Plush comforts at Ho Chi Minh
At District 5 in Ho Chi Minh City, one can experience life like a Vietnamese, writes Khairah N. Karim
ALTHOUGH Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City has had different names throughout its history, Saigon is commonly used among the locals. It’s also known as Chinatown of the country due to its large number of Chinese descendents population. It’s a vibrant city full of culture and history.
A hidden gem of the city is District 5, a model of authenticity if you want to experience life like a Vietnamese.
A popular saying in Vietnam goes: “Eat in District 5, Live in District 3, See in District 1”. Well, you can do all these in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 5.
It has a less commercialised vibe with attractions that imbue history and reflect the diverse cultures of the communities through art, religious pursuits and cuisine. But first, the hotel.
Whether you are in Saigon for work or play, Windsor Plaza Hotel ticks all the right boxes as far as a five-star hotel goes.
TOP OF THE TOWN
Being the tallest building in District 5, it is also recognised as one of the 10 top fivestar hotels by the Vietnam Tourism Association.
Situated in the heart of the city, the 26-floor building is the perfect stay as a starting point of your stay.
Windsor Plaza Hotel is 25 minutes to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre.
The hotel provides airport transfer (upon request) and complimentary shuttle service to top tourist spots.
Its Cafe Central An Dong, located on the fourth floor, features one of the largest breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in town, offering various local and international cuisines, from Western favourites to traditional Vietnamese cuisine as well as vegetarian offerings.
Occasionally, special cuisines from different counties are introduced to keep the dining experience exciting. It also has a Malaysian theme where roti canai, nasi lemak and various traditional kuih are served.
Its star attraction is the seafood buffet which offers fresh seafood where guests can have them cooked by the chefs.
An extensive a la carte menu and dessert selection are also available for dine-in or take-away. There is also 24-hour room service.
For Chinese food lovers, the fifth floor is where you go. The Ngan Dinh Chinese Restaurant serves Cantonese cuisine including dim sum.
On the 26th floor is the Top of the Town Bar and Restaurant, a favourite spot of locals, expats and travellers as it offers rooftop and an al fresco experience.
Guests experience a breathtaking view at night while appreciating a specially curated Italian or Vietnamese menu and a wide range of wines.
OUT AND ABOUT
For shopaholics, get ready to check out the main streets within District 5 which are within walking distance from the hotel. A shuttle service is available too, so sightseeing is not a problem.
Along the way, temples such as the Nhi Phu temple and Father Tam temple, Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagodas and churches may interest cultural enthusiasts.
For an authentic local experience, go to Binh Tay Market.
The market with a Chinese atmosphere, it has existed in District 5 for hundreds of years..
It mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruit, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam.
Meanwhile, if you walk down Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street, you can smell various medicinal herbs in the air.
The herbal street features traditional pharmacies selling medicinal plants, herbs and natural ingredients for healing.
Soai Kinh Lam Fabric Market is a crucial
distribution hub of fabrics. You will be spoilt for choice with over 500 stores selling a various selection of cotton, silk, lace and more.
For fans of the arts, Tran Phu Art Street is the where locals go to find beautiful paintings at amazing prices.
After all that walking and shopping, a relaxing massage is perfect when you are back at the hotel.
Pamper yourself at the Windsor Spa with aromatherapy, hot stone and reflexology from experienced masseuses.
Finally, before you check out, do not forget to experience the greatwork of Japanese high-end barber and stylist Ginza Matsunaga. It started in Vietnam in 2014 and has four outlets, one located at the third floor of Windsor Plaza Hotel.