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asialife HCMC 1

DELECTABLEALL YOU CAN EAT DIM SUMAsiaLIFE volume 3426Our signature Chinese restaurant, Yu Chu, is offering a special “All You Can Eat Dim Sum” promotion witha wide selection of authentic delicacies, freshly prepared by our skillful Yu Chu culinary team.300,000 VND++ / person, including iced or hot tea11:30am – 2:00pm, dailyYu Chu – 1st floorFor more information or to makea reservation, please call (84 8) 3520 9099email: dine@icasianasaigon.comor visit intercontinental.com/saigonfront06 News & Events12 Dispatches14 Q&A with Geoff King16 Street Smart: Vo Van Tan20 Photo Essay: On the Face of ItThe man behind the An Phu Neighbours Google group takes ourquestions. We head down Vo Van Tan and discover a treasure trove ofgoodies. And in this month's photo essay, we feature the beautiful facesthat tell many stories captured by Miguel Lopez on his travels throughthe region.on the cover24 Of All Things Slow26 In Slow Motion32 The Great Escape34 Eat, Procrastinate, LoveWe all think that our lives in HCM City are less hectic or stressfulbecause we're blessed with luxuries perhaps not available back home.Nothing could be further from the truth, making it important for us torealise the importance of slowing down for the good of our minds,bodies and spirits. We give you the low down on how to do this.storyboard38 Softball by Sundays40 The Good Healer42 Cash for 'Tash44 Free NyThis month we profile a softball league, a Theta healer, an elephantwho hopefully is headed to her new home and a group of brave soulswho grew out their facial hair for a good cause.Getaways46 The City that Never SleepsOur travel feature on Mumbai demonstrates how the city is the nervecentre of India.foodback50 Sterling's Saigon51 Au Manor De Khai52 Hai Lua53 The Snap CafeRichard Sterling regales us with stories that are bound to enthrall. Wecheck out Au Manor De Khai, Hai Lua and The Snap Cafe.style & design54 Behind the Design:Moevenpick Hotel56 She's Got The LookWe're impressed by the cool designs at Moevenpick. A renown make-upartist with the Body Shop visits us in HCM City and creates four uniquelooks on one model.60 The List96 Spotlight98 Street Guide106 Pub QuizTo sign off, we capture a glimpse of HCM City nightlife; preview what'snew in film, music and literature; and challenge your brain power withthe Pub Quiz.CoverArt DirectionJohnny MurphyPhotographyFred WissinkModelsNguyen Kim HoaJake HouseagoAnh ThiBrian Leasialife HCMC 3

1 asialife Cambodianote from the editorMuna KhanI stopped making new year’s resolutionswhen I stumbled uponthis quote by the writer AnaisNin: “I made no resolutions forthe New Year. The habit of makingplans, of criticising, sanctioningand moulding my life, is toomuch of a daily event for me.”However, in the spirit of a newbeginning in HCM City, at AsiaL-IFE, I have vowed to reduce thenumber of vices to a respectablenumber in a bid to take greatercare of myself, be a better person.I have been thinking of thisfor some time and the lead upto this resolution resulted in thebirth of this Slow Issue (What,me? Modest?). It is a reminder ofsorts to make good on the promisewe make to ourselves to slowdown, relax more, spend qualitytime with the family, nature, lesswith the bartender. It’s a mistake,as Dr Rafi Kot points out in thelead story, to assume that ourlives in Southeast Asia are easier,slower, not as hectic becauseGuy GonyeaGuy Gonyea is an award-winning photographer basedin Vietnam for over six years. Originally from Phoenix,Arizona in the U.S., Guy first travelled to Vietnam in2002 doing landscape photography and eventuallymoved to HCM City and set up Guy Gonyea Photographyin 2004. Guy has received awards for hiscommercial work in London, Cannes & Singapore. Hisclient list includes Samsung, Honda, Coca Cola andVietnammobile.Vinz SebastianWith just a stroke of his brush, Vinz Sebastiancan transform you from ordinary to extraordinary.Breezing through beauty school, Vinz lectured in anacademy before joining The Body Shop as its SeniorMake-Up Artist/Trainer. Being involved in countlessshoots, spreads, bridal makeovers and runways, hehas become one of the most sought after make-upartists. Vinz is also very active in running make upworkshops.of the luxuries at our disposal(domestic staff, job perks, lesseraccountability). Find out howand why daily stresses can leadto exhaustion or depression andways to help combat that. Andto help you in that direction, wealso guide you to destinationsthat are best suited for slowingdown and for the truly stressed“I have no time for a holiday”person, we highlight restaurantsin town where you can leave yourtroubles behind and enjoy a leisurelymeal without worrying thatthe wait staff will spit in your faceif you don’t vacate your seats 30seconds after settling your bill.Where we don’t slow down isin our travel feature on Mumbai,a city that rarely sleeps and is areal jewel in the subcontinent,not to mention the nerve centreof the film industry known as Bollywood.There are two new sectionsI would like your feedback on:"Dear AsiaLIFE" and "Two ofFind AsiaLIFE articles onUs". To start "Dear AsiaLIFE" weasked former managing editorTom DiChristopher to dispatchus a postcard from New YorkCity and tell us how he’s readjustingto life from Vietnam.It was great to hear from him.Expect to hear more tales ofre-adjustments from newbieswho’ve bid Vietnam adieu. In“Two Of Us” we shine the spotlighton a relationship betweentwo people, fairly straightforwardstuff here but prepare to bemoved by our first ‘couple’, ateacher and her blind student.If you’d like to recommendrelationships of note, or send usa postcard, get in touch.Finally, a special mention ofNy the elephant who we hopewill find joy and love in her newhome when she retires from thecircus. No one deserves freedomand happiness more than her.Except maybe me, for riddingmyself of nasty habits and negativethoughts.Next time you're across the border,check out the latest issue of AsiaLIFECambodia or download it fromwww.asialifeguide.com.www.asialifeguide.com012011ISSUE49Including:. 1 night stay at Evason Ana MandaraDaily Breakfast Buffet..Refreshing welcome drink & fruit basketRound trip shuttle Bus Airport transfersFree internet facilitiesFESTIVE PACKAGEUS$ 196++/ night for Garden View RoomUS$ 249++/ night for Superior Seaview RoomUS$ 300++/ night for Deluxe Seaview RoomUS$ 353++/ night for Deluxe Beachfront RoomUS$ 377++/ night for Ana Mandara Suite(It is subject of 5% service charge and 10% tax)..Terms & Conditions:Stay validity from 16 Jan 2011 to 28 Feb 2011Based on twin share and minimum 2 nightsApplicable for Vietnamese nationals, Expatriates& Asian residents onlySurcharge US$ 50++ per night on 03-08 Feb 2011Tel: +84 58 3 524 705 - Fax: +84 58 3 524 704Email: reservations-nhatrang@sixsenses.com4 asialife HCMC

volume 34100th Day of School Celebrationat ISSPInternational School SaigonPearl students will celebrate theschool’s 100-day anniversaryon January 28. The day will befilled with language, art, mathand problem solving activitiesand competitions centred onthe number 100. What’s more,students will donate food items todisadvantaged families. Visit issp.edu.vn.BoConcept Opens FirstShowroom in VietnamLast month, well-known Danishfurniture brand BoConceptopened its first showroom inVietnam in the centre of District1 at 68-70 Dong Du. Establishedin 1952 and with stores locatedworldwide, BoConcept stocksan array of classic and minimalistfurniture and accessories.Visit boconcept.vnTEDx at RMITTED conferences are knownworldwide for bringing leadersin technology entertainmentand design onto a platform todiscuss "ideas worth spreading".Audiences have the opportunityto listen to inspirational speechesthat they would normally not havethe chance to experience—videosfrom such events are all the rageon YouTube, for example. Independentlyheld TED conferencesare known as TEDx and just lastyear, 230 such events were heldin 80 countries. Vietnam will hostits second TEDx event (the firstwas in May) in HCM City sometimein January (the date will beannounced soon on their websitetedxsaigon.) This event's themeis on women and will include alive conference between Saigonand Washington DC. This eventwill feature speakers like TruongMy Hoa, the former vice presidentof Vietnam, Merilyn Liddell, thepresident of RMIT, Nguyen PhucThuy Tien, a legal executiveand My Tam, a performer andphilanthropist. Seats are limitedto a certain number to ensure atruly productive and engagingexperience for participants andaudience members. For moreinformation email communications@tedxsaigon.com.This Australia DayWeds 26th Jan4pm onwardsNEWSThe Body Shop Launches Limited EditionMake Up LineAla Mezon Now OpenLaterAla Mezon will now open from11.30 am until at least 1 am,serving lunch until 2.30 pm and asnack menu later in the afternoon.Ala Mezon is located at 10 ChuManh Trinh, District 1.L’anmien Opens Café inSaigonL’anmien Dining Café has openedin the AB Building at 76 Le Lai,District 1. A wide range of Westernand Asian cuisine is available,as well as an extensive drinksmenu. Throughout the launch period,the café will offer discountedprices.Madame Tussauds Opensin BangkokRenowned museum MadameTussauds has opened on the sixthfloor of Siam Discovery in Bangkok.A fully interactive and uniqueexperience, the attraction usesstate of the art technology anddramatic backdrops to showcasea range of incredibly lifelike waxfigures.The Bangkok museum featuresa royal room where wax figuresof HRH Prince Mahitala ThibedAdulyadej Vikrom Phra BaromaRajajanok and Somdej PhraSrinagarindra Boromarajajonaniare displayed. And visitors canget up close and personal withmore than 70 international andlocal celebrities, historic figuresand world leaders like PrincessDiana and Queen Elizabeth toarts and science personalities likeBeethoven, Einstein and SunthornPhu. Visit madametussauds.com/bangkok.Citibank Introduces TravelCredit CardCitibank has launched its Premier-Miles Credit Card, the first travelcredit card in Vietnam. Customerscan earn miles, which can then beredeemed for flights with severalairlines. What’s more, PremierMiles never expire. For moreinformation and to find out otherunique benefits of the CitibankPremierMiles Card visit citigroup.com or citi.com.The Body Shop has collaborated with the London College ofFashion to produce a new cruelty-free make up and accessoriesline called Brush With Fashion. Available from early 2011 inmust-have Spring colours, the collection includes products likeIlluminating Face Base and Lightening Touch, Tailored CheekTint, brush on eye colour, Super Volume Mascara, and Hi-ShineLip Treatment. The collection also features a handy Mini BrushKit plus a selection of make-up bags and beauty tools. The BodyShop is located at 87 Mac Thi Buoi in District 1.Visit thebodyshop.comFresh AuthenticAustralian CuisineBar with Live SportsSocial & Corporate EventsWednesday Team Triviabookings esentialCateringOpen during TetBoomarang Bistro SaigonCresent Residence 23-4 103 Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, D7TeL: 08 54136593adam.zakharoff@boomarang.com.vnwww.boomarang.com.vn6 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 7

dispatchesTravel news from around the region and beyondSoaring EaglesFans of the Eagles—the beloved band that made “HotelCalifornia”, “Desperado”, “Take It Easy”, “One Of TheseNights” and “Heartache Tonight”, must sings at karaoke—will be touring Southeast Asia providing you with a chanceto see them in Singapore (February 24) or Hong Kong (March18). Tickets for the former venue are priced between S $168to S $499 while Hong Kong ticket prices start from HK $588to HK $2,088. For more information on online bookings visitlushington.comCool ReadsIt is billed as the biggest literary event in Asia and for itsseventh year, the Jaipur Literary Festival is unlikely to failon its promise of attracting bigwigs in literature. This year’sline up includes Orhan Pamuk, JM Coetzee, Kiran Desai,Ruskin Bond, Richard Ford, Jay McInerney, Mohsin Hamid,Jung Chang and Candace Bushnell (hey, Sex and the Cityis literature). The five-day event—just show up if you arein the neighbourhood January 21 to 25, it’s free—isn’t justboring literary events or roundtable discussions featuringwriters waxing eloquently about each other—there’s music,poetry and film screenings too. It explains why former VanityFair editor and now editor of The Daily Beast Tina Browndescribed it as the “greatest literary show on earth”.jaipurliteraturefestival.orgYogic TreatsYogis of all levels are bound to find serenity at a five-day retreat atthe Tamarind Springs Yoga Retreat in Koh Samui in Thailand. Theprogramme offers Hatha and Kundalini yoga and meditation alongwith a diet regimen that is healthy and pure as well as massagesat a day spa. Each person is given a consultation with the retreatleader followed by five days of yoga, sun salutations, meditations,a visit to a herbal steam cave, customised massages and someentertainment too—not all work and no play. Because the retreatwants to keep itself small, it is limited to 12 persons so it is bestto book well in advance and secure yourself a spot. Prices start at$2,290 for single occupancy or $2,090 for sharing.tamarindsprings.comShips AhoyNow in its eighth year, the Phuket InternationalBoat Show (PIMEX) is considered the largestin-water boat show in the region and plans toattract more visitors during the three-day event,January 6 to 9. The event brings together thebiggest names in the region’s marine industryand provides a good platform for boat-makers—from 20 feet to over 100 feet—and buyers.phuketboatshow.com New Year, Hong Kong StyleIf you’ve not planned your Tet holiday, consider Hong Kong.The bustling city that never sleeps is actually a great destinationfor Chinese New Year where a night parade on TsimSha Tsui East in Kowloon hosts some of the island’s best performers.The fireworks over Victoria Harbour make for someof the most beautiful sights you’ll see in Asia. The followingday sees other colourful floats with performers, dancers andstreet musicians accompanying them through the district.The city is at its festive best during these holidays.discoverhongkong.comVO VAN TANHAN THUYENLE DUANHOCON RUAPHAM NGOCTHACHNOTRE DAME CATHEDVRALTRAN CAO VANDIAMONDPLAZAPOSTOFFICELE DUAN12 asialife HCMCasialife HCMC 13

The man behind An Phu Neighbours Google Group shares hisinsight on the online community he is Webmaster of.Photos by Huynh Ho Quang.Tell us about the history of theAPN Neighbours group? Whatprompted you to become itsWebmaster?The group was started by AnPhu expat residents in August2007. I inherited it after volunteeringto become its Webmasteras one of the founders wasleaving. The list was originallymuch more focused on the localAn Phu neighbourhood. WhenI took over there were 700members—there are now morethan 2,300 from all over the city.I am a big believer in communitiesand the importance ofhelping others. There are veryfew ways to bring expat communitiestogether, and I hopeAPN helps to do just that.Are you surprised by its popularity?I am surprised. I think part ofits success is the low barrier toentry and the simplicity of amailing list format. I often thinkwhether this is the best format,and for now I really can't thinkof anything that would workbetter.How has your editorial (posting)policy evolved? Do youstruggle with what you can ornot allow to be posted? Recently,for example, animal saleswere banned but informationon outlet sales is available.How, and where, do you drawa line?I've tried not to make too manyrules, but it's becoming harderand harder as the number ofmessages increases.I generally frown on advertisingfor businesses. If you'remaking money, you can factorin the cost of advertising in apublication like AsiaLIFE. Ofcourse there are exceptions.For restaurant openings,clothing sales, and events, Ithink about how else they mightinform people, and whether thecommunity will be interested.I try to allow informative messageswhile frowning on marketing,but it is a hard balance.And I don't have the time or ateam to review all messages,so things slip through that Iwouldn't allow if I was actuallymaking a decision.I have my own strong values,but I did consult the communityabout the animal breeders' ban.They were overwhelmingly onthe side of banning breeders. Atleast one other HCM City onlinecommunity had already takenthe lead (ha).In the end, the communityonly works when mostmembers agree with most ofmy decisions. If enough peopledisagree the community willfracture.What, in the time you havemonitored APN, have youlearned about the neighbours?Are there types in the onlinecommunity that you canlabel—the bored housewife,the know it all etc?There is incredible diversityamong the neighbours. They dotend to resist classification.There are definitely somepeople with too much time ontheir hands and there are alsoclearly some people who arefinding expat life extremelychallenging. Also, some peopledon't seem to realise that theexpat community is quite small,and they burn bridges in spectacularways by writing unfairor inappropriate content. I'malways amazed at what peoplewill write on APN in frontof an audience of over 2,000neighbours when I'm sure theywouldn't stand up in a theatreand say the same things.Are there any discussions/incidentsonline which illustrate"expats behaving badly?"The occasional racism, or xenophobia,of some expats drivesme crazy.I really like Vietnam. I'velived here long enough to seea lot of people come and go.I'm sure it's a pretty hard placeto live if you don't want to behere but it's always importantto remember that bad experiencesare about individuals orsituations, not about Vietnam,and they can happen anywhere,in any country.Describe the funniest/mostridiculous exchange betweenneighbours...There are certainly some ridiculousopinionated ones. The mostmemorable for me began withan innocent question from onehome schooling parent lookingfor other home schoolingparents. The first response wasa late-night alcohol-inducedrant against home schoolingand it just deteriorated fromthere with back and forth argumentson the pros and consof home schooling with manypeople sharing their stronglyheld opinions. By the end ofthe 'debate' I even had oneneighbour accusing me of beinga bad parent for spending timeanswering their emails ratherthan being with my children(I'm a stay-at-home dad). Wheneverything was finally calm itwas revealed that the originalposter had a child with specialneeds, so it wasn't even a questionof schooling preferences.Do you have any plans to ventureinto new neighbourhoods?If I was going to change the approach,I would look for a betterway to deal with the volume ofmessages rather than splittingthe city up geographically into'new neighbourhoods'. Perhapsa 'market' list for buying andselling, for example.Some new neighbourhoodlists (PhuMyHungNeighbours,SaigonPearlNeighbors, etc)have been started by otherpeople in the last year, but whatI often see is the same messagebeing posted to all the lists.14 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 15

Hu Tieu Pho Le Bam Skate ShopMercury CaféBam Skate ShopNam PhanStreet Smart:Vo Van Tan, District 3Stretching between Hai Ba Trung and Cao Thang in District 3, Vo Van Tan is hometo countless Vietnamese restaurants; some with histories spanning decades. BethYoung investigates with help from Hanh Nguyen. Photos by Alex Belikov.War Remnants Museum28 Vo Van TanThe War Remnants Museumoffers an insight into the AmericanWar and the many atrocitiesthat were committed. Outside,various war craft are assembledand inside photographs aredisplayed, many graphic,depicting the pain and sufferingthat unfolded throughout. Upstairs,a video plays on a loopand mostly describes the war’saftermath; the effect of AgentOrange features heavily. A visitis essential for anyone touringHCM City and especially forexpatriates living here.Nam Phan34 Vo Van Tankhaisilkcorp.comAnother Khai Silk enterprise,Nam Pham specialises in authenticVietnamese-style cuisinewith a keen focus on seafood.It’s an imposing four-storeystructure painted pale yellowwith teak shutters on theoutside and opulent furnishingsinside. A timber staircase windsall the way up and each floor isgorgeous in its own right. Orientalrugs adorn the slate-greyfloors and terracotta bowls arepiled atop each other to create auniquely Asian feel.Hu Tieu46/102 Vo Van TanMiss Hoang has been servingup piping hot bowls of hutieu—Chinese rice noodle soupwith pork and seafood—for twodecades. Her tiny restaurantscales a wall down an alley offVo Van Tan and foldout stainlesssteel tables and red plasticstools are the décor of choice.According to Miss Hoang thesecret to tasty hu tieu is all in themeasurements: too much waterand the broth loses its concentration.A bowl goes for 27,000VND. Open 6 am to 1 pm and 3pm till late.Mercury Café65 Vo Van TanMercury Café is an absolutetack-fest. Still, it’s a popularhaunt for young Vietnamese—males especially—who fill theair with cigarette smoke andchatter. A fake rock wall with attachedwaterfall features prominentlyas do neon-coloured fairylights. Up and coming Vietnamesesingers like Bao Thy, QuangVinh and Dong Nhi performhere often, as well. However, it’swell worth a visit just to checkout the manager—a man whorocks what is surely the slickestmullet in town.Bam Skate Shop228 Vo Van Tanbamskateshop.com.vnBam stocks all that’s hip inthe skating scene: streetwearfor men and women, funkyfluorescent hi-top sneakers and,of course, skateboards. All theparaphernalia needed to keepthe nifty mode of transportmaintained and rolling isavailable, too. Bam Skate Shopis also located at 174 Bui Vien,District 1.Pho Le303-305 Vo Van TanPho Le has been ladling beefpho for more than two decadesand has earned a reputation asone of the best joints in HCMCity. And it’s a plaudit ownerMiss Le agrees with fully. Whatmakes her noodle soup so good?It’s all her, she says. Accordingto the lady herself, she’s a darngood cook and what’s more,doesn’t scrimp on ingredients.Try a bowl for 35,000 to 40,000VND.Marc347 Vo Van Tanmarc.com.vnMarc stocks adorable designsfor women including brightsummer dresses that begin atabout 200,000 VND. Colourfulprinted fabric is a favourite ofthe chain store, whose designsare popular among young Vietnamesegirls. The cuts are greatand there’s a vast array of cuteblouses on offer, too.Lien Hua381 Vo Van TanHere, Phnom Penh-style hu tieuis served. Hailing originallyfrom China, then Cambodia,the Vietnamese embraced thedish, tweaked it slightly andNam Phan16 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 17

then called it their own. Theowners of Lien Hua broughttheir own recipe with them fromCambodia about 40 years ago.Hu tieu nam vang is hearty, withquail eggs, chilli and pungentminced garlic added to the fragrantpork and seafood broth.The lack of fish sauce, whichis added to almost every mealin Vietnam, makes this dishunique. A serve costs between55,000 to 70,000 VND.Desino416 Vo Van Tandesino.itA luxurious emporium sellingall things leather, Desino stockselegant bags, wallets and accessories.The attention to detailand craftsmanship is apparentand there’s no doubting theItalian brand uses top-qualitymaterials: the scent of leatherfills the air completely.DesinoDesino18 asialife HCMC

On the Face of ItPhotos by Miguel LopezMiguel Lopez’s portraits—takenduring the course of his travelswithin Vietnam, Malaysia andThailand—vividly capture theuniversality of the human spiritin all its goodness. “Photographyis for me all about people,”he says. “When you are a longway from home on travel assignments,it is impossible not toengage with the human being,his/her expressions, looks, behaviours.It kind of reminds methat we are here just for a littlewhile, that every photographkeeps the human alive forever,perhaps it is the only way to beimmortal.”On these pages, Lopezcaptured images that he wantedimmortalised: of children whofollowed him around in anarrow street behind Cholonmarket, of travellers in Bangkok’strain station, of rickshawdrivers in Malacca, of people incamps outside Cu Chi. All these“ordinary people” had faces thattold stories of their hardshipsand hope for the future—andthey smiled throughout it all,which is how they will alwaysbe remembered.20 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 21

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By M. Khan. Photos by Fred Wissink.No matter what language it is told in, or how long the tale, in the end,the tortoise always wins the race.We are all rational educated adults who are up to date on informationon how stress affects our bodies and mental well-being. We are equallyaware that we are hostage to the technological gadgets that have beencreated for our convenience and to make us more efficient and effectiveworkers, but we know that our reliance on them causes much havoc.We know we need to slow down in this fast paced life—and we’re nottalking about a weekly trip to our favourite salon or a night’s getawayto the beach. We’re talking about incorporating a slower paced lifestyleinto our lives so that we can actually enjoy it, warts and all.24 asialife HCMCasialife HCMC 25

Gillian (names changed), 37, mother of twofinds herself constantly tired, despite herdaily workouts at the gym, twice a weekswims and yoga once a week. “I’m a stayat-homemother with a busier life than when Iwas working and had no help in Sydney.”Russell, thirtysomething, works in salesand has a busy social life, which he can’tseem to extract himself from—and he knowshe has to, “for the sake of my liver”, he sayswith a chuckle.Sarah says she is always on the go,despite seemingly easier work hours as ateacher and two-day weekend. “I have a lotmore work-stuff to do and because I don’twant to turn into a homebody, I find myselfstretched too thin socially.”Andrew, 26, a recent resident of Saigonand banker, finds himself in front of the TVmost nights of the week, watching the latestepisodes of his favourite shows, a beerand take-away his sources of solace andcomfort—because he’s just too exhausted.There are scores of similar stories echoingthe same sentiment: busy lives depletingpeoples’ energy levels and/or increasingstress and frustration. These stories occurevery day, in every city, including HCM Cityand break many myths associated with thenotion that life in Southeast Asia is an easierone, relatively stress free given the comfortsof household help and cheaper cost of living.Nothing could be further from the truth.That is what long-time expat and generaldirector of Family Medical Practice Dr RafiKot says. Everyone is smart enough tounderstand the importance of slowing downbut realising it is difficult. He cites an exampleof spontaneous activity, and how they oftentend to leave lasting impressions. “Here, it’snot so easy to get up and go somewhere ordo something.”There are many challenges to living in aforeign country, from learning new languagesand social mores to simpler tasks likeadjusting to traffic. However, Dr Kot believesHCM City throws greater challenges than forexample, Hanoi nationally and even PhnomPenh and Bangkok regionally, because ofits lack of space—and therefore places toescape to. (Despite its cosmopolitan nature,Bangkok has many public parks he says.)“One of the easiest ways to slow down,”he says, “is to walk your dog, but can onedo that in a leisurely manner here? Hanoi is abustling cosmopolitan but it has parks and itslakes bring serenity; I can’t advise patients togo for a walk in the park here so am forcedto tell them to get away for a weekend—achange of environment usually does wondersfor a short period. And I don’t mean goingaway to Phan Thiet because if your experienceis going to be affected by complaintsof the ride there and back or the traffic enroute, it defeats the purpose of getting away.I advise people to look into low-cost carriersand get away to Hong Kong or a place thatis opposite of here [to wind down].”Inevitably, stress takes a toll on one’sbody. Ailments can take the shape ofsleeping disorders, digestive issues, mild tochronic pains, respiratory problems (broughton by air pollution) to more serious diseases.In the good news, despite the seeminglypsychosomatic-related ailments present,people in Vietnam aren’t popping musclerelaxants, sleeping pills or pills meant forpsychiatric issues. Dr Kot adds that thedrug manufacturing company for one suchpopular drug in the west recalled its productbecause there was no market here.In a world where the number of drugsbeing created in the mental health industryis rising, this is certainly cheer-worthy.As is peoples’ desire to take time out forthemselves, to care for their minds andbodies—as evidenced, for example, by moreyoga options in the city. Yoga is a no-brainerexample of slow activity that’s good for yourbody and mind. Its meditative aspect discouragesmind-wandering and/or idleness,which are common side effects of busy livesdominated by technology or addiction tosocial media.Yoga LivingMichelle Lloyd has been teaching yoga forthree years and talks about its therapeuticvalues and how this ancient, gentle exercise,INDULGETo really pause, indulge in a half-day relaxation package at traditional French dayspa L’Apothiquaire. A welcome pot of their organic herbal tea is served upon arrival,after which a foot pressure treatment, full body massage and personalised facial isadministered. Visit lapothiquaire.com.And if you’re looking to loosen knots and ease pain, give the talented Hieu atGolden Hands Health and Beauty Centre in An Phu a try. Specialising in osteopathyand Thai massage, Hieu is a trained masseuse with 18 years experience. A half-hoursession goes for 250,000 VND. Visit goldenhandsvn.com.LISTENIn an era of bite-sized music downloads and MP3 players, listening to music hasbecome mostly a soundtrack for us while we do other things. When was the lasttime you actually sat down and listened to an entire album? Just listened? Take thechance to reacquaint yourself with the mind-boggling inventiveness of Sgt. Pepper’s,the majestic soundscapes of Dark Side of the Moon, or the restless energy of Exile onMain Street. Dig out your old CDs (if you still have them; or better yet, the vinyl), sit inthe beanbag, plug in the earphones and enjoy.26 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 27

WALKwhich incorporates meditation, is essentiallyabout slowing down. On a personal level,she has seen its benefits on herself, fromwhen she began practicing to teaching it. “Ithas had a huge impact on my relationshipsand I find myself able to interact with peoplebetter; I’m not so quick to react, but ratherpause, breathe and respond,” she says citingone example, adding that watching it have abeneficial impact on her students brings hermuch joy. “I have seen it transform peoplein a very positive manner. They may comein to practice yoga because they want tolose weight but over time they find that thepractice provides a much more profound andwholesome effect on their physical, spiritualand mental health. This is what keeps themcoming back to their practice.”I ask whether the mushrooming of yogaGetting off the motorbike or out of the taxi and using some leg power has numerousadvantages. Apart from the obvious health benefits, taking the time to walk thestreets will give you a new perspective on the city. Driving in HCM City requires a lotof concentration, so it is naturally difficult to really take in your surroundings. All thosehidden gems, the great café or quirky boutique, you miss while speeding by will makethemselves known. Taking the time to stop and chat means you might also get toknow your neighbours a little better.COOKThe ‘slow’ movement originated around the idea of taking time to prepare and eatquality food. It sounds great in theory, but being time poor is the very problem westruggle to overcome. The answer is simple: the stockpot, crockpot or slow cookeras it is variously known, is widely available and can help you create delicious, slowcookedmeals without the arduous preparation. Put the ingredients in the pot in themorning and when you come home from work dinner is ready to serve. Countlessrecipes are available online at sites such as slowandsimple.com.outlets in HCM City is indicative of a demandfor more places where people can go toswitch gears. She thinks so and adds thatsuch spaces encourage one to “turn downthe volume of your internal dialogue, chatterand tune into the breath.” She stressesthat yoga allows people to connect withthemselves for the time they practice itwhich in turns gives them a moment’s ofsilence, peace—“whether that moment isfive minutes or the entire yoga session,”she adds. “Coming to a studio to practiceprovides the environment where people canlearn how to slow down and enjoy peaceof mind, methods which can be taken withthem when they leave the yoga mat and goabout their daily lives. Bringing awareness toyour breath throughout the day, five minutesat your desk, for a taxi ride, whatever... Thatalso is a huge part of the yoga practice.”Slow Food, Slow PleasureThe importance of eating well—and slowly—cannot be stressed enough. Again, it is a factwe are all too aware of but find difficult toimplement. While Vietnam may not be besetby the scourge of fast food, or reliance onprocessed convenience food, and meals arefairly healthy (and for some of lucky ones,prepared by staff) slow food isn’t just about ameal that is leisurely prepared. The slow foodmovement began in 1989 by Falco Portinarias a reaction to fast food and the damages itwould cause to the body and eating culture.He propagates the ideology that taste mustbe developed, not denigrated as is wont tohappen on reliance to fast food. “We areenslaved by speed and have all succumbedto the same insidious virus: Fast Life, whichdisrupts our habits, pervades the privacy ofour homes and forces us to eat fast foods,”he writes on his website.Granted that eating fresh healthy food,which is fairly in abundance here in its fruitREADInstead of turning on the idiot box, or trawling the Internet for hours on end, find agood book. Relaxing and enjoyable, reading is a sure-fire way to slow down. Theaccusation that HCM City has little to offer in the way of top-quality reading materialis no excuse. Borrow from a friend whose returned from a trip home, invest in a Wi-Fi-powered Kindle or even nip down to the backpacker quarter for a cheap book.Otherwise, visit Amazon and have the latest titles delivered to your door withinthree weeks.28 asialife HCMCasialife HCMC 29

and vegetables, is paramount but so is eatingit in a leisurely manner, on the table (notin front of the TV), amongst friends and family.Slow eating (i.e. chewing longer) encouragesbetter digestion. It also gives momentto pause and reflect, or enjoy instead of thefrenzy that eating in a rushed manner whilethinking of the task(s) ahead.Studies have also shown that eating slowlycan lead to weight loss without you doinganything—in one study it stated that youcould lose up to 20 pounds a year withoutaltering your diet or exercise regimen by eatingslowly as it takes 20 minutes for the brainto recognise that it’s full.The pleasures of slow dining are catchingon with the resurgence of the slow cooker,and contrary to popular opinion in the 1970s,they do not strip food of flavour. A recentarticle in the Guardian talked about there being864 titles on Amazon’s site dedicated torecipes for slow cookers.Nice and SlowJoanne, 30-something, talks about howmuch of a difference daily dinner with thefamily, gadget free, on the table with properchina and silverware, has made on their relationship.“My husband and I actually knowwhat is going on in our teenagers’ lives.It’s not just about their activities or everyone’ssocial lives and who needs the driverwhen; we really do talk over the table aboutholidays we want to take, news back homeand even gossip about the neighbours,” shesays with a laugh, adding that sometimesthe obvious solution (i.e. family dinner) canevade you.William Shakespeare summed it up wellwhen he wrote: “Wisely, and slow. Theystumble that run fast.” As we usher in 2011,and make notes about resolutions we hopenot to break, take a moment to reflect onhow you can incorporate slow into your life—and how it will enhance your life.PLAYSkip the computer games, put that I-Phone away and enough with Plants verseZombies. Instead gather a group of friends for a good old-fashioned board game tournament.Whether it be Scrabble, Cluedo or Monopoly, playing board games forcessocial interaction: great conversation and laughs are sure to be had. Add nibbles anddrinks and it’s a great formula for a party. Head to Hideaway Café on Pham NgocThach in District 3 to borrow from their great selection or buy your own for cheap atany one of the Fahasa outlets located in the city.LEARNTake some time out to learn a new skill. Embrace your surroundings and givespeaking the local language a go. Lessons are offered at the University of SocialSciences and Humanities at 10-12 Dinh Tien Hoang in District 1. Difficult, yes, but thefeeling of accomplishment is well worth mastering the tricky pronunciation and peskywords beginning with “ng”.Exercise both body and mind with Tai Chi or Qi Gong. Both are ancient Chinesemethods of harnessing energy and can elicit startling results: an increased sense ofrelaxation is just the beginning. Contact the HCM City Qi Gong Club at eckhartdutz@mac.com for information about their free courses. Tai Chi sessions are held in mostpublic parks across HCM City.30 asialife HCMCasialife HCMC 31

Kamu Lodge, LaosThis eco-tourist resort defines the term rather well. It is accessibleby a three-hour boat journey from Luang Prabang—and that is theonly way one can get there; no short cuts and once here, no runningaway to any bright lights, big city. But judging from the pictures thatspeak of lush green, scenic surroundings and only the sounds thatnature have to offer, who would want to leave? Built in 2009, theLodge consists of 20 traditional canvas roof tents, which are quiteplush inside—and travellers rave about the menu on offer. While theemphasis is on pure relaxation, there are activities like rice plantingand even gold panning (January to June) along with interacting withthe locals to keep you ‘busy’.kamulodge.comSoneva Kiri, ThailandThailand is blessed by stunning beaches, many of which regularlyfeature in the top ten categories of publications worldwide. But theremoteness of the locale of the Soneva Kiri by Six Senses is seeminglyunrivalled. Guests are flown on the resort’s airplane fromBangkok to the property on the island of Koh Kood where unspoiledbeaches and a sense of absolute nothingness await. Sure, one cantake in the beauty of the surroundings by walking around the islandbut for the more restless, there’s plenty of water sports, includingdiving on hand. Anyone familiar with the Six Senses knows thattheir spas are rather heavenly so this is a great place to truly unwindand rejuvenate without any threat of being awoken by noise.sixsenses.com/soneva-kiriMango Bay, Phu QuocNestled in the remote environs of Phu Quoc Island, Mango Bayprides itself on being an eco-conscious property committed to workingwith island locals to preserve the community. Built in 2004, thetropical property has stunning views of the bay, a restaurant thatserves up great meals and the serenity that is required for a true'switch off' experience. Simple cottages, complete with four-posterbeds and mosquito netting, outdoor showers and stone pathsleading up to them aid in creating an ambience of old-fashionedresorts; with none of the false luxe trappings found in other 'fancier'places. Here, one can while away the hours in the lush gardens, geta massage on the beach, or for some form of activity, take a boat ridearound the fishing village.mangobayresort.comAsiaLIFE recommendsproperties where slowingdown is on the menu.Terres Rouge Lodge, CambodiaThe hotel probably received its greatest boost when Time magazinesaid it had “the best bar in the middle of nowhere.” But TerresRouge has more than just its bar, Le Jovial Jarai. Located in themountainous Ratanakiri, the hotel, which used to be a former provincialgovernor's lakeside home, is owned by a former French paratrooperwho has taken advantage of the location’s remoteness andsurroundings and created a space that promises relaxation, withoutthe danger of one getting cabin fever. The hotel’s interiors deserve aspecial mention—stunning antique furnishings, open-style Balinesebathrooms—give the feeling that one has stepped back in time whenlife was sans any of the modern trappings that enslave today. Onecan hike, kayak or indulge in other sporting activities nearby but ifit’s slices of serenity you’re after, you won’t find it elsewhere. (Photoby Nathan Horton.)ratanakiri-lodge.comMekong Pandaw Cruise, Cambodiato VietnamNothing says slow like a riverboat journey down the Mekong River.And if you’re on the Pandaw ships which are built like colonial riversteamers, then it’s also a feeling of being stuck in a time warp—except, of course, all the amenities are luxe. Large spacious roomsin teak and brass furnishings and scrumptious meals enhance thejourney, which can literally be spent just watching the environs goby, metamorphosing along the route. The four day, three night cruisefrom Saigon to Phnom Penh includes brief stop overs for touristythings—visiting a floating market, a tour of Margerite Duras’ lover’shome to name two examples—but for those seeking to remain asclose to nature as possible, with the sounds of the water to soothethe nerves, nothing will stop you from staying aboard and daydreamingyour time away. (Photos by John Mc Dermott.)pandaw.comDalat Palace, DalatStating the obvious always has a lame sound to it but in certaininstances, one needs to do it in case the obvious has been relegatedto the back of the mind in the frenzy of all that is upcoming andnew. But a classic is a classic and the Dalat Palace (formerly SofitelDalat) is one example of an obvious property one can escape to. Forstarters, it is old world charm personified; its ambience too seemssteeped in history. Then there’s Dalat itself, green and serene, it isan ideal destination to escape the heat of HCM City—the thrill offireplaces in the rooms are enough to get you planning your nexttrip. With little to do but go for walks to take in the scenery of themountains or Xuan Huong Lake, this is an idyllic locale in whichto gather thoughts and introspect—or stuff yourself silly and sleeptill noon.dalatpalace.vn32 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 33

La Camargue191 Hai Ba Trung, D3Tel: 3520 4888EAT, PROCRASTINATE, LOVEAsiaLIFE rounds up the finer restaurants where no one is in a hurryto throw you out. Photos by Huynh Ho Quang and Fred Wissink.With a history spanning 15 years, La Camargue isone of Saigon’s preeminent fine dining restaurants.Serving classic Continental cuisine in a luxuriouslyrefurbished French colonial villa tucked away down analley off busy Hai Ba Trung, it is a must-visit. The villais divided into several areas: a cozy interior on gardenlevel, the spacious lounge bar and an airy terrace andbalcony on the first floor. This gives diners the optionto move about and enjoy the restaurant’s uniquelyquaint atmosphere. And with its extensive wine list it'seasy to while away an evening at La Camargue.BoatHouse40 Lily Road, APSC Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2Tel: 3744 6790Located on the Saigon River, the BoatHouse drinks inprime waterfront views. Umbrella-shaded tables arespread across the large outdoor deck and a small indoordining room fronts the popular venue. Live music isoften hosted here and a boat service runs across theriver for those interested, too. Remarkably fresh andinspired dishes made with choice local and importedingredients are served up, as well. Favourites includethe sirloin burger and pan-fried fish and chips andmatched with a glass of vino from the vast collectionare best-enjoyed late afternoon as the sun sets.New York Steakhouse and Winery25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3Tel: 3823 7373The interior of this restaurant is an Art-Decomasterpiece and reason enough to linger over yourmeal. Sliding into one of the padded booths is to stepback into early 20th century New York. The quality ofthe steaks is second to none and the extensive wine listinvites you to linger a little longer and enjoy anotherglass. The downstairs wine bar means you can popin just for a drink or adjourn there after your dinner.There is also a small cigar room with a selection ofCuban cigars.The Deck38 Nguyen U Di, D2Tel: 3744 6632Another riverfront restaurant, The Deck boasts a sleekminimalist dining space and bar. With the comfortable,cushioned rattan sofas and chairs that occupy thewide timber verandah and an unadulterated view ofthe foliage-covered island across the way, The Deckfeels far removed from HCM City’s frantic pace.What's more the retractable roof combats rainy-seasondownpours. Sitting inside doesn’t restrict the view atall, thanks to total glass frontage. The menu is Pan-Asian with a focus on seafood and the cocktails aregenerous and delicious.Pacharan Tapas and Bodega97 Hai Ba Trung, D1Tel: 3825 6024Straddling Hai Ba Trung and Lam Son Square,Pacharan is a beautifully designed four-floor tapasrestaurant and bar. Serving superb, authentic Spanishfare, wine exclusively from Spain and Sangria by thejug, the vibe is completely Mediterranean. Polishedcopper and dark wood completes the ambience.The ground floor is a deli serving Spanish snacks,pastries and coffee; the middle two levels house therestaurant. Up top, the penthouse bar affords a greatview of downtown and the lounge-style atmosphere isconducive to a relaxing drink among friends.34 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 35

Sandals93 Hai Ba Trung, D1Tel: 3827 5198Sandals brings the essence of the gorgeous Sailing Clubin Mui Ne and Nha Trang to downtown HCM City.The three-flour space has subtle blonde wood accentsand cozy seating throughout and is lit in places withflickering tea candles. The upstairs dining area slashrooftop terrace bar looks out over the street below andepitomises casual elegance and the menu—mostlyseafood—is inspired and surprising value for money.Cocktails here are a must-try, especially the passionfruitmargaritas. They alone promise a long night at Sandals.Skewers9A Thai Van Lung, D1Tel: 3822 4798A class act in every respect, Skewers’ rusticMediterranean feel provides a welcome respite from thehustle and bustle of HCM City. Likewise, the traditionalMediterranean food is simple and hearty. The winelist is truly epic with dozens of wines from around theworld. One of the best reasons to spend a few hourshere is the magnificent cigar room on the second floor.The expansive space is filled with leather sofas andarmchairs, a wide choice of cigars, and what wouldhave to be one of the most impressive selections ofwhiskeys in the city.Warda71/7 Mac Thi Duoi, D1Tel: 3823 382263 Xuan Thuy, D2Tel: 3519 4416This restaurant, located at the end of an alley in District1 (and now with another location in An Phu), is likea black hole for time. Step inside the dimly-lit roomsdecorated with a Middle Eastern flourish and a wholeevening can slide by in a haze of apple-scented smokefrom the hookah pipe. The upstairs dining room hascomfortable and sturdy seating including some tableswith lounges and cushions on which you can reclineafter having your fill of the Moroccan-inspired food.Downstairs is a bar and pleasant courtyard area outfront of the restaurant. Warda is lively, relaxed andenticing all in one.36 asialife HCMC

SOFT-BALLBYSUN-DAYS“Their games are aboutgetting together onSundays, a bat in one handand a beer in another.”The Saigon International SoftballLeague played their first overseastournament in Bangkok recentlyand exceeded all expectationsconsidering their relatively short history.By Beth Young. Photos by Fred Wissink.Every Sunday a group ofexpatriates gather at the TaipeiSchool in Phu My Hung toplay softball. What beganabout five years ago as a casualpick-up squad at RMIT hasnow evolved into a fullyfledgedleague, its six teamscomprised of players hailingfrom across the globe.Together the Asian Tigers,Lipton Spirits and Reds—teams with mostly Westernmembers—plus the Saigon AllStars, who represent Japan,and two Taiwanese sides—theTornadoes and another fromBinh Duong—are looking togrow the sport’s following inVietnam.And while their official historyas a legitimate outfit spansonly two years, the SaigonInternational Softball Leagueimpressed the region recentlyat a tournament in Bangkok.There, they displayed not onlytheir prowess on the field, buta positive attitude and a levelof sportsmanship that spectators,umpires and competitorsalike commended.An established competitionsince the early '90s, theBangkok International SoftballTournament lures teams fromAsia and the Middle East, plusseasoned players from as farafield as the United States. Thewinners of 2010’s three-dayevent, the Fatboys, even hadprofessional softballer Jeff Hallon their side—an athlete witha line of bats named after him.Still, the Sundays—asthey named themselves topay homage to their weeklymatches—made it right up untilthe end. Coincidentally, thelast day, and the tournament’sdecider, was a Sunday. AsRob Flynn, the Lipton Spirits’captain says with a laugh, “wewould’ve had to change ourname to the Saigon Saturdaysif we didn’t make it through”.Luckily, they did; quite anachievement considering 16teams were vying to fill the sixavailable slots.Not expecting to get so far,most players only packed twouniforms, Tiger Jeff Thrashincluded. After winning threegames on the second dayand with a pass to the third,he says sniff tests had to beemployed all round. “It wasa matter of, which one smellsbetter?” he says.Now that the league knowsthey have what it takes tocompete on an internationalstage, they’re looking forwardto participating in other tournaments.Next on the agendais a tour to Jakarta in May.The real dream, though,according to both Flynn andAsian Tigers’ captain MattKing, is to play host. A lackof facilities, however, anddifficulties in obtaining visasfor visitors, means that forthe moment, at least, that goalwill remain just out of reach. Asomewhat more attainable ambition,they say, is to encourageVietnamese to embrace thegame. Already, they’ve trainedone team of RMIT studentsnamed the Royals. Currently,they’re working towards representingthe nation by playingbaseball and even haveOlympic ambitions, but Kingsays when they first startedplaying “they were terrible”.By the end of their first season,though, they had beaten everysingle team on the squad atleast once.The Royals are a shiningexample of softball’s reach andthe relative ease in which newcomerscan grasp the game.King warns that while it’s easierto pick up than hard-hittingbaseball, for example, practiceis needed to master crucialtechniques. “You can’t expectto walk in and be a star.”Certainly, there is a degreeof competitiveness in theleague, but more than anythingtheir games are aboutgetting together on Sundays,a bat in one hand and a beerin another. Thrash sums upthe sport’s appeal best: “It’ssomething to look forward toat the end of the week. It’s arelease.”For further details or informationon how to join the league,visit saigonsoftball.info.38 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 39

Jodie Eastwood uses a form ofhealing that taps into the universe’senergy. Muna Khan gives it a go.Photos by Huynh Ho Quang.I am somewhat apprehensiveabout the theta session I am dueto have, despite healer JodieEastwood’s calm and friendlypersona. She’s putting me at easeas we prepare for the session buthaving read up on theta healingand its claims of instant cures,there’s the skeptical part of methat’s saying run.Theta healing combinesquantum physics and metaphysicswith prayer to the universe’senergy. It is a process of changingone’s subconscious beliefsystem by altering the stateof consciousness. The healingoccurs in the theta brainwave(this is where the brain’s activityslows from active beta waves totheta levels) and the healer entersthe subconscious mind to “fix”or shift the problems they believeare buried deep.Theta healing supports fourlevels of belief explains Eastwood.First, core beliefs that welearn from our parents. Second,genetic beliefs that are teachingscarried over generations. Third,history beliefs that shed light onour past lives and finally, beliefsheld on this level are accumulatedfrom experiences and informationan individual has beenexposed to on a deeper level andcarries forward fromone incarnationto another. The healer talksto the client, accesses her brainwaves to command a healing,and identifies which beliefsystem has a problem, a bug,which they then rectify duringthe healing.I imagine what readers maybe thinking right about now: thisis hogwash. There are plenty ofnaysayers out there, certainlyon the Internet, who dissmisstheta healing as fake, its pioneerVianna Stibal as a fraud and itsfollowers as kooky. But there arejust as many testimonials frompeople who have benefittedimmensely from theta healing—Stibal who claims to have curedherself of cancer using thetahealing, which she now teachesto others.But at this point, it is yourstruly who is seated in front ofEastwood, with an open mindand hope that perhaps theta healingwill help me to quit smoking.I tell Eastwood how, despite mydesires to be healthy, I am unableto rid myself of my addiction. Iam thus surprised (even if it isobvious later on) that my addictionties into my self-esteem. Wego further into the recess of mymemory to identify where thesenegative feelings stem from.What takes me aback is how aclear-cut memory emerges—almostas if from nowhere—whichis where these feelings of selfdoubtemanate from. Eastwoodremoves these negative thoughtsto replace them with positiveones. We talk more, she askingquestions after she is in the thetawave; some make perfect sense(I am spooked how her diagnosisof a minor health issue that’sbeen nagging me is echoed bymy acupuncturist only threedays later) while others don’t.Eastwood’s aura is that of ahealer: she is warm, caring (shepaused several times during thesession to check on how I wasdoing) and doesn’t have a hintof arrogance or “know-it-all”attitude you’d find with, say, atelevangelist. She has a realisticapproach towards theta healing,and even healing in general saying“I believe everyone has theability to heal.”Eastwood has always beeninterested in the spiritual aspectof life and been a searcher but“things never fell into place untilfour years ago,” she says. During"I believe everyone hasthe ability to heal."her studies on meditation, shecame across theta healing anddecided to pursue the practicebecause it was what spoke to herthe most. “It is a mix of psychicawareness, core healing, theuniverse’s energy and ultimatelycounselling. People walk awayknowing the core of the issue.”Since she began practicingfull time earlier this year, (after ayear-and-a-half of learning andpractice) Eastwood has treatedpeople for various physicalailments like low energy, severedepression and back problems.K, who was treated for lowenergy and varicose veins saysof her healing “[Eastwood] gaveme much more than [treatmentto physical ailment], by teachingme how our thoughts createeverything in our lives, includinghealth and happiness. Now I feellike I have the freedom to createthe life I want and achieve all ofmy dreams.”Another client said of hersession “I notice that I no longerhave any forced reactions towhatever my partner or anyoneelse says or does. That is bliss!”M says “I feel light and I canfeel my heart again! I'm feelinglike a child learning again. Oldfriends I met [told me] ‘youlook so good! You look young!Amazing!”As we begin to wrap up oursession, I definitely feel invigoratedand am filled with a senseof urgency to quit smoking.Eastwood reminds me that it isan uphill battle—and she’s notreferring to my addiction butmy belief system “Letting go ishard but if you have an openmind and heart, it is possible toshift our belief system into onethat works for you”. Since then,I have significantly reduced mytobacco intake and feel more confidentabout quitting by the newyear. I also find myself questioningmy intentions in general a lotmore. I suppose my mind is opento all sorts of possibilities.Eastwood charges $60 for a 45to 60-minute session and can bereached by email at jodieastwood@gmail.com.40 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 41

A campaign to raise funds for a home for the elderly saw men ditching their razorsand growing out their facial hair. By Brett Davis. Photo by Huynh Ho Quang.Growing facial hair to raisemoney for a worthy causeis not your usual charitableactivity. However, some bravesouls at RMIT University lastmonth took the plunge to bringthe ‘Movember’ campaign toVietnam.The idea was originallyhatched several years ago inAustralia to raise awarenessand support for men’s health,and now reaches almost everycorner of the globe. Participantsraise money through donationsand sponsorship for growinga moustache (or ‘mo’) for themonth of November.Some 20 men, all staffmembers at RMIT University,signed on to sport some lip hair.Towards the end of the month,ballot boxes with photos of guyswere placed around the campusto collect donations and votesfor the ‘Best Mo’.Ian Handsley, an RMIT LearningSkills Advisor and one of theorganisers of the local campaign,said around 20 millionVND had been raised.He said some of the RMITstudents were initially a bitperplexed at the idea of growinga moustache for charity. “Oncethey got it the students werereally cool. A lot of studentsvoted and donated, which wasawesome,” he said.Because there was no officialMovember chapter in Vietnam,the group decided to supportother charitable endeavoursrather than the usual men’shealth groups.“We thought there were morepressing needs [in Vietnam],so we looked for somethingsmaller and more local,” Handsleysaid.With assistance from theUniversity’s communityengagement office, they choseto support the Lam QuangPagoda rest home in District 8.A handful of Buddhist nuns atthe pagoda care for almost 100elderly women who have norelatives.RMIT Senior Lecturer NhanNguyen said he was told therest home sometimes had to getby on a food budget of as littleas 5,000 VND per person eachday.“That was really the inspirationfor me to do something,”he said.Nguyen said many charitiessupported children or the handicapped,but the elderly weresometimes overlooked becausethey were traditionally takencare of by family members.The money raised by the Movembereffort will go towardsbuying essentials for the resthome such as food, beds andmosquito nets.There are also plans for somesmall comforts for the residents.Many of the women are bedriddenand there is little to do inthe way of entertainment.“One day I was visiting thehome,” Nguyen explains,” andthis old lady said to me ‘Uncle,please give us TV’.”If you would like to assist theLam Quang Pagoda rest homecontact Nhan Nguyn at nhan.nguyen@rmit.edu.vn.42 asialife HCMC

FREE NYThe HCMC Circus Theatre is going animal freeand Ny the elephant is making her escape first.By Beth Young. Photo by Fred Wissink.For most of her life, Ny theelephant has performed atthe HCMC Circus Theatre onPham Ngu Lao. Between showsshe is locked up in a concreteenclosure, held captive by aheavy chain with very littlegive. It’s been like this eversince Sony presented her as agift to the Vietnamese Government17 years ago. Anotherelephant was also part of thepackage, and together So andNy became circus acts, theirnames a perpetual reminder ofthe company’s gesture.Sadly, So coped poorly withthe conditions and was takenaway to an unknown location.Ny, now 20, remains, buthopefully for not much longer.Thanks to animal welfareorganisation Wild Life at Risk(WAR) and a group of concernedexpatriates, she maysoon be returning to a morenatural habitat. If all goes toplan, the elephant sanctuarycurrently under constructionat Cat Tien National Park willbecome her new home onceshe’s officially retired.Lori Burke, the creator, coproducerand director of newcircus act "Xin Chao", says it’sabout time. Just a few weeksago, Ny tried to break down thesteel gate that surrounds herenclosure, and very nearly succeeded.After the many stuntsshe’s been forced to performover the years—balancing onefootedon a spinning table andkicking soccer balls throughhoops—it’s easy to understandher desperation to get out. “Canyou imagine how cruel [thetrainers] must’ve been to her, tomake her do things like that?”Burke says.Still, Ny’s departure signalsa new beginning for her, andalso, for the other “performers”who live and work at the circus.With the decision made tobecome animal-free, the cagedmonkeys and dogs kept behindthe big top will be rescued andrehabilitated in time, too. “Ithink it’s going to be a happystory,” Burke says, and it’s onethat she hopes will encouragefurther steps forward for animalwelfare in Vietnam.To contribute to the cost of Ny’srehabilitation please email WAR atinfo@wildlifeatrisk.com.44 asialife HCMCasialife HCMC 45

The City ThatNever SleepsWhether you call it Mumbai or Bombay, the spiritof the city rises above and beyond its name, writesRamya Sarma. Photos by David Berkowitz.The average denizen of thebig bad city that is Mumbaiwill usually be found walkingbriskly along on any workingday, busy trying to get fromhere to there without losing toomuch time. He or she will beheaded purposefully to a destinationwithout really botheringtoo much about obstacles in theway, crossing streets withoutwatching the lights but nimblydodging traffic, hopping overdividers and fences, swervingaround other pedestrians andoccasionally muttering whatcould be a curse, a prayer oreven just that age-old questionthat will never find a satisfyinganswer: Is it Mumbai or do westill say Bombay?For the native of the city,Mumbai comes naturally,since the founding deity of thesettlement is Mumba Devi, afterwhom it was named. Her templeis still seen in the middle ofa very densely populated areawhere streets are small, narrow,winding and full of adventure,called Kalbadevi. A visit to hershrine is a must for travellersand those coming back to thecity alike—in fact, wheneverI return to Mumbai after anextended stay elsewhere, I gosee the goddess and pay myrespects, as if to assure myselfthat I am indeed home.The Portuguese namedthe city Bom Bahia, or goodharbour, after an exclamationby a soldier who sailed to itsshore in 1508. When the Britishtook over, getting the land asa dowry from the Portugueseprincess Catherine de Braganzawhen she married Charles II in1661, they had a little difficultybeing authentic in their pronunciationand called it Bombayinstead. That name stuck formany years, going back to themore vernacular version only in1995, when the local governmentdecided that it was time totruly throw off all vestige of theRaj. Though nothing could bedone with the British legacy ofthe spectacular Indo-Saracenicarchitectural styles of so manysignificant buildings, from themain railway station, ChhatrapatiShivaji Maharaj Terminus,or Victoria Terminus, to thePrince of Wales museum (nowgiven an Indian name—ChhatrapatiShivaji Maharaj Sangrahalaya)and the General PostOffice (still called the GPO),the letterheads of all functionaryoffices could be changed.And they were, using ‘Mumbai’and making a lot of peoplefor whom Bombay came morenaturally, from individuals tocompanies like Bombay Dyeing,for instance, very unhappy.But the spirit of the city—callit Mumbai, officially, or Bombay—rises above and beyond itsname. A visitor flying in atnight will be able to look downto see a galaxy of lights of allcolours, in a way symbolizingthe many cultures and communitiesthat have made the metropolishome. The airport is atthe edge of Asia’s largest slumdevelopment—a paradox initself—a maze of tiny alleywayswinding through shanties piledwilly-nilly around, above andalongside one another, wheresome of the most expensiveproducts in the world are madefor export to the west, fromcarpets to jewels to exquisitelyworked garments to leathergoods.Mumbai was originally astring of seven islands thathave gradually been joined bycauseways and reclamationof land from the sea to makeone long, narrow collationof concrete structures. Oftendubbed “city of gold,” theregion is a destination formillions of migrant workers,from construction labourersto would-be-actors, whocome to Mumbai to find theirown Eldorado. Many have nohomes, spending their lives onthe streets, in dark warehousesor in slum colonies, which makea startling contrast to the toweringluxury apartment blocksthat tower overhead. The city isindeed a golden one, but onlyfor a lucky few who have struckit rich and found super-success.It is also called the “city thatnever sleeps,” since the roadsare rarely empty, business neverstops and life is an endlesscircle.The city is a study in contradictions.South Mumbai, calledSoBo by the young elite, hasa high snob value. It is wherethe original wealthy folks builthomes—many of these charmingmansions and bungalowsare now multi-storey apartmentblocks where a singlesquare foot of space is not justexorbitantly expensive, butrarely—if ever—available forsale. The city stretches long andnarrow towards the westernsuburbs, known mainly for thefilm industry and its stars, ortowards the foothills of the Deccanplateau, where a satellitecity called Navi Mumbai (NewBombay) has taken root acrossthe creek on to the mainland.Beaches edge much of thecoastline, with treacherousquicksand and sharks makingsome of them dangerous, whileothers are dotted with tourists,46 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 47

sun-worshippers, vendors and,of course, multi-star hotels.Perhaps the most significant ofthese is the Taj Mahal Palaceand Tower, in an area known asColaba. Situated right across theroad from the famous Gatewayof India, built to commemoratea British royal’s arrival in thecountry, the hotel was createdby an industrialist-entrepreneurwho vowed to make it betterthan anything any foreignerhad ever conceived. Today,the Taj, as it is fondly known,is a landmark the world over,and often the location for thatspecial celebrity visit, specialwedding, that special anniversary,any special celebration.The Mumbai resident has a softspot for its beauty, its eleganceand its cachet, and many of usfelt personally violated whenterrorists attacked in November2008, defiling its corridors withbullets and blood. The Oberoiand Trident, too, were similarlyassaulted at the time, even asso many of us watched, horrified,in person, on television, inprint. But recovery was quick,though not easy, and Mumbaishowed off its spirit once again.We are now back to normal,though rather more wary thanbefore, and raring to go, toshow off to the world whatthe city that never sleeps is allabout.For many, Mumbai is synonymouswith Bollywood, theworld where dreams can, andoften do, come true. The Hindifilm industry, with its epicentrein the western suburbs of thecity, is home to famous faceslike Shahrukh Khan, AishwaryaRai, Amitabh Bachchan, AamirKhan and others. Film City,located in the jungle-clad hills,is where stories are created andcaptured for gawking audiencesall over the world. The televisionworld has its own share ofstar power, and has its focus nottoo far away, in Andheri, Maladand Goregaon, beaming a newculture into homes everywhere.Mumbai is as famous for itsstreet food as it is for its stars—in business, in films, on televisionor in style. What AnthonyBourdain called the “Bombayburger” is the ubiquitous vadapau,a heavy, rounded, spicypotato cake stuffed into softbread and munched in alternationwith a tear-inducinglyhot fried green chilli. Almostevery street will have its shareof stalls serving up steamingplates of fragrant and astonishinglygerm-free food, from thesoya-and-chilli sauce drenchedChinese noodles to the softwhite rice cakes, or idlis, eatenwith sharp coconut chutney, tothe crunchy-tangy texturallyrichbhelpuri. There will bezunkha-bhakar, rice pancakeseaten with a hot, polenta-likegramflour paste, and puribhaji,fried wheat pancakes withspicy potatoes, and, of course,sugarcane juice, sweet, cold,refreshing and a real treat on ahot day. Cutting chai, half-fullglasses of thick, sweet, spicedtea will seal the stomach andhelp the digestion. And kulfi,a creamy frozen treat relatedclosely to ice-cream, will demanda return trip. And if youhappen to live and work in thecity, you will very likely use thedabbawalla service, endorsed bycorporate biggies and laudedby Prince Charles, and nowconsidered a model of high-efficiencynetworking and businessmanagement. This is run by anever-increasing group of menwho bustle from home to officeto home again, delivering lunchboxes with foolproof speed andorganization.Perhaps a symbol of Mumbaiis the commuter train system,which the dabbawallas use tobest effect. The electric-poweredcarriages wind their way likeheavy metal worms throughthe heart of the city, takinghordes of professionals fromhome to work and back everyday. A ride on one of theseis fascinating, fast, efficient,exciting, the easiest way to getfrom A to B without taking toolong over it and avoiding thetraffic that makes Mumbai sucha nightmare to travel in. Thereis always something to see outthe windows—and doors—ofthe train; and there is so muchhappening inside too, fromcard games to prayer sessionsto kitty parties to an occasionalbaby birth, a fight, even a deathor two as the unwary dashacross the tracks.And the train is where muchof Mumbai’s go-getting charactercan be seen—there will bea fisherwoman from the Kolicommunity sitting by the door,her ears glinting with heavygold and her bejeweled fingersholding up a brand new, hi-techmobile phone to her ear. Therewill be an aspiring televisionactor learning her lines, pattingher carefully arranged hair intoplace, her clothes and makeupall set to go. There will be an executivebarking orders over thephone while his fingers scuttleover the keyboard of his laptop.And there will always be acouple staring longingly intoeach other’s eyes as they arepressed together in the crush ofthe second-class compartment.This is the city that neversleeps, the city of gold, the citywhere dreams can come true.This is Mumbai. As the songgoes, “Yeh hai Mumbai, meri jaan!”(this is Mumbai, my dear!)48 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 49

The Book Of ProverbsI have always held that theculinary art can reveal a culturejust as surely as any other art orsocial activity. It's just as good awindow into a people's soul asits literature, poetry, film, paintingor sculpture. And you don'thave to speak the language. Awilling palate and an adventurousappetite are all you need todelve into a foreign society, andeven come to feel at home.When I came here in 1991,the simple getting here was difficultfor anyone, but especiallyfor Americans. There was verylittle transport into or out of thecountry, the roads were bad, therestrictions on travel, once yougot here, onerous.And as a U.S. citizen I hadno diplomatic representationhere. I had to send my passportto the Vietnamese embassyin Mexico City to get a visa.When I finally arrived, most ofthe few tourists I encounteredwere Scandinavian backpackerswearing blond dreadlocksand baggy Nepali PJ trousers. Imet only one fellow American:a drugged-out war vet lookingfor his lost love.And the American war wasstill visible. The landscape wasstill scarred with bomb cratersand wreckage. Buildings werestill pockmarked with bulletholes. The common tool boxcarried by workmen and artisanswas a discarded Americanammunition box. Amerasianchildren still haunted thestreets, along with old soldiersmissing limbs or eyes. Everythingneeded fixing up. Itseemed as though the war hadended only recently. All wasgray and colourless. Except thefood.Everywhere I went, foodburst forth, vibrant with colourand verve. Nothing was put ona plate without meticulous care.Presentation was as importantas taste and aroma. A man toldme that when you eat, “youmust first eat with your eyes.”Even if you have very little, andonly the humblest of fare, youmust observe the civilising anduplifting power of cuisine. Yes,everyone was poor, and opportunitiesfor advancement few.It was hard times. But no onewould allow that to interferewith the art, the pleasure, thecommunity, even the sanctityof cuisine. The art of cuisineaffirmed life, maintained hopeeven in the darkest days. Itspoke of a people who neveryield to adversity.And yet I found that the roleof cuisine in this culture goesbeyond even that. In the firstdays of my arrival I told no onethat I was American. I wantedno one to equate me with thestill visible signs of the bitterwar. I didn't want to have toexplain the unexplainable. Butwithin a week, it came out thatI was from the USA. And thenews spread. It seemed thewhole city knew who I was.I was astonished at how wellI was treated. Many peopleeven told me they were glad tosee me, that they hoped otherAmericans would come to visit.I was deeply grateful for theirkindness, though I wondered attheir sincerity. One is requiredhere to keep up appearances.But one day I found myselfin a little restaurant eatingdelicious, chewy sausage ballswrapped in tangy la-lot (betel)leaves and grilled to crispness.The place was bright and airyand beautiful silk paintingsdecorated three of the wallsand a buffet lined the fourth.It was groaning with the mostbeautiful dishes. It was a adisplay of life and love of lifeand all good things. A Vietnameseman purchased his lunchand, though other tables wereempty, he sat down with me,certainly knowing who I was.In the first days of my arrival I told noone that I was American. I wanted noone to equate me with the still visiblesigns of the bitter war. I didn't want tohave to explain the unexplainable.He smiled a greeting but saidnothing. We ate in silent company,smiling politely now andthen. It was clear to me that theman wanted nothing more thanto eat with me, though I couldnot fathom why.Finishing his meal, he pointedto one of the silk paintings, astill life of a table set with foodand what I took to be a gracewritten beneath. He smiledagain and spoke, apparentlytrying to explain the painting tome. I nodded and smiled, buthe was insistent and got up andpointed to the words under thepicture. He gesticulated andgestured and explained. I finallytook out my notebook andcopied it down, and he seemedsatisfied. He even patted thenotebook as I put it back in myshirt pocket.He went his way. I put the inscriptionin a pouch along withsome recipes and other thingsto be translated when I gotback home, and forgot aboutit. Back in California, I showedthose notes to a Vietnameseneighbour. When he lookedat that last scribbled bit, hesmiled. “An old, old proverb,”he said. “In food, as in death,we feel the essential oneness ofhumanity.”Au Manor De KhaiKhai is arguably Vietnam’sbiggest lifestyle brand, sellingquality goods in clothing,accessories, homeware anddining with three restaurants—Nam Kha, Cham Charm andAu Manor De Khai whichre-opened in October last year.The brand Khai has come to beequated with all that is goodin aesthetics and Au ManorDe Khai is no exception—therestaurant is beautiful. Andjudging by the response ofvisitors at its re-opening, itsrenovation deserves a fewaccolades.Khai defines Au Manor asa “design restaurant”, a placewhere high-level entrepreneursand professionals can cometogether and relax in fineambient settings. Khai adaptedaspects of the design restaurantby adding his own flair to createAu Manor—those familiar withKhai’s designs will see thatlevel of detail in the seeminglysmall things. Much of the foodis imported: the foie gras fromFrance, the lobster from Maine(where it is kept in cold waterreefs) and the truffle fungusfrom Périgord. Khai’s attentionto detail can also be found in themenu, which he creates and iswell executed by his chef.The premises is a colonialvilla that’s been restoredwith plush black and whiteinteriors—from the tiles tothe dining table settings tothe very impressive bar, it’selegance personified. TheFine French dining served in plushcolonial surroundings. By M. Khan.Photos by Fred Wissink.dining room upstairs seatsvery few and this is what islovely about the indoor spacefor it allows an intimate diningexperience. There’s no fear oftight spaces between diners oreavesdropping here.What is truly impressive,however, is the outdoor space:the tables outside (along withtwo lounges) make for a greatal fresco dining option or workjust as well for aperitifs or postmeal drinks. Fred and I werelucky to dine outside in lovelycool climes and after a drink ortwo, the noise from the trafficoutside drowned out.Onto the most importantingredient of an eatery: thefood. Here too Au Manor DeKhai did not disappoint. Thecomplimentary tuna starterwas delicious as the panfried goose liver served withroasted apple and raspberryvinegar sauce (370,000 VND).A complimentary strawberrysorbet with vodka served on alarge block of ice came next asa break between courses and tohelp cleanse the palate. We hada scrumptious grilled Wagyubeef tenderloin served withmix mushroom sauce (1,500,000VND). And dessert was a moistchocolate cheesecake withraspberry sauce (160,000 VND).It was a very good meal andworth a second visit, soon too.251 Dien Bien Phu, District 3. Tel:3930 33946 pm to 10 pmasialife HCMC 51

The Snap CaféA kid-friendly cafe that caters to adults, too.By M. Khan. Photos by Fred Wissink.It’s got to be tough to beknown as “that kids café”—despite an extensive eveningmenu and a plethora of eventsthat do not cater to children.But shaking off that image asa kid-friendly place is perhapsThe Snap Cafe’s greatest challengeat this point.The café was started by DanSalter in late 2009 as he waslooking for a family-friendlyeatery and none was reallyaround—at least not as heenvisioned it. The former engineercum entrepreneur withinvestments in real estate wentabout building the café himselffrom scratch. Today the rusticcafé (which reminded me ofbeing in Africa with his highthatched bamboo ceilings,alfresco dining and longpicnic tables plus sofa lounges)exudes warmth—and a placewhere kids and adults can feelat home.The menu too has seen anevolution. Salter, who loves tocook, initially wanted a basicEuropean style menu, homecooking, but soon realised thatas the clientele expanded andreflected the various nationalities,the menu had to, too.Today he serves up an eclecticmix of the staples: the popularburger (140,000 VND), sausagesand mash (in vegetarian too,both at 140,000 VND), variouspastas (120,000 VND) and, thegreen curry chicken (130,000VND) and Pad Thai curry(130,000 VND) to name a few oftheir mains.The weekend brunch is a festivetime and the menu consistsof the usual suspects: a bigbreakfast can be had (The FullMonty at 120,000 VND) or youcan make your own; blueberrypancakes go for 70,000 VND.Other food items include sandwiches(the roast beef deservesa special mention at 80,000VND), soups and salads and,you guessed it, a kid’s menutoo. A special mention shouldbe made of the wines they sellby the carafe (lighter on pocketand head next morning) andthe dips and nibbles platter(70,000 VND).The Snap Café’s lusciousspace works in its favour, notjust as an eatery and play area,but for the several events theyhost—be it movie nights, TVscreenings of shows or majorsporting events, to privateparties. The generous spacecreates an intimate yet relaxedambience. The café is alsohome to several outlets whichwill welcome new additions inthe new year: thus far there’sa furniture outlet, a jewellerystore and Oasis Deli which hasa cold cut and cheese platteron the café’s menu too (130,000and 140,000 VND, respectively).Both Salter and ShawnBader, the manager, haveambitious plans for the spaceand café—expansion beingbig on the cards, especiallyfor the menu. They hope toinclude weekly menu specials,and branch out into differentinternational cuisines, Indianbeing one example. And witha creative chef at the helm, itseems possible—and the kidswill be alright too.The Snap Cafe32 Tran Ngoc DienThao Dien, District2Open 8 am to 11 pmHai LuaHai Lua translates as “hick”in English and the alfrescorestaurant on Ngo Van Nam inDistrict 1 prepares traditionalVietnamese delicacies in thesame rustic manner as thosewho reside in the countryside.With a history spanning morethan a decade from humblebeginnings on nearby Ly TuTrong, Hai Lua is a HCM Cityinstitution and has a reputationfor serving quality local fare—especially seafood. Pluckedlive from large tanks, the vastselection of marine life is as freshas can be.The new location—openedAn open-air Vietnamese restaurant serving country-stylecuisine. By Beth Young. Photos by Huynh Ho Quang.since last Tet—backs onto thenew Saigon Square and sportsan open kitchen at the forefront.Here, patrons can request adish (made easier for foreignerswith pictures and an attachedEnglish description), which isthen cooked straightaway in fullview. And judging by the mostlyVietnamese crowd, the chefs’prowess behind the wok can becommended.Adventurous eaters canchallenge their palates withsemi-hatched duck eggs (10,000VND each), field mice orstewed goat penis with Chinesemedicine (630,000 VND perserve). Otherwise, the slightlypeppery squid steamed withginger (125,000 VND) is a greatplace to start. Kept hot atop aburner, the muc, as its known inVietnamese, is tender and tangy.The Thai hotpot (205,000VND) is another main worthsampling. Absolutely burstingwith seafood—octopus,prawns, clams—plus strawmushrooms and morning glory,the spicy broth is seasoned withlemongrass. And sea cucumbermakes an interesting, yet not sotasty, addition.A definite must-try is thegrouper with soybean jam (pricesset at market rate). With mouthwide-open and sharp teeth ondisplay, the fish is a macabresight but the soft flesh that fallsfrom its bones is delicious. Mixedwith the sweet sauce, nuttysoybeans and vermicelli that sitson top, a visit to Hai Lua wouldbe remiss without ordering atleast one to share.With options like this Hai Luagives an authentic Vietnamesedining experience and a slice ofcountry life within the city’s core.10 Ngo Van Nam, District 1Tel: 3823 0306Open 10 am to 11 pm52 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 53

Behind the Design - Moevenpick HotelThe Moevenpick completes its makeover and proveshow functional art can be adapted in the hospitalitysector. By Brett Davis. Photos by Fred Wissink.Hotels are practical things, aplace to lay your head at theend of a journey. Occasionally,they can even be beautiful in adistant sort of way. It is not oftenthough that they take a bolddesign step that is moving morein the direction of functional art.The Swiss hotel groupMoevenpick closed their HCMCity property for severalmonths last year to perform amajor makeover. The result isa top-to-bottom redesign thathas reinvigorated the hotel andturned the heads of new andregular guests alike.Moevenpick General ManagerKnuth Kiefer explained thegoal was to create an overall designthat set the hotel apart fromthe competition in Vietnam.“In Hong Kong or Singaporeyou will see things like this butnot in Vietnam,” he said.The result was a collaborativeprocess, with an original designfrom a Thai firm supplementedwith ideas from numeroussources including the propertyowner and construction projectmanager.However, only a little wayinto the conversation withKiefer it is obvious the generalmanager’s personal flair was asignificant influence on the finaldesign. Purple sofas providean arresting counter-note in thegleaming white lobby, and thestriking shade is a recurringtheme through much of the newdesign. It also happens to beKiefer’s favourite colour.“I like colours that aredifferent—purple, turquoise,lime green. I like contrast and Ithink it worked quite well witha white lobby,” he said.Around 2,500sq metres offloor space was added to the hotelthrough the reconstruction.The front entrance was movedforward and more glass addedto bring in extra light. Even newuniforms were designed to givea more stylish, less formal feel.The changes have been wellreceived by the vast majorityof the hotel’s guests. Kiefersaid the hotel was looking tomove away from its more staid,colonial-looking past and attracta higher-end corporate guest.The transition from the past to abright new future could not bemore dramatic.54 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 55

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listingshotel &travelAIRLINESAir Asia254 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3838 9810www.airasia.comAsia’s largest low-cost airline operatesone daily flight between HCM City-Hanoi,as well as international flights to Bangkok,Phuket, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.Air France130 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 0981ext. 82Fax: 3822 0537www.airfrance.com.vnAn airline with a vast and effective globalnetwork. Now flies direct to Paris.Cathay Pacific72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3Tel: 3822 3203www.cathaypacific.comHong Kong-based airline makes threeflights daily to HCM City and two flightsdaily to Hong Kong’s international airport.Fares start at about $300.Jetstar Pacificwww.jetstar.comBudget branch of Australian Qantasflies into Can Tho, Danang, Hanoi, HaiPhong, HCM City, Hue, Nha Trang andVinh and operates cheap flights fromHCM City to Siem Reap and Bangkok.escape take flight with travel promotions around the regionPark Hyatt SaigonFor an escape close to home indulge ina signature New Year treatment packageat the Park Hyatt Saigon’s Xuan Spa. Thepackage includes a 40-minute soothinghoney and oat body wrap, followed by an80-minute apricot blossom treatment andhealth juice and costs 2,050,000 VND++.Call 3520 2357 or email opera.saiph@hyatt.com.Evason Ana MandaraSpend one night in a Garden View Roomat the Evason Ana Mandara in Nha Trangfor US $196 ++ (based on twin share fora minimum two-night stay). The packageincludes daily buffet breakfast, a refreshingwelcome drink and fruit basket plus roundtrip shuttle bus airport transfers and freeuse of the resort’s Internet facilities. Thedeal is valid from January 16 until February28 and this rate applies for bookingsfrom December 7 onwards. Call 58 3524 705 or email reservations-nhatrang@sixsenses.com.Check out Friday Fare Frenzy onlinepromotion from 2 to 5 pm every Friday.Malaysia Airlineswww.malaysiaairlines.comOffers daily flights from Hanoi and HCMCity to Kuala Lumpur for about $200round trip, with four economy class farelevels: low, basic, smart and flex.Philippine Airways229 Dong Khoi, D3 Tel: 3822 2241www.philippineairlines.comOperates daily service from HCM Cityto Manila, offering fare options throughthe PAL Econo Light Class.Royal BruneiLevel 4, 129A Nguyen Hue, D1Tel: 3914 6868www.bruneiair.comRoyal Brunei provides scheduledservice across Asia, the Middle East,United Kingdom, Australia and NewZealand.Thai Airways65 Nguyen Du, Tel: 3829 281029 Le Duan, D1www.thaiair.comBangkok-based airline connects twicedaily between the Thai capital and HCMCity and Hanoi. Multiple daily flightsare also operated from both to PhnomPenh and Phuket.VASCOVietnam Airlines office, 116 NguyenHue, D1 Tel: 3842 2790www.vasco.com.vnThough it’s primary business is cargoshipment, Vietnam Air Service Company(VASCO) flies daily from HCM City toCon Dao and makes connections tolesser-known cities like Ca Mau, Tuy Hoaand Chu Lai. Buy tickets at the VietnamAirlines office.Vietnam AirlinesHanoi: 94 Tran Quoc ToanTel: 942 0848HCM City: 116 Nguyen Hue, D1Tel: 3832 0320www.vietnamair.com.vnThe domestic route map is extensive,with several flights daily between majorand less touristed cities throughoutVietnam. Flies internationally throughoutAsia and to Paris, Frankfurt, Moscow,Sydney, Melboure, Los Angeles and SanFrancisco.CON DAOATC Hotel16B Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830 666Rustic little 4-room, family-run guesthousein converted French administrationbuilding. Rooms are simple, withexposed rafters inside and balconiesoutside. Bungalow accommodation isalso available.Con Dao Resort8 Nguyen Duc Thuan Tel: 06 4830 949www.condaoresort.comModern hotel with 45 rooms and sevenvillas set on 2km of private beach. Onpremisefacilities include restaurant, bar,beach-view swimming pool, tennis courtand volleyball. Organizes outdoor activitiesand tours.Saigon Con Dao Resort18-24 Ton Duc Thang Tel: 06 4830 155www.saigoncondaoresort.comOpened in summer 2009, Saigon Tourist’s82-room hotel has a restaurant,swimming pool, tennis court and healthclub with sauna. Another 30 villas areavailable in the adjacent sister hotel, arenovated colonial-era administrationbuilding. Tours organized by hotel.DALATAna Mandara Villas Resort & SpaLe Lai, Ward 5, Dalat Tel: 063 3555 888www.anamandara-resort.comLuxury 35-acre resort encompasses 17restored early 20th-century villas and65 rooms set in the rural highlands. LaCochinchine Spa offers wide range ofSix Senses Ninh Van BayThe Six Senses Ninh Van Bay is offeringa night in a Hill Top Villa for US $310++ (based on twin share for a minimumtwo-night stay). The package includesdaily buffet breakfast, shuttle bus andboat transfers, a bottle of sparkling wineon arrival plus a welcome drink and fruitbasket. Complimentary services includesnorkelling and kayaking. The deal is validfrom January 16 until February 28 and thisrate applies for bookings from December7 onwards. Email reservations-ninhvan@sixsenses.Palm Garden ResortThe Palm Garden Resort in Hoi An willoffer a Tet Holiday Package from January27 until February 10 for US $149++ perperson for a twin share room. The dealincludes two nights in a Superior GardenView Room, daily buffet breakfast at TerraceCafé, round-trip airport transfers plusa visit to Hoi An Ancient Town and choiceof family cooking class or Vietnameseconversation course. Call 510 3927 927or email reservation@pgr.com.vn.treatments. Le Petite Dalat Restaurantserves Vietnamese and fusion cuisine.Heated swimming pool, art gallery andcooking classes in organic garden.Blue Moon Resort & Spa4 Phan Boi Chau Tel: 06 3578 888www.bluemoonhotel.com.vnAn attractive 65-room, country-styleresort with extensive gardens for strollingor al fresco dining, as well as restaurantserving local Dalat dishes. On-premisebike rental, fitness centre, sauna andindoor heated pool.Mercure Dalat7 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 777www.mercure.comBuilt in 1932 as the Hotel Du Parc, this144-room resort pairs French colonialarchitecture with modern amenities. CafeDe Le Poste serves French home-style,international and Vietnamese cuisine.Facilities include tennis court and saunaSofitel Dalat Palace12 Tran Phu, Dalat Tel: 063 3825 444www.accorhotels-asia.comStately lakeside hotel was built in 1920sand retains the period’s aesthetic. Itencompasses 38 rooms, five suites, agourmet restaurant, brasserie, piano barand Larry’s Bar. Golf can be arranged,and there’s tennis, boules, snooker andbilliards on premise.activitiesPhat Tire Ventures73 Truong Cong Dinh Tel: 63 3829 422www.phattireventures.comRuns guided trips for hiking/trekking,mountain biking, rock climbing, kayakingand canyoning in the highlands surroundingDalat. Also operates mixed tripadventure packages and ropes courseset among pine forest with 100+ metreFlying Fox zip line.Dalat Easy Rider Tours70 Phan Dinh Phungdalateasyriders@yahoo.comAna Mandara DalatSpend two nights in a Villa Room at theAna Mandara Dalat for US $398/room/night. The Valentine Getaway packageincludes round trip airport transfers, dailybreakfast, a picnic lunch at Tuyen LamLake, romantic dinner, couples massageat La Cochinchine Spa and a special giftat turndown. A 10 percent discount onextra food and spa use is included plusaccess to the resort’s heated swimmingpool and gym. Valid all February, exceptfor the 2nd to the 7th. Call 063 3555 888or email reservasion-dalat@anamandararesort.com.Mango BayHoneymoon at eco resort Mango Bayon Phu Quoc Island for US $165. Thepackage includes two nights stay in aPlantation Bungalow with daily breakfast.Airport transfers are included and a 20percent discount will be offered for use ofthe wellness centre. The deal is valid fromMay 5 until June 30, 2011. Call 0903 382207, email mangobay@hcm.vnn.vn or visitwww.mangobayphuquoc.com.www.dalat-easyrider.comRide pillion with English-, French- orGerman-speaking tour guides on motorbikeadventures that start in Dalat andsnake through mountains, jungles anddeltas, lasting anywhere from three to 21days. Trips terminate in Nha Trang, HoiAn, Hanoi, Mui Ne or HCM City. All hotelsand entrance fees included.HANOIIntercontinental Westlake Hanoi1A Nghi Tam, Tay Ho Tel: 04 6270 8888www.intercontinental.comLocated on the waterfront with contemporaryVietnamese design, restaurants,business services, fitness centre includingexercise classes and pool.Hanoi Hilton Opera1 Le Thanh Tong, Hoan KiemTel: 04 3933 0500www.hilton.comHoused in a colonial-style building thatcomplements the adjacent Opera House,this luxury hotel features modern amenities,business services, outdoor pool andfitness centre. Vietnamese specialties areserved at Ba Mien, and Chez Manon doesJapanese and pan-Asian.Melia Hanoi Hotel44B Ly Thuong Kiet Tel: 04 3934 3343www.meliahanoi.comLocated in the city centre with 306comfortable guestrooms elegantly decorated,complete with a host of modernamenities. Dining includes Asian cuisineat El Patio and El Oriental, snacks at CavaLounge and tapas at Latino Bar.Mercure Hanoi La Gare94 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan KiemTel: 04 3944 7766www.accorhotels.comSituated in the Old Quarter with 102bright, spacious and modern rooms,Brasserie Le Pavillion restaurant servesVietnamese and international cuisine.Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi83A Ly Thuong KietTel: 3822 2800www.moevenpick-hotels.comConveniently located in the heart of Hanoi’sbusiness district, a 40-minute drivefrom Noi Bai International Airport and only5 minutes from the city centre, MövenpickHotel Hanoi is the latest five-star hotel intown, tailored to meet the needs of discerningguests and especially corporatetravellers.Nikko Hotel84 Tran Nhan Tong Tel: 04 3822 3535www.hotelnikkohanoi.com.vnLuxury hotel offering spacious rooms, elegantfurnishings, international fine diningfrom Europe, China and Japan.Sheraton Hotel HanoiK5 Nghi Tam, 11 Xuan Dieu, Tay HoTel: 04 3719 9000www.starwoodhotels.com“Resort within a city” boasts 299 spaciousguest rooms with panoramic views, fitnesscentre, international restaurant andHemisphere Vietnamese restaurant.Sofitel Metropole15 Ngo Quyen, Hoan KiemTel: 04 3826 6919www.sofitel.comLocated downtown. Colonial-style hotelwith well-regarded restaurants/bars servingFrench & Vietnamese cuisine, plusItalian steak house.HO CHI MINH CITYCaravelle Hotel19 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3823 4999www.caravellehotel.comOne of the city’s most prestigious venues.Features a casino, Reflections Restaurantand al fresco 9th-floor Saigon Saigon Bar.Duxton Hotel63 Nguyen Hue D1 Tel: 3822 2999www.duxtonhotels.comLocated in downtown Saigon. Facilitiesinclude spa, beauty salon, Zanadu HealthClub, gym, outdoor swimming and mainrestaurant, The Grill.Equatorial242 Tran Binh Trong D5 Tel: 3839 7777www.equatorial.com/hcmOn the intersect of 4 districts, with 333rooms, Orientica Seafood restaurant andbar, Chit Chat cafe, pool (swim-up bar),gym.InterContinental Asiana SaigonCorner of Hai Ba Trung & Le Duan, D1Tel: 3520 9999saigon@interconti.comwww.intercontinental.com/saigon305 rooms/suites with floor-to-ceilingwindows, five restaurants/bars, meeting/banquet facilities, spa/health club andlounge with panoramic view.Legend Hotel2A-4A Ton Duc Thang, D1Tel: 3823 3333www.legendsaigon.comLocated by the river with fitness centre,outdoor pool, kids play centre, CrystalJade Chinese restaurant and jazz bar.Möevenpick Hotel Saigon253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanTel: 3844 9222www.moevenpick-saigon.comHas 278 well-appointed rooms/suites,five restaurants/bars, meeting/banquetfacilities and a shopping arcade as well asa popular e-gaming centre.New World Hotel76 Le Lai, D1 Tel: 3822 8888www.newworldsaigon.comLocated in the city centre, with gym,outdoor pool, tennis court, event spaceand Dynasty Chinese restaurant.Park Hyatt2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234www.saigon.park.hyatt.comLuxury colonial-style hotel includes 21suites, lobby lounge with live music, XuanSpa, pool, gym, international dining atSquare One.Renaissance Riverside8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1Tel: 3822 0033www.renaissancehotels.com349 rooms/suites with panoramic viewsover Saigon River. Conference/banquetfacilities, rooftop pool, gym, tworestaurants.Sheraton88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828www.sheraton.com/saigonLuxury downtown hotel with Level 23 bar,Mojo cafe, Li Bai Chinese restaurant, finedining at The Signature on the 23rd floor.Sofitel Saigon Plaza17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555www.sofitel.com/2077One of the city’s top hotels with in-roomWi-Fi, two restaurants with internationalcuisine, two bars, six conference rooms,outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre.Villa Hotel at Thao Dien195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2Tel: 3744 2222www.thaodienvillage.comColonial-style boutique hotel and spa withfine dining on the banks of the SaigonRiver in expat enclave.Windsor Plaza18 An Duong Vuong, D5Tel: 3833 6688services@windsorplazahotel.comwww.windsorplazahotel.comLocated in a main shopping hub. Fourrestaurants, modern discotheque, conferencecentre, casino, health club, shoppingcentre, supermarket, Chinese restaurant.60 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 61

activitiesSaigon Scooter Centre25/7 Cuu Long, Tan Binh DistrictTel: 4848 7816www.saigonscootercentre.comOne-stop rental service with a wide selectionof scooters/motorbikes availablefor around town travel or long tripsVietnam Vespa Adventures169 De Tham, D1, Pham Ngu LaoTel: 3920 3897www.vietnamvespaadventures.comHeadquaters located in Cafe Zoom.Offers 3-day trips to Mui Ne, 8-days toNha Trang or half-day tours of HCMC onclassic Vespas.HOI AN & DANANGLe Domaine de Tam Hai ResortTel: 0510 3545105www.domainedetamhai.comOccupying an island close to Hoi An, theresort features 12 villas, a private beach,and two restaurants serving French andVietnamese cuisine.Life Resort Hoi An1 Pham Hong Thai, Hoi AnTel: 0510 3914 555www.life-resorts.comWithin walking distance of Hoi An.Rooms are chic and minimalist, offeringall the mod cons. Two restaurants, twobars and an outdoor pool.Nam HaiTel: 0510 3940 000www.ghmhotel.comLuxury resort accommodation fromsingle villas to sumptuous five-roomdwellings with private pools. Facilitiesinclude 8 private spa villas; 3 beachfrontswimming pools; library; and tennis,basketball and badminton courts.Palm Garden Resort Hoi AnLac Long Quan Street, Cua Dai Beach,Hoi AnTel: 0510 3 927 927www.palmgardenresort.com.vnSet on 5 hectares of landscaped tropicalgarden in an enviable beach location,the Palm Garden Resort offers anexceptional green environment with over400 species of palm trees and plantsalong the famous Cua Dai Beach in theUNESCO-recognized world heritage siteof Hoi An Ancient City.Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & SpaCua Dai Beach Tel: 0510 3927 040www.victoriahotels-asia.comSet on its own stretch of beach with105 rooms spread through a traditionalfishing village design of small “streets”and ponds.activitiesHoi An Motorbike AdventuresTel: 0918 230 653www.motorbiketours-hoian.comTwo-wheeled tours of the CentralHighlands, Ho Chi Minh Trail, MonkeyMountain and more on a fleet of Minskdirt bikes and fully and semi-automaticmotorbikes. Customers can drive or bedriven on half- to five-day trips.Phat Tire Ventures619 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 0510 391 1700www.phattireventures.comOffers rappelling and rock climbing atMarble Mountains, as well as walkingand mountain biking excursions, fromtwo-hour countryside trips to two-daycycling trips to Hue. Also does culturaland historical tours and car trips to MySon Holy Land.Vietnam Sailing88 Nguyen Thai Hoc Tel: 0918 255 521www.vietnamsailing.comForeign-operated company operateschartered coach or private tours toCham Islands aboard a Corsair Sprint750 Trimaran. One-day cruises or twodayexcursions with beach camping bycampfire are available.HUECeladon Palace Hue105A Hung Vuong Tel: 054 3936 666www.celadonpalacehue.comGrand building inspired by IndochineNobel House with panoramic views, internationalrestaurant, lounge/bars, pool,ballroom and wedding planning.Imperial Hue57 Dang Dung Tel: 054 3522 478www.imperial-hotel.com.vnOpulent high-rise hotel with panoramicviews of the city and Ngu Binh Mountain.Facilities include swimming pool, gym,Royal spa, Prince Club casino and businesscentre.Mercure Hue Gerbera38 Le Loi Tel: 054 3946 688www.mercure.comOverlooking the Perfume River, thiscentrally located hotel has 110 contemporaryrooms. Local Hue cuisine andinternational fare served at Le Bordeaux,and drinks served up top at Sky Bar or inthe ground-floor Lobby Bar.Pilgrimage Village Resort & Spa130 Minh Mang Tel: 054 3885 461www.pilgrimagevillage.comBoutique resort with hut, bungalow andvilla accommodation draws on naturalenvironment and local culture. FeaturesVedana spa, two restaurants servingVietnamese & Western food and importedwines and three bar/lounges.NHA TRANGEvason Hideaway at Ana MandaraNinh Van Bay, Ninh Hoa, Khanh HoaTel: 058 3728 222www.sixsenses.com/hideawayanamandaraAn island hideaway accessible only byboat, 58 private pool villas, internationaland local restaurants, wedding services,water sports and scuba diving.Evason Ana Mandara Nha TrangBeachside, Tran Phu, Nha TrangTel: 058 3522 222www.sixsenses.com/evasonanamandaraBeachside resort set in 26,000 squaremetres of tropical garden, with 74 guestvillas, three restaurants, Six Senses Spa.Novotel Nha Trang50 Tran Phu Tel: 058 625 6900www.novotel-nhatrang.comEach of the 154 rooms has a terrace withseaviews in this modern hotel locatedin the city centre. The Square servesinternational cuisine in a dining roomoverlooking the bay.Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel & Spa26 - 28 Tran Phu, Nha Trang, KhanhHoa Tel: 58 388 0000www.sheraton.com/nhatrangLuxury hotel with 284 ocean view rooms,six restaurants and bars, club lounge,infinity edge swimming pool, spa, yogastudio, cooking school, Sheraton AdventureClub and (connected at) Link@Sheraton.PHAN THIETPrincess D’Annam Resort and SpaKhu Hon Lan, Tan Thanh, Ham ThuanNam, Binh ThuanTel: 062 3682 222www.princessannam.comLocated on Ke Ga Bay with 57 exclusivevillas, eight swimming pools, two restaurantsand 1,800 square metres spacomplex.The Sailing Club24 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Mui Ne,Phan Thiet Tel: 062 3847 440www.sailingclubvietnam.comOpen bar overlooking the sea, spaciousrooms, restaurant, swimming pool andday spa.Victoria Phan Thiet Resort and SpaMui Ne Beach Tel: 84 62 3813 000www.victoriahotels-asia.comLocated on a private beach, 60 cosybungalows, natural spa experiencesamong other great activities on offer atthe resort.activitiesC2Sky KitesurfingSunny Beach, 64-66 Nguyen DinhChieu Tel: 0916655241www.c2skykitecenter.comOperates two schools roughly 500mapart, staffed by IKO-certified instructors.Offers a half dozen course types, as wellas instructor training. Equipment rentaland repair.Jibes Beach Club84-90 Nguyen Dinh ChieuTel: 062 3847 008www.windsurf-vietnam.comIKO-licensed kitesurfing centre offershighly structured kitesurfing classestaught by experienced watersportsmen.Also offer windsurfing lessons and retailsin watersports equipment (bodyboards,kayaks, surfboards, windsurfs).Mui Ne Cooking SchoolSunshine Beach Resort, 84 TuyenQuang Tel: 062 383 0755Al fresco classes begin with a trip toRang Market and focus on the provincialcuisine of Binh Thuan, like banh xeo(crepes with beef or seafood) and goi haisan (seafood salad).Surfpoint217 Nguyen Dinh Chieuwww.surfpoint-vietnam.comOffers private and group kiteboardingcourses and equipment rental (from$40-50/hr). Also runs group and privatesurfing lessons, as well as kayaking tripsto Song Quao Lake.WindChimes SchoolSaigon Mui Ne Resort, 56 Nguyen DinhChieuwww.kiteboarding-vietnam.comSurf school situated on 235m of beachoffers kiteboarding, windsurfing and surfingclasses in multiple languages taughtby IKO-certified instructors. Equipmentrented and trips organised. Satelliteschool at Bamboo Village Resort.PHU QUOCFreedomlandOng Long Beach Tel: 077 3994 891freedomlandphuquoc.comSecluded lodging in six different bungalowtypes built from natural materialssourced from the island. Private orshared bathrooms, no air-conditioning orhot water. Boat trips and scooter tours.La VerandaWard 1, Duong Dong BeachTel: 077 3982 888www.laverandaresort.comSet amid tropical gardens along a beach.Features a highly-rated spa, beach grill,Vietnamese, Asian and European cuisine.Mango BayOng Lang Beach, Phu QuocTel: 0903 382 207www.mangobayphuquoc.comLow-cost seaside resort with ecologicaloutlook promotes nature activities, forestwalks, snorkelling, open-air seafoodrestaurant. No TV or telephone.SAPATopas Eco Lodge24 Muong Hoa Tel: 020 3871 331www.topasecolodge.comOverlooking the Hoang Lien Mountains,Topas is comprised of 25 white graniteand golden hardwood lodges poweredby solar energy. Premises include restaurantin traditional Tay stilt house, andTopas offers a range of outdoor activities,including mountain biking and trekking.Victoria Sapa ResortSapa District, Lao Cai ProvinceTel: 020 0871 522www.victoriahotels-asia.comMountain chalet perched over the villagewth cosy but modern guestrooms overlookingthe lawn and garden. Ta Van restaurantoverlooks Mount Fansipan andTa Fin bar has a stone hearth fireplace.Connection from Hanoi by private train.SCUBA DIVINGNote: AsiaLIFE only lists dive centresrecognized by international dive trainingprograms, such as the ProfessionalAssociation of Dive Instructors (PADI)and Scuba Schools International (SSI).We strongly advise against diving withunaccredited dive centres in Vietnam.Rainbow Divers55 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2Tel: 3744 6825www.divevietnam.comDiving tours and career/instructor developmentoffered by Vietnam’s first PADIcentre. established in the mid-90s. Allcourses can be started at the state-ofthe-artdive centre in An Phu, from beginnerpool work and theory to divemasterand instructor certification. Operates divecentres in Nha Trang, Whale Island, HoiAn and Phu Quoc.Octopus Diving62 Tran Phu, Nha Trang058 826 528www.divenhatrang.comPADI/SSI dive centre based in Nha Trangand affiliated with the Sailing Club Co.,with additional centres in Mui Ne and HoiAn. Offers a range of services, includingchildren’s Bubblemaker classes, coursesin specialised techniques and divemastercertification.VUNG TAUHo Tram Beach Resort & SpaHo Tram Village, Xuyen MocTel: 06 4378 1525www.hotramresort.comLocated about 45km from Vung Tau inthe Phuoc Buu Reserve Forest, Ho TramBeach Resort & Spa boasts uniquelydesigned bungalows and villas.River Ray Resort159-163 Thuy Van Tel: 06 4362 8888www.imperialhotelvietnam.comVictorian-style hotel with 152 rooms,outdoor pool, shopping mall and fullyserviced gym.TRAVEL AGENTSBuffalo ToursSuite 601, Satra House, 58 Dong KhoiD1 Tel: 3827 9170www.buffalotours.comTailor-made itineraries, community-basedtourism, cultural tours, adventure trips,golfing and premium trips offered by locallyrun and well-respected travel agent.ExotissimoHCMC: 20 Hai Ba Trung St, D1Tel: 3827 2911infosgn@exotissimo.comSD5-2 Grand View, Nguyen Duc Canh,Phu My Hung, D7 Tel: 5412 2761/62pmh@exotissimo.comHANOI: 26 Tran Nhat Duat St,Hoan Kiem Tel: 04 3828 2150infohanoi@exotissimo.comwww.exotissimo.comFrench-owned agency specializing inflight bookings, package holidays and arange of well-run cultural and historicaltours of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.62 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 63

imbibeDrink to Good HealthBy Beth YoungGrown originally in the southwest of France, Tannat—anespecially thick-skinned redgrape—has been keeping theregion’s population alive longer.That’s because the littleknownvariety contains severalunique natural compoundsthat are said to halt wrinkles,contribute to cardiovascularhealth and even protectagainst cancer.JB Baudron, sales andoperations manager atThe Warehouse, calls thisphenomenon the “FrenchParadox”. Though foiegras, creamy cheese andcassoulet—a local delicacythat mixes white beans, goosefat, pork and duck sausagewith tomato sauce—comprisethe food of choice, the area’sinhabitants are defying logicwith their good health.A bottle of Madiran,the most famous Tannatdrop—and the one mostwidely drunk in France—goesfor 594,000 VND at TheWarehouse. Very similar toMadiran is Saint Mont (whichranges in price from 235,000to 594,000 VND). Baudronsays both wines are darkcrimson in colour with a floralyet woody bouquet owed toa year spent aging in oak barrels.And because of the highlevel of tannin evident in allwines made from this supergrape,they have a crisp, freshand light texture.Interestingly, Tannat grapeshave also travelled fromFrance to Uruguay. There,a thriving Tannat industryspanning 200 years producesjuicier wine with fruity, berrynotes, spicy accents and alonger finish. The Warehousestocks Monte de Luz—asmoky variety best servedwith beef (309,000 VND).Regardless of where thewine hails from it is generally afull-bodied brew that Baudronsays improves enormouslywith age. When kept in thebottle for up to two decades,he says Tannat wines developserious complexity. The aromaticberry and wood flavourswill remain, but will be joinedby hints of leather, tobaccoand dried fruit. What’s more,the tannins will melt away,creating a smoother finish thatBaudron enthuses is “wellworth the wait”.Banh Chungstreet gourmetBanh chung is a traditionalVietnamese cake madefrom glutinous rice, greenbean and pork. It is an essentialelement of the familyaltar on Tet and making andeating banh chung duringthis time is a well-preservedCHINESEDragon Court11-13 Lam Son Square, D1Tel: 3827 2566Open until 2am, this vast, no-frills eaterygets packed with hungry locals whosavour generous portions of tasty dimsum. All the Chinese staples are here.Expect a good feed for under 100,000VND per person.Dynasty RestaurantNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Tel: 3822 8888Fine Chinese dining in an opulent restaurantreminiscent of the Middle Kingdom’simperial days. Delicacies clockin at 500,000 VND, but most dishes fallbetween 80,000 to 180,000 VND.Huy Long Vien99 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3823 7799www.huylongvien.comA magnificent Chinese restaurant witha leafy slate-tiled courtyard, Chineselanterns and a labyrinth of water works.Lunchtime dim sum is 120,000 VND,while the a la carte menu runs higherwith Chinese specialties such as Pekingduck for 400,000 VND.KabinRenaissance Riverside Hotel, 8-15 TonDuc Thang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033Elegant dining space with beautifuldecor and great views over the riveroffers extensive lunch and dinner menusfeaturing authentic gourmet Cantoneseand Szechuan dishes and an assortmentof dim sum at lunchtime.Li BaiSheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi, D1Tel: 3827 2828Imperial-styled restaurant named aftera famous Chinese poet. Excellent lunchtime dim sum buffet for USD $17.00.tradition. Aside from Tet, itis eaten all year round andis one of the national dishesof Vietnam. It goes for20,000 to 100,000 VND,depending on its size.Hanh NguyenNightly à la carte menu with dishes goingfrom 100,000 VND.Lotus Court1st floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanTel: 3844 9222 ext. 168www.moevenpick-saigon.comDim Sum and exciting Cantonese cuisinein a unique and elegant setting.Ming Dynasty23 Nguyen Khac Vien, Phu My HungTel: 5411 5555Decorated in Ming Dynasty-style; offers100 dim sum varieties and 300 dishesprepared by a chef from Hong Kong.The restaurant’s Imperial Buffet costsUSD $39 per person and includes freeflow of wine.Ngan Dinh Chinese RestaurantWindsor Plaza Hotel, 18 An DuongVuong, D5 Tel: 3833 6688Beautiful wood paneling, colourfulhanging lanterns and a sparkling mineralgallery make for a relaxing dining experienceat the Windsor. Feast on roastedPi Pa duck, giant grouper and steamedking prawns. Be sure to check outmonthly specials.Ocean Palace2 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3911 8822Both traditional and trendy Chinesedishes are prepared by chef from HongKong and served in an opulent 280-seatdining room in this restaurant oppositethe zoo. Intimate private rooms andlarger party rooms available for booking.Shang Palace RestaurantNorfolk Mansion, 17-19-21 Ly Tu Trong,D1 Tel: 3823 2221www.shangpalace.com.vnAn upscale Chinese restaurant with aspacious and welcoming atmosphere.The menu boasts a wide range of HongKong Cantonese cuisine, including bothdim sum, a la carte and set menus,regularly changed by the creative chefs.Thao Li RestaurantGrand View C, Nguyen Duc Canh, PhuMy Hung Tel: 5412 5999Daily Dim Sum Buffet costs USD $9.90per person, starting from 11 am. Thedaily A La Carte Dinner Buffet costs$14.90 per person; includes more than55 dishes.Truyen Ky261B Dao Duy Tu, D10Small homestyle Chinese restaurantspecializing in the salty Hakka cuisine ofsoutheastern China, including tofu andchilis stuffed with fish paste.Yu ChuInterContinental Asiana Saigon, cornerof Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1Tel: 3520 9099dine@icasianasaigon.comSpecializing in authentic Cantoneseand Peking cuisine. Award-winning chefprepares dishes including handmadenoodles, dim sum and wok-fried items.Wide selection of live seafood. Fiveinteractive kitchens.DESSERT PARLOURSBo Gia (The Godfather)29 Ngo Duc Ke, D120 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1299 Nguyen Van Troi, Tan BinhDoes brisk lunchtime trade with itsselection of more than 25 ice creamfavours and Vietnamese noodle and ricedishes.Ciao Cafe40 Ngo Duc Ke, D1With a number of branches downtown(21 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and 26 TranCao Van, among others), this popularcafe offers a mixture of food, drinksand books. Boasts about 20 ice creamspecials and serves crepes, sodas andshakes.Fanny Ice Cream29-31 Ton That Thiep, D1Tel: 3821 1633Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,D1www.fanny.com.vnTranquil open-terraced heaven for icecreamlovers. Menu contains fresh fruit,ice cream, sherbets and sorbets (coconut,caramel and Bailey’s ice-cream andmango sorbet are standouts). All youcan eat first Friday of the month. Ministry of Food30 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3827 7898Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,D1Two-floor dessert house specializing inItalian and Japanese treats serving awide array of ice cream flavours usingmilk from Japan’s dairy capital. Alsoserves sandwiches and bento boxes.New Zealand Natural3rd Floor, Parkson Department Store39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D14th Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan1st Floor, Saigon Superbowl, 843Truong Son, Tan Binhwww.newzealandnatural.comServes flavours ranging from chocolateecstasy, fruits of the forest and boysenberrydream by the scoop.Yogen Fruz118 Pasteur, D1106 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton,D1Panorama Apartments, Ton Dat Tien,Phu My Hung, D7www.yogenfruz.comFrozen yoghurt parlour is decked inmod-meets-IKEA decor and serves nofat,and low-fat fro-yo blended with freshfruits, soft serve and smoothies.FRENCHAnnamite French Restaurant21 Tu Xuong, Ward 7 D3Tel: 6277 8332annamite-restaurant.comThe new VN restaurant area of D3 opensa classic French dinning option, led byex Caprice chef. Snug atmosphere witha classic touch . French favourites suchas escargot in garlic butter, Pan friedgoose froie gras, duck in port wine,poached river sole with saffron sauceand classic flambé crepes.Au Manoir de Khai251 Dien Bien Phu, Q3 Tel: 3930 3394This top-end contemporary Frenchrestaurant is set in a picturesque colonialvilla with a lush courtyard and a lavishinterior. Full of private rooms and opulentlounge areas, this unique eatery is thebrainchild of Vietnamese fashion guruHoang Khai of Khai Silk fame. Offers updishes such as lobster consomme, panfriedduck liver, salmon medallions withMoet and escalope de foie gras.Cote D'Azur12T3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Da Kao.D1 Tel: 3911 5473www.cotedazur.vnAuthentic French cuisine in delightfulsurroundings, the brasserie's menuoffers delectable dishes. Cote d'Azur'sambience gives it a homely feel and italso offers catering services.La BordeauxF7-F8, D2 Road, P25, Binh ThanhTel: 3899 9831www.restaurant-lebordeaux.com.vnFrench fine dining in an elegant, intimate12 T3 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai St. Dist.1, Ho Chi Minh CityT/F: 08 39 11 54 73 E: brasserie@cotedazur.vnwww.cotedazur.vnWhere the game’s always on!NFL, College Football, NHL, Football, Rugby and More.Takeout and Free Delivery.28/4 Bui Vien Str. Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Dist 1.Phone: (08) 665 663 38 - (08) 665 663 28OPEN24/766 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 67

ecipesSalmon is great for a burst of protein mid-week. Thisscrumptious glaze will give it an extra kick.2 salmon fillets2 tsp sugar1⁄2 cup light soy sauce2 red chillies, sliced2 tsp ginger, grated2 cloves garlic, minced4 tbs sesame oil2 tbs cooking oilSoy Glazed SalmonONEPut all ingredients in a ziploc bag excluding cooking oil. Shake untilfillets are marinated evenly.TWOTake out fillets, pour excess marinade in a pan and let thicken.THREEHeat oil, pan-sear fillets (4 minutes on each side).FOURPour glaze over the salmon and serve.SERVE WITHBrown rice + a side of greens.serves 2 | prep time: 10 minutesTRY THISUse teriyaki sauce instead of soy sauce in the marinade, just omit sugar.For more information contact Elizabeth Png-Reade atelizabeth.png-reade@electrolux.comRecipes provided byloft space with dark wood and linendrapedtables. Expect simple, classicdishes prepared to perfection. Rotatingseasonal menu.La Camargue191 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3520 4888Boasts a reputation for excellence in finedining for more than 10 years. ModernFrench and Italian cuisine is served ina colonial-style alfresco dining space.An extensive wine list allows diners tochoose the perfect pairing.La Fourchette9 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3829 8143Rustic downtown restaurant, with agood longstanding reputation for servinggood traditional French fare at reasonableprices. Open 12 am to 2 pm andfrom 7 pm to 10 pm.La Nicoise42 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3822 8613Small French-style bistro, with prettymosaic tiled bar and tables. Offersa good range of teas, coffees andespresso-based drinks. Lunch menuchanges daily, but always encompassestraditional French food. Open until 10pm.Le Jardin31 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3825 8465This delightful restaurant in a picturesquegarden setting is open for lunchand dinner and serves excellent Frenchfood at reasonable prices. Main coursescost about 60,000 VND and a carafe ofhouse wine costs 50,000 VND.L’en Tête139 Nguyen Thai Binh, D1Tel: 3821 4049, 0903 188 091This stylish bistro and gallery serves upa large selection of French fare representingan excellent selection of classicFrench fish and meat dishes, as wellas international cuisine. Live music onMondays, Wednesdays and Saturdaysstarting at 8 pm.Olivier RestaurantLevel 2, Sofitel Saigon Plaza,17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555Imaginative French cuisine cooked upin a blend of classic and contemporary.Executive Chef Martin Becquartprepares a solid but creative selectionof French favourites with an extensiverange of fish and meat dishes.Ty Coz178/4 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3822 2457Homely and attractive venue specializesin classic French cuisine. Does excellentthree-course business set meals for andsells carefully selected seafood.INDIANAshoka17/10 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823137233 Tong Huu Dinh, D2 Tel: 744 4144S9-1 lo R13 - KP Hung Vuong 2, D7Tel: 5410 1989Ashoka is one of the city’s most popularand enduring Indian restaurants with areputation for good food and service ata reasonable price.Ganesh15 - B4 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3822 3017Casual dining with takeaway available,Ganesh serves up both North andSouth Indian culinary traditions. Veryreasonably priced, with vegetariancurries from 40,000 VND and chickendishes from 64,000 VND. Mumtaz226 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3837 1767Reasonably priced north and southIndian fare in a clean, light and spacioussetting. Vegetarian curries go for around30,000 VND while meat dishes costbetween 45,000 VND and 55,000 VNDeach. Excellent kebabs. Saigon Indian73 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 5671Popular venue with an enormous menu.Serves both southern and northernIndian dishes like tandoori, biryani, dosaand idly snacks, plus a wide range ofvegetarian dishes. Offers a set lunchmenu. Cater service is available. Tandoor74/6 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3930 4839www.tandoorvietnam.comPart of a chain of restaurants coveringHanoi and Saigon, Tandoor features alarge selection of standard northern Indiandishes, including a good vegetarianselection. Excellent cheap set lunchesand reasonable prices all around. Willorganize catering for events. INTERNATIONALAl Fresco’s21 Mac Dinh Chi D1 Tel: 3823 842727 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3822 7317D1-23 My Toan 3, D7 Tel: 5410 1093400 Nguyen Trai, D5 Tel: 3838 3840www.alfrescosgroup.comTheme restaurant boasting a range ofTex-Mex, Italian and Australian-styleBBQ dishes. Huge portions and tastyAustralian ribs coupled with a goodatmosphere and helpful staff. Goodlunch menu. Amigo Grill55 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3829 0437Outstanding steaks made with Australian,U.S. and Argentine beef, servedin a cosy, family-friendly environmentwith large tables and banquette seating.Dishes like leg of lamb and seafoodare also on the menu. Open 11 am to11 pm.Au Lac Do Brazil238 Pasteur, D3 Tel: 3820 715736/19-21 Pham Van Nghi-Bac, D7Tel: 5410 5566www.aulacdobrazil.comA Brazilian barbecue restaurant thattakes meat seriously. The mixed grillsand rodizio are fantastic and servedin generous portions. No meat-eatershould miss the churrasco: 12 cuts ofmeat carved at your table, plus unlimitedsalad.Au Parc23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772Lavishly decorated brasserie borrowingfrom Moroccan and French styles andpopular during lunchtime with expats.Specializes in Middle Eastern and NorthAfrican food. The salad menu is a favourite,and a great range of lush smoothiesand juices are on offer. Black Cat13 Phan Van Dat, D1 Tel: 3829 2055628 An Binh, An Phu, D2Tel: 3898 9837Tiny but popular District 1 restaurantserving up an excellent selection ofWestern and Vietnamese fare and anextensive range of sandwiches andburgers. The District 2 location alsofeatures a slate of sushi and Mexicanfood, and the District 7 outpost has afull barbecue menu. BoatHouse40 Lily Road, APSC Compound,36 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6790Riverside restaurant with umbrellashadedtables spread across outdoordeck and small indoor dining room.Serves remarkably fresh and inspireddishes made with choice local andimported ingredients—favourites includethe sirloin burger and pan-fried fish andchips.BoatHouse Cafe37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9182BoatHouse’s sister eatery for takeawayand delivery service. Offerscoffee, breakfast sandwiches, juices,smoothies, pre-packaged salads, sandwiches,burgers and fish and chips. Byblos Restaurant & Shisha Lounge11 Ngo Duc Khe, D1 Tel: 3825 7781www.byblos.com.vnDowntown restaurant serves a menuof Lebanese starters, salads and mainsserved in a casual dining room. Cateringavailable. Events and weekly bellydance show hosted. Cafe SaigonGround floor, Moevenpick HotelSaigon253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanTel: 3844 9222 ext. 234www.moevenpick-saigon.comAn international buffet with unique foodconcepts that is perfect for gatheringfamily and friends.CepageLancaster Building 22 Le Thanh Ton,D1 Tel: 3823 8321, 3823 8733www.cepage.bizOne of the city’s premier venues, Cepagedelivers an up-market bar, winelounge and restaurant in one sleekpackage. Sells several wines by theglass with several hundred bottles tochoose from. Mixes some of the city’sbest cocktails.Cham Charm3 Phan Van Chuong, Phu My HungTel: 5410 9999The highlight of this upscale, beautifullydecorated Asian restaurant is a specialseafood buffet that includes Portugueseoysters, Alaskan crab, lobsters, sushi,sashimi, Japanese-style seafood,Langoustine prawns, American Angusbeef and much more. Errazuriz winesare also included in the buffet. Part ofthe Khai Silk chain.The Deck38 Nguyen U Di, D2 Tel: 3744 6632Serves upmarket takes on regionalspecialties made with fresh local andimported products. Well-designed,minimalist dining space and bar on theriver are a serious draw.Domino’s Pizza Vietnam117 Nguyen Duc Canh, My Duc, D7Tel: 3939 3030www.dominos.vnwww.facebook.com/DominosPizzaVietnamDomino’s delivers hot and fresh pizzasto your home within 30 Minutes. Open11 am to 11 pm, Sunday to Thursdayand 11 am to midnight, Friday toSaturday.The Elbow Room52 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3821 4327elbowroom52@yahoo.comAmerican-style bistro offering a widerange of appetisers, soups, salads,sandwiches, mains and desserts, plusan extensive wine menu. Open daily7.30 am to 11 pm. Breakfast servedall day.Gartenstadt34 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 3623Opened in 1992, it’s the first venue intown to offer German food with specialitiessuch as pork knuckle and authenticGerman sausages prepared fresh eachday. Also offers imported Germandraught beer.Good EatsNTFQ2, 34 Nguyen Dang GiaiThao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6672Easteran and Western dishes are low insaturated fat and made from all-naturalingredients. Organic vegetables, herbsand spices accompany meals. Even theFrench fries are healthy. Hard Rock CafeInterContinental Asiana Saigon, cornerof Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1Tel: 3520 9099www.hardrockcafe.vnPopular theme restaurant/live musicvenue serves large portions of pub fareincluding salads, fajitas and burgers.Rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia adorns thewalls in classic Hard Rock-style and therock shop sells themed shot glasses,T-shirts and jewellery. Hideaway Cafe41/1 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3Tel: 3822 4222www.hideawaycafe-saigon.comStylishly decorated and relaxing restaurantand cafe serving an eclectic rangeof tasty European-style food. Dine alfresco in the charming courtyard. Jaspa’s33 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3822 9926www.alfrescosgroup.comUnpretentious brasserie-style restaurantspecializes in Australian-influencedinternational fusion cuisine. Full range ofOpen 10am - 2amDelivery 11am - 11pmFor company function please call or sms Ms Vi 090 712 943025 Dong Du, D1, HCMCcall 08 629 136 77 or info@pasha.com.vnWWW.PASHA.COM.VNdrinks including Australian and Frenchwines and good cocktails. Hosts monthlySpam Cham networking event. Juice49 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3829 6900Bright and stylish deli-style restaurantserving salads, sandwiches, quichesand meat pies with French fries andpotato salad. Also has daily lunch anddinner menu. Excellent smoothies andjuices, as well as novelty drinks likewheatgrass shooter and Cannonballcocktail. To find us, walk through the arch at74 Hai Ba Trung and discover ourbeautiful secluded courtyard.Juice Bar86 Ngo Duc Ke, D1Tel: 3914 0631 or 3915 3603www.juicebar.vnServes healthy smoothies made withyoghurt, fresh fruit and vegetable juicesand wholesome sandwiches. Also sellsvitamins and supplements.Kita Coffee House39 Nguyen Hue, D1, Tel: 3821 5300Four-level restaurant serving a widemenu of mains, pastas, salads,sandwiches, soups and appetizers forTelephone3823 0509Open 7 DaysEnglish live sports channels • Free wi-fi • Dips • Meze •Homemade pide bread • Kebabs • Koftes • Steaks •Shawarma • Sandwiches • Vegetarian • Turkish & Italianpizza’s • Pasta • Seafood • Turkish delights • Drinks • Shisha68 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 69

47 Phan Chu Trinh St.Ben Thanh Ward D1 HCM Citywww.babyspoonvn.comlunch and dinner, as well as a variety ofcoffee and fresh fruit juices. Includes abright ground floor cafe, sophisticatedOld World second floor bar and rooftopdining. Set dinner served from 5pm. Alsoin Vincom Center. Market 39InterContinental Asiana SaigonGround Floor, Corner Hai Ba Trung andLe Duan, D1 Tel: 3520 9099dine@icasianasaigon.comSeven interactive live kitchens offeringFrench, Vietnamese and Southeast Asiancuisines, including a bakery, French patisseries,pancakes, tossed salads, grilledsteak, seafood, wok-fried items, noodlesand pasta dishes.Mekong Merchant23 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 4713Set in a courtyard, this rustic Australianstylebrasserie has brought moderninternational cuisine to suburban An Phu.Popular for weekend brunches. Weeklyspecials and seafood flown in from PhuQuoc. New York Steakhouse & Winery25-27 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1Tel: 3823 7373New-york@steakhouse.com.vnwww.steakhouse.com.vnChic dining venue designed in a classicNew York City Art Deco. Open every dayuntil late. Specializes in certified U.S.Black Angus steak, and features a fullystocked wine cellar. Guests are invited tobring their own wine on BYOB Mondays.OrienticaHotel Equatorial, 242 Tran Binh Trong,D5 Tel: 3839 7777www.equatorial.com/hcmTop-end seafood and grill restaurantboasting modern decor. Good serviceand excellent food presentation make thisa pleasant alternative to the downtownscene.Pacharan Tapas and Bodega97 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3825 6024This tapas restaurant and bar serves upsuperb Spanish fare crafted from authenticimported ingredients. The exclusivelySpanish wine list is extensive and Sangriais half price during happy hour from 5 pmto 7 pm and all day Wednesday.Pinocchio RestaurantVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3993 9199Email: info@pinocchio.vnA quiet place in the Vincom Centerto indulge in pizza, pasta, salad andinternational and Vietnamese mains for areasonable price.The Refinery74/7C Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 0509Authentic bistro with cane furniture outside,informal indoor restaurant sectionand a bar area. Cuisine is light, modernEuropean. The menu spans a price rangeto suit most budgets.ReflectionsCaravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square,D1 Tel: 3823 4999Contemporary fine dining that combinesAsian flavors with classic Mediterraneancuisine in an ambiance of understatedelegance and European style. Specialculinary events include guest chefs fromMichelin-star establishments around theworld. Private rooms are available.Riverside CafeRenaissance Riverside, 8-15 Ton DucThang, D1 Tel: 3822 0033International venue opening onto the bustlingriver sidewalk, open for breakfast,lunch and dinner, and particularly notedfor its sumptuous buffet selection whichcombines Asian, Western and Vietnamesecuisine.Sandals93 Hai Ba Trung, D1www.sailingclubvietnam.comCasual dining in evocative 3-floor spacewith blonde wood accents and cosyseating throughout. Kitchen turns outelegant and inspired fare at surprisingvalue for money: meal-sized salads; fillingburgers, wraps and sandwiches.Signature RestaurantLevel 23, Sheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoi,D1 Tel: 3827 2828Fine dining with panoramic views overcentral HCM City. Food is stunninglypresented, top-end European cuisinewith Asian influences cooked by Germanchef Andreas Schimanski. A la carte orfive-course set menu available.Skewers9A Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3822 4798www.skewers-restaurant.comRustic Mediterranean restaurant wheresubtle colours and exposed brickworkcombine with jazzy tunes. Serves tabouleh,falafel, couscous and kebab. Highlyrated for its grilled meats, bread and dipcombos, soups and pastas. Square OnePark Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square,D1 Tel: 3520 2359Specializing in high-end Western andVietnamese cuisine, Square One servescharcoal-grilled meats and seafood,as well as steamed and wok-cookedVietnamese fare.VillaFB79 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1Tel: 3823 3822www.villafb.comRefurbished villa with a spacious designledindoor dining room and an elegantenclosed courtyard. Serves bun noodlestreet gourmetBanh Bo HapBanh bo hap is a sweet,chewy steamed white cakemade from rice flour, water,sugar, and yeast. The textureof this steamed cake ischewy and sticky and it issweet with a slightly tangydishes for breakfast and lunch beforeswitching to a menu of Eastern andWestern fine dining for dinner.Warda71/7 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 3822Chic, middle-eastern themed eateryswathed in oranges and reds servingLebanese cuisine prepared by Damascanchef, Nouman. Mezze and tapasare the main draw, but you can also puffon hookas post-meal.Xu Saigon71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 38248468www.xusaigon.comInspired restaurant with an F&B directorwith a passion for mixing Vietnamesecooking with flavours and styles fromaround the world. Sleek but sparselydesigned, the restaurant serves nouveautakes on Vietnamese cuisine.aftertaste. Added coconutmilk gives banh bo hap afragrant aroma. Banh bohap is generally eaten asa dessert and costs about3,000 VND per piece.Hanh NguyenITALIANBaby Spoon Cafe & RestaurantHead Office: 47 Phan Chu Trinh, D1Tel: 3822 3356 Fax: 3822 3357SB 2-1 Parkview, Phu My Hung, D7Tel: 5412 0145Level 3, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan,D1While Baby Spoon is primarily Italian,a vast selection of international cuisineis served in this Japanese-inspiredrestaurant.BasilicoInterContinental Asiana Saigon,Ground Floor, Corner Nguyen Du andHai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3520 9099dine@icasianasaigon.comContemporary and casual trattoria-stylerestaurant specializing in authentic Italiandishes and homemade desserts.Houses & VillasFor rent in Dist.2, HCM: An Phu,Thao Dien, & Tran NaoCentro Caffe & Ristorante11-13 Lam Son Square, D131 Ngo Duc Ke, D16 Thai Van Lung, D1This is home of Illy coffee in Vietnam.Offers modern and traditional Italiancuisine in three central locations withlunchtime set menus and regular winetasting evenings. Good spot for businesscoffee meetings.Good Morning Vietnam197 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3837 1894Popular authentic Italian restaurant withadditional outlets around the country.Specializes in thin-crust pizza, pasta anda range of Italian dishes. Good selectionof Italian wines. La Hostaria17B Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 1080Rustic eatery specializing in top-endtraditional cuisine from various regionsin Italy. Main courses from 130,000VND with daily specials on offer. Servesexcellent pizza. OperaGround floor Park Hyatt Hotel, 2 LamSon Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234Slick, contemporary eatery with exposedbrick and glass. The space revolvesaround an island kitchen from whichchefs produce gourmet Italian fare. Internationallytrained chefs work with thefreshest and finest ingredients around toproduce some superb dishes.Pepperoni’s111 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 3920 4989Attractive pizza and pasta restaurantfrom the same chain as Al Fresco’s.Good cheap buffet lunches on weekdaysand all-round large and tastyportions. Pomodoro79 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 8998Save time:See all pictures& details online.Updated daily.www.snap.com.vnA family-oriented Italian restaurantserving traditional fare are surprisinglyreasonable prices. Offers daily lunchtimespecials and has an extensive wine list.Sarpino’s125 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7788Tasty American-style pan pizza in apleasant and fresh Italian-themedenvironment. Four sizes available, frompersonal to extra large, with a largerange of toppings. Also serves pasta,soups, wings and salads. Scoozi6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3823 5795Italian pizza restaurant affiliated withCentro Caffe serving tasty gourmet pizzasprepared in a wood-fired oven. Thedelicious creations restore one’s faith inHCM City’s ability to turn out a qualitypie. Villa RomaineThao Dien Village 195 Nguyen VanHuong D2 Tel: 3744 6857Set on the banks of the Saigon River,Villa Romaine offers traditional Italianpizzas and pastas in an alfresco settingwith an excellent wine list. Open tillmidnight Sunday to Thursday and till 1am Friday and Saturday.JAPANESEDragon Hot Pot122-124 Ho Tung Mau, D1Tel: 3915 1001info@dragonhotpot.vnJapanese hot pot restaurant servingmotsu nabe, Japanese barbeque andlots of sake and shoju.IkiGround floor, Moevenpick Hotel Saigon253 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanTel: 3844 9222 ext. 127www.moevenpick-saigon.comLOUISIANEBREWHOUSEBeachside Nha TrangAsian & Western CuisineSwimming Pool & Private Beachwww.louisianebrewhouse.com.vn70 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 71

Asian GourmetA great range of food from aroundthe world, with emphasis placed onBBQ’d Asian dishes41 Vo Truong Toan, D2 Tel: 6280 6870Independentlyvoted one of thetop 3 restaurantsin VietnamOne of the fastest-growinginnovative function andfood service organisersTel: Robert (English) 012 2303 9633Ms. Huong (Vietnamese) 091 398 1128Email: info@saigoncateringco.comwww.saigongourmetgroup.comA Japanese restaurant that turns thenotion of the common hotel sushi eateryon its head thanks to an affordable menuand a fun atmosphere.K Cafe74 A4 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3824 5355Small, cosy and cheery, this café is noteworthyfor its cracking hand rolls. Salmonskin rolls are also a treat. The assortedsushi and sashimi, tasty and beautifullypresented, costs around USD $8. Leavesome room for homemade yoghurt.Kuru Kuru Sushi129 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3824 3566Sushi restaurant with colour-codedmenu and items served from a rotatingconveyor belt. Helpful place mats in bothEnglish and Vietnamese break downprices and explain how to choose yourfood. Very affordable prices.NishimuraMövenpick Hotel Saigon, 253 NguyenVan Troi, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3844 9222Exquisitely prepared sushi and sashimifrom a globetrotting chef with threedecades’ experience. A wide range ofcooked dishes and monthly meal promotionsare also available. Set lunches costabout USD $15.Okinawa Yamaneko13/1 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8433www.yamaneko-vn.comPart restaurant, part Japanese pub servingup a variety of Okinawa favourites likesashimi with sea grapes, namakari andgoya champuru plus sushi and soba.Sakae SushiNowzone @ Royal Centre, Level 4235 Nguyen Van Cu, D1 Tel: 3504 0054Healthy, affordable and quick servicekaiten (conveyor belt) sushi makes for afun dining experience. Extensive menualso includes beef, chicken and vegetarianoptions.The Sushi Bar2 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 80423A Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3911 8618This brightly lit Japanese-style restaurantserves over 40 varieties of sushi at reasonableprices. Sit at the sushi bar or inprivate rooms upstairs. Open until 11.30pm, delivery available on request. Popularwith expats and locals alike. Tama-GawaThao Dien Village 195 Nguyen VanHuong D2 Tel: 08 37446857Anh Phu’s only Japanese restaurant,Tama-Gawa serves fresh sushi and otherdelicacies. Set lunches begin at 120,000VND.Zen20 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 0782Located amid the sea of Japaneserestaurants on Le Thanh Ton Street, Zenoffers a wide range of Japanese dishes.The yakitori station grills up fantasticsteak and quail’s eggs, and the chilledudon noodles are also a standout.KOREAN25 Si8A/6D Thai Van Lung, D1Tel: 3824 6921Traditional Yasik-style drinking restaurant.Winter and summer scene muralsfill the walls of this dual level eatery.Large menu with favs like budae jjigae,a mix of chilli paste, Spam, hot dog andtofu, as well as super spicy duruchigi.Hana8 Cao Ba Quat, D1 Tel: 3829 5588Japanese-Korean fusion in the heartof District 1. Contemporary decor witha private, yet open feel. Broad menuincluding cooked and raw fish andtraditional hot pot with fish eggs, riceand vegetables.Kim Bab Chun GookR4 42 Hung Phuoc 2, Phu My HungTel: 6296 9057Korean boonshik/snack food eateryserving up a wide variety of light butsubstantial foods including dumplings,rameyon and fish cakes.Kumdo6A Pham Ngoc Thach, D3Tel: 3824 3253Korean beef barbecue served in small,welcoming dining rooms with barbecuesbuilt into tables. Large selection of rawmeat specialties.SOUTHEAST ASIANChaba ThaiThao Dien Village 195 Nguyen VanHuong D2 Tel: 3744 6857Cosy restaurant nestled in the middle ofThao Dien Village offering authentic Thaifood. Open daily for lunch and dinner.Lac Thai71/2 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 7506An elegant restaurant tucked in analleyway and decorated with art-decofurniture. Authentic Thai cuisine preparedby two Thai chefs. Food is tasty but lessspicy than you’d find in Thailand. Little ManilaS2-1 Hung Vuong 2, Phu My Hung, D7Tel: 5410 0812Small, no -frills eatery with outdoorand indoor seating located on a quietstreet. Serves a range of dishes from thePhilippines (pictured on menu for thoseunfamiliar) and draught San Miguel.Thai Village Sharksfin Restaurant38 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3825 6706Restaurant serving authentic Thai-Theochewcuisine including their specialty:whole braised shark’s fin in clay pot.The Red Dot21 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 5123Aptly titled, this Singaporean restaurantserves decent chicken rice, char kwayteow, chili crab, and a handful of Malaysianspecialties. Thai Express8A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 6299 1338www.thaiexpress.com.vnModern restaurant with a massive menuof Thai specialties served in moderateproportions. The menu inludes chef’srecommendations and background onThai cuisine. Warning: some dishes willtest your tongue’s threshold.VEGETARIANAn Lac Chay175/4 Pham Ngu Lao, D1Tel: 3837 0760Apropos of the backpacker district, thislittle restaurant offers no frills and a vastmenu. Though meat dishes are available,it specializes in vegetarian Vietnameseand quirky “backpacker favourites.” Hoa Dang38 Huynh Khuong Ninh, D1Swish vegetarian restaurant on a quietstreet that serves up nutritious dishes,including meatless versions of bun bo,pho and steamboat. Cosy bar servingnon-alcoholic drinks, fruits and othersweets.Saigon Vegan378/3 Vo Van Tan, D3 Tel: 3834 4473Rustic vegan restaurant with extensivemenu of healthy food at moderate prices.Lots of tofu dishes and soya chicken/beef, soups, banh bao and more. Alsohas a kids menu.Tib Chay11 Tran Nhat Duat, D1 Tel: 3843 6460Intimate spot with a big menu of Vietnamesevegetarian appetisers, salads,soups, rice/noodle mains and dessertsViet Chay339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3Tel: 3526 5862Upscale vegetarian restaurant specializesin fake meat dishes. The attractivedining room is suffused with natural light.Located within the walls of Vinh NghiemPagoda.VIETNAMESECha Ca La Vong3 Ho Xuan Huong, D3 Tel: 3930 567436 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3915 3343Two HCM City ouposts of the legendaryHanoi original serve only one dish: theeponymous and delicious cha ca la vong,fish pan-fried at the table with turmericand dill and served with cold noodles andpeanuts.Com Nieu19 Tu Xuong, D3 Tel: 3932 6288The house specialty, com nieu (smashedrice), comes with a shattered-crockeryand flying-rice show at this well-knownrestaurant, prominently featured inAnthony Bourdain’s A Cook’s Tour. Anextensive and tasty selection of southernVietnamese cuisine rounds out the menu.Hoa Tuc74 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3825 1676This comfortable high-end restaurantserves traditional Vietnamese fare with acontemporary, classy twist. Expect to findyour local favourites as you’ve never experiencedthem before. Beautifully plated,this is Vietnamese cuisine at its best.Hoi An11 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 7694Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesyof two sumptuously decorated colonialvillas, a bamboo-clad walled courtyardand a menu spanning the three mainregions of Vietnam. Specialities includeabalone soup and a raw fish salad. FourVIP rooms.Lang Nuong Nam Bo285/C145 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10Tel: 3862 2569Warehouse-sized quan well-regardedamong locals serves everything from beef,chicken and fish to porcupine, weasel andfield mouse. Great destination for intrepidgastronomes. Has standard hot pot, riceand noodle dishes too.Mandarine Restaurant11A Ngo Van Nam, D1 Tel: 3822 9783Fine dining Vietnamese-style courtesy oftwo sumptuously decorated colonial villas,an antique wooden stair and a menuspanning all regions of Vietnam. Traditionalmusic performances are available fordinner.Marina172 Nguyen Dinh Chieutel: 3930 2379www.ngocsuong.com.vnSwish seafood restaurant with al frescoand indoor seating and a vast menu of upmarketVietnamese dishes. Features 10set menus at varying price scales.Nam Phan34 Vo Van Tan, Q3 Tel: 3933 3636Well known at its previous corner location onLe Thanh Ton, Nam Phan continues to servemodern Asian cuisine including asparagusand crab meat soup, stewed bellyfish inpineapple and grilled duck breast in orangesauce. Set in a restored colonial villa, the interioris alive with reproductions of Cham-erabas-reliefs and is inspired by Euro-Zen.Nghi Xuan5/9 Nguyen Sieu, D1 Tel: 3823 0699Located down an alley just past Hai BaTrung, featuring an attractive open first-floorand upstairs dining rooms with dark woodfurniture and carved woodwork. Serving Huestaples, crab and prawn spreads and animpressive array of wines and cocktails.Ngon VietnameseThao Dien Village 195 Nguyen VanHuong D2 Tel: 3744 6857Located at the picturesque Thao DienVillage, Ngon offers authentic Vietnamesecuisine including alfresco cooking anddinning with traditional music on Thursdaynights and traditional water puppetshow on Saturday nights.Papaya68 Pham Viet Chanh, Binh ThanhTel: 6258 1508www.chi-nghia.comHanoian classics mingle with new interpretationscreated by Chi Nghia, whoseexperience and dedication to clean, freshingredients set Papaya's menu apart. 10am to 11 pm, 7 days.Ngon Restaurant160 Pasteur, D1The long lunchtime queues tell the story:good food at low prices. More a foodcourt than a restaurant, this has becomea major favourite for its airy decor combinedwith cheap and tasty noodle, riceand other standard dishes.Quan Nuong 3T Barbecue29-31 Ton That Thiep, D1A favourite with both locals and expats,this rooftop restaurant above the TempleClub offers an extensive menu of meat,seafood and vegetarian dishes. Try thebeef wrapped around tasty meltingcheese or deliciously fresh skeweredprawns.Temple Club29 – 31 Ton That Thiep, D1Tel: 3829 9244This high-end restaurant attached to anelegant lounge bar is a must-try for itsart deco atmosphere as much as for itsfood. Mains go from around VND80,000to VND150,000.Tib187 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3829 7242100 Nguyen Luong Bang, Phu MyHung, D7 Tel: 5413 6868www.tibrestaurant.com.vnPopular up-market dining spot servingHue cuisine in an attactive dining roomthat draws on traditional architecture. Callfor reservations.Tib Express162 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3Tel: 3822 5038Serves a large selection of Tib’s Hue-foodmenu in a more casual dining rooom andat significantly lower prices. Specializes inbun bo Hue. Wrap & Roll62 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3823 4030SA1–1, My Khanh 1,Nguyen Van Linh, D7Attractive downtown venue that bringsstreet-style food into air-conditionedand uncluttered comfort. Choose prewrappedappetisers such as the cha gio(spring rolls) or roll-it-yourself mains withingredients like pickled shrimps, beef onsugar cane, fish, grilled eel and pork. nightlifeBARS & LOUNGESSee bar restaurant listings for morepopular watering holes.Acoustic Bar6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, D3Tel: 3930 2239A Volkswagen Bug tries to scale the walloutside this well-priced music venuepopular with college-age Vietnamese andthe occasional expat.Amber Room59 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 6291 3686info@theamberoom.comA true London meets New York lounge,with chilled out tunes during the day andmore funky vibes at night. A pleasantmeeting place for drinks and a bite to eat.Boston Sports Bar28/4 Bui Vien, D1Tel: 6656 6338/6656 6328Sports bar featuring North Americanfood. Satellite TV, free pool and darts.Catering services and private room availablefor parties. Takeout and free delivery.Open 24 hours. Ciao Lounge2nd Floor, 74-76 Nguyen Hue, D1Trendy and attractive lounge bar with amixture of retro and modern decor anda pleasant atmosphere to boot. A greatescape from central Saigon but quitetouristy.Cranberry Café & Pub45 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3914 0991Upmarket,quiet lounge great for privateparties. Brickwork and cranberry-redchairs speak to the bar’s name, with acocktail range and Tigers in blissfullyfrosted mugs.Level 2323rd Floor, Sheraton Hotel88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828One of the best views of the city fromthis upmarket terrace bar and lounge.Excellent cocktails don’t come cheap butthe atmosphere is great with live musicthroughout the week and a live DJ everyMonday.The LibraryInterContinental Asiana Saigon, cornerof Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1Tel: 3520 9099dine@icasianasaigon.comUnwind with a glass of wine or a cup oftea. The Library provides a welcomingatmosphere for those in search of calm,comfort and personalized service.M52 Bar52 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 6726Sparsely-appointed venue with reasonablypriced drinks noted for packing a punch.Owners Annie and Ms. Van are never toobusy to check on their patrons, and thebusy bartenders are quick with a smile.72 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 73

Number Five Bar44 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 6300Number Five Bar is older than it looks,having formerly been located at 5 Ly TuTrong. The bar attracts a regular clienteleof established expats.Park LoungePark Hyatt Hotel2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234Elegant lounge bar, with classic songsplayed every night by international musicians.The salubrious surroundings arematched by the range of the drinks, withvintage wines from USD $6 to $10 perglass. Tiger is $4.50 a bottle.Purple JadeInterContinental Asiana Saigon, cornerof Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, D1Tel: 3520 9099Chic lounge blends the stylisticinfluences of contemporary design andopium dens. Hosts live music and servesspecial drinks, including Shaoxing andMaotai rice wines and an exclusive selectionof luxury spirits.Q BarOpera House, 7 Lam Son Square, D1With low ceilings, intimate cubbyholes,colonial arches, gold paint, ultravioletlighting and clubhouse beats, this is abar that has a reputation for being aplace to be seen. Great outdoor terraceand late-night indoor opening.QD Bar & Lounge138 Ton That Dam, D1, Tel: 3821 5338Sophisticated lounge with New and OldWorld wines served by the bottle orglass, modern decor and floor-to-ceilingwindows overlooking Ton That Thiep.Saigon Saigon Bar9th floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19 Lam SonSquare, D1 Tel: 3823 4999Popular bar usually packed out with touristsand business travellers searchingfor some delicious cocktails and a greatview of the city skyline. Cuban bandWarapo plays every night except Mondayfrom 8.30 pm until late.Samsara Club131 Dong Khoi, D1A laid-back cosmopolitan drinking anddance venue with comfy lounge chairsaround low-lying tables and an island barbedecked in extravagant white-featherdecorations. Pink neon gives the joint acontemporary edge.T&R Tavern57 Do Quang Dau, D1Classic expat dive bar with pool table,darts and comfortable yet simple decor.Daily happy hour and sportsfans cancatch games on the big screen.Vibe Billiards & Lounge102 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1Tel: 3925 2599Sleek bi-level lounge with Scandinaviandesign, Bansky-esque murals andtop-notch billiards and snooker tables,paid for by the hour. Hosts league play,half-price Mondays, ladies’ nights andDJ events.Voodoo Lounge92 Ho Tung Mau, D1Voodoo paintings adorn the white wallsat this small, attractive bar south of SunwahTower. A daily happy hour, plentyof stool space and a pair of dartboardsmake it a good place to grab a drink.Yoko22A Nguyen Thi Dieu, D3Tel: 3825 1901Compact and popular joint with nightlylive music boasts a refreshingly eclecticrange of Western styles, with most songssung in English.BREWHOUSESAlderbrau98 Nguyen Du, D1Small brewhouse decorated with antiquebrewing miscellanea, with an enclosedgarden for outdoor swilling the smallrange of house brews and bottled imports.The kitchen dishes up sausages,German fare, and Vietnamese dishes.Gammer Czech Beer107 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 8619www.biatuoitiepvn.comAttractive, multi-story Czech beer hallfurnished with heavy wood and outfittedwith a few flat screen TVs tuned in tosports. Dark and blonde beers are available,as well as a full menu of Vietnamesefood from mussels to rabbit.Hoa Vien28bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1 Tel: 3829 0585www.hoavien.vnExpansive beer hall serves up pilsnerbeer crafted from malt, hops and yeastfrom the Czech Republic. There’s alsoa large food menu and imported PilsnerUrquell.Lion Brewery11C Lam Son Square, D1Tel: 3823 8514Microbrewery featuring traditional Germanbrew technology and German farelike pork knuckle and wurst. Good spotto meet friends and enjoy a hearty mealand a whole lot of beer.NIGHTCLUBSFuse Bar3A Ton Duc Thang, D1A popular bar that plays primarily hiphopmusic. Every Tuesday Fuse hosts aladies night where women drink forfree and two bottles of wine can bepurchased for 2 million VND.Lush2 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3824 2496A large and lavishly decorated bar andclub popular on weekends. Good DJsplaying the latest in beat-based musicand the city’s beautiful people add tothe sights and sounds. It’s on-par withWestern clubs in both ambience anddrinks prices.Velvet Bar26 Ho Huan Nghiep, D1Hip-hop and Viet trance club with bothbottle service and bottle beer that isn’tprohibitively expensive. Circular centerbar is ringed with tables, and VIP areasand sofa seating line the walls.at homeBAKERIESCrumbs54 Truong Dinh, D1 Tel: 3825 7199www.crumbs.com.vninfo@crumbs.com.vnEat-in bakery offering a wide range ofmuffins, whole-grain breads and pastries.Many of the breads are dairy-free,baked fresh daily with unbleached whiteflower, no added sugar.Harvest Baking30 Lam Son, Tan Binh Tel: 3547 0577harvestbaking@yahoo.comThis authentic bakery offers a rangeof specialty baked goods for delivery.Offering bagels, scones, breads,desserts,cakes, tarts and more.Chocolate fudge cake and cinnamonrolls with cream cheese icing highlyrecommended.La Dorée216 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3822 171865 Pasteur, D1Reminiscent of a luxurious Parisianbakery, La Dorée prepares and servesa variety of colourful breads baked withgreen, beige and brown buckwheatseeds plus baguettes, fougasse, ledieppois sandwiches and le montagnard.Must-try desserts include tiramisu,chocolate mousse and Monté Carlo.Pat A Chou65 Hai Ba Trung, D125 Thao Dien, D2The home of the long and crustybaguette. Supplies many restaurantsbut also sells wholesale. The miniaturepatisseries such as crème brulée andcheesecake are worth a taste. Opensat 6.30 am.Schneider’s Finest27 Han Thuyen, D1Tel: 3829 1998www.schneiders-finest.com&Traditional German bakery bakes 45different kinds of breads, rolls andbaguettes and a wide range of danishes,pastries and cakes. Catering available.Tous Les Jours180 Hai Ba Trung, D3Part of the Korean bakery chain, Tous LeJours stocks a superb range of freshlybaked good from sugary treats like painau chocolat to superior quality baguettesand loafs.Voelker17 A7 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 7303 879939 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2Tel: 6296 0066Small bakery turns out sweet and saltedpies and mousses in addition to baguettesand a range of Western sweets.CATERINGAu Parc Catering Services23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772Catering services available every day ofthe year for birthday cakes, dinner parties,wine tastings and corporate events.For a custom-made quotation e-mailauparc@hcm.vnn.vn or call Quynh on0908 196261.Saigon Catering84 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 8388Provide services of catering, banquets,event planning, BBQ’s, daily deliveriesand cocktail parties. For a custom-madequotation e-mail SaigonGG@gmail.comor call Huong on 0913 981128.The Caterers46D Vuon Lai, Tan PhuTel: 3816 2901sales@thecaterersvietnam.com.vnwww.thecaterersvietnam.com.vnCatering company offering extensiveservices from location sourcing, décordesigning and food catering. All functionscan be catered for, from low-keybarbeques at home to full-blown weddingsand parties.Xu Catering71-75 Hai Ba Trung, D1Tel: 3824 8468www.xusaigon.comFrom the brains behind Xu Restaurantand Lounge comes this new cateringservice, promising the highest standardsin service. Everything from the menu tothe comprehensive bar service and thestaff is tailor-made to your specifications.COOKERY CLASSESCaravelle Hotel Cooking ClassesCaravelle Hotel, 19 Lam Son Square,D1 Tel: 3823 4999Full-day Vietnamese cooking classes forgroups of up to 20 people. The classesinclude a visit to the market with thesous chef. Costs USD $45++ each fora minimum 10 people.Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa TucThe Courtyard, 74/7 Hai Ba Trung, D1Tel: 3825 8485i.briosca@saigoncookingclass.comcontact@saigoncookingclass.comCooking classes available from Tuesdayto Sunday 10 am-1 pm/2 pm-5pm. Students make an entire meal thatincludes traditional dishes like pho andcha gio, as well as more creative fare.Conducted by Vietnamese chef in English,Japanese or French on request.Cost is $45. Market visit with the chefon request.Vietnam Cookery Centre362/8 Ung Van Khiem, Binh ThanhTel: 3512 1491Well-known Vietnamese cookingclasses with half-day and more indeptheight-day courses. Studentswork in a comfortable kitchen area withtheir own stove and workspace. Eightdaycourse costs USD $160.GROCERIESAnnam Gourmet Market16-18 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3822933241A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2630SB2-1 My Khanh 4, Nguyen DucCanh, D7 Tel: 5412 3263 / 64www.annam-gourmet.comBoutique grocer with wide selection offoreign foods; Annam-brand coffee, teaand spices; and household products.Wine and premium beer, full deli counter,produce, dairy-frozen and bakedgoods on second floor. Cosy caféserves coffee, drinks and sandwiches.Au Parc23 Han Thuyen, D1 Tel: 3829 2772A fine deli counter displaying awide selection of cheeses, roastedvegetables, dips and some temptingsweets. The shelves along the sidewall also showcase a solid selectionof dried goods and some importedcondiments.Bellany Gelato & SorbetTel: 0122 774 3132New Italian gelato and sorbet brandmade entirely from local fresh fruit andadapted to contain minimal fat andsugar. Delivers to Thao Dien, An Phuresidents from 4 pm to 9 pm in just 30minutes. 125 ml, 450 ml and 2.8 litrepackages are available and there are15 flavours to choose from.Classic Fine Foods17 Street 12, D2, Tel: 3740 7105www.classicfinefoods.comLuxury food primarily imports forwholesale, but also takes orders forits range of dry goods, cheese, meat,poultry and seafood from privateclients.Gastro Home Delicatessen100 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien Ward, D2Tel: 6281 9830Deli filled with fresh French-inspireddelights ranging from salads to fish andvegetarian, meat and poultry dishes.Open 7 days from 9.30 am to 9 pm.Kim Hai Butchery41 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1Tel: 3821 6057 or 3914 4376Excellent chilled imported beef, lamb,veal and other meats sold at reasonableprices.Le Cochon D’Or32 Dong Du, D1 Tel: 3829 3856French-style charcuterie selling qualitycold cuts, smoked sausage and arange of cheeses at very reasonableprices.MetroAn Phu, D2 Tel: 3740 6677www.metro.com.vnWarehouse wholesaler located just offthe Hanoi Highway in D2 between theSaigon Bridge and the tollbooths. Sellsbulk food, fresh fruit and vegetablesand meat, as well as paper products,cleaning supplies, housewares--basicallyeverything.Organik11A Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 090 273 3841arlene@organikvn.comwww.organikvn.comOnline grocer based out of Dalat sellinga range of organic vegetables and groceries,as well as imported all-naturalproducts such as cereal, soymilk andtea. Operates a retail shop in An Phu.Veggy’s29A Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3823 8526Sky GardenPham Van Nghi, Bac Khu Pho, D7Riverside Apartments53 Vo Truong Toan, Thao Dien, D2Popular expat market with a hugewalk-in fridge area stocked with freshfruit and vegetables, dairy productsand a range of meats. Importedcanned and dried foods, wines, beers,soft drinks, spirits and snacks alsoavailable.LIQUOR & WINEBacchus Corner158D Pasteur, D1Reliable wine and liquor store ownedby Tan Khoa Wines with a good rangeof spirits, whiskies, wines and more allat decent prices. English-speaking staffcan help with selections.Red Apron22 Chu Manh Trinh, D1 Tel: 38230021Large wine and spirits wholesaler, with90,000 bottles stored in its five locationsaround the country. Sells winefrom all around the world, particularlyFrance, Chile, Italy and Australia. Exclusivedistributor of such fine brandsas Taittinger Champagne.The Warehouse178 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3825 8826924 Tran Hung Dao, D5 Tel: 62611525www.warehouse-asia.comOne of the city’s premier wine distributors,The Warehouse is an aptlynamed, stylish wine store that stocks afull range of both New and Old Worldwines, sparkling wines, Champagne,spirits, imported beers and accessories.Provides advice and deliveryBest in Italian Cuisine.Extensive Wine Collection.79 Hai Ba Trung D1Tel: 08-382 38998www.pomodoro-vietnam.comAu Manor De Khai74 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 75

nutrifort health feedChange Your Mind, Body, SpiritBy Nutrifort’s Nicole HawkinsThis time of year, it’s always agood mental exercise to reflectover the past year, and at thesame time, plan for the yearahead—whether for your personalor professional life. Formany of you who have put offyour fitness (body and mind)resolutions, perhaps I can helpyou change your mind.What if fitness, in additionto shaping your body,also sculpted your mind,sharpened it, opened it, evenchanged it? What if exerciseswept you up into a backand-forthof brain and brawn,taking off pounds and puttingon wisdom? What if movingyour body helped you stretchyour confidence and flex remnantsof character long buriedin your life's rubble? Wouldn’tyou give it a try?Each time you go for a run,get on a bike, or simply takethe dog out for a walk, youare building on your fitnessprogramme. It doesn’t have tobe hard core, or competitive,it just needs to be somethingyou do for your body and enjoy,so that you keep doing it afew days a week… for the restof your life. We all know thebenefits of exercise for yourbody, but it has therapeuticeffects on the mind. Once youget over the hurdles of musclepain and stiffness, the mentalconfidence that emerges istruly the most rewarding kind.Start with a list of physicalthings you love to do (byyourself or with someone or agroup). Whether it’s dancing infront of a mirror, playing withyour dog or even shoppingwith a friend, make a habit ofdoing an activity you love everyday. Then find somethingto laugh about during theseactivities, and you will reapeven more benefits.Be patient with yourself,and allow time for your bodyto adjust to the changes—nochange is too small. Love andcare for your body for givingyou life. And look at everyreflection with appreciation—appreciation for every curve,love handle, strength, organicsensuality and sexuality. Ifyou couldn’t make it to yourspinning class today, get to ittomorrow and enjoy a slice ofchocolate cake today. Trustthat you are exactly where youare meant to be and feel goodabout yourself in your ownbody.At its core, fitness is a mentalchallenge and conquering itshows you have passion andhope. So for the new year, Idare you to stand straighter,walk lighter, breathe deeperand feel better than everbefore.listingscultureCLASSESAngelsBrush by VinTel: 0983377710Shyevin@mac.comOil painting course gives learners theopportunity to work from the differentobjects; explore different mediums,materials and techniques; and interpretline, tone and colour. Instructor workswith students on individual basis.Creative Writing ClassesTel: 090 448 2957kate_orson@hotmail.comWriter Kate Orson teaches creative writingcourses for fiction, non-fiction andtravel writing. Beginners and experiencedwriters are welcome.Helen Kling Oil Painting189/C1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien,D2 Tel: 0903 955 780hk.painter@gmail.com/helenkling@yahoo.comwww.helenkling.comHelene is a French painter who teachesbeginners (children and adults) varioustechniques and the art of working withdifferent mediums. She is also a fantastictool for advanced artists who are lookingto increase their creativity. Both day andnight courses are available. Helene has apermanent exhibition at FLOW, located88 Ho Tung Mau, D1.Printmakingalphagallery@bluemail.chClasses are held at Alpha Gallery taughtby the gallery owner Bernadette Gruber,who offers the chance to learn monotype,intaglio and etching techniques.CINEMASCinebox212 Ly Chinh Thang, D3 Tel: 39350610240 3 Thang 2, D10 Tel: 3862 2425Cinebox cinemas show both originallanguage films with Vietnamese subtitlesand the dubbed versions.Galaxy Cinema116 Nguyen Du, D1 Tel: 3822 8533230 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3920 6688www.galaxycine.vnLarge, modern cinema that shows thelatest foreign releases in English (withVietnamese subtitles).IDECAF31 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3829 5451French cultural centre and cinematheatre. Showcases French movies withEnglish and Vietnamese subtitles. Alsohosts movies and documentaries from anumber of overseas film festivals.Lotte CinemaDiamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Tel: 3822 7897LotteMart, 469 Nguyen Huu Tho, D7Tel: 3775 2520www.lottecinemavn.comModern cinema with four-way soundsystem. D7 location houses luxurytheatre Charlotte with 32 seats and eightsofas.me phimHCM City-based film initiative thatprovides support to local filmmakers andhosts regular film screenings/discussions.Email dduukk@gmail.com for informationor join the Facebook group.MegastarHung Vuong Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong,D5 Tel: 08 2222 0388CT Plaza, 60A Truong Son, Tan BinhTel: 6297 1981www.megastarmedia.netState-of-the-art cinema complex screeningthe lastest blockbusters with plush,reclining seats. All movies shown in originallanguage with Vietnamese subtitles.GALLERIESa little blah blahOUT-2 STUDIO, L6 FAFILM Annex6 Thai Van Lung, D1albbsaigon-2010.blogspot.comOperates as an engine for contemporaryart by organizing projects, exhibitions,screenings and talks. Runs one majorart project each year and a reading roomwith more than 1,000 texts on art, designand creative culture. Free for everyoneand open Tue to Sat 10 am to 6 pm.Blue Space Contemporary ArtsCenter97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1Tel: 3821 3695bluespaceart@hcm.jpt.vnwww.bluespacegallery.comBusy, working gallery with easelspropped up outside situated in thegrounds of the beautiful Fine ArtsMuseum. Holds regular exhibitions bylocal artists.Duc Minh Gallery31C Le Quy Don, D3 Tel: 3933 0498Housed in an opulent colonial mansion,private museum and art gallery showcasesthe private art collection of Vietnamesebusiness tycoon Bui Quoc Chi.Containing more than 1,000 pieces thatrange from traditional to contemporary.Galerie Quynh65 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3836 8019www.galeriequynh.comThe city’s only international standardgallery, housed in a modern, two-floorspace. Organizes regular exhibitionsfeaturing established, emerging local/international contemporary artists, publishesoriginal catalogs in both Englishand Vietnamese.Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1 Tel: 3829 4441btmthcm@hotmail.comInstitution housing contemporary/traditionalworks by Vietnamese and foreignartists. Pieces date from as early asthe 7th century. Includes Vietnameseantiques, art crafted by the Cham andFunan peoples.San Art Independent Artist Space3 Me Linh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3840 0898hoa@san-art.orgwww.san-art.orgArtist-run, non-profit exhibition spacefeaturing contemporary work by youngVietnamese artists. San Art hosts guestlecturers and curators. A reading roomof art books and magazines is open tothe public.TuDo Gallery53 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 0966www.tudogallery.comHosting permanent exhibitions of worksby the city’s artists, Tu Do deals in oils,silk paintings and lacquerware. Morethan 1,000 pieces on show.listingssports &leisureSport StreetHuyen Tran Cong Chua, D1 betweenNguyen Du and Nguyen Thi Minh KhaiServices include mending and restringingbroken tennis rackets. Products rangefrom badminton birdies and rackets tobasketball hoops, free weights, rollerblades, scooters, soccer jerseys and allmanner of balls.Trophies & Custom Signage StreetLe Lai, D1 between Truong Dinh andNguyen Thai HocOffers custom engraving on trophies andplaques made of plastic, wood, metaland glass.CRICKETSaigon Cricket AssocationSocial cricket league plays 25 overs aside matches Sunday mornings at RMIT’sDistrict 7 pitch. Season runs Novemberthrough May, with friendly games throughoutthe pre-season. Practice on Saturdaysand Sunday afternoons.Australian Cricket ClubTerry Gordonterrygordoninasia@yahoo.com.ausaigonaustraliancricketclub@yahoo.comwww.saigoncricket.comEnglish Cricket ClubRichard CarringtonRichard.carrington@pivotalvietnam.cominfo@eccsaigon.comwww.eccsaigon.comIndian Cricket ClubManish Sogani, manish@ambrij.comUnited Cricket ClubMr. Asif Ali, asif@promo-tex.netkeshav.dayalani@rmit.edu.vnDANCINGDanCenter46/2 Nguyen Cuu Van, Binh ThanhTel: 3840 6974www.dancentervn.comModern, centrally located studio with foreigntrained dance instructors. Classes forkids age 5+ in jazz, ballet, hip hop and tapdance. Classes for adults in yoga, jazz,hip hop, salsa, belly, tap and capoeira.Salsa Dancing at La Habana6 Cao Ba Quat, D1www.salsaigon.comsalsaigon@gmail.comSix-week salsa package at 350,000VND for single persons and 550,000 fora couple, run by Urko. Lessons everyTuesday (beginners L.A. style at 7.30pm; intermediate L.A style at 8.30 pm).Registration required.FITNESS & YOGAAIS Sports Centre36 Thao Dien, An Phu, D2Tel: 3744 6960, ext 126sportscentre@aisvietnam.comwww.aissportscentre.comFeatures six-lane, 25-metre pool, basketballand netball courts, astroturf hockey/footballarea and outdoor gym equipment. Availablefor party hire, with BBQ included on request.Membership packages available. Kids swimclub and adult masters programmes. RainbowDivers offers scuba diving courses forchildren and adults. Free morning yoga.California WOW XperienceParkson Plaza, 126 Hung Vuong, D528/30-32 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 6291 5999The world’s biggest fitness centre chainis one of Saigon’s most modern placesto get your sweat on. Located in HungVuong Plaza, CWX offers a huge work-outarea and all kinds of classes includingspinning, KickFit, yoga and more.Caravelle Club Spa19 Lam Son Square, D1Tel: 3823 4999Modern and stylish gym with lots of cardiovascularmachines and free weights.The swimming pool is a great place fora dip, and the massage parlour, sauna,steam room and jacuzzi are there forwinding down.Christophe GuilleminTel: 0909 365525azia_shop@yahoo.frwww.azia-shop.comFrench fitness instructor offers his trainingassistance both at home or in your gymto help with everything from weight loss tomuscle building. Also does cardio trainingsessions at An Phu swimming pool onSaturday at 11 am.Curves15 Trinh Van Can, D1 Tel: 3821 0319www.curvesvietnam.comCurves is a women’s only fitness franchisewith over 10,000 locations and four millionmembers. The centre offers a famous30-minute total body workout that theysay will burn up to 500 calories. Featurestraining on ‘double positive’ resistanceequipment.Daphne ChuaTel: 012 6662 6467yogadaphne@gmail.comwww.daphnechua.comClasses taught by a Yoga Alliance certifiedteacher from Singapore that focus onbreathing and body awareness, combinedwith fluid movements to perfectly balancebody and mind. Hatha, Restorative andVinyasa classes are offered in group andprivate sessions.Diamond Plaza34 Le Duan, D1The city’s largest department store hasa well-equipped gym with steam room,jacuzzi, massage parlour and swimmingpool. The gym costs from USD $90 permonth.Diamond Way Buddhism MeditationGroupTel: 093 804 3753Email: SaigonGompa@gmail.comwww.diamondway-teachings.orgMeditation group using methods ofTibetan Buddhism. Diamond Way orVajrayana Buddhism guides practitionersto experience the nature of their own mindto reach Enlightenment.Equinox Fitness & Leisure CentreEquatorial Hotel, 242 Tran Binh Trong,D5 Tel: 3839 7777Decent-sized 3rd-floor gym with moderncardio and weights machines, sauna,steambath, jacuzzi, and large 4th floorpool great for swimming laps.Hollywood Fitness WorldH3 Building, 384 Hoang Dieu, D4Tel: 3826 4639One of the latest & best workout environmentsin the city, suitable for all ages andfitness levels. Personal training is offered.Erick Tony Varin, Fitness and SwimmingInstructorTel: 0939 026 540Erickforcearca@hotmail.comFrench instructor offers individual adaptedprogrammes at home or at your gym, includingweight loss, muscle gain, athletictraining and post-traumatic treatment.Swimming and aqua aerobics classes forgroups or individuals are also offered.76 asialife HCMC

Live healthy!Looking ahead to the New Year…planning your resolutions?Come and see us, we can help.To make an appointment, call our clinics:HCMC: 08 3829 8424 Hanoi: 04 3934 0666Vung Tau: 064 385 8776December is healthy living monthat International SOS• Thinking of getting fitter?• Thinking of giving up smoking?• Need your medications reviewed?• Want to have your health checked, without a load of tests?Friendly helpful medical advice tailored to you and your family.K1 Fitness and Fight Factory346 Ben Van Don, D4Tel: 0918 337 111www.teamminetti.comFitness centre teaching English andThai boxing, karate, Vietnamese martialarts, judo, fencing, grappling, and mixedmartial arts with classes for both adultsand children. All training conducted by aprofessional foreign instructor.L’Apothiquaire Fitness Centre64A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3932 5181www.lapothiquaire.comInternationally-certified teachers offer dailyclasses in Sivananda, Iyengar, Power,Yoga, Abdo-Pilates, Taebo and Aqua-Aerobics. Peaceful swimming pool, saunaand steam room.La CochinchineRex Hotel, 146 Pastuer, D1Tel: 3825 1812 (ext 7477)New and affordable fitness centre locatedin the heart of the city. This gym has awide range of weight machines, as well asmany cardio machines, including treadmills,cross-trainers and bikes. A goodvariety of classes are available, includingyoga and aerobic dance.Michelle Lloyd YogaTel: 0909 64 8193michelleglloyd@gmail.comwww.michellelloyd.comE-RYT200 certified yoga instructor offeringVinyasa yoga classes at various locationsaround the city. Private and corporateyoga programs available. Contact Michellefor more information on her current scheduleand special events.Nutrifort2B1 Chu Manh Trinh, D1Tel: 3825 8560news@nutrifort.com/www.nutrifort.comComprehensive health and fitness centreoffering customized exercise, nutritionalcounseling to members. Specializing inweight loss programs, core/body alignmenttraining with Pilates equipment.Healthy snacks available.NTFQ2 Spa34 Nguyen Dang Giai, D2Tel: 3744 6672Therapeutic massage with a focus onsports massage to increase circulation,remove lactic acid build-up, restore flexibilityand relieve back pain.Park Hyatt Fitness Centre2 Lam Son Square, D1 Tel: 3824 1234Luxury health centre with the full range offacilities including swimming pool, steamroom, jacuzzi and fitness centre. Threemonthpeak membership costs USD$810++ and off-peak is $450++.Patricia Romero, ERYT200Phu My Hung, An PhuTel: 090 387 2832saigonease@yahoo.comAlignment-based yoga classes that infuseelements from the Ashtanga and Iyengartraditions. Group and private classes. Alsospecialising in therapeutics and restorativeyoga. Patricia has been teaching yoga inSaigon since 2002.Renaissance Hotel Health Club8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1Tel: 3822 0033Stylish health club with gym, swimmingpool, steam room, massage parlour,pool-side bar and an outstanding viewof the city. Costs USD $140 a month, or$10 a day.Saigon Fitness ClubNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Tel: 3822 8888The modern Nautilus-equipped gym isstaffed by highly-qualified instructors tocater for your fitness needs. Features aswimming pool, floodlit tennis court, golfdriving range, jogging track, sauna, andmassage rooms.Sheraton FitnessLevel 5, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers,88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2828sheraton.saigon@sheraton.comwww.sheraton.com/saigonSheraton Fitness features a team oftrained professionals and new Technogymequipment. Members have full use ofleisure facilities and receive discountsat hotel bars and restaurants and AquaDay Spa.Star Fitness GymManor Apartments, 91 Nguyen HuuCanh, Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0255This 1,600sqm gym is apparently thebiggest in Vietnam. Has a good rangeof machines for any type of workout.Membership involves one time entry feeplus monthly subscriptions and gives freeaccess to regular fitness classes.Sofitel Saigon Plaza Fitness Centre17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 1555Small but well-equipped gym with helpfulstaff and quality equipment. Membershipcosts USD $700++ for six months and$1,300++ for a year. Also runs a numberof fitness classes including yoga.Yoga & Meditation Centre335 Dien Bien Phu, D3Tel: 3929 1706www.ymc.orgProfessional team of Western and localteachers show you how to practice acombination of yoga and meditation witha range of classes such as Hatha, Yin,Vikram, Ashtanga yoga and Pilates.Yoga Living95 Pasteur, D1Tel: 098 880 4598info@yogaliving.com.vnwww.yogaliving.com.vnYoga studio offering hatha, vinyasa, powerand ashtanga yoga. Schedule can be selfmadeby members.FOOTBALL & RUGBYAustralian Rules FootballTel: 093 768 3230www.vietnamswans.comvietnamswans@gmail.comThe Vietnam Swans play regularinternational footy matches around Asia.Training sessions are held weekly in HCMCity (2.30 pm Saturday, RMIT D7) andHanoi (midday, Saturday, UN InternationalSchool, Ciputra). All skill levels and codeswelcome.Les Gaulois de Saigonwww.gauloisdesaigon.cominfo@gauloisdesaigon.comA new team of French footballers, the sideinvites players and their families to comeand join in their friendly training sessions,where everyone can get together andenjoy the sport while making new friends.Contact Sebastien on 0919 691785 orRomain on 0908 060139.RMIT Vietnamsports.recreation@rmit.edu.vnA new player on the SIFL scene witha team made up of students from theUniversity. They have their own footballground on-site consisting of two brandnew pitches. Contact Landon Carnie.Saigon Raidersjon.hoff@saigonraiders.comSociable football side who are always onthe lookout for new talent for their weeklymatches and training sessions. The teamparticipates in the Saigon InternationalFootball League and also has regularfixtures against local teams in the outlyingprovinces and also participates in internationaltournaments.Saigon Rugby ClubTel: 0903 735 799www.saigonrfc.orgsaigonrugbyfootballclub@yahoo.comSocial, mixed touch rugby playedevery Saturday afternoon for adults atRMIT from 4 pm until 6 pm. Regularlywelcomes visiting teams and tours theregion for men’s contact and women’stouch rugby tournaments. Beginnerswelcome.Saigon Saintschris@saigonsaints.comwww.saigonsaints.comExpat football club of all ages, which hasbeen running since 1995 and plays in theSIFL. Regularly venture on internationaltours especially to Bangkok and Manilaand play in other local and internationaltournaments. The players train weekly,and new players are encouraged to join.GOLFDalat Palace Golf ClubPhu Dong Thien Vuong, DalatTel: 063 3821 101dpgc@vietnamgolfresorts.comThe most beautiful course in Vietnam,combining the crisp mountain air withan environment of stately pine trees.Overlooking Xuan Huong lake, the 7,009-yard course is an enjoyable challenge forgolfers of all levels.Dong Nai Golf ResortTrang Bom Town, Trang BomTel: 061 3866 288 / 3677 590www.dongnaigolf.com.vnLarge golf resort with 27 holes, plus avilla complex, bar, sauna. jacuzzi andbilliards. The resort sits on 160 hectaresof land in Dong Nai Province, about 50kilometres from the city. Membershipstarts at USD $2,000 a year.Ocean Dunes Golf Club1 Ton Duc Thang, Phan ThietTel: 062 3821 995odgc@vietnamgolfresorts.comDesigned by Nick Faldo, the 6,746-yardpar-72 course winds through seasidedunes, with the variable coastal breezeschanging its character each day. Anenjoyable and eminently playable courseand has become a favourite venue forexpatriate tournaments.Saigon South GolfNguyen Van Linh, Tan Phu, D7Tel: 5411 2001sgs.golf@yahoo.com.vnNine-hole mini golf course and drivingrange set amongst attractive gardensjust behind FV Hospital. Membershipstarts from USD $700 for 6 months.Visitors’ greens fees for a round of golfare around USD $16 before 5 pm and$19 after. Club, shoe and umbrella hire isalso available.SaigonSports Academy LeagueTel: 093 215 3502greg@saigonsportsacademy.comwww.saigonsportsacademy.com12-week, 5 a side community footballleague with Adult, U18, U14, U10 andU7 divisions. Matches held at Thao DanStadium in District 1. Corporate, localand expat teams compete in adult divisionwith cash prize for champions.Song Be Golf Resort77 Binh Duong Blvd, Thuan AnTel: 0650 3756 660info@songbegolf.comwww.songbegolf.comLocated 22 kilometres from the city centre,the premier golf course in the areafeatures an 18-hole, 6,384-metre course.Also has tennis courts, a swimming pool,and a gymnasium.Vietnam Golf and Country ClubLong Thanh My Village, D9www.vietnamgolfcc.comThis facility consists of two courses of18 holes each, one of which is designedin a more traditional Asian style, and theother in international style. Has otherattractions such as boating, tennis and arestaurant area.LEISUREHash House Harrierswww.saigonh3.comRunning club that meets every Sunday at2 pm at the Caravelle Hotel to go on a runin different locations out of town with theirtraditional balance of exercise and beer.Phun Runnerinfo@phun-run.comSocial running group that meets Saturdaysat 7 am for a scenic run aroundSaigon before breakfast. Great way toexplore the city, meet fellow runners andget fit for future events. Check website forrendezvous points.Saigon International Dart Leaguewww.thesidl.comA highly popular group in town, the dartsclub runs a competitive year-long leaguefor 16 pub-based teams. There are someexcellent players in this sociable and internationalgroup. See website for detailsof how to join and latest 180 scores.Saigon International Softball Leaguesisl@saigonsoftball.infowww.saigonsoftball.infoThe league plays slo-pitch softball everySunday (usually at the Taiwanese Schoolin Phu My Hung) and always welcomesnewcomers.Saigon Pony ClubLane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2Tel: 0913 733 360A standout facility offering pony rides,riding lessons, horse clinics and ponyrentals. Also hosts events and birthdays.Senior Expat ChitChatWeekly “Coffee Talk” meetings amongseniors at the Palace Hotel Café (56 – 66Nguyen Hue, D1) each Tuesday from 10to 11.30 am. The informal group is forlocal expatriates and English-speakingforeign travellers who meet to shareexperiences and make new friends. Callclub organizer Sheldon Pruss at 0932031 837.SquashThe Landmark, 5B Ton Duc Thang, D1Tel: 3822 2098 ext 176www.thelandmarkvietnam.comOne of three squash courts in town.Membership is open to non-Landmarkresidents and drop-in players. Lessonsand racquets are available for additionalfees. Balls are provided. Book in advanceor phone for further information.Ultimate FrisbeeRMIT, 702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7www.saigon-ultimate.comJoin in this exciting popular sport everySunday afternoon from 3pm to 5pm inSaigon South. Pan-Asian competitionsalso organised for the more experienced.Contact David Jensen at 0909458890Vietnam Hobby Brewershobbybrewer.vietnam@gmail.comwww.hobbybrewer-vietnam.de.tlSmall group of beer enthusiasts gatherbi-monthly at microbrewery to talk beer,share brewing tips and sample homemadesuds. The group is keen on takingon new members with an interest inlearning how to brew.X-Rock ClimbingPhan Dinh Phung Sport Centre75 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3Tel: 6278 5794503A Nguyen Duy Trinh, D2Tel: 2210 9192www.xrockclimbing.comOffering safe and professional climbing foranyone aged 4 and up. Featuring mountainclimbing routes rated from beginnerto advanced, climbing and belay-safetycourses and training, birthday parties,corporate team building.Happy new year(*) More information, please contact consultant or www.en.marianna.com.vnLet our doctors take care of you78 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 79

listingshealth &beautyALTERNATIVE MEDICINEAmerican Chiropractic Clinic8 Truong Dinh, D3 Tel: 3930 6667www.vietnamchiropractic.comA chiropractic, physiotherapy, footcare clinic staffed by American-trainedchiropractors speaking French, English,Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean. Treatsback pain, neck pain, knee pain, alsospecializing in sports injuries, manufactureof medical grade foot orthotics.Ciro GargiuloCARE1 Executive Health Care CenterThe Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh,Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.comwww.care1.com.vnA holistic approach is used by thisacupuncturist and traditional medicinepractitioner to rebalance the body’senergy fields. A wide range of ailmentsare treated including back pain, allergiesand insomnia.Institute of Traditional Medicine273-275 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanDr. Le Hung is the man to see at thiswell-established traditional hospital &training centre. He speaks good Englishand provides excellent treatments in aclean environment. The Institute alsoprovides acupuncture lessons at USD$30 per day.COSMETIC TREATMENTCao Thang Lasik & Aesthetic Clinic135-135B Tran Binh Trong, D5Tel: 3923 4419A modern clinic offering a comprehensiverange of optical services. Specializes inLASIK correctional procedures, costingfrom USD $700 to $1,100 for both eyes.English spoken. Open seven days aweek.FV Hospital Cosmetic Surgery45 Vo Thi Sau, D1 Tel: 6290 61676 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7Tel: 5411 3366www.fvhospital.comInternational-standard cosmetic proceduresfrom simple dermabrasion andchemical peels to collagen injections,nose and eye shaping, liposuction, andbreast enhancement. Procedures carriedout by French and Vietnamese doctorsusing the latest equipment.Parkway Shenton International ClinicSuite 213-214, 37 Ton Duc Thang, D1Owned by the Singapore-basedhealthcare giant Parkway Holdings, thisaesthetics clinic offers a range of bothsurgical and non-surgical treatmentsincluding dental reconstruction.DENTALEuropean Dental Clinic127 Dien Bien Phu, Dakao, D1Tel: 3823 8680Expat English and French-speakingdentist. Performs full range of dentaltreatment including whitening, aestheticfillings, porcelain crowns, full ceramics,veneer and orthodontic treatment. 24-hour emergency line: 0909 551 916 or0918 749 204.Koseikai Dental Clinic3rd floor, 21 Nguyen Trung Ngan, D1Tel: 3910 6255info@koseikai.com.vnwww.koseikaidentist.comA member of Dental Clinic Vietnam,provide full range of dental serviceswith the latest in technology, delivery oflaboratory work and new technologiesnow available.Starlight Dental ClinicDr. Philippe Guettier & Associates2Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, D1Tel: 3822 6222doe.linh@gmail.comWith 10 years’ experience providingdental treatment to expat and Vietnamesepatients, this well-known dentalsurgery is staffed by both foreign &local practitioners. Au fait with the latesttreatments and techniques, the surgeryprides themselves on their high standardof equipment & sterilization.Westcoast International Dental Clinic27 Nguyen Trung Truc, D1Tel: 3825 699971-79 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 6777info@westcoastinternational.comwww.westcoastinternational.comCanadian-run dental clinic staffed byFrench, Japanese, English and Vietnamesespeaking dental professionals.See Medical listings for hospitals withdental services.HAIR & SALONAnthony George for London Hair &BeautyFIDECO Riverview Building14 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 6475www.aglondonsalon.com.vnTop British stylist George brings hisunique flair to hair in District 2. The modern,stylish and professional salon is hostto a staff of professionally trained beautytherapists. Uses Dermalogica, Schwarzkopfand L’Oreal products. Shampoo,cut and blow-dry starts at USD $26; minifacials from $12.Lloyd Morgan International HairStudio234 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2Tel: 090 8422 007International stylist Lloyd Morgan is oneof the best in town. He’s been in thebusiness for over 30 years and brings hisexpertise to this established, top-notchsalon.Qi Spa151 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanTel: 3844 1719Caravelle Hotel Tel: 3824 7150Mövenpick Hotel Saigon,Tel: 3997 5437High-end salon and spa offers thestandard range of services in a calmingatmosphere with good service. Waxing,nail services, hair dressing as well asluxurious facial and massage treatmentson offer.Souche2nd Floor, Saigon Trade Centre37 Ton Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 0372A top-end beauty salon using theDermatologica line of skincare products.Specialises in personalized facial caretreatments from USD $30 and medicatedacne treatments from $40. Waxing andother aesthetic services are also availablein a pleasant atmosphere with excellentservice.Sunji Matsuo Hair StudioSaigon Paragon, 3 Nguyen LuongBang, D7 Tel: 5416 0378Celebrity hairstylist Sunji Matsuo’s Singapore-basedhair salon has a variety ofhair services including scalp treatments,rebonding and hair extensions.MEDICALCARE1 Executive Health Care CenterThe Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh,Binh Thanh Tel: 3514 0757care1_reception@vietnammedicalpractice.comwww.care1.com.vnSister clinic of Family Medical Practice,CARE1 is an executive health care centrequestions for the coiffeurOf Cuts and VolumeBy Lloyd MorganQ: What cutting methodsdoes a stylist have in theirarsenal and when are theybest used?A: A hair stylist will enlist anynumber of cutting methods,depending on the desiredoutcome and in most cases,more than one technique willbe used.Uniform layers are the samelength and sit evenly acrossthe head. Graduated layers,on the other hand, fall at differentlengths from short tolong. To achieve this look, thestylist will cut the hair at variousangles, including convex,concave, horizontal, left andright diagonal.All cuts have one or moreof these angles; the real artthough is fine-tuning themethod by either point thinningor texturising. Point thinninginvolves cutting the endsof the layers to reduce weightand allow the hair to bounceup. Texturising involves cuttingthe layers into smaller sectionsto give a more ‘choppy’ effect.The basic one layer bob isa great example of a do thatuses all the cutting methodsmentioned above. In this style,the hair lies flat with no movementexcept on the outsideline.That, of course, is just onestyle; there are countless othersand it is best to speak withyour stylist to decide whatworks best for your particularneeds. Depending on your hairtype—fine, thin, straight, wavyor curly—and how your locksreact to humidity, for example,will dictate the stylist’s plan ofattack.Q How I can add more bodyto my fine hair?A: I’ll give you a few tips butit will depend on how muchtime you want to spend onyour hair and how handy youare with it. First, after washingyour hair, make sure theconditioner does not go onthe root area as that will addweight to it. Blow dry your hairabout 60 percent and combmousse through it using awide-tooth comb, and notyour fingers, as this ensureseven application of the product.Put your head upsidedown, and using your handsblow dry your hair and oncedry, throw your head back upand move your hands throughyour hair, upwards and backwards.Spray your hands withhair spray, bring your headback down, and rub your headwith your fingertips much likea scalp massage. This helpsincrease volume in your hair asthe hairspray gives the rootsextra life while the moussethickens the shaft.Lloyd Morgan runs the LloydMorgan International HairStudio at 234 Nguyen VanHuong, Thao Dien, D2. Contacthim at 0908 422 007 orlloydskate@hotmail.com.offering comprehensive preventative-carecheckups in a modern and professionalsetting. State-of-the-art technology providesfast and accurate diagnoses.Centre Medical International (CMI)1 Han Thuyen, D1Tel: 3827 2366www.cmi-vietnam.comLocated downtown next to the cathedral,the centre provides a high standardof medical care from qualified Frenchand Vietnamese physicians. Its rangeof services include general and tropicalmedicine, cardiology, gynaecology, osteopathy,pediatrics, psychiatry, speechtherapy and traditional Eastern medicine.Columbia Asia Saigon Clinic8 Alexandre de Rhodes, D1Tel: 3823 8888Respected multi-specialty clinic withforeign and local physicians. Doctors oncall 24 hours a day. Standard checkupscost between 400,000 VND and800,000 VND.Family Medical Practice HCMCDiamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Tel: 3822 7848www.vietnammedicalpractice.comLeading international primary healthcareprovider, with a 24-hour state-of-the-artmedical centre and highly-qualified multilingualforeign doctors. Extensive experiencein worldwide medical evacuationswith car and air ambulance on standby.Also in Hanoi and Danang.FV Hospital6 Nguyen Luong Bang, D7Tel: 5411 3333www.fvhospital.comA foreign-owned international-standardhospital with a mixture of French andVietnamese physicians. Offers qualityservices, comprehensive patient careand is particularly well regarded forits maternity care. Full array of dentalservices from examination, cleaning andwhitening to fillings, cosmetic proceduresand implants. 24-hour emergency line:3411 3500.International SOS167A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3Tel: 3829 8424www.internationalsos.comGlobally-renowned provider of medicalassistance and international healthcare.Specializes in offering medical transportand evacuation both within and outsideof Vietnam for urgent medical cases.Foreign and Vietnamese dentists. Hasmultilingual staff.Victoria Healthcare InternationalClinic135A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanTel: 3997 454579 Dien Bien Phu, D1 Tel: 39104545Well-regarded clinic offering generalexaminations and specializing in pediatrics,digestive diseases, cardiology andwomen's health. Offers a membershipprogram and cooperates with mostinsurance companies in Vietnam andabroad. Open with doctors on call 24/7.New Pet Hospital53 Dang Dung St, D1Tel: 6269 3939This veterinary hospital is equipped withthe state-of-the-art equipment includingdigital X-ray machine, color-ultrasoundmachine, inhalation anesthetic systemand blood analyzer. It also providesboarding and grooming services.SKINCAREAvon186A Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3Tel: 3930 4018www.vn.avon.comHCMC branch of the world’s largestdirect seller of cosmetics occupies theground floor of District 3 villa, sellingbrand names like Anew, Skin-So-Softand Avon Natural.The Body Shop87 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3823 368331 Nguyen Trai, D1www.thebodyshop.comInternatioanl cosmetics retailer withstrong commitment to environmentsources natural ingredients from smallcommunities for its line of more than 600products.L’Apothiquaire100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1Parkson Saigon Tourist PlazaParkson Hung Vuong PlazaThe Crescent, 103 Ton Dat Tien, D764A Truong Dinh, D307 Han Thuyen, D1Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082www.lapothiquaire.cominfo@lapothiquaire.comFrench-made natural products for alltypes of skin. Also offers exclusivenatural Italian skin, body and hair carefrom Erbario Toscano. Available at allL’Apothiquaire outlets.L’Occitane en ProvenceNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1French cosmetics company with a 30-year history offering a range of bath andmassage oils, essential oils, body andhand care products are especially wellknown. Also has outlets in all the majordowntown shopping malls.Marianna Medical Laser Skincare149A Truong Dinh, D3 Tel:3526 4635www.en.marianna.com.vnProfessional Laser Clinic in Ho Chi MinhCity, Marianna owns the excellent expertsin Aesthetic Medicine and the moderntechnologies such as Laser, Botox,Filler and all solutions can help you morebeautiful and younger day by day.Sian Skincare Laser Clinic71–77 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel:3827 6999info@sianclinic.comwww.sianclinic.comSkincare laser clinic offering the latestin non-surgical esthetic treatmentsincluding Botox, laser, acne treatments,hair loss regrowth, hair removal, skinrejuvenation and anti-aging treatments.Led by Dr. Tran Ngoc Si, a leadingesthetic dermatologist from the hospitalof Dermatology of HCMC.SPASAqua Day SpaSheraton Saigon, 88 Dong Khoi, D1Tel: 3827 2828Recently revamped luxury eight-roomspa with a holistic approach to treatment,using natural Harnn productsplus hot stone therapy and seaweedtreatments.La Maison de L’Apothiquaire64A Truong Dinh, D3Tel: 3932 5181/3932 5082info@lapothiquaire.comwww.lapothiquaire.comTraditional French day spa in colonial villawith professional therapists and state-ofthe-arttreatments. Complimentary use ofswimming pool, sauna and steam bath.Has fitness centre and organic gardenrestaurant and offers gentlemen’s care.Authentic Spa at Thao Dien195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2Tel: 3744 6453Located on the banks of the SaigonRiver, offering day spa and fitness facilitieswith a riverside pool.Xuan SpaPark Hyatt, 2 Lam Son Square, D1Tel: 3824 1234Beautiful spa with highly rated Swedishmassage and water therapy includingthe unique 60 minutes Vichy shower tosoften and smooth skin or the Indian Shirodharawith special oil for 45 minutes.Spa packages aimed at rejuvenation,calming, and hydrating are also available.80 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 81

SSIS: An Education ThatOpens Doors To The Future.SAIGON SOUTH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLNguyen Van Linh Parkway, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, HCMC, VietnamTelephone: (84-8) 5413-0901 - Fax: (84-8) 5413-0902Email: info@ssis.edu.vn - www.ssis.edu.vnlistingsfamilyACTIVITIESAlpha Gallery10 Chu Manh Trinh, D1Printmaking classes for both adults andchildren run by Swiss artist BernadetteGruber. Six-week courses start withthe basics and swiftly move studentstowards producing proofs and final printsfrom copper plates they have created.Freedom of expression is encouraged andother mediums are also explored.Conservatory of Music112 Nguyen Du, D1The established training centre for professionalmusicians offers private pianoand violin lessons to foreigners in theevenings.Rubba Duckies Swim Schoolrubbaduckiesswim@hotmail.comParent and infant water familiarisationclasses in a group environment from six to48 months. Classes take place at SomersetApts., D1; Riverside, D2; APSC, D2 orAI D2 and D3. Email for schedule.Saigon MovementAn Phu Tel: 098 702 7722saigonmovement@gmail.comSports and creative movement classes forkids 2 to 11. Classes improve children’stotal body awareness through a variety ofgames and sports-based activities. PhuMy Hung schedule starts in September.Saigon Pony ClubLane 42, Le Van Thinh, D2Tel: 0913 733 360Close to X-rock climbing centre, kidsfrom three and upwards can ride oneof the stable’s 16 ponies. Lessons withforiegn teachers last 45 minutes and cost350,000 VND for kids from age six.The Performing Arts Academy19A Ngo Quang Huy, D2Tel: 090 339 0675info@paa.com.vnwww.paa.com.vnEnrolling aspiring learners 6 and up forinstruction in guitar, singing, piano, flute,clarinet, saxophone and drums. ABRSMqualified. Group dance and dramasession also available. Offering Tiny Totsmusic enrichment & dance program forages 3-5.Tae KwondoBP Compound, 720 Thao Dien, D2 andRiverside Villa Compound, Vo TruongToan, D2phucteacherkd@yahoo.comPrivate and group classes are run afterschool three times a week by the friendlyMr. Phuc. Anyone over the age of fiveis welcome to join in the course, whichcosts USD $50 for 12 classes/month witha $25 fee for non-members. Contact Mr.Phuc directly on 0903 918 149.BABY EQUIPMENTBabylandSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Quality products including car seats,buggies, prams and travel cots and agood selection of baby toys. CarriesAvent bottles and sterilizer sets, and asmall range of educational books. Pricesare higher than the other places, but sois the quality.Maman BebeVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3825 8724www.mamanbebe.com.vnStocks an assortment of modern strollersand car seats. Also sells various utensilsand practical baby products. Smallselection of clothing for ages newborn to14 years.Me & Be230 Vo Thi Sau, D340 Ton That Tung, D1141D Phan Dang Luu, Phu Nhuan246 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3101-103 Khanh Hoi, D4287A Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanThe closest thing to Mothercare the cityhas to offer. Stocks a substantial rangeof apparel for babies including bottlesand sterilizers, cots (including travel cots),clothing, toys, safety equipment andmore, all at reasonable prices.Me Oi1B Ton That Tung, D1A small shop adjacent to the maternityhospital bursting at the seams with everythingyou need for your baby. Clothing,footwear, bottles, nappies, nappy bagsand toys all at reasonable prices.CLOTHESBe Happier181 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu Nhuan DistA small outlet providing children’s clothesfrom 1 to 6 years old, using only cotton.Mid to high-range prices for qualityapparel.Children Planet90 Vo Thi Sau, D1Mid to high-range prices for quality apparel,imported material from Singapore.Offering from the age of 5 to 14 years oldboys and girls.Dabs Kids Fashion222 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3A good selection of both casual andformal clothing for kids aged five to ten.Party dresses, simple T-shirts, trousersand more are all good quality and veryreasonably priced. Backpacks and otheraccessories are also on sale.DLS Paris17/5 Le Thanh Ton, D1Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Parkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1A superb range of unique and beautifulclothing for young children (from newbornsto pre-school age) at high to midrangeprices. The quality compensatesfor the price. Bedding, baby equipmentand furniture and organic and naturalsupplies also kept in stock.Kiko262 Hai Ba Trung, D1Wide range of Japanese imported elasticcotton for children, newborns to 14years old. Kiko also has an outlet on thesecond floor of Parkson Plaza.La Maison226 Nguyen Van Huong, D2On the second floor of this upscalefurniture store is a lovely range of prettydresses and other cotton apparel forkids, from babies to pre-school age.Prices are reasonable.Little Anh – Em41 Thao Dien, D2A French brand made in Vietnam offeringa wide selection of colourful, simplypackaged and thoughtfully collated“sets” of garments for girls and boysfrom newborn to 10 years old. Lifestylepieces also available include sleepingbags, bedroom accessories and bags.Ninh Khuong44 Le Loi, D1 Tel: 3824 745683 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 9079220 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3920 3224222 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3Tel: 3930 9183www.ninhkhuong.vnWell-known hand-embroidered children’sclothing brand using 100% cotton. Newbornto 10 years old (girl) and fourteenyears old (boy). Also stocking homelinens. Prices are reasonable.Peekaboo173 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3612 8329263 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1Locally designed apparel for girls, ages 1to 10. Materials include cotton, wool andsatin. High to mid-range prices.REVEVilla Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton,District 1, Tel: 3825 7307High-end cashmere, lace, and cottonclothes designed by a French mother/daughter team. All pieces are handmadeand tailored for infants to kids 2 yearsof age.Small is Beautiful227 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 38 23 87 54contact@smallisb.comwww.smallisb.comThis newly opened boutique aims to bethe chic shop for kids in the city. Thereis a selection of brand name clothing,accessories and creative toys. Clothingcomes from international designers suchas Baby Dior, Sonia Rykiel and DKNY.Tuti BellaVincom Center, 70 - 72 Le Thanh Ton,District 175 Mac Thi Buoi, D149A Nguyen Trai, D1Tel: 3993 9088www.tutibella.netSelf-described as a “chic and trendychildren boutique.” Carries high-endcausal clothes, formal wear, shoes andaccessories for ages 1 to 12 years.EDUCATIONABC International School2,1E Street, KDC Trung Son, Binh Hung,Binh Chanh Tel: 5431 1833abcintschoolss@vnn.vnwww.theabcis.comUK standards-based curriculum awardsdiploma with IGCSE’s & A Levels certifiedby Cambridge Universit examinationsboard. From playgroup to pre-universitymatriculation. Served by 80+ Britishteachers. Good facilities and extra-curricularactivities.ACG International SchoolEast West Highway, An Phu, D2Tel: 3747 1234www.acgedu.comPart of the Academic Colleges Group’sinternational network of schools, ACGoffers comprehensive education fromkindergarten to senior high school and arange of extracurricular activities. Internationalcurricula (IB PYP and CambridgeInternational Examinations).The Australian International SchoolSaigonCherry Blossom 1 & Lotus 1, APSCCompound, 36 Thao Dien, D2Tel: 3744 6960Middle & Senior Campus21 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3Tel: 3822 4992enrolment@aisvietnam.comwww.aisvietnam.comAn international curricula and PYP/MYPcandidate school. Senior students followIGCSE and Cambridge A levels. Onlyschool in Vietnam authorized to deliverUniversity of New South Wales FoundationStudies grade 12 curriculum. Wellresourcedclassrooms, highly trained andexperienced expatriate teachers, outfittedfor academic, sport, creative activities.British International SchoolPrimary Campus43 - 45 Tu Xuong, D3225 Nguyen Van Huong, D2MONTESSORIEarly Childhood ProgramInternational & Bilingual(English and Vietnamese/French/or Mandarin)Infant & Toddler program: for children aged 6 to 17 monthsKindergarten program: for children aged 1.5 to 6 yearsHalf day and full dayOutstanding indoor & outdoor facilities.After school activities for children 3-10 yrs: Music, PE, Art &language classes (English, French, Mandarin Chinese).www.montessori.edu.vninfo@montessori.edu.vnThao Dien Campus:42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, Dist.2,HCMCAn Phu Campus:Ground floor, Block B, AnKhang/Intresco Apartment(Behind Metro supermarketDist.2, HCMC)Tel: 37442639 - 387831640903 858659MontessoriInternational Schoolof Vietnam82 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 83

ask auntie emilyPolicing ParentsBy Emily HucksonDear Auntie Em: My threeyear-oldand I are friends withour neighbour whose child isthe same age as mine. Theycame over for a visit the otherday and things were goingvery well until we witnessedour little guest grab a toy frommy daughter and run off withit. I was hoping her motherwould step in but—surprise!—she did nothing. In such situationsdo I to let it go or swoopin to restore the toy?- UnsureDear Unsure: As temptingas it may be to discipline theother child, there could beconsequences such as yourneighbour asking you to mindyour own business. At worst,the kids could witness twogrown adults defending theiryoung, and the result mightbe ugly.Is there ever a time or placeto discipline other people’skids? And does it matter whothose people are—strangers,friends or relatives?The basic rule of thumb is:Don’t do it. Especially whenit comes to friends and relatives,the fallout can poisonrelationships for a long time.But like all rules, this one hasexceptions. Most parentsagree it’s OK if the situationcalls for immediate action—inthe case of a physical fightor dangerous situation, forexample. It may also be OK ifyou’ve been given permissionfrom the child’s parent or caregiverto step in. But be awarethat each situation is uniqueand may call for a differentapproach.While you say both of youwere watching, that doesn’tnecessarily mean you wereboth actively observing. Thereis a chance your friend didn’treally see what her daughterhad done. In that case, bringit to her attention and say outloud, so the children can hear,“Oh Dear! Your daughter justgrabbed a toy from my daughterand ran away with it…whatcan we do to make it right?”I am a big promoter of ‘overspeak’. This means speakingin proximity of the children toan adult (and not speakingto the children—making it asif the children ‘accidentally’overheard the conversation).I have found, with this age,I get better results when using'over speak' with other adults,rather than directly speaking tothem. Two to three year oldsare very curious, usually ‘don’tmiss a beat’ and are reallytuned in to what adults sayamongst themselves.Email your questions aboutchildhood development toauntie-em@asialifehcmc.comSecondary Campus246 Nguyen Van Huong, D2Tel: 3744 2335www.bisvietnam.comWith campuses all over the city andexpansion underway, BIS offers a mixtureof both English and International curriculabasededucation alongside excellentfacilities and extra-curricular activities.Senior students follow the IGCSE and IBprogrammes.German International School257 Hoang Van Thu , Tan BinhTel: 7300 7257info@giss.vn / www.giss.vnA bilingual school with native German andEnglish teachers. The language programis followed in both German and English,alongside the German curriculum. Extracurricular activities are available for allprimary school students.International School HCMC28 Vo Truong Toan, D2Tel: 3898 9100www.ishcmc.comOne of 136 schools around the worldto be accredited as an IB World School.Offers all three of the IB programmes fromprimary through to grade 12. The schoolis fully accredited by CIS and NEASCand has a strong focus on communityspirit and fosters an awareness of otherlanguages and cultures.International School Saigon Pearl92 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh ThanhDistrict Tel: 2220 1788/89www.issp.edu.vnOpening in August, 2011, the singlepurpose-built campus will cater for nurserythrough grade five. In the second year,sixth grade will be added. ISSP’s longtermstrategic plan includes completemiddle and high schools. In the spring of2011 ISSP will host the Western Associationof Schools and Colleges (the largestAmerican accreditation agency in Asia).Accreditation will allow children to easilytransfer to schools abroad.The Little Genius International Kindergarten102 My Kim, Phu My Hung, D7Tel: 5421 1052Kindergarten with U.S.-accredited curriculum,modern facilities andattractive school grounds.Montessori International SchoolInternational Program42/1 Ngo Quang Huy, D2Tel: 3744 2639Bilingual Program28 Street 19, KP 5, An Phu, D2Tel: 6281 7675www.montessori.edu.vnMontessori utilizes an internationallyrecognized educational method whichfocuses on fostering the child’s naturaldesire to learn. The aim is to create anencouraging environment conducive tolearning by developing a sense of self andindividuality. A wide array of curriculum/extra-curricular activities are on offerincluding Bilingual programs.Renaissance International School74 Nguyen Thi Thap, D7Tel: 3773 3171www.rissaigon.edu.vnIB World school, one of Vietnam’s internationalschools operating within the frameworkof the British system. RISS provide ahigh quality English medium education ina stimulating, challenging and supportiveenvironment. The purpose built, moderncampus has excellent facilities.RMIT702 Nguyen Van Linh, D7Tel: 3776 1369Australian university located in District 7,offers a highly regarded MBA and undergraduatecourses in various fields.Saigon South International SchoolNguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7Tel: 5413 0901www.ssis.edu.vnAn International school environment offeringan American/international program in alarge, spacious campus, to children fromage 3 to grade 12. Great facilities, extracurricularactivities and internationallytrained teachers giving unique opportunitiesto learn.Saigon Star International SchoolResidential Area No. 5, Thanh My LoiWard, D2Tel: 3742 STAR Fax: 3742 3222enroll@saigonstarschool.edu.vnwww.saigonstarschool.edu.vnOffers a British primary curriculum approvedby Cambridge University and integratedMontessori programme for nurseryand kindergarten. Qualified, experiencedteachers and small class sizes cater toindividual needs and abilities.Singapore International School (SIS)No.29, Road No.3, Trung Son ResidentialArea, Hamlet 4, Binh Hung Ward,Binh Chanh DistrictTel: 5431 747744 Truong Dinh, D3Tel: 3932 2807Ground floor, Somerset ChancellorCourt, 21 - 23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,D1. Tel: 3827 2464The Manor, 91 Nguyen Huu Canh, BinhThanh. Tel: 3514 3036www.kinderworld.netStudents play and learn in an environmentwhere the best of Western and Easterncultures amalgamate to prepare Kinder-World’s students for today’s challengingworld drawn from both the Singapore andAustralian curriculum. The school offersInternational Certifications such as theiPSLE, IGCSE and GAC.SmartKids1172 Thao Dien Compound, D2Tel: 3744 607626 Street 10, D2Tel: 3898 9816www.smartkidsinfo.comAn international childcare centre thatprovides kindergarten and pre-schooleducation for children aged between 18months and 6 years. A fun and friendlyenvironment, the school focuses on learningthrough play.Stamford Grammar214 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3Tel: 3930 73434Bis Phung Khac Khoan, D1Tel: 3822 3339www.stamfordgrammar.comenquiry@stamfordgrammar.comInternational kindergarten following aSingapore curriculum for children from18 months to 6 years of age. Taught byVietnamese and native English-speakingteachers. Outdoor play areas, swimmingpool, music and art & craft rooms wherestudents can play and learn in a safeenvironment.The American School172 - 180 Nguyen Van Huong, D2Tel: 3519 2223info@tasvietnam.edu.vnAn independent and private collagepreparatory school with a highly individualizedand personalized program,The American School of Vietnam offers astrong, US based curriculum for Kindergartenthrough Grade 12.ENTERTAINMENTDiamond Plaza34 Le Duan, D1The top floor arcade and bowling alley isbound to keep your little ones entertainedfor hours with an impressive array of videogames. Some child-friendly dining optionstoo, with Pizza Hut on hand, a KFCand a New Zealand Natural ice creamconcession.Gymboree Play & MusicSomerset Chancellor Court21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1Tel: 3827 7008www.gymboreeclasses.com.vnThe Gymboree Play & Music offerschildren from newborn to 5 years old theopportunity to explore, learn and play inan innovative parent-child programmes.Parkson Plaza39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1Arcade game after arcade game line thetop floor here with a bowling alley and adecent food court thrown in on the floorbelow. A good place to take the kids aftertrawling through Parkson’s numerousconcession stands.Vincom Center72 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3936 9999A six-storey shopping centre that housesthe world’s most famous luxury brandsplus more than 250 fashion retailers andvarious restaurants. Each level has a coffeecorner to help weary shoppers recoupwhile looking over the city. Open dailyfrom 9 am to 10 pm.Vinpearl GamesVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Features fun and games for a wide rangeof ages. Air hockey, sports games andtraditional arcade video games and asmall children’s play place.PARTIESA2196 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3Well-known toy shop that also does asubstantial line in fancy dress costumesand partywear. Also has a concession atAn Phu Supermarket.Beatrice’s Party Shop235 Le Thanh Ton, D1A lovely little shop selling everything youneed to throw your little ones a goodparty. A catalogue of entertainers showcasesa number of party favourites suchas magicians, circuses and more.Nguyen Ngoc Diem Phuong131C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1A curious shop stocking a range of handmadefancy dress costumes such asmasks, superman outfits and much more.The stock changes seasonally, so this isa good place to stock up on Halloween,Christmas and other holiday-specific partycostumes.The Balloon ManTel: 3990 3560Does exactly as his name suggests – balloons.Great service has earned this chapa reputation around town for turning upalmost instantly with a superb selection ofballoons. Also provides helium balloons.listingslivingBUSINESS GROUPSAmChamNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Business Centre, Room 323Tel: 3824 3562www.amchamvietnam.comAusChamTV Building, Suite 1A, 31A NguyenDinh Chieu, D1 Tel: 3911 0272 / 73/ 74www.auschamvn.orgBritish Business Group of Vietnam25 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3829 8430execmgr@bbgv.orgwww.bbgv.orgCanChamNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Business Centre, Room 305Tel: 3824 3754www.canchamvietnam.orgCitibankSun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue Boulevard,D1, HCMCTel: 3824 2118International Center, 17 Ngo Quyen,Hoan Kiem District, HanoiTel: 3825 1950Citibank Vietnam offers a wide rangeof banking services to both consumerand corporate clients. Services includecorporate and investment banking,global transaction services, and consumerbanking. In Vietnam for 15 years,Citibank has a presence in both HCMCand Hanoi.Eurocham257 Hoang Van Thu, Tan BinhTel: 3845 5528www.eurochamvn.orgGerman Business Group21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1www.gba-vietnam.orgSingapore Business GroupUnit 1B2, 21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai,D1 Tel: 3823 3046www.sbghcmc.orgSwiss Business Association42 Giang Van Minh, Anh Phu, D2Tel: 3744 6996Fax: 3744 6990Email: sba@hcm.vnn.vnwww.swissvietnam.comHong Kong Business AssociationNew World Hotel, 76 Le Lai, D1Business Centre, Room 322Tel: 3824 3757 / 3822 8888www.hkbav.comNordChamBitexco Building, 19-25 Nguyen Hue, D1Tel: 3821 5423www.nordcham.comCAMERASHung Hai75 Huynh Thuc Khang, D1A good place to purchase hard-to-findgear and some rare equipment, mainlyauto focus lenses.Le Duc5B Huynh Tinh Cua, D3A shop for all your professional accessoryneeds. From lighting equipment to tripodsand reflectors, the shop offers the bestequipment and service in HCM City.Pham The11 Le Cong Kieu, D1An authorized service centre for Nikoncamera that also specializes in repairingall camera makes. Measurement equipmentand spare parts also available.Shop 4646 Nguyen Hue, D1Small shop run by photographer andcollector. The owner’s more collectiblepieces are pricey, but entry-level manualfocus SLRs from the 70s and 80s areaffordable.COMPUTERSComputer StreetLuong Huu Khanh, D1 between NguyenThi Minh Khai and Nguyen TraiThis stretch of District 1 is literally wall towall with small shops selling computers,printers, monitors and everything computerrelated, more so toward the NTMKend of the drag.iCenter142A Vo Thi Sau, D3Tel: 3820 3918Professional, polished Apple retailer andrepair centre with an attractive showroomfeaturing some of the latest in accessoriesand audio. English-speakers on staff.Honours Apple service plans.84 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 85

financeBye Bye 2010By Paul McLardieI was talking to a friend whoruns the Saigon office of oneof the major shipping agentsin Vietnam about the lastyear and how our respectivebusinesses have coped during2010. One of the thingswe agreed on was how it hasnot been easy lately for businessesin Vietnam. With thechange in the dollar price,the instability of Foreign DirectInvestment (FDI), and thegeneral conditions of carryingout business, it's been a bitrough.This is not surprising,and it's not just two matestalking over a coffee at hisoffice. The World Bank hascarried out an investigationinto which economies arethe easiest to do business in.Vietnam came in at number78, between the Bahamasand China. Vietnam placedwell above the supposedlymore developed countriessuch as the Russian Federationand Italy, but well behindthe local competition such asThailand (19) and Singapore(1). The good news is thatwhere Vietnam competesfor attention to gain FDI, itsneighbours are lagging wellbehind: Cambodia (147),Laos (171), Indonesia (121),Philippines (148).While Vietnam lags behindin the ease of setting up andstarting a business, it hasrecently made good strides inareas such as getting creditand trading across borders.My friend and I agreed thatthe new year will be easierthan 2010. The fluctuationsin the price differencebetween the dong and dollarshould lessen and with thegovernment looking at thepossibility of opening upthe local gold market toimports, this should lessenthe requirements of the blackmarket.Banks in Vietnam arerequired to hold U.S. dollars.At present, we all know thatthe dong is not a transposablecurrency on the worldmarkets so there is a relianceon U.S. dollars. The morepeople use the banks (andblack market less), even if itis just for exchanging dollars,the less panic and runs ongold the economy will have.Support the Vietnameseeconomy by using banks thatyou feel you can trust. Notonly will it be safer for you,but it will also help alleviatethe crippling inflation that hasbeen a large part of the problemsin 2010. It helps theeconomy and hopefully willleave you with a few moredong left in your pocket afteryour trip to the supermarket.Paul McLardie is a partnerat Total Wealth Management.Contact him at Paul.mclardie@t-wm.comFuture World240 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3Authorized reseller of Apple computersand products, as well as some off-branditems like headphones. Excellent serviceand English-speaking staff. Accepts creditcards.Phong Vu Computer264C Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1Tel: 3933 0762www.vitinhphongvu.comThe biggest and busiest of the PC storesin town. Known for good, efficient service,in-house maintenance and after-salesrepair on the second floor.SYS Vi Tinh Saigon96C Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1www.vtsaigon.comA superb place with an excellent reputationfor after-sales service with competentEnglish speaking staff and a wide rangeof products and services. Freeware andshareware also available on the storewebsite.CONSULTINGConcetti33 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1 Tel: 3911 1480www.concetti-vn.comConsulting and research company fortechnology transfer and investment.Embers-Asia Ltd.Level 9, Nam Giao Building, 80-8 PhanXich Long, Phu Nhuan Tel: 3995 9163www.embers-asia.comWith a focus on experiential learning,Embers-Asia has been creating anddelivering high-performance training anddevelopment solutions forcorporations, embassies, internationalschools and NGOs throughout SoutheastAsia since 2002.Ernst & YoungSaigon Riverside Office Center, 2A-4ATon Duc Thang, D1 Tel: 3824 5252www.ey.comProfessional service firm specializing inadvisory, assurance, tax, transactions andstrategic growth markets.Flamingo Corporate ServicesTel: 2217 1662Email: info@flamingovn.comwww.flamingovn.comSpecializes in business immigration,providing services like visas, work andresident permits, police clearance, APECcards, authentication and legalization ofwork experience certificates and degreesin Vietnam and abroad.Grant ThorntonSaigon Trade Centre, 37 Ton DucThang, D1 Tel: 3910 9100www.gt.com.vnInternational business advisors specializingin auditing, management consulting,corporate finance, risk management andinformation technology.IF ConsultingIBC Building, 3rd Floor1A Me Linh Square, D14th Floor, 5 Ba TrieuHoan Kiem District, HanoiTel: 3827 7362 Fax: 3827 7361Email: pascal@insuranceinvietnam.comPrivate insurance and finance.Indochine CouncelHan Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1Tel: 3823 9640www.indochinecounsel.comBusiness law firm specializing in legalservices to corporate clients in relationto their business and investment inVietnam.International Management Initiativefor Vietnam (IMIV)info@imiv.orgwww.imiv.orgThe International Management Initiativefor Vietnam (IMIV), a non-profit initiativewithin VinaCapital Foundation thatpromotes excellence in business leadershipand management by bringing toVietnam proven international executiveeducation and professional developmentprogrammes.Phuong Nguyen ConsultingTPC Business Center, 92-96 NguyenHue, D1 Tel: 3829 2391www.pnp-consulting.comSpecializing in business facilitation,conferences, education counselling,market-entry research and IT/businessconsulting.Prism Information TechnologyServicesLevel 4, YOCO Building, 41 Nguyen ThiMinh Khai, D1 Tel: 3829 6416info@prism.com.vnA foreign-owned information and communicationstechnology company thatoffers value-added IT solutions. Enableslocal businesses to attain and maintaininternational IT standards to be morecompetitive in the marketplace.Rouse & Co. InternationalAbacus Tower, 58 Nguyen Dinh Chieu,D1 Tel: 3823 6770www.iprights.comGlobal intellectual property firm providinga full range of IP services including patentand trade mark agency services.Saigon-Expat Tax Services23 Phung Khac Khoan, D1Tel: 0938 220 255luckyviv8888@yahoo.comAn IRS-enrolled agent specialising in thepreparation of U.S. personal income taxreturns. Also provides Vietnam tax andbusiness legal consulting.Star Management Limited92-96 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3897 2765www.starlimited.comBusiness advisory services for companiesinvesting in Vietnam, businessproject advancement and a range ofbusiness development services.TMF Vietnam Company LimitedUnit 501, 5th Floor, Saigon TradeCenter37 Ton Duc Thang, D1Tel: 3910 2262 ext. 113Fax: 3910 0590www.tmf-group.comWith headquarters in Amsterdam andRotterdam, TMF Vietnam specializes inaccounting outsourcing and consulting.Total Wealth Management66/11 Pham Ngoc Thach, D3Tel: 3820 0623www.t-wm.comSpecialists in selecting and arrangingtax-efficient savings and pension plansfor expatriates. Offers councel on privatebanking services, wealth protection inoffshore jurisdictions, currency risks andhedging strategies.Towers Watson Vietnam (formerlyWatson Wyatt and SMART HR)Sun Wah Tower, 115 Nguyen Hue, Suite808, D1Tel: 3821 9488Global HR consulting firm specializing inexecutive compensation, talent management,employee rewards and surveys,HR effectiveness and technology, dataservices and total rewards surveys.DECORAntique StreetLe Cong Kieu Street, D1 betweenNguyen Thai Binh and Pho Duc ChinhA variety of antiques and faux antiquesfrom Thailand, China and Vietnamincluding silverware, compasses, lighters,brass knockers, urns, vases, abacuses,religious and pagan statues, candlestickholders, furniture and watches.Asian Fish34 Mac Thi Buoi, D1Boutique-style arts and crafts store sellinglocally made gifts and souvenirs, alldesigned by the Japanese owner. Productsinclude clothing, bags, crockery,sandals, chopsticks and jewellery.Aquarium StreetNguyen Thong Street, D3 between VoThi Sau and Ly Chinh ThangDedicated street has everything oneneeds to display fish: tanks, decor, feed,filters and the fish themselves.Budget Housewares StreetCorner of Pasteur and Nguyen DinhChieuStock up on shower heads, kitchensupplies (juicer, spatula, grater, etc.),coat racks, clothes hangers, pots, pans,champagne flutes, bowls, coolers, trashbins, ironing boards, magazine racksand the like.Chau Loan213 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3825 7991Gallery based in a colonial shophousestocking mainly Vietnamese-themed oilpaintings and images of Buddha. Alsodeals in better-known reproductions.Decosy112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917Producer of a large selection of Europeanstyled furniture and interior fittings,specializing in wrought iron and patine(distressed) wood finishes. Also stocksa wide-range of decorative accessories,crockery and fixtures. Custom designservices available upon request.Dogma175 De Tham, D1 Tel: 3836 0488www.dogmavietnam.comLocated upstairs from Saigon Kitsch, thisart gallery deals in Vietnamese propagandaposters, apparel, accessories andrandom paraphernalia. Large prints aresold at USD $60 each and small printscost $25.Minh Boutique15 Nguyen Thiep, D1Lacquerware pieces, tea boxes, teapotwarmers, ice buckets and sake drinkingsets all handmade in Vietnam. Also sellsa range of silverware, egg holders andice tongs.OUT-2 STUDIOL6 Fafilm annex6 Thai Van Lung, D1 Tel: 3825 6056STUDIO@OUT-2.comwww.out-2.comStudio space for independent designersto showcas their wares, sell their workand meet with clients. Open Monday tSaturday 10 am to 6 pm.Sapa125 Ho Tung Mau, D1Offers a better selection of hill tribehandicrafts than most of its rivals.Concentrates mainly on the hand-wovenclothing of the indigenous tribespeopleof the region. There is also a line inladies’ shoes and the standard range ofsilk wraps and bags.Vietnam-Quilts64 Ngo Duc Ke, D1 Tel: 3914 2119www.mekong-quilts.orgNGO enterprise specializes in quilts andsells a range of appealing handmadeproducts created by underprivilegedwomen in Binh Thuan Province.ELECTRONICSHi End Audio84 Ho Tung Mau, D1A standout that stocks the very latestand greatest in home entertainment.Retails in everything from giant plasmascreenTVs to audio equipment. Mosttop brands are available.iDEAS Shopping Centre133-141AB Cach Mang Thang Tam, D3The largest of the electonics storesalong the street, the three-storey iDEASsells every type of electronic and homeappliance imaginable. Offers proper warranties.Staff speaks some English.Nguyen Kim Shopping Centre63-65 Tran Hung Dao, D1Tel: 3821 1211www.nguyenkim.comStocks DVD/CD players, cameras,TVs, hi-fis and more from Sony, Sanyo,Panasonic, Philips and other majormanufacturers. Also a good place topick up electronic kitchen supplies likecoffee makers and rice cookers, as wellas large and small appliances, from hotwater heaters to regrigerators.Phong Vu125 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D1Tel: 6290 8777www.vitinphongvu.comTwo-storey electronics store retails ininternational products convenientlygrouped by brand. Carries computers,home audio, printers, hard drives andmore, as well as a variety of mobilephones, handheld electronic devicesand accessories.Savico117 Ho Tung Mau, D1 Tel: 3821 7993One-stop electronics and home appliancesuperstore. All products have aone to three-year warranty.Tech StreetHuyen Thuc Khang Street between TonThat Dam and Nguyen Hue, D1Sells compact discs, DVDs, electronicmoney counters, video games andsystems, Discmans, mp3 players andportable DVD players.FURNITUREAppeal41 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 5258A small, upscale shop that offers modernaccents for the sleek dining room.The colours of the over-sized vases andfruit bowls are either glistening red orlacquered black.AustinHome20 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3519 0023Outstanding quality and style for yourhome. The shop says its products arehand-picked by an American furnitureexpert from the best factories in Vietnam.Upholstery, accessories, antiquesand more.Catherine Denoual15C Thi Sach, D1 Tel: 3823 9394Beautiful showroom with clean lines anda sumptuous array of bedroom productsincluding bedside lamps, linens, pillowcasesand duvet covers.Decosy112 Xuan Thuy, D2 Tel: 6281 9917Producer of a large selection of Europeanstyled furniture and interior fittings,specializing in wrought iron and patine(distressed) wood finishes. Also stocksa wide-range of decorative accessories,crockery and fixtures. Custom designservices available upon request.El Gallery23 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3824 8306Traditional decor with a modern twist.Offers a variety of mid- to high-rangefurniture, rugs, lighting, art and accessoriesfrom around the world, plus interiordesign services. Also imports furnitureto Vietnam for export to Europe and theUnited States.Esthetic11 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh ThanhTel: 3514 7371/7372Fax: 3514 7370esthetic@vnn.vnwww.estheticfurnishing.com.vnDesign and manufacture as order with amixture of antique and modern furniture.Friendly staff speak excellent English.Furniture Outlet3A Ton Duc Thang, D186 asialife HCMC

Tel: 2243 7955/3911 0104Wide selection of well-crafted and carefullyconstructed pine wood pieces atgood prices, aimed at customers cravinga taste of Europe.Furniture StreetNgo Gia Tu, D10 between Ly Thai Toand Nguyen Chi ThanhVery affordable furniture can be found onthis stretch: couches, mattresses, desks,chairs, etc. It often takes some looking tofind a gem. A connected sidestreet, BaHat, features woodworkers’ shops.Gaya1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1Tel: 3925 1495www.gayavietnam.comFour-floor store featuring the work offoreign designers: home accessories andoutdoor furniture by Lawson Johnston,linens by Corinne Leveilley-Dadda,furniture and lighting by Quasar Khanh,laquerware decor by Michele De Albertand furniture and decor by vivekkevin.Linh’s White37 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 6281 9863Furniture shop that focuses on solidwood furniture and decorative itemsranging from pillows and lamps tobedding. Also offers kids’ furniture andcustom pieces.Rare Decor41 Hai Ba Trung, D1 Tel: 3822 2284137/1 Nguyen Huu Canh, Binh ThanhTel: 3840 6304/5Leading home furnishings company inVietnam, supplying high quality, uniqueproducts. Also offer custom madefurniture, accessories and lighting forcommercial projects and home use.Remix Deco222 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D3Tel: 3930 4190www.remixdeco.comBoutique furniture store in sprawlingwhite with modern furniture includingsofas, tables and seating from aroundthe world. Featured designers includeLe Corbusier, Ray & Charles Eames,Philippe Starck and Ludwig Mies Vander Rhode.The Furniture Warehouse3B Ton Duc Thang, D1Tel: 6657 0788namtran121@yahoo.com, ttpnam@webtnl.comOffers a range of reasonably priced Italian,European and French colonial sofas,indoor/outdoor wooden furniture, lightingand interior décor, as well as customdesigns based on clients’ specifications.All at international quality export.The Lost Art31 Nguyen Cong Tru, D1Tel: 3829 0134Extensive product range as well ascomprehensive interior design service,from initial conceptualization to design,manufacture and installation of uniqueproducts.Thien An Furniture90A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1Tel: 3910 5650A range of beautiful furniture with adistinct traditional flavor from colourfulsilk lampshades, wooden carved beds,screens, chests and more.Tran Duc Homes33 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1Tel: 7300 0777Level 5, Wonderbuy Center, 27bNguyen Dinh Chieu, D1Tel: 6291 8485B2-25, Vincom Center, 70-72 Le ThanhTon, D1Tel: 3993 9700Wood solutions partner for high-endresidential and resort projects. Experiencedin manufacturing and installingwooden modular housing, interior fittingsand contemporary indoor and outdoorfurniture.LEGALAllens Arthur RobinsonSaigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1Tel: 3822 1717www.vietnamlaws.comAustralian law firm for law translationservices and legal advice on foreigninvestment and business in Vietnam.Baker & McKenzieSaigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1Tel: 3829 5585www.bakernet.comInternational law firm providing on-thegroundliaison and support servicesto clients interested in investigating,negotiating and implementing projectsin Vietnam.Frasers InternationalSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Tel: 3824 2733www.frasersvn.comFull service commercial law firm providinginternational and Vietnamese legaladvice to both foreign and local clientsspecializing in transactions in Vietnam.Indochine CounselHan Nam Building, 65 Nguyen Du, D1Tel: 3823 9640www.indochinecounsel.comBusiness law practitioners specializing inmergers & acquistions, inward investment,and securities & capital markets.Limcharoen, Hughes and GlanvilleHavana Tower, 132 Ham Nghi, D1Tel: 6291 7000www.limcharoen.comFull service international law firm with headoffice in Thailand. Main focus on real estatein Asia.Lucy Wayne & Associates17 Le Duan, D1 Tel: 3824 4395www.lwavietnam.comLaw firm providing legal services across theboard from entertainment and environmentallaw to health care and real estate.Phillips FoxSaigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1Tel: 3822 1717Full service law firm providing legal servicesin healthcare, education, crime, bankingand hospitality among others.Pricewaterhousecoopers LegalSaigon Tower, 29 Le Duan, D1Tel: 3823 0796www.pwc.com/vnPart of a network of international legal andfinancial advisors, PWC gives both specialistand general legal advice with a focus onmutli-territory projects.Rödl & PartnerSomerset Chancellor Court21-23 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1Tel: 3824 4225www.roedl.comEuropean legal firm assisting foreigninvestors with structuring/establishing companies,investment projects, and mergers& acquistions.LIGHTINGCaodong Design Boutique37bis Mac Dinh Chi, D1207L Vo Thi Sau, D3Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Spanking new store with a range of beautifulitems ranging from interesting lightingwith decorative table lamps with handpaintedpaper shades and some lovelyleather boxes and gift ideas.Light House92 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1Tel: 3914 2662Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Small retail shop is packed with ceiling andwall light fixtures, and a good selection ofdesk and ceiling lamps. Most of the stockis decidedlly modern and sleak.Luxury Light1483 My Toan 1, Nguyen Van Linh,Phu My Hung, D7For those who really want to bring a touchof luxury to their homes, this place dealswith Italian imported lighting from the ultra- modern to the traditional Murano stylechandeliers. Extremely expensive reflectingthe quality of the design and workmanship.Mosaique98 Mac Thi Buoi, D1One of the best and most diverse selectionsof lamps in town with everything fromthe ordinary decorative lotus silk lampto more inventive and original designs inlacquer and silk.Treasure Light18A Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1Tel: 3822 4315www.treasure-light.comHigh-end lighting shop specialising in finelacquered lamps. Designs are sophisticatedand minimilast. Wide selection of tablelamps, wall lamps, floor lamps and ceilinglamps.MOTORBIKESAutomotive StreetLy Thai To Street, D10 starting at DienBien Phu and running southeastServices include mending motorbike seatsand sound system installation. Productsrange from zebra print motorbike seat coversto car and motorbike tyres, hubcaps,rims, subwoofers and sound systems byXplode.Bike City480D Nguyen Thi Thap, D7Luxury motorcycle shop carries a range ofaccessories, including apparel. Sells Vemarhelmets, a brand that passes rigorousEuropean Union standards.Protec Helmets18bis/3A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D1248C Phan Dinh Phung, Phu Nhuan417B Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3American nonprofit manufacturer makeshelmets with densely compressed polystyreneshell with ABS, PVC or fiberglassexterior, available with polycarbonateshatter-proof shield. Lots of options forkids.Zeus HelmetsFounded in Taiwan to manufacture cool,comfortable helmets that meet worldwidesafety standards. Basic models featurethermo-injected shells constructed fromlightweight ABS composite with interiorslined with moisture-absorbant brushed nylon.Shops selling authentic Zeus helmetsare located on Pham Hong Thai near BenThanh Market.REAL ESTATEAva Residence40/10 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, D2Tel: 6281 8440www.avaresidence.comModern serviced apartments located5 minutes from the British InternationalSchool and Australian International School.Affords a great view over the Saigon River.Many facilities available including a swimmingpool, Jacuzzi and gym.CB Richard EllisMe Linh Point Tower, 2 Ngo Duc Ke, D1Tel: 3824 6125www.cbre.comInternational property consultants and developerswith both commercial and privateproperties for sale, lease and rent.Chamber Property ConsultantsTel: 0168 349 9991www.chamberproperty.comChamber Property Consultancy has morethan 100 houses and flats available for rentin HCMC. Contact them today for moreinformation.Diamond Plaza34 Le Duan StreetTel: 3822 1922lntdung@diamondplaza.com.vnLocated in the heart of District 1, connectedto Diamond PLaza. Services 1- to4-bedroom apartments with gym, swimmingpool and panoramic views of the city.EasySaigon.comwww.easysaigon.comReal estate website helps expats findapartments in HCMC.InterContinental Asiana SaigonResidencesCorner of Hai Ba Trung & Nguyen Du, D1Tel: 3520 8888saigon@interconti.comwww.intercontinental.com/saigonresContemporary residential space in theheart of the major business and culturalarea in District 1. There are 260 one, twoor three-bedroom units plus health cluband outdoor swimming pool.Namhouse Corporation24 Xuan Thuy, Thao Dien, D2Tel: 0989 007 700, 0989 115 511www.namhouse.com.vnProvides rental properties, constructionservices and interior decorating. Supportsprofessional services and after-sales.Thao Dien Village195 Nguyen Van Huong, D2Tel. 3744 2222A riverside complex of internationalstandardhospitality and F&B outlets witha boutique hotel, four restaurants featuringItalian, Thai, Japanese and Vietnamesecuisine, an event house, meeting roomsand a day spa with well-equipped healthclub.The NestTel: 090 319 8901 (Laurence)Tel: 090 793 3000 (Thuong)laurence@thenest-vietnam.comthuong@thenest-vietnam.comwww.thenest-vietnam.comReal estate agent maintains a wellorganizedand frequently updated websitelisting apartments, villas, townhousescondos and offices. Renters/buyers canreceive regular updates via email.Platinum1Star Building, 33 Mac Dinh Chi, D1Tel: 3911 8193www.platinum1corp.comYour one-stop agency for housing andoffice space in the city with pre-viewingselection before the visit and full supportthroughout your lease.Riverside Apartments53 Vo Truong Toan, D2Tel: 3744 4111www.riverside-apartments.comOne of the first luxury serviced apartmentsin town located next to the Saigon Riverset in lush tropical gardens.Saigon PropertiesGround floor, 15-1A Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3823 7502 or 0903 946 517www.saigonproperties.comReal estate company with 15 years ofexperience. Provides various servicesincluding leasing and sales, property management,interior design and specializes ininvestment properties.Saigon Village523 To Hien Thanh, D10Tel: 3865 7249www.saigonvillage.vnn.vnFully furnished villas and apartments in atranquil, leafy complex cordonned off fromthe pressures of HCMC.Savills Viet NamLevel 18, Fideco Tower, 81-85 Ham Nghi,D1 Tel: 823 9205www.savills.com.vnSavills Viet Nam is a property service providerthat has been established in Vietnamsince 1995 offering research, advisoryservices, residential sales, commercialleasing, asset management, retail advisory,valuation, investment advisory and more.Sherwood Residence127 Pasteur St., D3Tel: 3823 2288Fax: 3823 9880Hotline: 0917470058leasing@sherwoodresidence.comwww.sherwoodresidencecomSherwood Residence is a luxury servicedapartment property and the first propertycertified by the Vietnam National Administrationof Tourism. Modern living spacesmeet prime location, comfort and classwith 5-star facilities and service.SnapTel: 0989 816 676www.snap.com.vnOnline Real Estate service providinginformation on rental properties exclusivelyin District 2. Full listings online.RECRUITMENTFirst Alliances#609, Saigon Trade Center37 Ton Duc Thang, D1Tel: 3910 2080 Fax: 3910 2079www.firstalliances.netcv@firstalliances.netAs Vietnam’s most established recruitmentconsultancy, First Alliances operatesacross all major industry sectors and atall levels of seniority. Also providing HRoutsourcing solutions for staffing andpayroll,overseas employment and educationservices.HR2B / Talent Recruitment JSCThien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu,D3 Tel: 3930 8800www.hr2b.comHR consulting advises businesses onhow to improve employee productivity.The search team specializes in matchingsenior level Vietnamese professionals andmanagers to top level opportunities in bothmajor cities.Navigos Group130 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1Tel: 3825 5000www.navigosgroup.comRecruitment agency offering a completeportfolio of HR services including executivesearch, HR advisory, training, online recruitment,and print recruitment advertising.Opus Vietnam2A Rolanno Offices, 128 Nguyen PhiKhanh, D1 Tel: 3827 8209www.opusasia.netEstablished in HCMC in 2005, Opusservices local and multinational companiesseeking to recruit high quality personnel.An Associate of Horton International, oneof the world’s leading search groups withover 30 offices worldwide. For more infocontact info@opusasia.net.TMF VietnamSaigon Trade Center, Unit 2811, 37 TonDuc Thang, D1 Tel: 3910 9229 / 9222hang.bui@tmf-group.comwww.tmf-group.comWith more than 3,300 professionals workingout of 86 offices in 65 countries, TMFprovides independent accounting andcorporate secretarial services to companiesworldwide.Vietnamworks.com130 Suong Nguyet Anh, D1Tel: 5404 1373www.vietnamworks.comExcellent section on advice for jobseekersfocusing on topics such as resume writing,cover letters, interview technique andmore.RELOCATION AGENTSAllied PickfordsSatra Building, Room 202, 58 Dong Khoi,D1 Tel: 0122 5141 848aurelien.jouve@alliedpickfords.com.vnhttp://vn.alliedpickfords.comMoving and relocating services companyspecializing in business and office moves.Overseas and specialist movers alsoavailable.Asian Tigers Transpo InternationalRoom 201 and 202, 216 Nguyen ThiMinh Khai, D3 Tel: 3930 9484Tel: 3945 0891matt.king@asiantigers-vietnam.comwww.asiantigersgroup.comInternational moving agency, homesearch,orientation, settling in programs and workpermit assistance.Crown Worldwide Movers48A Huynh Man Dat, Binh ThanhTel: 3823 4127www.crownrelo.comInternational moving company servingdiplomats and private customers, employeesand expats, providing domestic anditernational transportation of household,office and industrial goods.Santa Fe Relocation ServicesThien Son Building, 5 Nguyen Gia Thieu,D3 Tel: 3933 0065www.santaferelo.comProvides a range of services includinghome/school search, language/culturaltraining, tenancy management and immigration/visasupport.STATIONERYCustom Signage StreetLe Lai, D1 between Truong Dinh andNguyen Thai HocOffers custom-designed signs and customengraving on trophies and plaques madeof plastic, wood, metal and glass.Fahasa40 Nguyen Hue, D1 Tel: 3822 5796Bookstore chain carries an expansivestock of office and home stationary; a onestopshop for basic needs.Pi-Channel45B Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3822 0253www.pi-channel.comBoutique shop carries up-market collectionsof pens and notepads, as well asdesktop organisers, clocks, calendars andframes. Corporate services offered.IT SERVICESEstablished since 2001Design, Interior/External Decorations of High Quality Wood ProductsManufacturing for Export, Construction Projects, Retails,...Copy-Antique Productions, Modern Designs and Made to orderMore than 10 years experienceDevoted premium services/after sales services, every time, every where11 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 19, Binh Thanh Dist, HCMCTel: (84 8) 3514 7371 / 7372 –Fax: (84 8) 3514 7370Hot line: Ms. Nhat Thu Director - 0903 849 232Email: esthetic@vnn.vnWebsite: www.estheticfurnishing.com88 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 89

people matterIntegrity at WorkBy Gary WoollacottUp until a couple of days beforewriting this column, I wasstruggling to come up with atopic. Then an unexpectedresignation in the Thailandoffice put me into businessrecovery mode where I had togo through hundreds of emailsto check that everything hadbeen properly followed upon, filed in the right places,or deleted if it was no longeruseful.What I discovered duringthat task was unexpected: aseries of emails with anothercolleague (at that stage stillemployed) trashing the companyand its image, mockingme and my business efforts.I wasn’t pleased, as youcan imagine, and although Ihave very thick skin, it wasstill upsetting. Luckily I had athree-day business trip immediatelythereafter and thisgave me a chance to plan mymove, without any emotioncoming into it—which mayhave happened had I reactedimmediately.I’m old enough not to worrytoo much what people thinkabout me (we can't be friendswith everyone, after all) andwe don't have to like peopleto be able to work with them.However, it is totally unacceptableto have these exchangeson the company’s email.When your employer ownsthe hardware and the softwarethat you use every day, ithas a perfect right to inspectits property at any time itchooses. So if you are usingyour work email to trash youremployer and/or your bossand you get found out, thenexpect to be fired on the spot.Most people’s contractshave a clause aboutterminating employmentwithout notice in the eventof misconduct or wherethere has been a breach ofprofessionalism—and that isexactly what happened, muchto the person’s surprise. Hewas asked to leave immediately,only pausing to take hispersonal belongings and thatwas it. We had changed hispasswords so that nothingcould be altered within oursystem—and then reading hisold emails provided anotherset of shocking surprises: weare better off without him. Itwas very poor behaviour forsomeone who was entrustedto develop business for thecompany. Now he doesn'thave a job. Don't let that beyou.As usual, let me know ifyou have any particular topicyou would like to see coveredhere.Gary Woollacott is the ChiefRepresentative for Opus ExecutiveSearch in Vietnam andThailand. He can be reachedat +84 8 3827 8209 or gary@opusasia.net. Opus is anassociate of Horton International.listingsfashionACCESSORIESAccessorize48 Dong Du, D1, Tel: 3822 1081Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1www.monsoon.co.uk/icat/accessorizeFashion-forward accessories includingnecklaces, handbags, wallets, flip-flops,sunglasses, hair accessories, belts andmore.Alfred DunhillDiamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1A timeless style in male luxury providingformal and casual mens accesoriestailored for the discerning man. Alsostocking handcrafted leather goods.Anupa Boutique17/27 Le Thanh Ton, D1 Tel: 3825 7307anupaboutiquevietnam@anupa.netThe ever-changing boutique retails inthe elegant design of anupa accessoriesmade from high-quality leather. Collectionsavailable range from men, women,executive, travel, spa, yoga, board games,boxes and semi-precious stone jewellery.Collection changes on weekly basis. Alsocarries childrens wear, toys, furniture andhomewares.BallyRex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue, D1Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1www.experience.bally.comFlagship store in the Rex Hotel providingluxury Italian-made accessories for men.Among these are shoes, belts, walletsand a collection of male jewellery.Banana128 Ly Tu Trong, D1Women’s accessories and more, frombags, clutches and belts to clothes andjewellery, all at reasonable prices.CartierDiamond Plaza, 34 Le DuanThis well-known designer brand displaysa wide range of accessories for men. Famousfor its watches, Cartier also stockspens, key rings, belts and sunglasses.Cincinati177P Dong Khoi, D1www.cincinati.vninfo@cincinati.vnVietnamese brand of genuine leatherbags, shoes, accessories and personalgoods for men and women such asnotebooks for a classic vagabond look.Quality leather from crocodile, horse,snake and fish made with excellent localcraftsmanship.Cleo-Pearls30 Nguyen Dang Giai, An Phu, D2Tel: 091 3587 690Jewellery designer Birgit Maier operatesCleo-Pearls from her home, specializingin necklaces, bracelets, earrings, keyholders and bag accessories. All piecescreated with gemstones, fresh waterpearls and beads.Coconut100 Mac Thi Buoi, D1Bags of all shapes and sizes rule theroost in this small shop. Made of silk andembroidered to the brim, these uniquebags start at about USD $30, and manyare suitable for both day and night.Creation105 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 5429A two-storey shop selling scarves,intricate handbags (from USD $30), tailormadesilk dresses and tops. Has a widerange of materials on the second floor.Prices start from $65 for an ao dai withsimple embroidery.Deanh JewelleryEden Mall, 106 Nguyen Hue, D1Tel: 3827 6039Gorgeous selection of gold accessoriesimported from Turkey and Italy. Also hasa selection of simple ring designs to setyour precious stones in.Gallery vivekkevinFAFILM Building, 6 Thai Van Lung, D1Tel: 6291 3709info@vivekkevin.comwww.galeryvivekkevin.comHandcrafted pendants, necklaces, ringsand bracelets. The gallery’s focus is ondesign, craftsmanship and finish, as wellas educating clients on the intricacies ofeach piece.Gucci88 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 6688Located on the main shopping street inHCMC, this flagship store brings Florentinefashion to an array of luxury leathergoods such as briefcases, luggage and aselection of men’s shoes for office or morecasual occasions.Ipa-Nima85 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 3652New World Hotel, 76 Le LaiWell-known Hanoi-based fashion brand.Founder Christina Yu is a former lawyerturned designer who produces eclecticand eye-catching handbags. Also stockscostume jewellery and shoes.J. Silver803 Nguyen Van Linh Parkway, D7Tel: 5411 1188Make a statement without being ostentatiouswith handcrafted silver jewellery fromthe boutique store. Expect big, interestingpieces that are simple yet glamorous.Laura V Signature11 Dong Du, D1Tel: 7304 4126www.laurav.netVintage designs aplenty with everythingfrom jewellery and hair accessories tofunky styled sunglasses, umbrellas andcolourful maxi dresses.Lovely Lien Jewellery20 Le Loi, D1A small and unassuming jewellery storewith beautiful and reasonably-pricednecklaces, bracelets and earrings. Youcan also bring your own precious stonesor ask the designers to make somethingunique for you.Louis VuittonOpera View, corner of Dong Khoi and LeLoi Tel: 3827 6318Designer brand name housing traditionalcraftsmanship of luxury leather goods formen and women. An array of bags, wallets,cuff links and watches are available.Mai O Mai4C Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3829 4007A superb little place with beautiful jewelleryand accessories to suit all budgets.Silver necklaces, bracelets, rings andmore in both classic and imaginativedesigns, as well as gorgeous handembroideredbags.Mont BlancDiamond Plaza, 34 Le DuanNotable for fine writing instruments, MontBlanc also houses cuff links and othermale accessoriesTherese JewellerySheraton Hotel, 88F Dong Khoi, D1www.theresejewelry.comSmall, glitzy retail outlet. Sells everythingfrom diamond earrings to gold and silverwedding rings. Of special note is theselection of jade Buddhas in varying sizes,with the larger ones costing USD $250.The friendly staff speak excellent English.ScorpionVincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le ThanhTon, D1 Tel: 3993 9889www.scorpionbag.comSelling high-end leather products forboth men and women, including shoes,handbags, belts and other accessories.Features a variety of leather in brightcolors and styles.Tic Tac Watch Shop72 Dong Khoi Tel: 0838 293519www.tictacwatch.comElegant show room displaying some ofthe world’s most recognized Swiss brandssuch as Rolex, Tag Huer, Baume &Marcer, Omega and Hirsch. On-site watchrepair service and complementary watchevaluation available. Also carries a smallcollection of vintage Rolexes.Tombo145 Dong Khoi, D1Of all the embroidered and sequinedbags, shoes and tidbits (or “Zakka”shops) that can be found in Dong Khoi,this shop’s has products that are prettierthan most. Shoes can be custom-madeand the sales staff is friendly.TumiRex Hotel, 151 Nguyen Huewww.intl.tumi.comTumi houses an opulent selection ofItalian-made luggage geared towardsmen. Briefcases, messenger bags andbackpacks are among those on display.Umbrella35 Ly Tu Trong, D1 and 4 Le Loi, D1Tel: 6276 2730www.umbrella-fashion.comSophisticated boutique showcasinga diverse range of imported women’saccessories. Also houses women’s garmentsfrom office wear to cocktail andparty creations.Luggage StreetLe Lai Street, D1 between Ben ThanhMarket and Truong Dinh.Duffle bags, backpacks, messenger bagsand carry-on suitcases are all available onthis stretch of District 1.ACTIVE WEARChina Beach Surf ClubDiamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Stocks famous surf and surf-inspiredbrands like Reef, Rip Curl and men’s wearfrom Volcom. It has everything you’d needfor a visit to the beach and more. Thereare string bikinis, tees, board shorts, capsand thongs, just to name a few.PinkoRex Hotel, 146-148-150 Pasteur, D1Tel: 3827 2240Spacious and simple store displayingwomen’s sportswear imported from HongKong and China. Body lotion and perfumeimported from America.Roxy and QuiksilverParkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1The original active living and extremesports brands, Roxy and Quiksilver productscombine form and function. Choosefrom outdoor gear to cool indoor clothes.TBS Sports Centre102 Nguyen Van Troi, Phu NhuanThis store stocks a range of good sportsclothes and equipment from big namebrands such as Puma, Adidas, Ecco, Nikeand Converse.VolcomDiamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Chic and funky ladies’ apparel brand fromAmerica. Lots of tank tops, minis andshorts for day tripping with girlfriends orlazing on the beach.READY TO WEARunisex2bling246 Huynh Van Banh, Phu NhuanSpecializes in urban streetwear, witha range of t-shirts, sneakers, baseballcaps, hoodies and more. Tees are bothimported from around Asia and designedin-house.BAM Skate Shop174 Bui Vien, D1 Tel: 0903 641 826In addition to a range of decks, wheelsand trucks, this small shop is stockedwith bookbags, skate sneakers, trackjackets and t-shirts emblazoned with yourskateboard company of choice.Bo Sua Local StreetwearVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3993 9599www.bosua.vnAn offshoot of the Boo street-style skaterfashion brand made popular in Hanoi, thisbrand translated as “Cow Milk” featuresfun colourful t-shirts, women’s casualwear and sneakers that celebrate thequirky street life of Vietnam.“ello263 Huynh Van Banh, Phu NhuanThis tiny little shop on Phu Nhuan’s hipsterfashion strip is stocked with some of thecoolest trend items in HCMC. Carries afrequently refreshed selection of T-shirts,skinny pants and women’s tops.FCUK127 Le Thanh Ton, D1Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, D1Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3914 7740www.frenchconnection.comTrendy UK brand with a selection offashion-forward dresses for women andsmart workwear and funky casual wearfor men, all at middle-market prices.Hagattini1A Pham Ngoc Thach, D1Tel: 2244 8105www.hagattini.comVietnamese brand housing clothing for alloccasions. Normal to office wear, casualto party outfits using materials importedfrom Hong Kong and designed and madein Vietnam.Konheo32 Dinh Tien Hoang, Binh ThanhTel: 6653 4187info@konheo.comwww.konheo.comFounded and run by a group of localMekong Creations specialises in unique locally produced household and gift items,including papier mache, silk, bamboo, and water hyacinth products. Mekong Creationsalso produces items for luxury French brand Terre d’Oc and has permission to sell thesedesigns locally.Mekong Creations is a project of parent NGO Mekong Plus, that supports communitydevelopment programmes in remote villiages in Vietnam and Cambodia.The key objective is to generate employment for women. All profitsfrom products sold are returned to the villages. Mekong Creationsfocus is to provide rewarding employment, increase familyincomes and improve conditions for children in these remotecommunities.Our producers are trained in production techniques for theirfield and supported in design and marketing by Mekong Plus.All products are made in the villages allowing more time to bespent with families.Vietnamese guys, this T-shirt store flauntssimple-cut T-shirts with playful prints andhumorous printed texts. Also does custommade t-shirts for 160,000 VND.Levi’s Flagship Store19–21 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3500 1501The 320-square-metre retail space spreadover three levels offers the city’s largestand most exclusive collection of Levi’sbottoms, tops and accessories.L’Usine151/1 Dong Khoi, D1Lifestyle store and cafe housed in a periodbuilding restored to evoke the aestheticof an early 20th-century garment factory.Carries an exclusive, frequently refreshedline of imported men’s and women’s fashion,including T-shirts and footwear, and arange of unique accessories. Entrance viathe street-level Art Arcade.112 Xuan ThuyWard Thao DienDistrict 2Ho Chi Minh CityTel/Fax. (+84) 8 62.819.917shop-hcm@decosy.biz90 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 91

Lu.Xu.Bu320 Huynh Van Banh, Phu NhuanWell known among the HCMC hipsterati,this trendy shop is mostly given over toT-shirts (many by young, Bangkok-baseddesigners), but also carries jeans, buttonshirts and more.Miss Sixty & Energie13 Ngo Duc Ke, D1Local outlet of the Miss Sixty brand hugelyfavoured by Hollywood’s young starlets.Also stocks clothes from its men’s label,Energie.Orange238 Pasteur, D3Funky little boutique carries uniqueaccessory pieces a good selection ofT-shirts with quirky, unique graphics forvery reasonable prices. A smaller outpostis located at the corner of Pasteur and LeThanh Ton in District 1.Rok Factory382 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuanwww.rokexchange.comSmall shop founded by local artist/photographer carries streetwear for therock-oriented lifestyle, including T-shirts,hoodies, socks and accessories.ReplayVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1116 Nguyen Trai, D1187 Hai Ba Trung, D3Tel: 3925 0252Wide variety of shoes, clothing, denimfor teens and university-age men andwomen. Carries boots, sandals, pumpsand sneakers at mid-range prices.RunwayVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3993 9988runway.sg@global-fashion.vnMassive and minimalist design-led interiorlets ultra high-end designer garmentsstand out. Carries men's, women's andchildren’s clothing, swimwear, shoes, accessoriesalong with home décor. Brandsinclude Chloe, Marc Jacobs, Balenciaga,Sergio Rossi and Eres.See By Harajuku130 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D3Tel: 090 986 8622Small, friendly store stocking both men’sand women’s streetwear, channelling Japaneseand Korean fashion trends. Brightand funky T-shirts and maxi dresses, aswell as accessories and footwear. Newstock every month.Versace26 Dong KhoiDesigner brand in men’s formal wear.Houses suit jackets and trousers, shirtsas well as an array of men’s accessories.Also stocks womens clothing and shoes.VOVSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1403 Huynh Van Banh, Phu Nhuanwww.vovietchung.comRetail base for Vo Viet Chung, one ofVietnam’s best-known designers. VOV isknown for blending traditional form withcontemporary cuts, colours and textures.menLucas69A Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3827 9670Fashion store housing contemporarydesigns in casual, office and evening wearimported from Hong Kong.Massimo Ferrari42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3Tel: 3930 6212Bespoke menswear shop also boastsits own brand of contemporary preppyattire tailored for the tropics. Carries aline of European-quality shoes, bags andaccessories designed in-house, as wellas exclusive Orobianco unisex bags,designer fragrances and eyewear.Mattre19 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 3412This local men’s clothes shop has somefunky tops and jeans for more fashionforwardmales. Apparel in sizes that fitthe typical Western man’s frame are oftenavailable. Another store is located on HaiBa Trung and Ly Tu TrongMilanoSheraton Hotel, 88 Dong Khoiwww.milanogoods.comA conjoining shop with D&G offering aselection of men’s shoes and accessorieswith a sideline in women’s clothing. D&Gprovides a collection of menswear, fromcasual jeans and T-shirts to uniquelydesigned suit jackets.Mizada150 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3822 2508mizada07@yahoo.comAn A-to-Z collection of men’s clothingwith an influx of new fashion arriving onthe racks regularly. Carries smart, casualshirts, trousers, jeans and jackets, as wellas bags and scarves.New Urban Male226 Ly Tu Trong, D1 Tel: 3824 4416www.newurbanmale.comCaters to a wide range of consumertastes from beach duds to streetwear.The goods include international men’sbrands such as Havaianas, C-IN2, JabsWaterboys, Rebel Jeans and aussieBum.Also carries men’s grooming products.TimberlandParkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1Sells everything the brand is knownfor, from heavy-duty boots to tops andtrousers that are both smart and casual.The emphasis is on muted tones andunobtrusive logos for men who don’t liketo show off.womenAxaraVincom Center B1, 70 - 72 Le ThanhTon, D1Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D121 Nguyen Trai, D1Tel: 3993 9399www.axara.comCarries women’s clothing suitable forwork, weekends or evening. Luxuriousfabrics and simple cuts and styles all atreasonable prices. Also carries handbagsand accessories.BalenciagaRex Hotel, 155 Nguyen HueTel: 6291 3572Sporting modern shapes and elegantitems crafted from natural, raw andartificial materials.BCBGMAXAZRIAVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1American brand sells women’s daydresses and tops, evening gowns andwear-to-work attire in many prints andcolours. Also carries a small selection ofaccessories, sunglasses and watches.BebeSaigon Center, 65 Le Loi, D1Tel: 3914 4011www.bebe.comAn international brand that specializesin contemporary, modern tees and sexy,elegant dresse, tops and party attire.Bon Mua BoutiqueVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Tel: 3993 9888www.itamoda.com.vnLuxury women’s clothing store with racksorganized by designer. Carries smallcollection of unique pieces from designerssuch as Jean Paul Gaultier, Alberta Ferretti,Blumarine, Valentino, Philosophy andBrunello Cucinelli.CaroZen Plaza, 54-56 Nguyen Trai, D1Local designs and tailoring of elegant topsand dresses with a distinctly Eastern influence.Provides a range of attire for boththe office and a night out. The friendlystaff is eager to help find an outfit for anyoccassion.ChloeRex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue, D1Tel: 6291 3582Parisian-influenced fashion house specializesin simple, traditional designs with afeminine and fashionable twist. Jeans,satin dresses and a wide array of accessoriesare on display.ContrabandParkson Plaza, 39-45 Le Thanh Ton, D1Ready-to-wear brand for hip, modernwomen. Range includes office wear toevening wear. The collection is updatedeach month with new international trends.Dieu ThanhVincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1140 Pasteur, D1 Tel: 3824 5851www.dieuthanh.comExperienced tailor shop also carries itsown line of clothing. Once specialized inswimwear and cotton clothing but hasexpanded to sell business suits, eveningdresses, luxury fabrics and accessories.ER-Couture Boutique43 Thao Dien, D2 Tel: 3744 2411 www.er-couture.comerolskov@er-couture.comExclusive Scandinavian brand offeringdesigner garments. Versatile fashion forwomen in European sizes 34-44. Eachstyle is released in limited quantities andcan be tailored to individual taste.Esprit58 Dong Khoi, D1Outpost for the international brand ofcolourful, preppy men’s and women’scasual wear.Etam188 Hai Ba Trung, D1Famous all over the world for their Frenchstyle. There’s a large range of shirts,T-shirts, dresses and more. Also availablein Zen Plaza and Diamond Plaza.Gaya1 Nguyen Van Trang, D1 Tel: 3925 1495Carries a range of couture and pret-aportergarments and silk and organzadresses in vibrant colours created byCambodia-based designer Romyda Keth.Geisha Boutique43 Ton That Thiep, D1 Tel: 3821 8272enquiry@geishaclothing.comFacebook: Geisha BoutiqueAustralian fashion label offering a contemporaryrange of casual and eveningwear with an Asian influence. Printed tees,singlets, shorts, skirts, jeans, summerscarves, dresses, silk camisoles and satinmaxi dresses.Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery2nd floor, 43 Ton That Thiep, D1Australian designer Tracey Kociurubacreates intricately embellished statementpieces in her Easten-European inspiredshop slash studio.Kiwi74/1 Hai Ba Trung Tel: 3822 1191Small and intimate shop with a moderncollection of fashion items geared towardsthe young and active urban female. Theshowroom has a wide collection, fromcasual clothing to office wear.KookaiSaigon Centre, 65 Le LoiFrench brand stocking classic, feminine,styles with a twist. Gypsy day dresses andclassic little black dresses at mid- to highrangeprices are perfect for twenty- andthirty-something women.La Senza47B–47C Nguyen Trai, D1Tel: 3925 170065 Le Loi, Saigon Centre, D1Tel: 3914 4328www.lasenza.comBoutique carrying a wide range of bras,panties, pyjamas, accessories and loungewear.Labella85-87 Pasteur, D1This three-storey shop will take care of allyour wardrobe needs: affordable clothes,shoes, bags and lingerie, all well madeand fashionable.Le Samedi21 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 3925 5013Boutique retailing in clothes importedmainly from Italy and France, from cocktaildresses to chiffon skirts.Lulu Lacywww.lululacy.comBoutique label featuring retro designs inhigh-quality fabrics. Website frequentlyrefreshed with latest offerings, includingmaxi-dresses, tailored blouses and shorts.Shop online or request a party at yourhouse.Mai Lam132-134 Dong Khoi, D1 Tel: 3827 2733www.mailam.com.vnBoutique store housing an eclectic mix ofvintage designer clothes and accessoriesmade in Vietnam. Specializing in handsewn,multi-dimensional embroidery, there-design of the traditional ao dai and anarmy vintage collection.Mango96 Mac Thi Buoi, D1 Tel: 3824 6624Saigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1A favourite with fashion-consciouswomen, this mid-range store stocksclothes from simple tees and jeans toevening wear.Marc JacobsRex Hotel, 155 Nguyen Hue , D1Tel: 6291 3580This spacious shop with high-ceilings carriesup-market clothes, shoes and accessoriesfrom the internationally recognizeddesigner brand.Minh Hanh24 Dong Khoi, D1 and 114B NguyenHue Tel: 3824 5774www.mhminhhanh.comHand- and machine-embroidered fashionmade from natural fabrics and materialswed traditional Vietnamese elements withmodern trends. Local celebrities frequentthis shop.Muse BoutiqueSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Boutique store carries well-known internationalbrands like Miss Sixty, BCBG, RockRepublic, True Religion, Tbags and Killah.Nang Boutique181 Dong Khoi, Room 209, D1iheartnang@gmail.comHouses an assortment of mix-and-matchskirts, floral dresses, chiffon lace-trimmedgowns and accessories, such as hats,shoes, bags, scarves and jewellery.Ngan23 Ly Tu Trong, D1The Ngan collection includes high-qualityevening gowns and swimwear madelocally. Also stocks a new line of men’scasual wear.Nino Max189B Hai Ba Trung, D1A local popular brand of active-casualweart-shirts, jeans and khakis. Local pricing.You can also find their other outlets inZen Plaza and Diamond Plaza.Peacock35 Ton That Thiep Tel: 3829 7045Moulin Rouge-themed boutique housingan interesting selection of women’sclothes designed and produced in Vietnam,including dresses, shirts and t-shirts,as well as jewellery.asialife HCMC 93

femme fashionNew Year, New Fabulous YouBy Adrian NguyenTime flew by this year; it feelslike I was writing this samecolumn just yesterday. Thistime I’m dedicating this to allthe women who have comeup to me at parties to talkabout trends. So let’s glam upfor 2011.Colour crushIf you love pink, this will beyour season—honeysuckleis the colour for spring. I’mloving this and I have beencollecting all shades of it sinceautumn. You will see it in mywardrobe as well as in my collections.Coral and beeswaxare also making it big so startrefreshing your closet now.Polka dotJust like stripes, polka dotshave always been around butthis season they’re coming ona little bit stronger—and wesee them everywhere, fromGiles to Moschino to LouisVuitton. But if you don’t reallyhave a Gisele Bundchen bodythen just wear one item withthe dots or you’re gonna endup looking like your six-yearolddaughter.Tassel/fringeIt’s making a big impact rightnow among fashionistas.Choose the sleek and smoothform of fringe and if you don'twant to look like a piece offurniture, then choose the tasselsfor your accessories likebags, shoes, or belts whilereserving the fringe for yourdresses. Check out Gucci andRoberto Cavalli Spring 2011for inspiration.SeventiesWill this decade ever beforgotten because it keepsreappearing on the fashionscene? Sometimes I feel like itwas never really gone—I thinkit’s the most fabulous decade.I shouldn't need to give youtips on this—don't we allknow what the Seventies looklike? Look out for my friendBoma, she’ll show you howdo it right.Bob/bangIf the clothes can be seventies,then why not your hair?The bob is back after a hiatus;this time it’s got a softer feelto it and more retro-inspiredevidenced by the morerounded shape. It needs tobe neatly blow-waved undera straight edge. And whileyou’re at it, give yourselfbangs too. Look up JaneBirkin. They don't name a bagafter her for no good-reason!I hope these tips areenough to get you into theNew Year with panache. If youbump into me around town,I’ll be more than happy to talkstyle and fashion. Have a veryhappy and stylish new year.Adrian Nguyen is a designerand the owner of the Valencianibrand. Email your fashionquestions to adrian.ngn@gmail.comRana AbodeelyVilla Anupa, 17/27 Le Thanh Ton, District1, Tel:3825 7307Luxury resort wear in soft, feminine styles.Made with 100% Vietnamese silk withsignature glass bead detailing. Comfort,ease and elegance are the main forms ofthe collection.Shae101-103 Nguyen Trai, D1www.shaeny.comNew York brand housing streetwearsuch as cardigans, dresses, shorts andaccessories.Signature Boutique154 Dong Khoi, D1Houses some of the world’s most recognizedluxury fashion brands: RobertoCavalli, Versace, D&G and Missoni.SongSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D176D Le Thanh TonOffers women’s fashion designs by ValerieGregori McKenzie, including eveningdress, tops and hats.Tracey Kociuruba Fashion Gallery43 Ton That Thiep in District 1, 2nd fl.Tel: 3915 3242www.traceykociuruba,comEastern European-inspired fashionboutique with eclectic yet elegant designswith intricate hand-spun details—50sstylejumpsuits with bustier necklines,silk kaftans and high-waisted shorts andskirts.ValencianiSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Tel: 3821 278866-68 Nguyen Trai, D1 Tel: 7302 4688valenciani.sg@gmail.comwww.valenciani.comHomegrown luxury boutique carries silkdresses, velvet corsets, chiffon shawlsand a range of accessories, all designedin-house.SHOESAldo157 Dong Khoi, D1Offering a wide selection of affordablefootwear from mid- to high-range prices.Carries office-appropriate and party-readyheels and flats, as well as a range of accessoriesand bags.Catwalk80 Pham Hong ThaiTel: 3829 6819www.catwalkshoes.comCarries a unique range of Spanish shoesand bags.Charles & Keith10 Mac Thi Buoi, 18-20 Nguyen TraiTel: 3925 1132Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1www.charleskeith.comSingapore brand housing youthful andtrendy shoes of a contemporary, highfashion design.Converse186 Hai Ba Trung, D1148 Nguyen Trai, D1122 Ba Thang Hai, D10Tel: 3827 5584www.converse.com.vnSells iconic Chuck Taylor, Jack Purcell andAll-Star sneakers and Converse brandclothing and accessories. Also at departmentstores around HCMC.Dr. Marten’s173 Hai Ba Trung, D3 Tel: 3822 4710Air Wair sandals and shoes here featurethe classic yellow stitching and chunkyrubber soles. Also stocked with clothesand accessories by Replay and Kappatracksuit tops.Footwear StreetHo Xuan Huong Street, D3 betweenCach Mang Thang Tam and Ba HuyenThanh QuanLe Thi Hong Gam in D1 between PhoDuc Chinh and CalmetteSelection ranges from leather loafers toplastic thongs and everything in between.Nine WestSaigon Centre, 65 Le Loi, D1Vincom Center, 70/72 Le Thanh Ton, D1Stocks an extensive range of designerfootwear for women. Handpicked by aglobal community of independent trendsettersand stylists.TAILORSFabric StreetHai Ba Trung, D1 across the street fromTan Dinh Market.Spools upon spools of fabric manufaturedlocally and abroad, with more than amplevariety of textures, colours and materialsto choose from.Massimo Ferrari42-A1 Tran Quoc Thao, D3Tel: 3930 6212Traditional Italian sartorial techniques areemployed to offer a full wardrobing serviceand custom tailoring for men. Stockedwith imported fabrics primarily from Italy.In-office and workplace fittings available.Thuy Nga Design7 Lam Son Square, D1Conveniently located at the Opera House,this local boutique is a one-stop shopfor both men and women. The rangeincludes clothes, men’s and women’s accessoriesand costume jewellery.Uyen13 Nguyen Thiep, D1An excellent option with English-speakingstaff and a good selection of fabrics(although the price takes a dip if you bringyour own) and some off-the-rack staplesto copy. Reasonable prices.LINH‘S WHITEPLEASANT LIVING MINIMALISM37 THAO DIEN(OPPOSITE AN PHU SUPERMARKET)67 XUAN THUY - DISTRICT 2PHONE: (84) - 62819863- 62818488E : linhnguyen@hbdecor.com.vn - www.linhfurniture.comasialife HCMC 95

Photos by Fred Wissink and Huynh Ho Quang.Saturday Night Vasco'sSantarchy Pub CrawlGeisha Cafe OpeningMovember @ Peaches

Street Guide3 Thang 2 D1Alexandre de RhodesC4Ba Huyen Thanh Quan C1, C2, D2, D3Ban CoD1Ben Chuong DuongE4Ben Van DonE4, E5Bui Thi XuanD3Bui VienE3Cach Mang Thang Tam C1, D2, D3CalmetteE4Cao Ba NhaE3Cao ThangD1, D2, E2Chu Manh TrinhC4, C5Co BacE3Co GiangE3De ThamE3Dien Bien Phu B4, C3, C2, D1, D2Dinh Cong TrangB3Dinh Tien HoangB3, B4, C4Do Quang DauE3Do ThanhD1Doan Nhu HaiE5Doan Van BoE4, E5Dong DuD5Dong KhoiC4, D4, D5Hai CuaB5Huynh Tinh CuaB2Huynh Van BanhB1Khanh HoiE4Ky ConB3, C3, C4, D5Hai TrieuC5Ham NghiD4, C5Han ThuyenC4Ho Hao HonE3Ho Huan NghiepD5Ho Tung MauD4, D5Ho Xuan HuongC3, D2Hoa HungB1Hoang DieuE4, E5Hung VuongE1Huyen Tran Cong ChuaD3Huynh Man DatB5Huynh Thuc KhangD4Ky DongC1, C2Le Cong KieuD4Le DuanC4, C5Le Hong PhongD1Le LaiC3, C4, D3Le LoiD4Le Quoc HungE4, E5Le Quy DonC3Le Thanh Ton C4, C5, D3, D4Le Thi Hong Gam D4, E3, E4Le Thi RiengD3Le Van PhucB3Le Van SyC1, C2Luong Huu KhanhD2, E2Luu Van LangD4Ly Chinh ThangB2, C2Ly Thai ToE1Ly Tu Trong C4, C5, D4, D5Mac Dinh ChiB3, C4Mac Thi BuoiD5Mai Thi LuuB4Mai Van NgocB1Me LinhB5Nam Ky Khoi Nghia B2, C2, C3, D4, E4Ngo Duc KeD5Ngo Thoi NhiemC2, D2Ngo Van NamC5Nguyen Binh Khiem B4, B5, C5Nguyen Cong TruE4Nguyen Cu TrinhE2, E3Nguyen Dinh Chieu B4, C3, C4, D1, D2, D3Nguyen Dinh ChinhB198 asialife HCMCNguyen DuNguyen Hai TuNguyen HueNguyen Huu CanhNguyen Huu CanhNguyen Huu CauNguyen Khac NhuNguyen KhoaiNguyen Ngoc PhuongNguyen Phi KhanhNguyen SieuNguyen Son HaNguyen Tat ThanhNguyen Thai BinhNguyen Thai HocNguyen Thi DieuNguyen Thien ThuatNguyen ThongNguyen Thuong HienNguyen TraiNguyen Trung NganNguyen Trung TrucNguyen Truong ToNguyen Van CuNguyen Van HaiNguyen Van LacNguyen Van ThuNguyen Van TroiPasteurPham Hong ThaiPham Ngoc ThachPham Ngu LaoPham Viet ChanhPham Viet ChanhPhan Dinh PhungPhan Ke BinhPhan Van HanPho Duc ChinhPhung Khac KhoanSuong Nguyet AnhTan VinhThach Thi ThanhThai Van LungThi SachThu Khoa HuanTon Duc ThangTon That DamTon That ThiepTon That TungTran Binh TrongTran Canh ChanTran Cao VanTran Dinh XuTran Hung DaoTran Khac ChanTran Khanh DuTran Minh QuyenTran Minh QuyenTran Nhan TonTran Nhat DuatTran PhuTran Quang DieuTran Quang KhaiTran Quoc ThaoTran Quoc ToanTran Van DangTruong ChinhTruong DinhTu XuongVinh KhanhVo Thi SauVo Van TanVuon ChuoiXo Viet Nghe TinhYersinC4, D3, D4B4D4, D5B2C5B3E3F3B5B3C5, D5D2E5D4, E4D3, E3, E4D2, D3D1, E1, E2C1, C2, D2D2D3, E2C5D4E4, E5E2B3B5B4, C3, C4B1C2, C3, C4, D4D2, D3C3D3, D4, E3B5E2B2B4B4, B5D4, E4C3, C4D2, D3E4B3C5C5D4C5, D4, D5, E4D4D4D2, D3E1E2C4E2, E3D4, E2, E3B3B2, B3D1C1E1B3E1B1, B2B3, B2C2, C3B2, B3, B2C1, C2C3C2, D3C2, C3, D2E4, E5B3, C2, C3C3, D2, D3D2B4, B5E4AAAirport Airport3km 3kmBBTranTranVan DangVan DangCCTan Binh Tan Binh0.5km 0.5kmHuynh Huynh Van BanhVan BanhDistrict District 11 112km 2kmTran Minh QuyenTran Minh QuyenTran Nhan TonLe Hong PhongSaigonSaigon Train StationTrain StationTran Minh QuyenTran Minh QuyenHoa HungHoa HungLan AnhLan Anh Sports &Sports Leisure & ClubLeisure ClubDien Bien PhuDien Bien Phu11Tran Quang DieuTran Quang DieuLy ThaiLyToThai ToHung VuongHung VuongNguyen Van TroiNguyen Van TroiTh NguyenTh NguyenongongCach Mang Thang TamCach Mang Thang Tam3 Thang 23 Thang 2Ban CoBan CoNguyen Thien ThuatNguyen Thien ThuatTran Binh TrongNg Dinh ChinhNg Dinh ChinhPHU NHUANLe Van SyLe Van SyQuyenQuyenTranTranMinhMinhDISTRICT 10 10DDEETran Nhan TonLe Hong PhongTran Quang DieuTran Binh TrongTran PhuTran PhuDangDangVan VanTranTranDo ThanhCao ThangCao ThangHuyn h Van BanhAn Duong VuongAn Duong VuongKy DongDISTRICT 5 5Tran Quang DieuDo ThanhHuyn h Van BanhKy DongVNg. Thuong. ChuoiNguyen Van CuUniversityof NaturalUniversitySciencesof NaturalSciencesLy Chinh T hangHienVuonChuoiVuon MarketChuoiMarketTeacherTraining TeacherUniversity TrainingUniversityNguyen TraiNguyen Trai22Phan Dinh PhungPhan Dinh PhungVNguyen Van CuTruong DinhTruong DinhNg. Thuong. ChuoiLy Chinh T hangNam Ky Khoi Nghia Nam Ky Khoi NghiaNam Ky Khoi Nghia Nam Ky Khoi NghiaThai BinhMarketThai BinhMarketWar WarRemnants RemnantsMuseum MuseumCultural Cultural Park ParkCach Mang Thang TamCach Mang Thang TamLe Van TamLe Park Van TamParkVo Thi Sau Vo Thi SauVo Thi Sau Vo Thi SauTu XuongTu XuongHienDien Bien PhuDien Bien PhuNguyen ThongNguyen ThongNguyen Son HaNguyen Son HaNguyen Thi Minh KhaiNguyen Thi Minh KhaiPham Viet ChanhPham Viet ChanhTranTran Khanh Tran Khanh Du DuHuynh Tinh CuaHuynh Tinh CuaBa Huyen Thanh QuanBa Huyen Thanh QuanNguyen Dinh ChieuNguyen Dinh Chieu4th Floor 4th ONG&ONG Floor ONG&ONG Building Building159 Phan 159 Xich Phan Long Xich St Long StWard 7, Ward Phu 7, Nhuan Phu Nhuan District DistrictHo Chi Ho Minh Chi City, Minh Vietnam City, VietnamNgo Thoi NhiemNgo Thoi NhiemLuong Huu KhanhLuong Huu KhanhNguyen TraiN. V. HaiN. V. HaiQuoc ToanTran Quoc ToanTranTran Quoc ThaoTran Quoc ThaoNguyen Thi DieuNguyen Thi DieuSuong Nguyet AnhSuong Nguyet AnhTon That TungTon That TungCong QuynhCong QuynhTran Dinh XuTran Dinh XuRieng RiengLe ThiLe ThiCao Ba NhaNg. Huu CauNguyen TraiNguyen TraiDo Q. DauThach Thi ThanhThach Thi ThanhD. C. TrangD. C. TrangTruong QuyenTruong QuyenLe LaiLe LaiBui VienBui VienRe-unificationPalace PalaceNguyen Thai HocNguyen Thai HocDe ThamPham Ngu LaoPham Ngu LaoTran Quang Tran Quang Khai KhaiPham Ngoc ThachPham Ngoc ThachNg Kh NhuNg Kh NhuCo BacCo BacL. V. PhucL. V. PhucVo Van Tan Vo Van TanVo Van Tan Vo Van TanCao ThangCao ThangCu LaoCu LaoTran Nhat DuatHo Xuan HuongHo Xuan HuongDISTRICT 1 1Ngu yen Huu CanhHoa LanHoa LanNguyen Gia ThieuNguyen Gia ThieuBui Thi XuanBui Thi XuanTran Khac ChanHai Ba TrungHai Ba TrungDISTRICT 3 3Nguyen TraiNgu yen Huu CanhQuoc ToanTran Quoc ToanTran Nhat DuatLe Quy DonLe Quy DonNguyen Cu TrinhNguyen Cu TrinhHo H. HonHo H. 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LangNguyen Thai BinhNguyen Thai Binh44Dong KhoiDong KhoiPho Duc ChinhCalmetteNg. Cong TruNg. Cong TruBINH THANHNguyen DuHoangHoangSaSaHam Ham Nghi NghiXo Viet Nghe TinhXo Viet Nghe TinhLe LoiLe LoiTon Duc ThangTon Duc ThangChu Manh TrinhChu Manh TrinhNguyen HueNguyen HueTon ThTon That Thiepat ThiepT. T. DamLy Tu TrongLy Tu TrongThi SachThi SachLe Quoc HungLe Quoc HungPham Van Pham Han Van HanMacMacNgoNgoZoo & BotanicalZoo & Botanical GardensGardensNguyen Binh KhiemNguyen Binh KhiemThai Van LungThai Van LungNg SieuNg SieuCao Ba QuatCao Ba QuatLe Thanh Ton Le Thanh TonPasteurLe Cong Le Kieu Cong KieuDonDonBen VanBen VanSaSaTruong TruongDISTRICT 1 1YersinPho Duc ChinhCalmetteNguyen DuTown HallHo Tung MauHuynh ThucHuynh ThucKhangKhangVinh KhanhHoang DieuHoang DieuT. T. DamNg. Cong TruNg. Cong TruNg Truong ToNguyenTrung NganNguyenTrung NganLe Thanh Ton Le Thanh TonPasteurVinh KhanhHo Tung MauDong DuDong DuPhan Van DatThi BuoiThi BuoiH.H.NghiepH.H.NghiepDuc KeDuc KeHai TrieuHai TrieuNg Truong ToNgo VNgo VananNamNamTon DucThang MuseumTon DucThang MuseumNguyen Tat ThanhDoan Nhu HaiDoan Nhu HaiDoan Van BoDoan Van BoDISTRICT 4 455Nguyen Cuu VanNguyen Cuu VanPhan Van DatNguyen Ngoc PhuongNguyen Ngoc PhuongHuynh Man DatThu Thiem Thu ThiemFerry Ferry Port Port(for District (for District 2) 2)Huynh Tinh CuaHuynh Tinh CuaSaigon Saigon Bridge Bridge& Highway & Highway 1 13km 3kmNguyen Huu CanhNguyen Huu CanhHCM HCM City CityBoat Quay Boat Quay(for Vung (for Vung Tau) Tau)Nguyen Tat ThanhNguyen Van LacHuynh Man DatMe LinhCat Lai Cat Ferry Lai Ferry9km 9kmVung Vung Tau TauDistrict District 7 7& Nha & Be Nha BeNguyen Van LacMe Linh

oxofficebookshelfThe Tourist Gulliver’s Travels The Green Hornet TangledTwo of Hollywood’s biggeststars—Johnny Depp andAngelina Jolie—come togetherin The Tourist, an action packedmovie that’ll have your headspinning judging by the trailer.The sexy Jolie with her Englishaccent gets involved with thesexy Depp, a tourist travellingthrough Europe on a train, andhas a fling. Except that it’s nota fling, it’s the beginning of anightmarish journey for Deppwho’s inadvertently caughtin a web of intrigue. It turnsout that Jolie is being spiedon by Scotland Yard, whichwants access to the criminalAlexander Pierce and only hasJolie as its lead to him. PoorDepp is like collateral damagein all this—which provides fora fast-paced plot, fun action,good ole’ fashioned humour andall the stuff that a lazy Sundayafternoon action flick brings.It doesn’t hurt that the mostbeautiful names in Hollywood,including Paul Bettany, lead theway.Opening DatesCINEMASG: Galaxywww.galaxycine.vnM: Megastarwww.megastarmedia.netT: Thang Longwww.giaitrithanglong.com/cinemaWritten in 1726 by JonathanSwift, Gulliver’s Travels plotis perhaps one of the bestknown worldwide and onethat filmmakers aren’t afraid toadapt. Here, Gulliver is playedby Jack Black, a rather bravechoice given that Black usuallyplays buffoon-ish roles. Gulliveris a travel writer en route toBermuda for an assignmentwhen he gets tossed onto an ittybitty island inhabited by itty bittypeople played by Jason Segal,Emily Blunt and Billy Connolly.Because the plot is well known,you know what happens andsince Black is involved, youcan expect much of the hilarityhe has come to be associatedwith—are we ready for Gulliverto be played by the lovable andbig-bellied Black? It seemsaudiences are as first reviewsshowed that Black plays therole of a man worshipped as agod by the itty bitty people withaplomb.Gulliver’s Travels (January. 14)The Tourist (January. 31)The Green Hornet (January 21)3D Tangled (January 28)Gulliver’s Travels (January 14)The Green Hornet (January 21)The Green Hornet, a classiccharacter has appeared in print,radio and film (and gave theworld Bruce Lee) returns, thistime played by Seth Rogen. Thevigilante crime-fighter, whosereal identity is only known by hisfaithful butler Kato (Jay Chou), isBritt Reid, a successful publisherby day, and crime-fighter atnight in his Black Beauty vehicle(souped up machine completewith high tech gadgets thatdeliver knock out blows ofvarying degrees). The film alsostars Cameron Diaz who playsBritt’s secretary, a smart andwitty role she plays as well ascan be expected. ScreenwritersRogen and Evan Goldbergwho delivered great scriptswith Superbad and PineappleExpress do so here as well withlots of hilarious dialogue betweenthe hero and his sidekick. MichelGondry, who directed the sweetBe Kind Rewind last, does asurprising job with this actionflick, proving that he’s the rightman for any job.The classic story of Rapunzelgets a cheeky makeoverin Disney’s 3D animation,Tangled. We all know the storyof Rapunzel (played by MandyMoore) a young princess whosehair has magical powers torejuvenate for which reason awicked witch (Donna Murphy)steals her and locks her up ina tower. Rapunzel aches toget out and see this real worldand is, one day, startled by asurprise visitor, Flynn (ZacharyLevi), a bandit on the run. Theytalk and enter a deal: he’ll escorther through the forest to thekingdom (and her family) afterwhich she will return the itemshe has stolen which are in herpossession. The couple are onthe run from several people: thewicked witch, the goons Flynn ison the run from and the guardswho want him too. It proves tobe an entertaining adventure.The information on this page wascorrect at the time of printing. Checkcinema websites for screenings.Mary Ann inAutumnBy Armistead MaupinDoubledayFans of the beloved Tales of the City stories that first appearedin the San Francisco Chronicle in the 1970s before becomingnovels will be thrilled to hear of the latest one, Mary Annin Autumn, where the folks of 28 Barbary Lane are reunited,older and wiser—after a 21-year hiatus. Now in their fifties anddealing with issues related to aging—attending to a partner withAlzheimer’s—or infidelity as Mary Ann discovers her husbandhaving an affair with her life coach on Skype so Maupin hasn’tlost his touch of keeping things culturally and technologicallyrelevant. There’s a great deal of hilarity that one has come to associatewith the Tales series: absurd plotlines and eccentric butlovable characters who are now navigating through traditionalrelationships in difficult times. Can this novel appeal to a newergeneration perhaps unfamiliar with Maupin’s earlier work? No.It’s strictly for those who have followed his work and are comingto terms with being unhip, much like the folks of Barbary Lane.An Object ofBeautyBy Steve MartinGrand CentralIs there anything Steve Martin can’t do—and that too effortlessly?The comedian, actor, musician and accomplishedwriter weaves a tale around the art world in his new novel AnObject of Beauty. Martin is no stranger to art as he owns animpressive collection, which includes Picasso, Seurat, EdwardHopper and de Kooning. Like his novella Shopgirl, Beautycentres around a young woman, Lacey Yaeger, but this heroineis fiercely ambitious in her quest to rise at Sotheby’s. We alsomeet artists, critics, buyers and are provided an entertaininginsight into the art world, complete with artspeak. There is alsoa mystery element that runs through the plot, of an art theft thatoccurs, which adds pizzazz to the storyline. Martin’s observationson the art world today make for insightful reading—andgiven his background, there’s plenty of humour in it too. "Newgalleries sprouted in Chelsea overnight lacking only fungidomes," he astutely notes.DecodedBy Jay ZSpiegel & GrauIt's easy to think Jay Z's book (memoir cum social commentaryon rap) is as glossy as everything else is in his life. Theman remains guarded about his marriage to Beyonce so youmay be right to assume that he's selective in his decoding ofhimself. However, Decoded is a brutally honest account by therapper of his early life at least. Learning about how he beganto write down rhymes from an early age, to his working thestreets as a crack dealer to becoming the man who has morehits than Elvis Presley in a compelling manner makes this afascinating read. It is poignant to read about how he wanted to"dirty up" the blockbuster song "Empire State of Mind", whichis the new anthem to the city like Frank Sinatra's "New York,New York" was. The book is worth reading for an insight intothe evolution rap with mentions of the greats in the industry asseen by Jay Z as well a long footnote section to understandinghis own lyrical process.Decision PointGeorge W. BushCrown PublishersThe former president couldn't have chosen a better title tohis autobiography as he waxes lyrical about major decisionpoints in his life—from going sober in 1986, to running forgovernment, to choosing to invade Iraq and why he madethe choices he did during the financial crisis in 2008. He hasostensibly done this in the hope that his legacy is rememberedas one that kept America safer—which is why he defends hisdecision to attack Iraq and sanction waterboarding suspects inGuantanamo Bay, to quote just two examples. He cites "beingblindsided" by his government on frequent occasions, like AbuGhraib. While it is poignant to read about the conversationbetween father and son during Christmas 2002, in which seniorBush tells junior about avoiding war, unless he has no otherchoice, there's still an impersonality to it. Perhaps the funniestmoment in the book, is when he talks about taking his dog fora walk after retiring and having to pick up the poo himself.100 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 101

xoneFM top tenOfficial xoneFM Vietnam Top 10this last title artistweek weekendorsedradar123456789105101101324NEWNEW9Ngan dieu cho emDreamNho emThuc tinhQuen diDieu muon noiDoi thayKhi muaDen bao gioPhu xeUS Top 10this last title artistweek weekTuan HungSuboiMinh VuongHo Ngoc HaHoang Anh KhangHa Chuong feat TuanMessiNoo Phuoc ThinhDong NhiTran Trung DucRap SoulLuck of the Drawchatroulette.comChatroulette combines blind and speed dating, albeit across a computerscreen. Similar to Skype, the website displays video and allows participantsto speak or type to one another. The only difference: Chatroulette, as its namesuggests, is a gamble. Hit play to see a live feed and then click next to trawlthrough countless random strangers from around the world. Some log in fora legitimate chat, others to play pranks. Beware though. You’re bound to seesome nudity. Us AsiaLIFE staffers met with a young man from Tennessee,two Turkish lads, a couple drunken Brits and a dancing buffoon before seeingsome full frontal action. It was a little disconcerting, to say the least. Aside fromthe depravity, Chatroulette is addictive, great for a laugh and provides a quicksnapshot into the lives of others.12345678910215910346811FireworkRaise Your GlassWhat's My Name?The Time (Dirty Bit)GrenadeOnly Girl (In The World)Just the way you areWe R Who We RJust A DreamBottoms UpUK Top 10this last title artistweek week123456789106NEW28751493The Time (Dirty Bit)Whip My HairYour SongWhat's My NameOnly Girl (In The World)Like A G6HeroesThinking Of MeWho's That ChickPoisonKaty PerryP!nkRihannaThe Black Eyed PeasBruno MarsRihannaBruno MarsKe$haNellyTrey Songz FeaturingNicki MinajBlack Eyed PeasWillowEllie GouldingRihanna Ft DrakeRihannaFar East Movement/Cataracs/DevX Factor Finalists 2010Olly MursDavid Guetta FtRihannaNicole ScherzingerHaruki MurakamiBy Nora LindstromI don’t like science fictionor fantasy. I can gulp downnovels at a rate of one a day,but these need to be anchoredin reality and fact. At least thatused to be the case until Icame across Haruki Murakami.The prolific Japanese writerblends fact with fiction like noother, writing novels and shortstories so extraordinary yetat the same time so real thatthey make you doubt your ownunderstanding of reality.Take Hard-boiled Wonderlandand the End of theWorld for example. Written in1985, the novel is a dream-likefantasy that follows parallelnarratives told in alternatechapters; one set in the surrealtechnology-powered world ofthe Hard-boiled Wonderland inwhich human brains store andencrypt data, while the otherfollows the narrator in End ofthe World, an equally fantasticplace where inhabitants arenot allowed to have shadowsnor, it transpires, minds.The two storylines eventuallyconverge, concluding themindboggling exploration ofthe mind, leaving the readerto question his or her ownexistence.Murakami was 29 when hewrote his first fiction novel,Hear the Wind Sing. His majorbreakthrough came eight yearslater in 1987, with the publicationof Norwegian Wood, oneof his less surreal books. Thenovel became a best-seller inJapan, the tale of love and lossattracting young readers inparticular. In 2006, he receivedthe Franz Kafka Prize for hismagical yet down-to-earthnovel Kafka on the Shore.Despite his success, thereclusive author is considereda bit of a controversial figurein Japan. The country’s literaryestablishment is not keen onhis tales that often explorethemes of alienation andloneliness in Japanese society.References to western culture,which permeate his works,also rile the purists.Yet at a global level, he isloved. Widely expected toreceive the Nobel Prize for Literature,he has been describedas one of the world’s greatestliving novelists. I certainly thinkhe is. And I suspect there areother Murakami-fans in Cambodiatoo. Why else wouldseveral of the capital’s bookshopscarry copies of booksby the author, often for as littleas US $3 a piece?Today, I gave my ex-girlfriend two concerttickets to show her I still care about her andwant to win her back. She sold them. FMLLife’s the Pitsfmylife.comFMyLife is hilarious. People who’ve had beyond crappy days post their experienceson the website, giving visitors the opportunity to rate the anecdote (“Iagree, your life sucks” or “You totally deserved it”). Divided into categories—love, money, kids, work, health, intimacy and miscellaneous—each spiel beginswith the word “today” and ends with a short, yet effective “FML” (f**k my life).Take this corker, written by a woman from Victoria, Australia: “Today, I discoveredI am the ‘before picture’ in an Internet weight loss advert. FML.” Or theslightly more disgusting: “Today, I was playing around with my sister’s kitten. Asa joke I put him underneath the sheets and farted. He attacked my nuts. FML.”A trek through FMyLife will make even the most downtrodden character feelbetter about themselves.Snarky Snapspeopleofwalmart.comPeople of Walmart documents the white trash (for lack of a more polite term)that roam through the massive American super centres dotted across theUnited States and Canada. A little mean, perhaps, but downright funny arethe sneaky snaps taken of unsuspecting victims. Think a heavily overweightwoman with protruding belly rolls from a skintight pink tank top, an elderlyman wearing a hotdog hat, a granny towing a child through the aisles behind ascooter and a series of pantless wonders. It’s all class. The stories’ section isfunny, too, and gives Walmart-goers a forum to share their own up close andpersonal experiences. The bunch behind the site have now released a bookcalled Shop and Awe—a picture collection of Americans in their natural shoppinghabitat.102 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 103

THE TWO OF USLoreto Vietnam Australia programme coordinator Trish Franklin shares a close bondwith her student Nguyen Thanh Vinh—a young man who lost his sight as a baby.They tell Beth Young their story. Photo by Fred Wissink.TrishI came to Nguyen Dinh ChieuSchool—it’s a school for blindand disabled children inDistrict 10—to teach English12 years ago. When I firstcame to Vietnam, Loreto builta very small school with onlytwo classrooms in Hoc MonDistrict. While we were waitingfor funds to build another Idecided to contribute part ofmy time. I came down here andasked the then principal if shewould like me to teach English.She said yes straightawayWhen I first taught the blindchildren I was a little nervousbecause I didn’t know howto teach colour, for example.I learned quickly that theyalready know these terms inVietnamese, so you teach themas words more than somethingyou see. To help them imagine,I say red colour is hot and bluecolour is cool and green colouris very fresh.I started teaching Vinh whenhe was seven. The first timeI met him I thought he wassuch a cute little boy; he was sosweet and had this confidenceabout him, this spirit. It lookedto me like he was sure hewould be successful in life.He has continued to workreally hard and now his Englishis amazing.My fondest memories of Vinhare from when he was very,very small. He was so cute,with such courage and strength.I took many photos of himbecause I thought he was themost beautiful little boy. And heran everywhere, even thoughhe couldn’t see: around theplayground, to the toilet, overto have a drink. Sometimeshe’d crash into something, butit never frightened him. Hewas always having fun—such amischievous little boy.He was great with hisfriends, too, pulling them outinto the yard, almost as if to say,“Get on with life. We’re blind,but we don’t care". I really doremember him as that little boyand I can’t believe that he’snow 16. When I look at himI feel so proud. He’s workedso hard and he’s a very goodyoung man.VinhWhen I was 19 months old I wasstanding drinking milk froma glass when I fell. The glassbroke and hurt my eyes. My fathertook me to the hospital andthe doctors took the glass outbut after that, I was blind. Now Ican’t see anything but a dark redcolour and very big things, but Ican feel. I wish I could see, but Iwas a child when I was blindedand I’m used to it now.I came to live at Nguyen DinhChieu School when I was in Year1. There are 250 children at theschool and 85 boys and girls arelodgers. My family live in LongAn Province, which is about 60kilometres away. I see them onceevery two months. I used tomiss them lots—I cried so muchthe first time I had to sleep atschool—but now I’m used to it.I’ve lived here for a long timeso I think they’re used to it, too.Now my school is my home andmy friends are my brothers andsisters, like my family.When I first met Miss TrishI thought she was very happyand loved children very much.I felt so comfortable with her.I felt surprised that she couldspeak Vietnamese. I thought herpronunciation wasn’t so good.Now it’s better, but it’s notperfect yet [laughs].She taught me to speakand sing in English. My bestmemory is in Year 3 or 4 whenMiss Trish took my hand andtold me that I was very beautifulin English. I felt so happy andhoped that my English wouldimprove so I could talk withnative speakers.I also remember Miss Trishbringing me back many giftsafter visiting Australia. Shebought me candy and toy kangaroos.Many of the Australianteachers who work here havebought me kangaroos, so now Ihave six!Now I’m in Year 11. Next yearI will have to stop sleeping atschool and find my own placeto live. I’m a little scared butI think I must practice livingby myself. I want to continuestudying at university and Iwant to become an Englishteacher. Miss Trish made melove English.It was a strange sight: a TigerBeer bottle perched on the coffeetable in my Brooklyn apartment.For a moment, I thought I’dbeen ambushed, that I was thetarget of a sloppy plot to kidnapand repatriate me to Vietnam.(Kevin, are you there? Dean? Trav?John? Justin? Matt? Come out.)It turns out there was asimpler explanation: my newroommate Ben has a taste forthe Southeast Asian suds. Ishouldn’t have been so surprised;one can procure justabout any gustatory artefactfrom the bodegas of the fiveboroughs. But to see thatblue-and-gold feline stalkingme more than 9,000 miles fromNew York Citywhere I’d last faced him shookme.It was just another sign thatmy East Coast and Far Eastlives were overlapping, moreproof that I’d crossed over intothe Vietnamese version of theTwilight Zone.Just two weeks after departingTan Son Nhat Airport, Ihad my first Saigon reunion.With my good friend Linh inToronto visiting family andmy former Cao Thang housemateErin having relocated toL.A., we joined a crowd thatincluded San Art co-foundersDinh Q. Le and Tiffany Chungat the Museum of Modern Art.Officially we were there to seeDinh’s exhibit, The Farmers andthe Helicopters, but we soonretired to a nearby restaurant,just as we’d sometimes doneafter openings at San Art. Wedescended on that unfortunateChinese establishment, rowdilycommandeering an expanse offlattops, and proceeded to dowhat Saigonites do best: takeour good old time. Managementwas none too pleased.The following night, Linh,Erin and I connected withMaggie and Brendan, thedynamic duo behind AsiaL-IFE’s illustrated Wildlife issuefrom March 2010. Our meetingpoint? A seedy karaoke joint inChinatown where we belted out80s classics beneath the glow ofa retro reel of made-for-karaokescenes. Toss in a few shots ofHalong Bay and we could havebeen at the Saigon Hotel.These first few weeks I’velived in a sort of limbo betweenSaigon and New York. But lifegoes on. I’ve begun to do thehard stuff: adjust to the cold,stop calling soccer “football”,and—perhaps hardest of all—find an East Coast Vietnameserestaurant that approximatesthe tastes and textures of home.The hunt, thus far, is not goingwell. If I get really desperate fora taste of HCM City though, I’mpretty sure Tiger Beer tastes thesame here.Sincerely.Tom DiChristopher104 asialife HCMC asialife HCMC 105

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