Friday, October 17, 2008

Peace in the city


Tranquility in Ho Chi Minh City’s Binh Thanh District? Hard to believe, but its true…


Want to unwind after strenuous workday or spend a Sunday at an ideal hideaway? Just catch a ride to Thanh Da Island in Binh Thanh District where you’ll find Binh An (Peaceful) Village.
The name couldn’t be more appropriate. Half-restaurant, half-luxurious retreat, Binh An Village Restaurant Saigon is one of the only places you can get a little peace and quiet in the metropolis.
Seemingly light-years away from the bustling city, Binh An boasts picturesque landscaping, professional service and a quiet atmosphere.
Surrounded by breathtaking tropical gardens and coconut trees, Binh An Village’s old-fashioned bungalows, traditional Vietnamese furniture, bright green lawns and charming pond full of water-lilies provide the perfect setting for some much-needed relaxation.
The place is a mix of the Vietnamese villages of yesteryear and modern, opulent European styles. The quaint mix of countryside and hoity-toity is never boring.
Open-air dining is one of the best experiences Binh An has to offer. It boasts a large and tasty variety of traditional country cuisine such as house-recipe fried spring rolls, fresh lotus shrimp salad, spectacular grilled seafood and sticky rice, vegetables and even kim chi (traditional Korean fermented dish made of vegetables with varied seasonings). It’s not just a rendezvous point, but a quiet gastronomic party.
Every Sunday from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., the Saigon Jazz Quintet sooths travelers to Binh An with the soft sounds of jazz. Boat cruises, DJs, traditional Vietnamese folk music, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) dances, circus performances, water puppet shows and many other events can be booked in advance.
It’s just a restaurant, but then again it’s another world.


Reported by Kim

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