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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What to see, do and eat when you are summering in the City…of Paris, bien sur!

Check out…Andy Warhol’s iconic portraits of DVF and other notable personalities at the Grand Palais exhibit, The Great World of Andy Warhol, which is up through July, 13th.

Eat…at La Societe on Rue St. Germain – the new restaurant from the owners of Costes. Enjoy the beautiful space, designed by Christian Liaigre, the beautiful people, who surround you, and the delicious meal, which you’re sure to love. Or, for something a little more traditional, try out a Paris favorite, and indulge on steak frites at L’ Entrecote. Try out their new location on Boulevard Montparnasse, across from La Coupole.

Stay…at Hotel Particulier near the legendary Montmartre on Avenue Junot. Relax in the the magnificent gardens designed by Louis Benech, while you map out the rest of your day.

Shop…at one of the three DVF Paris locations! Visit the flagship store at 29 Rue Francois 1er, or check out 14 Rue d’ Alger or 81 Rue des Saints Peres. Once you’ve had your fill of DVF (if that’s even possible), go to Karry’O. Karine Berrebi is the queen of vintage jewelry on Rue des Saints Peres, calling number 62 home.

Take a break…and step into Herboriste, on Rue de Petits Champs behind the Palais Royal. They have all the tisanes (herbal teas) you could need to feel good.

DVF’ers are constantly traveling for work and play, and the latest stop on our travel agenda is Ireland…

Go…In April and May or late September and October. Let’s be honest, you are not going to Ireland to soak up the sun, so avoid the summer tourists and go during these slightly blustery months for a true Irish experience.

See…The Irish countryside!  The best way to see Ireland is with a rental car.  Drive the many narrow and rugged country roads untouched by tourist buses to see the true Ireland. Check out the Connemara region in County Galway.  Hike the Twelve Bens in Connemara State Park, take a cruise on the only fjord in Ireland, and check out one of the great architectural establishments, Kylemore Abbey.

Shop…Brown Thomas in Dublin and Galway.  Ireland is chock full of DVF enthusiasts, so check out the ready-to-wear and handbag collections at Ireland’s premier department store.  For a more authentic purchase, stop by any of the abundant woolen mills in County Clare, just a short ferry ride from where the chunky sweater is a way of life, the Aran Islands.  After some retail therapy, get back to sight-seeing and head to the Cliffs of Moher–they are breathtaking and definitely worth the trip to County Clare!

Stay…For a more regal experience check in to the Ashford Castle on the edge of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland.  Take a horseback ride around the expansive property, once owned by the Guinness family, and try your best shot with clay pigeon shooting, and after all the activities, relax with afternoon tea and a manicure in the spa.  If you are looking for more low-key lodging, try Gregan’s Castle in the Burren.  Your lodging could not get any more authentic at this quaint, family-owned country house overlooking Galway Bay.  Be sure to spend some time with the family donkeys, Bubble and Thomas.

Eat…In a country known for their pubs, it’s important to frequent as many as possible, but don’t ignore the emerging culinary talents here, especially in Dublin.  L’Gueuleton , a French bistro outside the trendy Temple Bar area, offers amazing french food and a very well edited wine list.

Drink…First stop in this drinking-heavy country should be an educational experience to prepare yourself for the rest of the trip.  Head to the Guinness Storehouse and learn how to pour your own pint. Sip (or chug!)your ale and take in the views of the city and the hills beyond in the Gravity Bar, one of the highest points in Dublin.  If you’d prefer your pint from a cute Irishmen, check out some of the famous pubs across the country: Tig Cóilí, in Galway offers a great drink with some traditional Irish music (check out the police badges on the wall from all the Irish-American policeman that have visited from the states).

The famous Burj Al Arab

Next stop – Dubai, UAE.  Located just one hour from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai has quickly become the go to for the go anywhere set.  The most moderate of the seven Emirates, Dubai is a unique introduction to the Middle East.  So whether you’re ready to indulge in luxe services and exotic surroundings or explore the old cities gold and spice souks, Dubai has it all…and more.

Below impressive modern architecture and traditional Arabian turrets, beautiful mosques and busy merchants line the century old streets in Old City. Traditional Lebanese and Pakistani food can be found in nearby Satwa area. A little further down the coastline, newer Dubai boasts exclusive beach resorts and a ski slope, in the mall of course. With alcohol provided in hotels and resorts, so libations are never too hard to come by.

Go: November through the Winter months is the best time to take advantage of Dubai’s amazing sub-tropical weather. It never rains!

Stay: Royal Mirage. Perhaps one of the most sophisticated and elegant of hotels in Dubai, its private beaches on the Arabian Gulf provide the perfect retreat. It is minutes from Old City Centre and even closer to the Atlantis’ Aquaventure on the Palm Jumeriah should you feel daring.

Eat: Dinner at Indego for traditional Indian cuisine. Explore a whole new India at this award winning restaurant located at the Grosvenor Hotel.  Head to the iconic “sail” Burj Al Arab Hotel for some post-dinner drinks at Skyview Bar.  Be sure to ask for their mixologist while admiring the Dubai Marina below!

Do: Head to the desert for some dune bashing and belly dancing! The Desert Rangers will pick you up in a 4×4 and take you about an hour out of the city towards the Nizwa region. With the majestic Hajar Mountains behind you, take in the beauty of the red sand and breathtaking sunset. Your driver will then take you to a Bedouin campsite for some Arabic entertainment, camel riding, and bbq!

Shop: There is no shortage of places to shop in Dubai.  Find bargains on silks, cashmere and Arabian gold and furnishings in the Bur Dubai souk.  For a one stop store, visit Harvey Nichols (and be sure to try on our latest DVF collection on the upper level).  After a day of shopping, relax at Al Manzil Hotel’s The Courtyard. This traditional Arabic shisha restaurant is the perfect way to wrap up your day.

Rock Goddess inspiration

As a global company, travel plays such an important role at DVF, especially when it comes to our inspiration. So we’re introducing Just Back...where we take you to where we’ve been and give you some tips in case you might be going.

First up…Marrakech. Where Talitha Getty was photographed on the rooftops, where YSL had the most magical home, and where DVF definitely drew inspiration for the Rock Goddess Spring 2009 collection. Can you say Kaftan?

With its exotic souks, medieval Medina, and vibrant belly dancers, Marrakech is a traveler’s dream destination.  The city is both mysterious and enchanting, not to mention jam packed with beautiful textiles, glasses, beddings, and leather goods to stock up on.

Go: In the Fall, Winter or Spring to avoid the Summer heat.

Stay: The La Sultana Hotel.  Composed of five connecting riads you feel worlds away from the bustle of the city while at the same time being smack in the middle of town.

Eat: Dinner at La Tanjia for authentic Moroccan tagines, a beautiful lantern drenched ambience, and belly dancers.  14 Derb J’did – Hay Essalam (00 212 24 38 38 36)

Do: Take a cooking class! La Maison Arabe offers cooking classes where you can learn to make a traditional Moroccan tagines (lamb or chicken depending on the day) and salads.

Shop: While the souks are wonderful for bargaining, you can do a one stop shop right at the local department store Ets Bouchaib, which is more like a massive treasure trove!   Beautiful printed bedspreads, curtains, furniture carpets….everything Moroccan you could ever want is here.  Unlike the markets the prices are set but are still a bargain.  Our pick…the washable silk cotton bedspreads in colorful animal prints, reminiscent of or favorite DVF vintage prints.