24 Hours in Haute Ho Chi Minh

Photo Credit: Park Hyatt Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City offers a look at a fascinating fusion of old and new Vietnam

It’s a city with two names and a million things to offer. Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon as it’s still called by the locals,) offers a look at a fascinating fusion of old and new Vietnam as women wearing conical hats pedal by on rickety bicycles one minute and luxury cars shuttling those clad in designer labels speed past the next. There’s been a steady rise in chic offerings in the past few years thanks to a number of young entrepreneurs who aren’t afraid to take risks. However, this is a city short on space and many of these great new spots are tucked down narrow alleyways and side roads that common sense would normally tell you to avoid. Take the risk and you’ll find yourself rewarded with a delicious meal, spa escape or a picturesque scene straight off a guidebook.

Photo by The Deck

8:30 AM – Sunrise and Sun Salutations

Start the morning off with a clear and centered mind with an hour of yoga overlooking the Saigon River. The Deck is located in one of the city’s ritzy neighborhoods and classes are held on the outer patio built directly over the water. It’s the perfect place to watch sand barges and brightly painted junk boats cruise past as the day heats up. After class, refuel with a healthy breakfast and cup of strong Vietnamese iced coffee at a table inside the modern, open-air restaurant. On Saturdays and Sundays opt for the restaurant’s seafood brunch with fresh catches from Phu Quoc and Nha Trang.

The Deck, 28 Nguyen U Di, District 2. +84 (0) 8374 46632, thedecksaigon.com

Photo by Glow Saigon

10:30 AM – A Natural Glow

This is a prime example of a Saigon gem hidden to all but those in the know. To get to Glow, walk down the parking alley until it opens up into a garden oasis. Inside the spa, warm colors and locally-sourced bamboo furniture make for a relaxing atmosphere as do the Davines, Italian and Dr. Spiller Biocosmetic products that fill the shelves. Menu offerings include Asian Energize massages, yoghurt hydrating hair treatments and even specialized facials for gentlemen. As a bonus, all body and foot massage services come with a blissful 15 minute head massage.

Glow, 129A Nguyen Hue, District 1. +84 (0)8 3823 8368, www.glowsaigon.com

Photo by Monsoon Saigon

12:30 PM – Monsoon of Flavor

Can’t decide between pad thai, fish amok, lapp pa, lephet thoke or fresh spring rolls for lunch? At Monsoon you don’t have to. The restaurant, located in a beautifully restored French colonial villa, offers dishes from Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Laos, conveniently sectioned by country on the menu. Be sure to select the Monsoon appetizer platter featuring small bites of specialties from all five countries beautifully presented and accompanied by dipping sauces.

Monsoon, No.1, Cao Ba Nha, District 1. +84 (0)8 6290 8899, www.facebook.com/monsoonsaigon

Photo by L’Usine

2:00 PM – City Stylish Shopping

Skip crowded Binh Thanh Market with its aggressive sales tactics and inflated tourist prices and instead shop for something showcasing Saigon’s talented clothiers and artists. Start at Khai Silk for ready-made or tailor-made silk clothing and ties in a revamped Vietnamese “skinny house” on popular shopping street Dong Khoi. Nearby, newly opened T & T houses beautiful leatherwear including delicate flat sandals, purses, satchels and wallets. Finally, check out the modern takes on traditional lacquer boxes and other home décor items at L’Usine, (and grab one of their delicious cupcakes on the way out.)

Khai Silk, 107 Dong Khoi, District 1. +84 (0)8 3829 1146, www.khaisilkcorp.com

T&T, 77 Mac Thi Buoi, District 1. +84 (0)8 6291 3057, www.ttshoes.vn

L’Usine, 70B Le Loi, District 1. +84 (0) 8 3521 0702, www.lusinespace.com

Photo by Saigon River Express

5:00 PM – Cruising the Saigon River

Climb aboard a private charter to catch a cool breeze and see Saigon from a different point of view courtesy the Saigon River Express. Their zippy speedboats come equipped with qualified captains and knowledgeable guides who will customize a tour of the city’s waterways for you and your entourage. Come sunset, ask the captain to position the boat on the stretch of river separating District 1 and Thu Thiem Peninsula. Have your camera ready and snap away as the downtown skyline explodes into vivid oranges and pinks.

Saigon River Express, +84 (0)1 2859 20018, www.saigonriverexpress.com

Photo by Trois Gourmand

7:30 PM – Sophisticated French Fare

Request that your private charter drop you off in the Thao Dien area of District 2 and head over to fantastic French restaurant Trois Gourmand. The decadence begins shortly after you’re seated with a dish of truffle ice cream and continues throughout the meal culminating with the impressive homemade cheese course. Dishes like foie gras spring rolls and melt-in-your-mouth sea bass ravioli highlight the talents of Chef Gils, who often makes a cheerful appearance in the dining room. Opt for a garden table next to the free-form pool and twinkling lights for extra romance.

Trois Gourmand, 18 Tong Huu Dinh Street, District 2. +84 (0)3 744 4585, http://3gourmandsaigon.com

Photo by Park Hyatt Saigon

10:00 PM – A Good End to a Great Night

Head back to the Park Hyatt Saigon, your Ho Chi Minh home base, and the stylish lounge on the ground floor. 2 Lam Son is a sleek two story space with private booths for intimate conversations or perfectly positioned window tables to watch the motorbike traffic fly by on busy Hai Ba Trung. On Saturdays and Sundays a DJ mixes music as beautiful people sip the bar’s signature mojitos. When it’s finally time to call it a night, slip upstairs to your four-poster bed inside one of the hotel’s colonial-style rooms. They’re decorated with wood floors, marble baths, walk-in rain showers and impressive views of a city that never sleeps.

Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square, District 1. +84 (0)8 3824 1234, http://saigon.park.hyatt.com