
Abandoned Temple in District 2
Abandoned Temple. Parts of central District 2 are currently a mish-mash of leveled neighborhoods where all that remain are the skeletons of old buildings.

Saigon's Cầu Mống and the Remnants of Gustave Eiffel's Work in Vietnam
Many people will be familiar with the spurious claims that French civil engineer and architect Gustave Eiffel (1832-1923) was responsible for two of Vietnam’s most iconic buildings, the Long Biên Brid...

The Saigon Tax Trade Center Mosaic Staircase: A Forgotten Moroccan Masterpiece
When the Hồ Chí Minh City authorities announced in 2014 that the Saigon Tax Trade Centre was to be demolished and replaced with a 43-storey tower block, many voices were raised in opposition to the de...

Tân Định Market, D1's Nearly 100-Year-Old Trading Hub
Originally known as the marché de Phu-Hoa, Tân Định Market at 1 Nguyễn Hữu Cầu in District 1 is one of the city’s most historic markets, but it was the opening of the stylish French market building of...

A Brief History of Cung Văn Hóa Lao Động and Saigon's First Swimming Pool
Once a fashionable rendezvous for the elite of colonial society, the Labour Culture Palace (Cung Văn hoá Lao động) at 55B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai is today one of Hồ Chí Minh City’s most popular spor...

A Brief History of Saigon's Now-Defunct Thu Thiem Ferry Service
While the Thu Thiem Bridge and Thu Thiem Tunnel allow easy access to the District 2 peninsula from nearby districts, for decades past Saigoneers had to rely on the Thu Thiem Ferry to cross the river.
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Chill Outdoor Lounge Brings Serene Buzz to Thảo Điền
Thảo Điền is filled with trendy cocktail spots and cozy dinner joints, but one new venue aims to stand out like a beacon in the dark.

A Culinary Revelation Unveiled at Le Méridien Saigon with Executive Chef Phi Công
In the heart of Saigon, Chef Phi Công, the Executive Chef at Le Méridien Saigon recently unveiled an innovative, sensory-driven dining experience.

Bringing Beauty into Event Experiences at Villa Song
“If you think you’re beautiful, but you are not in a beautiful place; it’s not perfect,” explained Arief Gunawan, Villa Song’s General Director, to a gathering of business leaders last month.

How An Lam Retreats Saigon River is Revolutionizing Wellness
Though wellness continues to be a common refrain offered by resorts in Vietnam and around the world, it’s often used to describe services like spas, steam rooms and saunas at far-flung resorts. A 25-m...

Modern and Traditional Flavors Intertwine in Miss Thu’s Exciting New Dining Concept
Truly new dining concepts are few and far between in Saigon with typical fine dining and set menus occasionally being joined by the likes of “night brunches.” Some venues choose to be a bit more darin...

An Lam Retreats Saigon River: An Oasis for Families to Reconnect and Recharge
For professionals with families, living in Saigon poses a number of challenges, especially a lack of public spaces and fresh air. For many parents, a trip to a verdant cafe or kids club is the mo...