Distance: 3.3 km
Leafy, low-rise District 2, more evocatively known as Thao Dien Village is Saigon at its most laid back and cosmopolitan, with modern apartment blocks, fashionable cafes and retail backdropping a flourishing art scene. You’’ll find plenty of attractions, and despite increasing traffic, it’s still one of the city’s more walkable areas. Stroll this way.
A. Spa Authentic
You don’t have to be a guest at Thao Dien VIllage to enjoy the hotel’s lush Spa Authentic. Simply check in as a day guest at this garden refuge and enjoy the top-to-toe therapies spanning Vietnamese-style massage and beauty treatments to steam, sauna and Jacuzzi. Pack your swimmers for a post-pamper lounge/dip in the pool.
Thao Dien Village, 189-197 & 197/1 Nguyen Van Huong, +84 8 3744 2222, spa@thaodienvillage.com, thaodienvillage.com
B. Feeling Tropic
And you will be once you’ve stepped inside this den of Asian-inspired contemporary furniture, helmed by French-Danish duo Sophie and Philip. Alongside the uber-stylish indoor and outdoor furniture in light woods or water hyacinth are collections of bamboo, china, flatware and rattan basketry; made to order is also available.
51 Le Van Mien, D2, +84 28 3744 2181, 9am-6pm daily, facebook.com/feelingtropicfurniture
C. Café Dolphy
You’ll be hard pushed not to stumble across a fashionable cafe in this part of town – Soma Art Cafe, An Cafe, and swish Village Emporium are all known for their java, vim and vibe. But when seeking quick pitstop, beeline to Café Dolphy, a small corner stall for an iced brew with a side of people watching.
31 Thao Dien, D2, +84 9 3808 4985, 6am-10pm daily, dolphycafe.com
D. Decosy
Decosy shelves all you’ll ever need for house and garden, from four-poster beds and wrought-iron room dividers to outdoor chaise longues, custom made or off-the-shelf. Plus accessory bib-bobs like candle holders and crockery.
112 Xuan Thuy, D2, +84 28 6281 9917, 9am-6.30pm Mon-Sat, till 5pm Sun, decosy.asia
E. Copenhagen Delights
Kiddiwinks will love the stylish, multi-coloured threads, bedroom and dining bib-bobs at Copenhagen Delights almost as much as you do. Scandinavian-designed, Vietnamese made, they also have online shopping for when you’ve maxed out space in the travel trunk.
108 Xuan Thuy, D2, +84 28 3519 4228, copenhagendelights.com
F. Villa Royale
Step away from the fray (and the modern day) and into the sumptuous, chintzy, antique-crammed Villa Royale where an abundance of revitalising TWG teas and porcelain-plated dainties delight.
3 Tran Ngoc Dien Street, D2, +84 837 444 897, 10am-5pm Tue-Sun, villaroyaletreasures.com
G. Diabolo Square
A marriage of European aesthetics and Vietnamese craft skills are on stunning display in the striking glass box that is Diabolo Square. Stacked with repro 50s, 60s and contemporary furniture, lighting, tableware and textiles, it puts an upgraded spin on made in Saigon.
8 Tran Ngoc Dien, D2, +84 28 6281 8536, 9am-7.30pm Mon-Sat, till 7pm Sun, facebook.com/diabolosquare
H. The Factory Contemporary Art Centre
Interior design itch scratched, now up your art smarts at hotbed of creativity The Factory Contemporary Art Centre. Venture beyond the striking industrial shipping containers for an engaging roster of exhibitions, artist residencies and workshops about the ‘new’ Vietnam.
15 Nguyen U Di, D2, +84 28 3744 2589, 10am-7pm Tue-Sun, factoryartscentre.com
I. The Deck
Beloved by local residents, river-fronting The Deck has been drawing a cosmo-chic crowd for lunch, sundowners and dinner for nigh on 12 years. Join them on the smart verandah for tasty twists on pan-Asian fare and wines by the glass or bottle. Rocks on late. Casual sibling Mekong Merchant is also close by for fresh, wholesome plates and juices served in a vintage courtyard from brekkie through to nightcaps.
The Deck: 38 Nguyen U Di Street, D2, +84 28 3744 6632, 8am-midnight daily, thedecksaigon.com
Mekong Merchant: 23 Thao Dien, D2, +84 28 3744 7000, 6.30am-11pm daily, mekongmerchant.com
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: Thao Dien Village
