isolation and of her disability. She’d always dreamt of running her own tailoring shop and in 2008, aged
“It felt like my life was coming to a dead-end.”
23 and by then using a wheelchair, moved to Saigon to join a seamstress school for disabled people. “I couldn’t think of anything else to do,” she says, her eyes now briefly meeting mine as she warms to my presence. “Only normal people can do the jobs in my hometown, but I knew I had to find work so I could take care of my own life.” In 2010 a friend suggested she try swimming as a means of therapy. Spending her days hunched over a sewing-machine, painstakingly training her weak leg muscles to control the pedal, she quickly fell in love with the water. “I just knew swimming by paddling my arms,” she says. “In my hometown, they call it ‘dog-swimming’.” Despite her modesty, it didn’t take long for her talents to be noticed by Dong Quoc Cuong, a sports coach revered by disabled
athletes all over Vietnam. “He said that I had the ability to swim professionally,” recalls Nhu. “I thought, how could I do that? I just swim by paddling my arms.” Cuong offered to train the youngster and quickly began entering her into competitions. Her first gold medal came at a national event in Danang. “I felt like I was flying high in the air. At that time it was very difficult for disabled people to get into sport, but I saw that it could potentially change my life.” With a one-month, government-funded training grant and a rack of national medals, Nhu gave up her tailoring ambitions and flew to Indonesia to compete at the 2011 ASEAN Para Games where she took two gold medals. “I called my dad right away,” she says. “I said, ‘Dad, I won gold medals!’ But he kept silent. He didn’t say a word. ‘Don’t you feel happy about that?’ I asked. ‘Why won’t you say anything?’ ‘I’m just so happy,’ he said eventually. ‘I don’t know what to say.’”
of a permanent, long-term grant. The cash will see them through their training for the Paralympics in September, and every event thereafter. It’s a big step forward not only for Nhu, but for Vietnam. The team has now moved in to the National Sports Training Centre in Thu Duc district, with a gym and swimming pool a stone’s throw from their accommodation block. Still under Cuong’s tutelage, Nhu trains six days per week for up to six hours. Vietnam is taking Rio more seriously than any other Paralympics in its history. I ask if she’s used to the pressure such a high-profile event must bring. “I can’t say I don’t like it,” she replies. “The crowd gives me motivation. I get nervous in front of the cameras, but it’s thanks to them that my family back home can watch.”
Vietnam is yet to win a medal in any of the Paralympic Games
Seeing the World Her success secured Nhu a place at the London 2012 Paralympics and a fourmonth training grant. Suddenly plunged into the world arena, with many of her competitors backed by permanent funding, Nhu sadly failed to make it through the preliminary heats. “Parasport in Vietnam was not funded much, so it was the best I could do at the time,” she says, adding that the spectacle of the event and the chance to visit the United Kingdom outshone any disappointment. After winning a silver medal at 2014’s Asian Para Games in South Korea, Nhu went on to compete in the 2015 World Championships in Scotland. Arriving poolside for the 100-metre breaststroke final, wearing the same lucky jacket she’d worn in Indonesia, Nhu climbed onto the starting platform, said a short prayer and waited for the starting buzzer. A medal here would take her to the 2016 Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro.
Going for Gold Whether the jacket helped or not, Trinh Thi Bich Nhu took second-place and Vietnam’s first world-class medal in the pool. For good measure, she earned a further three medals at the ASEAN Para Games in Singapore later that year. With the profile of parasports growing all over the world, the Vietnamese authorities agreed to increase their funding budgets for disabled sportsmen and women, and on 1 January 2016, Nhu and her three teammates received the first installment
Away from the Water While navigating around the training centre is fairly easy, with its wheelchair ramps and improved accessibility, life is understandably tough as a wheelchair user in Vietnam. “When I go out,” says Nhu, “I have to ask people to help push me down the road. When I go by bus, I have to ask people for help. I wish the city had special paths and buses, like those I’ve seen abroad, specifically for people with disabilities.” Despite the hardships, Nhu has come a long way from being the shy, isolated girl from the rice paddies of Kien Giang. “Through swimming, I now have many more friends and am able to be a part of society,” she says, her smile bright and her soft southern tones lilting across the room. “Thanks to this sport, I can travel abroad, I can meet many more people, and stop those feelings of self-pity. “We all have difficulties in life, but we have to try, in everything we do, to overcome them. I think we should always aim to better ourselves. That’s my way of looking at life.”
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BATTLE OF THE BEACHES Nha Trang and Danang are vying for the top beach spots in Vietnam. Monica Majors examines their tactics, and predicts the likely winner. Photos by Vinh Dao.
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T
he world’s biggest travel website, TripAdvisor, revealed its annual Traveller’s Choice Awards recently, celebrating what it considers the cream of the crop for its online community. Fourteen of the ‘Top Hotel’ and ‘Luxury Hotel’ titles went to Nha Trang’s hotels and resorts; the highest concentration of such accolades in the country. It snagged eighth place in Asia’s ‘Destinations on the Rise’ category, blowing its rival Da Nang out of those crystal blue waters. But the awards were preceded by a tumultuous year for the Vietnamese tourism industry, and seaside resorts like Nha Trang lost out to important markets – namely Australia. Among other factors, this was put down to the country’s convoluted visa requirements. Nha Trang’s status as Moscow-on-theEast Sea has also been under pressure, as Western sanctions, designed to punish Russia for its role in the Ukrainian conflict, hit the ruble hard. Anticipating the drop in visitors, Nha Trang formed a destination marketing organisation in 2014 (NTDMO) that includes nine businesses. In its first 18 months the organisation had grown to 15 participants. With a cabinet of five members representing the city’s hospitality sector, it launched into its marketing plan, creating its own website and digital campaign that pushed the hashtag #lovethelifeNhaTrang. The group is up against the big Central Coast Vietnam Destination Marketing Organization (CCV DMO), currently with 19 members and a great deal of momentum behind them. While beaches throughout the country represent a competitive threat to Nha Trang, it’s really only Danang with Hoi An that cannibalise domestic and international travellers. Within the first three months of 2015 around 878,000 travellers visited the central coast city of Da Nang, already an increase from 2014 by 17.3 percent, according to the municipal Department of Culture, Sport and Tourism. 2014 figures exceeded Nha Trang’s current ones, with an astounding four million travellers including one million international. Da Nang International Airport is the country’s third busiest, with Nha Trang’s Cam Ranh International at fourth, yet Cam Ranh is close on Da Nang’s tail. Cam Ranh witnessed a 20 percent increase in passengers in 2015 versus 2014 according to the Vietnam Administration of Tourism (VNAT). Nearly 880,000 were foreigners, an increase of 32 percent year on year. Thirty-three flights per day were recorded and 18 of them were international routes. Statistics are unavailable as to the average amount of spend these visitors produce (however VNAT did identify Australian visitors as having the highest average spend throughout the entire
country in 2015). Nha Trang famously enjoys 300 days of sunshine and, as we know, hosts a lot of Russians, while Danang is the gateway to one of Vietnam’s most romantic destinations, Hoi An. Even though the resorts and NTDMO have worked hard to manage the flagging number of Russians, municipality feedback on new feeder markets says they’ll be replacing this with mass-market Chinese travel. Putting the preferences of visiting tourists aside, it’s obvious that the NTDMO instead likes a healthy mix of nationalities rather than this constant over-stimulation from one nation. On top of this is the looming financial burden that Chinese tourists spend less money when traveling than their fellow communists. It seems that the NTDMO has its work cut out for itself. VNAT published articles on its website summarising recent plans to increase tourism for Da Nang and Nha Trang on 28 and 29 March respectively. The quantitative details of these two plans rolled out by the People’s Committees further demonstrate the spread between these two competitors. Da Nang set a target to draw in eight million tourists, including two million foreigners, and rake in VND27.4 trillion (USD1.23 billion) in revenue by 2020, according to the deputy director of the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Tran Chi Cuong. Whereas during the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival, held from 24 to 27 of March, the result was a mediocre-by-comparison plan between the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Tourism Association and Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Association. It may be unfair to compare Da Nang (Vietnam’s third largest city) to the more quaint seaside city of Nha Trang. They both,
however, vie for top spots on Vietnam’s beach-goer itineraries. In the case of north-to-south country tours, most travellers take only one such relaxing stopover on a month’s visa. This has been shortened or removed from the recently-encouraged two week journey, thanks to the 15-day visa exemption for certain European nationalities. In the case of comparing stretches of beach to beach, Nha Trang certainly takes the cake. But then again, some people may not appreciate the procession of scantily clad, red-chested Russians when driving through the city. Again, it comes back to the NTDMO’s constant work to liaise with all sections of the hospitality sector and assist the People’s Committee in making healthy decisions to grow the city. “The birth of NTDMO happened through collaboration because the best future of Nha Trang tourism is not from a single individual but from all entities,” said vice chairman, Pascal Caubo. The resort, Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, joined the NTDMO only early this year with the purpose of, “using the NTDMO to leverage more incoming business-class seats,” according to general manager Hilton Grant Hastings. Certainly such a clustered reception of the highly esteemed TripAdvisor awards is the right kind of attention for Nha Trang as a destination. Less than 1 percent of accommodation businesses on TripAdvisor website received these nominations. With its 5.5 kilometres of uninterrupted beach, it’s naturally well positioned to become Vietnam’s premier holiday escape. Da Nang certainly wins the battle for now, but it seems that Nha Trang is prepared to fight a longer campaign. With the addition of the NTDMO, Nha Trang has blossomed into the Cinderella story of destination marketing. AsiaLIFE HCMC 29
Simon Stanley gets a sneak peek at Vietnam’s first professional motor racing circuit. Photo by Vinh Dao.
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MÔT
An alpine white BMW slides sideways out of the bend towards us, its polished bodywork glinting, its rear tyres screaming, and two white-hot exhausts growling as its driver teeters on the razor-sharp edge of control. Through a cloud of tyre smoke and dust, the agile 5-Series rushes past the press pack before swinging its nose towards the next corner.
I
t’s late March and I’m at HappyLand Circuit, a motorsport complex currently under construction in Long An province, 35 kilometres from downtown Saigon. As construction workers continue to toil over the pit garages, the spectator’s area, the hospitality suites, the inner motocross circuit and the adjoining quarter-mile drag-strip, a small section of the 1.5 kilometre outer track has been opened to give a taste of what’s to come. “We will eventually have seating for 25,000 people,” says Nguyen Ngoc Hoan, the track’s designer and HappyLand Circuit director. As the first track of its kind in the country, Hoan hopes it will soon put Vietnam on the region’s motorsport map. “Next year I want Vietnam to be on par with Malaysia and Thailand,” he says, referring to the world-class racing scenes in both countries. Leaving the track’s edge, we shelter from the sun on the first-floor balcony of what will become the ‘super-VIP’ hospitality suite, now dubbed the ‘white castle’. A dozen super-bikes eagerly rev their engines, awaiting the green light on the tarmac below. Owing to its current width, bike racing will be the focus on HappyLand’s main track - the cars are just for show although an off-road rally-car course has been marked out in the nearby fields. Hoan’s a happy man; the cacophony of exhausts clearly music to his ears. “I’ve waited a long time for this,” he says. The flag falls, the bikes take off and Hoan looks over his budding empire.
Going Pro
28-year-old salesman Nguyen Hung steps off of his Honda CBR600 after a gruelling session of practice laps. Having owned a progressively larger and faster array of sports-bikes since his teens, from 150cc to 200, 400, and now 600, today is his first time riding on a dedicated racetrack away from public roads, laws and speed limits. Dressed in full race-spec clothing leathers, full-face helmet, boots and kneesliders - he tells me how he’s been getting on. “It’s difficult,” he says, “because I cannot find the correct racing line yet. Also, my tyres are for the streets, not for racing, so it’s quite slippery.” For Hung and the growing community of sports-bike enthusiasts in Vietnam,
HappyLand’s grand opening couldn’t come sooner. “In Vietnam we’ve never had a racetrack like this before,” he says. “I used to dream about going to Thailand and Malaysia to race, but it is very far and I cannot take my bike. I could only go to watch. Having this circuit has made me really happy.”
Grass Roots
Veteran of the Vietnamese motocross scene, Dang Nhat Minh, is a director at motorsports events company Red Wing, which will bring races and spectators to HappyLand. “We are building the foundations of racing in Vietnam here,” he says. “We’ve started at nothing, taking it one step at a time.” Through Red Wing, Minh hopes to teach a domestic audience about the appreciation of motorsport. “The second step is safety,” he adds, “both off and on the track. Then the third step is to send riders outside of Vietnam to compete abroad.” Like circuit director Hoan, the team at Red Wing are keen to see riders like Hung quickly progress into the big leagues. “I think professional Vietnamese racers will start coming up next year,” says Minh. With his 250kph Honda, and a place on HappyLand’s forthcoming training course (hosted by Malaysian Grand Prix rider Azlan Shah Kamaruzaman), Hung, naturally, wants to be among the first band of pro racers. “Of course, I want to try. I want to be like Valentino Rossi,” he says. Despite his enthusiasm, he’s also realistic. “But maybe it’s too late for me. They will have smaller bikes here, like 50cc or 70cc, so I will bring my kids so they can learn to ride.” As well as regular safety courses and skills training, HappyLand will host a range of bike and car events aimed at wowing audiences while nurturing a new generation of petrol-heads. Drag-racing, off-road rally-cross, moto-gymkhana, stunt shows, go-karting… HappyLand wants to do it all. Additionally, Hoan hopes that MiniGP will become a popular event for those wishing to cut their teeth in the racing world. Featuring four-stroke, 125cc compact versions of full-blown racing bikes, MiniGP has been the starting point for many of the world’s top riders. It’s also much cheaper, slower and, most importantly, safer. “This
will be better for everyone in Vietnam,” says Hoan. With various open-days planned, I ask if anyone can simply show up and let loose on his track. The answer is a firm “no”. The track’s technical team will assess every new rider’s abilities, explains Hoan, following an inspection of whatever vehicle they’ve brought along (although bikes will be available to hire). If your skills are not up to scratch, you’ll be invited to join the race school.
The Big Picture
From the top of the white castle, we look out across the surrounding fields, all now owned by the HappyLand project. Covering 338 hectares, it’s immense. But it doesn’t quite match the developer’s masterplan. Five years after breaking ground, the grassland around the circuit, initially earmarked to become the multi-billion dollar HappyLand theme-park and entertainment complex, shows little evidence of the hotels, roller-coasters, cinemas and restaurants that were once scheduled for completion in 2014. Beset by delays and funding difficulties, it’s hard to see how what was initially touted to become Vietnam’s answer to Disneyland will ever work out here. However, Hoan’s plan for an equally immense, international-standard motorsport complex (reaching far beyond the circuit’s current boundaries) might just be the answer. Vietnam has the weather, the space and a growing generation of speed enthusiasts with money to spend and fuel to burn. I’m reminded of a small village in the middle of England. Rural and remote, like HappyLand, it was unheard of until a nearby abandoned airforce base, known as RAF Silverstone, became an impromptu venue for motor races in the late 1940s. While Vietnam won’t be hosting a Formula One Grand Prix anytime soon, by the time these words reach you, HappyLand Circuit should be up and running, with the completion of the spectator, hospitality and garage facilities coming later in the year. So if you want to find out just how fast your little Honda Dream can go, or fancy honing your skills on something a little nippier, the gates of HappyLand await.
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Monica Majors travels to K’Ho Coffee in Dalat to learn how the area’s grinding outsome of the best beans in Vietnam. Photos by Vinh Dao.
I
t can be surprisingly difficult to find a good cup of coffee in the second biggest exporting country of coffee beans in the world. In Dalat, it’s possible to gain an understanding of what goes into a good cup, and it begins with family.
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Special Brew
As soon as you leave Dalat city centre, the dramatic, hilly scenery becomes even greener, with plots of artichokes, cabbage, cauliflower, strawberries and coffee stretching on for miles. What makes the soil here unique from that of other productionheavy parts of Vietnam is the altitude, temperature and rainfall. And in the case of coffee, it’s one of only three regions that grow Arabica. Lam Dong province yields the most, covering 16,000 hectares; Quang Tri (North Central Vietnam) has about 5,000 hectares; Dien Bien and Son La in the northern mountainous area currently has about 14,000 hectares, though plans are imminent to double that space. The rest of the country’s 661,500 plus hectares of coffee plantations grow Robusta. Aside from flavour, there is a vast difference in the necessary climates to grow either variety, but in terms of massproduction, Robusta trees produce more than their counterpart, thereby raising the growing cost of Arabica. Driving west out of the city, I was told to visit a minority village for a good cup of brew. French colonial houses gave way to brightly coloured duplexes that lined the way. The pavements turned to iron-rich dirt, dust dancing around the car, as I arrived at Bonneur ‘C Village. This is one village of the indigenous Koho; a minority population of approximately 183,000 with its own language and Mon-Khmer roots. Here I met the fourth and fifth generations of the cooperative family who organically grow, harvest, roast and sell K’Ho Coffee.
Family Roots
Rolan Co Lieng, 29, and Joshua Guikema, 33, manage the family business out of their humble home built on stilts into the hillside of the Liang Biang plateau. Their vista overlooks much of the 50 hectares that make up the cooperative of 50 houses. As I passed through the showroom, we crossed part of the plantation, waving at the chicken guarding her compost pile. Persimmon and avocado trees, which are used for companion planting to provide shade to the coffee trees, guarded the freshly flowering Arabica. Inside their home, an earthy aroma of timber and coffee filled the air. Guikema was brewing while Co Lieng and I sat around the table where she presented
examples of the boldly-coloured handicrafts the villagers also produce. Guikema married into the matriarchal society nearly five years ago. It was around that time that the business really evolved - partly as a result of the family’s persistence at keeping the product authentic, and partly due to the expanding market for specialist coffee. Traditionally, the farmers would sell the raw seeds (as they are properly called, not ‘beans’), to a bulk supplier who would then blend them with those from all over the region and beyond. Co Lieng went on to describe the meticulous, almost year-long process the families undertake collectively to bring coffee from flower to filter. As she did so their two-year-old son and possibly fifth generation farmer, affectionately called ‘Lee Boy’, bounced between his rocking horse and his daddy’s lap.
Older is Better
When the French colonised Dalat they brought with them Arabica seeds from Africa. In the 1940s Co Lieng’s grandfather, Brai Co Lieng, snagged some of these seeds and sewed them in the jungle. Most of these old African trees still produce today, and are one of the main factors that differentiate K’Ho Coffee from the country’s mass produced varieties and other specialty blends. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) and some of Vietnam’s provincial authorities have major plans to replace these older trees throughout the country, since young coffee trees can yield at least double the amount of their older counterparts. They will be replaced with Indonesian seeds that were first introduced to Vietnam in the 1990s. The family grow the trees organically, being fertilised throughout the eight month wet season with compost, before
harvesting (by hand) takes place in October or November. The Arabica trees cultivated byv Co Lieng and the cooperative produce 100 percent red cherry fruit. This equates to more natural sugar and a longer time for overall processing. Over 20 days the marblesized fruits dry under the sun, displaying a melange of colours that mimic the vibrancy of the Koho’s weavings. When the fruit is too hard to dent, it’s ready to cure for a few months before the crucial point of the process begins: roasting.
A Good Cup o’ Joe
Each family has a unique method of medium roasting, but all employ a clean process. A November 2015 report by the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service confirmed that there are still small factions of illegitimate ‘dirty coffee’ being produced. Made with other ingredients such as corn or soy beans and roasted with chemicals or butter, the components have been known to turn into carcinogens during the process. While much of this practice has subsided, it can still be found in some ‘specialist’ coffee stalls or street kiosks. The best way to avoid this is to visit trustworthy cafes who procure their beans from transparent producers such as K’Ho or by buying directly from the farmer. Guikema and Co Lieng understand it’s important to educate consumers about clean coffee practices. They also offered up the advice that if you are genuinely concerned with the origin and quality of your coffee, to look at the transparency in the different stages of the process or even head out to a farm and join the harvest if possible. As I sipped on their brew (prepared through a Hario filter) I realised that I have not yet had a cup of Vietnamese coffee that tasted so… right. Its aroma balanced perfectly with the calm taste of a medium roast. There is no need for sugar, milk, or butter, as connoisseurs will quickly bark at you. K’Ho Coffee is soon to be brewed in Saigon, but for now you can pick it up at any of Saigon Outcast’s farmer’s markets. Alternatively, head to LivinCollective or Alpaca in Nha Trang. So when looking around for that right cup, look for organic and family-grown; it’s good on the nose, the palate, the body’s chemistry, the land, small farmers, minority villages and cooperative societies, and the overall economy of Vietnam. AsiaLIFE HCMC 33
CHILLING Many of us wouldn’t survive a week without air-conditioning, but our favourite home appliance may be more dangerous than we think. By Simon Stanley. Photo by Vinh Dao.
34 AsiaLIFE HCMC
T
alk about coincidences… I’d just sat down to write this piece - my own AC blowing warm air as it often does - when I heard a dripping sound coming from the balcony where our three compressor units live. It wasn’t the sound of dripping water, but of dripping, red hot plastic. One of the units was on fire. By the time I’d alerted someone, grabbed a fire extinguisher and returned, smoke was pouring into the sky and flames had engulfed the balcony. Emptying the entire canister onto the fire, the scene (and I) disappeared behind a white cloud of carbon dioxide. The fire was out and I’d escaped with only a few minor burns from the gloopy plastic now spattered everywhere. The culprit? A short-circuit in the compressor’s starter switch, a very freak occurrence apparently. Such incidents serve as reminders to always turn off the AC when leaving the house and, in the long-term, to ensure our systems are well maintained (often a difficult task in a country where trained, certified technicians are practically non-existent). While fires are extremely rare, air-conditioning poses a number of potential health risks. Here are five issues to be aware of:
1 - Keep it Clean
Does your AC air smell like dirty socks? Maybe it’s no longer cooling the room sufficiently and instead puffing damp, musty air. A dirty system may be the problem. Firstly, according to Tomoki Miyamoto, Panasonic’s air-conditioning general manager, the air-filter inside the internal evaporator unit should be cleaned every two weeks. This is normally a screen of microfine mesh that can be accessed via the front panel, removed and washed in warm soapy water. “The evaporator is very humid,” explains Miyamoto, “therefore the risk of mould and bacteria growth will be higher.” The evaporator itself should also be cleaned at least once a year. Special sprays,
widely available abroad, may be hard to find in Saigon, but speak to your local handyman or woman (or the customer service department for your particular brand), about getting it cleansed. For ducted AC systems, with long, inaccessible air-channels, the risk of harmful micro-organisms forming is even higher. Once airborne, they can cause sickness and potentially fatal respiratory infections such as pneumonia and Legionnaire’s disease. Many modern AC units feature built-in cleaning functions. Panasonic’s nanoe-G system is one of them. “It’s an ioniser,” says Miyamoto, “able to purify airborne and adhesive objects. It also deactivates viruses and mould by up to 99 percent.” Cleaning the waste water pipes annually is also recommended. As moisture in the warm air condenses on the cold fins of the evaporator (like the sides of a glass of iced tea) the fluid drains into a gutter and runs outside. If your evaporator unit begins to leak, this drain may be blocked with dirt, fluff and other nasties.
2 - Let it Breathe
While you should keep windows closed while the AC is on, most small-scale residential systems are ‘sealed’, recycling the ‘old’ air rather than bringing in fresh air from outside. If airborne pollutants such as germs, mould, dust and bacteria are present, they may never leave. Bedrooms are the primary culprits. Miyamoto suggests that a ventilation fan, installed higher than the AC unit, is the best solution. “In cases where this is not possible,” he says, “you should leave the door open around one to two centimetres.” In the case of ducted AC, in a room without a ‘return’ vent and with the door closed, the increased air pressure can also lead to respiratory problems, poor sleep and feelings of overall discomfort.
3 – Avoid Direct Airflow
The dehumidifying effect of the AC
process dries out mucus membranes in the sinuses, thus causing irritation and reduced protection against colds, flu and other illnesses. Miyamoto raises the added issue of skin dryness. “To avoid it,” he says, “it is recommended to cool the room while avoiding direct airflow to yourself. Panasonic has just introduced a new AC series named ‘Sky’, with a radiant cooling function which has been proven to prevent skin dryness.” If you’re stuck in a home or office with AC, stay hydrated, look after your skin, keep out of the draught and try to get ‘fresh’ air regularly.
4 - Not Too Cold
Headaches, coughs, sore joints, fatigue, painful sinuses and an exacerbation of existing health conditions such as low blood pressure and arthritis have all been linked to the icy blasts of overzealous air-conditioning. Setting the thermostat too low at night can also lead to poor sleep quality and a weakened immune system. 18C (65F) is the sweet spot most sleep researchers point to, but as we all know, rarely does an AC’s thermostat match the actual temperature of a room. The ‘breezy’ nature of AC can also make temperatures deceivingly low. Consider using a normal fan at the same time. Your AC unit may offer a sleep-mode, often symbolised by a sleeping face or a moon. This normally means a preset temperature and fan setting best suited for nighttime use. For cooler days (and nights), consider using the drying mode (normally shown with a water droplet symbol). This removes moisture from the air without cooling it as humidity can make otherwise comfortable temperatures unbearable.
5 - Leaky Pipes
Another common AC fault is a leaky gas line. If your system is blowing warm air, it may need to be re-gassed. In Vietnam, most building maintenance personnel will be familiar with this. The gas is relatively odourless and only harmful if long-term exposure occurs, but do open doors and windows if you suspect a leak. While most systems will need topping up from time to time, like a bike tyre, if it happens every week it’s time to investigate.
HOW DOES AIR-CONDITIONING WORK? 1. A special type of gas, known as a refrigerant, is compressed to form a liquid. This gives off heat, hence the need for an external, fan-cooled compressor. 2. The liquid then moves indoors to the evaporator. In many homes, shops, offices and restaurants, this is the large rectangular unit hanging high up on the wall. For ducted AC, the evaporator will be hidden out of sight. 3. Once inside the coiled pipes of the evaporator, the pressure is released and the refrigerant turns into a gas again.
4. This process absorbs heat from the surrounding air, thus cooling it. Aided by a fan and a rack of metal fins (much like a car’s radiator working in reverse), the cooled air is blown into the room. The condesation from the air collects in the bottom of the evaporator and is drained away. 5. The refrigerant gas then returns to the compressor for the process to begin again.
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5
Day 1 - Doing Nothing
Tam Giang Lagoon, a 75-kilometre-long stretch of water, separated from the ocean by a thin ribbon of sand, sits just outside the old imperial capital of Hue. In just under two hours from Saigon, we had arrived on the southern shore of the lagoon at Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa. While a visit to Hue should be all about culture and history, a growing number of satellite resorts like Vedana now cater to those looking for an alternative: sand, sea and sun-drenched relaxation. 36 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Sandwiched between fishing villages and rice paddies, Vedana offers a range of luxurious villas and over-water bungalows. We’ve taken a honeymoon villa, perched high on the hillside and hidden among the swaying grasses and banana trees. With a private pool, a large veranda, a bathroom bigger than our entire HCMC apartment, two showers and a separate lounge area, we spend the first hour of our stay bouncing around like helium atoms having been released from the pressure cooker that is Saigon. Then we relax. We change into our swimwear (although, being overlooked by no one but the birds, it’s liberatingly optional), grab our books and hit the sun loungers. Like the fishing boats gently put-put-putting from one side of the vista to the other, time passes, chapters come and go and the sun soon begins its descent. At dusk we head down to the water’s edge to find two bicycles waiting for us. As one of several dining options available at Vedana, we cycle along to a romantic meal for two on our own private pontoon with our own waiter.
Day 2 - Doing… Something
7.30am and we’re at Vedana’s over-water spa. A 30-minute tai chi session leads into yoga which leads into a sprawling breakfast buffet at the nearby restaurant. If you don’t want to lift a finger, this is the place to come. But unlike some resorts, Vedana boasts a varied menu of activities and sightseeing
Simon Stanley discovers Vietnam’s imperial past, wartime horrors, and modern luxury in the country’s central region. Photos by Simon Stanley and Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa.
options. In-house, there’s a well-equipped gym, table tennis facilities, volleyball and tennis courts, plus complimentary kayaks and pushbikes for exploring the lagoon. After breakfast we pedal out along the quiet country road that follows the shoreline, dodging dogs, ducks, cows and chickens as the surrounding mountains slide in and out of view through the morning haze. A woman tends to her rice paddy as her husband drives water buffalo out of the shallows. If you are missing the feeling of sand between your toes, a daily free shuttle departs for Canh Duong beach, an untouched strip of sand 23 kilometres from the resort. For a spot of culture, Vedana also offers trips to the Truc Lam Zen Monastery, the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc and several more historical sights in the area.
Day 3 - Bach Ma National Park
Opposite Vedana’s entrance lies 40,000 hectares of tropical and sub-tropical wilderness. We take a guided tour from the resort, making the steep, 20-kilometre drive to Bach Ma National Park’s 1,450-metre summit by car. Tackling it on foot, says our guide, is not recommended. There are, however, plenty of hiking trails to be found along the way, making photogenic diversions to waterfalls, lakes and scenic lookouts. For nature lovers, the park is home to thousands of species of wildlife, including langurs, and, so the guide says, leopards, black bears and tigers. Today
they’re all on holiday, it seems. The final leg of the climb is an easy stroll broken up by a peek inside a tunnel system built by the North Vietnamese forces as they battled the Americans for control over this strategic observation point. The park’s story actually began in the colonial era when it was founded as a French hill station similar to Dalat. Many of the early villas and chalets were destroyed during the Indochina wars but recent restoration projects have turned the clock back and provided the park with a few quirky guesthouses and restaurants.
Day 4 - Hue
Departing at 9:30am daily, Vedana’s shuttle ferries guests into the centre of Hue and back, a 40 to 50-minute journey each way. Stopping right outside the gates of the citadel, it’s ideal for those seeking a whistle-stop tour before returning to lagoon-side paradise. We’ve checked-out and have cheekily used the shuttle to get us to Cherish Hotel in the city centre where we’ll spend the next two nights. After dumping our bags, we take a short taxi ride over the river to the large, majestic imperial citadel. It was constructed in the early 19th century and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, serving as the centrepiece to Hue’s many tombs, pagodas and temples. The number of US veterans strolling down the narrow streets reminds us that Hue was also the location of one of the longest and bloodiest battles of the American war, lasting from 30 January 30 to 3 March 3, 1968 and amounting in thousands of casualities.
Day 5 - The Demilitarised Zone
Truong Van Tam spins around in the passenger seat to show us his identity card. It shows his year of birth as 1958. “But I’m actually 62,” he says, “born in 1954. I forged my birth certificate twice, knocking off two years each time. We all did it. Some even blew their toes off with grenade fuses.” We’ve taken a tour of the DMZ with Stop and Go, a company that employs Englishspeaking locals who lived through the war to recount its history alongside their own personal experiences. Tam is explaining how he and his friends avoided conscription into the South Vietnam army. Born just south of the line which divided Vietnam in two in 1954, his stories are fascinating, and heartbreaking; about how he lost his father to an American artillery shell, about the terror he felt as US helicopters roared overhead, machine guns poised to cut down anyone who ran; how the same choppers would later return to drop candy, and how his home was eventually obliterated once the area had been targeted as a Viet Cong stronghold. History books can only do so much, but seeing these places for ourselves, being led by the people who were here at the time, is something we’ll never forget. While Hue will no doubt remain a singleday stop off for many backpackers breezing through on their way to or from Danang, it’s definitely worthy of a few more nights for those who have the time.
Visit vedanalagoon.com AsiaLIFE HCMC 37
Sri Lanka boasts sacred treks, stunning scenery and an unexplored north, while offering cheap eats and even cheaper travel with a view, especially when exploring the nation by train. Words and photos by Joanna Mayhew.
C
a-clunk, ca-clunk, ca-clunk. After days of listening to it, the hypnotic sound of the aged and swaying train engrained itself in my mind. It became the soundtrack for my weeklong exploration of Sri Lanka’s diverse settings. While vistas changed from tea plantations to shimmering ibis-graced waters, the lens through which I viewed them remained the same – a smudged and scratched rounded-edge window, with the repetitive clickety-clack of rails below, interrupted only by the sudden screeching of brakes when approaching the next stop. Railways remain the most cost-efficient way to get around the country, allowing for a first-class visit on a third-class budget. Tickets are shockingly cheap, with one near-10 hour journey costing just over $3. For most legs, tickets can be purchased the day of, as certain carriages are sectioned off for last-minute travellers. And on the busiest stretches, vendors keep you satiated with coffee, roti and samosas.
interior. The ride – perhaps the most picturesque in the country – snakes through Sri Lanka’s tea country, with dramatic sloping mountains, lush green landscapes, waterfalls and tidy plantations. Known as Little England, the town recalls its colonial past, with old-fashioned hotels, a Victorian post office and British names still branding the largest tea companies. At an altitude of 1,800 metres, the town has cooler weather, and makes for a cosy stopover to explore Horton Plains National Park, an hour’s drive away. The park’s main draw is World’s End – a stunning lookout point towards the south of the country from a cliff that drops 800-plus metres. Unfortunately, engulfed in mist, we missed the view altogether. But thankfully the weather cleared throughout the rest of the peaceful 10-kilometre loop, which takes in streams, rolling moorlands and dense forest, as well as sightings of the elegant sambar deer.
Sacred Pilgrimage
For the final leg, we forewent the typical southern tourist route for a glimpse into the island’s war-affected north, only recently opened to tourists. Following a brief visit to Kandy, we boarded a train due west to Kurunegala, then eight hours north to Jaffna, past green rice paddies and stately peacocks rustling through long grass. While Jaffna is not strikingly beautiful, its rich Tamil history, and not-so-distant conflict-torn past, make it an interesting destination. And for a touch of luxury, you can stay at Fort Hammenhiel Resort – a 1600s Portuguese fort on a small island, with four rooms built into the structure, above the original prison cells. Though English is more limited, residents are incredibly open and grateful for the influx of new visitors. The north also offers all the benefits of cheap southern Indian food paired with tasty Sri Lankan staples, such as shredded coconut and chilli sambol, bowl-shaped egg hopper pancakes, biryani and pol roti flatbread. The town tour took only a few hours, with stops at the old coastal fort, public library and the impressive Nallur Hindu temple, where men are required to remove their shirts, and others can be seen chanting while balancing coconuts on their heads. Throughout Jaffna and its surrounding eerily empty islands, bombed-out, abandoned, overgrown and bullet-ridden buildings can be explored at length unimpeded, including historic landmarks such as the 104 AD Rajamanthree Palace. But as landmines can still be found in some areas, be careful where you step. A few days later, having travelled the area at length, we begrudgingly boarded our last train back – with full bellies, and, more importantly, not-yet-empty wallets.
The first leg of the trip took us from Colombo’s tracks to the southwest of the nation’s central hill country, to attempt the sacred Adam’s Peak climb. Jutting up in a perfect triangle, the iconic mountain is said to be where Adam first set foot on earth, or where Buddha left a sacred footprint. As opposed to neighbouring India, the majority of Sri Lankans practice Buddhism, and hundreds of thousands of believers flock to the peak between December and May to pilgrimage up the mountain for sunrise. We hit the trail just prior to the pilgrimage season, which meant there were no lanterns lighting the way, but – while it would add to the setting – we ended up being grateful to avoid the crowds. In high season, pilgrims are said to amass to 500,000, making the climb frightfully slow, and even dangerous. Staying the night in tiny Dalhousie town, just a few minutes walk from the trail, we set out at 2.30am in the brisk cold, after being awoken by a parade of worshippers with fire, drums and oversized whips moving towards a temple. Sleepily and armed with head torches, we began the 1,000-metre ascent, consisting of 5,200 steps. The three-hour hike moves from gradual, spaced out steps to endless steep ones. Luckily, vendors are scattered up the climb to offer benches and hot tea, and the 360-degree sunrise view at the top makes it all worth it – with mist rising off of large lakes, tree-covered hillsides and stupas far below. Just keep in mind you then face the same 5,200 steps on the way down.
Hilltop Hideouts
A few hours after the climb, dragging our tired legs, we boarded the train onwards to Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of the hilly
Uncovering Jaffna
FOOD NEWS Savouring the tastier side of Saigon life
Insatiable Appetite for D2
Restaurateurs of District 1 and beyond are targeting the other side of the river, particularly Thao Dien in D2, with the ongoing high-rise developments lining up thousands of potential new customers. Popular gourmet burger spot, Relish and Sons, opens its second branch at 105-107 Xuan Thuy. The fittingly named Walking Distance cafe, which focuses on desserts, opened this month across the road at 80D Xuan Thuy. Further down the same street at number 11 is tapas bar La Bodega that looks almost ready for business and a high-end Vietnamese cuisine venue, Com Nieu Saigon, will launch imminently at number 75. Just a block away, D1’s Quan Bui, which merges modern and classic Vietnamese design, cuisine and hospitality, has branched out to 55 Ngo Quang Huy (pictured). On the An Phu side of the Hanoi highway, another D1 export now sits at 66 Song Hanh in the shape of Japanese restaurant Ebisu. The question is, will there be enough of an appetite to fill the seats in the coming months?
Street Food Gets a Facelift
Tourism and food safety authorities in Saigon have announced plans to overhaul the city’s street food scene, mostly in the downtown area. Ho Chi Minh City University of Economics’ Tourism Division head, Nguyen Duc Tri, told local media that the management of street food in the city has been neglected. “The city is famous for its food, but the most important thing is to win customers’ confidence in food safety so they are happy to dine at street-side venues,” he said, adding that hygiene, price transparency and customer service needed improvement to raise the image of one of Vietnam’s iconic draws. The announcement was followed by plans to install impromptu food courts on the sidewalks of Nguyen Van Chiem Street and Vo Van Kiet. Fresh water, rubbish facilities and public toilets would be provided, alongside a programme of hygiene training for vendors, according to Thanh Nien News. The month-long trial may pave the way for the scheme to be rolled out to other parts of the city. For street-eats without the street, a weekly food festival has appeared in the grounds of the Youth Culture House behind Diamond Plaza in D1. Featuring 19 carefully selected stalls offering international and local cuisine, plus a live music area, the festival runs every Saturday and Sunday between 3pm and 10.30pm.
Pizza Place Offers Another Slice
In D3, the folks behind the institution that is 4P’s introduced Pizza for Good (or ‘P4G’ - pictured) in March, at 42 Tran Cao Van. Overlooking Turtle Lake, the new project offers a more casual dining experience compared to its famous sibling. “We would like our customers to use Pizza for Good for a different occasion from Pizza 4P’s,” said Taku Tanaka, P4G’s project manager. “We set very reasonable prices but keep the best quality, baking all of our pizzas by wood-oven. We also try to serve dishes and drinks fast so that customers can enjoy lunch even within a short space of time.” 40 AsiaLIFE HCMC
It seems che is out and ice cream is in. The last six months have brought a wave of new ice cream parlours to Saigon to give the original pack of dessert chains something to shiver over. Here are our ‘coolest’ spots:
iKem - 53b Nguyen Du, D1. Freshly made before your eyes with liquid nitrogen, cream and a range of sweet toppings, fillings and flavours, it’s the most futuristic dessert in town. Must try: Fat Elvis. Lickie Ice Cream - @ Matcha Cafe, 5 Huynh Thuc Khanh, D1. Lickie is one of several brands of gourmet ice cream on sticks being hawked from carts all over town. While quality can fluctuate, Lickie’s funky designs mean the kids love ‘em. Must try: Mango Butterflies. Lu Creme - 612 Dien Bien Phu, D10. Whether you order it in a tub, a fish-shaped waffle, or with a slice of cake wedged into it, the ice cream at this trendy hangout is silky smooth and served with all manner of fruits, toppings and accoutrements. Must try: Oreo cream on a thick Belgian waffle. Osterberg Ice Cream - 212 Le Lai, D1. A newcomer to the Saigon scene, all the way from Denmark, this award-winning ice cream is homemade and comes in 12 varieties from a selection of 90 recipes. Must try: Red dragon fruit flavour.
Slow and Chill Coffee
Located on Saigon’s famous walking street, this white-out cafe not only pays attention to the taste, but also focuses on the presentation of their drinks. Slow and Chill gives you the chance to customise your beverages according to your taste buds, providing extra milk, coffee, marshmallows, you name it. It’s the perfect chill-out spot after a warm day or night strolling on Nguyen Hue. Must try: Their ‘Slow Coffee’ is a hit but if you want to skip the caffeine, the Choco Volcano is the bomb! 2nd Floor, 90 Nguyen Hue, D1.
LOCAL
EATS by
TRISTAN NGO
Bo Kho
I don’t remember the first time I ate bo kho but the last time was only a few days ago, so when AsiaLIFE asked me to write about it I jumped at the chance. Bo (beef) and kho (meaning to braise, stew or simmer), is an aromatic stew consisting of tender chunks of beef shank and tendon, thickly sliced carrots, onion, garlic, shallots, lemongrass and star anise. No one is quite sure exactly when and where bo kho came about and you’ll be hard pressed to find its origin. There are, however, many possible influences from various regions of the world. Bo kho is as exciting as an Indian curry and quite similar to an American beef stew or a Hungarian beef goulash. Personally, I lean more toward the connection between bo kho and the French beef bourguignon, the late-19thcentury colonisers having introduced Vietnam to the cow and various new ways of cooking it. They also brought with them the baguette - the banh mi - a popular accompaniment to bo kho. Bo kho is one of those comforting dishes and one of my favourites for weekend mornings or after a late night out. The tangy lemongrass is absolutely delicious. Hearty, savoury, spicy if required, it is arguably one of the most popular breakfast dishes in Vietnam. It’s normally served with a Vietnamesestyle French baguette, along with a cafe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee), iced tea or fresh coconut juice. Also available throughout the day in certain places, you can swap the banh mi for hu tiu (vermicelli noodles), mi (egg noodles) or pho (flat white noodles). Here are a few good places to start your bo kho journey:
Diem tam 134
134 Ky Con Street, D1 // 08 6659 9528 // 6am - 12.30pm I am a big fan of this place, and it just happens to be located right in the centre of District 1. It is well-known for the freshly-made hoanh thanh (wontons), siu cao (prawn dumplings), handmade egg noodles and, of course, the simmering cauldron of bo kho. The service here is quite good - sometimes a rarity for local eats. Be sure to order their freshly-made hot soy bean drink.
Hu Tiu Mi 27
27 Ky Hoa, D5 // 08 3857 8636 // 6am until sold out (normally around 11am) Located on Ky Hoa Street next to Trieu Quang Phuc, between Hong Bang and Nguyen Trai, you really need to pay attention otherwise you’ll miss this place. It’s a small house with an open door and a noodle stand in front. It’s little more than a few tables, chairs and wall fans, but draws a steady stream of hungry locals, so come early.
Hu Tieu Bo Kho Ba Nam
Hem 162, Tran Nhan Ton, D10 // 7am - 11am (or until sold out) This old eatery has been popular since before 1975 and is a bit off the beaten path. It can get pretty crowded and service is non-existent, so be patient; you will be served eventually and it is worth the wait. Make sure you mix together a side dish of salt, pepper and lime juice (and the optional fresh chilli) to dip the beef. If slightly gristly tendons aren’t to your taste, try asking for ‘thit bo’ (‘cow meat’) to get only the tender morsels of beef. AsiaLIFE HCMC 41
8
CITY DRINKS
Snuffbox 14 Ton That Dam, D1 // FB: Snuffbox 12pm – 3am, 7 days // 01 2638 72603
Mixology and vintage curiosities are the focus at this speak-easy bar. By Lorcan Lovett. Photos by Vinh Dao. Cool people like exclusivity. San Francisco’s Bohemian Club encompassed figures such as Richard Nixon, while one of his best buds, FBI founder J. Edgar Hoover, was a ‘Master Freemason’ by the age of 25. They’re pretty cool, right? Snuffbox is cool too. Hidden away on the first floor of an old apartment building in District 1, it doesn’t even have a sign - just a logo – and potential punters push a button that signals a green light inside. Staff then slide back a slot in a metal door to hear whether the person has the right password. At least that was the initial idea until the business seemed awfully quiet, so now you can just walk in. The interior is broody despite a large disco ball hanging above the bar. There are many vintage curios scattered about the establishment’s two floors, which, as a whole, touts itself as a “1920s themed speak-easy lounge celebrating the end of Prohibition”. Prohibition ended in the 1930s. But let’s not be picky. Snuffbox has jazz on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Otherwise there’s a genuinely decent playlist of house, dub and electric. The last time I visited, there was a jazzy Jungle Book remix on the go. The main focus here is the mixology. That’s fortunate, because bottles of Tiger are VND90,000 and the cheapest cognac shot VND200,000. 42 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Classic cocktails are VND150,000. I sipped on a Boulevardier on my first visit and slipped out to the balcony to get some natural light. Snuffbox, I felt, was better judged on a night visit. The second visit started with a New York Sour (bourbonbased and including an egg white). It was a weekend, the bartenders were friendly, and, after working my way down the list, I began to see a different side to Snuffbox. It’s a speak-easy after all. The clandestine entrance, the loaninducing drinks, the pompous huddles of cool people; it’s all intentional. If Hogwarts had a private club for alcoholics, this would be it. Cool, I thought, and then I looked down at the menu again. A single malt shot priced at VND200,000 stared back at me. Cool. There will be lots of students who save up all week to nurse a drink here on the weekends. I can see the attraction: the place is a secret, but I don’t really want to know about all of Saigon’s secrets. There’s a thin line between speak-easy and sigh-hard. Check it out to see whether you agree.
JAKE’S BBQ 50 Pasteur, D1 // 08 3825 1311 // jakesamericanbbq.com // 11am – 11pm, Sun – Thurs, and 9am till late Fri – Sat
This new grill-house joins Saigon’s growing American barbecue club, offering big portions and food made with passion. By Lorcan Lovett. Photos by Jonny Edbrooke.
Marinated, grilled meat bridges the culinary worlds of Vietnam and the US, which explains why fans of dishes such as bun thit nuong will happily cross over to pork shoulder cooked low and slow. Bearing that broad appeal in mind, both expats and Vietnamese have driven Saigon’s American barbecue spots to wild success recently, and attracted the newest kid on the block, 36-year-old chef Jake Pulkrabak. “I’m very honoured to be part of this community,” he says. “The reception has been very warm.” Pulkrabak has renovated the former burger joint Mogambo’s into a tin-roofed slice of Americana, with a long bar dominating the first floor and
a smoker outside on one of Saigon’s busiest streets. Inhaling the bar’s smoky aroma, I take a bite out of The Jucy (sic) Lucy (VND270,000 plus a 5 percent service charge on all dishes). The burger was invented in Pulkrabak’s home state of Minnesota and he stays true to its roots by using US imported meat while stuffing the bun with sautéed onions and bacon cured and smoked in-house. There’s also a choice of blue cheese or cheddar for the burger as well as a side (fries, in this case). The veteran chef asked me for candid feedback. It’s a project close to his heart, after running restaurants in the US, the Philippines and China, but never owning one until now.
Within the next two months he plans to expand upstairs, increasing the seating by 40, and add Tex-Mex to the menu. Having opened in February, Jake’s is still finding its feet, although the food is consistently good and the portions hefty in typical US fashion. Diners can test Jake’s slogan ‘falls off the bone good!’ with the St Louis Ribs (VND575,000 for half a rack and cooked for over eight hours) with two sides. Lightly smoked, slow-cooked and basted in the kitchen’s signature sweet and tangy sauce, the meat was indeed fall-off-thebone good, and tasted delicious too. The spicy mustard dip, also homemade, pulls no punches, and a generous squeeze of the
vinegary North Carolinian sauce is recommended for the Pulled Pork Sandwich (VND180,000). Out of the sides, Grandma Lois’s Potato Salad stands above the rest. Hats off to Grandma, and to Pulkrabak’s for having the initiative to learn her recipes in his youth. The buy-one-get-one-free happy hour runs everyday from 3pm to 6pm, with beers like Tiger draft at VND45,000 and spirits like Jim Bean at VND75,000. Jake’s has the occasional musician for entertainment and a typically US range of desserts too, so you can leave with a sweet taste in your mouth.
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JANE’S BISTRO 19 Hung Gia 4, Phu My Hung, D7 // janesbistro.com 11am - 2pm and 5pm - 8.30pm, closed Mondays // 09 0909 6505 (reservations preferred)
Simon Stanley samples the farm-to-table scene of America’s Pacific Northwest. Photos by Vinh Dao.
When Jane Nguyen and Michael Rose relocated to Saigon, they initially struggled to find restaurants that shared their clean-eating, homemade philosophies. “We’re from Portland, Oregon,” says Nguyen, “so farm-to-table is what we’re used to.” With 15 years of restaurant experience behind her, and with Rose’s high-end culinary credentials (he’d previously been the sous-chef at the Portland Marriott), the pair opened Jane’s Bistro in 2015. “We wanted to bring this new concept to Ho Chi Minh City,” says Nguyen, adding that with only a handful of seats and a maximum of 20 covers per day, they really are a ‘bistro’. While the focus is on finedining, the atmosphere is 44 AsiaLIFE HCMC
cosy and welcoming, and the soundtrack an unobtrusive playlist of jazz. It’s informal and refreshingly laid-back. “This is our home, and our kitchen,” says Nguyen, who treats her guests like old friends rather than customers. Rose’s seasonal, modern American-Italian menu boasts a range of organic homemade pastas (priced from VND175,000 to VND210,000), alongside an equally impressive (and well-sourced) list of salads, soups, meats and freshly-caught seafood. We begin with a carrot cappuccino soup (VND90,000), served with a minty foam topping. The flavour is unbelievable, almost fruity, with a rich silken texture. Next comes an organic
quinoa and cauliflower salad (VND210,000). Like many of their ingredients, the quinoa was carried in their own luggage on the return flight from Oregon. “Our regular guests know that we close down for a week or so every five or six months to get fresh supplies,” explains Nguyen. Exploding with the vibrant colours of fresh beets and sakura plums, the quinoa is accompanied by grilled shrimp over a balsamic reduction. The combination of flavours is superb, yet each element also stands out on its own. Then Rose disappears into the kitchen to begin preparing one of their specialities: homemade, cut-to-order, organic pasta. Today he’s trialling a dish for their summer menu. Looking
like pink bubblegum as he runs it through the pasta cutter, his beet infused spaghetti is one of several coloured varieties on offer. Once cooked, it carries a subtle yet unique flavour that’s light, fresh and perfectly suits the Saigon heat. Entwined with smoky mushrooms and herbs, it’s another example of how simple, high-quality ingredients are being elevated to the next level here. Finally we’re treated to a tiramisu (VND100,000). Light and not too sweet, it’s the ideal finale to a meal so exquisitely prepared and presented that I’m already lining up my next visit. For those living in D2, or D1, Phu My Hung is a schlep, but with food this good, you need to get down here.
LA MAISON WINE BAR & RESTAURANT 201B Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 // 08 3932 2462 // lamaison.vn // 10am – 3pm and 5pm - 11pm, 7 days
Monica Majors makes herself at home in District 3’s newest French eatery. Photos by Vinh Dao.
There’s a breeze that kicks up in the courtyard of La Maison Wine Bar & Restaurant, and you’d never know that you were just a few steps from the bustle of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia. This is one of chef Sakal Phoeung’s newest projects; a more accessible version of sister restaurant Le Corto in both space and ambience. Nightly live music has kept me coming back to try more of their French classics while also enjoying the easy-to-drink selection of wines. If I’m stuck for a sumptuous snack I often hop over for their ‘Bubble Aperitif’ offer: a bottle of Cava or rosé Prosecco, and oysters for VND 700,000 nett, every day from 5pm to 6pm and Sundays 11am until 6pm. It was precisely in mid-slurp when Chef Phoeung decided to
sit down and discuss why his French cuisine works so well at La Maison. “The cuisine we make here isn’t complicated, and when I put together the menu I keep it simple and focus on the flavours so that the chefs can copy,” he says. The restaurant isn’t meant exclusively for the local community, but it does tend to attract them. “We want to give authentic French cuisine to the middle-class of both expats and locals,” he continues before bouncing back into the kitchen. It’s obvious that his hand is all over the success of the restaurant; he hires and trains all of the kitchen staff, in addition to creating the menus. Every six months he changes about 40 percent of the menu to keep both the returning guests and the
chefs intrigued. This month will see the addition of more grilled meats and Mediterranean dishes; perfect for the summer months. I did the hard lifting for all of you and sampled my way through much of the rich food. Among my favourites are the grilled salmon, a hefty 150g at a reasonable VND250,000 which was grilled to such perfection that each section just flaked away from the rest. The grilled lamb rack was not only juicy, but was also a spectacle, as it was revealed on the table with an abundance of smoking thyme. Somehow I found space for the ubiquitous French dish: foie gras. La Maison’s generous slab of pan-fried foie gras with mango (VND230,000) is listed as a starter, but is so sumptuous and sweet that it could easily
substitute as a savoury dessert. That is, if you can stay away from the After Eight Chocolate dessert (VND190,000). My choice of seating is somewhat between the courtyard’s delightfully noninvasive and reasonably piped music (offered in both English and French every night from 7.30 to 9.30 pm), and the stylistic monochrome design of the twostorey interior. Business lunches are also popular and offered between 11am and 2pm (from VND199,000). This homey environment is sure to be one of Saigon’s newest localised spots for expats looking to blend in while eating large.
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Artist Truc-Anh reluctantly combines his passion for art with the latest technology in his latest exhibition. By Claudia Davaar Lambie. Photo by Vinh Dao.
“I
don’t want to put technology on a pedestal,” declares artist TrucAnh, 33, which is not quite what you’d expect to hear from an artist showcasing their work at TechNoPhobe. The exhibition runs at the city’s newest art space, The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre (FCAC); an exciting venue that combines artwork with state-of-the-art technological apparatus by Saigon-based artists. French-Vietnamese painter Anh has produced a quirky installation named ‘The Quantic Family’. It’s a collection of both photocopied poster-sized images and 3D printed mask sculptures. Upon viewing Anh’s exhibition, the use of technology seems relatively subtle which makes it all the more intriguing, as does the use of some shocking imagery decorating the walls.
Making Sense of the World
Three walls encase the stunning installation, plastered with monocratic halved images of human face portraits stuck to other halved images of robots, carnival masks and Egyptian statue heads. The end result is a myriad of mismatched images that seem to collapse upon one another, capturing Anh’s fascination of a de-centralised sense of self where no person is fixed to any one tradition or location. These images highlight the duality of the world that we live in: materiality versus spirituality, tradition versus innovation; aggression versus compassion. The expressionistic faces glare back at you, giving a slight sense of uneasiness. You’re not sure where to look. Four 3D printed mask sculptures from Saigon-based Loga3D are displayed on black columns in front of the postered walls. The sculptures hark back to ceremonial masks used in rituals. They are a mix of indigenous designs combined with future-esque imagery. It’s this part of Anh’s exhibition that cleverly highlights the irony of technology: it is, in fact, devoid from spirituality and ritual. The name of the installation, ‘The Quantic Family,’ is borrowed from Einstein’s science of quantum physics where one cell occupies two different moments. Explaining this in layman terms, Anh says that in this united ‘family’, people from all walks of life live together in this one world. Anh helpfully points to the installation to give an example. The beauty pageant
queen who adorns the postered walls lives in the same world as the sculptured mask of the woman who hides her face behind her burqa. These two women, from different cultures and different geographical locations, inhabit the world together. Anh makes clear that the viewer can interpret his work in many different ways. “It’s not a point of view, it’s a belief,” he says. When creating ideas, he doesn’t want to simply illustrate the message. The meanings of his work are juxtaposed which correlates to Anh’s belief that the world is not simply linear. “There are paradoxes of humans living together,” he says. Humans try to make sense of this world and themselves and, by doing so, create their own identities. ‘The Quantic Family’ allows the viewer to confront different cultures and different beliefs and the utilisation of technology is employed to destablise these accepted norms.
Technology in Art
The very question about using technology in his work highlights Anh’s belief about the world. Although the installation is seemingly low-tech, Anh wants to highlight that the digital era helps to create cultural conflict. The exhibition TechNoPhobe exemplifies a dichotomy of meanings in itself. On the one hand, technology is embraced and, as Anh mentions, what technology brings to us today is very unique in human history. On the other hand, there is an aversion to
technology. It is a powerful and invasive force in life and the very name of the exhibition encapsulates this fear. Anh was surprised when asked to take part in TechNoPhobe. “I don’t use technology in my work but I saw this as a chance to come out of my comfort zone,” he says. First and foremost a painter, Anh saw the exhibition as a chance to push himself and try something new in his creative output. Collaborating with RMIT and Loga3D was an experience for him. 3D printers, which work by printing tiny threads of filament on top of the other, are becoming popular. The process of creativity differs greatly in comparison to painting. “Using technology such as 3D printers means your idea, from the beginning, has to be strong and in your mind, you can’t change [it] throughout the process,” Anh explains. At first, this seemed strange to Anh who is used to allowing his ideas to evolve and mold, never following a definite concept. There may be an interruption of fluidity in his creations but the artist enjoyed bringing his work to a 3D realisation. In reality, however, for Anh, the medium of painting is his preferred technique for one simple reason. “Technology produces images but does not create them,” he adds. Visit www.trucanh.com for more information about Anh’s work.
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Embrace the life aquatic with dieuANH’s maritime designs from her current collection, ‘I Come from the Ocean’. By Ruben Luong.
dieuANH’s spring and summer collection is a reverent but edgy nod to the oceans, and it also contains oceans of creativity. The designer rendered aquatic photographs taken by local expat Patrick Carpenter to create cascading mosaic prints of sun-reflected, saltwater ripples and migrating schools of marine fish. She then artfully arranged the hydrousinspired prints onto svelte maxis and body-conscious swimwear - as well as relaxed-fit suits and long-sleeve tees for men - in monochromatic aquamarines and grayscale colour schemes for fittingly fluid figures.
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Employing a signature artisan aesthetic, she also designed woven, drop-fish tassel earrings and metallicbeaded, scallop neck-pieces that are decidedly too clever and pretty to be hidden under the sea. Styled against wayward waves lapping along the shoreline and also free-flowing breezes blowing across the golden sand, dieuANH’s oceanic designs assure its wearers that they are by far the coolest creatures of the water. 77-79 Ly Tu Trong, 1st floor, D1 Facebook.com/dieuanhspace dieuanhspace@outlook.com
Photos: Patrick Carpenter Models: Thi Thi Minh Phong Make-up: Trung Lac
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listings
hotel & travel CON DAO Con Dao Resort 8 Nguyen Duc Thuan Tel: 06 4830 939 www.condaoresort.com Modern hotel with 45 rooms and seven villas set on 2km of private beach. Onpremise facilities include restaurant, bar, beach-view swimming pool, tennis court and volleyball. Organizes outdoor activities and tours. Six Senses Con Dao Dat Doc Beach, Con Dao Dist, Ba Ria Tel: 064 3831 222 www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesConDao The first 5 star resort with 50 villas stretch across a mile-long beach, each villas has its own infinity-edge pool facing the ocean and a stunning restaurant.
DALAT Ana Mandara Villas Resort & Spa Le Lai, Ward 5, Dalat Tel: 063 3555 888 www.anamandara-resort.com Luxury 35-acre resort encompasses 17 restored early 20th-century villas and 65 rooms set in the rural highlands. La Cochinchine Spa offers wide range of treatments. Le Petite Dalat Restaurant serves Vietnamese and fusion cuisine. Heated swimming pool, art gallery and cooking classes in organic garden. Dalat Edensee Lake Resort & Spa Tuyen Lam Lake, Zone VII.2, Dalat Tel: 063 383 1515 www.dalatedensee.com Nestled in the heart of the “Black Forest of Vietnam” and discretely hidden along the waterfront of Tuyen Lam Lake, this resort is a perfect launching point for exploring the Highland region. It has two fine-dining restaurants, a café and terrace, a cigar lounge, and golfing and tennis. Sofitel Dalat Palace 12 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 444 www.accorhotels-asia.com Stately lakeside hotel was built in 1920s and retains the period’s aesthetic. It encompasses 38 rooms, five suites, a gourmet restaurant, brasserie, piano bar and Larry’s Bar. Golf can be arranged, and there’s tennis, boules, snooker and billiards on premise.
HANOI
Intercontinental Westlake Hanoi 1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho Tel: 04 6270 8888 www.intercontinental.com Located on the waterfront with contemporary Vietnamese design, restaurants, business services, fitness centre including exercise classes and pool. Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi 83A Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: 3822 2800 www.moevenpick-hotels.com Conveniently located in the heart of
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Hanoi’s business district, a 40-minute drive from Noi Bai International Airport and only 5 minutes from the city centre, Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi is the latest five-star hotel in town, tailored to meet the needs of discerning guests and especially corporate travellers. Sheraton Hotel Hanoi K5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay Ho Tel: 04 3719 9000 www.starwoodhotels.com “Resort within a city” boasts 299 spacious guest rooms with panoramic views, fitness centre, international restaurant and Hemisphere Vietnamese restaurant.
HO CHI MINH CITY
Caravelle Hotel 19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 www.caravellehotel.com One of the city’s most prestigious venues. Features a casino, Reflections Restaurant and al fresco 9th-floor Saigon Saigon Bar. Equatorial 242 Tran Binh Trong, D5 Tel: 3839 7777 www.equatorial.com/hcm On the intersect of 4 districts, with 333 rooms, Orientica Seafood restaurant and bar, Chit Chat café, pool (swim-up bar), gym. InterContinental Asiana Saigon Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9999 saigon@interconti.com www.intercontinental.com/saigon 305 rooms/suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, five restaurants/bars, meeting/ banquet facilities, spa/health club and lounge with panoramic view. New World Hotel 76 Le Lai, D1 / Tel: 3822 8888 www.newworldsaigon.com Located in the city centre, with gym, outdoor pool, tennis court, event space and Dynasty Chinese restaurant. Renaissance Riverside 8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033 www.renaissancehotels.com 349 rooms/suites with panoramic views over Saigon River. Conference/banquet facilities, rooftop pool, gym, two restaurants. Sheraton 88 Dong Khoi, D1 / Tel: 3827 2828 www.sheraton.com/saigon Luxury downtown hotel: Level 23 bar, Mojo café, Li Bai Chinese restaurant, fine dining at The Signature on the 23rd floor. Sofitel Saigon Plaza 17 Le Duan, D1 / Tel: 3824 1555 www.sofitel.com/2077 One of the city’s top hotels with in-room Wi-Fi, two restaurants with international cuisine, two bars, six conference rooms, outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre. Villa Hotel at Thao Dien 195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 3744 2222 www.thaodienvillage.com Colonial-style boutique hotel and spa with fine dining on the banks of the Saigon River in expat enclave.
HUE, HOI AN & DANANG
Indochine Palace 105A Hung Vuong Street, Hue City Tel: 054 393 6666 www.indochinepalace.com Surrounded by the lush exotic garden, the hotel has is designed to appeal to the affluent, up-market leisure and business travellers with facilities offering for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions.
Premier Village Danang Resort
Vo Nguyen Giap Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang City, Viet Nam Tel. (+84)511/3919999 Fax. (+84)511/3919998 Email: H9530-RE@accor.com Website: http://premier-village-danang.com
Situated on a private stretch of the picturesque My An Beach, Premier Village Danang Resort Managed by Accorhotels is the perfect beach retreat. The resort house 111 villas, divided in 3 room types to suit different tastes and budgets with two swimming pools, a spa and wellness center and a range of sport activities.
InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort Bai Bac, Son Tra Peninsula Tel: 0511 393 8888 danang.intercontinental.com A world of poetic experiences and jungle-clad romance in a place that cloaks you with luxury. The mastery of traditional Vietnamese design meets modern architectural flair in this distinctive retreat within the dense rainforest of mythical Monkey Mountain. Nam Hai Tel: 0510 3940 000 www.ghmhotels.com/en/namhai/ Luxury resort accommodation from single villas to sumptuous five-room dwellings with private pools. Facilities include 8 private spa villas; 3 beachfront swimming pools; library; and tennis, basketball and badminton courts.
NHA TRANG
Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang Beachside, Tran Phu, Nha Trang Tel: 058 3522 222 www.sixsenses.com Beachside resort set in 26,000 square metres of tropical garden, with 74 guest villas, three restaurants, Six Senses Spa. InterContinental Nha Trang 32-34 Tran Phu Street, Nha Trang Tel: +84 058 388 7777 www.Ihg.com A luxury beachfront retreat located in the heart of the city, the resort overlooks the stunning coastline. From there getting around the city is convenient as shopping, attractions, restaurants and bars are easily accessible within walking distance of the hotel. Mia Resort Nha Trang Bai Dong, Cam Hai Dong, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa / Tel: 58 398 9666 www.mianhatrang.com Ultimate luxury resort with 50 rooms, divided into villas and condos, catering by well-known restaurant Sandals and Mojito's bar.
PHAN THIET
Princess D’Ânnam Resort and Spa Khu Hon Lan, Tan Thanh, Ham Thuan Nam, Binh Thuan. Tel: 062 3682 222 www.princessannam.com Located on Ke Ga Bay with 57 exclusive villas, eight swimming pools, two restaurants and 1,800 square metres spa complex.
The Sailing Club 24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui Ne, Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3847 440 www.sailingclubvietnam.com Open bar overlooking the sea, spacious rooms, restaurant, swimming pool and day spa. Victoria Phan Thiet Resort and Spa Mui Ne Beach Tel: 84 62 3813 000 Located on a private beach, 60 cosy bungalows, natural spa experiences among other great activities on offer at the resort.
SCUBA DIVING
Note: AsiaLIFE only lists dive centres recognized by international dive training programs, such as the Professional Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) and Scuba Schools International (SSI). We strongly advise against diving with unaccredited dive centres in Vietnam. Rainbow Divers 55 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2 Tel: 0908 781 756 www.divevietnam.com Diving tours and career/instructor development offered by Vietnam’s first PADI centre. established in the mid-90s. Operates dive centres in Nha Trang, Whale Island, Hoi An and Phu Quoc. Octopus Diving 62 Tran Phu, Nha Trang Tel: 058 826 528 www.divenhatrang.com PADI/SSI dive centre based in Nha Trang and affiliated with the Sailing Club Co. with additional centres in Mui Ne and Hoi An. Offers a range of services.
VUNG TAU
Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa Ho Tram Village, Xuyen Moc Tel: 06 4378 1525 www.hotramresort.com Located about 45km from Vung Tau in the Phuoc Buu Reserve Forest, Ho Tram Beach Resort & Spa boasts uniquely designed bungalows and villas. The Grand-Ho Tram Strip Phuoc Thuan Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ba Ria Vung Tau Tel: +84 64 3788 888 www.thegrandhotramstrip.com The Grand - Ho Tram Strip is Vietnam's first large scale integrated resort and ultimately will include an 1,100-room five-star hotel, a world-class casino, restaurants, high-tech meeting space, an exclusive VIP area, as well as a variety of beach-front recreation activities. The first 541-room tower of this development opened with its casino including 90 live tables and 614 electronic game positions. The Grand will be the initial component of The Ho Tram Strip, the largest integrated resort complex in Vietnam.
TRAVEL AGENTS
Buffalo Tours Agency HCMC: Level 8 157 Pasteur, D3 Tel: 3827 9170 Hanoi: 94 Ma May, Hoan Kiem District Tel: 04 3828 0702 www.buffalotours.com Tailor-made itineraries, community-based tourism, cultural tours, adventure trips, golfing and premium trips offered by locally run and well-respected travel agent. Exotissimo HCMC: 20 Hai Ba Trung St, D1 Tel: 3827 2911 infosgn@exotissimo.com HANOI: 26 Tran Nhat Duat St, Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3828 2150 infohanoi@exotissimo.com www.exotissimo.com
CHUDU24 hotel booking service 12th floor, 242 Cong Quynh St, D1 Tel: 1900 5454 40 www.en.chudu24.com Chudu24.com - the locally famous Vietnam hotel booking website now has an English version. The company is known for having the best local prices and reliable service. It has been the number 1 Vietnam hotel booking service for Vietnamese since 2008. Indochina Ventures 40 Truong Quyen, D3 Tel: 3820 2563/3820 2564 Fax: 3829 2565 info@indochina-ventures.com Tour operator that specializes in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Can tailor packages to suit customers’ time frames and interests. iTravel www.itravel-online.com trung@itravel-online.com Operated out of Le Pub (Hanoi/HCMC) offering a wide range of tour and accomodation options throughout Vietnam, as well as custom-made tours tailored to customer specifications. iViVu www.ivivu.com Offering the traditional services of a travel agent – airline tickets, tours, packages and hotels - as well as tips and up-todate travel news on Vietnam. Terraverde 12/20 Nguyen Canh Di, Tan Binh Tel: 3948 4754/56 info@terraverdetravel.com www.terraverdetravel.com German-owned travel agency specializing in tailor-made tours combining nature experiences; site visits; cultural encounters; biking, boating and trekking expeditions. Mixes cultural experience with light adventure tourism.
AIRLINES
Air Asia 223 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3838 9811 www.airasia.com Asia’s largest low-cost airline operates one daily flight between HCM City-Hanoi, as well as international flights to Bangkok, Phuket, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. Air France 130 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 0981 Fax: 3822 0537 www.airfrance.com.vn An airline with a vast and effective global network. Now flies direct to Paris. Cathay Pacific 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Tel: 3822 3203 www.cathaypacific.com
Hong Kong-based airline makes three flights daily to HCM City and two flights daily to Hong Kong’s international airport. Jetstar Pacific www.jetstar.com Budget branch flies into Can Tho, Danang, Hanoi, Hai Phong, HCM City, Hue, Nha Trang and Vinh and operates cheap flights from HCM City to Siem Reap and Bangkok. Check out Friday Fare Frenzy online promotion every Friday. Malaysia Airlines Unit G8 Ground floor, SG Trade Center 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3824 6663 www.malaysiaairlines.com Offers daily flights from Hanoi and HCM City to Kuala Lumpur for about $200 round trip, with four economy class fare levels: low, basic, smart and flex.
ONLY5,000 VND99,000 PASTA VND8 PIZZA
Philippine Airways Fl#2 Saigon Royal 91 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3822 2241 www.philippineairlines.com Operates daily service from HCM City to Manila, offering fare options through the PAL Econo Light Class. Royal Brunei Level 4, 129A Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3914 6868 www.bruneiair.com Royal Brunei provides scheduled service across Asia, the Middle East, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Thai Airways Ground Floor Suite 101 29 Le Duan, D1 www.thaiair.com Bangkok-based airline connects twice daily between the Thai capital and HCM City and Hanoi. Multiple daily flights are also operated from both to Phnom Penh and Phuket. Turkish Airlines 8th floor, AB Tower 76A Le Lai, D1 Tel: 3936 03600 www.turkishairlines.com Awarded as the Best Airline in Europe offers the brand new Comfort Class to Economy class: 46inch leg room, personalised entertainment screen and globally awarded cuisine on-board. Vietnam Airlines Hanoi: 25 Trang Thi, Hoan Kiem Tel: 6270 0200 HCM City: 16th Floor, Sun Wah, 115 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3832 0320 www.vietnamairlines.com The domestic route map is extensive, with several flights daily between major and less touristed cities throughout Vietnam. Flies internationally throughout Asia and to Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow, Sydney, Melboure, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
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Tel: 3825 1311 This restaurant has been around since the mid-1990s, which offers an insight into its enduring quality. Specializes in American grain-fed steaks, hamburgers and salads served in a pleasant atmosphere.
listings
food & drink
Phatty’s 46-48 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 0796 www.phattysbar.com Jaspa’s Steve Hardy and Ben Winspear’s sports bar has five widescreen TVs, a large drop-down screen and lots of pub grub and beer for fans looking to take in a game or two.
BAR RESTAURANTS
Dublin’s Gate D1 19 Thai Van Lung, D1 This authentic Irish pub in downtown Saigon has a large wine list, a wide selection of single malt whiskey and local and imported beers, including widgets of Guinness. It also has a western and Asian menu.
Buddha Bar D2 7 Thao Dien, D2 // Tel: 3744 2080 An Phu institution serves up tasty meals and good drinks in a friendly, chilled environment. Plenty of room to relax inside or out, plus a pool table on premise.
Bia Craft 90 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 083 744 2588 A cozy bar serving beerthemed snacks and some of the best craft ales in Saigon. Constantly buzzing with the friendly chat of local expats in the area. Chilli Pub 89 Ton That Dam, District 1 Tel: 098 376 33 72 Located in the heart of the nightlife area of District 1, Chilli pub is a cozy bar full of fun. Hosting regular events such as quiz night, darts, live music and live sports on the big screens. Menu revolves around Chili dishes with chili dogs and of course big bowls of Chilli. Corso Steakhouse & Bar Norfolk Hotel, 117 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Located in the chic Norfolk Hotel Corso Steakhouse & Bar is well known for its steak imported from the US and Australia. D2 5557 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 08 35 194 138 Stylish nonsmoking sports bar offering all the latest action on a choice of widescreen TVs.Perfect for sports fans who are looking for a cold pint and big portions from a tempting pub grub menu. Mogambos 50 Pasteur, D1
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Shrine 64 Ton That Thiep Tel: 08 39 142 817 ShrineBarSaigon.com A sleek cocktail bar on a street full of beer and football, Shrine is a standout for its décor and drink menu. Shrine offers everything from wine to drinks and snacks to full-blown meals, its cocktails are the reason to visit. The Tavern R2/24 Hung Gia 3, Bui Bang Doan, D7 Tel: 5410 3900 Boasts good international food, a pool table, dartboards and sports coverage on large screens. Outdoor seating on mutiple levels. Second floor sports lounge hosts DJs at the weekends.
Imperial-styled restaurant named after a famous Chinese poet. Nightly à la carte menu with dishes going from 100k VND. Lotus Court 1st floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 ext. 168 www.moevenpick-saigon.com Dim Sum and exciting Cantonese cuisine in a unique and elegant setting. Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant Windsor Plaza Hotel, 18 An Duong Vuong, D5 Tel: 3833 6688 Beautiful wood paneling, colourful hanging lanterns and a sparkling mineral gallery make for a relaxing dining experience at the Windsor. Feast on roasted Pi Pa duck, giant grouper and steamed king prawns. Be sure to check out monthly specials. Royal Pavilion Reverie Saigon Hotel, 4th Floor, 22 36 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 08 3823 6688 Located in the Reverie Saigon Hotel, the Royal Pavilion serves up classic Cantonese cuisine in fine dining style. Featuring a menu of epic proportions, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Vasco’s Bar 74/7D Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 2888 Chic bar decked in deep reds that gets packed to capacity on weekends. Open Monday to Saturday with live music on Fridays. Food menu by chef with over 10 years experience at La Camargue. Also does excellent pizza.
Shang Palace Restaurant Norfolk Mansion, 17-19-21 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3823 2221 www.shangpalace.com.vn An upscale Chinese restaurant with a spacious and welcoming atmosphere. The menu boasts a wide range of Hong Kong Cantonese cuisine, including both dim sum, a la carte and set menus, regularly changed by the creative chefs.
Game On Sport Pub 115 Ho Tung Mau, District 1 Tel: 08 62 51 98 98 www.gameonsaigon.com A great place to catch all the latest live games while enjoying some great food and a few drinks with friends. The two big screens showing the games via satellite means you will never miss a minute of the action, while the kitchen serves up some truly hearty pub grub.
Yu Chu InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Specializing in authentic Cantonese and Peking cuisine. Award-winning chef prepares dishes including handmade noodles, dim sum and wok-fried items. Wide selection of live seafood. Five interactive kitchens.
CAFES
FRENCH
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf 12-14 Thai Van Lung, D1 94 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Nowzone, 235 Nguyen Van Cu, D5 Metropolitan Bldng, 235 Dong Khoi, D1 International café chain with a wide variety of coffees and teas, as well as light snacks and food. Also sells freshroasted coffee beans and tins of whole leaf tea. Guanabana 23 Ly Tu Trong, District 1 Tel: 09 09 82 48 30 Guanabana brings a California approach with its all-natural range of healthy smoothies. The smoothies are available in three varieties and are priced between VND 45,000 and VND 65,000. Mojo 88 Dong Khoi, D1 www.sheratonsaigon.com A top-end café with an attractive interior, outdoor terrace at street level and comfortable lounges upstairs. Good business coffee or lunch venue.
CHINESE
Li Bai Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828
Camargue 74/7D Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 08 35 20 48 88 One of the first western restaurants in Saigon, Camargue offers a great selection of French food and wine in a romantic, rustic French villa. Le Bouchon de Saigon 40 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3829 9263 This French diner-style restaurant has an emphasis on hearty home cooking, courteous service and a relaxed atmosphere. Chef David Thai is a wellknown industry figure, and this venue can hold its own among the city`s many French restaurants.
INDIAN
Saigon Indian 73 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 5671 Popular venue with an enormous menu. Serves both southern and northern Indian dishes like tandoori, biryani, dosa and idly snacks, plus a wide range of vegetarian dishes. Offers a set lunch menu. Cater service is available. Tandoor 39A-39B Ngo Duc Ke, D1 www.tandoorvietnam.com
Part of a chain of restaurants covering Hanoi and Saigon, Tandoor features a large selection of standard northern Indian dishes, including a good vegetarian selection. Excellent cheap set lunches and reasonable prices all around. Will organize catering for events. Malt 46 – 48 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 09 1848 4763 American-style bar that offers good beer, shuffleboard and an interesting pub grub menu in a casual setting.
INTERNATIONAL
Al Fresco’s 21 Mac Dinh Chi D1 Tel: 3823 8427 27 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3823 8424 D1-23 My Toan 3, D7 Tel: 5410 1093 www.alfrescosgroup.com Theme restaurant boasting a range of Tex-Mex, Italian and Australian-style BBQ dishes. Huge portions and tasty Australian ribs coupled with a good atmosphere and helpful staff. Good lunch menu. Au Parc 23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772 Lavishly decorated brasserie borrowing from Moroccan and French styles and popular during lunchtime with expats. Specializes in Middle Eastern and North African food. The salad menu is a favourite, and a great range of lush smoothies and juices are on offer. Bamboo Chic Le Meridien, 3C Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 086 263 6688 Slick, minimalistic restaurant boasting a stunning view of the Saigon River as well as a menu of highquality cuisine that mixes Japanese and coastal Chinese styles. Worth a visit, even if it’s just for a cocktail. Beets Salad Bar 111 Ham Nghi, District 1 Tel: 08 38 211 282 Arguably the city’s only salad bar, this fresh new spot provides healthy options for downtown diners by sticking to the basics. BOC Barbeque 43 Nguyen Van Giai, D1. Situated down a alleyway at the top of D1, this charming outdoor spot serves up quality Americanstyle barbeque at astonishingly reasonable prices. There is also a good selection of seafood and pasta dishes as well as cheap beers and cocktails. Con Bo Map 178/4B Pasteur, D1 Tel: 08 38 246 607 A small, modest space hidden down an alley off Pasteur serving some of the best burgers in town. Black Cat 13 Phan Van Dat, D1 Tel: 3829 2055 Tiny but popular District 1 restaurant serving up an excellent selection of Western and Vietnamese fare and an extensive range of sandwiches and burgers. BoatHouse 40 Lily Road, APSC Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6790 Riverside restaurant with umbrellashaded tables spread across outdoor deck and small indoor dining room. With revamped menu which includes a mix of family-style meals with Mexican featuring predomominately, followed by Italian and Asian fare. Jaspa’s 33 Dong Khoi, D1
Tel: 3822 9926 www.alfrescosgroup.com Unpretentious brasserie-style restaurant specializes in Australian-influenced international fusion cuisine. Full range of drinks including Australian and French wines and good cocktails. Hosts monthly Spam Cham networking event. Koto 3rd Floor Rooftop, Kumho Link Plaza, 39 Le Duan, Ben Nghe Ward, D1 Tel: (+84) 3822 9357 This is the Saigon arm of the renowned organisation that began in Hanoi a decade ago. Vietnamese food is prepared with innovative twist by young people Koto are helping get a start in the hospitality industry and on a path for a better life. May Restaurant & Bar 19-21 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 6291 3686 may.restaurant19@gmail.com We have over 20 years experience in hospitality business in Vietnam with some famous Brand such as Shodow Bar & Café and MAY Restaurant & Bar. MAY- short for ‘Me and You’, it is all in one premium casual kitchen & bar downtown. Located centrally on the historic Dong Khoi street with a fusion of Western and Asian cuisine and pride themselves in their wine list and international standard of service. Market 39 InterContinental Asiana Saigon Ground Floor, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 / Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Seven interactive live kitchens offering French, Vietnamese and Southeast Asian cuisines, including a bakery, French patisseries, pancakes, tossed salads, grilled steak, seafood, wokfried items, noodles and pasta dishes. Mekong Merchant 23 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 4713 Set in a courtyard, this rustic Australian-style brasserie has brought modern international cuisine to suburban An Phu. Popular for weekend brunches. Weekly specials and seafood flown in from Phu Quoc. OMG 15-17-19 Nguyen An Ninh, D1 Tel: 09 37 20 02 22 Perched on the ninth-floor rooftop of a hotel adjacent to Ben Thanh market, OMG has superb views over downtown Saigon and food to match. The menu is focused but includes enough choices to satisfy everyone across hot and cold starters, pasta and risotto, mains and dessert. Quan Ut Ut 168 Vo Van Kiet, D1 Tel: 08 39 14 45 00 American-style barbecue meets Vietnam-style dining with big wooden tables and benches that are reminiscent of an open-air quan. Serving a wide range of smoked and barbecued meats. Reflections Caravelle Hotel, 19 - 23 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 Contemporary fine dining that combines Asian flavors with classic Mediterranean cuisine in an ambiance of understated elegance and European style. Special culinary events include guest chefs from Michelin-star establishments around the world. Private rooms are available. Relish and Sons 44 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 012 07 214 294
Facebook.com/RelishAndSons Burgers are the stars of the show in Relish & Sons, with six varieties, all composed of different but expertly combined ingredients. Skewers 9A Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 4798 www.skewers-restaurant.com Rustic Mediterranean restaurant where subtle colours and exposed brickwork combine with jazzy tunes. Serves tabouleh, falafel, couscous and kebab. Highly rated for its grilled meats, bread and dip combos, soups and pastas. Stoker Woodfired Grill & Bar 44 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 090 729 2725 District 1 venue with spacious bar downstairs and upstairs dining room. Serving a full selection of home aged US and Australian beef complimented by a delicious sides. The Deck 38 Nguyen U Di, D2 Tel: 3744 6632 Serves upmarket takes on regional specialties made with fresh local and imported products. Well-designed, minimalist dining space and bar on the river are a serious draw. The Elbow Room 52 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3821 4327 elbowroom52@yahoo.com American-style bistro offering a wide range of appetisers, soups, salads, sandwiches, mains and desserts, plus an extensive wine menu. Open daily 7.30 am to 11 pm. Breakfast served all day. The Refinery 74/7C Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 0509 Authentic bistro with cane furniture outside, informal indoor restaurant section and a bar area. Cuisine is light, modern European. The menu spans a price range to suit most budgets. Urban Kitchen + Bar 18 Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 08 62 506 363 UrbanKitchenBar.com Urban Kitchen takes a nuanced approach to Western cuisine, producing an eclectic compilation of regional North American dishes – whether it’s comfort food of the American south, Quebecois specialties or East Coast-inspired. Viva Tapas Bar & Grill 90 Cao Trieu Phat, Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 08 54 106 721 Tucked away on a quiet street in Phu My Hung, Viva is colourful and welcoming and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Tapas make up the bulk of the menu and cover traditional dishes as well as a few house specialties that put a quirky twist on things. Pop Fries 14M Quoc Huong, D2 Tel: 09 3875 4251 French fries topped with a range of fresh ingredients inspired by dishes across the world.
ITALIAN
Basilico InterContinental Asiana Saigon, Ground Floor, corner of Nguyen Du and Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Contemporary and casual trattoriastyle restaurant specializing in authentic Italian dishes and homemade desserts. Wood-fired pizza oven and a wide selection of Italian wines.
Good Morning Vietnam 197 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3837 1894 Popular authentic Italian restaurant with additional outlets around the country. Specializes in thin-crust pizza, pasta and a range of Italian dishes. Good selection of Italian wines.
By Richie Fawcett
IMBIBE THE ART OF DRINKING The arts and alcohol have always gone glass in hand whether it be the artist or writer who are drunk at the moment of creation, or the viewer or reader at the point of appreciation. Artistic depictions of drink and drinkers have been illustrated throughout the ages with alcohol as a central theme in ancient, classical and religious works – think of the treatments of the drunkenness of Noah by Bellini or Michelangelo, or of Bacchus and his confreres. Hard drinking artists through the ages start in the 17th century with Frans Hals (1582/83-1666). An account of the time claims he “was filled to the gills every evening”. Roughly a century later, gin was to become in England what absinthe was about to be come in France. Were the beer and wine swilling painters of the Dutch golden age any different from the absinthe-addled wretches of 19th century Paris? No they were not. Absinthe, known as the ‘green goddess’, haunted a nation and fuelled its art. In France during the second half of the 19th century, absinthe became known as ‘the queen of poisons’. The modern absinthe story began in the 1830s when French troops who were fighting in Algeria used it as an anti-malarial, mixing it with wine to make it more palatable. They brought their newfound bitter drink home with them, and it soon became popular among the artistic community. One of the most prominent of these artists was Henri de 56 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Toulouse-Lautrec, who illustrated the life of the music halls, the bars, the brothels and, in particular, the Moulin Rouge. If bohemianism was a 19thcentury European invention, it was perfected in 20th-century New York. For Elaine and Willem de Kooning, Jackson Pollock, Joan Mitchell, Grace Hartigan, Franz Kline et al, if you didn’t drink heavily then you were not an artist. At the height of his fame, Pollock’s destructive acting out was a form of performance art. Back in the UK the long association between alcohol and artistic inspiration was happening in London, where Francis Bacon (1902-1992) claimed to have been “drunk since the age of 15”. He was the founding member of the Colony Room Club in 1948, a private members club where, in the later years, Kate Moss and Sam Taylor-Wood made drinks for Damian Hirst and Tracy Emin. When Damien Hirst was asked why the Young British Artists (YBAs) still gathered at the Colony Room Club, years after its heyday, his reply was simple: “It’s because artists like drinking.” Shri Restaurant and Lounge manager Richie Fawcett is an artist who sits on Asia’s 50 best bars voting panel. He is hosting an invitation only ‘private view’ of his latest canvas works every Thursday in the Shri Whisky Library along with offerings of bottled and signature cocktails. Those interested can call Shri on (08) 3827 9631 and he will invite you personally if numbers allow.
LovEat 29 Hai Trieu, D1 Tel: 08 62 602 727 Facebook.com/LovEatRestaurant Chic downtown bistro LovEat occupies a prime spot opposite the Bitexco Financial Tower, serving traditional Mediterranean cuisine with an Italian twist. The restaurant prides itself on organic local ingredients and offers full meals as well as coffee, drinks and Italian pastries. Open from 9am til late. Romeo and Juliet Times Square Building, 57 – 69F Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 08 38 236 688 TheReverieSaigon.com Underground restaurant of the newlyopened Reverie Saigon, Romeo and Juliet is reinventing local dining to encourage the kind of slower, savourthe-moment experience that allows guests to enjoy the space’s ambiance, food and top-notch service.
JAPANESE
Kissho 14 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3823 2223 Fax: 3823 3343 kissho.wmcvietnam.com Saigon’s newest Japanese restaurant boasts a multi-concept cuisine set in a cutting edge interior. Specialties include teppanyaki, yakiniku, sushi and sashimi crafted by expert chefs. The freshest imported meats and seafood round out the menu, accompanied by an extensive selection of fine wines and Japanese spirits. Open 11.30 am to 2 pm and 5.30 pm to 10 pm. Manmaru 71 Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Japanese izakaya with a solid lineup of affordable beers, sakes and whiskies. Whether you choose the casual, publike experience downstairs, or the formal dining terrace upstairs, expect excellent food and even better prices. Nishimura Mövenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222 Exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimi from a globetrotting chef with three decades’ experience. A wide range of cooked dishes and monthly meal promotions are also available. The Sushi Bar 2 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8042 3A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3911 8618 This brightly lit Japanese-style restaurant serves over 40 varieties of sushi at reasonable prices. Sit at the sushi bar or in private rooms upstairs. Open until 11.30 pm, delivery available on request.
KOREAN
Kim Bab Chun Gook R4 42 Hung Phuoc 2, Phu My Hung Tel: 6296 9057 Korean boonshik/snack food eatery serving up a wide variety of light but substantial foods including dumplings, rameyon and fish cakes. Kumdo 6A Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 3824 3253 Korean beef barbecue served in small, welcoming dining rooms with barbe-
cues built into tables. Large selection of raw meat specialties.
SOUTHEAST ASIAN
Lac Thai 71/2 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 7506 An elegant restaurant tucked in an alleyway, decorated with art-deco furniture. Authentic Thai cuisine prepared by two Thai chefs. Food is tasty but less spicy than you’d find in Thailand.
The Racha Room 12-14 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 09 08 791 412 RachaRoom.com.vn With street and hawker specialties from Thailand prepared under one roof – and in one room – The Racha Room is a restaurant-cum-lounge fit for a king. Tuk Tuk Thai Bistro 17/11 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 08 35 21 85 13 Tuktukthaibistro.com Tuk Tuk, a chic new modern Thai bistro. With three floors of seating, an open-air roof area and an array of Thai dishes to excite your palate.
VEGETARIAN
Hoa Dang 38 Huynh Khuong Ninh, D1 Swish vegetarian restaurant on a quiet street that serves up nutritious dishes, including meatless versions of bun bo, pho and steamboat. Cosy bar serving non-alcoholic drinks, fruits and other sweets. Viet Chay 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Tel: 3526 5862 Upscale vegetarian restaurant specializes in fake meat dishes. The attractive dining room is suffused with natural light. Located within the walls of Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.
VIETNAMESE
Cha Ca La Vong 3 Ho Xuan Huong, D3 Tel: 3930 5674 36 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3915 3343 Two HCM City ouposts of the legendary Hanoi original serve only one dish: the eponymous and delicious cha ca la vong, fish pan-fried at the table with turmeric and dill and served with cold noodles and peanuts. Com Nieu 19 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 6288 The house specialty, com nieu (smashed rice), comes with a shattered-crockery and flying-rice show at this well-known restaurant, prominently featured in Anthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. An extensive and tasty selection of southern Vietnamese cuisine rounds out the menu. Circus Kitchen 232 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Outdoor barbeque covered by colorful awning, dishing out allyoucaneat deals every Thursday plus a combination of grills and a la carte every day of the week in an ambient environment. Hu Tieu Nam Vang Lien Hua 381 Vo Van Tan, D3 www.LienHua.com.vn Lien Hua has been serving Chinese Khmer noodle soup on this spot for over forty years. Pork and shrimp set hu tieu Nam Vang apart from your average pho while the house speciality dim sum selection is unmissable. Mountain Retreat 36 Le Loi, D1
Tel: +84 90 719 45 57 A rustic restaurant perched above downtown offering a secluded getaway and tasty traditional food. Quan Bui 17A Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 08 38 29 15 15 From the team behind Quan Bui, the popular casual Vietnamese eatery on the north edge of District 1, is this four-floor fine-dining restaurant in downtown Saigon. The chic design and ambience, as well as its rooftop garden, are designed to attract a more up-market clientele.
rolls with cream cheese icing highly recommended. Pat A Chou 65 Hai Ba Trung, D1 25 Thao Dien, D2 The home of the long and crusty baguette. Supplies many restaurants but also sells wholesale. The miniature patisseries such as crème brulée and cheesecake are worth a taste. Opens at 6.30 am.
Saigon Lookout
Schneider’s Finest 27 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 1998 www.schneiders-finest.com Traditional German bakery bakes 45 different kinds of breads, rolls and baguettes and a wide range of danishes, pastries and cakes. Catering available.
37 bis Ky Con Tel 09 6688 4668
Tous Les Jours 180 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Part of the Korean bakery chain, Tous Le Jours stocks a superb range of freshly baked good from sugary treats like pain au chocolat to superior quality baguettes and loafs.
D1 Saigon's Lookout is one of Saigon's hidden gems where east meets west, with a menu of twisted Vietnamese cuisine complimented by funky oriental cocktails.
Voelker 17 A7 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 7303 8799 39 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2 Tel: 6296 0066 Small bakery turns out sweet and salted pies and mousses in addition to baguettes and a range of Western sweets.
nightlife
Le Padam – Saigon 230 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 090 704 6281 Cheese fanatics can indulge in delicious French imports amid a spacious, airy bistro that also serves wine and desserts. The homemade bread is crisp and soft, attracting many locals to buy baguettes daily.
See bar restaurant listings for more popular watering holes. The Library InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 dine@icasianasaigon.com Unwind with a glass of wine or a cup of tea. The Library provides a welcoming atmosphere for those in search of calm, comfort and personalized service. Purple Jade InterContinental Asiana Saigon, corner of Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099 Chic lounge blends the stylistic influences of contemporary design and opium dens. Hosts live music and serves special drinks, including Shaoxing and Maotai rice wines and an exclusive selection of luxury spirits. Saigon Saigon Bar Rooftop via 9th floor, Caravelle Saigon Hotel, 19 - 23 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 A great iconic bar to watch the sun go down over the city skyline, or dance the night away. The panoramic views of the city are spectacular, particularly in the evenings. Live entertainment nightly with Cuban band Q’vans except Tuesday from 9:00pm till late.
at home BAKERIES
Harvest Baking 30 Lam Son, Tan Binh Tel: 3547 0577 harvestbaking@yahoo.com This authentic bakery offers a range of specialty baked goods for delivery. Offering bagels, scones, breads, desserts,cakes, tarts and more. Chocolate fudge cake and cinnamon
Our Australian beef is grass fed and selected from farms across Victoria. We also have Australian lamb and locally sourced fine pork and chicken. Proudly Australian owned and managed. No. 1 Street. 2, Thao Dien Ward. District 2. Ho Chi Minh City www.meatworksasia.com T:+84 8 37442565
DELIVERY
Food Panda www.foodpanda.vn Online delivery service with over 500 popular restaurants available. www.vietnammm.com A free website that allows users to order delivery from dozens of restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. Simply provide your address and phone number and pay the delivery driver in cash when he arrives
GROCERIES
Annam Gourmet Market 16-18 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3822 9332 41A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2630 www.annam-gourmet.com Boutique grocer with wide selection of foreign foods; Annam-brand coffee, tea and spices; and household products. Wine and premium beer, full deli counter, produce, dairy-frozen and baked goods on second floor. Cosy café serves coffee, drinks and sandwiches. Big C Floor B1, Cantavil An Phu Building, D2, Tel: 3740 7105 www.bigC.vn This ‘supercentre’ offers a clean, comfortable shopping environment with a wide assortment of goods, including fresh food and home accessories, available at reasonable prices. Classic Fine Foods 17 Street 12, D2 Tel: 3740 7105 www.classicfinefoods.com Luxury food primarily imports for wholesale, but also takes orders for its range of dry goods, cheese, meat, poultry and seafood from private clients.
Meatworks Butchery 1, Street 2, Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 08 3744 2565 Imported meats from Australia, including top-quality beef and lamb, and locally sourced pork and chicken.. Proudly Australian owned and managed. Metro An Phu, D2 Tel: 3740 6677 www.metro.com.vn Warehouse wholesaler located just off the Hanoi Highway in D2 between the Saigon Bridge and the tollbooths. Sells bulk food, fresh fruit and vegetables and meat, as well as paper products, cleaning supplies, housewares--basically everything. Organik 11A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 090 273 3841 arlene@organikvn.com www.organikvn.com Online grocer based out of Dalat selling a range of organic vegetables and groceries, as well as imported all-natural products. Phuong Ha 58 Ham Nghi, D1 Tel: 3914 1318 A mini-supermarket that sells an extensive assortment of imported packaged food, cheese, meat, fresh fruit, vegetables and fine wines. Veggy’s 29A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8526 Sky Garden Pham Van Nghi, Bac Khu Pho, D7 Riverside Apartments 53 Vo Truong Toan, Thao Dien, D2 Popular expat market with a walk-in fridge area stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables, dairy products and a range of meats. Imported canned and dried foods, wines, beers, soft drinks, spirits
and snacks also available.
Lavastone D1 96 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia // Tel 6271 3786 Modern Japanese yakiniku restaurant combined with a creative cocktail bar located right in the heart of buzzing Ho Chi Minh City. Delicious japanese dishes from juicy BBQ to freshest sashimi and mindblowing signature cocktails, you can find them all at Lavastone BBQ & Cocktail House.
Ngon Asia House
D1 99 Nguyen Hue, D1 // Tel: 3821 3821 The contemporary bistro welcomes and leads you into a house of sumptuous colorful food cultures with over 350 savory dishes from Korea, Japan, China, Thailand and Vietnam coming together in one home.
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listings
By Phil Kelly
FITNESS Calories vs Chemicals (Part Two) Last month I discussed the Homeostasis Regulatory System (HRS) and how our bodies strive to naturally maintain balance. Your body will prioritise the elimination of chemicals over burning fat, as we have an impressive capability to store fat but harmful substances will cause irreparable damage. To maximise our health and fat loss efforts we need to be conscious consumers… Nasty Noodles The Centre for Study and Consultation on Consumerism (CESCON) randomly tested nine major food suppliers in Saigon (including supermarkets such as Big C and Co-Op Mart), and found that a massive 80 percent of Vietnamese rice vermicelli contained a banned and highly hazardous chemical – tinopal. It’s a fluorescent whitening agent found in detergents! It gives a brilliant white effect on cellulosic fibres and is, not surprisingly, stable over the whole temperature range. Long-term regular consumption of tinopal causes stomach and digestive harm, damages the neurological system, causes cancers, and kidney and liver failure. It effectively bleaches your insides. The six types of Vietnamese rice noodles tested 100 percent positive for tinopal. That’s pho, bun, banh canh, banh hoi, banh cuon, and banh uot. Do Ngoc Chinh, deputy director of CESCON, states that tinopalis “causes harm to consumers” and is banned. Measures are said to have been taken but all of the noodle suppliers said they were unaware of the contamination. Some coconuts have also been bleached to improve the whiteness of the shell. 58 AsiaLIFE HCMC
These hazardous chemicals can leak into the flesh and juice of the coconut and be consumed with the product. When buying a coconut, always buy one with the green husk. Therefore, you know it has not been tampered with. As far as pho and rice noodle products go, it is much harder, almost impossible, to know if they contain tinopal. The only answer is to consume these foods less regularly and boost your body’s detoxification systems, so that if you do happen to digest toxins your body will be capable of quickly eliminating them. The only way to detox your system is to stop consuming harmful substances. Your body is hard wired for survival and will naturally process and eliminate substances that are bad for you. You just need to give it a chance to do its job by not adding to the problem. Elimination diets are usually the best action for detoxification… that is to eliminate any foods containing harmful substances that your body is intolerant to. Body Expert Systems has clear detoxification protocols that can help you if you are unsure of how to accomplish this process. We should all endeavour to limit the amount of chemicals we consume, as well as avoid foods that contain a lot of empty calories. More nutrient dense and high quality foods will result in effortless fat loss, increased energy and wellness. Phil is a health practitioner and expert in body transformation. His services are available at Star Fitness (starfitnesssaigon.com), online or at your home. Contact him through his website philkelly.com or facebook.com/ BodyExpertSystemsVietnam.
sports & leisure Sport Street Huyen Tran Cong Chua, D1 between Nguyen Du and Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Services include mending and restringing broken tennis rackets. Products range from badminton birdies and rackets to basketball hoops, free weights, roller blades, scooters, soccer jerseys and all manner of balls.
CRICKET
Saigon Cricket Assocation Social cricket league plays 25 overs a side matches Sunday mornings at RMIT’s District 7 pitch. Season runs November through May, with friendly games throughout the pre-season. Practice on Saturdays and Sunday afternoons. Australian Cricket Club Terry Gordon terrygordoninasia@yahoo.com.au saigonaustraliancricketclub@yahoo.com www.saigoncricket.com English Cricket Club Richard Carrington Richard.carrington@pivotalvietnam.com info@eccsaigon.com www.eccsaigon.com Indian Cricket Club Manish Sogani, manish@ambrij.com United Cricket Club Mr. Asif Ali, asif@promo-tex.net keshav.dayalani@rmit.edu.vn
DANCING
DanCenter 53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Thao Dien, District 2 Tel: 3840 6974 www.dancentervn.com Purpose built studio with foreign trained dance instructors. Classes in jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, yoga, zumba, belly, hula, capoiera and more. Kids can start from 4+ and adults of all ages and levels are welcome. Schedule and news on events available on-line. Salsa Dancing at La Habana 6 Cao Ba Quat, D1 www.salsaigon.com salsaigon@gmail.com Salsa package for single persons and couple, run by Urko. Lessons every Tuesday (beginners L.A. style at 7.30 pm; intermediate L.A style at 8.30 pm). Registration required.
FITNESS & YOGA
AIS Sports Centre 36 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2 Tel: 3744 6960, ext 126 sportscentre@aisvietnam.com www.aissportscentre.com Six-lane, 25-metre pool, basketball and netball courts, astroturf hockey/football area and outdoor gym equipment. Available for party hire - BBQ included on request. Membership packages available. Kids swim club and adult masters programmes. Rainbow Divers offers scuba diving courses for children and adults. Free morning yoga.
California WOW Xperience Parkson Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong, D5 28/30-32 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 6291 5999 The world’s biggest fitness centre chain is one of Saigon’s most modern places to get your sweat on. Located in Hung Vuong Plaza, CWX offers a huge workout area and all kinds of classes including spinning, KickFit, yoga and more. Caravelle Club Spa 19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999 Modern and stylish gym with lots of cardiovascular machines and free weights. The swimming pool is a great place for a dip, and the massage parlour, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi are there for winding down. Equinox Fitness & Leisure Centre Equatorial Hotel, 242 Tran Binh Trong, D5 Tel: 3839 7777 Decent-sized 3rd-floor gym with modern cardio and weights machines, sauna, steambath, jacuzzi, and large 4th floor pool great for swimming laps. Hollywood Fitness World H3 Building, 384 Hoang Dieu, D4 Tel: 3826 4639 One of the latest & best workout environments in the city, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Personal training is offered. L’Apothiquaire Fitness Centre 64A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3932 5181 www.lapothiquaire.com Internationally-certified teachers offer daily classes in Sivananda, Iyengar, Power, Yoga, Abdo-Pilates, Taebo and Aqua-Aerobics. Peaceful swimming pool, sauna and steam room. La Cochinchine Rex Hotel, 146 Pastuer, D1 Tel: 3825 1812 (ext 7477) New and affordable fitness centre located in the heart of the city. This gym has a wide range of weight machines, as well as many cardio machines, including treadmills, cross-trainers and bikes. A good variety of classes are available, including yoga and aerobic dance. NTFQ2 Spa 34 Nguyen Dang Giai, D2 Tel: 3744 6672 Therapeutic massage with a focus on sports massage to increase circulation, remove lactic acid build-up, restore flexibility and relieve back pain. Sheraton Fitness Level 5, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, 88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828 sheraton.saigon@sheraton.com www.sheraton.com/saigon Sheraton Fitness features a team of trained professionals and new Technogym equipment. Members have full use of leisure facilities and receive discounts at hotel bars and restaurants and Aqua Day Spa. Star Fitness Gym Manor Apartments, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0255 This 1,600sqm gym is apparently the biggest in Vietnam. Has a good range of machines for any type of workout. Membership involves one time entry fee plus monthly subscriptions and gives free access to regular fitness classes. Saigon Yoga Tel: 090 835 2265 info@saigonyoga.com www.saigonyoga.com A yoga centre with highly qualified instructors offering hot yoga, Hatha Flow, restorative yoga, kids’ yoga, pre and postnatal yoga and injury rehabilitation. Also does corporate team building and yoga teacher training as well as organising yoga retreats.
FOOTBALL & RUGBY
Australian Rules Football Tel: 093 768 3230 www.vietnamswans.com vietnamswans@gmail.com The Vietnam Swans play regular international footy matches around Asia. Training sessions are held weekly in HCM City (2.30 pm Saturday, RMIT D7) and Hanoi (midday, Saturday, UN International School, Ciputra). All skill levels and codes welcome. RMIT Vietnam sports.recreation@rmit.edu.vn A new player on the SIFL scene with a team made up of students from the University. They have their own football ground on-site consisting of two brand new pitches. Contact Landon Carnie. Saigon Raiders jon.hoff@saigonraiders.com Sociable football side who are always on the lookout for new talent for their weekly matches and training sessions. The team participates in the Saigon International Football League and also has regular fixtures against local teams in the outlying provinces and also participates in international tournaments. Saigon Saints chris@saigonsaints.com www.saigonsaints.com Expat football club of all ages, which has been running since 1995 and plays in the SIFL. Regularly venture on international tours especially to Bangkok and Manila and play in other local and international tournaments. The players train weekly, and new players are encouraged to join.
GOLF
Dalat Palace Golf Club Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Dalat Tel: 063 3821 101 dpgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com The most beautiful course in Vietnam, combining the crisp mountain air with an environment of stately pine trees. Overlooking Xuan Huong lake, the 7,009-yard course is an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all levels. Dong Nai Golf Resort Trang Bom Town, Trang Bom Tel: 061 3866 288 / 3677 590 www.dongnaigolf.com.vn Large golf resort with 27 holes, plus a villa complex, bar, sauna. jacuzzi and billiards. The resort sits on 160 hectares of land in Dong Nai Province, about 50 kilometres from the city. Ocean Dunes Golf Club 1 Ton Duc Thang, Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3821 995 odgc@vietnamgolfresorts.com Designed by Nick Faldo, the 6,746-yard par-72 course winds through seaside dunes, with the variable coastal breezes changing its character each day. An enjoyable and eminently playable course and has become a favourite venue for expatriate tournaments. Saigon South Golf Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu, D7 Tel: 5411 2001 sgs.golf@yahoo.com.vn Nine-hole mini golf course and driving range set amongst attractive gardens just behind FV Hospital. Club, shoe and umbrella hire is also available. Song Be Golf Resort 77 Binh Duong Blvd, Thuan An Tel: 0650 3756 660 info@songbegolf.com www.songbegolf.com Located 22 kilometres from the city centre, the premier golf course in the area features an 18-hole, 6,384-metre course. Also has tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a gymnasium.
Vietnam Golf and Country Club Long Thanh My Village, D9 www.vietnamgolfcc.com This facility consists of two courses of 18 holes each, one of which is designed in a more traditional Asian style, and the other in international style. Has other attractions such as boating, tennis and a restaurant area.
LEISURE
Phun Runner info@phun-run.com Social running group that meets Saturdays at 7 am for a scenic run around Saigon before breakfast. Great way to explore the city, meet fellow runners and get fit for future events. Check website for rendezvous points. Rangers Baseball Club Isao Shimokawaji isao.shimokawaji@sapporobeer.co.jp A baseball club always looking for additional players of any age, race or experience level. Plays Saturdays or Sundays, often against Korean or Vietnamese teams. Saigon International Dart League www.thesidl.com A highly popular group in town, the darts club runs a competitive year-long league for 16 pub-based teams. There are some excellent players in this sociable and international group. See website for details of how to join and latest 180 scores. Saigon International Softball League sisl@saigonsoftball.info www.saigonsoftball.info The league plays slo-pitch softball every Sunday (usually at the Taiwanese School in Phu My Hung) and always welcomes newcomers. Saigon Pony Club Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2 Tel: 0913 733 360 A standout facility offering pony rides, riding lessons, horse clinics and pony rentals. Also hosts events and birthdays. Squash The Landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 2098 ext 176 www.thelandmarkvietnam.com One of three squash courts in town. Membership is open to non-Landmark residents and drop-in players. Lessons and racquets are available for additional fees. Balls are provided. Book in advance or phone for further information. Ultimate Frisbee RMIT, 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7 www.saigon-ultimate.com Join in this exciting popular sport every Sunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm in Saigon South. Pan-Asian competitions also organised for the more experienced. Contact David Jensen at 0909458890 Vietwings Paragliding info@vietwings-hpg.com Promoted by a local advertising executive turned test pilot, paragliding, hanggliding, trike plane can be performed in several locations across southern Vietnam including Dalat, Phan Thiet, Tay Ninh. Call Loco on 0903 825607 for more information. X-Rock Climbing Phan Dinh Phung Sport Centre 75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 Tel: 6278 5794 503A Nguyen Duy Trinh, D2 Tel: 2210 9192 www.xrockclimbing.com Offering safe and professional climbing for anyone aged 4 and up. Featuring mountain climbing routes rated from beginner to advanced, climbing and belay-safety courses and training, birthday parties, corporate team building. Excellent facilities for children and annual membership for kids.
listings
health & beauty ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
American Chiropractic Clinic 161 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3939 3930 www.vietnamchiropractic.com A chiropractic, physiotherapy, foot care clinic staffed by American-trained chiropractors speaking French, English, Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Treatsback pain, neck pain, knee pain, also specializing in sports injuries, manufacture of medical grade foot orthotics. Ciro Gargiulo CARE1 Executive Health Care Center The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757 care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.com www.care1.com.vn A holistic approach is used by this acupuncturist and traditional medicine practitioner to rebalance the body’s energy fields. A wide range of ailments are treated including back pain, allergies and insomnia. Institute of Traditional Medicine 273-275 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Dr. Le Hung is the man to see at this well-established traditional hospital & training centre. He speaks good English and provides excellent treatments in a clean environment. The Institute also provides acupuncture lessons.
DENTAL
Family Medical Practice HCMC Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3822 7848 95 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2000 www.vietnammedicalpractice.com Leading international primary healthcare provider, with a 24-hour state-of-the-art medical centre and highly-qualified multilingual foreign doctors. Extensive experience in worldwide medical evacuations with car and air ambulance on standby. Also in Hanoi and Danang. HANH PHUC, International Hospital Binh Duong boulevard, Thuan An, Binh Duong Tel: 0650 3636068 www.hanhphuchospital.com The 1st Singapore Standard Hospital in Vietnam. 260 –bedder, provide a comprehensive range of quality healthcare services: Obstertrics, Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Immunization, IVF, Health checkup, Parentcraft, Woman Cancer, Cosmetic Surgery… Just 20- minute driving from HCMC. HANH PHUC International Hospital Clinic 97 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3925 9797 www.hanhphuchospital.com The 1st Singapore Standard Hospital in Vietnam. The clinic is located at the center of Dist. 1, provides a comprehensive range of services specializing in Obstertrics, Gynaecology, Peadiatrics, Immunization, General Practice and Emergency. Open hours: Weekdays: 8am to 5pm; Saturday: 8am to 12pm.
Accadent 39 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 08 6267 6666 A clinic that brings leading German dentistry to Vietnam. All dentists here were trained in Germany and all equipment comes from Germany to ensure proper hygiene and quality.
International SOS 167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3 Tel: 3829 8424 www.internationalsos.com Globally-renowned provider of medical assistance and international healthcare. Specializes in offering medical transport and evacuation both within and outside of Vietnam for urgent medical cases.
Starlight Dental Clinic Dr. Philippe Guettier & International Team of Dentists 24 Thao Dien, D2 2Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, D1 Tel: 3822 6222 With 14 years’ experience providing dental treatment to expat and Vietnamese patients, this well-known dental surgery is staffed by both foreign & local practitioners. Au fait with the latest treatments and techniques, the surgery prides themselves on their high standard of equipment & sterilization.
Victoria Healthcare 135A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3910 4545 79 Dien Bien Phu, D1 Tel: 39104545 Well-regarded clinic offering general examinations and specializing in pediatrics, digestive diseases, cardiology and women's health. Offers a membership program and cooperates with most insurance companies in Vietnam and abroad. Open with doctors on call 24/7.
Minh Khai Dental Clinic 199 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 08 3925 3399 nhakhoaminhkhai@gmail.com www.nhakhoaminhkhai.com No.1 Dental Clinic 51 Ba Thang Hai, D10 Tel: 08 3929 0909 nhakhoano1@gmail.com www.nhakhoano1.com
MEDICAL Centre Medical International (CMI) 1 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3827 2366 www.cmi-vietnam.com Located downtown next to the cathedral,
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the centre provides a high standard of medical care from qualified French and Vietnamese physicians. Its range of services include general and tropical medicine, cardiology, gynecology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, psychology, psychiatry, osteopathy, acupuncture and psychomotor therapy. .
SKINCARE The Body Shop 87 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 3683 www.thebodyshop.com International cosmetics retailer with strong commitment to environment sources natural ingredients from small communities for its line of more than 600 products. The Face Shop 294 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3820 2325 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 www.thefaceshop.com Local retailer for the South Korea-based international brand of natural body, bath and skincare products. The company offers hundreds of products for different skin types. Also has kiosks at in Phu My Hung, Diamond Plaza and Zen Plaza.
www.asialifemagazine.com
listings
family By Poppy NguyenEastwood
EDUCATION HUB How To Integrate Into A New School Depending on your circumstances, changing schools can be unnerving. When you love your friends, and you are skipping along, happy as can be, with an easy rhythm, why would you want a change of environment? Fitting into a new way of life always seems to take so much time and effort. Whether it’s a small move to another town or a big move to another country, you can be faced with cultural differences, weather conditions that you aren’t used to, missing your friends and suddenly finding out that your favorite hobby doesn’t exist in that place. Skateboarding on dangerous, motorbikeriddled streets, showered in sweat, and snowboarding on beautiful, cold snowy mountains are as about as similar as earth and air. My first approach would be to go in with a positive attitude. If you’re a student who switches schools a lot, you’ll probably know that change isn’t always bad. With it comes new experiences, new friends and a new way of life. If you’re feeling anxious, don’t fret. Who knows, your life may turn out better than where you were before. Making an effort is always rewarded whether it’s with yourself, with your new classmates or with work. Classmates can be tricky. Students tend to have their own circle of friends they are 62 AsiaLIFE HCMC
ACTIVITIES
Conservatory of Music 112 Nguyen Du, D1 The established training centre for professional musicians offers private piano and violin lessons to foreigners in the evenings. DanCenter 53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Thao Dien, D 2 Tel: 3840 6974 www.dancentervn.com Children and teenagers from age 4+ can enjoy jazz, ballet, tap, hip hop, acro dance and break dance classes at this professionally run, newly built dance studio. Schedule and news on events available on-line.
comfortable and familiar with. Fitting in can be difficult. But remember, however tempting it is to jump into a group to feel secure and to be accepted, you don’t have to reject who you are just to fit in. If you’ve been friendly and sociable, what more is there to do? The right friends will come along eventually. It’s perfectly fine to be alone. It doesn’t mean you’re lonely. Dealing with your school’s strange surroundings can be confusing. The key is to have a steady mind and an open spirit, be flexible, and dare I say it, be a follower at the beginning. You’ll get used to the way it all works and ultimately schools aren’t that different from one another. They all possess a similar and comparable atmosphere and character. Change is unavoidable. Nothing ever stays the same. Nobody has control over what is to come. Learning to go with the flow and making the best with what is thrown our way is part of life. So, cheer up. It’s alright to feel down, it’s part of the process. You won’t feel horrid forever. Change is change after all. It changes! In accordance with this law you’ll be settled before you know it.
Saigon Pony Club Lane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2 Tel: 0913 733 360 Close to X-rock climbing centre, kids from three and upwards can ride one of the stable’s 16 ponies. Lessons with foriegn teachers last 45 minutes for kids from age six.
Poppy Nguyen-Eastwood is a Grade 10 student at Lycée Français International Marguerite Duras.
Little Anh – Em 41 Thao Dien, D2 A French brand made in Vietnam offering a wide selection of colourful, simply packaged and thoughtfully collated “sets” of garments for girls and boys
BABY EQUIPMENT
Maman Bebe L2-11, Vincom Quang Trung, Go Vap 3rd Flr Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza, D5 L2-11K, Vincom 72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 www.mamanbebe.com.vn Stocks an assortment of modern strollers and car seats. Also sells various utensils and practical baby products. Small selection of clothing for ages newborn to 14 years. Me & Be 230 Vo Thi Sau, D3 52-54 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 191 Hoang Van Thu, Phu Nhuan S11-1 Sky Garden 1, Phu My Hung, D7 The closest thing to Mothercare the city has to offer. Stocks a substantial range of apparel for babies including bottles and sterilizers, cots (including travel cots), clothing, toys, safety equipment and more, all at reasonable prices.
CLOTHES
Albetta 32 Tran Ngoc Dien D2 58 Nguyen Duc Canh, Tan Phong, D7 Albetta is a British family owned company, with a factory in Saigon, which produces beautifully designed and handcrafted clothes, gifts, shoes and accessories for children. Their new Lucky Luca collection shown are available in Albetta shops now. DLS Paris Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 A superb range of unique and beautiful clothing for young children (from newborns to pre-school age) at high to midrange prices. The quality compensates for the price. Bedding, baby equipment and furniture and organic and natural supplies also kept in stock.
from newborn to 10 years old. Lifestyle pieces also available include sleeping bags, bedroom accessories and bags. Ninh Khuong 42 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3824 7456 71B Dong Khoi, D1 22 Nguyen Trai, D1 344 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 343 Hai Ba Trung, D1 27 Le Van Sy, Phu Nhuan www.ninhkhuong.vn Well-known hand-embroidered children’s clothing brand using 100% cotton. Newborn to 10 years old (girl) and fourteen years old (boy). Also stocking home linens. Prices are reasonable.
EDUCATION
ABC International School 2,1E Street, KDC Trung Son, Binh Hung, Binh Chanh Tel: 5431 1833/34/35/36 office@theabcis.com www.theabcis.com Judged “an outstanding school” by British Government Inspectors, the ABCIS is accredited by CIE, AQA and Education Development Trust and members of COBIS and FOBISIA. Serving 2-18 year olds in a caring environment, it delivers a globally valued curriculum based on best UK practice. This culminates in the award of IGCSEs and A levels from the Cambridge and AQA examination boards. These “gold standard certifications” afford entrance to the very best universities around the world.
American International School 220 Nguyen Van Tao, Nha Be, HCMC Tel: 08 3780 0909 www.ais.edu.vn info@ais.edu.vn Established since 2006, American International School is a private school serving students from Preschool through grade 12. Operate on 3 campuses, the school offers innovative American curriculum with true Vietnamese heritage. All students are well prepared for academic success appropriate to their needs and aspirations in the US and around the world. The Australian International School Xi Campus (Kindergarten) 190 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 35192727 Thao Dien Campus (Kindergarten & Primary School) 36 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6960 Thu Thiem Campus (Kindergarten, Primary, Middle & Senior School) 264 Mai Chi Tho (East-West Highway) An Phu ward, D2 Tel: 3742 4040 www.aisvietnam.com The Australian International School is an IB World School with 3 class campuses in District 2, HCMC, offering an international education from Kindergarten to Senior School with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Cambridge Secondary Programe (including IGCSE) and IB Diploma Programme (DP). British International School Primary Campus 43 - 45 Tu Xuong, D3 225 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Secondary Campus 246 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 3744 2335 www.bisvietnam.com BIS is the largest international school in Vietnam operating from three purpose built campuses in HCMC catering for students from pre-school to Year 13. The school operates within the framework of the National Curriculum for England and is staffed primarily by British qualified and trained teachers with recent UK experience. Students are prepared for both IGCSE & the IB Diploma
programmes. BIS is a member of FOBISSEA & is fully accredited by the Council of International schools EUROPEAN International School 730 F-G-K Le Van Mien, Thao Dien. Tel: 7300 7257 www.eishcmc.com jura.cullen@cantab.net The EUROPEAN International School Ho Chi Minh City (EIS) offers an international education from Early Years through Primary and Secondary School. EIS is committed to educating students to become creative critical thinkers and problem solvers. In small student centred classes, students are immersed in a multicultural learning environment which values multilingualism. The language of instruction throughout the School is English; the language program includes Spanish, German, French and Vietnamese. International School HCMC 28 Vo Truong Toan, D2 Tel: 3898 9100 www.ishcmc.com One of 136 schools around the world to be accredited as an IB World School. Offers all three of the IB programmes from primary through to grade 12. The school is fully accredited by CIS and NEASC and has a strong focus on community spirit and fosters an awareness of other languages and cultures. The International School HCMC American Academy 26 Vo Truong Toan, D2 Tel: 3898 9098 www.aavn.edu.vn The International School Ho Chi Minh City - American Academy is a worldclass middle and high school for children aged 11 to 18 years old. Offering a comprehensive academic program built upon the principles and standards of the American education system.. International School Saigon Pearl 92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh District Tel: 2222 7788/99 www.issp.edu.vn The International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is a world-class Elementary School for children aged 18 months to 11 years old offering a full American school curriculum in Vietnam. With a custom built primary campus ISSP’s ethos is centered on building caring relationships with each child and family. Montessori International School International Program 42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, D2 Tel: 3744 2639 Bilingual Program 28 Street 19, KP 5, An Phu, D2 Tel: 6281 7675 www.montessori.edu.vn Montessori utilizes an internationally recognized educational method which focuses on fostering the child’s natural desire to learn. The aim is to create an encouraging environment conducive to learning by developing a sense of self and individuality. A wide array of curriculum/extra-curricular activities are on offer including Bilingual programs.
Renaissance International School 74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7 Tel: 3773 3171 www.rissaigon.edu.vn An International British school providing inclusive curriculum based upon the British curriculum complemented by the International Primary Curriculum and International Baccalaureate. The school has made a conscious decision to limit numbers and keep class sizes small to ensure each student is offered an educa-
tion tailored to meet his or her individual learning needs. It is a family school providing a stimulating and secure learning environment with first-class facilities including a 350-seat theatre, swimming pool, mini-pool, play-areas, gymnasium, IT labs, music and drama rooms, science labs and an all-weather pitch. RMIT 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7 Tel: 3776 1369 Australian university located in District 7, offers a highly regarded MBA and undergraduate courses in various fields. SmartKids 1172 Thao Dien Compound, D2 Tel: 3744 6076 www.smartkidsinfo.com An international childcare centre that provides kindergarten and pre-school education for children aged between 18 months and 6 years. A fun and friendly environment, the school focuses on learning through play. Saigon South International School Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7 Tel: 5413 0901 www.ssis.edu.vn An International school environment offering an American/international program in a large, spacious campus, to children from age 3 to grade 12. Great facilities, extra-curricular activities and internationally trained teachers giving unique opportunities to learn.
ENTERTAINMENT
Diamond Plaza 34 Le Duan, D1 The top floor arcade and bowling alley is bound to keep your little ones entertained for hours with an impressive array of video games. Some child-friendly dining options too, with Pizza Hut on hand, a KFC and a New Zealand Natural ice cream concession. Gymboree Play & Music Somerset Chancellor Court 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3827 7008 The Gymboree Play & Music offers children from newborn to 5 years old the opportunity to explore, learn and play in an innovative parent-child programmes.
PARTIES
Beatrice’s Party Shop 235 Le Thanh Ton, D1 A lovely little shop selling everything you need to throw your little ones a good party. A catalogue of entertainers showcases a number of party favourites such as magicians, circuses and more. Nguyen Ngoc Diem Phuong 131C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 A curious shop stocking a range of hand-made fancy dress costumes such as masks, superman outfits and much more. The stock changes seasonally, so this is a good place to stock up on Halloween, Christmas and other costumes. Bibi Clown - Chu he Bibi Tel: 0933 131 012 bibiclown.blogspot.com Does exactly as his name suggests.Great service has earned him a reputation for turning up almost instantly with a superb selection of balloons and games in both English and Vietnamese. The Balloon Man Mr Hoat 0903 837 326 Does exactly as his name suggests – balloons. He will come to your place for decoration but English not as good. Also provides helium balloons. The Balloon Man Mr Hoat 0903 837 326 Does exactly as his name suggests – balloons. He will come to your place for decoration but English not as good. Also provides helium balloons.
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listings
living By Paul McLardie
PERSONAL FINANCE Give and Take As I write this I am sitting in a very nice but non-descript hotel room that could be anywhere in Southeast Asia. The reason for me being here is a conference of private bankers, portfolio managers, and the heads of family offices for the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. The idea will be to discuss new ideas and thrash out issues that we are having. The most heated discussion that we have had so far is on philanthropy and the art of giving. For those giving some of your precious time or donating money or goods to a charity or foundation, and those who have gone the next step and founded a charity or foundation, even if you do not make a penny for your actions, altruism is over. It’s a fallacy. It doesn’t exist. The sooner this is taken on board and understood, the further any money donated will go and charities and foundations will be more transparent. Jenni Santi, the author of The Giving Way To Happiness and the philanthropic advisor to the region’s largest private bank, explained giving as a basic human need. It triggers the same pleasure centres of the brain that are stimulated by food, sex and drugs. You can’t get much more of a primeval instinct than that. Noni Purnomo of Indonesian transportation company Blue Bird, which employs over 45,000
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BUSINESS GROUPS
AmCham New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Business Centre, Room 323 Tel: 3824 3562 www.amchamvietnam.com AusCham TV Building, Suite 1A, 31A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3911 0272 / 73 / 74 www.auschamvn.org British Business Group of Vietnam 25 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 8430 info@bbgv.org / www.bbgv.org
people in a business that started with just two taxis, answers her family’s philanthropism not as a corporate issue, but as a personal one. Rather than seeing it as a gift and tax issue, she sees it as a way of passing on her family values to her staff and therefore creating both loyalty and educated children while also empowering women to start their own small businesses. I am a big believer in the giving of your time or your hard earned cash, but remember two things. Firstly, be honest with yourself. It could be from a passion that you have to free a captive goldfish back into the wild, or it just gives you a nice feeling to give your time to a charity that rehomes alcoholic mountain goats. That doesn’t matter; just be happy that you are doing so. Secondly, research the charity or foundation and make sure that they are aligned with your thoughts. Do you want to give to a foundation that only spends 30 percent of its income on projects and the rest on staff salaries and expenses? Just ask them, and if needed, just walk away, because there are plenty others that need your time or money. Paul McLardie is a partner at Total Wealth Management. Contact him at Paul.mclardie@t-wm.com.
CanCham New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Business Centre, Room 305 Tel: 3824 3754 www.canchamvietnam.org Citi Bank 115 Nguyen Hue St, D1 Tel: 3824 2118 Citibank Vietnam offers a wide range of banking services to both consumer and corpo-rate. Services include Corporate and Investment Banking, Global Transaction Services, and Consumer Banking. In Vietnam for 15 years, Citibank has a presence in both HCMC and Hanoi. Eurocham 257 Hoang Van Thu, Tan Binh Tel: 3845 5528 www.eurochamvn.org German Business Group 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 www.gba-vietnam.org Singapore Business Group Unit 1B2, 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3823 3046 www.sbghcmc.org Swiss Business Association 42 Giang Van Minh, Anh Phu, D2 Tel: 3744 6996 Fax: 3744 6990 Email: sba@hcm.vnn.vn www.swissvietnam.com Hong Kong Business Association New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1 Business Centre, Room 322 Tel: 3824 3757 / 3822 8888 www.hkbav.com NordCham Bitexco Building, 19-25 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3821 5423 www.nordcham.com
CAMERAS
Hung Hai 75 Huynh Thuc Khang, D1 A good place to purchase hard-to-find gear and some rare equipment, mainly auto focus lenses.
Shop 46 46 Nguyen Hue, D1 Small shop run by photographer and collector. The owner’s more collectible pieces are pricey, but entry-level manual focus SLRs from the 70s and 80s are affordable.
COMPUTERS
Computer Street Luong Huu Khanh, D1 between Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and Nguyen Trai This stretch of District 1 is literally wall to wall with small shops selling computers, printers, monitors and everything computer related, more so toward the NTMK end of the drag. iCenter 142A Vo Thi Sau, D3 Tel: 3820 3918 Professional, polished Apple retailer and repair centre with an attractive showroom featuring some of the latest in accessories and audio. English-speakers on staff. Honours Apple service plans. Future World 240 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Authorized reseller of Apple computers and products, as well as some off-brand items like headphones. Excellent service and English-speaking staff. Accepts credit cards. Phong Vu Computer 264C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3933 0762 www.vitinhphongvu.com The biggest and busiest of the PC stores in town. Known for good, efficient service, in-house maintenance and aftersales repair on the second floor. SYS Vi Tinh Saigon 96C Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1 www.vtsaigon.com A superb place with an excellent reputation for after-sales service with competent English speaking staff and a wide range of products and services. Freeware and shareware also available on the store website.
CONSULTING
Concetti 33 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1 Tel: 3911 1480 www.concetti-vn.com Consulting and research company for technology transfer and investment. Embers Asia Ltd. 4th floor, 04 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3822 4728 www.embers-asia.com As the first team building provider established in Vietnam, Embers specializes in making teams better in globally competitive markets. Embers’ HR performance management services include: team building excursions, strategic planning retreats, conference facilitations and training workshops. Ernst & Young Saigon Riverside Office Center, 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3824 5252 www.ey.com Professional service firm specializing in advisory, assurance, tax, transactions and strategic growth markets.
Le Duc 5B Huynh Tinh Cua, D3 A shop for all your professional accessory needs. From lighting equipment to tripods and reflectors, the shop offers the best equipment and service in HCM City.
Grant Thornton Saigon Trade Centre, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9100 www.gt.com.vn International business advisors specializing in auditing, management consulting, corporate finance, risk management and information technology.
Pham The 11 Le Cong Kieu, D1 An authorized service centre for Nikon camera that also specializes in repairing all camera makes. Measurement equipment and spare parts also available.
IF Consulting IBC Building, 3rd Floor 1A Me Linh Square, D1 4th Floor, 5 Ba Trieu Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: 3827 7362 Fax: 3827 7361 Email: pascal@insuranceinvietnam.com Private insurance and finance. Indochine Councel Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 9640 www.indochinecounsel.com Business law firm specializing in legal services to corporate clients in relation to their business and investment in Vietnam. Inspired Image 42/2A Ho Hao Hon, D1 Tel: 091 635 2573 www.inspiredimage.co.uk Image consultant and personal stylist. Previous clients include business leaders, TV presenters and busy professionals. International Management Initiative for Vietnam (IMIV) info@imiv.org www.imiv.org The International Management Initiative for Vietnam (IMIV), a non-profit initiative within VinaCapital Foundation that promotes excellence in business leadership and management by bringing to Vietnam proven international executive education and professional development programmes. Phuong Nguyen Consulting TPC Business Center, 92-96 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 2391 www.pnp-consulting.com Specializing in business facilitation, conferences, education counselling, market-entry research and IT/business consulting. TMF Vietnam Company Limited Unit 501, 5th Floor, Saigon Trade Center 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 2262 ext. 113 Fax: 3910 0590 www.tmf-group.com With headquarters in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, TMF Vietnam specializes in accounting outsourcing and consulting. Total Wealth Management 66/11 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3 Tel: 3820 0623 www.t-wm.com Specialists in selecting and arranging tax-efficient savings and pension plans for expatriates. Offers councel on private banking services, wealth protection in offshore jurisdictions, currency risks and hedging strategies. Towers Watson Vietnam (formerly Watson Wyatt and SMART HR) Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue, Suite 808, D1 Tel: 3821 9488 Global HR consulting firm specializing in executive compensation, talent management, employee rewards and surveys, HR effectiveness and technology, data services and total rewards surveys. DECOR Antique Street Le Cong Kieu Street, D1 between Nguyen Thai Binh and Pho Duc Chinh A variety of antiques and faux antiques from Thailand, China and Vietnam including silverware, compasses, lighters, brass knockers, urns, vases, abacuses, religious and pagan statues, candlestick holders, furniture and watches. Aquarium Street Nguyen Thong Street, D3 between Vo Thi Sau and Ly Chinh Thang Dedicated street has everything one needs to display fish: tanks, decor, feed, filters and the fish themselves. Budget Housewares Street Corner of Pasteur and Nguyen Dinh Chieu Stock up on shower heads, kitchen supplies (juicer, spatula, grater, etc.), coat racks, clothes hangers, pots, pans, champagne flutes, bowls, coolers, trash
bins, ironing boards, magazine racks and the like. Chau Loan 213 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 7991 Gallery based in a colonial shophouse stocking mainly Vietnamese-themed oil paintings and images of Buddha. Also deals in better-known reproductions. Decosy 112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917 Producer of a large selection of European styled furniture and interior fittings, specializing in wrought iron and patine (distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks a wide-range of decorative accessories, crockery and fixtures. Custom design services available upon request. Dogma 175 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3836 0488 www.dogmavietnam.com Located upstairs from Saigon Kitsch, this art gallery deals in Vietnamese propaganda posters, apparel, accessories and random paraphernalia. Large prints are sold at USD $60 each and small prints cost $25. Minh Boutique 15 Nguyen Thiep, D1 Lacquerware pieces, tea boxes, teapot warmers, ice buckets and sake drinking sets all handmade in Vietnam. Also sells a range of silverware, egg holders and ice tongs. OUT-2 STUDIO L6 Fafilm annex 6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3825 6056 STUDIO@OUT-2.com www.out-2.com Studio space for independent designers to showcas their wares, sell their work and meet with clients. Open Monday t Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. Phuong Mai 213C Dong Khoi www.phuongmai-gallery.com Gallery specializing in original oils by Vietnamese artists. The works here are a mish-mash of styles but do contain some standouts, particularly well-known local artists La Hon, Quy Tam and Pham Trinh. Sapa 125 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Offers a better selection of hill tribe handicrafts than most of its rivals. Concentrates mainly on the hand-woven clothing of the indigenous tribespeople of the region. There is also a line in ladies’ shoes and the standard range of silk wraps and bags. Unity 12 Dang Tran Con, D1 Tel: 3823 9375 info@unitycompany.com www.facebook.com/unitycompany Located opposite Galaxy cinema, Unity offers accessories that are designed to seamlessly blend in with your life. Familiar basics are given a contemporary update with the use of modern, alternative materials like silicone, rubber, and brushed aluminum. From orbital lamps and eggshell-white china, to wire-clasped water bottles, each individual piece complements the others in the collection to give your home a sense of Unity.
ELECTRONICS
Hi End Audio 84 Ho Tung Mau, D1 A standout that stocks the very latest and greatest in home entertainment. Retails in everything from giant plasmascreen TVs to audio equipment. Most top brands are available. iDEAS Shopping Centre 133-141AB Cach Mang Thang Tam, D3 The largest of the electonics stores along the street, the three-storey iDEAS sells every type of electronic and home appliance imaginable. Offers proper warranties. Staff speaks some English.
Future World 240 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3 Authorized reseller of Apple computers and products, as well as some off-brand items like headphones. Excellent service and English-speaking staff. Accepts credit cards.
By Gary Woollacott
PEOPLE MATTER Mission Impossible? A few search assignments across our region have gone slightly awry recently and I’ve been asking myself, why? The one theme that seems to come across consistently is that clients are increasingly demanding (nothing wrong with that, we’re here to serve) and that there is sometimes a disconnect between what they say, and what they do – that’s more of an issue and the point of this month’s column. We’ve encountered quite a number of clients that start off a search with a clear idea as to what they want, who they want and how they will attract that person. It doesn’t always turn out that way. Once the realities of the market become clear, smart clients grasp that knowledge and react pragmatically. Perhaps we need to tweak the package, the job scope or the reporting line slightly to attract better quality candidates. This kind of information is exactly what a retained search consultant feeds back to clients in order to help them recruit the best organisational fit. An example of inconsistency between words and deeds is when a client says a certain package is the absolute limit. We have worked within that to present great candidates for interviews, only to have the client decide to offer an external candidate more than the budget – shutting us out of the process. That’s all right, we don’t mind as we have been paid for the work we do. But the danger is by simply hiring an external candidate, the checks and assessments that we undertake
66 AsiaLIFE HCMC
have not been done. More than once this has ended badly with the candidate underperforming and leaving the organisation quite quickly; and we are back to searching again. Sometimes clients move too slowly and miss out on great candidates, or they want to see more and more – hoping for that elusive perfect candidate – and then we’re back to the first part of this sentence. Recently a client signed an exclusive contract with us, only to dismay our consultant when the position was posted on a jobs board a few days later. When tackled, the client admitted that they hadn’t read our contract properly (despite signing it) and said that they didn’t work on an exclusive basis. One simple task would have saved a lot of wasted time and effort. We like to search with clear parameters, knowing where we can stretch, and where we can’t. If we receive conflicting instructions from different parts of a client then we have to resolve that – otherwise we will be just spinning our wheels and hoping for the best. We all know that hoping isn’t a smart business strategy, so don’t leave things to chance in recruitment if you really expect the best results. As usual, let me know if you have any particular topic you would like to see covered here. Gary Woollacott is an executive search consultant who works for Horton International in Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. He can be reached at +84 8 3910 7682 or via woollacott@ hortoninternational.com.
Nguyen Kim Shopping Centre 63-65 Tran Hung Dao, D1 Tel: 3821 1211 www.nguyenkim.com Stocks DVD/CD players, cameras, TVs, hi-fis and more from Sony, Sanyo, Panasonic, Philips and other major manufacturers. Also a good place to pick up electronic kitchen supplies like coffee makers and rice cookers, as well as large and small appliances, from hot water heaters to regrigerators. Phong Vu 125 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D1 Tel: 6290 8777 www.vitinphongvu.com Two-storey electronics store retails in international products conveniently grouped by brand. Carries computers, home audio, printers, hard drives and more, as well as a variety of mobile phones, handheld electronic devices and accessories. Savico 117 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7993 One-stop electronics and home appliance superstore. All products have a one to three-year warranty. Tech Street Huynh Thuc Khang Street between Ton That Dam and Nguyen Hue, D1 Sells compact discs, DVDs, electronic money counters, video games and systems, Discmans, mp3 players and portable DVD players.
FURNITURE
Appeal 41 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 5258 A small, upscale shop that offers modern accents for the sleek dining room. The colours of the over-sized vases and fruit bowls are either glistening red or lacquered black. AustinHome 42 Nguyen Dang Giai, D2 Tel: 3519 0023 Outstanding quality and style for your home. The shop says its products are hand-picked by an American furniture expert from the best factories in Vietnam. Upholstery, accessories, antiques and more.
Decosy 112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917 Producer of a large selection of European styled furniture and interior fittings, specializing in wrought iron and patine (distressed) wood finishes. Also stocks a wide-range of decorative accessories, crockery and fixtures. Custom design services available upon request. Esthetic 11 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 7371/7372 Fax: 3514 7370 esthetic@vnn.vn www.estheticfurnishing.com.vn Design and manufacture as order with a mixture of antique and modern furniture. Friendly staff speak excellent English. Furniture Street Ngo Gia Tu, D10 between Ly Thai To and Nguyen Chi Thanh Very affordable furniture can be found on this stretch: couches, mattresses, desks, chairs, etc. It often takes some looking to find a gem. A connected sidestreet, Ba Hat, features woodworkers’ shops. Gaya 6/39A Tran Nao Street 12, D2
Tel: 3740 6009 www.gayavietnam.com Gaya is re launching with new name at the new location featuring the work of foreign designers: furniture and lighting by Quasar Khanh, laquerware decor by Michele De Albert and other home accessories and outdoor furniture . Linh’s White 37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9863 Furniture shop that focuses on solid wood furniture and decorative items ranging from pillows and lamps to bedding. Also offers kids’ furniture and custom pieces. Mai Home 92 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 08 62 818 399 MaiHomeDecor.com Producer of fine lacquerware lamps and furniture, Mai Home combines modern design with the traditional art of Vietnamese lacquer to create tasteful and durable homewares. Also provides worldwide shipping and customisable designs. The Lost Art 31 Nguyen Cong Tru, D1 Tel: 3829 0134 Extensive product range as well as comprehensive interior design service, from initial conceptualization to design, manufacture and installation of unique products.
LEGAL
Allens Arthur Robinson Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3822 1717 www.vietnamlaws.com Australian law firm for law translation services and legal advice on foreign investment and business in Vietnam. Baker & McKenzie Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 5585 www.bakernet.com International law firm providing on-theground liaison and support services to clients interested in investigating, negotiating and implementing projects in Vietnam. Frasers International Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3824 2733 www.frasersvn.com Full service commercial law firm providing international and Vietnamese legal advice to both foreign and local clients specializing in transactions in Vietnam. Indochine Counsel Han Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 9640 www.indochinecounsel.com Business law practitioners specializing in mergers & acquistions, inward investment, and securities & capital markets. Phillips Fox Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3822 1717 Full service law firm providing legal services in healthcare, education, crime, banking and hospitality among others. Pricewaterhousecoopers Legal Saigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3823 0796 www.pwc.com/vn Part of a network of international legal and financial advisors, PWC gives both specialist and general legal advice with a focus on mutli-territory projects. Rödl & Partner Somerset Chancellor Court 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 Tel: 3824 4225 / www.roedl.com European legal firm assisting foreign investors with structuring/establishing companies, investment projects, and mergers & acquistions.
LIGHTING
Luxury Light 1483 My Toan 1, Nguyen Van Linh, Phu My Hung, D7 For those who really want to bring a touch of luxury to their homes, this place deals with Italian imported lighting from the ultra - modern to the traditional Murano style chandeliers. Mosaique 98 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 One of the best and most diverse selections of lamps in town with everything from the ordinary decorative lotus silk lamp to more inventive and original designs in lacquer and silk.
MOTORBIKES
Bike City 480D Nguyen Thi Thap, D7 Luxury motorcycle shop carries a range of accessories, including apparel. Sells Vemar helmets, a brand that passes rigorous European Union standards. Protec Helmets 18bis/3A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1 248C Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan 417B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3 American nonprofit manufacturer makes helmets with densely compressed polystyrene shell with ABS, PVC or fiberglass exterior, available with polycarbonate shatter-proof shield. Options for kids.
REAL ESTATE
CB Richard Ellis Me Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3824 6125 www.cbre.com International property consultants and developers with both commercial and private properties for sale, lease and rent.
Diamond Plaza 34 Le Duan Street / Tel: 3822 1922 lntdung@diamondplaza.com.vn Located in the heart of District 1, connected to Diamond PLaza. Services 1- to 4-bedroom apartments with gym, swimming pool and panoramic views of the city. InterContinental Asiana Saigon Residences Corner of Hai Ba Trung & Nguyen Du, D1 / Tel: 3520 8888 saigon@interconti.com www.intercontinental.com/saigonres Contemporary residential space in the heart of the major business and cultural area in District 1. There are 260 one, two or three-bedroom units plus health club and outdoor swimming pool. Namhouse Corporation 48A Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, D2 / Tel: 0989 007 700 www.namhouse.com.vn Provides rental properties, construction services and interior decorating. Supports professional services and after-sales. Thao Dien Village 195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel. 3744 2222 A riverside complex of international-standard hospitality and F&B outlets with a boutique hotel, four restaurants featuring Italian, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese cuisine, an event house, meeting rooms and a day spa with well-equipped health-club. Diamond Island Luxury Residences No 01 – Street No.104-BTT, Quarter 3, Binh Trung Tay Ward, D2 T: (84) 968 293 388 / 3742 5678 F: (84-8) 3742 3232) www.the-ascott.com Diamond Island Luxury Residences offers 68 fully-furnished apartments, ranging
from two- to four-bedroom units with private balconies providing panoramic views of the stunning surroundings in one of the most spectacular sceneries in the city. Each lavish space features plush interiors, modern amenities, elegant furnishings and carefully chosen trimmings and fixtures, creating a luxurious harmony of comfort and sensorial tranquility that will have you relaxed and recharged, and functioning at peak performance. Savills Viet Nam Level 18, Fideco Tower, 81-85 Ham Nghi, D1 Tel: 823 9205 www.savills.com.vn Savills Vietnam is a property service provider that has been established in Vietnam since 1995 offering research, advisory services, residential sales, commercial leasing, asset management, retail advisory, valuation, investment advisory and more. Sherwood Residence 127 Pasteur St., D3 Tel: 3823 2288 Hotline: 0917470058 leasing@sherwoodresidence.com www.sherwoodresidence.com Sherwood Residence is a luxury serviced apartment property and the first property certified by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism. Modern living spaces meet prime location, comfort and class with 5-star facilities and service.
RECRUITMENT
First Alliances #609, Saigon Trade Center 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 2080 Fax: 3910 2079 www.firstalliances.net cv@firstalliances.net As Vietnam’s most established recruitment consultancy, First Alliances operates across all major industry sectors and at all levels of seniority. Also provid-
ing HR outsourcing solutions for staffing and payroll,overseas employment and education services. HR2B / Talent Recruitment JSC Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu, D3 / Tel: 3930 8800 www.hr2b.com HR consulting advises businesses on how to improve employee productivity. The search team specializes in matching senior level Vietnamese professionals and managers to top level opportunities in both major cities. Horton International 5F, Vitic Building 6B Nguyen Thanh Y Street, D1 Tel 3910 7682-3 www.hortoninternational.com Established in HCMC in 2005, Horton International services local and multinational companies seeking to recruit high quality personnel. Horton International is one of the world’s leading executive search groups with 50 offices in 30 countries. For more information, contact vietnam@hortoninternational.com.
RELOCATION AGENTS
AGS Four Winds 5th Floor, Lafayette De Saigon, 8A Phung Khac Khoan, D1 Tel: +84 8 3521 0071, www.agsfourwinds.com ags-vietnam@agsfourwinds.com Global leader in international removals and relocations, with 128 offices in 78 countries.They can move customers to and/or from any location worldwide.
Crown Worldwide Movers 2ndFl 236/6 Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh Tel: 3823 4127 www.crownrelo.com hochiminhcity@crownrelo.com
Not just International or local moving and storage. Crown Relocations offer a wide range of services including orientations, immigration, home search, intercultural training through to pet relocation. Call the team on the above number and check out our website for more information.
made silk dresses and tops. Has a wide range of materials on the second floor.
UTS Saigon Van Intl’ Relocations 1st Fl, 214 Nguyen Van Huong, D2 Tel: 3744 7102 MOVING!? www.saigonvan.com Full service relocating agency with ware! housing, handyman, insurance & claim, ! orientation an partner career support services also availble.
Laura V Signature 11 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 7304 4126 www.laurav.net Vintage designs aplenty with everything from jewellery and hair accessories to funky styled sunglasses, umbrellas and colourful maxi dresses.
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By Ruben Luong
FASHION FIELD NOTE Fashion Field Note Ruben Luong reflects on his series of ten fashion field notes that have covered the intricacies and updates on an ever-changing, enthusing industry. This is the tenth and final fashion field note, and with that I’d like to briefly recap previous field notes to establish a final thought. In August last year, I wrote about the ‘Menaissance’ following the inaugural New York Fashion Week: Men’s. Menswear is still becoming visible, experimental and profitable. Currently, French luxury house Balenciaga will present its first runway show solely dedicated to men’s designs in June. In October, I wrote about five ‘inspirasians’. I could mention many other ‘inspirasianal’ figures, such as Korean-American stylist and blogging sensation Chriselle Lim (thechrisellefactor.com), who are making an impact in the industry. In November, I wrote about fashion video storytelling. I didn’t mention film. Last month The First Monday of May premiered. It documents the creation of last year’s fashion exhibition at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, China: Through The Looking Glass, and the annual Met Gala. In December, I wrote about the chaos of shopping high-low collaborations. Shopping fashion is becoming more mind-blowing. More labels like Burberry favour ‘see now, buy now’ strategies so consumers can instantly buy clothing after runway shows. In January, I wrote about Pantone’s Rose Quartz and Serenity as symbols of fashion’s gender blur. Gucci champions it — according to fashionista.com, the label’s creative director Alessandro 68 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Michele will combine men’s and women’s runway shows each season in 2017. In February, I wrote about progressive spring campaigns. Some became controversial too. One Calvin Klein billboard featured a female celebrity in a suggestive pose with the caption ‘I seduce in #mycalvins’ next to a moody portrait of Fetty Wap with the caption ‘I make money in #mycalvins.’ It provoked a women’s startup which criticised the billboard for a debased depiction of women in an open letter. In March, I wrote about several influential NYFW Fall ’16 collections. Soon, NYFW Spring/ Summer ’17 collections will arrive in August. In April, I wrote about recognition of Vietnamese in fashion. Look no further than the magazine’s fashion editorial this month, Body of Water, to see that local designers like Dieu Anh are producing exquisite work and being noticed for it. And now, here I am thinking about fashion in May, while clearly fashion is already thinking about the months and years ahead. It’s a spirited time in fashion. Traditions are bending. Fashion is less exclusive and more connected. I hope this column demonstrates that the intersection of people, stories, issues and concepts evolving within the industry is a perpetual clockwork of energy, power, craft and decision-making. It is definitely more than knowing what clothes to wear and how to wear it. For some, I know that can be just as important, too. Stay stylish, y’all.
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Santa Fe Relocation Services 8th floor, Thien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu, D3 Tel: 3933 0065 www.santaferelo.com vietnam@santaferelo.com With over 150 offices around world, Santa Fe offers local & international moving, pet transportation, relocation services including home search, orientation, cultural training, immigration & records management.
STATIONERY
Fahasa 40 Nguyen Hue, D1 / Tel: 3822 5796 Bookstore chain carries an expansive stock of office and home stationary; a one-stop shop for basic needs. Stationary and Printing Street Ly Thai To Street, D3 More than 25 stores providing photocopying & printing services.
listings
fashion ACCESSORIES
Accessorize Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/accessorize Fashion-forward accessories including necklaces, handbags, wallets, flip-flops, sunglasses, hair accessories, belts and more. Banana 128 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Women’s accessories and more, from bags, clutches and belts to clothes and jewellery, all at reasonable prices. Coconut 100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Bags of all shapes and sizes rule the roost in this small shop. Made of silk and embroidered to the brim, these unique bags start at about USD $30, and many are suitable for both day and night. Creation 105 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 5429 A two-storey shop selling scarves, intricate handbags (from USD $30), tailor-
Ipa-Nima 71 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 3652 77 Dong Khoi, D1 Well-known Hanoi-based fashion brand. Founder Christina Yu is a former lawyer turned designer who produces eclectic and eye-catching handbags. Also stocks costume jewellery and shoes.
Louis Vuitton Opera View, 161 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 6318 Designer brand name housing traditional craftsmanship of luxury leather goods for men and women. An array of bags, wallets, cuff links and watches are available. Mai O Mai 4C Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 4007 A superb little place with beautiful jewellery and accessories to suit all budgets. Silver necklaces, bracelets, rings and more in both classic and imaginative designs, as well as gorgeous handembroidered bags. Mont Blanc Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan Notable for fine writing instruments, Mont Blanc also houses cuff links and other male accessories Scorpion Vincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9889 www.scorpionbag.com Selling high-end leather products for both men and women, including shoes, handbags, belts and other accessories. Features a variety of leather in bright colors and styles. Umbrella 35 Ly Tu Trong, D1 and 4 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 6276 2730 www.umbrella-fashion.com Sophisticated boutique showcasing a diverse range of imported women’s accessories. Also houses women’s garments from office wear to cocktail and party creations.
ACTIVE WEAR
TBS Sports Centre 102 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan This store stocks a range of good sports clothes and equipment from big name brands such as Puma, Adidas, Ecco, Nike and Converse. Volcom Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1 Chic and funky ladies’ apparel brand from America. Lots of tank tops, minis and shorts for day tripping with girlfriends or lazing on the beach.
READY TO WEAR unisex
L’Usine 151/1 Dong Khoi, D1 Lifestyle store and cafe housed in a period building restored to evoke the aesthetic of an early 20th-century garment factory. Carries an exclusive, frequently refreshed line of imported men’s and women’s fashion, including T-shirts and footwear, and a range of unique accessories. Entrance via the street-level Art Arcade. Runway Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9988 runway.sg@global-fashion.vn Massive and minimalist design-led inte-
rior lets ultra high-end designer garments stand out. Carries men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, swimwear, shoes, accessories along with home décor. Brands include Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga, Sergio Rossi and Eres. Versace 26 Dong Khoi Designer brand in men’s formal wear. Houses suit jackets and trousers, shirts as well as an array of men’s accessories. Also stocks womens clothing and shoes.
men
Massimo Ferrari 42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3 Tel: 3930 6212 Bespoke menswear shop also boasts its own brand of contemporary preppy attire tailored for the tropics. Carries a line of European-quality shoes, bags and accessories designed in-house, as well as exclusive Orobianco unisex bags, designer fragrances and eyewear. Timberland Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Sells everything the brand is known for, from heavy-duty boots to tops and trousers that are both smart and casual. Emphasises muted tones and unobtrusive logos.
women
BCBG MAXAZRIA Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 American brand sells women’s day dresses and tops, evening gowns and wear-to-work attire in many prints and colours. Also carries a small selection of accessories, sunglasses and watches. Bon Mua Boutique Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3993 9888 www.itamoda.com.vn Luxury women’s clothing store with racks organized by designer. Carries small collection of unique pieces from designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier, Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Valentino, Philosophy and Brunello Cucinelli. Corner Boutique 23 Ly Tu Trong, 1st floor Tel: 012 36 310 099 Corner.com.vn Hidden on the first floor of a downtown apartment building, Corner Boutique boasts an elegant, eclectic collection of womenswear, accessories, handbags, shoes and small trinkets. Open daily from 9am to 9pm. ER-Couture Boutique 43 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2411 www. er-couture.com erolskov@er-couture.com Exclusive Scandinavian brand offering designer garments. Versatile fashion for women in European sizes 34-44. Each style is released in limited quantities and can be tailored to individual taste. Mango 96 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 6624 Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 A favourite with fashion-conscious women, this mid-range store stocks clothes from simple tees and jeans to evening wear.
dresses, velvet corsets, chiffon shawls and a range of accessories, all designed in-house.
SHOES
Converse 186 Hai Ba Trung, D1 148 Nguyen Trai, D1 122 Ba Thang Hai, D10 Tel: 3827 5584 www.converse.com.vn Sells iconic Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell and All-Star sneakers and Converse brand clothing and accessories. Also at department stores around HCMC. Dr. Marten’s 173 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3822 4710 Air Wair sandals and shoes here feature the classic yellow stitching and chunky rubber soles. Also stocked with clothes and accessories by Replay and Kappa tracksuit tops. Footwear Street Ho Xuan Huong Street, D3 between Cach Mang Thang Tam and Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Le Thi Hong Gam in D1 between Pho Duc Chinh and Calmette Selection ranges from leather loafers to plastic thongs and everything in between. Nine West Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Stocks an extensive range of designer footwear for women. Handpicked by a global community of independent trendsetters and stylists. Sergio Rossi 146AB Pasteur, D1 Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1 World-renowned Italian brand stocks a diverse European-style collection of upmarket shoes and bags made of quality materials, from crocodile and python skin laterals to garnishings of Swarovski crystals and colourful beads. Star Polo 97B Nguyen Trai, D1 Mix of imported shoes and locally made footwear crafted from Australian leather for men and women as well as imported ones. Sizes from 38 to 42 for men, and from 34 to 40 for women.
TAILORS
Dieu Thanh 140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851 www.dieuthanh.com Experienced tailor shop specializes in swimwear and cotton clothing, as well as business suits, evening dresses, luxury fabrics and accessories. Dzung 221 Le Thanh Ton, D1 One of the most reliable and respected men’s tailors in town with prices and production time to reflect the quality of the workmanship. Fabric Street Hai Ba Trung, D1 across the street from Tan Dinh Market. Spools upon spools of fabric manufatured locally and abroad, with more than ample variety of textures, colours and materials to choose from.
Marc Jacobs Rex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue , D1 Tel: 6291 3580 This spacious shop with high-ceilings carries up-market clothes, shoes and accessories from the internationally recognized designer brand.
Massimo Ferrari 42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3 Tel: 3930 6212 Traditional Italian sartorial techniques are employed to offer a full wardrobing service and custom tailoring for men. Stocked with imported fabrics primarily from Italy.
Valenciani Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3821 2788 66-68 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 7302 4688 valenciani.sg@gmail.com www.valenciani.com Homegrown luxury boutique carries silk
Uyen 13 Nguyen Thiep, D1 An excellent option with English-speaking staff and a good selection of fabrics (although the price takes a dip if you bring your own) and some off-the-rack staples to copy. Reasonable prices.
Marketing & Communications | PR Design | Video Production | Photography Web Solutions | Publications | Editorial Contact Tel: 0903325543 Mail: jonny@asialifemagazine.com
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70 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Nguyen Du C4, D3, D4 Nguyen Hai Tu B4 Nguyen Hue D4, D5 Nguyen Huu Canh B2 Nguyen Huu Canh C5 Nguyen Huu Cau B3 Nguyen Khac Nhu E3 Nguyen Khoai F3 Nguyen Ngoc Phuong B5 Nguyen Phi Khanh B3 Nguyen Sieu C5, D5 Nguyen Son Ha D2 Nguyen Tat Thanh E5 Nguyen Thai Binh D4, E4 Nguyen Thai Hoc D3, E3, E4 Nguyen Thi Dieu D2, D3 Nguyen Thien Thuat D1, E1, E2 Nguyen Thong C1, C2, D2 Nguyen Thuong Hien D2 Nguyen Trai D3, E2 Nguyen Trung Ngan C5 Nguyen Trung Truc D4 Nguyen Truong To E4, E5 Nguyen Van Cu E2 Nguyen Van Hai B3 Nguyen Van Lac B5 Nguyen Van Thu B4, C3, C4 Nguyen Van Troi B1 Pasteur C2, C3, C4, D4 Pham Hong Thai D2, D3 Pham Ngoc Thach C3 Pham Ngu Lao D3, D4, E3 Pham Viet Chanh B5 Pham Viet Chanh E2 Phan Dinh Phung B2 Phan Ke Binh B4 Phan Van Han B4, B5 Pho Duc Chinh D4, E4 Phung Khac Khoan C3, C4 Suong Nguyet Anh D2, D3 Tan Vinh E4 Thach Thi Thanh B3 Thai Van Lung C5 Thi Sach C5 Thu Khoa Huan D4 Ton Duc Thang C5, D4, D5, E4 Ton That Dam D4 Ton That Thiep D4 Ton That Tung D2, D3 Tran Binh Trong E1 Tran Canh Chan E2 Tran Cao Van C4 Tran Dinh Xu E2, E3 Tran Hung Dao D4, E2, E3 Tran Khac Chan B3 Tran Khanh Du B2, B3 Tran Minh Quyen D1 Tran Minh Quyen C1 Tran Nhan Ton E1 Tran Nhat Duat B3 Tran Phu E1 Tran Quang Dieu B1, B2 Tran Quang Khai B3, B2 Tran Quoc Thao C2, C3 Tran Quoc Toan B2, B3, B2 Tran Van Dang C1, C2 Truong Chinh C3 Truong Dinh C2, D3 Tu Xuong C2, C3, D2 Vinh Khanh E4, E5 Vo Thi Sau B3, C2, C3 Vo Van Tan C3, D2, D3 Vuon Chuoi D2 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh B4, B5 Yersin E4
Airport 3km
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3 Thang 2 D1 Alexandre de Rhodes C4 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan C1, C2, D2, D3 Ban Co D1 Ben Chuong Duong E4 Ben Van Don E4, E5 Bui Thi Xuan D3 Bui Vien E3 Cach Mang Thang Tam C1, D2, D3 Calmette E4 Cao Ba Nha E3 Cao Thang D1, D2, E2 Chu Manh Trinh C4, C5 Co Bac E3 Co Giang E3 De Tham E3 Dien Bien Phu B4, C3, C2, D1, D2 Dinh Cong Trang B3 Dinh Tien Hoang B3, B4, C4 Do Quang Dau E3 Do Thanh D1 Doan Nhu Hai E5 Doan Van Bo E4, E5 Dong Du D5 Dong Khoi C4, D4, D5 Hai Cua B5 Huynh Tinh Cua B2 Huynh Van Banh B1 Khanh Hoi E4 Ky Con B3, C3, C4, D5 Hai Trieu C5 Ham Nghi D4, C5 Han Thuyen C4 Ho Hao Hon E3 Ho Huan Nghiep D5 Ho Tung Mau D4, D5 Ho Xuan Huong C3, D2 Hoa Hung B1 Hoang Dieu E4, E5 Hung Vuong E1 Huyen Tran Cong Chua D3 Huynh Man Dat B5 Huynh Thuc Khang D4 Ky Dong C1, C2 Le Cong Kieu D4 Le Duan C4, C5 Le Hong Phong D1 Le Lai C3, C4, D3 Le Loi D4 Le Quoc Hung E4, E5 Le Quy Don C3 Le Thanh Ton C4, C5, D3, D4 Le Thi Hong Gam D4, E3, E4 Le Thi Rieng D3 Le Van Phuc B3 Le Van Sy C1, C2 Luong Huu Khanh D2, E2 Luu Van Lang D4 Ly Chinh Thang B2, C2 Ly Thai To E1 Ly Tu Trong C4, C5, D4, D5 Mac Dinh Chi B3, C4 Mac Thi Buoi D5 Mai Thi Luu B4 Mai Van Ngoc B1 Me Linh B5 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia B2, C2, C3, D4, E4 Ngo Duc Ke D5 Ngo Thoi Nhiem C2, D2 Ngo Van Nam C5 Nguyen Binh Khiem B4, B5, C5 Nguyen Cong Tru E4 Nguyen Cu Trinh E2, E3 Nguyen Dinh Chieu B4, C3, C4, D1, D2, D3 Nguyen Dinh Chinh B1
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In this special tech edition, we pick a sample of our favourite free Vietnamese apps. Turn to page 20 to read our cover story ‘Silicon Saigon?’.
GotIt! |
H
omework has never been easier with this distinguished smart tool that connects learners with a study expert.
Computer science academic Dr Tran Viet Hung developed the platform that encourages students to upload questions onto its network, and then the system connects the user with the relevant expert in less than 10 seconds. Since being released, the app has enjoyed rave reviews and soared to the top 10 most downloaded education apps on Apple’s App Store in the US earlier this year.
Learn English via Songs | Got a friend who wants to learn English the fun way? Recommend this cheerful app, which, as its name suggests, teaches through song. It explains the lyrics/sentences and grammar. Users can listen to the tunes (lots of hits, apparently), watch videos and complete translation accuracy tests.
72 AsiaLIFE HCMC
Battleship Ocean Islands War |
I
t’s a given that Flappy Bird is the most famous Vietnamese gaming app, but why not try something different?
Apps Cyclone, a small studio based in Saigon, is known for its simple and fun apps, such as the serenely named Battleship Ocean Islands War. You take control of a battleship and juggle the tricky task of destroying enemy bases while protecting your islands. As the hero, you also collect money to upgrade your weapons. It features high quality artwork, music and you can even earn ‘honour achievements’ which are published via Game Center and Facebook.
VlogTube |
White Palace Wedding Planner |
If you speak fluent Vietnamese, first congratulate yourself and then download this app.
This app is perfect for people who have come to Vietnam to make one of those life-defining mistakes.
As Vietnam’s vlogging culture is still blooming, this tool is apt. It allows users to keep up with the latest cool videos from the country’s top vloggers.
Couples can plan for that big day/ mistake by using this software which links with one of Saigon’s largest wedding centres to help get everything from the clothes to the flowers in place.
FILM fix POPPY GOES TO HOLLYWOOD Cambodian director Sok Visal makes a return with his latest release, Poppy Goes to Hollywood, an upbeat, musical comedy about the LGBT community. The plot centres on Mony, a jobless loser who aimlessly stumbles through life, bullying people to make a living. His attitude attracts trouble, and Mony finds himself threatened by a bigger gang of thugs. With nobody else to ask, he turns to his estranged brother – a ladyboy working at a cabaret club – for help. While paying off his debt to his brother working at the club, Mony falls in love with the boss’s daughter. But when he witnesses a murder, he is forced into hiding as a ladyboy. Dressed in drag, he escapes to Hollywood – the name of a club in Preak Vihear.
ANGRY BIRDS MOVIE Angry Birds mania looks set to step up a gear with the release of this film based on the birds that the world has gone bats for. Having started life as an iPhone app, the Angry Birds graze has the globe gripped, and now we can find out just why those birds are so mad. The movie is set on an island populated entirely by happy, flightless birds – or almost entirely. In this paradise, Red (Jason Sudeikis), a bird with a temper problem, speedy Chuck (Josh Gad) and the volatile Bomb (Danny McBride) have always been outsiders. But when the island is visited by mysterious green piggies, it’s up to these unlikely outcasts to launch an investigation and figure out what the pigs are up to.
X-MEN: APOCALYPSE It’s been a great year for Marvel Comic fans, with the release of the sequel to 2014’s X-Men: Days of Future Past and the ninth instalment and next chapter in the iconic X-Men film series. Worshiped as a god since the dawn of civilization, the immortal Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) becomes the first and most powerful mutant. Awakening after thousands of years, he recruits the disheartened Magneto (Michael Fassbender) and other mutants to create a new world order. As the fate of the Earth hangs in the balance, Professor X (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence) lead a team of young X-Men to stop their seemingly invincible nemesis from destroying mankind.
Have you ever imagined seasoned actor Kevin Spacey playing a cat? Probably not, however, if you have, then here’s your chance to see if it’s how you imagined. Tom Brand is a billionaire whose workaholic lifestyle leaves him disconnected from his beautiful wife Lara (Jennifer Garner) and adoring daughter Rebecca. Needing a present for Rebecca’s 11th birthday, Brand visits a mysterious pet store and leaves with a cat named Mr Fuzzypants. After getting into an accident, Tom wakes up to find himself magically trapped inside the animal’s body. As his family adjusts to life with an odd and stubborn feline, Brand must figure out a way to become human again. Let the madness ensue.
74 AsiaLIFE HCMC
L I S T
NINE LIVES
Truc Vo Cong, 33, businessman. Listening to: Westlife. Best thing about this city: The street food and there are so many activities and clubs here you can join.
Matt James, 34, teacher. Listening to: Congo Natty aka Rebel MC. It’s like ragga jungle music, man. Best thing about this city: The international food scene here is the most incredible food I have seen. I eat about 10 meals a day - and that’s when I’m not even peckish.
Thuyen Dang Ngoc Ha, 28, sales assistant. Listening to: It’s Time Band. They’re a Vietnamese band who sing in English and Vietnamese. Best thing about this city: There’s something always going on, or you can just drink coffee and eat pho. The fashion scene here is good too.
Coming up in May A sampling of Saigon's music scene
Sam Morgan, 24, life coach. Listening to: The Black Keys and Father John Misty Best thing about this city: The people are close, the food is close; everything is at your front door. It’s great living in a city where everything is close by. Coming from Australia, everything is at least half an hour away.
10 May, 8pm
N OCHE LOCA
@Cuba La Casa Del Mojito Cuban
15
May, 9pm CORA @Broma House
“The people are close, the food is close; everything is at your front door.”
21May, 10pm
N ICK MON ACO @Observatory Exotic dance
29
May, 7.30pm JAM BAXTER & CHEMO @Cargo Hip hop
AsiaLIFE HCMC 75
Bradley Green strikes a comparison between the life of an expat and the timeless nomadic traveller.
76 AsiaLIFE HCMC
STIR CRAZY
I
have always been a rather restless fellow, never knowing whether to stick or twist; however, I think even just thinking about this could fortify the fact that I’m eternally stir-crazy, a term which usually refers to being in the same place too long and growing rather tired of it. It actually originated in prisons, which is the very last place you’d care to be with such tendencies. The term also refers aptly to being in situations such as a job that is no longer desirable, or even perhaps a relationship that is not as fulfilling as it once was. Although I wouldn’t quite know how I’d explain to a lover after four years of passion, or to the trusting boss, that I had ‘itchy feet’ and it was time for a change. Living on the other side of the world would certainly seem to suggest that theory; it all makes a great deal of sense once you’ve met some of the local immigrants - many with the same thing in common: a vast distance between them and their respective countries, with no real thought as to when
they’ll be back again. Seeing and interacting with other folk from varying parts of the globe, though comforting, is more just an ever-present reminder of an unsettled soul. It seems like a super massive black hole of some sort of infinite boredom, that delves deeper than the everyday dull duties we’re all too familiar with. It’s an extreme case of boredom for sure, yet I think that’s exactly what it is. It’s not your average rainy day syndrome where you’re sat twiddling your thumbs for six hours, or the type of boredom you get from attending a family event, choking away on Auntie J’s dry chicken wings for the whole of a bland evening. It appears to be more on a psychological level: an anxietyfilled, short-tempered, fidgety nightmare of discontent at being in the same place for any length of time. Throughout history, humans have always been nomadic, so perhaps it’s not such a surprising trait. You have three main types: the huntergatherers, the pastoral nomads, and the nomadic craft makers.
Take the hunter-gatherers; they move from place to place, following game and all the wild fruits and berries. While far fewer in existence now, up until about 10,000 years ago all modern humans were nomadic hunter-gatherers. Then there are the pastoral nomads who move from place to place in order to find fresh pastures. Sound familiar? You only have to look at present-day Mongolia where roughly 30 percent of the population are nomadic. If anyone’s ever been to a festival, this is where you find your nomadic craft makers: popping to and from India, making jewellery and selling said tat at stalls far and wide. So it doesn’t seem like the worst situation to be in after all. I’d take this right now over a semi-detached in suburban Britain, with a wife and kids that I’d be potentially weary of, and a job I’d have to drag myself into daily. There’s no harm in being stir-crazy, forever hopping from place to place, person to person, believing the grass must be greener. It’s in our blood.
T
he Green Bamboo Warm Shelter (GBWS) is one of the city’s oldest and most well established charities for disadvantaged children. Founded by the Child Welfare Association (the city’s oldest NGO) in 1998, it has worked together with local authorities, police and social workers, for the last 17 years to identify, care for, and relocate homeless male children between the ages of eight and 16. Do Thi Bach Phat, the project’s manager, is an excellent leader and mother to all who enter the shelter, “Imagine if Bernie Sanders was a Vietnamese lady,” says long term volunteer Freddie, “with the same tenacity, integrity and clear concern for the 99 percent, but without his - or any funding or attention, and with 20 teenage boys to feed every day. Phat has been the ‘it-and-all’ for the hundreds of street boys that have passed through the shelter since she took over in 2005.” Anyone who meets Phat shares Freddie’s enthusiasm. Her determination and love for her boys is infectious, as is her ‘can-do’ attitude, which you can see in every boy, employee and volunteer at the shelter. Once in the shelter, the boys are provided with food, shelter, medical care, education, counselling, vocational training, lifeskills training, abuse prevention training, recreational activities, family reunions, ID papers, a warm loving environment and more. The shelter guarantees that all children who pass through their doors will leave educated, skilled and with ID papers, so that they can start their adult life completely self-sufficient, and they know they are always welcome to come back if
they need advice or support. Once becoming project manager, Phat began coordinating with individuals and businesses to secure funding for the shelter locally and globally, building up a vast network of supporters that include HSBC, ILA school and the governments of Belgium and Denmark. She also opened up a restaurant on site for training and fundraising purposes, securing enough income to always keep the shelter afloat, and providing the boys with chef and waiting experience once they leave school. The restaurant is popular with locals and comes highly recommended. Two years ago, the shelter’s biggest sponsorship was cut, and they haven’t been able to recoup the loss. Staff have been cut and the number of beneficiaries have gone down. It is because of this loss that the GBWS is now exploring other fundraising avenues. “In the past we have always relied on our reputation and word of mouth,”
says volunteer Aneesa, “which has never done us wrong, but this year we’re trying to modernise with the world around us. “Everything’s online nowadays, and we feel if we give our supporters around the world a platform to contribute, then they’ll definitely use it.” A crowd funding page set up less than a month ago to keep the Social Professional Integration project from closing down - a drop-in centre that operates from the shelter for 16 to 20 year olds – has already got over half way to its US$10,000 goal. When asked how Phat is able to work so hard yet always smiles, she simply replies, “They’re my boys, I couldn’t leave them!” By GBWS organiser Aneesa Kara To donate, visit generosity.com/volunteerfundraising/the-green-bamboo-shelter-andspi-project. For more information visit greenbambooshelter.org. Twitter: @_Green_ Bamboo and FB: maiamtrexanh. AsiaLIFE HCMC 77
- Brainbusters quiz master Mr Doods presents -
Brainbuster trivia
Sách quảng cáo Responsible for Publishing:
I - Champions on Film: Multiple Choice
2. The Uruguayan national rugby team was stranded in the Andes mountains after their plane crashed in the 1993 American biographical survival drama, Alive starring Ethan Hawke and narrated by John Malkovich. Which of these countries does not have any part of the Andes within their borders? a) Bolivia b) Peru c) Argentina d) Brazil e) Venezuela
NGUYỄN THỊ THU HÀ Director - Editor in Chief
Editors: Lê Đắc Quang - Bùi Thị Nga Designed by: ASIALIFE ADVERTISING LIMITED COMPANY Cover & content by: Asialife Advertising Limited Company Information and Communications Publishing House 9/90 Nguy Nhu Kon Tum - Thanh Xuan - Ha Noi Printed 2000 copies, size 20,5cm x 27cm, at ITAXA Company
Address: 126 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3 Publishing permit No: 315 - 2016 /CXBIPH/5-16/TTTT. Publication decision No: 124/QĐ - NXB TT&TT dated on 30, Mar, 2016. Copy right deposit in 2016.
ISBN: 978-604-80-1654-8
3. The 1996 film Jerry Maguire was written and directed by Cameron Crowe and starred Tom Cruise as a sports agent and Cuba Gooding Jr as his client. Which magazine did Cameron Crowe famously start writing for at the tender age of 15? a) Sports Illustrated b) Rolling Stone c) Billboard d) Time e) Playboy 4. The 1996 film Cool Runnings is loosely based on the true story of the Jamaican Bobsled team who qualifies for the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. What kind of hot peppers are traditionally used in Jamaican Jerk seasoning? a) Banana peppers b)Chipotle c)Habanero d) Cayenne e) Scotch Bonnet 5.In a memorable scene in Caddyshack, Bill Murray’s character Carl Spackler describes caddying for the Dalai Lama. The Tibetan word Lama means mentor or guru, and the word Dalai comes from the Mongolian word meaning: a) Ocean b) Wind c) Fire d) Mountain e) Sky
II - Champions on Film: Math
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9. The last two digits in the year in which the Olympics were held in Munich divided by the number of Hanson brothers on the Charleston Chiefs in Slap Shot. 10. How many goals in total are scored in the ‘Miracle On Ice’ game between The USA and the USSR at the 1980 Olympics times how many teams were accepted in the NBA after its merger with the ABA in 1976 as portrayed in the film Semi-Pro. 78 AsiaLIFE HCMC
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1) a / 2) d / 3) b / 4) e / 5) a / 6) 30 – 8 = 22 / 7) 99 + 25 = 124 / 8) 18 x 10 = 180 / 9) 72/3 = 24 / 10) 7 x 4 = 28
8. The number of the hole at which Kevin Costner’s character Roy McAvoy takes 12 strokes to clear the water hazard during the pivotal scene of the film Tin Cup times the height of a regulation basketball hoop in feet as measured in the film Hoosiers.
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6. The total number of rounds Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed fought in the first two Rocky films combined minus the number of men that are out in the title of the 1988 film about the Chicago Black Sox 1919 World Series Scandal. 7. The number worn by Charlie Sheen’s character Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn in the film Major League plus the number of years in between the releases of The Hustler and its sequel The Color of Money.
Code: KK 15 Sm16.
Pub Quiz Answers
1. In the 1993 film, Rudy, the title character Daniel Ruettiger attended The University of Notre Dame du Lac, better known as simply Notre Dame. Which Indiana town is the home of the Fighting Irish? a) South Bend b) Gary c) Indianapolis d) Fort Wayne e) Bloomington
Launching a New
& Exciting
Secondary Campus
The International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is proud to launch a new state-of-the-art campus for secondary students complete with the latest education facilities including Vietnam’s first Innovation Center, a 350-seat professional theater, NBA-sized basketball court, 25m – 8 lane competitive swimming pool and outdoor sports field.
Discover more at For students 2–18 years old
+84 (8) 3898 9100 www.ishcmc.com
ISBN: 978-604-80-1654-8
SÁCH KHÔNG BÁN