Distance: 2.6 km
Ho Chi Minh’s river-flanked, colonial-era D1 is ground zero for famous hotels, fashionable retail, modish restaurants and prime pamper spots. This flat and easy walking route enables you to clock up your steps while spying the mish-mash of French villas, shophouses and contemporary concepts along the way.
A. Merci
Start your foray the right way by treating your tips n’ toes to the best mani/pedi in town. Fuel up on one of their fruity-fresh smoothies in the cute cafe.
176 Le Thanh Ton, +84 28 3825 8799, 9am-9pm daily, merci-space.com
B. L’Usine
This huge and hugely influential Gallic-meets-local chic concept store now has three outposts in D1: Le Thanh Ton (near Merci), Le Loi and Dong Khoi. The original outlet on Dong Khoi occupies a restored heritage building and stashes a well curated mix of international and local labels like Trois Filles, cult chocolatier Marou, plus cracker Wetter wares and Cochine candles. Don’t miss it.
19 Le Thanh Ton, +84 28 3822 7188, 7.30am-10.30pm daily
151 Dong Khoi, +84 28 6674 9565, 7am-10pm daily
70B Le Loi, +84 28 3822 7188, 7.30am-10pm
C. Catherine Denoual Maison
The grande dame of interior design weaves transforms beautiful, chic-hued embroidered fabrics into bed linen, cushions and table runners. A good range of lighting and goodies for home and tots too.
74B Hai Ba Trung St, +84 28 3823 9394, 9am-9pm daily, catherinedenoual.com
D. Mai Lam
Homegrown designer Mai draws upon street culture and trad Vietnamese design for her collection of hand-stitched urban togs and silk couture. The prices might leave you gasping, but you get what you pay for: amazing embroidery and artistic design. Browse lifestyle bib-bobs to match.
132-134 Dong Khoi, +84 28 3827 2733, 9am-9pm daily, mailam.com.vn
E. Brothers
Dapper gents seek sanctuary in this retro, lofty-ceilinged barber shop for sharp cuts, shaves, trims and mani/pedis, lubricated by your choice of artisanal tipple.
157 Dong Khoi, +84 90 313 61 17, 10am-8pm daily, brotherssaigon.vn
F. SH Garden
Perched atop an old French mansion, this lush, fragrant terrace overlooking the city’s centre is marvellous for fresh, home-cooked family-style dishes such as stuffed pumpkin flowers and fried tofu. A second branch at 26 Dong Khoi is just as lovely as the original.
Rooftop, 98, Nguyen Hue, +84 28 6680 0188, 11am-11pm daily, shgarden.com.vn
G. Sadec District
Feel-good retail: colourful ceramics wood and glass homewares made by Mekong village artisans in a traditional style, then re-worked with a modern finish.
91 Mac Thi Buoi, +84 28 3822 9909, 9am-8.30pm daily, sadecdistrict.com
H. Hum
End your walk at this stylish trendster repping modern Vietnam with its winning combo of sensual, dim-lit interior and sophisticated meat-free menu. Even the most ardent of carnivores will succumb to the delicately balanced, aromatic veggie delights such as steamed mushroom in coconut and braised figs in curry leaf sauce. Additional branches on Vo Van Tan and Thao Dien, D2.
2 Thi Sach, P Ben Nghe, +84 28 3823 8919, 10am-10pm, humvietnam.vn
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: Sean3810 – iStock.com