Advantages of yachts Professional staff attitude My first impression was the warm welcome from the staff. To get to the cruise, guests have to take a speedboat to the middle of the bay. When the ship approaches the yacht, staff such as chefs, receptionists, bartenders… all stand out and wave to welcome guests. This is a professional gesture, easy to win sympathy. During the time on board, the staff also support customers enthusiastically and pay attention to the smallest details. The behavior and attitude of the staff is the plus point of the journey. Beautiful design In fact, the 5-star yachts on Lan Ha or Ha Long Bay now have a luxurious design, different from the old-fashioned bay cruise ships. Walking 3 floors of the yacht, you will find enough angles to take pictures of “fire”. Guests can also go to the deck to check-in the pool or pose with the beautiful bay in the background. Luxury yacht space, many beautiful photo angles. For those who prefer a little more “sexy” photography, the bathroom is definitely worth a try. The bathtub is located right next to a bay view window. Just a little alignment, a sexy photo with the natural space behind is not difficult. Beautiful and delicious “fine dining” meal At dinner, guests will experience fine dining with dishes such as oysters, abalone soup, grilled shrimp… In my opinion, seafood is fresh and delicious. The processing method is not too traditional, suitable for modern people. Delicious, beautiful dinner, suitable for those who like to take pictures of food. The plus point of the meal is the beautiful decoration. Tourists who have the habit of showing off their photos before a meal will surely like “both eyes and stomach” when the dishes are presented. Diverse experiences During 2 days and 1 night on the cruise, you can choose to join a cooking class, practice vovinam or kayak, explore caves… In general, with a leisurely schedule, this is enough for you and your loved ones to experience. However, for families with young children, these activities are not very suitable. Unsatisfied things Weak phone signal If you are looking for a place completely separate from daily life, a yacht is definitely a great choice. However, for those who still need to update news and work, this is an unnecessary experience. Weak waves are what makes many travelers uncomfortable while on cruises. Of course, the weak phone signal is not the yacht’s fault. This is something you have to learn to accept as you go deeper into the bay. However, this also makes the experience of many customers less pleasant. Not vibrant You can see the luxury yachts bobbing in the music on the film. However, this is not something you can see when traveling on cruises in Vietnam. Most tourists go on a cruise to relax. In addition, despite the discount compared to before the epidemic, the fee for 2 days and 1 night on the cruise is still relatively high (about 2.7 million VND/adult). Therefore, most of the guests on the yacht are families, honeymooning couples, relaxing… Quite a few groups of young people choose yachts. Life on a yacht is not as exciting as it is in the movies. Therefore, before deciding to choose this form of tourism, you should put aside the vibrant images often seen on movies. Life on the yacht passed quite gently and smoothly. Even the bar on the deck is not very lively at night. At about 0:00, the music was turned off to avoid disturbing other guests. Buffet is not diverse The “fine dining” meal is a plus for the cuisine on the cruise, but the buffet is not worthy of the “5 star” title. Quite a few options for the lunch and breakfast buffet. The food is not too special, repeating dishes such as corn soup, fried noodles, fried squid… You should choose a 5-star yacht if you belong to the following groups: – Family on vacation – Couple on vacation/honeymoon… – People who like to check-in luxurious and sexy space – No seasickness (in fact, the cruise is relatively quiet) – No work pressure related to phone, laptop…

Bar and pub culture started to develop in Vietnam about 4 years ago. However, many young people still feel strange and hesitant when entering a bar. Hundreds of years ago, the bar and pub model first appeared in Western countries and quickly became widespread. Residents of many ages and social status consider these spaces as entertainment spots and community connections. In Vietnam, the culture of enjoying alcohol like this has only grown strongly in recent years. Now, customers of all ages, with different income levels can experience the bar and pub culture, enjoy a glass of wine at the young, diverse bars with reasonable prices. Nguyen Hoang Tu Quyen, manager at a cocktail bar located on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street (District 1, Ho Chi Minh City), emphasized that going to a drinking bar is not about formality and formality, but focuses on personal experience multiply. Cocktail bars, or bars in general, are wine and cocktail business spaces designed and decorated in a certain style. Customers come here to enjoy a glass of wine that appeals to all senses, immerse in the lively atmosphere, meet and chat with friends, even strangers. To fully enjoy an evening at the bar, Tu Quyen advises young people to find out in advance where they plan to go to choose a space that suits their personality and personal needs. With a personality that is not too noisy and likes the classic style, I decided to go to the bar managed by Tu Quyen. This is a vintage-style cocktail bar, with many large sofas, a long bar and a nostalgic and cozy layout. Although open from 9 am to 1 am the next day, the busiest time at the shop usually starts after 6 pm. The melodious jazz music mixed with laughter, the sound of glasses touching each other made the atmosphere full of energy. Usually, if you go in a large group or in pairs, customers can sit at a high table or a large sofa outside. Since I was alone, I chose to sit in the middle of the bar to easily watch the bartenders work and join the fun with other guests. Unlike the pub or club model, the focus at bars is towards the bartender. “The phrase ‘tender’ in the word bartender means ‘keeper’. Bartender is the heart, keeping the fire to keep the bar running smoothly, always vibrant and full of energy. Only when sitting in this position, you feel it most clearly,” she explained. When I first came to a bar, I was confused when choosing a drink because I could not distinguish the types of alcohol and ingredients in each dish. At this time, the bartenders will guide, advise and help customers find the right drink. They will ask specific questions to find out each person’s taste such as drinking more or less wine, sour or sweet taste, preferring herbal or fruit flavors… By specifically describing personal tastes, the bartenders will give some suggestions about drinks available on the menu for customers to consider. If customers are not satisfied with the choices available, they can ask the bartender to create according to their preferences. For the first time, Tu Quyen recommended that I try some classic and signature cocktails at the bar. Classic cocktails are basic drinks, available in every bar around the world. In contrast, signatures are typical drinks, with their own color and spirit. In addition, I was also introduced to a few different ways to enjoy wine. Neat (pure) or on the rock (use a glass with ice) is the right way to enjoy fine bottles of wine, for spirits enthusiasts. And young Vietnamese, especially girls, often prefer cocktails – alcohol mixed with other ingredients and flavors – to reduce the pungent taste of alcohol and experience a variety of flavors. Since I’m not too used to drinking, I wanted to choose a glass with less alcohol, favoring sour and fruity flavors. Therefore, the bartender at the bar introduced me to two names: Gimlet (classic) and Marilyn Monroe (signature). First appearing in the 18th century, Gimlet was originally a drink created by British sailors during their voyages. This classic cocktail is made from gin, lemon and sugar, with a hint of alcohol and a slight sour aftertaste. Marilyn Monroe is one of the signature cocktails at the bar. A special feature here is that the dishes on this menu are all named after a popular Western figure in the 18th-19th century. Ly Marilyn Monroe was inspired by the famous Hollywood actress of the same name. The femininity and sensuality of the archetypal image is reflected in the seductive pink color, curved cup shape and unique bunny decoration. This drink has the main flavor of strawberry, sweet and greasy, suitable for those who drink alcohol for the first time or are not too used to drinking alcohol, especially girls. Sharing with me, Tu Quyen said that the interaction between the bartender and the customer is an important factor for a complete bar drinking experience. She thinks that conversation is like the process of learning and sharing so that the bartender understands the preferences and desires of the customer and brings a glass of wine to suit his taste and mood. Even if customers are not satisfied with the drink they receive, they can completely feedback to the bartender to reduce the ingredients and taste according to their personal preferences. “Vietnamese young people often tend to shy away from talking to bartenders, fearing that if they criticize a glass of wine, they will fall into an embarrassing situation or embarrass the bartender. the more opportunities to improve skills and help guests have a full experience”, said Tu Quyen. If you don’t want to fall into that situation, the female manager advises customers to chat and describe their preferences and taste with the bartender when choosing drinks. “Don’t be afraid to talk to the bartender to find the right glass of wine for your taste and mood. Bars are inherently a space to make friends and share, so customers should just be themselves,” she said. It’s open and comfortable, but most bars have a dress code. No need to be too luxurious or sophisticated, young people going to bars to drink and relax just need to dress comfortably and avoid wearing clothes that are too casual. In addition, Tu Quyen also advises guests not to wear too high shoes or flip flops to avoid slipping in crowded, dimly lit spaces. “The purpose of going to a bar is to enjoy wine, make friends and enjoy the bustling and crowded atmosphere. So relax yourself to have the most complete experience,” she said.

Nguyen Thanh Thao Nhi (21 years old), event manager at Saigon Outcast (District 2, Ho Chi Minh City), said this is the first time this complex has organized a cocktail festival. “Our side often organizes drink-related activities every Saturday, to provide a playground for young people to relax after hard working and studying days,” Thao Nhi shared. The event gathers many famous bars with young Saigonese and foreigners living in Ho Chi Minh City. Each stall offers signature drinks to introduce cocktail culture to young people. Not only enjoying new drinks, attendees also have the opportunity to experience the art space, interact with bartenders and immerse themselves in vibrant music. Many groups of young people showed up early to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Festivals and events related to food and music always attract a large number of participants. This is also a favorite destination of young people on weekends. According to Huynh Trang (30 years old), owner of a bar in District 1, every cocktail has its own story. Today, she and the bartenders want to talk about Vietnamese culture through the bar’s signature cocktails. “The highlight that I bring to this festival is the Can cocktail. This dish is made from can wine of our country, combined with foreign wines, aromatic juices, lemons and proprietary syrups. All are skillfully blended to retain the special flavor of Vietnam, “said Ms. Trang. The main ingredient of a cocktail usually has a base alcohol, flavoring agent, colorant and garnish. However, not all cocktails follow this rule. Sometimes, bartenders can create finished products based on inspiration from their own stories, emotions or customers. Cocktails often show the personality and taste of the barterder and the diners. To create a new drink, bartenders have to choose from many different ingredients. “The formula to create a ‘work’ that is unique to me is improvisation. In a certain moment, try to pour this, taste that, and accidentally create a new dish of water. I participate in this festival with the main spirit of fun, creating an environment for everyone to chat and entertain,” said Peter (24 years old), bartender of a bar in Binh Thanh district. Nhat Anh (24 years old, Binh Thanh district) came here with foreign friends. She often participates in women’s beverage events. “I just tried a glass of Saigon Mule, the taste is a bit sweet and a bit sour of mango flavor. I focus more on the taste of the cocktail. Because for me, the word taste will lead to the story”, the young guest told Zing. As for Hoang Minh Thu (19 years old), the cocktail will be more delicious when it contains the meaning and the message behind. She often goes to complexes in District 2 on weekends to have fun and make friends.

The bars mentioned below are suitable for those who are looking for a fun place in the heart of District 1, a comfortable space to sit and chat with friends, and the sitting position to observe the city from above. The Rec space is cyberpunk style with blue and purple fanciful neon lights. Right at the entrance is a bar, you can choose your seats here if you want to watch the bartender mixing skillful cocktails. The outside seating area is located on the rooftop of a 9-story building. From here, you can observe the Landmark 81 and the bustling Dien Bien Phu roundabout. Decorated with many neon lights, the outdoor area is also the corner to take pictures of many diners. The bar’s elevator is only up to the 8th floor, you have to walk one more floor. The cocktail menu at The Rec is diverse, the price ranges from 80,000 to 200,000 VND / glass. If you come here for the first time and don’t know what to order, you can try Blue Moon or Fluffy Comet. Ly Blue Moon has no specific recipe. Bartender will rely on diners sharing feelings and tastes to create a cocktail for each person. A glass of Blue Moon costs 200,000 VND. Fluffy Comet has a dominant flavor of custard. The glass texture has a thick consistency that resembles whipped cream. The bartender will decorate more small pieces of gold. Fluffy Comet cup costs 185,000 VND. Suggested drink: Blue Moon, Saigon Rose, Long Island, Fluffy Comet. Just opened not long ago, but Zion appeared on social networks as a check-in point for many famous people. This sky bar is located on the 14th floor of a building on Ham Nghi Street. The space here is post-apocalyptic architecture, with dark gray walls, decorative columns with fancy circles, like the setting in a science fiction film. In addition to the unique architecture, this place also has 360-degree space, giving diners a panoramic view of the city. The highlight of this sky bar is the music parties, drinks, food served according to the time frame: Sunset hours, evening (Dining hours) and night party (Zion by night). The drink menu here is varied, ranging from wines, cocktails and mocktails. However, the mocktail at Zion only serves a fabric flavor, not yet diverse for diners who do not drink alcohol. Suggested drink: Cola old fashion, Zion martini, Mai Tai. Although not located in the center of District 1, Epic Sky lounge has a convenient location close to District 2 and District 4. Located on the 17th floor, the restaurant has a direct view of the Thu Thiem tunnel. The lights here are vividly decorated, flashing to the beat of music, the lights on the tables and chairs also change color continuously. The outdoor area is also decorated with large moon-shaped bulbs, giving diners a beautiful “virtual life” corner. Epic is the place where the music parties of many famous artists take place. Suggested drink: Beer, fruit cocktails. This bar is located in the bustling district of Bui Vien, overlooking the Bitexco building. Zahrah space has a free and colorful Moroccan style. The menu here has cocktails, wine, beer, mocktails, and all kinds of food. Going in groups of 4, you can order Mix Platter for 1.4 million VND including fried chicken wings, spring rolls, German sausages, french fries, fried beef shakes for 119,000 VND, roasted chicken cartilage 179,000 VND, sipping with beer. If you want to choose cocktails, diners can try Long Island Ice Tea and Singapore Sling for 119,000 VND. Long Island is the combination of lemons and 5 types of wine, creating the flavor and color like a cup of lemon tea. The Singapore Sling is softer with gin and pomegranate and pineapple juice. These 2 types have a sweet and sour taste, slightly bitter. Suggested drink: Singapore Sling, Manhattan, Sweet Kiss, Summer Day. Similar to other rooftop bars, Banana Mama is located on the 10th floor of a building on Cong Quynh Street. This is the central location of District 1, bustling atmosphere. The main color of the shop is brown and white with wooden tables and chairs painted white or left in rustic wood color, surrounded by green trees, with a fresh tropical style. The menu here is not too diverse. Main foods are burgers, snacks such as chips, chicken wings, bacon and cheese … Featured drinks with cocktails, you should try the typical dish of the restaurant is Banana Mama with a combination of rum, malibu, coconut, ground banana, pineapple juice and caramel syrup. In addition, the bar also serves a variety of wines, draft beers and non-alcoholic drinks. Suggested drink: Banana Mama, Mocktail Mekong Fresh, whiskeys. Being present in the heart of District 1 for a long time, Chill Bar is a familiar destination for visitors who need a bustling space to enjoy the life of Ho Chi Minh City at night. The highlight of this Chill is the outdoor glow bar, where there are lively music parties. Chill Skybar rules for visitors to be dressed in courtesy. The drink menu here features wines and cocktails. Beverages are divided into 8 categories including cocktail, whiskey, vodka & tequila, gin & rum, cognac, pisco & fortified, wine, beer and carbonated beverages. In addition, the shop also provides a list of drinks exclusively for drivers. Suggested drink: You will not sad, HCMC 26 for drivers, High and Dry. Glow rooftop bar gives diners the feeling of participating in a party on the beach with open space and lively music. The music that is often played here is deep house, tropical house, creating a feeling of excitement and freshness. If you go with 2 people, you can try The Way Of Hemingway and Garden Of Eden. Both are priced at 200,000 VND. The Way Of Hemingway has a sweet, slightly sour taste, with a strong aroma of rum and fruit. Garden Of Eden is rich in vodka, with the aroma of lemon, sweet and sour combined. Both of these cocktails are easy to drink. Suggested drink: Hello Vietnam, The Way Of Hemingway and Garden Of Eden, President Palace.

There are many ways to “chill” after work, some people choose to go home to relax in a warm room or with friends to drink, watch movies, drink coffee and chat … I often find a private place with good space to escape the noisy city and enjoy cocktails in colors that match the mood of the day. In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, it is not difficult to find a bar, but want to go to a quiet location with soothing music, quality drinks suitable for “chill”, you can refer to the list below. I arrived at 52/3 Kitchen & Bar at the beginning of the week, there are many choices of seats because the bar is quite empty. This place is located in an old house in a small alley in the city center, spacious space, decorated simply but luxuriously with the main dark paint color. As the name suggests, the main idea of ​​the restaurant is to use recipes and ingredients available in the kitchen to prepare unique cocktails. Names of beverages that create a sense of closeness to Vietnamese people such as pho, glutinous rice, bread, toads, coconut snails, sour soup, perilla rice, cumin, kitchen buffalo … These drinks do not appear in the menu because the bartender created and named it on the spot. The bartender uses a variety of Vietnamese wine, soaked with vegetables such as perilla, dill, corn, chili … to create a new flavor. Every Wednesday and Thursday, the bar has Jazz live performances on the 1st floor. Suggested drink: Bespoke cocktail, brandy crusta, rose garden, sticky flowers … Inthe MOOD’s design is inspired by Hong Kong (China) films. The name of the restaurant is also derived from the movie In the mood for love (2000) by Vuong Gia Ve. Coming here, guests will feel lost in fragrant Port. The space of the restaurant has a romantic vibe from the layout of red lights to privately designed seats, suitable for dating couples. I am impressed by the whiskey menu here is made based on the taste, mood, and feelings of the enjoyer. Flavor groups include fruit, flowers, sherry, smoke, wood – malt. The emotional group includes Chilling Time, Classic Mind, Brave Heart, Misty Malt, and Glorious Bastards. Cocktails are divided according to the historical period of this drink in America. You can choose a cocktail flavor according to 3 phases: Before the alcohol ban (1860-1919), during the alcohol ban (1920-1933), after the alcohol ban (1934 up to now). Suggested drink: Kinds of emotional wishky Drinking & Healing is located on the 2nd floor of a hundred year old building located at the corner of Ham Nghi Street and Ho Tung Mau. Contrary to the narrow entrance, the space behind the heavy wooden door is a spacious and modern bar. This site is industrial-style with brick walls and surrounded by iron bars. The bar has an outdoor seating area, observing the bustling Bitexco building and Ho Tung Mau street. I do not like this seat, because it is the corner for those wishing to take check-in pictures. I prefer a private seat inside or close to the bar to watch the bartenders show off their bartender skills. If you are a fan of tonic alcohol, Drinking & Healing will not disappoint you when there are 15 different types. In addition, the menu of the bar also has a variety of spirits (spirit) including whiskey, rum, tequila, seductive cocktails and some kinds of wine flavored fruits and herbs prepared by the bar. In addition to the rich beverage menu, this address makes diners curious when the bartender here is called a “healer” – the mood healer. Drinking & Healing drinks are served in the spirit of soothing guests’ emotions. Depending on the mood of the diners, the flavor and color of each cocktail is prepared in its own way. Suggested drinks : Margarita, blue horse, New York sour, aviation … Rabbit Hole owns a quiet space in contrast to the busy Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street in the city center. The shop is located in the basement of a building. The space inside is designed like typical bars in the US and Japan with modern style, sophistication, and gentle light. The bartender here serves guests from classic cocktails to creations according to their own preferences. Here, you should try the signature cocktails of the restaurant, named after the character from the Alice in wonderland story. On Sunday night, this place usually takes place live music parties, visitors come quite crowded. Suggested drink: Emotional cocktails Different from the luxury of many bars, The Iron Bank – Cocktail Vault gives me a sense of closeness, simplicity, rusticness from deep-colored interiors, small candlelight, green pots … Cocktails here are diverse, divided into 3 main groups. New Money includes 20 cocktails with its own flavor. Old Money is a collection of classic drinks. Local Cocktails are unique wines formulated based on traditional Vietnamese wine. The staff here is enthusiastic, the bartenders talk openly with the guests, suggesting the type of wine based on taste and mood. The space is a bit tight, so it is difficult to find comfortable seats when arriving on the weekends. Suggested drink: Pina colanada, classic cocktails …