Before Midnight: H? Chí Minh City

By: Amanda Raquel Henri

Author, The Forever Traveler

Since my last article, A H? Chí Minh Thing, I hope you were able to book your trip to the mesmerizing city in Vietnam. In the previous reading, you learned all the things that H? Chí Minh has to offer from morning to sunset. This edition however, seeks the attention of the night owls. If you find that your greatest energy comes during night time to early morning hours, this article is perfect for you!?

Dining

As a former chef of many years, trust me when I say that Noir Dining In The Dark is the ultimate dining experience that will awaken most of your senses. As its name implies, Noir provides a setting of limited sight but that evokes the senses of sound, smell, touch, and taste.?

What sets Noir aside from other restaurants is immediately known by the way that you are guided to your table. A blind or visually impaired member of the staff with specialized training leads you through the dining area to your table. In your journey to your seat you will gain a sense of awareness of just how powerful limited sight can be.?

While the brightness of daylight fills us with an impromptu feeling of having to constantly be on the move–robots in a cycle of producing, Noir offers something different. No longer pressured by the superficial world of watch–where you are always expected to look a certain way, the restaurant offers a relief to simply take a deep breath and be who you are.?

In my visit to Noir, Dining In The Dark the most intriguing part of the experience was the mystery created from start to finish. Not knowing the menu beforehand generated a feeling of excitement and curiosity in anticipation for what awaited.?

As the meals are delivered, their textures and flavors leave you in awe of how the restriction of one sense can enhance all others. Allow your palates to be tantalized. Give in to ultimate submission as you trust in the staff to guide you through the unforgettable journey of dining at Noir, Dining In The Dark in District 1 of H? Chí Minh City, Vietnam.

Mellow You

The city has many more dining and lounging options. Grotto, one of the most welcoming and cozy wine-bars in the former Saigon and current H? Chí Minh City , offers an unforgettable experience. The wine bar is located in a cave, hence its name "Grotto"--the Italian word that translates to ‘cave.' My favorite feature of the wine-bar is Grotto's elaborated carved booths that resemble tunnels. Each booth is paired with elegant red curtains that can easily be drawn for privacy.

Another experience worth having for a person who is most comfortable in a lounge type setting is? one so exclusive that the location of the establishment is only discovered through an official booking with Jovel Chan. Besides meals created by elite chefs at Tan’s private bar, the drinks are presented by several of Vietnam's bartending legends.?

While the cost may be a little higher than one usually spends for dining, believe me when I say that with the private dining experience set in an upscale private wine cellar, and with all else that is included, “It is worth it!” The price of 3,689,250 vnd ($150 US dollars) gets you an experience lasting approximately 4 hours of which you will be provided with:

• Traditional Vietnamese-inspired cocktail?
• 6-course modern Vietnamese dinner inside the wine cellar
• Wine pairing with? both red and white wines selections. And of course, water and soft drinks

Afterwards, enjoy an unforgettable walk down an alley to visit some of Saigon’s best bars.

Other Great Dining and Lounging Options

Lesung, a Malaysian restaurant is led by two former fine dining chefs - Eden (Malaysian) and Tommy (Vietnamese). In their step away from the fine dining scene, they collaborated to create dishes that truly come from the heart. Lesung's mixture of spices and tantalizing flavors, coupled with the genuine service provided, will leave and everlasting impression on you.

Japanese tapas bar, Umenomoto is another great place to unwind. Located in the Little Japan area of H? Chí Minh City, Umenomoto offers 100 varieties of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic plum wine.

Its strategically lit setting offers a sense of immediate relaxation as you enter its doors. The experience on the first floor involves well-put-together foods and beverages served on a counter that is directly in front of your seat. The second floor of the Umenomoto however provides a more intimate scene.

A Walk On Walk Street

You have not truly experienced H? Chí Minh City Vietnam, until you have taken a walk down Ph? ?i B? Bùi Vi?n, known to tourists as, “Bùi Vi?n Walking Street.” –A place that becomes more lively as the night hours set in.?

As your feet hit the pavement of Walk Street, be prepared to be transported to a place of ultimate joy! With countless restaurants, bars, musical entertainment, and unintentional live performances, Bùi Vi?n makes you the artist. The street presents an array of colors. Pick up your paint brush, and dive into whatever tone you like.?

Smells of foods made by street vendors will lure you in. All vendors greet you with a smile and an invitation to try their equally tantalizing and delicious home creations. Though the invitations may be plenty and may be overwhelming to the unexpecting speculator, I urge you to be respectful. All vendors work extremely hard to provide for those that they love. If you decide to pass, politely smile with a nod of decline.?

While going to Ph? ?i b? Bùi Vi?n, the best thing to do is to make zero plans. Allow the atmosphere to guide you.

As I took a stroll on the bright busy street it was hard to focus on just one thing. Each establishment had its share of talented entertainers making me pause throughout the journey.

On my journey, I was suddenly overcome by the sounds of a live band. The artists sang hit songs that are familiar to most people around the world–especially those in the US (video). The talented artists of Vietnamese descent hit musical notes identical to those of the original performers of the songs. Before I knew it, I was seated in the cozy and inviting atmosphere of Waikiki Bar and Restaurant–with a margarita in hand and myself, singing alongside the band.?

The Enlightening Walk Street

After leaving Waikiki, I continued my journey–taking in the sights as I? delighted in the various street foods provided by Vietnam locals. Suddenly I stopped mid-walk. I was filled with an underlying sense of clarity.?

I have always been a person who has spent most of her life searching for answers to philosophical questions such as, “What is my purpose?”... “Is it my destiny to make an impact–If so, in what way?”... “Who am I supposed to guide?” …”Who am I supposed to help?”

As the cool wind of H? Chí Minh City grazed my face, it all came centerfold. The answer was, “Just breathe.” “Just live.” As soon as the revelation surfaced, I looked up to see a colorful neon sign. I have always been one to follow the path laid out, so I walked toward the lights. The lights led me to an empty building. Before I could fathom a thought, a local asked if I was looking for the owner of the establishment. I replied, “yes.”?

Suddenly, I was being led through the street by an unintentional tour guide. As he stopped he pointed and said, “There.” I entered the empty tattoo shop–awaiting the artist’s arrival.?

Moments later, I began describing to him my vision–something that matched the sense of peace that was with me. The artist of Khang Tattoo Ink was diligent and ever so insightful, as he created the design as I described it. Duly noted was the artist’s ability to connect with my needs.

A few hours later, and the job was done. I had added two more tattoos to my collection--both capturing all that occurred within me that night.-- An artistic visual that will last forever.??

Leaving Walk Street and H? Chí Minh City brought a sense of longing for more. So much was discovered within my time in the beautifully diverse and welcoming place.

I hope that in hearing my experience you will be daring enough to take your own dive in the great city of H? Chí Minh and see what answers it brings to you too.?