Northstar

TRAVEL WEEKLY ASIA O F F I C I A L D A I L I E S www.travelweekly-asia.com 23 27 October 2017 A rriving in Ho Chi Minh City can either feel like a rude awakening or a welcome return to civilisation (likely a bit of both) after experiencing the seclusion of the Mekong. But amid the incessant honking of car horns and weaving armies of motorbikes, Vietnam's largest city offers a choice selection of hip eateries, chic shops and urban indulgences that showcase South- east Asia's more metropolitan side. As far as the taste buds are concerned, there is no shortage of good Vietnamese and Asian cuisine in this buzzing big city. If you're looking for a crash course in pan-Asian food, including regional Vietnamese specialties, Quan An Ngon in District 2 is a good starting point to the backdrop of an extremely charming multistory setting (think eating-in-a-temple vibes). For those who are looking for a break from South-east Asian fare, there are myriad cosmopolitan options, too. L'Usine offers Italian- influenced small plates, salads and entrees in a casual cafe setting and has an adjacent shop for browsing pre- or post-bites. By Michelle Baran It's the antithesis to any Mekong River sailing, where days are spent completely detached from society, meandering among peaceful and remote river villages. MORE CHIC THAN CHAOS IN HO CHI MINH CIT Y The Mekong River runs from the Tibetan Plateau through China's Yunnan Province to Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Cafe-Restaurant is run by a Dutch team and features American and European standards to the backdrop of a decked-out grand cafe-style space featuring soaring ceilings and windows overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square. From there it's a short stroll to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a treasure trove of trinkets and souvenirs. The food market portion of this indoor marketplace is a feast for the senses, where Vietnam's colourful local cuisine comes to life. For more upscale shopping, the storefronts nearby along Dong Khoi do not disappoint. Coffee anyone? There is no shortage of coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City, ranging from standard global names such as Starbucks and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf to local chains and smaller, cozy coffee nooks. Serious third-wave coffee connoisseurs shouldn't pass up The Workshop Coffee. Tucked into a bright and airy walk-up space on the fourth floor, getting there is half the adventure, and on hot days the Workshop's cold brew latte is a perfectly refreshing pick-me-up. "Most Mekong River cruises either start or end in Ho Chi Minh City, and the transfer is about a 90-minute drive from the port." There are hotels and accommodations for every taste and budget. For luxe travellers, the REVERIE SAIGON, which opened in 2015, brings European- style elegance to the city's centre. All told, Ho Chi Minh City isn't for everyone. For some, the swarm of scooters alone is enough to make a simple sightseeing stroll seem stressful and life threatening. For others, the city is a fun and exciting stop that makes the overall MEKONG RIVER experience all the more dynamic. Most Mekong River cruises either start or end in Ho Chi Minh City, and the transfer is about a 90-minute drive from the port most commonly used by river cruise lines. Many river cruise companies also offer pre- or post- cruise options in Ho Chi Minh City for those who choose to explore the city even more. PHOT0 CREDIT: GETTY IMAGES

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