FEBRUARY 2015 SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA Tel: +84 8 3824 1555 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam www.sofitel.com H2077-CR@SOFITEL.COM
SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA
HOTEL EVENTS NEWS
HOTEL EVENTS NEWS LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION AT SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA
VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER
Celebrate Day at Plaza.
Usher in a prosperous Year of the Goat with the Lion Dance performance at Sofitel Saigon Plaza. Lion dance is a form of traditional dance in Asian countries, in which performers mimic a lion’s movements in a lion costume. The Lion Dance is believed to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck, joy, fortune, and happiness. Join us at the Hotel Lobby on 19 February at 10 am to witness this show.
the Valentine’s Sofitel Saigon
In addition, you can ask Vietnamese Calligrapher (Ong Do) to write lucky words such as Phuc (happiness), Loc (prosperity) and Tho (longevity) or poems or proverbs with meanings of good health, good luck and prosperity for the new year. It is given as gifts to friends and family with the best wishes in the upcoming year.
14th February 2015 Café Rivoli, Level 2 Buffet dinner VND 1,190,000 ++ per person with free flow of wine VND 1,488,888 ++ per person with free flow of Champagne
Start your year with an abundant buffet featuring traditional Vietnamese delicacies and authentic cuisine at Café Rivoli. Café Rivoli, Level 2 VND 650,000++ per person for lunch VND 1,190,000++ per person for dinner including free flow of house wine, beer and soft drinks.
L’Olivier restaurant, Level 2 Set menu VND 3,200,000 ++ per couple. 5-course menu
CITY EVENT
CITY EVENT
VISTA WALK TET 2015
LUNAR NEW YEAR 2015 An annual book street, this year themed “Vietnamese Identity - Vietnam Spirits”, is poised to be organized in downtown Ho Chi Minh City along the city’s hallmark flower street in celebration of Tet (Lunar New Year) in February 2015.
The much awaited annual flower show will also span from At the Vista Walk Tet 2015 events, you can find vintage clothes, toys, home-ware, fashion clothes, handmade accessories and enjoy free traditional games of Vietnam Tet. The Vista, 628C Ha Noi Highway, An Phu Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City From 31 January to 1 February, 9am to 8pm.
the section adjacent to Quach Thi Trang Park to the Ho Tung Mau and Ham Nghi intersection.
Firework displays will be held at eight locations around the city with live telecast in Ho Chi Minh City Television on 18 February at midnight. Ham Nghi Street, District 1 From 16 to 22 February
DEAR GUESTS TOURISM INTEREST
LES RIVES – SAIGON RIVER EXPRESS
NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM Set in the Botanic Gardens in the center of the city, the National History Museum is worth a visit for its architecture and its collection. Built in the 1920s in a style that fuses Asiatic and French influences, the building and the surrounding garden provide an all too uncommon escape from the bustle of the city.
Sofitel Saigon Plaza wishes you an enjoyable stay in Ho Chi Minh City. This newsletter presents the monthly programs at our hotel.
Les Rives specializes in offering authentic experiences in areas that can only be accessed via the region’s scenic waterways. Cruise between verdant rice paddies and mirror like pools along the tributaries and canals of the river of nine dragons – the Mekong Delta. Step back into Vietnam’s not too distant past at the Cu Chi Tunnels to experience wartime life. Cruise in the mangrove forests off Vietnam’s southern coastline and learn about the diverse flora and fauna of captivating Can Gio.
Entrance fee: VND 15,000 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, District 1 Tel: +84 8 3829 8146 www.baotanglichsuvn.com
We are delighted to recommend Magnifique local events related to Sofitel Art de vivre: culture, design and gastronomy. Please feel free to contact our dedicated Concierge team for more information. Nguyen Hung Minh, Chief Concierge
Contact Exotravel Tour Desk at the lobby for more information and reservation.
VIETNAMESE TET DISH: SQUARE RICE CAKE (BANH CHUNG) One of the most popular and delicious Vietnamese dish during Tet Holiday is Square Rice Cake (Banh Chung). It was invented by the 18th Prince of Hung Dynasty as a competition when looking for new King. In the occassion of Tet, we would like to share how to make Banh Chung.
SECRET ADDRESSES OF THE CITY Mekong Quilts
Ingredients: Strings and 6 phrynium leaves Mung beans Pork belly Rice 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Instruction: 1. Steam or boil mung bean with half a tea spoon of salt until soft, then smash bean thoroughly. 2. Place overlapping leaves to form 3 layers. 3. Place half of the rice on the leaves, topped with half of the mung beans. 4. Lay the pork on top of the beans, add the last batch of the beans followed by rice. 5. Fold the leaves over the cake very tightly into a square, use string to secure the cake.
6. 6. In a large pot, place the Banh Chung and fill the pot with water. Boil for about 6 hours.
Mekong Quilts is a nonprofit, community development project, which provides sustainable employment for women in Vietnam. Mekong Quilts specialises in high quality, hand-crafted bed covers, accessories and gift wares. There are a variety of quilts to choose from which include different colours and themes, and ranging from contemporary to Asian-inspired designs. 68 Le Loi Street, District 1 Tel: +84 8 2210 3110 www.mekong-quilts.org
LIFE IS MAGNIFIQUE…IN SAIGON
Tib Restaurant
FOCUS ON SOFITEL SAIGON PLAZA Sofitel Saigon Plaza is ideally located on the serene and historical tree-lined Boulevard of Le Duan, a few steps from major international corporate companies and walking distance from deluxe shopping malls, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Reunification Palace and other touristic attractions. Opened since 1998, Sofitel Saigon Plaza is embodying the French elegance and culture in Vietnam’s largest metropolis. In late 2012, the hotel’s rooms had a total renovation, imposing a classic yet contemporary feel for leisure and business travelers while in Saigon. Designed by architect Pierre Maciag, he has brought a new flair of the French touch combined with the best of Vietnamese elements.
Environmental friendly surrounding, grandiose lobby, sober yet elegant design for the bedrooms and a dedicated and passionate team, Sofitel Saigon Plaza intends to be the city’s key business and leisure address. Overlooking the city and the Saigon River, the rooftop swimmingpool is a relaxing place to enjoy a drink with the best “Saigon by Night” view. 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Tel: +84 8 3824 1555 Email: H2077@Sofitel.com
Hidden in an alley, Tib Restaurant has been around for a long time and serves consistently delicious Hue and Vietnamese vegetarian specialties in a homey setting. Highlights include the jackfruit salad topped with sesame seeds, grilled eggplant and bamboo salad. 187 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3 Tel: +84 8 3829 7242 www.tibrestaurant.com.vn