Every trip is an experience for couples to bond and create more wonderful moments together. A trip to Saigon, the most dynamic city in Vietnam, where many cultures meet and still cannot hide the charm of the people here, will definitely bring you and your lover unforgettable moments. We have prepared a list of memorable experiences below just for you.

Whispers in the wind

Saigon treats visitors with romantic afternoons, when the sunset falls on the other side of the city, cool breezes blow into every street and tree canopy, making the heat of the day seem to cool down. That's when you and your lover can sit together in the riverside bars, or at Rooty located on the top floor of The Myst Dong Khoi hotel, order the signature cocktails of the bar, or start with a sparkling bottle of rosé to listen to the wind from the Saigon River gently brushing through your hair in a space just for each other, listening to each other more than listening to the world.

Saigon has countless restaurant options for romantic evenings, but we want to introduce to you Saigon Princess Cruise, one of the most gentle ways to feel the magic of the city with your lover. An intimate date on a cruise is not only enjoying delicious food together, but also a near-perfect experience of emotions. Gently drifting through the heart of the bustling city, watching the tall buildings gradually light up, in the melodious music, soft candlelight and local dishes with a modern twist. The sparkling city and cool river breeze seem to embrace gentle handshakes.

Discover Saigon in every footstep

If this is your first time in Saigon, a journey to explore the city's history and architecture is a great way to capture memorable moments together. This city is not only about modern skyscrapers or bustling crowds, but also about preserving many past stories told through yellow brick walls, curved tiled roofs and French windows.

Starting from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel, walk against the traffic on Dong Khoi Street to reach Notre Dame Cathedral and the City Post Office, where the architecture from the French colonial period is still preserved after hundreds of years. Walk through the shady park to reach the Independence Palace, a historical symbol in the heart of the city, where every room and hallway bears traces of time. 

Not far from the Independence Palace is the City Museum, and a few blocks away is the Museum of Fine Arts, both of these ancient buildings preserve the stories of the city, and the emotional works of art from many periods are blended and interwoven. With each step, you not only explore the city, but also weave gentle, profound memories, like the way love is nurtured through seemingly simple moments.

Pamper your bodies-minds-spirits together

After a day of strolling through the ancient architecture and tree-lined streets of the city centre, pamper your body and mind with a relaxing couple experience at KL Spa. Nestled in a small alley beside The Myst Dong Khoi hotel, KL Spa is the perfect stop for those who want to end their journey of exploring the city in absolute comfort.

KL Spa offers treatments designed specifically for couples such as a relaxing herbal package with a gentle body massage for 60 or 90 minutes combined with natural aromas, or a 60-minute hot stone foot massage for tired feet after a long day of exploring. For a more complete experience, the KL Signature package will take you and your loved one on a journey of energy regeneration with techniques combining Thai and Swedish massage. Private double room space, soft lighting, and a faint scent of essential oils are all designed so that the two of you can relax, connect, and listen to your heartbeat in silence.

Hand in hand - enjoy the cultural beat of the city

Besides bustling Saigon, there are also diverse cultural spaces suitable for romantic evenings for couples. It is said that looking at the cultural picture of each city will reveal the sophistication and depth of that place. Therefore, do not hesitate to hold your lover's hand and spend an hour at the À Ố show at the City Theater. À Ố show is a modern performance space that combines dance, bamboo circus, and folk music, telling the story of Vietnam through a captivating artistic language. The ancient French architectural space inside the City Theater is both classic and romantic, the perfect backdrop for the two of you to feel every moment.

Or you can take the time to visit Quang San Art Museum, although a bit far from the city center, this is the first private museum in Ho Chi Minh City dedicated to Vietnamese fine arts, displaying more than 1,500 works from the Indochina period to modern times. The galleries on 3 floors of this private museum are like a journey through layers of memories, emotions and identities, ideal for couples who want to feel more deeply about culture and history with their eyes and hearts.

In addition, a gentle and emotional space like Galerie Quynh is also a great choice. It displays contemporary art exhibitions with strict and sophisticated curation, helping the two of you to stand in front of the works, share your feelings and let art connect your souls.

Saigon always has countless interactive experiences that leave a mark for every couple, sign up for urban sketching classes, pottery making, or contact the Front Office staff of The Myst Dong Khoi hotel to sign up for Vietnamese cooking classes for couples and families at The Nest restaurant to create new miracles together with your hands, smiles and harmony. Because love sometimes does not need words, just living slowly and creating unforgettable gentle memories together.

Welcome the dawn on the running routes

When the city is still sleeping, there is nothing better than touching that moment with steady steps in various running races for all ages and all paces held regularly in Saigon.

Run For The Heart (September 28, 2025) is a fundraising race for heart surgery for disadvantaged children, held annually since 2013. Over 10 seasons, the program has successfully performed surgery on more than 1,700 hearts. Not simply a sporting event, Run For The Heart is also a bridge connecting thousands of kind hearts.

With the mission of building a running community that encourages women to come to sports and healthy habits that create a foundation for success in life. Vietnam Women Run 2025 (October 18-19, 2025) continues to be a sports playground worth looking forward to for runners. HCMC SkyRun (expected October 26, 2025) is a different urban experience as you climb each high step to touch the light, amidst the atmosphere of Saigon starting to surge with energy of a new day.

The 6th Techcombank Ho Chi Minh City International Marathon (December 7, 2025) is a great opportunity for you to admire one of the most dynamic cities in the world. The journey to conquer the distances of 5-10-21-42km along the dynamic streets of this inspiring city is the most iconic race in Southeast Asia.

Each race is a way for you to connect with the city in a very unique way - through your breath, your footsteps, the sparkling light and the fresh air of each early morning. Saigon, in the golden color of dawn, welcomes runners with open arms, inviting you and your loved ones to become a part of this beautiful rhythm of life.

No matter how short or long your stay in Saigon is, if you are traveling with your lover, take some time for the unique experiences that we would like to share below. The list may be endless, and just one stop in this most dynamic city in Vietnam may not be enough to enjoy it all, but we will wrap it up in main groups including cuisine, shopping, and entertainment.

Fine dining experience for couples

For a long time, the need to enjoy fine dining has crept into the lavish life of Saigon. In recent years, that trend has become more evident and has rich colors, especially when Michelin evaluates and releases its annual list according to strict selection standards. Here are the restaurants selected by Michelin in 2025:

CieL - Although it has only been open for less than a year, CieL's chef, with his experience and excellent cooking techniques from France and the soul of a Vietnamese, has breathed into the diners' dinner menu the essence of both closeness and strangeness, both familiarity and discovery, a wonderful combination of Western and Asian cuisine. CieL is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. at 6/3, Street 50, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City.

Anan - founded by chef Peter Cuong, Anan brings diners street food skillfully honored through modern processing techniques. The restaurant is located in the bustling traditional market of the center of Saigon, but a contrast that also cleverly tells the story and culinary philosophy of the chef, that every dish can be a masterpiece if it is harmoniously connected between traditional values and modern culinary quintessence. Anan is open from 5pm to 11pm at 89 Ton That Dam, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC

Nephele - Nephele's tasting menu is selected by chef Francis Tran from many different regions according to the seasonality of each type of food as well as each region. Through boundless creativity, local products are flexibly and sometimes boldly recreated to honor the quintessence of each ingredient. Each menu of the restaurant is a culinary journey filled with countless surprises and delights. Nephele is located at 125/12 Nguyen Cuu Van, Ward 17, Binh Thanh District and only serves dinner from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM and is closed on Sundays.

Quince Eatery - When the small door of the colonial-era townhouse in Chinatown - District 1 is opened, step inside to a large wine bar and a brightly decorated interior under soft lighting. Since opening in 2018, Quince has always been known to local luxury diners with a culinary philosophy that emphasizes simplicity, from wood-fired recipes, dishes made from premium ingredients that are meticulously and delicately prepared. Quince is open daily from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM at 37bis Ky Con, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Oryz - Chef Chris Fong, who is also the owner of Oryz restaurant, recreates Chinese cuisine with a completely new style, skillfully combining heritage stories. Most of the dishes here honor sophisticated fermentation techniques, with meticulous incubation, processing and fermentation stages that bring the flavor of time, as a testament to modernity coexisting with centuries-old cooking techniques. The restaurant is located at 51 Tran Nhat Duat, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City and is open from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. every day except Monday.

Luxury goods shopping and bespoke tailoring

There are countless large stores of world-class luxury brands concentrated in the city center, mainly on main roads such as Dong Khoi, Le Loi and in commercial centers such as Saigon Center (Takashimaya), Rex Arcade, Union Square, Opera View... Limited collections are also regularly introduced in Saigon, making luxury brand hunters from Asia's luxury centers also have to visit to hunt and shop.

Tailoring elaborate suits or hand-made leather shoes are classy experiences not for the majority. Luxury bespoke tailoring by Saigon's skillful tailors has been famous for a long time, including H&D Tailor (5 Pham Hong Thai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1), Nhut Tailor (106 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1), ManGii (196 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1), Kim Bespoke (98c Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1), Cao Minh (74/6 Hai Ba Trung, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1)... These high-end tailors use modern measuring, cutting, assembling, sewing and fine-tuning techniques, combined with the skillful hands of Vietnamese cutters, tailors and tailors, and sophisticated and luxurious fabrics, linings, and buttons, to create unique suits, vests, tuxedos, and shirts according to the exact body shape and style chosen by customers. 

Similar to high-end tailoring, bespoke shoemakers craft leather shoes according to individual requests to suit each customer's needs. All shoemakers are strictly trained and adhere to coordinating with customers to understand their requirements, advise on models and leather types, as well as create highly personalized products. Some bespoke shoe brands that have made their name in Saigon over the years include Dominique Saint Paul (129B Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Fugashin (15 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3), CNES (75 Tran Dinh Xu, Cau Kho Ward, District 1), Be Classy (73 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1), Namidori (198 Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1)... 

One of the traditional crafts that has been preserved for centuries in Vietnam is the craft of hand embroidery. The enduring values of traditional art have been incorporated into each product by the artisans of Ninh Khuong embroidery house, whether it is clothing, tablecloths, or small souvenirs. The combination of the skillful hands of the craftsmen, with the meticulousness, dedication, and unique creativity creates a connection between the present and the past, bringing Vietnamese hand embroidered products closer to daily life and domestic and foreign tourists. Ninh Khuong's clothing and interior products can be found at the flagship store at 32 Le Loi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 or 71B Dong Khoi, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

Exclusive entertainment & luxury discovery

Saigon also opens up exclusive and private entertainment experiences for visitors such as private cruise services on the Saigon River and surrounding areas. Yacht rental services in Saigon are very flexible, meeting the individual needs of each customer such as private parties, small parties under 10 guests or parties with up to 30-50 guests... Some units such as Tam Son Yachting, Saigon Yacht & Marina, Sai Gon Yacht are reliable addresses, with a variety of boat sizes and flexible hourly rentals and accompanying services such as afternoon tea, cocktail parties, canapé parties, dinner buffets... 

And to make your trip with your lover endlessly perfect, choose room booking packages at The Myst Dong Khoi hotel with a fulfilled buffet breakfast, a high-class afternoon tea, the private airport limousine pick-up / drop-off services and a luxury spa to completely enjoy every moment together.

As night falls over Ho Chi Minh City, the energy of District 1 rises high above the streets, where every rooftop bar in District 1 becomes a stage for romance and style. With dazzling skyline views, soft lights, and signature cocktails, these elevated spots create the perfect ambience for couples to unwind, connect, and make unforgettable memories in the heart of Saigon.

Explore the flavors of the city

When the city begins to shed the late afternoon sunlight and put on the soft yellow of street lights, the sparkling headlights of cars going in all directions, couples can find their own quiet places to let their emotions drift, where glasses of wine ripple, candles sparkle, and soft conversation is enough to bring you closer together.

Hidden on the rooftop of The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel (14th floor, 4-6-8 Ho Huan Nghiep, Saigon ward), Rooty bar is an ideal rendez-vous place for any evening of the week. The open space on one side faces the Saigon River, the other side faces Nguyen Hue walking street and in the distance is the Ben Thanh market clock tower, warm yellow lights and trendy Pop music, where each cocktail is mixed like a work dedicated to two people in love.

Saigon Oasis in the middle of Japan Town

A few minutes' walk from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel, Oasis Saigon Rooftop Bar (8th floor, Silverland Sakyo Hotel, 10 A-B-C Le Thanh Ton, Saigon Ward) is nestled among the high-rise office buildings surrounding it. Reward yourself with a moment of slowing down in the middle of the bustling Japan Town, where there is only the green of the leaves, the clear color of the sky and clouds, the coolness of the jacuzzi pool next door and the rustling of the bamboo trees in the gentle aroma of the cocktail that the bartender has just mixed.

Inspired by the Zen philosophy, Oasis Saigon Rooftop Bar brings a minimalist but not monotonous space, calm but not boring. On the contrary, it is a place where earth - water - sky - air - fire meet, with signature cocktails or a cool glass of beer to dispel the tropical heat, enjoying the scenery and stories with your full and complete presence.

A unique view of Saigon

If you want a more unique experience, try Smith's Kitchen & Bar, located on the top floor of Silverland Ben Thanh (14-16 Le Lai, Ben Thanh Ward), offering a unique view of the city center with signature cocktails created by the bartender specifically for the bar.

The curving lines in the open space of Smith's Kitchen & Bar with seemingly simple, hard iron material are the sophistication and ingenuity of talented blacksmiths. With a little glaze, a little dim light, and a lot of gentle mystery, you will see that Saigon at night is not only charming but also knows how to cherish those in love.

Eternal night high above the street corner

Amidst the non-stop pace of Saigon, where the lights of cars, the laughter and the never-ending bars blend into a lively melody, The Myst Dong Khoi is like a place reserved for the quietness that welcomes couples back after a day of intoxication. Like a deep note in the city's picture, The Myst hotel is a stop for couples visiting Saigon who want to stay for a night, or a few nights that are not rushed, not short, but unforgettable.

Inside the concrete wall covered with cool green vines is a space filled with emotions, where the Verdant Calm room with an outdoor bathtub offers private, poetic moments. Just pour a glass of wine, open the curtains, sip it so that the sweet taste of the wine on the tip of your tongue and the bitter taste in your throat seeps into every sense of touch, and look at the streets below, letting the sounds of the city outside fade into the quiet, every moment suddenly seems to last forever. 

If you are looking for something more poetic, choose the Serene Corner room, where the soft yellow lights and large king-size bed create the perfect setting for a night of hugging each other close in the warm wine and the sounds of the city in the distance. This corner room facing the Saigon River seems to stop all dimensions of space and time for the couple, to be together in originality and sophistication.

For couples who like a little bit of innovation, the Saigon Signature room has a small garden and outdoor bathtub, where the couple can immerse themselves in the cool water fragrant with jasmine and watch the Saigon River slowly drifting in the sunset or a windy morning. The nostalgic items and warm brown wooden furniture sometimes bring a peaceful space to indulge and forget the way back.

And The Myst Suite, as the name suggests, will be a unique choice. With an area of up to 70m2, an open space filled with natural light but still extremely private, The Myst Suite is like a warm and peaceful cocoon hidden in the heart of bustling Saigon. From the cool green space on the private balcony, you can watch the sky change color every sunset, or relax in the outdoor bathtub, surrounded by soft vines wrapped around the beautiful iron flower window bars, like the love story that the couple is writing in the middle of this city. 

There are drunken nights in the city that you need no planning, just enough space, a person next to you and a street corner still lit up, all are enough to make that night eternally set.

If you only have a short stay in Ho Chi Minh City, you certainly won't be able to experience all the delicious dishes this place has to offer. But don't miss the opportunity to explore the long-standing restaurants that have been associated with the city's development. And although the culinary landscape of Saigon is constantly expanding and enriching, these restaurants in district 1 that we want to introduce below are always there, from those listed in the Michelin list to the very old ones that are always crowded with customers and loved by the locals.

Top 5 places to eat near The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel

Pho Minh

A pho restaurant that blends Northern and Southern pho, passed down for 3 generations, from the 1940s until now, Pho Minh is still simple in a small alley on the crowded Pasteur street in the city center. The restaurant still retains the large signboard from 1957, and the simple tables and chairs, in a space of no more than 20 guests at a time.

The special thing that Michelin honored Bib Gourmand for 3 consecutive years 2023-2024-2025 is probably the broth. Pho Minh has a traditional Northern pho recipe, the broth is sweet, sweet from the bones and has no other additives. However, through each generation, the Northern pho flavor has been transformed to better suit the taste of Southern diners, adding a plate of blanched bean sprouts, a plate of basil, coriander, sliced fresh lemon and chili sauce, black sauce to eat with. The beef pho bowl still has a lot of onions like Northern pho, the broth is saltier than Southern pho but adds bones when stewing to make it darker, the restaurant also does not use spices such as cinnamon, star anise, cloves but only uses grilled ginger and lemongrass to cook.

Address: 63/6 Pasteur, Ben Nghe, District 1, City. Ho Chi Minh (1 km from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel)

Opening hours: 7am - 10am daily

Banh xeo Dinh Cong Trang 

Another long-standing restaurant in Saigon, present in this city since 1945, Banh xeo Dinh Cong Trang pancakes have probably become the address that most domestic and foreign tourists coming to Saigon want to visit. Located on a small street near Tan Dinh market and Tan Dinh church (the pink church), Banh xeo Dinh Cong Trang have an open kitchen right at the beginning of the alley, the sound of kitchen utensils hitting the cast iron pan, the hands of the cooks pouring pancakes quickly on the red-hot stoves create a scene that is both pleasing to the eyes and ears.

The restaurant's pancakes can be said to be giant, the crust is golden and crispy, with the inside full and rich with bean sprouts, green beans, fresh shrimp, pork, mushrooms and onions. The restaurant serves both indoor and outdoor seating, however, the tables will always be full. It will not be strange if you have to wait for your turn when you arrive, so it is best to avoid the restaurant's peak hours from 6-7pm. Here you can also try spring rolls, spring rolls, and beef dipped in vinegar from the restaurant's menu of more than 50 dishes. Banh xeo Dinh Cong Trang is awarded Bib Goumand 2025 from Michelin.

Address: 46A Dinh Cong Trang, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (2.6 km from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel)

Opening hours: 10am-2pm (lunch) and 4pm-9pm (dinner)

Bun bo Hue Dong Ba

Bun bo originated from Hue, brought to Saigon by the family more than 35 years ago. The noodles are made from rice, larger than normal noodles, combined with thinly sliced beef, pork roll, crab roll and pork leg. To make the specialty of bun bo, each restaurant will have its own secret recipe. With Dong Ba Hue bun bo, the rich aroma of shrimp paste, lemongrass and chili makes the difference.

Carrying the love of grandmothers and mothers for Hue cuisine, the children in the family are still proud and continue the cooking recipe to enrich the choice of bun bo in the memory of domestic and international guests.

Address: 207B Nguyen Van Thu, Da Kao, District 1, City. Ho Chi Minh City (2.2 km from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel)

Opening hours: from 6am to 10pm every day

Bun moc Thanh Mai 

Vermicelli with meatballs originated from Moc village (Hanoi), and has long been present in every corner of Saigon with a variety of flavors and variations. Thanh Mai vermicelli with meatballs restaurant located right next to Ben Thanh market is always crowded from the time it opens until it closes every day, loved by customers due to the meticulous and harmonious combination of many spices as well as important ingredients of the dish such as small fresh vermicelli noodles, young ribs, various types of sausages...

The broth is simmered from pork bones and filtered very carefully to get a pot of water that is both sweet and clear. The accompanying meatballs of Thanh Mai vermicelli soup also fully converge the sweet taste of pork roll, the fragrant taste of cinnamon sausage, the strong sweetness of leaf sausage, the crispy meatballs with the elegant taste of wood ear mushrooms, along with a bit of shiitake mushrooms, and chopped green onions and of course, the perfect piece of ribs, very soft and fragrant thanks to being carefully processed and simmered in water for many hours. Vermicelli soup is served with water spinach, shredded banana flower, mint, basil, and if you are brave enough, add a bit of shrimp paste for a richer, more flavorful taste.

Address: 14 Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (1.7 km from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel)

Opening hours: from 4:30 am to 2:00 pm

Bun rieu ganh Ben Thanh market

Ben Thanh market vermicelli soup stall - perhaps this phrase has become too familiar to many people in Saigon, and even Vietnamese people returning from far away. For nearly half a century, from the vermicelli shop of a woman from the West who came to Saigon to start a business, until today, her children and grandchildren have been attached to, maintained, and continued the family dish and opened a more spacious and spacious restaurant, but still keeping the old spirit and flavor.

The main ingredients of the dish are crab cakes, blood, tofu, tomatoes, green onions and thin vermicelli noodles. The broth is light and sour with tamarind and tomato flavors, and the quality of each ingredient in the vermicelli bowl, especially the crab cakes, both fragrant and crispy, cooked according to the family's own traditional recipe, cannot be found in any other restaurant.

Address: 163 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (1.2 km from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel)

Opening hours: from 7am to 7pm daily

One of the interesting things that makes tourists love Vietnam in general and Saigon in particular is the cuisine. The most vibrant city in Vietnam has a rich list of specialties from all regions, however, when following the footsteps of the locals "migrating" to Saigon, these dishes may have changed a bit to better suit the taste of the masses. The street food Vietnam experts of The Myst Dong Khoi would like to send you a list and addresses of 5 dishes that always come to the top of our minds every time we mention them, including dishes that may be too familiar to international visitors such as banh mi, pho, or dishes that are not yet popular but are worth trying once.

Top 5 street food in Saigon you shouldn't miss

Banh mi Huynh Hoa 

How can just a sandwich with cold cuts become so famous? But all questions can be answered when you put the baguette-shaped bread in your mouth and take a bite of the crispy, fragrant butter. Take another bite, all the flavors of the variety of cold cuts, and fresh pate every hour, along with pickles, a little green onion, a little fresh chili... all of those beautiful mixtures can conquer the most demanding diners, a salty dish enough to fill you up, without having to eat it hot, nor needing fancy restaurant tables and chairs, Banh mi Huynh Hoa is just too suitable for the tropical weather of Saigon.

The restaurant has been around for more than 35 years, from the owner's father, until now, and has expanded to a nearby branch to serve customers who order through ordering applications. If you just want to stay in the hotel and still want to try Banh mi Huynh Hoa, get one (or few) through popular apps like Grab Food, Be Food, Shopee Food…

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 6am - 10pm daily

Pho Le

You may have eaten pho in many places in Vietnam, but Pho Le is definitely an exception. In general, pho broth in the South will be sweeter than pho in the North, and Pho Le is similar in context. However, the rich flavor and distinct aroma of the broth, combined with rare beef, flank, tendon, beef balls, lots of green onions and onions skillfully arranged on top, along with a little ground pepper. The restaurant will serve you a large plate of green vegetables, full of bean sprouts, coriander, basil, mint, and lots of vegetables to add flavor to the pho bowl, but be careful when trying the first bite because the broth is very hot.

Another thing we love is that the pho restaurant is especially clean and tidy compared to the sidewalk stalls that can be easily found on the street. Pho Le is listed in the Michelin Guide for 2 consecutive years 2024-2025.

Address: 415 Nguyen Trai, Ward 7, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 6am - 1am daily

Nguyen Trung Truc Grilled Pork Noodles

A real sidewalk restaurant, not far from Saigon Center Shopping Mall and Ben Thanh Market. At lunchtime, you will see a lot of local diners, including office workers and nearby retailers coming to eat. It is a very bustling scene on both sides of the sidewalk, even though the weather can be very sunny and the temperature can reach over 35oC.

The restaurant only serves grilled pork noodles, with pieces of pork belly grilled on a charcoal stove, served with fresh noodles, lots of chopped vegetables, and pre-mixed fish sauce. Order additional spring rolls if you want more protein, and add some homemade chili paste for a delicious, fresh, simple & easy lunch along the go.

Address: 1 Nguyen Trung Truc Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 

Opening hours: daily from 6am to 8pm

Nguyen Van Cu broken rice

It is not difficult to find a broken rice shop in Saigon. Just by seeing a shop with smoke billowing from afar and the fragrant smell of grilled meat, you can confirm that it is a broken rice shop. As a popular dish of Saigon people in particular and Southern people in general, broken rice is made from broken rice, with a variety of salty dishes to eat with, but certainly cannot miss the ribs marinated with spices, honey, coconut color.

As one of the oldest broken rice shops in Saigon, Nguyen Van Cu broken rice is always crowded and will have to wait quite a while. The delicious dish is only for the patient, and you will definitely be surprised by the restaurant's very large, very soft and fragrant pork chop. Also, do not miss other salty dishes such as pork skin and steamed egg rolls. Add a little scallion oil on top, broken rice is perfect for breakfast or lunch for culinary souls who love to explore.

Address: 74 Nguyen Van Cu, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: daily from 7am - 3pm

Thanh Dat Noodles

The noodle (Phnompenh-style rice noodles) originated from Cambodia, a blend of Chinese Teochew cuisine with Cambodian Khmer cuisine and entered Southern Vietnam in the 60s and 70s of the last century. There are plenty of choices for hu tieu in Saigon, we especially would like to highlight this chain with their unique broth that none can compete with. The shop, which started humble, and is now expanding to more than 14 stores around Saigon.

You can eat noodles in broth or dry. The clear broth is made from pork bones, dried squid, seasoned with fish sauce and sugar. If it is dry noodles, after being blanched in boiling water, the noodles will be mixed with a thick brown sauce combining oyster sauce, soy sauce, sugar and a little chili sauce. Each bowl of noodles will have lean pork, a big fresh shrimp, quail eggs, and pork organs (heart, kidney, stomach). Of course, you can ask the waiter to remove the dishes you do not want to eat.

Address: 34 Co Bac, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: All day

Inspired by the alleys of Saigon that have become cultural symbols for many years, The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel cleverly brings the rustic soul of Saigon into every design and architectural detail. In every hallway, in the lobby, or even when sitting in a corner of The Nest restaurant or Bason cafe right in the lobby, slices of memory, where each wall, each window whispers the story of an old Saigon, cleverly displaying both intimacy and splendor.

In the countless alleys crisscrossing this sleepless city, let's explore with us a few unique alleys just a few minutes' walk from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel, as small suggestions for you to walk along the bustling streets, then turn into an alley, seemingly without an appointment, but unexpectedly surprising.

Top recommended restaurants in district 1

Alley 74 Hai Ba Trung, Sai Gon Ward

Alley 74 Hai Ba Trung is not far behind the City Theater, the entrance is an old archway that still bears traces of time, passing through the archway is a large yard and a row of houses on the left. Here, starting in 1881, the French built an opium factory on the old Paul Blanchy Street, which was also the largest opium factory in Indochina at that time. After many historical ups and downs, today, Alley 74 Hai Ba Trung is known as a high-class culinary alley, with many luxurious bars and restaurants in District 1.

The Refinery - can be said to be one of the first restaurants to appear at this address and still maintains the position of a French-style bistro - wine bar in the heart of the city until today. The restaurant is open from 11am to 11pm every day.

Hoa Tuc - serves contemporary Vietnamese cuisine in a cozy, romantic space with a creative menu. The restaurant has been recognized by Michelin for 3 consecutive years 2023-2024-2025.

LAVA Cuisine & Lounge - LAVA's architecture simulates a lava cave and serves Asian - European fusion cuisine as well as premium cocktails mixed by a large number of bartenders who are always ready to satisfy all customer experience needs. The restaurant serves cuisine from 6pm to 9:30pm and the lounge area from 9:30pm to 2am the next morning.

Fume - Brings a culinary adventure with roots in the quintessence of Japanese cuisine, infused by the chef with his own creative cooking styles thanks to the influence and subtle combination with the processing techniques of French cuisine. Fume's Omakase menu is always renewed every 6 weeks with selected ingredients imported directly from Japan. The restaurant is open from 5:30pm to 10pm every day.

Apartment 63 Dong Du, Saigon Ward

Just the following 2 names are enough for anyone to remember the old apartment complex 63 Dong Du, located precariously at the corner of Dong Du - Dong Khoi intersection, always bustling and crowded.

Layla Eatery & Bar - Layla was founded from sleepless nights in the bustling city, where a little taste of a passionate cocktail blends with a little excitement in the stomach when the night has come. The bar serves a variety of cocktails with hot dishes with the flavors of traditional Australian dishes, absolutely loyal to the rusticity and originality of each dish's ingredients.

L'Entrecôte - Social Meating - L'entrecôte in French means a type of beef cut from the middle of the rib, commonly known as T-bone (rib-eye steak). This is a boneless piece of beef, suitable for grilling or pan-frying. A restaurant serving French-style steaks right in the heart of Saigon, combined with signature sauces, appetizers and desserts are all carefully selected.

Alley 71 Mac Thi Buoi, Saigon Ward

Lac Thai - As one of the oldest Thai restaurants in Saigon combined with the owner's passion for collecting antique furniture, Lac Thai is an indispensable name on the list of diners passionate about Thai cuisine right in the heart of Saigon. With more than 25 years at this first address and now opening many other branches throughout the city, Lac Thai in this very nostalgic alley is worth a visit.

Lost - Drink & Chill - There are many bars that are symbols of Saigon's nightlife, where the quintessence and secrets of the city are preserved, when you set foot in Lost you can easily feel that. Cozy space, soft lighting, seats not too cramped, not too far away, creating an intimate space, ideal for every meeting.

Apartment 151 Dong Khoi, Saigon Ward

Kohei's bar - Founded by Kohei, a veteran in the F&B industry from Tokyo who has opened countless famous bars in major cities in Asia. With endless curiosity about the connection between people and modern urban lifestyle, at the newest bar bearing his name and located in an old apartment building right in the heart of Saigon, Kohei promises to bring cocktail experiences where the dialogue between diners is truly the center of the space.

Korokoro - The name of the bar carries the whole meaning of fun and cuteness, which is also the feeling that the Tokyo owner wants every diner to be able to feel. The restaurant’s dishes are inspired by the owner’s family cooking and Chinese culinary experiences during his time living and working in Shanghai. Korokoro offers a cozy dining location, original sake, and izakaya dishes for diners to enjoy everyday fun times with friends and acquaintances.

The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel is the definition of luxury boutique hotel accommodation products in Saigon. The architecture and interior design of the hotel is not just a physical structure, but a journey that evokes memories, leading visitors back to an old Saigon, a place where culture, history and modern life blend.

Pride in Sustainable Architecture and Saigon Culture

Right from the beginning of the Dong Khoi - Ho Huan Nghiep intersection, it is easy to see the hotel standing out thanks to its uneven facade, creative windows and green bushes that suddenly protrude from the concrete streets, creating a contrasting image, like a "green lung" in the middle of a bustling city. The open space with cool green creates a feeling of closeness to nature, completely different from the modern glass buildings around.

In each hallway of the living room is a discovery. The corridor is not straight, intentionally messy like the small alleys of Saigon, the concrete ceiling is bare, the sprinkler pipes are exposed, the trees are interspersed, all reminding of a simple, familiar old street.

The Myst Dong Khoi is built in a minimalist Indochine style, but every detail has meaning, from the materials to the shapes, there is nothing extra, nothing missing. The common spaces such as the lobby area, The Nest restaurant, Rooty bar on the terrace, Bason cafe right outside the lobby... all exude a gentle aesthetic, reminiscent of Saigon in the early decades of the 20th century, both nostalgic and sophisticated.

A very special point at The Myst Dong Khoi hotel is the use of materials with stories: iron, wood, tiles, bricks... Many of which are reused from the Ba Son shipyard over 200 years old, now a thing of the past of a dynamic and constantly developing city. Memories of the city and the romantic soul of Saigon are delicately carved in every detail. The furniture in the room such as tables, chairs, benches, and storage boxes echo the simple beauty of a splendid Saigon from long ago.

Simple and private Saigon house in each guest room

Each room of The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel is a private living space. The balcony is filled with green leaves, dark wooden doors, antique patterned tiles and handmade furniture. Unlike normal hotel rooms, which are sometimes dry and cold, the rooms of The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel recreate the image of an old Saigon house with large windows facing the outdoor space, a small garden and an open-air bathroom, surrounded by tropical plants, creating privacy and connection with nature. This accommodation space may make international visitors feel strange, but Vietnamese people feel familiar, like returning to their childhood home.

Most rooms have outdoor jacuzzi bathtubs, providing a relaxing experience in an open space, both close and far from the noisy urban life, and extremely ideal for soaking and watching the sunset fall on the Saigon River not far away.

Saigon Lifestyle - from stories to people

The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel leaves its mark as a city of memories in the hearts of visitors, from the familiar scent of magnolia when the glass door opens, the friendly smile, the warm yellow light from the high glass door and from the precious paintings on the wall, the personal art collections easily found throughout the hotel space and the art objects imbued with local spirit.

The staff of The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel not only serve, but also tell stories about the city. They are ready to suggest cafes, restaurants or special alleys that are not on the tourist map. At The Myst Dong Khoi, the staff do not simply take care of guests in form, but also bring visitors the feeling of returning home with all the gentleness, friendliness, affection and rich emotions, bringing services full of humanity, humanity and enthusiasm.

The difference of The Myst Dong Khoi also lies in turning architecture into a journey of memories, a magical bridge between the past and the present. This is not only a place to stay, it is also a place where any visitor can leisurely live slowly, live deeply and feel most clearly the spirit of Saigon. At The Myst Dong Khoi, every small corner contains a piece of memory, an old black and white film photo, a typewriter, an old electric fan... All combine to form a living museum, where visitors can both rest and experience the culture.

Every space in the hotel from the small alley corridor, the room, the recycled materials, the surrounding green trees and the floors... all weave a story, an emotion reminiscent of this city. And in each of those moments, visitors find warmth, closeness, and pride in a Saigon that is both old and new, both unique and modern.

What will surely make visitors remember The Myst Dong Khoi is not only the beautiful and unique rooms or the sincere service, but the feeling of living in a Saigon that is both familiar and strange. When leaving, take with you the scent of old wood, the rustling sound of leaves on the balcony and a pure farewell smile. If you are looking for a luxury boutique hotel in Ho Chi Minh City that is both luxurious and cultural, then The Myst Dong Khoi is definitely an option not to be missed. This place not only provides accommodation but also gives you an emotional journey, so that every time you think of Saigon, you will remember more than just one trip.

In the heart of bustling District 1, where sleepless streets and the sound of vehicles blend into the hustle and bustle of life, The Myst Dong Khoi hotel is like a mesmerizing silence. The hotel is not only a luxurious stopover, but also a door that opens a journey to discover Saigon with all the senses - from the architecture imbued with the soul of the city to the warm, close lifestyle.

When trees and concrete breathe together

From afar, The Myst Dong Khoi makes visitors slow down. The hotel facade is not shiny glass, but asymmetrical windows interspersed with lush green areas. Like the old balconies of Saigon, where bougainvillea pots, vines and ornamental plants stretch out to catch the sun. This architecture not only creates a visual impression but also reflects the philosophy of living in harmony with nature, something that modern cities are gradually losing.

Small alley symphonizes with the urban life

Opening the heavy door, visitors do not enter an international standard hotel lobby, but enter a space that resembles a Saigon alley. The winding corridor, bare concrete ceiling, exposed water pipes, interspersed with cool green trees, yellow lights and tables and chairs are intentionally scattered. Every detail is cleverly arranged to remind us of familiar street corners, where life takes place naturally and authentically.

Guest room is like a little “Saigon house” in the city center

Each room of The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel is a story. Open space with a balcony full of trees, dark wooden doors, antique patterned tiles and sometimes even an outdoor bathtub. It feels not like staying in a hotel, but like returning to the Saigon home of a long-time relative. Each room has its own jacuzzi on the balcony, hidden in the green trees of the small garden, a bathtub big enough for 1 or 2 people to relax and watch the city change when the sun goes down.

Materials carry memories - The soul of the city in every detail

The special thing that makes The Myst hotel different is the story behind the materials. Many wooden, iron, tile items... are reused from the Ba Son shipyard - a relic associated with the history of Saigon more than 200 years ago. Each brick, each wooden panel here is not only a decoration, but also a piece of memory of a once bustling port city. The furniture and decorations are all handmade, carrying the breath of Vietnamese craft villages, from rustic tables and chairs to small ceramic vases placed at the window.

Rooftop and private space in the middle of the city

On the rooftop, The Myst Dong Khoi infinity pool opens up a panoramic view of the center of Saigon. From here, Ben Thanh Market, the City Theater, office buildings and the Saigon River appear in sight. In the evening, when the city lights up, The Myst Dong Khoi's Rooty rooftop bar becomes an ideal place to sip cocktails, listen to the wind blowing through the trees and watch the traffic like streaks of light drifting in all directions.

The intimate and sophisticated Saigon Lifestyle 

If architecture is the "body", then the lifestyle that The Myst brings is the "soul". The Myst's staff not only serve, they chat, share, and are ready to tell you the story of this street corner, that coffee shop, or a dish that only locals know. In the afternoon, guests are invited to enjoy free afternoon tea at The Nest restaurant, a small but delicate ritual, like an invitation to sit down, relax, and slowly observe the pace of life passing by at the end of the day.

Enjoy the pulse of the dynamic city

From The Myst Dong Khoi, just a few minutes' walk will take you to the City Theater, Dong Khoi Street, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Le Loi Boulevard, Bach Dang Wharf... This means you can explore Saigon all day and then return to your room to rest without complicated means of transportation. The hotel is also an ideal starting point for tours to explore the city’s French architecture, traditional markets or museums..

At The Myst, every corner of the wall, chair or window frame is worth looking at for more than a few seconds. You may come across a photo of Saigon in the 60s, an old electric fan that still works well, or a typewriter placed on the corner of the table. All combine to form a living museum, where you not only see but also touch, hear, and feel.

An living experience for those who love the difference

The Myst Dong Khoi does not try to compete with familiar luxury standards such as marble or crystal chandeliers. Instead, the hotel chooses to bring a sense of familiarity, warmth, but still sophisticated and luxurious enough to please even the most demanding guests. That is why this place is often described by international visitors as "a slice of Saigon", extremely authentic, artistic and full of emotions.

Leaving The Myst, what remains is not only beautiful photo angles or a good night's sleep, but also the scent of old wood, the rustling sound of leaves on the balcony, the friendly feeling when someone remembers your name. And perhaps, that is what makes visitors come back, because The Myst does not only sell accommodation services, they give away a part of Saigon's memories.

The Myst Dong Khoi is proof that a hotel can be more than just a place to stay – it can be a bridge between the past and the present, between tourists and the life of a city. With The Myst, you don’t just “pass through” Saigon, you “live with” Saigon.

The Vietnamese have a famous saying “First is close to the city, second is close to the bank, third is close to the major road” to talk about areas that can become convenient and prosperous residential areas. Foreigners who come to Saigon to live and work may not follow this concept, but somehow, since the time when international trade flourished in the economic locomotive city of Vietnam, foreigners have chosen Thao Dien during their time living and working in this largest urban area in Vietnam. Now, after nearly 30 years of establishment, Thao Dien has a diverse mix of foreigners and young Vietnamese, choosing Thao Dien to form a community of residents with high income and education, along with countless accompanying services such as healthcare, education, cuisine, entertainment, sports...

Where is Thao Dien located?

Only about 7km from The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel, it is easy to travel to Thao Dien by car, motorbike, taxi, hailing transportations, water bus, and even metro, this residential peninsula surrounded by the winding Saigon River offers visitors streets lined with tall trees, shops close together with a variety of cuisines from all over the world, specialty cafes or famous domestic and international coffee chains, along with countless restaurants that have been on the Michelin list in recent years. Let's choose some of the most interesting shops with us.

Top 9 restaurants in Thao Dien you shouldn't miss

Pasta Fresca

Two young Italian culinary experts came to Saigon and decided to start a business together in this land in 2016. Their first restaurant is located gracefully in alley 28 Thao Dien, surrounded by tall trees and randomly arranged tables and chairs like in a small garden in Southern Italy.

The menu is extremely simple with appetizers, pasta and desserts accompanied by similar wines. At Pasta Fresca, known as the first pure artisanal Italian restaurant in Saigon, diners will enjoy pasta in the most authentic Italian way, fresh, smooth and poetic.

CieL Dining

Less than a year after its launch, CieL has been honored with a 1-star Michelin rating and most recently, the restaurant was also included in the Top 25 Best New Restaurants in the World in 2025 by Conde Nast Traveler.

Ciel in French means sky, recalling the years when Ciel's chef first got acquainted and fell in love with the first cooking techniques. And under that brilliant sky, all ingredients are exploited from the mainland and the ocean, combined with contemporary processing techniques and sophisticated food presentation to create tasting menus that are both visually beautiful and delicious, filled with the personal mark of the talented young chef.

WKND

It will be difficult to recognize WKND from the outside, because the signboard is just a square stone placed on the sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Inside, on one side is the bakery counter and open kitchen, opposite is a children's play area, deep inside is the open kitchen and finally a fairly large sky terrace. The restaurant's layout immediately brings the feeling of "a restaurant for everyone" from the moment you step in.

Inspired by the casual but hospitable culinary culture in Australia's big cities, WKND brings to the international residential area Thao Dien a lively brunch experience with generous portions, a skillfully prepared menu inspired by contemporary bars in Oceania.

Tama River

Although countless Japanese restaurants have opened in Thao Dien, long-time residents here still choose Tama River as their top choice. Located inside a townhouse that doesn't look much like a restaurant, Tama River is proud to bring the taste of Japanese dishes as if prepared in the small kitchen of a small Japanese woman by the gentle Tama River (Tokyo).

Tama River serves more than 30 types of sushi on the menu, also known as “sushi paradise”, including extremely unique dishes such as sea urchin sushi. In ancient times, sea urchin was considered “sea ginseng” and was a rare delicacy only served to kings, creating a mysterious and seductive culinary experience.

La Fontaine French Bistrot

The famous chef Thierry of La Villa brings a bistro-style menu to diners at La Fontaine, but still absolutely loyal to the fine taste of French cuisine. Therefore, ignoring the sophistication of a high-class restaurant, La Fontaine serves classic bistro dishes such as duck breast with mushroom sauce, Burgundy-snails and pan-fried scallops...

The restaurant's space is also imbued with French style, with long wine-red leather benches, slender wooden chairs that fit just enough to accommodate people, classic wallpaper and on the end wall of the room are famous figures with influence of French culture.

Sweet & Sour

A bakery that can remind anyone of a sweet and peaceful childhood, Sweet & Sour bakery has been bright pink on a small street in Thao Dien neighborhood for more than 10 years. The bakery has an open kitchen where customers can observe each meticulous preparation step to produce fragrant trays of cakes. Glass jars filled with candies and colorful decorations for each cake have their own soul and story.

Sweet & Sour uniquely combines the sophistication of a classic confectionery shop with contemporary creativity and innovation for all sweet lovers. The highest quality baked goods come from premium ingredients such as pies, tarts, brownies... and the best seller is always cupcakes whether familiar types or batches of cakes ordered for special occasions of customers.

The Deck Saigon

One of the rare classic restaurants in Thao Dien that no foreigner has ever heard of, is The Deck. Opened in the same location since 2008 until now, although the outdoor bar space has been expanded to triple the size of The Deck compared to its original location, The Deck is still the choice for all appointments from family, friends, lovers to outdoor parties with a capacity of more than a hundred people.

At The Deck, you can have breakfast, brunch, enjoy lunch, dinner, or sip a cocktail in a space that is close to nature, sun, wind, the wide river in front of you and the gentle sound of large ships loaded with containers slowly passing by, occasionally accompanied by a long whistle.

ASMR

One of the newest bars in Thao Dien, located at a private corner at the end of Xuan Thuy Street, blending into the surrounding local residential areas. Inside ASMR is a space where delicious cocktails are served to satisfy the taste buds of travelers who come to the bar after a long working day to meet and chat with friends.

A cocktail bar serving string instruments, specifically violins, with gentle and vibrating rhythms, a slightly unconventional but equally sophisticated combination for customers to immerse themselves in the melodious music and warm wine.

Mad Wine Bar & Eatery

Mad - in Danish, the homeland of the co-founders - means "food". They chose Thao Dien as their place of business in 2020 and now, after moving to a new address, located right in the middle of Thao Dien's busiest street - Xuan Thuy Street, Mad still maintains the style of a large garden with shady trees and a more modest space indoors with air conditioning.

At Mad Wine Bar & Eatery, customers can always choose from more than 30 wines by the glass along with more than 500 bottled wines from many famous wine regions around the world. Mad is open all day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a delicious menu, especially a variety of grilled sandwiches.

The number of large and small restaurants in Thao Dien is dozens of times larger than the restaurants we introduce in the framework of this article. There are restaurants that have been open and existed here for decades since the early days of Thao Dien, there are famous restaurants that have only been around for months, and there are also restaurants that open - then close following the hustle and bustle of the diverse culinary market of Saigon in general and Thao Dien in particular. But for Thao Dien to achieve the 16th position of the most wonderful residential areas in the world in 2024 voted by readers of Time Out magazine, it is certainly indispensable for the diverse contributions of the restaurants here.

After a trip to beautiful and hospitable Vietnam, you may think about buying a small gift for your family and relatives. It could be a conical hat that is very familiar on every road along the length of this country, or a T-shirt with the word Vietnam printed on it and pictures of the landscapes of the regions you have visited, or refrigerator magnets made from ceramic, or lovely items made from coconut shells... But perhaps, you will rarely, or never think of Vietnam having a souvenir that is extremely familiar to the taste of almost everyone - that is chocolate.

It would be strange to bring chocolate back to Europe or North America, and even other big cities in Asia, because chocolate was either born there, or has become too popular in the food shelves of every family. But Vietnamese chocolate, proudly crafted from cocoa beans grown in this country, has a flavor and story completely different from what you have enjoyed or experienced before.

International experts in a recent field survey objectively assessed that the cocoa source grown and developed in Vietnam has a quality in the top 5% of the world. Besides, Vietnam has a diversity of cocoa growing areas with diverse soil characteristics, intercropping with other plants such as coconut trees, cashews, fruit trees... with 3 main cocoa growing areas in the Central Highlands, the Southeast provinces and the Mekong Delta. 

Not only when cocoa beans, the main ingredient to create top chocolates, were evaluated, many people came here, bringing with them their experience and chocolate production techniques, from France, Belgium, Russia... along with the local people who are passionate about creativity and hard work, to create chocolate brands, which have now reached beyond the borders, to infiltrate every boutique chocolate shop on the busy streets of Seoul, Singapore, San Francisco, Nice, Bruges... and even the big shopping centers in Dubai, Tokyo, Paris... Below are a few famous chocolate brands that are proud to be produced in Vietnam using purely local agricultural ingredients, including cocoa beans, that The Myst Dong Khoi Hotel would like to introduce to you.

Top 5 highly recommend Vietnamese Chocolate for your special gift

Marou Faiseurs de Chocolat

Established in Vietnam in late 2011, Marou, Faiseurs de Chocolat was founded by two tourists from France who met by chance during a camping trip through the jungle in the South. A former bank manager and a senior advertising expert together sought out farmers in the provinces of the Southern Delta, convinced and accompanied them to bring out the most original and unique raw cocoa beans, along with advanced technology and relationships with leading chefs in the chocolate industry to create chocolate bars with a strong Vietnamese flavor.

As pioneers in purchasing cocoa beans directly from farmers, Marou's chocolate bars are now exported to more than 20 markets worldwide, in the spirit of "from bean to bar". Visitors can find their chocolate bars, from traditional to innovative, in stores with MAROU signs and exteriors painted in a mix of fiery red and navy blue.

ALLUVIA

The Alluvia brand is proud to carry the purest and most original essence of the Mekong Delta, where more than 40 years ago the father cut the first layers of land to build a prosperous cocoa farm, and 3 decades later, the daughter created a chocolate brand from the cocoa ingredients grown on the family's land.

Agricultural ingredients grown and produced in Vietnam such as pepper, cashew nuts, green tea, coconut nectar, ginger, chili, mango, lemon... are meticulously selected by Alluvia to combine with cocoa and create chocolate bars with vibrant Vietnamese flavors, harmonies honoring local heritage, carefully combined with packaging designs decorated with traditional cultural features, thereby telling stories about Vietnamese lands and culture to international visitors.

HALLELU

The founder of Hallelu's entrepreneurial journey did not start with cocoa. Starting out as a mechanical engineer for a large foreign car company based in Vietnam, during a business trip, the founder of Hallelu witnessed farmers destroying their own cocoa gardens just because of a good harvest and low prices. With the mechanical knowledge he learned from university, this man did not hesitate to create chocolate production machines from cocoa. But more importantly, he began to explore the market for this special agricultural product to support farmers in sticking with this fruit that was previously undervalued.

Since 2018, Hallelu has launched more than 50 types of chocolate and cocoa products combined with Vietnamese agricultural products, 100% mixed and packaged in Ho Chi Minh City and exported to Japan, Europe and distributed domestically.

The Cocoa Project

The birth of The Cocoa Project also started with 2 tourists on the bus from Da Lat back to Saigon, the difference is that one is an expert - a chocolate trader from Belgium with decades of experience, and the other is a French-Vietnamese on her journey back to her homeland. Initially, they only intended to build a chocolate museum to honor the journey of developing native cocoa trees as well as share with the majority about sustainable farming activities. That idea gradually changed into a reliable address for Vietnamese people to learn about and love domestic chocolate products, but still aiming at the initial goal of the project, which is to create a chocolate enjoyment culture for Vietnamese people from the products developed in Vietnam.

Now, The Cocoa Project is not only a destination for Vietnamese and international tourists who want to explore products made from locally grown cocoa beans, but also an interesting culinary space for everyone, of all ages. And of course, chocolate bars mixed with local agricultural products are always introduced at the shop.

BINON CACAO

Binon is a cocoa brand founded by a Japanese woman in Vietnam. She chose Chau Duc (formerly Ba Ria - Vung Tau province, now Ho Chi Minh City), with its unique climate and soil, to start a business with a modest 2ha farm. Binon has also constantly mobilized and cooperated with local farmers to cultivate cocoa trees according to the organic agricultural model. Currently, Binon's farm is nearly 10 times larger than its original area, with modern, methodical agricultural techniques, and a closed-loop factory to create more than 20 products of all kinds from cocoa beans.

In addition to the store located in a hidden alley in the city center, Binon also organizes tours and experiences of the park and factory, bringing visitors the opportunity to learn from the farm to the perfect chocolate bar. Binon's products are especially popular with Japanese tourists, and are also distributed in stores across the Land of the Rising Sun.

Stonehill

The brand itself speaks to where their cocoa beans are grown, on the barren rocky hills of Dong Nai province since 2010. Stonehill's founder is a leading agricultural PhD in Vietnam, known as one of the outstanding individuals leading the way in regenerative farming and sustainable agriculture (Permaculture).

With more than 50 types of cocoa beans being grown on the farm in a closed self-sufficient process, Stonehill is also proud to be one of the very few manufacturers in Vietnam and in the world capable of providing tree-to-bar chocolate products to domestic and foreign markets (directly from growers to consumers).