Majestic wins 2nd Class Labor Medal

An outside view of the Majestic Hotel Saigon in HCMC’s District 1 - Photo: My Tran

The Majestic Hotel Saigon will receive the Second Class Labor Medal awarded by the State President on Thursday. It will also be awarded the prize “Golden cup for excellent profits and products 2010” by the online booking site Rakuten.com.

From 2005 to 2010, despite the economic slowdown the hotel met its targets with high average growth of 24% in annual turnover. The pre-tax profit in 2010 was more than four times the figure in 2005.

The hotel also has good environmental credentials with environmentally friendly products and green tourism development.

Nguyen Anh Vu, director of the hotel, said during 2011 the hotel will expand its operation into the third phase; building a twin tower with 24 floors, 336 rooms, a new ballroom and 12 conference rooms. The hotel will continue upgrading rooms into five-star standard and expand its business into Northeastern Asia to promote the brand name in the region.

The Majestic Hotel Saigon, under management of Saigontourist, was built in 1925. At 1 Dong Khoi Street in HCMC’s District 1, it has 175 rooms designed with French décor with Saigon River views.

Related Articles

• Comic classics for Japanese
• NA Committee debates Law on Denunciations
• Prime Minister discusses relations, co-operation with Lao counterpart
• Inflation soars 2.09% this month
• Mothers share sorrow of war

Valentine’s Day with Saigontourist

A couple enjoys Valentine Day by the beach - Photo: TL

For Valentine’s Day, many city hotels under Saigontourist have delicious food programs for lovers to indulge in.

Grand Hotel Saigon (8 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, tel: 3829 4046)

The hotel’s Chez-nous on the ground floor will host the program “The night of couples” on February 14. Dine in the romantic surrounds by candle light serenaded by love songs and violin and guitar. Enjoy Western and Asian dishes together with chocolate deserts. Tickets are US$40 net/set for a couple, inclusive of a love cocktail and gifts.

Majestic Hotel Saigon (1 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, tel: 3829 5517)

The love party will be at the hotel’s Serenade Restaurant from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on February 14. Tickets are US$88 for couple, including Western and Asian menu, a couple of cocktails, a small bottle of imported liquor, a couple of love chocolates and roses. Guests staying at the hotel will be discounted 10%. A pianist, violinist and saxophonist will perform love songs by famous composer Trinh Cong Son plus dance shows of tango, waltz and cha cha.

Continental Hotel Saigon (132 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, tel: 3825 7679)

There will be a party just for couples at the La Fayette Restaurant on February 14 by candle light with piano and violin music.

The set menu cost VND900,000 per adult, inclusive of champagne, chocolate and roses. Happy hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. will be discounted 20%.

Dong Khanh Hotel (2 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5, tel: 3923 6404)

The Dong Khanh Restaurant will prepare a buffet from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on February 14 with more than 30 Western and Vietnamese dishes and deserts made of ice-cream and chocolate. VND249,000 per adult and VND175,000 per child. Revelers will be given gifts.

First Hotel (18 Hoang Viet Street, Tan Binh District, tel: 3844 1199)

The Valentine party will be prepared at the hotel’s candlelit First Hot Pot Restaurant with romantic violin music. VND500,000 per couple, inclusive of one drink.

Bat Dat Hotel (238 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 5, tel: 3857 8252)

The hotel will offer a buffet of 45 dishes made in Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine priced at VND279,000 per adult and VND199,000 per child. Buy 10 tickets get one free and one free cocktail for women.

Saigon Ship Hotel (Bach Dang Wharf, tel: 3823 0393)

Buffet featuring more than 30 dishes accompanied with performances of flute, guitar and Latin Eyes music band. Tickets are VND600,000 per adult.

Related Articles

• Market moves up sharply
• Market drops below 450 points
• Ethnic minorities, poor to receive free legal aid
• Prime Minister discusses relations, co-operation with Lao counterpart
• President Triet on official visit to Laos

Where to celebrate the day of love

A couple write their names on a heart-shaped cookie at the Valentines buffet at the Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon’s last year - Photo: Courtesy of the Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon

For Valentine’s Day, impress your partner with romantic dining, accommodation and gifts.

Caravelle Hotel (19 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 4999)

All afternoon on Valentine’s Day, the hotel’s Lobby Lounge will brew sweet nothings and a remarkable high tea. When the day wanes, both Nineteen and Reflections restaurants are set to prepare meals once enjoyed by Aphrodite herself. Each dinner comes complete with a flute of Mumm Champagne. Dinner at each of the restaurants costs nearly VND1.3 million++ while the high tea costs VND398,000++ per person.

Lobby Lounge & Restaurant Nineteen – Ground Floor – Caravelle Hotel

Reflections Restaurant – Third Floor – Caravelle Hotel

Duxton Hotel Saigon (93 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 2999)

Wine and dine your Valentine at the hotel’s The Grill Restaurant with romantic music by the Stroller Band, candlelit tables, heart-shape chocolates and flowers for the ladies. Valentine’s dinner buffet is priced at US$30++/person.

Mövenpick Hotel Saigon (253 Nguyen Van Troi St., Phu Nhuan Dist., tel: 3844 9222)

There will be romantic dinner menus at all the hotel’s restaurants.

The first 15 couples to book a table on this special day will receive a complimentary stay at the hotel’s brand new deluxe rooms. The price is at VND620,000++ per person including free flowing house wines, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea. Valentine’s dinner is available from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Legend Hotel Saigon (2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 3333)

For this cupid celebration, the hotel’s executive chef Romeo Bantiling and his team will prepare a sumptuous international buffet serving an array of fresh seafood and a lavish spread of gourmet dishes at the Atrium Café. Ladies will be surprised with a special gift attractively arranged by the chefs for the night. The Valentine’s Buffet is priced at VND500,000++ for lunch and VND960,000++ for dinner. Children from 6 to 12 are half price.

Deli Corner from Feb. 12-14 offers a range of delicious chocolates and heart-shaped cakes for you to take away.

Park Hyatt Hotel (2 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1234)

Create precious memories over a private dinner at Opera Restaurant with Italian dishes prepared by Chef Michele Gulizzi, including a bottle of champagne and a special Valentines Day chocolate. The price is VND3.7 million++ per couple. A distinctive evening for two at Square One Restaurant is another choice at the hotel.

Renaissance Riverside Saigon Hotel (8-15 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 0033)

The hotel’s Kabin Chinese Restaurant offers Valentine’s Day dinner with an eight-course “couple menu” and a bottle of sparkling wine while Poolside Terrace and Riverside Café have their own ways to delight couples. Also includes roses and chocolates during dining.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers (88 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1, tel: 3827.2828)

The hotel’s Signature Restaurant offers a delectable seven-course degustation in truly intimate ambiance while Libai Chinese Restaurant offers a romantic dinner with a traditional flair. Saigon Café and Mojo coffee shop have something special for guests.

Sofitel Saigon Plaza (17 Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1555)

Until Feb. 28, the hotel has the “Magnifique Romance” offer - a touch of French elegance to mark Valentine’s Day including a Valentine’s accommodation promotion, with double A/CLUB points, a bottle of champagne on ice and a romantic gift.

Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon (18 An Duong Vuong St., Dist. 5, HCMC, tel: 3833 6688)

Sit down together to a magnificent Valentine’s buffet dinner with over 170 Western dishes at Café Central An Dong plus a gift from an angel and delectable heart-shaped cookies to decorate and declare your love for each other. The buffet price is only VND350,000++ per person. Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant’s chefs will prepare special dishes for one evening only on Valentine’s Day, including two glasses of wine and live music for around VND1.2 million++ per couple. TTOT Bar & Restaurant on level 25 also offers a lavish multi-course set menu for only VND550,000++ per person.

Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort & Spa (Hon Tre Island, Vinh Nguyen Ward, Nha Trang City, tel: 058 3590 611)       

There will be a special program named “A moment of love – Speak for love” on Valentine’s Day featuring special buffets from Asian to Western cuisines for guests at Vinpearl Nha Trang Resort & Spa. The resort will be transformed into a paradise of multicolored flowers from the bedroom to dining table. Guests will receive a chocolate box from the resort to make their Valentine’s Day sweeter.

Saigon Domaine Luxury Residences (1057 Binh Quoi, Ward 28, Binh Thanh Dist., tel: 3556 6163)

This Valentine’s weekend, Saigon Domaine, a luxury serviced residence complex on the banks of the Saigon River on Thanh Da Island offers a special package. Guests who book a four-night stay (Feb. 11 -15) will get a special low rate of US$169 per night, with the fourth night for free. The package also includes a bottle of chilled champagne and fresh flowers in the room upon arrival.

The chef’s special Western set menu in the intimate al fresco setting of the River Garden is just US$19++ per person, and don’t miss the 25% discount off a romantic moonlight Thanh Da island boat tour.

Related Articles

• Where to celebrate the day of love
• Diver weddings give new meaning to ‘deep love’
• Market moves up sharply
• Market drops below 450 points
• Ethnic minorities, poor to receive free legal aid

Saigontourist Tet celebrations

Lemongrass Restaurant on level 14 of the Palace Hotel Saigon has great city views and delicious meals - Photo: Courtesy of Lemon Grass Restaurant

Hotels and tourist sites under Saigontourist in HCMC are preparing food programs for the traditional Vietnamese Lunar New Year.

Rex Hotel Saigon (141 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, tel : 3829 2185)

The hotel will host a Tet welcoming buffet party on Lunar New Year’s Eve on February 2, accompanied with entertainment, lion dance, music performances and fashion shows.

Rex hotel is an ideal place for tourists to see the fireworks. Tickets are US$89 per adult and US$44 per child.

Continental Hotel Saigon (132 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, tel: 3829 9201)

The hotel will offer a set menu with typical Tet dishes priced from VND500,000 per person and VND800,000 for two. The program runs from January 30 to February 6.

First Hotel (18 Hoang Viet Street, Tan Binh District, tel: 3844 1199)

The program “Spring comes knocking” will be hosted every night of the first four days of the New Year (February from 3 to 6). Enjoy music shows, lucky draw and unicorn dances by Nhan Nghia Duong lion dance troupe.

Que Huong Liberty 4 (256 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, tel: 3836 5172)

The hotel’s Gio Noi Restaurant will prepare a buffet with more than 60 dishes on weekend nights from Fridays to Sundays. Tickets are VND198,000 per adult and VND98,000 per child.

Liberty Central Hotel (179 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, tel: 6291 7977)

The hotel introduces new dishes made of ostrich including spring rolls, stir-fry, grilled with herbs or chilly salt. The hotel also serves buffet breakfast priced at VND199,000 per guest and lunch for office workers at VND59,000.

Thien Hong Hotel (52 Tan Da Street, District 5, tel: 3855 4435)

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, the hotel will prepare a buffet program with more than 30 dishes made in Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, accompanied with music show and lucky draw. Tickets are priced at VND229,000 per adult and VND149,000 per child. Buy 10 tickets, get one free.

Bong Sen Saigon Hotel (117 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, tel: 3829 1516)

The hotel’s Buffe Ganh Restaurant will hold “New Year lucky buffet” program with an ethnic music show. The buffet lunch is priced at VND220,000 per adult and VND110,000 per child and buffet dinner is priced at VND320,000 per adult and VND160,000 per child.

On the seventh and twelfth floor, there will be buffets with lucky New Year traditional Tet dishes.

Van Thanh Tourist Area (48/10 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, tel: 3512 3025)

The buffet called “Back to hometown for Tet” will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. from February 4 to 6 with traditional dishes. Guests can join folk games to win prizes and enjoy a piano performance. Tickets are priced at VND190,000 per adult and VND120,000 per child.

Binh Quoi 2 Tourist Area (At the end of Binh Quoi Street in Binh Thanh District, tel: 3556 5470)

The buffet called “Great dishes from the coast” will have over 70 seafood and barbecue dishes. Buffet lunch is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and buffet dinner is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., along with flamenco music show, juggling and circus performances. Tickets are priced from VND170,000 per adult, inclusive of a jug of Russian beer and VND100,000 per child. Guests can take a cruise around Thanh Da Peninsula for VND50,000 per adult and VND30,000 per child. Buy 10 tickets on the cruise, get one free.

Saigon Ship Restaurant (Bach Dang Wharf, District 1, tel: 3823 0393)

The buffet named “Spring cruise on Saigon River” will be on for lunch from February 4 to 6, with more than 50 Tet dishes. Enjoy live music, juggling and circus performances. Tickets are VND190,000 per adult and VND120,000 per child. At night, the cruise leaves the wharf twice - 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Tan Cang Tourist Area (A100 Ung Van Khiem, Binh Thanh District, tel: 3512 8775)

The area will host a program “Back to hometown for Tet celebrations” from February 6 to 8” and “Tan Cang grilled hotpot” with more than 80 dishes and seafood hotpots. Tickets are priced from VND250,000 per adult and VND140,000 per child, inclusive of a jug of Russian beer, fresh ice-cream and fruit juices.

Tickets will be discounted 30% on February 8.

Binh Quoi 1 Tourist Area (1147 Binh Quoi Street, Binh Thanh District, tel: 3556 5891)

From February 4 to 7, the tourist area will hold buffet lunches and dinners with more than 70 selected dishes in the garden area, along with ethnic artistic performances. Tickets are VND180,000 per adult and VND100,000 per child.

The area’s restaurant will serve Vietnamese dishes, accompanied with juggling and music show.

Saigon Hotel (41 Dong Du Street, District 1, tel: 3822 4845)

The hotel will prepare a buffet for Lunar New Year’s Eve with about 40 Western and Asian dishes on the ninth floor overlooking the Saigon River and fireworks display. Tickets are VND399,000 per adult and VND199,000 per child, inclusive of one jug of beer, and free for children under 3.

Saigon-Phu Quoc Resort and Spa (1 Tran Hung Dao Street, Phu Quoc District, Kien Giang Province)

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, the resort will put a 6m-high yellow apricot tree on the floating sea stage. There will be a Tet party with traditional food, folk games, showmanship and a cruise along the beach. Tickets are US$69 per adult, US$35 per child.

Palace Hotel Saigon (56-66 Nguyen Hue, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 38292860)

The Golden Palace on level five of the four-star hotel will launch its buffet program named “Luck, Prosperity & Longevity” featuring fine seafood including abalone, oyster, shrimp, crab, caviar and salmon. The buffet will also serve Tet specialties, golden carp, royal meat roll and pork pies, golden roasted goose with a free flow of  wine, beer, soft drink, fruit juice, tea and coffee.

The restaurant will be decorated with colorful fish and three deities of Luck, Prosperity and Longevity will welcome guests at the door.

It runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from Lunar  New Year’s Eve (Feb. 2) until the forth of the first lunar month (Feb. 6). The price on Feb. 2 is VND550,000++  per adult and VND350,000 from Feb. 3 to Feb. 6.

Lemongrass Restaurant (level 14, Palace Hotel Saigon, 56-66 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3829 1520)

On the New Year’s Eve (Feb. 2), the Lemongrass Restaurant on the 14th floor of the Palace Hotel Saigon will hold a Lunar New Year’s Eve Party featuring mouthwatering dishes made from sea food like grilled shrimp paste, grilled squid paste, shark fin & crab soup, tuna salad with Wasabi sauce, grilled tuna served with ginger sauce among others. There’s a free flow of drinks like Tiger draught beer, Heineken and soft drinks.

Enjoy folk music performance and folk dances. The hotel’s roof top on level 15 & 16 is an ideal place for watching fireworks and Nguyen Hue Flower Street. The buffet which is available from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on Feb 2 is priced at VND1.3 million ++ /adult, and VND830,000++/child.

Calibre Charner (level 1, Palace Hotel Saigon, 56-66 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3829 2860)

The restaurant offers two luxury set menus for New Year’s Eve. The first menu consists of Russian salad, potato soup with smoked salmon, grilled lobster, dessert and Palace flan. The second one includes salmon salad, abalone soup, American beef with baked potatoes and cakes for dessert. The buffet which is available from 7:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 2 is priced at US$59++.

Related Articles

• A moment to welcome Lunar New Year
• Wrong diagnoses almost kill two in delta hospital

Peanut gets residence at Palace

Veteran rockers, Peanut, perform at the Palace Hotel Saigon - Photo: Courtesy of Saigontourist

Calibre Charner restaurant at the Palace Saigon Hotel has signed veteran local rockers, Peanut, as the nightly resident band.

The band that started more than 40 years ago in 1967 has made a recent comeback playing its own brand of classic rock. The four members, Bernard Tam (solo guitarist, singer and who can play guitar by teeth), Francois Thien (drummer), Michel Chi (Guitar bass, singer) and Patrick Trung (keyboard, singer), are brothers.

Covers from the 60s, 70s and 80s include Come together, Don’t let me down (Beatles), How deep is your love, I started a joke (Bee Gees), The house of the rising sun, We gotta get out of this place (The Animals), I can’t get no satisfaction (The Rolling Stones), Smoke on the water (Deep Purple) and Hotel California (Eagles).

The band is accompanied by a singer from the Philippines and four Vietnamese singers. They will perform from 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

On February 1, the band will perform from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in front of the hotel in a Tet performance on Nguyen Hue Flower Street.

Calibre Charner is part of a relaxation, healthcare and beauty complex featuring restaurant, café, bar, karaoke, spa, gym and hair salon. Located in downtown Nguyen Hue Boulevard and surrounded by trade centers, buildings, banks and fashion shops, cafés, Calibre Charner, open 7a.m. to midnight, is an ideal venue for businessmen and tourists to take the view of Saigon life.

The menu includes breakfast with noodle soup with ox tails, Hue style noodle soup with beef, Nam Vang noodle soup and broken rice.

It has two set dinner menus for Tet on Lunar New Year’s Eve priced at US$59 per person.

On the fifth floor of the hotel will be a seafood buffet from February 2 to February 6. Tickets are priced at VND550,000 per adult on Lunar New Year’s Eve and VND350,000 per adult on February 3 to 6.

The Palace Hotel Saigon, 55-66 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, HCMC’s District 1. Tel: 3829 2860.

Related Articles

• Solar giant's factory plan for City gets thumbs-up
• V-League season promises drama, greater professionalism

Have a Saigontourist Tet at Majestic and Grand

An ao dai (Vietnamese long dress) fashion show at the Majestic Hotel Saigon - Photo: Courtesy of Saigontourist

For Saigonese and guests to the city to celebrate the Lunar New Year with delicious food and wine, two hotels under Saigontourist in downtown HCMC present special food and entertainment programs.

Majestic Hotel Saigon (1 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, tel: 3829 5517)

On Lunar New Year’s Eve (February 2), at the hotel’s Prima Ballroom & Breeze Sky Bar, guests can enjoy a buffet of Western and Asian dishes with free champagne, wine, beer, soft drinks, and mineral water from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. for US$89 per adult.

At the hotel’s M Bar on the eighth floor, an outdoor barbecue buffet will be held from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on February 2. Tickets are priced at US$89 per adult, inclusive of all kinds of drinks.

Also that night, admire the fireworks display, at the Serenade Restaurant on the seventh floor to eat from a sumptuous selection of European and Asian cuisine. Tickets are US$79 per adult.

All the Majestic venues will have entertainment such as lion dance, calligraphy displays, New Year music and dance shows and fashion shows.

Grand Hotel Saigon (8 Dong Khoi Street, District 1, tel: 3829 4046)

Do the New Year in classic Vietnamese style with an exotic Vietnamese Tet food program featuring banh tet, banh chung (glutinous rice cakes filled with green bean paste and fat pork), steamed pork with coconut water, vegetable pickles and watermelon to name a few. The hotel will give lucky money for guests.

The program will be prepared at the hotel’s Chez-Nous Restaurant from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from January 30 to February 5. Tickets are priced at US$20 each.

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, enjoy the view of the fireworks display at the hotel’s Belle-vue Restaurant and enjoy the excellent service and delicious dishes with a cocktail party, Flamenco band, dance shows, gameshow, and lucky door prizes. Tickets are priced at US$35 per adult and US$20 per child.

At the swimming pool area, relax at the barbecue buffet from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. from January 30 to February 5 featuring grilled salmon with salt, barbecued lamb ribs, oyster and salads plus music by Filipino music band.

Tickets are VND90,000++ to VND280,000++ per dish. Buy 10 tickets in advance before January 30 get one free.

Related Articles

• HCMC to relay grand sale program to November
• Wozniacki cruises to win at Montreal Cup
• Nadal installed as top seed for US Open
• Food promotions at Grand and First hotels
• Wrong diagnoses almost kill two in delta hospital

Where to celebrate Christmas and New Year?

Christmas decoration at the Atrium Cafe of the Legend Hotel Saigon - Photo: Courtesy of the hotel

The festive season is a time to celebrate and make merry with family and friends. This year, the two important holidays, Christmas and New Year fall on the weekend so people have more time to relax and enjoy entertainment and dining with family and friends. In the Daily’s issues on Dec. 10 & 17, TravelLiving features Chritsmas and New Year programs of hotels and tourist areas under the management of Saigontourist. Here are some more interesting venues   for you to choose for your holidays.

ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES

*September 23 Park in HCMC’s District 1:

The fifth “Tastes of the World” festival will take place from Dec. 26 until Jan. 2 in the park with 60 booths from 24 countries. Apart from honoring local and international cuisines, the festival features a bartender contest, a ceremony to set Vietnam’s record for the biggest banh xeo (pancake), and a cooking contest with celebrities. Delegations from the Republic of Korea, Russia, Germany and Vietnam will perform traditional dances and folk songs in their national costumes. Youth Advertising Company.

*Dai Nam tourist area in Binh Duong Province:

The tourist area will launch a 20-minute science movie projected onto a dome screen. The dome movie theater is a combination of film making technologies, an 18m diameter dome a surround stereo system with 18 speakers and six projectors. The theater which seats 200 will screen a nature movie. The tourist area will organize a fireworks display on New Years Day Jan. 1.

*Suoi Tien Theme Park in HCMC’s District 9:

The children choir at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Caravelle Hotel Saigon - Photo: Courtesy of the Caravelle Hotel Saigon

For Christmas, Suoi Tien will be transformed into snowy mountains and forests with Santa Claus riding his reindeer sleigh as angels and a snow princess give gifts to children.

An ornament festival will be held from today until Jan. 1 featuring 60 booths from cities and provinces nationwide. Some contests on bonsai, orchids, ornamental fish and dogs will be held.

*Dam Sen Cultural Park in HCMC’s District 11:

The park will launch a special “Sweet Noel & New Year” program from  Dec. 24 until Jan. 2. A new drama for children named “Vi than may man’ (A lucky genie) produced by Idécaf will stage for four days Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. A hip-hop battle called “Red Lotus 2011” featuring break-dance, Deejay, Rap, Graffiti, Beatbox by Vietnamese dance groups and a judging panel from Thailand will be organized all day Jan. 1 at the musical fountain stage from 7am to 6pm. An ice sculpture show featuring images of the world wonders including Vietnam’s One-Pillar Pagoda, Thailand’s Golden Pagoda, Lao Pagoda, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Champs-Élysées and the Leaning Tower of Pisa is on display until next September.

*Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden (2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, HCMC)

On Dec 24 and 25, the central Youth Union in conjunction with Yeah1 TV will hold the Yeah1 Wonderland festival. The festival lineup includes a Hip Hop Supernova contest for hip hop and break dance groups, a cosplay show, a carnival, a street parade with performance art, musicians and dancers and a swapping festival.

*The Canal Area of Phu My Hung Urban Zone in HCMC’s District 7: 

The Canal Area will be decorated in the Christmas theme with images of Santa Claus and the reindeer sleigh, the Snow Queen, dwarfs and penguins until Dec. 26.

DINING OUT

*Caravelle Hotel (17 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 4999)

On Dec. 24, 25, 31 & Jan. 1, the hotel’s Nineteen Restaurant and Reflection Restaurant will serve buffet lunch and buffet dinner with a live jazz quartet. Price is VND998,000++ to VND2.1 million++. At the Saigon Saigon Bar, there’s a countdown dance party with live entertainment featuring Cuban band Luna Negra for VND800,000++.

*Duxton Hotel Saigon (93 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 2999)

Celebrate this festive season at The Grill and earn a Duxton Cash Voucher from our Festive Point Program. Christmas & New Year Eve Buffet Dinner: US$59++/person (Dec. 24 & Dec. 31), Christmas & New Year Day Buffet Lunch:  US$25++/person (Dec. 25 & Jan. 1) and Christmas & New Year Day Buffet Dinner:  US$38++/person (Dec. 25 & Jan. 1).

*Legend Hotel Saigon (2A-4A Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 3333)

Enjoy Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve with a gala dinner buffet, novelties, variety entertainment, and live performance by the Essence Band at the hotel’s Pool Side. At the Atrium Café, Santa will give gifts to your kids. A midnight toast with a glass of sparkling at the New Year’s Eve countdown with a balloon drop and guitar & violin duo will make the start of 2011 memorable.

*Hotel Equatorial (242 Tran Binh Trong St., Dist. 5, HCMC, tel: 3839 7777)

Festive activities include carol singing, a Christmas bazaar and festive dishes at the Orientica and Chit Chat at the Café restaurants. The two restaurants present glorious menus of festive cuisines. Party on New Year’s Eve with sizzling menus, exciting entertainment, a lucky draw and the official countdown.  

*InterContinental Asiana Saigon Hotel (corner of Le Duan Blvd. and Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3520 9999)

The Christmas Royal Afternoon Tea at The Library lounge, some Italian home-style delights at Basilico, and a lunch or dinner at Market 39 with special Christmas treats are some highlights. At the Spa InterContinental, a “Get Your Glow Back” package has been created.

*Mövenpick Hotel Saigon and Mövenpick Hotel Hanoi:

At both hotels in HCM City and Hanoi are launching special brunches and buffets to celebrate the holidays. In HCM City, Santa Claus will be hading out Christmas gifts to the kids in the lobby. In Hanoi, special Christmas activities will be available to children in the playroom. Gift Hampers are also available at the two hotels.

*Park Hyatt Hotel Saigon (2 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1234)

A variety of menus have been created by the hotel’s celebrated chefs at the two award-winning restaurants, Opera and Square One, especially for Christmas and the New Year from VND1.5 million++ to VND2.7 million++. To welcome in 2011 and party in style, customers can revel at 2 Lam Son bar with the savvy Saigon crowd and guest DJ till 2 a.m.

*Ramana Hotel Saigon (323 Le Van Sy St., Dist. 3, HCMC, tel: 3843 9999)

Be entertained by live dance and choir music, a lucky draw, gifts for kids from Santa Claus and a Gala Buffet Dinner at The Café with more than 90 mouthwatering dishes for US$30++ for adults, half price for kids under 10. New Year’s Eve will have live music, lucky draw and a free glass of champagne for the countdown - only US$35 for adults, half price for kids under 10. The hotel offers its Year-End party package for only USD$16++ per person. Customers are offered a choice of menus, standard festive decorations with lighting and sound system, dance floor and one festive banner.

*Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon (8-15 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3822 0033)

Festive specialties prepared hot at live cooking stations are served at Riverside Café while Kabin Chinese Restaurant offers promotions at its private dining rooms during the season. At the 21st Poolside Terrace, there is a festive BBQ and live music. Kid corners are available to keep your kids entertained while gifts from Santa Claus will complete the little guests’ wishes for the night. For the New Year countdown, thousands of balloons drop at the crack of the New Year. You can pop the balloons to discover your prizes.

*Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers (88 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3827.2828)

The Gingerbread House is offering a wide range of gifts for guests to buy from a chocolate Santa Claus to a gingerbread snow man and Christmas yule logs. Christmas at Saigon Café has carol singers and gifts from Santa Claus for the children besides festive dishes. At New Years Eve, there is the countdown party at the Night Spot bar.

*Sofitel Saigon Plaza (17 Le Duan Blvd., Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3824 1555)

On Dec 24, Café Rivoli serves a delightful Christmas Eve buffet dinner with a traditional five-course set menu and a glass of Taittinger Champaign and unlimited Bordeaux wines at VND1.6 million++ per person. An enticing New Year’s Eve dinner buffet awaits you at Café Rivoli to feast for this festive night with a selection of fine French wines on free flow at VND 1,800,000++ per person. Then, indulge yourself with a “Magnifique” lobster brunch, for Jan. 1, with a wide range of desserts at VND900,000++ per person.

*Windsor Plaza Hotel (18 An Duong Vuong St., Dist. 5, HCMC, tel: 3833 6688)

The Windsor Plaza Hotel is also serving up special holiday fare at the three award-winning in-house dining establishments. Café Central An Dong will host special Holiday brunch and dinner buffets on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. Dinner buffets feature two free glasses of wine or beer.

For a more traditional Eastern take on the Holidays, Ngan Dinh Restaurant, on the hotel’s fifth floor will serve a classic eight-course menu with a bottle of imported red wine on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1. While the TOTT Bar & Restaurant, located on the 25th floor, is where to enjoy the scenery and the sumptuous cuisine with two glasses of wine or beer on Dec. 24, 25, 31 and Jan. 1.

*Lion Restaurant (11-13 Lam Son Square, Dist. 1, HCMC, tel: 3823 8514)

Buffet parties will take place at the restaurant from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the nights of Dec 24 & 31, with more than 40 dishes. The parties will rock along with Filipino singers, a Christmas choir, circus and magic performances, games, dances and comedy performances for the New Year’s Eve. Participants will get gifts from Santa Claus and take part in a lucky draw. Ticket prices are VND579,000 for adults and VND379,000 for children.

*Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort and Spa (Cua Dai Beach, Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province): There will be a traditional Christmas food program for guests, accompanied with a music performance by the hotel staff choir.

*Golden Sand Resort and Spa Hoi An (Hoi An Town, Quang Nam Province, tel: (0510) 3927 555): The Christmas celebration will start from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on December 24 with a party, Filipino band and lucky draw. Tickets are US$48 per adult and US$28 per child, free for kids under six.

*Furama Resort Danang (68 Ho Xuan Huong Street, Bac My AN, Danang City, tel: (0511) 3847 333): Enjoy music and dance performances and admire the flower with light displays. The resort also offers tours to heritages sites, martial arts on the beach and sport coaching for children such as tennis, flying kites and dragon dances.

*Silver Shores Hotel and Resort (8 Son Tra Dien Ngoc Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang City, tel: (0511) 3818 888): The hotel will prepare a buffet with Asian dishes such as sashimi, Vietnamese soup, steamed shrimp with chili sauce, Thai duck curry and salads.

Other Christmas promotions include rooms for US$185-US$245 per night, including buffet breakfast, Xmas and New Year parties, and half price for the fourth night.

For New Year celebrations in Hoi An, visitors can enjoy the New Year’s Eve countdown at Hoai River with activities such as a dan tranh (16-chord zither) solo performance, dragon dances, rock and Aspara dance shows. The program starts 7 p.m. on December 31 to 2 a.m. January 1.

Related Articles

• Ministry announces year's 10 top ten events
• Outbound tourists double in number this year
• Shrimp exports hit record high
• V-League lures foreign players
• CAO launches luxury jewelry collection

Thanksgiving Thursday

What would Thanksgiving in HCMC be without a roast turkey?

Thanksgiving Day, as celebrated in North America, is a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks for the many blessings in life.

To make a memorable Thanksgiving on Thursday, Nov. 25, hotels are preparing traditional lunch and dinners.

At Legend Hotel Saigon, the Atrium Café serves a wide buffet spread that includes roast turkey and gammon ham with cranberry sauce, duck liver pate with melba toast, grilled pork tenderloin with orange marmalade glaze. Get festive with free flowing beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea for lunch; and wines, beer, soft drinks, coffee and tea for dinner.

At Sofitel Saigon Plaza, Café Rivoli’s culinary team will prepare the roast turkey with the finest ingredients and condiments, including free flowing house wines, beers, and soft drinks and a tempting Thanksgiving dessert buffet and delicious apple pies. For delivery, the hotel offers a flying roast turkey with condiments to be ordered at the Gourmand Shop. Orders are available now.

Caravelle Hotel will serve roast turkey and smoked salmon at its Nineteen Restaurant alongside buffet lunch and dinner delicacies like oysters, salmon, caviar and fish roe.

Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers serves Thanksgiving evening at Saigon Café with a buffet of traditional fare including imported US butterball turkey, baked gammon, hickory smoked rump steak, double loin chops and pumpkin pie.

Windsor Plaza Hotel Saigon will offer oven-roasted turkey for pick-up or delivery from November 25. Turkey is available with a number of traditional trimmings, including tender Brussels sprouts, homemade chestnut stuffing, delectable glazed pumpkin, tangy cranberry sauce and classic giblet gravy. Available in two sizes, small turkeys are perfect for family feasts and large turkeys are suitable for larger celebrations of up to 20 people. Turkey without trimmings is priced at VND220,000+/kg and turkey with trimmings is priced at VND300,000+/kg. Prices are subject toVAT.

Pair drive from London to Saigon to clear landmines

Rebecca Harris (3rd, L) and Max Levell (2nd, R) pose for photos with the Rex Hotel Saigon’s staff after driving their Porsche overland from London - Photo: Courtesy of the Rex Hotel Saigon

Max Levell and Rebecca Harris from the UK-based humanitarian organization Mines Advisory Group (MAG) arrived at the Rex Hotel in HCMC’s District 1 on Saturday after a 60-day car journey through 17 countries.

The overland charity-jaunt raised funds for people in Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam who are victims of unexploded ordnance.

Levell, 31, sells and restores classic Porsches while Harris, 26, trains horses. The couple from Windsor in the UK drove most of the 18,000 kilometers from London to HCMC in Levell’s 1966 Porsche 912, which he got for his 18th birthday.

“Neither of us can believe that we’ve actually driven here from London, crazy!” Levell said on their blogspot, londontosaigon.blogspot.com.

They crossed into Vietnam through the Lao Bao border gate in Quang Tri Province and were waylaid for a few days by floods in the Central, before passing through Hue, Hoi An, Danang, Nha Trang, Muine and HCMC. 

They told the Daily a few minutes after they arrived at the Rex that they were thrilled to have completed the trip and very pleased the car made it without any mechanical problems.

They said they hoped their journey would encourage people to donate money to help clear landmines and unexploded ordnance in former conflict zones in Vietnam and everywhere.

The important work would free up land for agriculture and community development and educate the local population about the dangers of unexploded bombs.  People can donate money directly to MAG via the online donations site:  www.justgiving.com/londontosaigon2010  

Since operations commenced in 1999, MAG Vietnam has conducted mobile clearance operations in more than 1,300 villages, cleared more than seven million square meters of land for agriculture and community development, and removed and destroyed close to 150,000 landmines / UXO

More information on the charity and MAG Vietnam, can be found at www.maginternational.org/vietnam.

Related Articles

• Mothers share sorrow of war
• Market moves up sharply
• PM Dung outlines inflation strategy
• Russian investor postpones $200 mln resort project
• Young stars raise profile of Vietnam chess

Turkey countdown

Only two weeks until Thanksgiving… do you know where your turkey is?

Thanksgiving Day has become America’s day to eat.

Every year, right around this time, US newspapers abound with pie recipes and methods for staving off Turkey-induced comas.

The holiday allegedly dates back to the 17th century when a group of Native Americans made the mistake of giving food to a starving group of European settlers.

(They’re like raccoons, if you feed them, you’ll only attract more!)

In 1863, after a great number of America’s gracious Indians had been displaced, killed or relocated, the United States declared Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Every year afterward, on the fourth Thursday of every November, Americans have gathered together to give thanks. Most families gather to eat a tremendous feast and express feelings of thankfulness and gratitude to their family, friends and neighbors.

The more likely scenario, however, is that everyone gets together and drinks and eats too much.

Here in Ho Chi Minh City, famous chefs in five-star restaurants are amassing intricate menus and rolling up their sleeves to prepare a nice and meaningful dinner for their customers on Thanksgiving Day.

The kitchen staff at the Sofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel are busily crafting a buffet for Thanksgiving Day at the Café Rivoli Restaurant.

The restaurant, bedecked in elegant and modern décor will stock a full buffet featuring fresh roasted turkey and all the traditional trimmings.

The dessert menu is slated to feature cheesecake, traditional apple pie and fresh fruit accompanied by free drink.

WHERE TO GO

Customers can go to the following restaurants in HCMC to enjoy a Thanksgiving Day dinner: Café RivoliSofitel Saigon Plaza Hotel 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1 Tel: (08) 3 824 1555 Email: fb@sofitelsaigon.com.vn Nineteen Ground Floor Caravelle Hotel 19 Lam Son Square, District 1 Tel: (08) 3 823 4999 Email: fbd@caravellehotel.vnn.vn Atrium CaféLegend Hotel Saigon 2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1 Tel: (08) 3 823 3333

The Thanksgiving Day party will take place from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on November 25. Admission will cost VND750,000++ for an adult, VND375,000++ for a child from six to 12 and free for kids under five years old.

For those interested in eating their Thanksgiving meal in a homier atmosphere (or tricking their in-laws into believing that they can cook) the five-star hotel will be selling turkey and other Thanksgiving essentials at their Gourmand shop in the lobby.

A kilogram of a roast turkey and condiments will sell for VND495,000++.

The hotel has already begun taking orders for whole birds (cooked, of course). Orders must be placed at least one day prior to your pick-up date.

If you do attempt to cook an entire Thanksgiving meal and fail, consider Nineteen Restaurant, located in the luxurious downtown Caravelle Hotel.

The hotel staff is gearing up to carve whole roasted turkeys and serve out traditional condiments – stuffing, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce.

The traditionally terrestrial menu will be accompanied by a bountiful seafood selection of oysters, salmon fillets, marinated sea-bass, king prawns, and flower crabs, cooked to order and accompanied by a host of delicious sauces.

Caviar and fish roe stations will offer sea grapes, salmon roe, lumpfish (black and red).

The main selections will be accompanied by appetizers, soup, cheese plates, roasted meats and desserts. The buffet will cost VND938,000++ per person.

Customers can also pass by Legend Hotel Saigon to enjoy a buffet at Atrium Café Restaurant.

The buffet lunch will cost VND420,000++ for an adult and entire Thanksgiving meal and fail, consider Nineteen Restaurant, located in the luxurious downtown Caravelle Hotel.

The hotel staff is gearing up to carve whole roasted turkeys and serve out traditional condiments – stuffing, giblet gravy and cranberry sauce.

The traditionally terrestrial menu will be accompanied by a bountiful seafood selection of oysters, salmon fillets, marinated sea-bass, king prawns, and flower crabs, cooked to order and accompanied by a host of delicious sauces.

Caviar and fish roe stations will offer sea grapes, salmon roe, lumpfish (black and red).

The main selections will be accompanied by appetizers, soup, cheese plates, roasted meats and desserts. The buffet will cost VND938,000++ per person.

Customers can also pass by Legend Hotel Saigon to enjoy a buffet at Atrium Café Restaurant.

The buffet lunch will cost VND420,000++ for an adult and VND210,000++ for a child, including soft drinks, tea and coffee.

The buffet supper costs VND760,000++ for an adult and VND380,000++ for a child, including wine, tea, soft drinks, beer and coffee.

Related Articles

• Turkey countdown

Halloween At Rex, Majestic And Saigon Boat

Halloween, a western festival that is held annually at the end of October, is approaching. Some members of Saigontourist Holding Company will celebrate it for fun’s sake.

Halloween will be celebrated at Rex Hotel Saigon, Majestic Hotel and Saigon Boat Restaurant.

Rex Hotel Saigon

The five-star Rex Hotel Saigon in downtown HCM City will celebrate Halloween Festival at its Rooftop Garden, one of the most beautiful bars in the city, on the night of October 30.

Joining the festival, guests will have many delicious dishes and a great deal of wine to enjoy. They will also be able to participate in interesting entertainment activities with professional disc jockeys, see a masquerade of the hotel employees or have themselves masqueraded free. Couples with the most impressive, most terrifying and funniest costumes will be given prizes.

The ticket for joining the festival costs an adult US$40++ and a child US$26++. The 15% and 10% discounts are given to guests staying at the hotel and masqueraded guests, respectively.

The Rooftop Garden, which was a favorite rendezvous of American military officers and foreign journalists in the 1960s and was selected to be one of the best bars in Southeast Asia in 1996 by Newsweek, is located on the fifth floor of Rex Hotel Saigon. It is an ideal place for groups or couples to relax in a fresh, airy space and observe Saigon’s night life.

Majestic Hotel

Majestic Hotel will celebrate Halloween Night at its M-Bar on the eighth floor from 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m. on October 31. The party offering special food and drinks, coupled with games and artistic performances, promises plenty of fun. Guests can have themselves masqueraded free to attend the festival. Those with the exclusive and the most impressive performances will get prizes.

The ticket prices for the Halloween party are US$26 for an adult and US$13 for a child.

M-Bar is a right place for relaxing with music performances by a Filipino band. It is also suitable for meetings with customers or friends. From here, guests can take a panoramic view of the Saigon River and HCM City’s busy life. This is also one of the first choices when people want to see firework displays on the occasion of special holidays and festivals.

Saigon Boat Restaurant

Saigon Boat Restaurant will serve and entertain guests with a Halloween dinner buffet on the nights of October 30 and 31. In the hilarious atmosphere of the festival, guests will be served by merry, lovely “ghosts.” Drinks include Australian wine, Russian Fifth Ocean beer and cocktail. The buffet goes with more than 40 dishes, including pumpkin soup, grilled shrimps with lemon sauce and grilled sheep ribs with garlic.

The performances of the Latin Eyes band and Philippine singers together with Hawaiian and Gypsy dances and photo taking with Halloween Dracula are features of the festival.

The boat will receive guests and serves cocktail from 6 p.m. It will start the one-hour journey between Bach Dang Quay and Ben Nghe Port from 8:30-9:30 p.m. After the ship stops at its berth at Bach Dang Quay, the dancing night program will begin and last one hour. The ticket costs VND500,000 for an adult and VND300,000 for a child.
The Saigon Boat Restaurant is 55 meters long, 10 meters wide and 6 meters high. The well-designed boat with three decks can carry 600 people beside its crew. Each deck has a different style to meet customers’ diverse demands. The boat is much known for seafood dishes, namely tiger shrimps steamed with coconut milk, duck meat fried with taro and seafood hotpot.

Rex Hotel Saigon:
141 Nguyen Hue Blvd., Dist. 1, HCM City. Tel: 08.38293185, email: rexhotel@rex.com.vn
Majestic Hotel:
1 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1, HCM City. Tel: 08.38295517, email: banquet@majesticsaigon.com.vn
Saigon Boat Restaurant: Bach Dang Quay, Dist. 1, HCM City. Tel: 08.38230393, email: tausaigon@vnn.vn

Related Articles

• Halloween At Rex, Majestic And Saigon Boat
• Blue seas and unspoiled beaches
• Vung Tau surf
• Delayed floods disappoint farmers

CNN names Rooftop Garden in best bars

Diners at the Rooftop Garden Bar on the fifth floor of the five-star Rex Hotel Saigon in HCMC - Photo: Courtesy of Saigontourist

The Rooftop Garden Bar at the five-star Rex Hotel Saigon has been recognized as one of the thirty most beautiful bars in the world by journalist Michelle Woo on CNN.com. The bar had already been voted as one of the most beautiful bars in Asia by Newsweek magazine and selected as one of 1,000 venues that diners should try before they die by renowned U.S. travel journalist Patricia Schultz.

For eight years until 1973, the
hotel’s conference room was the venue of the “Five O’clock Follies”, a phrase coined by war reporters in HCMC for the 5 p.m. official press briefing by the U.S. military. The bar was the scene of many memorable drinks between journalists.

The Rooftop Garden Bar is on the fifth floor of the hotel and is ideal for diners to take in the Saigon panorama, over food, drinks and entertainment.

The hotel still has a lot of its old charm. The bar has capacity of 400 guests.

According to CNN.com, “With neon lights, bird cages, bonsai trees, flowers and giant ceramic elephants, the garden bar serving 24/24 at the Rex Hotel Saigon is really attractive as it is. Located in the center of the bustling Saigon City, this is the ideal place for diners to sip cocktails and listen to motorbike horns down the road. You should try a sunset pastis.”

The hotel has reinstated the “Five O’clock Follies” with a promotion offering 15% discount on drinks.

The hotel is at 141 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, HCMC’s District 1, tel: 3829 2185, email: rexhotel@rex.com.vn.

Related Articles

• Detained Vietnamese fishermen arrive home
• Vietnamese, Australian firms expand access to domestic market
• President Triet on official visit to Laos
• Vietnam’s U19s and U21s clash in semifinals
• Prime Minister discusses relations, co-operation with Lao counterpart

Saigontourist has Women’s Day buffets

For Vietnam Women’s Day on October 20, hotels under Saigontourist in HCMC will host buffet parties, promising women fine food for an unforgettable day.

The four-star Grand Hotel Saigon’s Chez-Nous Restaurant will hold a “Day of Women” buffet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The buffet will include dishes made of snail and clam with different salads, spring rolls and sweet soups. Tickets are priced at VND149,000 per adult and VND99,000 per child, inclusive of drinks. Women will receive a 20% discount.

The four-star Oscar Saigon Hotel’s Starlight Restaurant will hold a buffet lunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with selected dishes in sections with seven appetizers, eight salads, five fried and barbecued dishes and a vast array of fruit, sweet soups and ice-creams. A range of hot pots made of seafood, pork or beef will be also available. Drinks are free.

The Cyclo Restaurant at the five-star Majestic Hotel Saigon will bring Vietnam’s best dishes to gourmets. Tickets are priced at VND25,000 per a dish or VND228,000 for the selection inclusive of tea or coffee. Diners can enjoy food from the nation’s three regions such as salads mixed with shrimps and lotus buds, or with beef, banana flowers and chicken, grilled chicken with lemon leaves, loc fish steamed in earthen pot, sour soup made in Mekong Delta style with fish, pineapple, tomato, bean sprout or thac lac fish steamed with bitter melon and many kinds of seafood, fruits and drinks. Meals are accompanied with ethnic music performances.

The Majestic Hotel Saigon is at 1 Dong Khoi Street, tel: 3829 5517, email: banquet@majesticsaigon.com.vn.

The Grand Hotel Saigon is located at 8 Dong Khoi Street, HCMC’s District 1, tel: 3829 4046, email: banquet@grandhotel.vn.

The Oscar Saigon Hotel is at 68A Nguyen Hue Boulevard, HCMC’s District 1, tel: 3829 2959, email: oscarsaigonhotel@oscar-saigonhotel.com.

Related Articles

• Market moves up sharply
• Missing fishermen call home after China release
• New floods kill 20 in central Vietnam
• Girls gear up for Vietnam’s Next Top Model
• Weightlifter grabs Vietnam’s first Olympic gold at Youth Games

Consular Club holds bazaar for charity

Children pose a photo with the Santa Claus at the Consular Club Bazaar at the Legend Hotel Saigon last year - Photo: Kieu Giang

The Consular Club of HCMC is organizing its annual charity bazaar at the Legend Hotel Saigon on November 20.

This year’s bazaar will have 21 participating countries, selling goods and food from all over the world. The annual fundraising activity of the non-profit organization aims to support those less fortunate in the community with all proceeds going to projects for disadvantaged people in southern Vietnam.

Beginning at 11a.m. until 3 p.m., visitors will be encouraged to buy goods, food and tickets for the grand raffle to be drawn at 1p.m. All prizes in the raffle are valued at more than US$100. For a special kids’s Christmas surprise, Santa Claus will make an appearance to have his photo taken with everyone.

This year’s bazaar is expected to attract a large crowd of expatriates and Vietnamese. The annual event attracted 1,500 in 2008 and 2009. Entry tickets cost VND50,000 for adults. Children under 10 accompanied by an adult are free.

The Consular Club of HCMC is made up of representatives from the Consular and Honorary Consular missions in HCMC. The members include spouses of the Consul-Generals, trade representatives, Consulate staff and designated members of the respective country’s community.

The club meets on a regular basis with the principal objective of making a contribution towards improving the quality of life of disadvantaged groups in southern Vietnam. The money raised at the bazzar will be distributed during the year.

Related Articles

• Saigon-Hanoi charity caravan heads north
• Thousands await relocation
• Giant embroidered picture on display
• Supermodel contest to crown winner in HCM City on Saturday
• PM issues call to protect hydro-electric power plants

Saint O Band performs at Night Spot

The Saint O band is back in residence at the Night Spot

The Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers has welcomed back the international acclaimed band Saint O to perform at Night Spot on Level 23. The band will grace the city for the seventh consecutive year performing at the hotel from Sept. 1 till Jan. 8 from Tuesdays to Sundays.

The band has recently performed in Kyrgyzstan and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Their music comprises R&B, top 40 hits, funk, hip hop, soul, Jamaican reggae and the infectious salsa beat.

Led by Canadian drummer and master percussionist Jermaine St. Omer, the band’s members consist of Ron Hull also from Canada on guitar, Michael Thornton from the U.S. on bass guitar, Lira Urmanbetova from Kyrgyzstan on keyboard and lead vocal, and the female vocalists Line Alwi and Lee Taylor.

Sensational weekend package at Equatorial

Valid only for Vietnamese and expatriate residents who stay from Friday to Sunday, the sensational weekend package has special offers including complimentary daily city shuttle bus to the Opera House, Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Ben Thanh Market, 15% discount on food and beverages, use of Fitness Center and beautiful outdoor swimming pool for only about VND2.5 million a night. Free room upgrades are available if you book two nights. It also offers  flexibility and more time for relaxing with late check-out until 4 p.m. This special offer is valid until Sept. 30.

Oriental Buffet Dinner at Ramana Hotel

Effective from September 3, the four-star Ramana Hotel Saigon will serve an Oriental buffet dinner at The Cafe restaurant.

Only VND299,000++ (US$16++) per adult and VND150,000++ (US$8++) per child (under 10 years old); diners will have chances to travel their taste buds in an array of oriental dishes including jelly fish salad with shredded chicken, roasted chicken Cantonese style, BBQ pork spare rib in Cantonese style and many more. You can also have fresh seafood cooked your own way while enjoying The Café’s live band. For every group of 10 another one gets served free. The promotion is valid until end of October from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. every Thursday to Saturday at The Cafe restaurant.

The Ramana Hotel Saigon is at 323 Le Van Sy, District 3, HCMC. For reservation or inquires, email to fb@ramanasaigon.com

 American beef promotion at Duxton

The Grill Restaurant at the Duxton Hotel Saigon is adding has a sizzling new addition to the dinner buffet - American styled BBQ beef ribs with Tex Mex sauce. There is also U.S. beef sukiyaki hot pot along with sushi and sashimi.

For more imformation, contact the hotel at 63 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, tel:  3822 2999

Related Articles

• Hanoi model wins Miss Vietnam 2010
• Blue seas and unspoiled beaches
• Poor rural children blaze education trail
• Painters show works inspired by nature, nostalgia
• Widow of late Lao Party leader visits

Twelve bakers selected for Louis Lesaffre Cup finals

Huynh Tin Buu, one of the finalists of Louis Lesaffre Cup in Vietnam, poses with his artistic piece named Suc manh rong thieng (The power of Sacred Dragon) - Photo: Quoc Hung

The 12 best pastry bakers from the North and the South have been selected for the final round of the Louis Lesaffre Cup in Vietnam in December.

Finalists in the bread making category are Vo Thanh Tuan, Nguyen Ngoc Tuan and Diep Minh Cong from Big C, Vu Duc Thanh from the Intercontinental Asiana Hotel Saigon and a contestant from the bread making school in Hue City. 

Nguyen Truong Kim Phuong from ABC Bakery, Le Hong Giang from the Intercontinental Asiana Hotel Saigon, Nguyen Thi Mac from Hoa Sua School and Do Duc Lam from the Sheraton Hotel Hanoi will compete in the category of Viennese pastry while Nguyen Van Hung from Caravelle Hotel Saigon, Huynh Xuan Vinh from ABC Bakery, Huynh Tin Buu from Big C and Nguyen Van Tien from Hoa Sua School are rivals in the category of artistic piece.

The three best from these 12 finalists will represent Vietnam at the Asian qualification round in Guangzhou, China in May, 2011. 

Created in 2003, the Louis Lesaffre Cup is part of a cycle of competitions (national and international selection rounds), that culminate in the Bakery World Cup. The Louis Lesaffre Cup is open to professional bakers between the ages of 18 and 55.

Palace Hotel’s new look dining

A corner of CALIBRE Charner- Photo: Courtesy of Saigontourist

The Palace Hotel Saigon has opened the doors of its new Calibre Charner Restaurant, to replace the former Palace Café.

Located in downtown Nguyen Hue Boulevard and surrounded by trade centers, buildings, banks and fashion shops, cafés, Calibre Charner is an ideal venue for businessmen and tourists.

The restaurant is part of a relaxation, healthcare and beauty complex featuring restaurant, café, bar, karaoke, spa, gym and hair salon.

The complex is stylishly lit and furnished with comfortable sofas and cushioned chairs with courteous staff.

CALIBRE Charner is open from 7 a.m. to midnight. Guests can enjoy breakfast with noodle soup with ox tails, Hue style noodle soup with beef, Nam Vang noodle soup or broken rice. The restaurant also serves set menu for lunch and many Asian and European dishes for dinner. Gourmets can also enjoy live jazz with piano and saxophone.

CALIBRE Charner is at the Palace Hotel Saigon, 55-66 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, HCMC’s District 1. Tel: 3829 2860.

Related Articles

• Future doctors look for clues in crazy race
• Vietnam looks for more Belgian tourists
• Blue seas and unspoiled beaches
• Fund sees bargains arise in growing Vietnam, Romania
• Banks scramble for mid-level managers

Hotels celebrate National Day

For the celebration of Vietnam’s 65th National Day on Thursday September 2, hotels have organized some special programs.

*Caravelle Hotel (17-19 Lam Son Square, District 1, tel: 38234999)

Restaurant Nineteen of the Caravelle Hotel offers a large selection of carving stations as well as a unique cooked to order fresh seafood selection for VND888,000++ per person including a glass of Mumm Champagne and unlimited orders of Margaritas & Martinis and free flowing house wines, Italian and Spanish wines.

*Duxton Hotel Saigon (63 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, tel: )

The hotel offers special Independence Day rates at only US$85++/night with breakfast included. An additional US$10++/night is charged for double occupancy. The rates are valid from Aug. 27 till Sept. 5.

*Legend Hotel Saigon (2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, tel:)

Chefs of Atrium Café of the Legend Hotel Saigon will add gourmet Vietnamese dishes to the buffet spread at the Café for the occasion. Gourmets can leisurely enjoy authentic Vietnamese delicacies from Northern, Central and Southern regions while enjoying live music from Jamm’n Essence Band. Vietnam National Day Buffet is priced at VND418,000++ Adult and VND209,000++ Child for Lunch (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); and VND722,000++ Adult and VND361,000++ Child for Dinner (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.).

*Ramana Hotel Saigon (323 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, tel; )

The four-star hotel is serving an authentic Vietnamese buffet dinner for VND299,000++ per adult and VND150,000++ per child. Diners are offered a sumptuous buffet with more than 60 Vietnamese dishes which vary between fresh herbs and deliciously spiced meats and lettuce and herb rolls with shrimp, rice noodle rolls with beef, grilled seafood with onion and oil, bitter squash broth with minced pork ball among others. Enjoy free flow of soft drink and take in the live music of a traditional band at the intimate Café restaurant. The promotion goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. only one day on September 2 at The Café Restaurant.

*Windsor Plaza Hotel (18 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, tel: 3 833.6688)

The hotel’s Café Central An Dong offers a range of regional tastes from Japan this September. For starters there’s a choice from 20 kinds of tempura - crisp vegetables to fresh fish, lightly battered and fried to perfection.  Other unique dishes abound like rice wrapped in seaweed to sukiyaki, a Japanese hot pot with glass noodles, vegetables and thin strips of beef among others. The regular dinner buffet runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and costs VND295,000++ on weekdays and VND325,000++ on weekends and holidays. Children 10 years and under are half price. 

The TOTT Bar and Restaurant on level 25 of the hotel presents genuine Australian rock lobster prepared with a wide selection of savory styles. Some recommendations are homemade ravioli stuffed with lobster mousse, saffron and pearl caviar or oven-roasted fresh lobster, basted with barbeque sauce and choron sauce and a touch of tarragon. The TOTT Bar and Restaurant opens daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Related Articles

• Measures aim to prevent holiday traffic gridlock
• Hotels celebrate National Day
• Vietnam’s National Day celebrated overseas
• Banquet celebrates 65th National Day anniversary
• Food promotions at Grand and First hotels

Hotels celebrate National Day

For the celebration of Vietnam’s 65th National Day on Thursday September 2, hotels have organized some special programs.

*Caravelle Hotel (17-19 Lam Son Square, District 1, tel: 38234999)

Restaurant Nineteen of the Caravelle Hotel offers a large selection of carving stations as well as a unique cooked to order fresh seafood selection for VND888,000++ per person including a glass of Mumm Champagne and unlimited orders of Margaritas & Martinis and free flowing house wines, Italian and Spanish wines.

*Duxton Hotel Saigon (63 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1, tel: )

The hotel offers special Independence Day rates at only US$85++/night with breakfast included. An additional US$10++/night is charged for double occupancy. The rates are valid from Aug. 27 till Sept. 5.

*Legend Hotel Saigon (2A-4A Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, tel:)

Chefs of Atrium Café of the Legend Hotel Saigon will add gourmet Vietnamese dishes to the buffet spread at the Café for the occasion. Gourmets can leisurely enjoy authentic Vietnamese delicacies from Northern, Central and Southern regions while enjoying live music from Jamm’n Essence Band. Vietnam National Day Buffet is priced at VND418,000++ Adult and VND209,000++ Child for Lunch (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.); and VND722,000++ Adult and VND361,000++ Child for Dinner (6 p.m. to 10 p.m.).

*Ramana Hotel Saigon (323 Le Van Sy Street, District 3, tel; )

The four-star hotel is serving an authentic Vietnamese buffet dinner for VND299,000++ per adult and VND150,000++ per child. Diners are offered a sumptuous buffet with more than 60 Vietnamese dishes which vary between fresh herbs and deliciously spiced meats and lettuce and herb rolls with shrimp, rice noodle rolls with beef, grilled seafood with onion and oil, bitter squash broth with minced pork ball among others. Enjoy free flow of soft drink and take in the live music of a traditional band at the intimate Café restaurant. The promotion goes from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. only one day on September 2 at The Café Restaurant.

*Windsor Plaza Hotel (18 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5, tel: 3 833.6688)

The hotel’s Café Central An Dong offers a range of regional tastes from Japan this September. For starters there’s a choice from 20 kinds of tempura - crisp vegetables to fresh fish, lightly battered and fried to perfection.  Other unique dishes abound like rice wrapped in seaweed to sukiyaki, a Japanese hot pot with glass noodles, vegetables and thin strips of beef among others. The regular dinner buffet runs from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and costs VND295,000++ on weekdays and VND325,000++ on weekends and holidays. Children 10 years and under are half price. 

The TOTT Bar and Restaurant on level 25 of the hotel presents genuine Australian rock lobster prepared with a wide selection of savory styles. Some recommendations are homemade ravioli stuffed with lobster mousse, saffron and pearl caviar or oven-roasted fresh lobster, basted with barbeque sauce and choron sauce and a touch of tarragon. The TOTT Bar and Restaurant opens daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Related Articles

• Measures aim to prevent holiday traffic gridlock
• Hotels celebrate National Day
• Food promotions at Grand and First hotels
• PM foresees bright future for co-operation with Africa
• Market moves up sharply