|  FUN FACT
INSIDER TIP
The historic Cu Chi Tunnels are not for everyone – don’t try the tunnel crawl if you suffer from even minor claustrophobia.
SHOP TALK
Recently opened L’Usine is a lifestyle concept store evoking a 1930’s garment factory. Fashion, homeware, shoes and vintage bicycles are available, plus there’s a small art gallery and a café. 15/1 Dong Khoi, District 1, tel: +84 (0)8 6674 3565
JAVA JOLT
Charming La Fenêtre Soleil features soaring ceilings, large French-style windows, a chandelier and vintage mismatched furniture. Tasty Japanese-influenced snacks grace the menu and there’s a remarkable range of teas and coffees. 2F, 135 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, tel: +84 (0)8 3822 5209
CHEAP EATS
Wrap and Roll is a cheerful Vietnamese snack food chain with outlets dotting the city. As the name suggests, most menu selections are of the roll variety – with the beef pho rolls coming highly recommended. 62 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, tel: +84 (0)8 3823 4030
TOP TABLES
Le Toit Gourmand is well worth the trek for a unique French dining experience. The set menu features your choice of three starters per person, main course, dessert, cheese platter, Armagnac and coffee served up by the effervescent owner. 31/4 Hoang Viet, Tan Binh District, tel: +84 (0)8 3811 7003
AT YOUR LEIWURE
The Saigon Zoo is a cheap and no-frills but fun diversion for travelling families. Elephants, zebras, giraffes, monkeys and more can be seen, and there are mini cyclos that kids can pedal. Cnr Nguyen Binh Khiem and Le Duan, District 1
LATE & LIVELY
Purple Jade is the bar at the recently opened InterContinental, and features opulent décor, a large central bar and live music. Their delicious mojitos are strong and refreshing. Cnr Hai Ba Trung and Le Duan, District 1, tel: +84 (0)8 3520 9099
OVERNIGHT
The Duxton is a four-star hotel with comfortable rooms, a swimming pool and a great city centre location. Room rates start from US$130 (S$182/A$142) a night. 63 Ngyuen Hue, District 1, tel: +84 (0)8 3822 2999, www..duxton.com.au/saigon
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