Ben Thanh Night Market: Hai Lua Food Countryside, HCMC

 

 

Few images scream Saigon like the classic District 1 market, Cho Ben Thanh.  There's a lot to see here during the day but if you've not been there for the night market you're missing out.   The building at Ben Thanh Market is closed but in the early evening vendors and restaurants set up their shops on the streets on either side.     One of these make-shift restaurants, Hai Lua Food Countryside has become a mandatory stop for us while in HCMC.  Evidently, for a lot of others too.  

To find Hai Lua at the Night Market, walk down Phan Boi Chau street on the east/right-hand side of Cho Ben Thanh.   You'll see Hai Lua on the left (against the market building) about half way back.   They'll be easy to spot... look for the giant smoking grill filled with red fish, Snapper I think, set up right on the street.   Hai Lua has a lot of great food, but it is the thought of the grilled red fish that keeps me longing for my return.   Do yourself a favor...

Eat it!

Hotel Majestic Saigon, HCMC Vietnam

I usually don't spend a lot on hotels in Vietnam, since you can get a good room in Saigon for well under $90 per night, but I wanted to try the Majestic. I had seen the classic hotel situated downtown overlooking the river many times, and had heard great things about it, but with rooms from about $165 per night (and up from there) I was not in a hurry to stay there.

Eventually I had my opportunity to spend the night at the Majestic.  What a treat.  I was not all that impressed upon check in. I mean, it was nice, but the French Colonial style doesn't really excite me nor does the history of the 1925 building (though it probably should).  But the longer I stayed the more the beauty of the Majestic came through; I ended up there 4 nights.

The service was excellent! I can not say enough good things about the staff... awesome. I think that this is the difference in the 5-star rating compared to other nice hotels.  Not only were there a lot of staff to handle every little thing in lightning fast speed, but the attitude of each individual was exceptional.

The hotel is loaded with amenities: a pool and pool-side bar, a restaurant, piano bar in the lobby, and 2, yes 2, roof-top bars.   Even if you don't stay at the Majestic, you should have a drink there.   Several nights of the week they have live music too.   The drinks are pricey, yes, but in this case I feel the value it there.   There are few places I'd rather be than the Majestic's roof-top bar, perched over the river with a cold drink in hand as the cool breeze brings relief to the Saigon heat.   Calgon, take me away.

Another very impressive feature that makes we long for the Majestic... breakfast. I love to eat and generally skip the free hotel food, but the breakfast buffet at the roof-top patio was great (as long as you stick to the Vietnamese food and fruit).

There are three reasons why I'll be back to the Majestic: service, location, and breakfast.

http://www.majesticsaigon.com.vn/index.html



Sleep there.