Walking round Ho Chi Minh City never used to be quite so enjoyable, but with not one but two additions to the perambulatory scene, it is now. I went with friends on a stroll around District 1 to take in the sights, see the new walking areas, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a few beers. As always we started our evening in District 1 with the happy hour at Vinyl on Pasteur. There can be no better deal than this is town for me. Two and a half hours of free flow draught beer for less than $5 is a deal that you couldn’t imagine getting anywhere else in the world.
The new Nguyen Hué is a huge plus to to the city these days, the nay sayers have well and truly been proved wrong as hundreds if not thousands of Saigon’s residents pour in every night to enjoy walking round Ho Chi Minh City, look at the fountains and have fun. Young couples, families, older couples and groups of people simply love this new part of town.
Whilst on Nguyen Hué, I called in at my favourite eatery in town. Time Bistro is a tiny upstairs restaurant right on the most famous street in town, yet charges distinctly District 3 prices. The food here is just about as good as it gets. try the prawns in dragon fruit sauce, what a winner! We sat at the big table in the window and watched the crowds enjoy themselves outside.
I wanted to go and take a look at the new Book walking street up by the The Old Post Office and was pleasantly surprised by this also. They’ve got this right and as words spreads, no doubt so will it’s popularity. With the biennial Book Fair coming to town last weekend weekend, no doubt it will get some publicity and will start to thrive. It’s a very pleasant environment for people to take a stroll, visit the bookshops and enjoy a few hours.