destination asia

Destination from the editors of

Asia

magazine

Spotlight on:

Vietnam & Cambodia

Ho Chi Minh City & Siem Reap

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DESTINATION ASIA | EDITORIAL

Editor’s Letter

By Paula Keung

Bringing this second edition of Destination Asia to life has been a delight.

We’ve made friends, learned plenty, and uncovered interesting tidbits about two new destinations, Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City. Travel Savvy is all about local information. Folks around the world share tips and favorite spaces in their city, revealing the secrets of a place that only a local would know. It’s always fun to arrive at a destination far away and know just where to find your first fantastic meal. Everyone wants to know where the genuinely great places are, and that is why Travel Savvy exists.

Read this issue, and you’ll be standing in front of the Angkor temples with the sun at your back and the ghostly ruins ahead.

Start your day off right and enjoy a sunrise breakfast picnic atop Phnom Krom, where you’ll hear the soothing chants of monks at the nearby temple. Later, hop aboard a tuk tuk and discover the many secrets this Cambodian city has to offer.

Continue on this journey to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City, walk the neonlit alleyways off Le Loi Street, and soak in the youthful spirit that oozes from every corner.

Cozy restaurants and busy cafés, brightly lit shops and whirling crowds fill HCMC with a contagious energy. The changing skyline, the historical sites, and the constant movement will undoubtedly draw you in.

To get to these remarkable cities, you’ll likely stopover at Changi Airport. We brought you several Singapore dining options in Edition I. In this second edition, we located suitable places for a little retail therapy. Bring your cash and wear comfortable shoes, because Singapore is about shopping. This metropolis is filled with big city malls, small boutiques, and every possible specialty retail shop imaginable.

Break out your passport and book your flight; adventure awaits!

—Paula Keung, Editor

T R AV E L S AV V Y f o r D E S T I N AT I O N A S I A Publisher: Stig Baasvik Editorial Director: Paula Keung Creative Director: Ken Thelian Designer: Katarina Kojic Kaplan Advertising Operations: Eva Kulova 495 Communications LLC Paula Keung Bret Polansky Ken Thelian Travel Savvy Magazine 495 Communications LLC New York, New York For Advertising Opportunities, Please call 917 428 0635 Contact Editorial: EDITOR@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.com INQUIRIES: INFO@TRAVELSAVVYMAGAZINE.COM Advertising: ads@495communications.com ©2012 495 Communications Social Media Partners:

Digital Magazine Development:

Travel Savvy Digital Media Twitter@trvlsvvy Facebook Page TravelSavvyMagazine.com

JUST ANOTHER PRODUCTION

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Contents

2

Letter from the editor

5

Singapore Locals Talk Shop

13

7

9

International Flavors of Siem Reap

Beautiful History in Ho Chi Minh City

A Simply Unique Experience

22

Photographer’s Favorite in HCMC

16

Take a Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap

Street Scenes of Saigon

20

On the Cover: Scenes from Cambodia.

Photo Credit Silk Air

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DESTINATION ASIA | SINGAPORE

Singapore Locals Talk Shops Singapore is a city with over 5 million people and shopping is a cultural pastime. In the country’s bright and buzzing streets, visitors and locals have access to over 80 major retail malls and thousands of smaller stores and salons. Follow these local Singaporeans as they head to their favorite places to practice retail therapy.

Ben Chua Blogger & Social Media Evangelist Ben’s LinkedIn Profile

Bugis Junction Street Market is known to be the biggest outdoor market in Singapore. I LOVE the wide variety of products and the merchandise is mostly value for money!”

Marina Bay Sands

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DESTINATION ASIA | SINGAPORE

Getting to Singapore with Singapore Airlines From Los Angeles

Celine Asril,

Daily to Singapore via Tokyo; 5 All-Business Class non-stop flights to Singapore per week

Food & Drink Editor Celine’s Website

“Visit Silversmith Carolyn Kan at her shop Carrie K Atelier, where she crafts and displays her handmade jewelry, including ‘mangles’ (man-bangles) and silver bowties. The Paris Fashion Week 2012 participant knows good food too. Every couple of months she invites fellow artisans to showcase their craft in a Keepers’ Event; talented bakers join in and good Champagne is kept flowing.”

Wendy Boey, Marketing & Communications Specialist Wendy’s LinkedIn

“My favorite retail therapy spots are Mandarin Gallery, Wheelock Place and Scotts Square, where I can find interesting and independent designer brands in the heart of Singapore.”

From New York

Daily to Singapore via Frankfurt (JFK); Daily All-Business Class non-stop to Singapore (EWR) From Houston

5 flights weekly to Singapore via Moscow From San Francisco Bugis Street

Twice Daily to Singapore, one via Hong Kong and one via Seoul

Victoria Cheng, Editor & Food Writer Victoria’s Website

“I love the Tiong Bahru area, especially the developing roads around Yong Siak Street. Grab a book from the quaint Books Actually and head across the street for fantastic Aussie-style coffee at 40 Hands. Also, some of the best hawker stalls are nearby at Tiong Bahru Market. I usually get the chwee kueh, lor mee, or wonton mee.”

Layna Segall de Velez, Blogger

Dr. Georgia Lee,

Layna’s Blog

Dermatologist & Founder of DrGL® Skincare

Marina Bay Sands is not for the faint of heart, and your wallet better be stocked with platinum cards to enjoy this most chic shopping adventure. You can also go skating, enjoy a 17th century Chinese Sampan Ride, or stay for the laser light show, Wonder Full.”

Dr. G’s Website

“I love going to Passion at the Palais Renaissance. The Salon’s ambience, spacea and privacy is unparalleled. David Gan and his team offer bespoke services under one roof. Truly an experience not to be missed!”

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International Flavors of Siem Reap Singapore

Don Protasio

La Boulangerie Photo Credit: Mekongoodyssey

Fashion Designer Don’s Twitter Page Don’s Blog

Fun Fac t»

Cambodia,

a mainly buddhist country, is Slightly Smaller Than the state o f

OklahomA Getting THERE FROM SINGAPORE

1 non-stop flight on SilkAir every day except Wednesday 1 SilkAir flight with layover in DAD Wed and Fri.

Filipino fashion designer Don Protasio has been living in Siem Reap for six years. His eponymous line features conceptually driven yet functional pieces that reflect his belief that fashion must be useful in everyday life.

Known for drapey fabrics that he maneuvers into elegant shapes with creative cuts and folds,

Protasio’s clothing has garnered respect and accolades from the fashion industry. The collection has been a highlight of the Cambodian and Philippine Fashion Weeks for the last several years.

The international fashion media is taking note and Protasio continues to be featured in major magazines and trendspotting blogs.

Protasio sells his designs at Poetry, his fashion retail and art gallery located in the heart of Siem Reap at The Lane, which is parallel to

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DESTINATION ASIA | SIEM REAP

Pub Street. The area is known for colorful and modern shops and a destination for locals and visitors alike. Aside from the Don Protasio line, he also produces PAID, a collection of one-of-a-kind pieces using recycled fabrics.

We met Don through his large network of friends and fans. He graciously offered us a list of his favorite places in bustling Siem Reap. He also advises visitors not to worry too much about exact addresses; just know the name of an establishment that you wish to visit. “Ask any local or tuk tuk driver in Siem Reap and they will be able to direct you.”

Moloppor Cafe On East River Road Moloppor in Fodor’s

“Very rustic, local restaurant favored by expats for their cheap but delicious Khmer and Japanese food. So popular with all the locals you’ll surely bump into someone you know.”

Il Forno Pari’s Alley, 16 The Lane, Il Forno Website

“Possibly the best Italian place in Siem Reap now. Their bottarga shaved on pasta is one of my favorites.”

Abacus

The Indian

On Road 6, past the Ankor Hotel Abacus Website

In the Old Market Area The Indian on Foursquare

“Elegant French restaurant that is the perfect place for a special evening.”

“I’ve tried all the Indian restaurants here, and in my opinion it’s the best one.”

The Abacus

La Boulangerie On St. 7, Sangkat Svay Dangkum La Boulangerie on Foursquare

“Like Moloppor it’s a hang-out place for Siem Reapers during breakfast. Must tries are their breakfast set and sandwich creations. Their tomato jam is to die for! I also like their cheese pizza at $3.50 a plate.”

Sugar Palm Taphul Road, south of the gas station Sugar Palm on Facebook

“It’s the best restaurant for Khmer food. Very cool ambiance and good service; there isn’t a local that doesn’t know this place.

Try the Tofu Satay and the Fish Amok.”

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Take a Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap

Angkor Wat before embarking for the day.

Mr. Pheak, the Tuk Tuk Driver

Mr. Pheak’s Facebook Page Mr. Pheak’s Phone (+855) 977 744 900 Mr. Pheak’s Email: pheak8686@yahoo.com

In the busy streets of Siem Reap, the most popular form of transportation is the ‘tuk-tuk,’ which is a motorized bike with a cabin attached to the back. Being a tuk-tuk driver means knowing the location of every bar, hotel, site, monument, and shopping center. This is certainly a skill to be applauded, because in most instances actual addresses do not exist in Siem Reap; destinations are often referred to in relation to nearby landmarks. Tuk-tuk drivers can be hired for the day, and some can be hired for the duration of a trip, even acting as guides. Travelers should ask their hotel concierge about any permits or paperwork that might be needed to visit the holy sites in Ta Phrom Temple Photo Credit: MarkAlexander100

We met Pheak Ke Kum through one of his very happy travelers, Davina Goh, who so enjoyed his skills at navigating Siem Reap that she launched his Facebook page to help him connect with travelers looking for a friendly, knowledgeable guide in town. Mr. Pheak, as he’s called, has been driving his tuk tuk for six years to support his young family. Prior to

his tuk tuk, he also guided tour boats and is a wealth of information about how to navigate Siem Reap by land or water.

A typical full-day’s transport with Mr. Pheak will average $15USD. He offers his guests free transport from the airport to your hotel if you book his services. He also provides cold water to beat the humid heat along your journeys.

To book a trip, call him or contact him via email or Facebook.

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Here are some sites Mr. Pheak recommends for your visit. “I’ll work in any additional sites you are interested in, no problem!

This is just an idea of what you might want see if you don’t already have a set course of travel.”

Angkor Temples Most anyone who visits Siem Reap must plan a day or two to explore the Angkor area. “In addition to the main Angkor Wat temple, here are a few others that I recommend,” Mr. Pheak says.

Bayon Temple Photo Credit Hans Stieglitz

Bayon Temple, located in Angkor Thom, Siem Reap. Built in 1190 A.D., it is known for its massive stone faces which were meant to “keep watch” at each side of the temple.

“We’ll go at sunrise to this memorable and hauntingly beautiful temple. The brilliant and welcoming orange sky will set the tone for our journey.”

Banteay Srei Temple Photo Credit: Gunawan Kartapranata

Ta Prohm Temple is approximately one kilometer east of Angkor Thom. It was built in the 12th century as a Buddhist monastery and university. Fun fact: Part of Lara Croft: Tomb Raider was filmed here.

Banteay Srei Temple is a 10th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god, Shiva, and the name means “citadel of women.” This smaller temple is known for beautifully intricate decoration and is a popular site with visitors. There is a small cafe at the temple suitable for lunch or a light snack.

The East Mebon Temple stands atop a manmade island of what used to be the East Baray

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Reservoir. Also in this area is the larger Pre Rup Temple which you will notice is aligned on a northsouth axis with the East Mebon.

All the Angkor temples were built with special attention paid to directional details. You should also stop at the nearby Neak Pean and Preah Khan temples at this same time.

Tonle Sap Lake. Photo Credit: Jennifer Phoon

Other Local Sites Experiences

&

In addition to being the gateway to the Angkor Wat region, Siem Reap offers much in the way of culture, the arts, and urban comforts. Since the early 1990’s the city has once again become a prime destination of Southeast Asia. There’s plenty of comfortable guesthouses and luxury accommodations, and travelers love the array of sites and points of interest available in this area.

“Along with the Angkor temples, you should enjoy some of our other cultural experiences-they are truly unique to our region,” Mr. Pheak notes.

Aspara Dance Theater Photo Credit: Remi Jouan

Apsara Dance Theater An Aspara Show features classic Cambodian dance drama, and no visit is complete without experiencing one of these folk dance performance. Typically these shows include dinner, and guests enjoy the costumes and story lines.

Tonle Sap lake & Floating Village of Kompong Khleang Tonle Sap is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia. This “Great Lake” of Cambodia provides more than half of the fish consumed in the country. The entire lake is a fish and bird reserve, and many rare and beautiful creatures will catch your eye.

Bring your camera!

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The entire village of Kompong Khleang is built atop Tonle Sap Lake. There are no roads - boats are used for transportation unless it is the dry season. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch with the locals, which is a tradition here.

go for an enjoyable evening of shopping and eating. There are well over 200 souvenir booths that sell traditional Cambodian goods such as arts, carvings, jewelry and clothing. Enjoy cocktails at the two bars or dine at the food court.

Angkor Night market.

Angkor Night Market Website

Angkor “Old Market” or “Psar Chaa”

Centrally located in Siem Reap, the Night Market is where to

This is an all-day market that sells mainly foods and spices to lo-

Kbal Spean Waterfall. Photo Credit: Prerit

Angkor “Old Market”. Photo Credit: AnkorRoad.com

cals but also has several souvenir stalls throughout. It’s a wonderful place to look at interesting dried meats and fish, and other bins of interesting edibles.

Kbal Spean waterfall For outdoor adventure lovers, the Kbal Spean Waterfall is about a 90 minute ride from Siem Reap, in Phnom Kulen. As it is near the Banteay Srey Temple, combining these two sites in one day is common. You can see ancient buddhist-related carvings in the rocks of the fall. Don’t forget your

comfortable shoes. Visitors hike about 45 minutes through the woods to reach the waterfall.

Puok Silk farm Silk is a major export of Cambodia. Visitors can see how the gorgeous natural fabric is made at the Puok Silk Farm. It is a 2030 minute ride from Siem Reap by tuk tuk, and the tour includes seeing how the caterpillars are fed and how the silk is harvested and then dyed and spun into colorful bolts of fabric.

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DESTINATION ASIA | SIEM REAP

A Simply Unique Experience

Rida Khun, Executive Director of The Sothea, A Preferred Boutique™ Hotel

As the gateway to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat, bustling Siem Reap is one of the most popular destinations in the country. The city is filled with remarkable architecture and friendly, approachable locals who wax poetic about the beauty of their country.

Rida Khun, Executive Director of The Sothea, is one such local.

Born in Cambodia, she left to pursue her education and returned in 2009 to head this all-suite luxury hotel located on a verdant acre of lush landscape. As a member of the Preferred BoutiqueTM brand, The Sothea offers an unsurpassed level of personal service; it is the first Cambodian hotel to provide full personalized butler service for each of its suites. Hotel facilities include a salt-water pool, two restaurants, a wine bar and an art gallery. Cleverly shrouded by trees and secluded by the outlying low rise buildings of charming

Phnom Krom

Khmer architecture, the resort is blessed with a serene and calming feeling totally in contrast with the energetic and noisy thoroughfare just outside its walls. The Sothea has won acclaim for its

outstanding level of quality and service, including being named to the CondĂŠ Nast Traveler Hot List, the DestinAsian Luxe List, and the World Luxury Hotel Awards List.

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DESTINATION ASIA | SIEM REAP

Breakfast Picnic at Phnom Krom We asked Rida to tell us about the distinct allure of Siem Reap, and what brought her back home. “Simplicity, they say, is an art. That’s what Siem Reap is all about-this is truly home for me, and the sense of ease here keeps me grounded.” Below, Rida suggests experiences and dining in Siem Reap that will shape your visit and guarantee an unforgettable trip to the region.

Upstairs Café. Photo Credit: Rida Khun

For those wanting a surreal Siem Reap experience, nothing compares to sunrise meditation with the monks followed by a picnic at Phnom Krom, a hill located 12 km southwest of Siem Reap. At the top of this rocky hill is a 9th century Angkorian temple which is still in operation today. Sunrise atop Phnom Krom brings the beautiful vista of daylight breaking on the waters of Tonle Sap lake and the serenity of being engulfed by

Spa Ansara

the chanting of the monks (travelers can join the meditation). A light breakfast picnic is always an extra treat. Our staff will prepare for you a freshly packed basket filled with pastries, fruit and other treats to cap off your serene morning.

Return to the Resort where a Spa Host awaits at our beautiful Spa Ansara. Luxuriate with a freshly prepared organic scrub, enjoy a blissful tropical bath and finish

off with an aromatic massage. A guaranteed unique must try!

Mid-Day Tea

By Tuk Tuk With many small streets and so much to explore, Siem Reap is best explored by tuk-tuk. Café stops for breakfast or lunch tend to be very much a part of the itinerary. The Upstairs Café located on Wat Bo Road is best for light fares and treats such as home-

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made cakes and pastries. This quaint cafe is a wonderful place to relax mid-day over coffee and tea during a day of exploration.

Local Dining To Delight Your Senses Khmer Cuisine is delightful in the lightness of its flavor and in the simplicity and freshness of its presentation. With an emphasis on local ingredients and regional spices such as a variety of turmerics, lemon grass and basil, the cuisine is often described as refreshing, natural and delicate.

No one captures the essence of Cambodian Cuisine better than Chef Johannes at Cuisine Wat Damnak. With strong culinary credentials including stints with Michelin-starred restaurants in France, he is able to serve up exemplary fine-dining renditions of traditional Cambodian recipes.

Located on Wat Damnak Road,

Cuisine Wat Damnak offers nightly set menus. Prior reservations recommended.

Not far from Pub Street, the main tourist thoroughfare, there is a restaurant that provides livelihood training to local underprivileged Cambodians who are in their late-teens and hence can no longer find shelter within the local orphanages. Aptly named

Haven Photo Credit: Rida Khun

Haven, it offers culinary and food service training as well as other vocational programs. The menu offers a delicious selection of Khmer and Western fares.

Haven

A sign of a good vacation is realizing that you’re relaxed without knowing how you got there. From day trips to Ancient temples and mountains, boat journeys across calm waters to floating villages and even a visit to a local food market with our Chef who will teach you how to cook Khmer food, you can create your perfect getaway. A romantic starlit dinner in the middle of The Sothea’s lush courtyard at our fine restaurant, The Chatra will provide the perfect nightcap to your day.

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Ho Chi Minh City

Siem Reap

vietnam

ho Chi Minh City

Beautiful History In Ho Chi Minh City Hoan Nguyen

want to share the experience of site seeing and taking in the local culture. “Vietnam is an exciting place with a rich history,” says Hoan. “I have so much to explore, and I really enjoy meeting new people with whom I can share the experience. My inspiration can be summed up in the famous quote by Saint Augustine, ‘The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.’”

Hoan’s Couchsurfing page

Singapore

Fun

Fac t»

Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat Airport handles 75% of Vietnam’s international

air traffic.

Getting THERE FROM SINgapore

2 non-stop flights daily on Singapore Airlines from SIN to SGN.

Student and local Hoan Nguyen is completing his 3rd year of study at the College of Foreign Economic Relations in HCMC. His entire family resides in Vietnam, and he travels extensively throughout the country when his schedule permits. In order to meet travelers who share an interest in seeing this beautifully developing country, Hoan has a Couchsurfing.com account, the travel networking site that connects visitors with locals who

Notre Dame Cathedral of Ho Chi Minh City Dong Khoi, District 1 Open daily sunrise to sunset

Inaugurated in 1880, this tall and graceful cathedral is considered the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

Each of the red bricks used to make the church exterior was imported from Marseille, France.

Twin spires on each side of the main entrance reach an impressive 58 meters into the sky, makNotre Dame Cathedral. Photo Credit: Ben Chua

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Ho Chi Minh City

ing it a natural and easy-to-find landmark of the city. Church services are offered throughout the week, with an English service held on Sunday mornings. “The statue of the Virgin Mary at the front of the Church is a popular photograph spot for tourists. You can take in the whole view of the church from here too.”

Reunification Palace. Ben Chua

Central Post Office. Wikipedia

Central Post Office 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1 Open daily 7AM-8PM

Ho Chi Minh City’s gorgeous main post office was designed

by Gustave Eiffel and built in the late 1800’s when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. The French Colonial exterior is an elegant nod to that era, including the ornate stone details around the windows and the beautiful iron gates by the doors. Inside, look for the giant maps of Vietnam above the telephone booths. Gifts and souvenirs can be purchased at several small

stalls. Hoan also notes, “Look for the huge portrait of President Ho Chi Minh-you can’t miss it!”

War Remnants Museum 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3 Open daily 7:30AM-12PM, 1:30 to 5PM

Originally opened in 1975 and called The War Crimes Museum, it was renamed in the mid-90s to the War Remnants Museum in a reflection of improved relations with the US. Photos, artifacts, and displays show a decidedly one-sided view of Vietnam’s war histories with the French and Americans. Tanks, aircrafts and

other artillery are on display and are appropriate for a wide audience; some displays and exhibits may not be suitable for all viewers due to the graphic nature of the subject matter. Hoan points out that the photograph galleries depicting the tragedies of chemical warfare, while not for the faint-ofheart, are worth visiting. “It really shows how far Vietnam has come.

We left behind the war and its consequences and we’ve moved so far into the future,” he notes.

Reunification Palace 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1 Open daily 7:30-11AM and 1-4PM Reunification Palace Website

This sprawling compound was originally called Norodom Palace, and was where the Governor-Generals of French Indochina resided throughout the colonial years. The building was rebuilt following an air raid that

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Ho Chi Minh City

caused extensive damage to the exterior of the building in 1962, and was inaugurated in 1966 as Independence Palace. At the end of the Vietnam War, the palace was again renamed to what it is currently known as, Reunification Palace. Visitors can view command centers, large formal receiving rooms, living quarters, and much more. The large, empty palace gives the eerie impression that everyone left suddenly and immediately upon the dissolution of the South Vietnamese government.

Ben Thanh Market Corner of Le Loi and Le Lai, District 1 Open daily sunrise to sunset

Located near the Central Post Office, this popular market is not to be missed. Ben Thanh Market has been in operation since the early 1900’s and has everything you can imagine finding in

Ben Thanh Market. Photo Credits: Ben Chua

a market in Asia. From trinkets and knick knacks to clothing and souvenirs, and food and grocery vendors selling live frogs for dinner and butchered meats, there’s something for everyone. In the back there is a food court area

with the rich aromas and colorful sights of steaming plates of food.

It’s best in the early morning or later afternoon and evening, after the heat of midday has subsided.

Hoan recommends that visitors

stop at the sugarcane juice stand for a freshly pressed glass of the cold refreshing drink. “It’s quite cheap and also my favorite when visiting the market. After all, traveling is thirsty work.”

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Ho Chi Minh City

Most visitors will find it easiest to arrange for transportation and a guided tour of the site via their hotel concierge or one of the many travel agencies in HCMC. Hoan notes, “The guided tour

includes a movie to explain what you’re going to see, and you’ll learn interesting facts from the tour guide that you’ll miss otherwise.”

Co Chi Tunnels. Photo Credit: Adrian Chan

Cu Chi Tunnels Ben Dinh Village Open Daily 7AM-5PM

Plan on a half-day journey to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. About two hours outside of HCMC, this underground tunnel system was originally created by the anticolonial Viet Minh coalition to store arms. Later, the Viet Cong resistence expanded these tunnel to an astonishing 200 km as a way for fighters to hide and plan their attacks. Criss-crossing the city, these tunnels were accessed

via dirt-covered hatches that led down through dark, narrow and vermin infested passageways to multi-level underground complexes which included dorms, meeting rooms, and latrines.

Fighters would dig the tunnels and scatter the resulting clay earth into the nearby Saigon River or in bomb craters during the night. They devised ingenious ways to live in the tunnels undetected, even developing special chimneys to disperse smoke from cooking fires.

Co Chi Tunnels. Photo Credit: Adrian Chan

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Ho Chi Minh City

Street Scenes of Saigon Danny Do, Producer, Saigon Electric Saigon Electric Website

Fun Fact »

Vietnam is Slightly LARGer Than the State o f

New Mexico

Fusion3Media Website

Saigon Electric is a youth film showcasing the modern day hip hop scene in HCMC. Released in 2010, the story interweaves themes of friendship, love, and perseverance into a dance narrative, and stars an all Vietnamese cast.

Chill Sky Bar Photo Credit: Chia HC

This entertaining story about two friends (Mai and Kim) in a big city goes beyond utilizing the sights and sounds of HCMC as its stage.

Instead, the vibrant city comes to life on screen, balancing the colorful and modern restaurants and bars with street scenes that display Vietnam’s history and grace.

Danny Do, one of the film’s Producers as well as Media Director for Fusion3Media, recommends the following places:

Pictured, [left]. The Saigon Fresh dance crew introduces Mai to a hip club in town.

Filmed in Fuse Bar.

BARS

Lush Bar

2 Ly Tu Trong, Dist. 1 Lush Bar Website

Fuse Bar

3A Ton Duc Thang, District 1 Fuse Bar Facebook Page

Chill Sky Bar 26 & 27th Floor Rooftop, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai, District 1 Chill Sky Bar Website

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Ho Chi Minh City

VISIT

Bitexco Tower 45 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1 Bitexco Website

Xu Restaurant

Dining

At over 262 meters, this is Ho Chi Minh City’s tallest building; it’s easy to spot the Tower in any photograph of the city. Bitexco Tower is shown a few times in Saigon Electric. Visit the mall and food court or ride the elevator to the public observation deck on the 49th floor and enjoy 360 degree views of the city.

Opera House

Xu Restaurant

Kita Cafe

39-41 Nguyen Hue St, Dist. 1 Kita Foursquare Page

Le Loi Street, Lam Son Square, District 1 Ballet Symphony Orchestra Website

Au Lac Do Brazil

L’Usine

The Opera House, built at the turn of the 20th Century, sits on busy Le Loi Street near the Reunification Palace, the Cathedral, and lots of shops and hotels. This gorgeous

71-75 Hai Ba Trung, District 1 XU Saigon Website

238 Pasteur, District 3 Au Lac Do Brazil Website

151 Dong Khoi St, 1st Floor, District 1 L’Usine Website

French Colonial-style building was refurbished in the late 90’s and houses the The HCMC Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera. Don’t miss it.

Bitexco Tower. Photo Credit: Kinh Luan Vo

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Ho Chi Minh City

Photographer’s Favorites

in HCMC Quinn Ryan Mattingly Quinn’s Website

Quinn Ryan Mattingly is an American photographer who has been based in Ho Chi Minh City for the past six years. He is the photo editor of a local dual language publication, and also takes on numerous freelance assignments for international editorial clients.

His own work is primarily documentary-based, telling the stories of those he encounters on his frequent travels around the region. Click here for a look at his recent photographic study of a circus school in Cambodia.

In addition, Quinn told us about an interesting art tour in town lead by local art historian Sophie Hughes. Sophie guides groups through the burgeoning art scene of HCMC with visits to Photo Credit: Quinn Ryan Mattingly

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Ho Chi Minh City

leading art galleries and museums including the HCMC Fine Art Museum. Quinn explains, “It’s a very interesting and informative way to spend a few hours and gain insight into today’s Vietnam through the art.”

Here’s a list of camera and accessories shops that Quinn likes in Ho Chi Minh City.

All Photo Credits this page: Quinn Ryan Mattingly

Photography gear shOps!

mediate vicinity for buying used and new cameras and lenses.”

S-Lab

Tax Centre Shopping

35 Le Loi St, District 1

Several locals named Le Loi Street and the surrounding area as the best place to find camera equipment. In particular, Quinn likes SLab. “It’s a small shop that sells camera and lighting accessories (mostly Chinese) for pretty reasonable prices. There are also a few other ‘stalls/shops’ in the im-

Next to S-Lab on Le Loi Street, District 1

This shopping center is located in a main retail district of HCMC. “On the ground floor, there are a few shops selling brand new digital photo cameras and lenses.

Generally the best prices for new gear are found here.” Click here for a virtual view of Le Loi Street, provided by Ben Chua.

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Ho Chi Minh City

Le Duc 75B Huynh Tinh Cua, District 3 Le Duc Foursquare Page

“Le Duc is a small shop selling higher-end photo accessories, and it’s a bit out of the center of the city. Generally you’ll find better quality equipment here.”

e you’re in District Editor’s Note: Sinc to visit the lovely 3, take some time at 73 Mai Thi Luu Jade Emperor Pagoda considered the pret Street. Generally MC, Jade Emperor tiest temple in HC tiful statues and Pagoda houses beau s from Taoist and carvings of deitie Buddhist lore.

All Photo Credits this page: Quinn Ryan Mattingly

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DESTINATION ASIA | SINGAPORE AIRLINES

our All-Business Class configured aircraft, which fly non-stop to Singapore from both Newark and Los Angeles.

Singapore Airlines takes great pride in the level of service offered to each and every passenger. We are proud to have been voted the “World’s Best Airline” in 23 of the past 24 years by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine, and “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel + Leisure magazine for 17 years running.

Our award-winning service is available from five U.S. gateways.

We fly between Los Angeles and Tokyo; San Francisco and both Hong Kong and Seoul; New York (JFK) and Frankfurt; and between Houston and Moscow. Additionally, all of these flights continue on to our main hub in Singapore.

The airline also offers the only non-stop flights between North America and Southeast Asia on

The airline’s route network spans the globe, linking more than 60 cities in over 30 countries throughout North and South America, Asia, Europe, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Our Asian network is further complemented by SilkAir, our regional carrier, which serves over 40 additional destinations in Asia.

Take your next journey to Asia or Europe on Singapore Airlines and experience the in-flight service even other airlines talk about.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard soon!

Sincerely,

Kenneth Bright Vice President of Marketing - Americas Singapore Airlines

Destination from the editors of

Asia

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