Inside DVF contributor Anne McNally’s latest report comes all the way from Vietnam, where she recently spent time soaking in all things Saigon…

Stay…at the recently opened Park Hyatt Saigon, which has replaced colonial places like Rex Hotel-where all the journalists used to stay during the war-as the it place to meet up.

Eat…at any of these places, depending on your mood. You could hit up the Mandarin for a sophisticated and traditional dinner, Temple Club for a relaxed colonial atmosphere, or Quan An Ngon for a great outdoor lunch in a tropical garden setting.

Late night…in the mood for a night out? Visit Maxim’s, which hosts a different dance theme every night.

Shop…Ben Thanh Market to satiate a thirst for everything from beautiful linens and delish fruits and spices, to a plethora of pearls!

Day trips…take a two hour drive to the Mekong River. Ride on a hand rowed sampam through beautiful waters under a green canopy of coconut trees to see how locals are living today. Alternatively, if you’d prefer more time on the water, catch the two hour ferry to Vung Tau, the “Hamptons” of Saigon. Stop for lunch at Binh An village, or stay overnight for a complete city-escape.

Stick to District 1 and check out these sites…The Post Office, the Reunification Palace (AKA the old American Embassy, where the last helicopter took off from the roof), the War Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

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KEYWORDS: Saigon TRAVEL