> > by Gemma Price
As Western economies struggled to regain their feet in the wake of the global economic crisis, Asia generally – and Vietnam in particular – continued to grow. PriceWaterhouseCoopers recently listed Vietnam as the fastest growing economy among emerging markets, and as the number of affluent individuals has increased, so has the love of fashion, entertainment and allround indulgence.
While Vietnam’s capital Hanoi is the seat of government, steeped in tradition and history, its southern sister Ho Chi Minh City, formerly and still affectionately known as Saigon, is the country’s commercial hub and most happening city: a sprawling metropolis of eight million people and almost as many motorbikes with an energy and joie de vivre not found anywhere else in Asia.The War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, People’s Committee and Notre Dame-like cathedral are must-sees for first timers to the city, but an afternoon is sufficient to take in the city sights and then couples can concentrate on spoiling themselves with fantastic food, cocktails and indulgent shopping and spa treatments without breaking the bank.
In recent years the city has also cultivated a well-deserved reputation as a shopping paradise, where style disciples can find huge savings on high street and designer fashion and pick up boutique designer bargains and bespoke tailoring for a snip of a Western price tag; and HCMC’s wide, leafy French colonial boulevards are now home to sleek elegant cafes, upscale bars and clubs and elegant contemporary restaurants serving up delectable Vietnamese and global cuisine.
City’s sexiest bar: 2 Lam Son, www.saigon.park.hyatt.com
This stylish bar is one of the latest additions to the city’s after-dark scene, frequented by the city’s beautiful people who lounge in intimate, dimly lit cubbyholes or make eyes across illuminated tables overlooking the street as they sip designer cocktails and liquors with an equally premium price tag.
Best Romantic Dining: Shri, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, D.3., 08 3827 9631
Set on the 23rd floor, Shri offers fine dining, fine wines and expertly blended cocktails with the best view in town. The menu of international dishes, fantastic steaks and delectable Japanese sushi and sashimi is sizeable yet not overwhelming; and the breezy, Japanese-inspired terrace is the city’s best vantage point for enjoying the illuminated nighttime cityscape.
Sensational Shopping: Dong Khoi is probably the HCMC’s most famous street, home to a wealth of high-end shops, restaurants and cafes. Here you’ll find up-market boutiques and local labels rubbing shoulders with Gucci and Louis Vuitton, but it’s worth taking a little time to explore the warren of lanes with their myriad of silver shops, quaint cafes and silk couture. Visit L’Usine, HCMC’s first trend setting concept store (www.lusinespace.com); and charming Ton That Thiep street, packed full of quirky, colourful boutiques.
Don’t miss: City resort Thao Dien Village.
Couples should check out Italian restaurant Villa Romaine, where al fresco garden tables overlook the slow-moving waters of the Saigon River; and the superlative Authentic spa, where impeccably trained therapists administer rejuvenating facials and muscle-melting massages within a peaceful urban oasis of lush foliage and manicured lawns (www.thaodienvillage.com)
Couples will love: Simply taking time out to enjoy each other’s company while discovering a wealth of fantastic cuisine, sexy bars and relaxing city spas in this easy-to-navigate city.