The lush botanical gardens were one of the first projects undertaken by the French in 1864 after the establishment of Cochinchina and were the finest gardens in Asia at the time. As you enter the gates of the Gardens two inspiring architectural feats await you, the History Museum and the Temple of King Hung Vuong. The stunning Sino-French style building which houses the History Museum was built in 1929, some say the architecture of the building outshines the museum inside. The Temple opposite to the museum is in tribute to the Hung Kings who are said to be the first rulers of Vietnam before the Chinese invaded. This forms our focus and back drop for a gala evening.

Housed in a beautiful French colonial classic yellow and white villa complex with modest Chinese influences is the Fine Arts Museum, filled with contemporary art. An outdoor sculptor courtyard in the middle of the building seats our guests. Guests arrive and are greeted by staff in black ‘Ao Dais’ and the noise of drums as they enter the grounds.

After walking up the candle lit staircase, the guests enjoy pre-dinner drinks in the main gallery surrounded by modern Vietnamese art and Art Nouveau windows and floors. Sip a cool beverage to the sound of cool jazz before descending the stairs marked by an original French built elevator, into the open courtyard surrounded by its magnificent walls and French shuttered windows and balconies.

Commence the evening with a ‘jeep’ or ‘vespa' transfer to the former Presidential Palace, once the home of the infamous President Diem, and the headquarters for the South Vietnamese during the war years.

Today, the venue remains as a museum where time has stood still. The underground war rooms are accessible and bring the history of its war torn past to light. The large air conditioned banquet hall can be transformed into a gorgeous old French quarter with tables decorated in French style and the menu representing the days of Indochine, complete with a gallery of old Saigon black and white photographs. Dream back to the days under the French “Tri-Colour” when their powerful influence on culture transformed the streets of Saigon

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum was built during the French colonial era and was originally the residence of high-ranking French colonial officers. Called Gia Long Palace before the fall of Saigon it was the last residence of the President of the South Republic of Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem from 1962, until his assassination one year later.

Today, the original neo classical building still stands and now exhibits a wide range of artefacts and memorabilia, mostly depicting the rise of Communism and the people’s revolution that followed French and American intervention.

Saigon’s hippest nightlife spot is a two-story restaurant and bar located on the twenty-sixth floor of an unassuming office block in the heart of the city.

Designed by the same creators as the Sirocco Bar in Bangkok, the venue deserves its long held lofty reputation. This sophisticated and happening place serves an excellent range of wines and cocktails with the city’s flat topography lending itself to a rooftop bar providing very impressive views of this vibrant and ever changing city.

Come dusk, the outdoor bar is the place to be seen by Saigon’s elite.

A key player in Saigon’s food and drink scene. ROS is a day-to-night, Pan-Asian restaurant with nautical vibes and a hint of Cote d’Azur style. More than just a restaurant besides the river, ROS has the feel of a members club but with a more ‘up beat’ and ‘fun’ side of dining.

Regardless of the time of visit, from the morning well through the late night, ROS with its calming river view will take guests away from the urban fabric of the city - just for a while.

The outdoor deck and bar area is complete with comfortable lounge chairs and sofas and is an ideal place for pre dinner drinks or a standing cocktail event overlooking the lights of the city and its active river life.

Here we take a verdant garden setting in a hidden city location and transform it into an intimate, floral spectacle. 

The setting takes on a secondary position as the focus is on the table setting, the verdant floral display, the truss that covers the venue and the natural environment that is brought in centre stage.

Candlebras, chandeliers, exquisite dining and cutlery, personalised menus and fine dining add a high degree of elegance to the evening.

Lying some 45 minutes drive to District 9 of Ho Chi Minh City, Buu Long temple has to be the city’s most striking, if not slightly obscure, religious buildings as it incorporates architectural elements from Thailand, Myanmar, India and Vietnam itself.

Constructed in 1942, Buu Long Temple sits on one of the few hills in the otherwise flat area upon which Ho Chi Minh City is located. From the upper terraces of the Gotama Cetiya Stupa visitors have magnificent views across Ho Chi Minh City with the tall towers of the centre.

Located in the vibrant District 2, The Deck Saigon is a upmarket wine bar and restaurant that effortlessly embodies elegance and charm. This place, however, distinguishes itself from the city’s multitude of dining establishments by being riverside and in view of dramatic sunsets. 

But the tropical resort feel isn’t the only offering of The Deck Saigon. As a high-end wine bar, it houses an extensive collection of fine wines from around the globe and boasts a restaurant that promises a culinary adventure.

Despite its luxurious offerings, The Deck Saigon retains a relaxed, rustic beach chic atmosphere away from the high rise of the city and its seclusion making it more appealing. 

Shri Lounge and Dining is a ‘lifestyle’ event space located on the rooftop of an office building in the heart of Saigon with mesmerising views of the city centre. A discreetly hidden haven from the chaos below, every inch of Shri exudes sophistication. The design marries contemporary aesthetics with timeless elegance. Luxurious furnishings, ambient lighting, and thoughtfully curated art pieces create an atmosphere that's both refined and inviting.

The expansive terrace, with its plush seating and ambient lanterns, offers a seamless blend of indoor luxury and outdoor serenity and is an ideal space for a private event, whether standing or seated, whether casual or formal.