Category: Dynasty News
Vogue India May 2009
Vietnam
With the glorious Perfume Pagoda complex in the mountains and the smell of spring blossoms in the air, Vietnam enthrals with its natural beauty. It’s also a food lover’s paradise (snake is a common appetiser); even the simplest pho is delicious. A rich and turbulent history makes it a great destination for those on the lookout for a story.
Best time to visit
October through March, except the two weeks around Tet (Lunar New Year), which falls at the end of January/beginning of February, when the whole country practically shuts down and everyone goes home to visit their families.
Stay At
PARK HYATT, Saigon
One of the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh, it’s luxurious and ultra-modern. Black is dominant in the decor, but set off by beautiful traditional Vietnamese paintings. (Tel: 0084-8-38241234; www.saigon.park.hyatt.com)
SOFITEL METROPOLE, Hanoi
Wooden fans whirr softly overhead at this traditional yet luxe getaway. It’s a historical gem with tales to tell— built in 1901, it has served as a base both for armies as well as for various heads of state and embassy officials over the years. Jane Fonda and Joan Baez took cover in a bomb shelter once. (Tel: 0084-4-38266919; www.sofitel.com)
Nightlife
In Ho Chi Minh, try Q Bar— it’s the city’s most stylish, where expats and fashionistas rub shoulders. Head to Rex Hotel’s Rooftop Bar for awesome views of the city from three different levels.
Don’t miss
Visiting the Forbidden City in the Citadel in Hue and the Emperors’ tombs. Finish off with a boat ride in Halong Bay– a blue bay with 1,000 mountain peaks.
Must-buys
Art, especially paintings of monks and figures with their backs to the viewer; old, stylized Communist propoganda posters and memorabilia; wood furniture; and cool ‘reproduction’ watches in shops near Binh Thanh Market
INPUTS FROM ANAMITRA DEB, MAXWELL FEDERBUSH, NISHITA SHAH AND PARAMJIT SINGH