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So Nice to Meat You – Visiting China

Some thoughts after more than seven years living in China

I’ve done two stints in China. Just recently I was living and working in Guangzhou. Twenty-five years ago I lived in Taiyuan, then after in Harbin and Baotou. Altogether I’ve spent over seven years here. The change in that time has been astonishing.

When I first arrived the cities were filthy. Black rivers, thick smog, gangs of half-naked children begging on the streets (in the snow in Harbin), almost no birds. People were just about getting by. That was the start of the great turnaround—China had just joined the WTO and was ready to embrace (or at least copy the living daylights out of) Western fashions and products. First as manufacturer and producer, later as developer in its own right. Now the country has enough of its own consumers to buy a good portion of the stuff it makes.

The people were decent enough back then. And you know what? They’re still pretty much decent today. I see the Chinese as a nation of farmers and country folk at heart—not the most sophisticated by Western standards, but generally amiable. Thanks to Xi and the modern CCP they’re being dragged into a world of AI, virtual ID checks, smartphone payment systems and infrastructure that is simply out of this world. Slowly they’re becoming more appreciative of nature, wildlife, behavioural norms (less spitting) and cleanliness.

Back in the day the only dogs I saw were the ones sold for meat in the supermarkets. Now cats and dogs as pets are very common. People will buy a turtle as a pet rather than eat it (though they still eat them). Beautiful bird songs are something I hear in almost every part of the city I walk through. Cities are lined with trees and flowers. There are large parks where people relax. The smog has largely gone, thanks in no small part to electric cars. You rarely see rubbish on the streets. It’s an amazing transformation, and the people have bought into it. There’s a genuine civic pride in their cities and country. Compare that to the dirt and grime that makes Dublin such an eyesore in 2026.

I also sense a new appreciation of the old culture—the ancient stories, traditional music, art and literature. That’s good to see, considering how hard the Cultural Revolution tried to wipe so much of it out. You even see the Cultural Revolution mentioned on the occasional plaque.

Communism messed the place up badly in every way. Perhaps AI and modern advances will “civilise” them further, if I can be so crude.

The bargain

What about the dangers of a technocratic, all-powerful CCP?

Asians tend toward the collective; individualism is rare, especially in China. There’s a kind of unwritten bargain. The Party provides beautiful, clean modernity—cities of extraordinary infrastructure, amenities of every kind, and streets that are among the safest I’ve ever walked. In return the people don’t expect too much: a decent job, enough money for good food, and a home. On the whole most of them can achieve that.

Call it communism with Chinese characteristics (and a healthy dose of fascism). Like Mussolini’s Italy, the bullet trains really do run on time. No need to rock the boat.

A few gripes

Of course I have some.

The internet is woeful—not just the need for a VPN, but the near-total absence of any back catalogue or historical depth. Search for “Irish writers”, for example, and you might get two thin articles plus some fluff about writing as a hobby. The Middle Kingdom has little real interest in the outside world. Fair enough, I suppose.

Then there’s the toilets. They still haven’t figured out decent plumbing. Chinese public toilets (never mind private ones) remain diabolical—something that sits oddly against all the other progress. Maybe that’ll take another twenty-five years.

And the eating habits are off the scale. If it moves, it’s potentially food. You never quite know what you’re ordering, and it can be dangerous—I got a dose of food poisoning I still haven’t fully recovered from.

Given the traditional Chinese medicine belief that eating certain animal parts confers power or virility (tiger penis and the rest), its really amazing to see the muck that goes into some mouths—fish heads, eyeballs, claws, rat meat—to understand the range of their eating process.

But having said all that I do love my Chinese food – especially sweet and sour……

Loneliness, empty streets and other wild “conspiratorial” claims

Loneliness? Maybe. But I’d argue it’s the same in a lot of big cities and among a lot of young people everywhere. Locals rarely strike up conversation with me—partly fear of losing face over imperfect English. Yet on buses, trains, in shops and parks they chat freely among themselves and with strangers. It’s nothing like the silent trains of Sweden or the appointment-needed-to-talk-to-your-neighbour Switzerland where I once lived. They’re never going to be the most outgoing bunch, but they’re friendly enough to outsiders.

As for the “200 million missing” claim I have started to see online—I scoffed when I originally heard it. Guangzhou is teeming; I gave up on the metro because the crowds are too much. Then I took a trip to Qingyuan, a “small” city of four million. I was shocked. Almost no one on the streets. No atmosphere. Traffic lights with only four cars waiting. Easy to cross the road. It made me wonder what a lot of the smaller cities and countryside towns are actually like.

Bike confiscations? I’ve never seen it and I’m not aware of any widespread campaign. There are still a billion bikes and mopeds on the streets here.

Debtor prisons? Yes, those exist, and they’re places you definitely don’t want to end up.

Organ transplants are big business, so the stories about Falun Gong practitioners and people in Xinjiang or the prison system inevitably make you wonder.

Exporting human flesh around the world? Possible in theory, I suppose, but I doubt it. Does China even export much meat?

A different idea of “freedom”

There’s an awful lot of guff spoken about China in the Western sphere. I feel the Chinese deserve a break. Their recent history hasn’t been the most glorious. Let them strive for something better.

Freedom? Safe streets, plenty of food, strong family ties, modern cities (they’ll build a children’s hospital in a week), and at least if you’re caught in serious corruption you might get a bullet rather than a seat in parliament. In Ireland we tend to elect those people as public representatives.

I use my phone to pay for everything. I was skeptical before I came; now I’m happy with it. It’s handy. What is cash anyway—paper we’ve agreed has value? You can still find cash, and there are always ways around the rules, a bit like Ireland.

Individualism simply isn’t part of the culture here. We can’t really judge them by our notions of “freedom,” “democracy,” “justice” or “fairness.” They’re not Irish. They don’t have that particular fire in the belly. They’re just different—and that’s okay. I can live with it. And I know they certainly can. They wouldn’t give a fuck in all honesty. Raise a glass to the Middle Kingdom!

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Visiting Vietnam

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My Time in Vietnam: Saigon Chaos, Beach Escapes & a Touch of Hanoi

After Covid (or right around then), Ireland was doing my head in again. I was in a low place and desperate to get to Asia — anywhere would do. Vietnam was the first country that properly opened up, so that’s where I headed from late 2021 onwards. A few months at a time, never more than three, depending on the visa situation. Best decision I made in years.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) – Loud, Sweaty & Completely Alive

Saigon hits you hard. Fly in at night and the place looks massive, lights everywhere, the Saigon River cutting through it like a lifeline. Skyscrapers, endless tower blocks and a never-ending swarm of motorbikes. The city never really sleeps — you hear mopeds at 3 a.m. as easily as at 3 p.m.

It feels like Dublin during the Celtic Tiger boom, only ten times busier and with better food. Cranes everywhere, construction sites filling the skyline, the whole place expanding at a ridiculous pace. When the rain comes (and it comes hard) the streets turn into rivers in minutes. The motorbike traffic is pure organised chaos. They mount the pavement without a second thought. Crossing the road is an extreme sport: walk at a steady pace and they flow around you. Hesitate and you’re toast. I still maintain no city on earth has more motorbikes.

The people are friendly, always smiling, just getting on with life. The women in particular come across as hardworking and confident — like the country’s, it’s finally their time to shine.

Places worth your time

There’s history everywhere. Museums, temples, war leftovers, parks that actually work as escapes.

Ho Chi Minh statue on Nguyễn Huệ with the lovely City Hall behind it — simple but essential.
Bitexco Financial Tower for the views (quiet and cheap the Saturday I went up).
The hidden Saigon Commando bunker from the Tet Offensive — free, down an alley, old man lifts a trapdoor and you’re underground. Brilliant little insight into guerrilla warfare and great for photos.
Museum of Ho Chi Minh City — my favourite of the lot. Focuses on the city’s own long story rather than just the wars. Themes of trade, food, money and daily life. Far more interesting than the usual dry history dumps.
National History Museum — solid ancient stuff and the water puppet show if you time it right. Cool for a while, then mildly boring, but still worth it.
War Remnants Museum — Graphic, one-sided, and treats the whole conflict as pure good-vs-evil with the Americans and French as the only baddies. I know the atrocities happened, but history is rarely that clean. More nuance would have gone a long way.
Tao Dan Park — proper green oasis. Locals exercising, flying kites, singing, playing games. Same relaxed energy you get in Chinese parks.
Thien Hau Pagoda and One Pillar Pagoda — peaceful Chinese-style spots right in the middle of the madness. Free, quiet, perfect for an hour of calm.
Thich Quảng Đức Monument — serene and respectful.
Ben Thanh Market — classic tourist market. Haggle hard (I got everything to half price) but accept the quality is often average. Football shirts were pure knock-offs.
Avoid the zoo. Depressing, filthy, animals look stressed. Skip it.

Churches are dotted around too (the pink Tân Định one is a nice change from the temples). Notre-Dame was closed the entire time I was there — typical.

Food – the real reason to come

Vietnam has the best food of any country I’ve been to. Full stop. French, Chinese, Malay, Indian and pure Vietnamese influences all colliding into something ridiculous.

Bánh mì (vietnamese roll), proper beef phở (noodle dish), bò kho (basically Vietnamese Irish stew but with bread), bánh khọt, fresh spring rolls, fish sauce that ruins you for life, rice pancakes loaded with whatever you want… the list never ends. Side-street places are where the magic happens. One-dollar meals that taste better than most fancy restaurants back home. I’ve eaten next to rats more than once and somehow still went back. Same “if it moves, eat it” attitude as China — eels, frogs, chicken claws, the works. Seafood is hit-and-miss (sea snails were a hard no from me), but the wins far outnumber the fails.

Favourites: Quán Ngõ 89 (hidden gem side-street Vietnamese), Quán Ăn Cô Liêng (grilled meats), Den Long (home-cooked presentation), Ushi Mania when you need Japanese beef. Pizza 4P’s does the job if you’re craving pizza. One place on Lý Tự Trọng (Quán Vỹ Dạ) was pure shite — refused service the first time, ignored us completely the second. Obvious foreigner problem. Their loss.

Coffee culture is massive here. Vietnam turned me from a pure tea-and-beer man into a coffee drinker. Thick, strong, properly addictive stuff. They weren’t even a big coffee country twenty years ago and now they’re world leaders. Tonkin Specialty Coffee (hidden up an alley), Dalaland and Pincup are all solid.

Nightlife

Bui Vien is the main party strip. Dead by day, packed later with euro pop and go-go dancers of varying quality. Right after Covid it was almost empty; later it turned into the usual tourist scrum. Fine for an afternoon pint, hard work once the sun goes down. Lots of people who got bored of Thailand now treat Saigon as the better option — cheaper, better food, more welcoming.

Craft beer scene is growing fast and genuinely good: East West, Belgo, Pasteur Street, 7 Bridges. Heart of Darkness has decent beer and perfect air-con, but the way they treated locals during Covid left a bad taste. Irish bars exist too — Rabbit Hole is the pick for breakfast, Bulmers and GAA. Mooney’s even had real Guinness for a while (a minor miracle).

Live music spots like Yoko and BIN Cafe Acoustic in Thủ Đức are excellent — talented singers, proper bands, good atmosphere.

Vung Tau – when you need a break

Ferry from central Saigon takes an hour or two. Front and Back Beach are grand for a dip. The Tu Nhien seafood places on the front are best avoided (hair in the food and zero concern from staff). Still, the change of scenery is welcome when Saigon starts frying your brain.

Practical stuff

Accommodation is ridiculously cheap. Proper apartments with pool and gym for around €220 a month. Decent rooms on or near Bui Vien for €30 a night. I stayed months at The Park Residence (chilled host, gym, massive outdoor pool) and James’s Homestay (excellent value, kind host).

Tân Sơn Nhất Airport is hectic — long queues, limited food options, the occasional opportunistic policeman. Border run to Cambodia via Mộc Bàiwas straightforward enough (no surprise “fees” either way). Football at Thống Nhất Stadium was cheap but flat — basic ground, no beer, zero atmosphere. Saigon Sniper range is good fun for an hour if you fancy confirming you’re a terrible shot. Golf driving range at Rạch Chiếcis surprisingly enjoyable and great value.

Covid leftovers were mostly relaxed, though the die-hard face-nappy wearers years later still annoyed me. Though, Vietnam deserves credit for opening up far quicker than most of Asia.

A Quick Word on Hanoi

Different energy. Old Quarter on a Saturday night is pure chaos (wait for the younger crowd to thin out if you want actual adult drinking). Airport was cleaner and more efficient than Saigon’s. Found some solid family-run spots for big meaty portions when you need to recover.

Overall Thoughts

Saigon is loud, sweaty, delicious, chaotic and full of life. It gets under your skin. The people are friendly, the food is exceptional, the city feels like it’s going somewhere, and the nights can be as lively or as chilled as you want them. Better food and better value than Thailand in my book, with a proper welcome thrown in.

Would I go back? In a heartbeat.

ACCOMODATION

James’s Homestay (4/5)

24-J2 Đ. DD5, Đông Hưng Thuận, Quận 12, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Nice room, extremely comfortable bed, plenty of small street restaurants and cafes nearby, overall a good place to spend a few weeks in HCMC.

Wifi works well. Possibility to do laundry. En suite.

Friendly and nice host.

Only negative is its a little outside of the city centre.

Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 4

Hotel Vy Nga (3/5)

15 Đ. Số 23, Hiệp Bình Chánh, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Always good for a stay at short notice, and very accommodating, although they raised the prices after a few times of using them, which was a bit greedy.

RedDoorz The Jade Hotel Than Nhan Trung (5/5)

52, 54 Thân Nhân Trung, Tân Bình, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Affordable, very friendly staff, big room, clean and comfortable bed………5/5…..nice one.

Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5

4S Riverside Linh Dong Condominium (4/5)

65 Đ. Số 30, trực thuộc, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Pleasant enough place to stay for a few weeks…………lot of shops, a gym and near to enough good bars and restaurants.

Khách sạn Biển Đông Green (4/5)

1068 Kha Vạn Cân, Linh Chiểu, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Decent enough. Very clean. Comfortable bed. Hot shower. Friendly staff. Good pleasant stay.

Good location Paid foreign price!

Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 5

Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa (4/5)

32A- 34 Bùi Thị Xuân, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

165 for three nights, not so bad really, had a nice swimming pool inside that was very relaxing, the gym was small though, but the sauna and steam room were great.

With your arrival they give you a complimentary soft drink, which is nice although a bit pointless, though the wet towels were good on the hot day it was.

The food ordered to the room was not good at all……very basic, ham and cheese sandwich was cold and I don’t know if it was even toasted. The fish n chips, likewise, not great………… both dishes expensive too.

But overall the stay was pleasurable, the bed was comfy, clean and sheets and towels changed and cleaned daily. I think the service makes it really…………….friendly.and efficient. from the doormen and front desk, to the cleaners and at the gym/pool/sauna area all staff had a nice welcoming smile….

Rooms: 5 Service: 5 Location: 5

Saigon Charm Hotel (3/5)

153 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

OK hotel, centrally located, half decent rates…….

Could make a better effort of cleaning the room, I found chewing gum on wall……and on floor……right beside me

Bed comfortable enough

Can’t complain really

Rooms: 3
Service: 3
Location: 5

Tan Thien Huong Hotel (5/5)

46 Đ. Linh Đông, Linh Đông, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Affordable
Rooms: 4
Service: 5
Location: 5

Homestay Nam Dong (5/5)

ngách 30 Ng. 73 P. Nguyễn Lương Bằng, Quang Trung, Đống Đa, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Stayed for a week, very nice room, nice, clean and spacious, host is very friendly and kind

Nice to have a chat with host and drink his lovely tea……….. good to get clothes washed too.

Bed very comfortable and room nice and comfy

Location is not bad, a bit far from down town, but close to shops, restaurants, etc

Rooms: 5
Service: 5
Location: 3

Ngoc Loan Hotel (4/5)

51/31 793/55 Trần Xuân Soạn, Tân Kiểng, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Friendly staff….room comfortable…. decent location….nice stay

Everything was ok

Rooms: 4 Service: 4 Location: 4

K’s Homestay (4/5)

148/26 Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Nice and cozy place in the centre of the Bui Vien street, where everything is happening, nice and easy to get keys and directions, no problems…………

Bed was comfortable …………….

Affordable

Rooms: 4
Service: 4
Location: 5

Ha Long Hotel (4/5)

76/2 Đường Lê Văn Chí, Phường Linh Trung, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 720300, Vietnam

Staff, especially day staff were excellent, friendly n helpful.Cleaning staff very efficient too Disliked • Night porter needs a personality. Internet was not working too well in room and at night the sound of a generator, or what sounded like a generator, buzzing near window, kept me awake at times

Rooms: 4
Service: 5
Location: 4

Ky Hoa Hotel (4/5)

30-32 Trần Phú, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam

Doubles up as the Beachfront Hotel at the back, for the scam website Booking.com.

Hotel was decent, three star hotel, very friendly staff, helpful, fast service, nice bed and comfortable room, amazing views from the room and balcony, breakfast was very good.

Only a few negatives, one is the pool, its not clear if its part of the hotel, and also it calls itself a Beachfront hotel (on booking.com) but its anything but a beachfront hotel………..the beach is a good 20 minutes or more walk away. I think that they call that misselling!!!

Ha Still all in all, a nice stay…..

Rooms: 5 Service: 5 Location: 3

Eden Hotel Sài Gòn (5/5)

425 Lê Quang Định, Phường 5, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

If need a quickie in a short stay then this does the job, as I have been told…….cough!

NIGHT TIME ACTIVITIES

Bùi Viện (2/5)

Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Might be ok in the mid afternoon for a pint, but once the sun goes down, the crazies come out to play and the techno beats get turned up to the maximum, making the street feel like a rat race for a hustle.

Just walking up and down at night is a bit of an effort in itself, i.e.: hard work…..

Depends on what you are after…..I was there many a late night, at a small bar where they had a lot of ex pats just drinking and chillin out, but it seemed that has changed too, now its just another place where you are told to sit down, order and buy…..beer….and no effort to engage with customers…..unless you want to buy a lady of the night. Plenty here. (for a tidy fee)

Summer Experiment (2/5)

77-79 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Interesting place, through an alley way and up a flight of stairs in what looked like an apartment block. Could do with better signage, as it wasn’t immediately clear if I had arrived at the destination, as there was big door closed, that was not open. How very welcoming! I was about to walk away and give up but one of the staff peeped out and let me in…. Maybe it is too cool for customers?

Inside though, the décor is fantastic, a lovely looking bar, well stocked and with a high amount of alcohol of all types for sale. The lighting is just perfect and they have set the right mood for the bar.

The view from the balcony is good too. The menu is very colourful and informative and they put a lot of work into it. I ordered an Apricot Vodka shot and also went for some Absinthe, my first time trying the fairy goblin. Both drinks were served well, although the lad doing the bar tending was a bit dim, glasses on the back of the head for some reason. I like professionals to pour me my hard liquor, not young kids. A bit of a mockery there.

No interaction or chat about the drinks too……which considering I was the only customer wasn’t very good. Still though, the waiting staff were very friendly and made some good chat. I was the only customer there on a Saturday midday, which might say a lot, in a big city!

As for the drinks, yeah they were ok, presented well and with a bang and a flash, but not much taste really…. two shots came to about 12 Euros, which was as you’d expect back home perhaps.

Lovely bar, but dead……

Pasteur Street Brewing Co (4/5)

144/3 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Nice little bar, with friendly staff and good beer on tap Down an alley way and up some stairs, the location is a bit funny but it works…… Decent sized crowd in too. I didn’t stay for long as I was in a hurry to go somewhere, but its a place I can imagine a good few hours can be spent…..as the bar looked very comfortable and the beer was good!

The Rabbit Hole Irish Bar (5/5)

111 Phạm Viết Chánh, Ward 19, Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 72323, Vietnam

Here on three occasions while on my travels in HCMC. Enjoyed every time, good fun, very friendly staff and a great place to spend a (good) few hours.

Good they have Bulmers on tap (Magners) and can get an Irish breakfast. Pity they don’t have Guinness, but they have a half decent alternative in Pasteur Street Stout.

First time round, after watching some bog ball (gaa football) on the tele, decided to try some pool with the regulars……..which was great fun…….

Other two times, came for the Irish breakfast with friends, and the food was great, a massive portion and very filling. Great!

Also played the shuffleboard for the first time with friend, and we both played it for hours, competitive as we were….

The staff are excellent, chatty and friendly and very competent. Top staff like that are hard to find. Credit to the owner for catching them……..

Only slightly negative, some of the pictures are a bit dated (historical accuracy, meaning)…..and it is a bit pricey……

Overall, a top bar, and well worth a visit, or two…….when in HCMC

Recommended.

Budda Bar (2/5)

7 Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Just a quick pint.

Good sized crowd in for a midday Saturday afternoon and nice decor in the pub.

Served fast and efficiently.

Was amusing to see the pool sharks playing, the tables pretty much take centre stage in the bar….. problem is they just are not that good or interesting…..you know they are rubbish when you see them with the gloves and their own cues….FFS, its pool….. clowns. The issue is they kind of take over the whole bar……..

Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery (3/5)

31D Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Here twice……interesting place.

I like how they got the bar temperature exactly perfect. As you walk into the bar from the heat outside its very refreshing as the bar is well cool and chilled…….. That could be me though, who knows! But it was definitely a factor in me returning the second time, knowing how well air-conditioned the premises was. Something that’s very important when drinking cold beers! Has also good lightning and a cool décor. Its an easy place to sit back and relax.

The beer menu is quite detailed, a lot to choose from…… I went for the Tropical Bia, Mango and Passion Fruit, the Directors Chocolate Porter and the On the Spot New England IPA. The IPA hit the spot, lovely and cold…….the Fruit beer was well tasty, but the Porter wasn’t my cup of tea, but that is porter always a hit or miss……but overall the beers were good and full of flavours.

The service first time was spot on, less so the second time. For sure the young girl was busy on her own and very busy with an order up stairs, but I’d say I was waiting a good 20 minutes to get served…….

Also the prices are a bit steep…….very steep for Vietnam…..

Nearly nine euros the last outing…. JHC It was like I was back in Switzerland……

Worth a venture in for a quick pint, but just the one!

BELGO LE NGO CAT – BELGIAN CRAFT BEER & RESTAURANT (5/5)

2 Lê Ngô Cát, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Second time round in a Belgo beer and gastropub, didn’t know there are actually three of them in the city and damn fine establishments they are, serving good Belgian beers that are tasty and delicious in a nice setting, served by friendly and knowledgably bar staff, and for craft beers the prices are pretty good too.

All in all, a good place to come and relax and get slightly drunk!

Mooney’s Saigon (5/5)

Hẻm 40 Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Miracles do happen…..

YES it is POSSIBLE to get Guinness in Ho Chi Minh City. No more Pasteur Street Stout, its the original black stuff for me boyo. You heard it hear first…….Guinness in Saigon…….get yer arse down to Mooney’s of Saigon.

Good to see Liam and hope his new venture works out……

I can only promise to drink half his stock on occasion……

7 Bridges Craft Beer Taproom & Restaurant / Lê Thánh Tôn (4/5)

Saigon Ward, 15B/12 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Had a quick pit stop in here, looked interesting, was busy, decent atmosphere building up for a Saturday afternoon.

Sat down and ordered a standard Imperial IPA and some fries, coming to about 8 euros and a bit……cough!

Still though the fries were nicely done and the IPA was top drawer……

Pasteur Street Craft Beer Le Thanh Ton (3/5)

26A Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Another pit spot, another beer, this time some lager type at Pasteur, on bill it read Bia Water Good Pint, whatever that is……was just about manageable whatever it was. ha

Good service and the pint came to about a fiver (euro) which compared to some of the other Breweries around here is not so hurtful on the old pocket

Cheers Bar SaiGon (1/5)

40 Đ. Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Avoid, avoid, avoid!!!

BIN Cafe Acoustic Thủ Đức (5/5)

29 Số 5, Linh Chiểu, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Student place, with plenty of space to sit and live music. Got a good viewing position up the stairs and on the high seats right at the back, perfect. Waitresses walk around taking orders which is handy.

Place was full on the Saturday night we were there, and a good atmosphere was building up in the very well lit venue.

Music was excellent. Listened to a variety of very talented singers, singing in both Vietnamese and in English, and in a variety of styles from pop, rock, duets and ballads. The backing band were there throughout, in beat and setting the tempo all night.

The backing band were the real stars truth be told…..very good, but all the singers were very good too. I thoroughly enjoyed the live music, great to see so much talent in Vietnam…..

Nice little venue, off an alley way, out of the way……with cool hip decor, friendly staff and bloody good music…. Excellent.

Fang Hub (1/5)

13 Hồ Xuân Hương, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Not a very welcoming place at all….especially for two middle aged old fogies……..dark and dimly lit, the place has very little seating, next to none, and we were luckily offered the chance to stand at a slant on the stairs……oh the privilege………give over, have some respect for your customers…….has the feel of a cattle mart hence why its full of young ones who dont know better.

BELGO NGUYEN VAN THU – BELGIAN CRAFT BEER & RESTAURANT (5/5)

159A Nguyễn Văn Thủ, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Had a Belgian Amber beer, 5.1% was ok, fruity flavour and also tried a Pilsner, 5.2% nice and clean……..

Ordered some French Fries, which were dead tasty

Lovely décor inside, with a lot of references to Belgium……Tin Tin comics in the toilet was a good touch…..and the pissers on the way in humorous.

Bar and brewery is very nice, well chilled and worth a visit……..staff nice and friendly too.

Just under 14 euros was good value too, for the quality of the beers and the fries.

Legends Bar (2/5)

49 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Poor experience, just had the one drink, wanted to play pool but no on was up for it, seemed staff were more interested in fighting amongst themselves…

East West Brewing – Sai Gon (5/5)

181 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

For a beer lover myself a place like this is gold, full of excitement, so many beers to try, and yet so little time to try them all. ha

Was here for only a short time as was waiting for a friend, but I did try a lovely Pilsner, that went down the hatch very well, lovely and cold….. and then before I left I decided to be more adventurous and went with a stout (I am Irish after all), but went for the Oak Barrelled Aged, mixed with Whiskey and having an IBU of 100 and a ABV of 20%, which was damn hard to drink. Basically it was whiskey with beer, ha.

But fun to try the beers, and the bar tender was very helpful and chatty going over the beers and offering his opinions. The menu is useful too, giving an in depth description of each beer available, and with pics to help.

Nice place, lot to see at the back where the magic happens (where they brew the beers), but that is for another time and day. I will be back (hopefully!)

M Sphinx Lounge Bar (3/5)

60 Đ. Tôn Thất Thiệp, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Not a bad place, good for chillin out for an hour or two, shoot some pool, chat to the friendly girls and drink beers and the occasional shot.

Bar man is a bit dozy but otherwise its a decent place.

Hay Bar (1/5)

12 P. Tạ Hiện, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Very busy and with music, so ventured in, and with no service available I got my own beer…..(paid later)

Quickly saw that the crowd in were very young, and looked like it was their first time on a night out or drinking alcohol, or both….. all happy and glowing but without much actually going on….that is to say amateur hour.

Not a place for grown ups.

Schiller – River Club (3/5)

28 Đ. số 10, Hiệp Bình Chánh, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Interesting place.Came here on a Saturday night, not as full as could be, but still a few people around.

Was a DJ playing some pretty good chill- out music, and the views from where we were sitting, near the river, were great.

What I didn’t like, was the list of a few rules at entrance, how very welcoming, or at least that is the impression I got from my Vietnamese friend. I also didn’t like the fact that I had to go up and order my own drinks…..now you might say I am a lazy old bugger, and you are right, ha, but with the setting and the small amount of people in the bar, its not going to take much for a friendly bar man to wander around, clean tables, chat to customers, and take orders….its what makes a bar welcoming, and its not a big ask. But the bar man wasn’t the friendliest outgoing person in the world so perhaps maybe not!

The beer, in any case, was a bit off……so were the cocktails, and the less said about my coca cola vodka the better – more coke than vodka! (I ordered vodka and coke. not coke and vodka!)

Has a hippy style stage, and its a nice and relaxing place…….it has the presence of a good place just lacks that human touch…..(bit like most “eco friendly people!”)

Give it a pass…

P. Tạ Hiện (5/5)

Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

The place to be on a Saturday night in Hanoi.

Might be an idea to let the crowds dissipate after a few hours and wait in a bar, then the fun can begin as the adult-kids go home……

O’Briens Factory (Irish Bar) (3/5)

74A3 Hai Bà Trưng, Q1, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Irish bar here I come. No Guinness but house stout, Pasteur Street Brewing company, which was not too bad to be fair.

Very quiet, I think I was the only customer in.

Staff were friendly, not very Irish looking- ha Not enough for me to buy another pint, dull.

Looked a plastic Irish pub, but see on their Facebook page they do have live irish music on occasion and show the odd gaa/rugby game…….so might have to return for closer inspection!

RockBar – good bar in Saigon (5/5)

68 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Girly bar, that plays good music, has a pool table and a decent atmosphere…….good to hang out for a bit, and chill with some pretty ladies…..

Best thing is the girls are not pushy at all.

Also the prices of drinks are reasonable and fair

Tartine Saigon – Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Q1 (4/5)

25-27 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Đa Kao, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Lashing down with rain and with no umbrella or hood jumped in here, very welcoming and friendly staff, had two beers……..very cozy place. ….nice.

MZ Club – Live Music (2/5)

56 Bùi Thị Xuân, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 71009, Vietnam

An upmarket version of what is going on in Bùi Viện with better music and an older clientele…

Negative marks for getting hassled to buy beer every twenty minutes by a giddy waiter…… and also the big mark up for a simple can of beer.

Looks like they have a sit down charge.

Interesting for people watching and seeing the ladies do their stuff……music fine….

Breeze Rooftop Bar (4/5)

2 Trương Công Định, Phường 2, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu 78000, Vietnam

Just went through hotel to lift and get to the top floor for the views of Vung Tau…… which are well worth having a look.

Need to enter the bar area and climb some stairs……to get the views of the town and beach. Views are great…..

Otherwise no one to take an order for a beer or some food…………so quickly up, had a gander, then back down to street level…..

Cà phê Ông già (1/5)

8 Hoàng Diệu, Phường, Vũng Tàu, Hồ Chí Minh 790000, Vietnam

Bit annoyed with the staff telling me and my friend where we can and cant sit……like come on….customer is king, right?

That and the fact the very young staff look like something out of dawn of the dead…….airheads….I know they might lack some personality but cracking a smile might not kill them? Or maybe?

Drank as fast as I could, and left the dump

Cask Bar (3/5)

Front Beach, 12 Quang Trung, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam

Beers were great, had an ale and a strong Belgian dark IPA, the Belgian was pretty strong. But the bar was dead, no one in and for a Saturday night, this was pretty disappointing……..

Sat out at balcony, enjoyed the beers, but with no atmosphere left……

VFB Restaurant & Bar (3/5)

11 Trương Vĩnh Ký, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu 70000, Vietnam

Nice enough place to sit down and have a cool cider…………relaxing….as the sun goes down.

Tiệm bia NHÀ VĂN HÓA (3/5)

Chung cư The Park Residence, 12 Nguyễn Hữu Thọ, Phước Kiển, Nhà Bè, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Bit of a hit and miss

Hit: the beers are fantastic, from the pales ales to the black, very good, Hats off

Also stays open very late at the weekend, which is a bonus when one is a night owl.

Miss: the food is rank, absolute muck…….had a few dishes here, tastes like microwave food and with little care.

Also the staff, although on the whole are very friendly, are very young, which can lead to some general silliness — missed orders, misunderstandings, etc…..

Friendly but childish. As I said Hit and miss.

PLACES TO EAT

Xưởng Bia Restaurant – 01 Lê Quý Đôn (5/5)

1 Lê Quý Đôn, Bình Thọ, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Had their signature beers, Cong Xuong One and Two, The Jasmine IPA and the Imperial Stout. The beers were great, very tasty, loved them. I was sad to see the Stout was a Heart of Darkness stout, That company refused entry to some Vietnamese people into their establishment during Covid so this leaves a bitter taste for sure in my mouth and hence will refuse to give them the time of day ever since. Not exactly in the spirit of Conrad! So fuck them. ok rant over!

The dish we ordered was beef with gravy, and a baked potato and some veg. It was great, the beef was delicious and the gravy was to die for…….lovely presentation and well cooked. Hats off to the chef.

Nice atmosphere and a lot of space Staff were very friendly and efficient.

The menu looked great, a good mix of Vietnamese and Western dishes, and the beer list looks enticing.

The price as far as I can remember was affordable too.

If I’m around again in the future, I WILL be back!

Strongly recommended!

Quán ăn Thành Đạt (5/5)

125 Linh Trung, Phường Linh Trung, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

For lunch, nice quiet place, service was friendly and fast, ordered a hot pot, veg and chicken…………full chicken too…….lovely and tasty………loved it…………recommended

CHEONGDAM BBQ & SUSHI (4/5)

6 Đ. Số 11, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Didn’t have anything myself as wasn’t too hungry but was accompanying my friend and I was buying!

My friend was more than happy with the food on offer, and it certainly looked good if you like Korean food.

I had two beers.

The bill was about 15 Euros, very good price, excellent really.

Quán Vỹ Dạ (1/5)

62 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Horrible place with nasty people.

First came here while waiting for friend to arrive. Refused service…..no reason. Ok, your loss…..

Second time around, my friend brought me here……….I was groaning…well ok……second time round might be better……….but no was worse…..

Sat down, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited, and waited. No waiter would serve us even though we made eye contact and our presence was noted. It was so funny that many people around us found it very humorous…..which it was…..but you know after a while we were actually hungry for something to eat…. and ended up leaving in a huff….

Obviously have some problem with foreign types……pathetic.

Mr. Pie bakery (1/5)

63 Nguyễn Cừ, Thảo Điền, Quận Hai, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Was curious, pies and lots of them for sale, in HCMC? Yes why not……

Not a sit down place, more like a bakery that are set up to sell to cafes etc…….but they do allow people to visit and try out some of their pies, and sit down and eat it on the premises.

Went for the chicken curry, and the pho pie, while my friend got the mushroom steak…… coming to about 4 euros.

I have to be honest the pies were not great…….bit boring, and not a whole lot of taste in them.

Both of us were disappointed….

Its a novelty but in the end it was not worth the trip out here.

Lẩu gà ớt hiểm (1/5)

188 Đ. Hoàng Diệu 2, Linh Chiểu, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Had fried chicken and chicken in a hot pot with some veg……with some accompanying dishes, washed down with beer.

The chicken to be frank was awful, badly cut and tasted cheap…..could have diced it better and there was a lot of bones and fat on the meat……plus with no knife and fork its hard to eat such meat….. resulting in a lot of wastage. Its the kind of food you’d feed the dog with.

The place was completely empty when we entered, despite it a Saturday night and everywhere else packed to the rafters – which is a big warning in itself……. it did have a few more customers after, perhaps we drew them in!

Service fine , friendly and efficient and the bill wasn’t bad considering the portion size, of about 29 Euros, but we didn’t enjoy the food or the experience.

Bad food in an empty restaurant.

TAN VINH PHAT FOOD MANUFACTURING AND TRADING CO., LTD (1/5)

31/6B, XTT – 49/22 Ấp 16, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

At Ho Chi Minh baguette festival, unfortunately for me and my friend we decided to go immediately to the big queue for the Bánh mì that was on sale at the TVP stall. I say unfortunately, as the lines were very badly organized, shockingly bad. A big queue for the small window looking for the big Bánh mì and a very small queue at the big window with lots of space for the small bread……. absolute joke and caused huge queues in this side of the hall. Unnecessary.

And then when we did eventually get to the top of the queue, after 40 minutes or so, my friend ordered a small bread with our Bánh mì , but changed her mind, but was forced to buy it…….bullying in essence.

And after all that the bloody food wasn’t even that good…..typical we should have breathed, waited and went to some of the smaller stalls that probably had better Bánh mì on offer.

Joke shop.

Den Long – Home Cooked Vietnamese Restaurant (5/5)

130 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Has good reviews online so ventured in with a friend, albeit it took us a bit of time to find it on the street, having walked past it twice. Small frontage and looks like a clothes shop rather than a restaurant or at least that is what we thought at the time, ha!

Busy inside which for the middle of the week, in what was a wet cold, dark and miserable night, was a good feat, although full of foreigners, but don’t let that put you off!! lovely decor inside, very well designed…… we went for a few dishes from the menu which had photos and explanations in English, which was handy.

I went for the beef rolls, the soft shell crab, and salted crunchy tofu, washed down with a few craft beers, while my friend got a pomelo salad dish, but we shared from both dishes…..

The food was very well presented, and overall nice and tasty, and filling, which is important….

I think the “Home Cooked” shtick to this restaurant is what brings people in, but to be honest any of this food can be bought right off any sidestreet joint…….but what I think you are paying here is for presentation and for the nice ambiance of the restaurant…..

The service was very good, friendly and efficient, and the stay here for an hour or two was enjoyable. And good value too, the bill coming to about 35 Euros, mostly padded by my beers!!!

Good food in a friendly setting….. Might return!

Kem mềm Nhật Bản JAPAN SOFT CREAM (1/5)

Central Market, 4 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Came with friend, excited to eat some ice cream…….ordered two….

I got a mix of chocolate and plain…………..but we left disappointed.

Nothing special, something like you would get in a supermarket, cheap branded fare…..

Cheap, but nothing special here.

Pizza 4P’s The Emporium (3/5)

The Emporium Building, Phu Tho Ward, 184 Lê Đại Hành, Phường 15, Quận 11, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

I love Pizzas so why not. Ordered a simple Margherita to be washed down with an interesting stout..

Nice enough venue, busy, and menu has photos and is in English…..

Food served fast and efficient…..

Pizza was fine, stout was a bit bitter as stouts can be. Ok.

Lot of young hip Vietnamese here, trying oh so hard to look cool and interesting…….. Maybe its that kind of place……I mean I am drinking “beer for peace”, don’t you know! And eating for mother earth, according to their blurb on the menu…….give me head a rest, ha…….pretentious gobbledygook. That alone drops a few stars, lol……

Food and beer about 10 Euros….

HỦ TIẾU WE (WE FOOD) – HỦ TIẾU NAM VANG (2/5)

22 Đ. Hoàng Diệu 2, Linh Chiểu, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Rice noodles, with some meat and prawns, not really my cup of tea, and so I wasn’t so enamored with what I had Infront of me. Didn’t taste great to be honest.

I don’t think its a good match to start with anyway noodle’s and prawns….. its kind of taking the pee……..

Busy place, friendly service, decent prices, but not for me. Sorry.

Phuc Loc Rest Stop (5/5)

QL20, Quang Trung, Thống Nhất, Đồng Nai, Vietnam

Quick bite of food, nice and easy, busy and popular place so the food is served fast as they are on the go all the time with so many customers coming and going.

Local place with cheap and tasty bites.

Just had some beef and rice, simples but tasted damn good and was very, very cheap…..not much than a few quid…… lovely jubbly.

In and out quick……..good stuff……..don’t serve beer though (how sad) but two thumbs up.

Bún Chả Bà Hương (4/5)

43 DN5, Đông Hưng Thuận, Quận 12, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Hard to get somewhere to eat in the middle of the day in this country, as the locals like to go for a midday snooze, lazy gets, ha

Anyway, after a bit of a walk, had a Bun Cha here, wasn’t sure what I was ordering, but I was hungry and it was the only place I could find……

Served with a smile, food was good and filled the belly for a few hours. Mission completed…

Bếp Mẹ Ỉn (2/5)

136/9 Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Down a back street, not the easiest place to find. Lovely décor, very nice.

Friendly service, fast and efficient but food was very disappointing….

Me and friend ordered Chicken breast, BBQ Pork, beef skewer, bamboo pork and a few beers. The dishes were not great, some very dry in taste, and the portions were not big, especially for two big lads!

Fact is we were still hungry later on in the night, which is not a good sign at all.

And the price for the food we got was nearly 40 Euros…….no no!

Ngon Restaurant (4/5)

160 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Nice enough restaurant with good fresh food. Lovely decor and loads of seating available, very comfortable settings.

Ordered a few dishes…..Vietnamese rice pancake, Fried tofu with salty egg, and some pork spring rolls served with fish sauce……all washed down with beer.

The food was ok, not amazing, but good enough. Certainly tasted very fresh and well cooked. The tofu dish was awful, I am not sure whats the idea with the salty egg, but that is my fault here as I wasn’t aware of the dish. The spring rolls were very good, very tasty.

After the food we decided to have a few cocktails…….which were not great to be honest, too much ice and alcohol….not enough of the mixer….

The service was a tad bit slow too, and they were not overcrowded…..but the best thing was that the price for a big feed and a good bit of alcohol was just less than 30 Euros, thats not bad in anyone’s books.

All in all a pleasurable few hours spent here.

I think the setting makes it really here, good decor and a relaxing ambiance.

Kebab 88 (2/5)

19 Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, Q.2, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Had the beef kofte baguette and some chips.

Was hungry, starving even, so was looking forward to a nice messy kebab…..except it wasn’t……pretty plain meat, dry, no real sauces to accompany, and the chips were a very small portion.

Nah, not enjoyable at all……..

About a tenner (euro)

LẨU CUA ĐỒNG MAI 1981 THẢO ĐIỀN | QUÁN NHẬU THẢO ĐIỀN | LẨU THẢO ĐIỀN (5/5)

67 Đ. Số 47, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Both of us were dead hungry, after a belly full of beer, and not so full after the disappointment of the kebab place, sat down here and ordered as much meat as we could!!!

Friendly service, food was served fast and well delicious, washed down with beer, yes even more beer!

Simple dishes, nothing fancy, but did the business for two hungry souls on a night out on the town.

Thumbs up for good street food.

Oc Tu Nhien 2 (3/5)

34 Trần Phú, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu 790000, Vietnam

This is a funny chain, they actually have three restaurants of the same name side by side in a row, and have them listed as 1,2, and 3. I tried the number two version……

Was well busy and that is what attracted us, nothing says a good restaurant as a busy restaurant. Sat down, and was served pretty quickly….. my friend ordered some shell food dishes, and I went for some frog, in an Indian style curry, seemed strange and exotic so why not. I also went for a sea food platter, a stir fry with sea food, with noodles. And also the usual cold beers to wash it all down.

The food came pretty quick, and boy I am happy to say it all tasted pretty good. My friend was happy with her dishes and mine were good too. Except the frog dish could have been diced up a bit better and, as usual, in Asia, no cutlery was provided to cut the meat. I had to use my hands, and with no napkins or side plates/bowls was a bit messy. I think in Asia they expect people to eat off the table? Who knows, but maybe its a cultural thing! Cough!

But the curry was bloody good, and the sea food platter and noddles were top notch…..so all in all, the food was very much a success, and the beers going down very good.

Some negatives……too many mozzies, eating me alive…..now I know that is not the restaurants fault….so, but annoying…..in any case.

And the highlight, lowlight perhaps, a big dirty hair found in my friends dish!!! Mentioned it to the waiter who didn’t seem to give a shit. Kind of ruined the whole thing for me to be honest…..and so for this reason I can only give a 3 rating…..

Disrespect your customers, then you wont find them returning…..FACT.

Ốc Tự Nhiên Vũng Tàu – Ốc Tự Nhiên 3 (2/5)

20 Trần Phú, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu 78000, Vietnam

Tried number three of the chain of restaurants on the same street. Wonder would it be any better or worse than number two. Answer: Worse

The restaurant wasn’t busy and yet it took forever to get served. The main issue here was too many young staff and not enough leaders to take control…..think of headless chickens. The young manager looked like he had just woken up for the day. It took us a while to get orders in

I went for some grilled octopus with salt and chili, some french fries, and some beer. My friend went with some sea snails and other sea foods that I wouldn’t be very familiar with. Honestly the octopus was over cooked and too hard to digest, the other sea food was bland and the chips were a joke…..no effort there. Not great at all.

We asked for some beers to drown our sorrows, and that took an effort. asked for two………………nothing…………asked again…………nothing………..then as were about to leave the fat lass brought us 8 cans? I mean, what???? ha ha, and then looked in a huff when we said we didnt want anything to drink after waiting so long….

Terrible service…..tut tut…..you always need to have an adult to supervise a young staff, otherwise it can get out of control.

I Love Kem (4/5)

23 Thống Nhất, Bình Thọ, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Nice ice cream shop, with friendly staff and a decent selection of ice cream flavours available.

They give you a cup and you can go around filling it up with your own favorite styles and flavours, and also add some chocolate, wafers, nuts and other sugary tit bits……

Nice and enjoyable

Very good value too on the pocket, ours came to about 5 Euros, a bargain!

Phúc Khiêm Noodle Restaurant (2/5)

311a Võ Văn Tần, Phường 5, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Just wasn’t tasty enough, very dry. Sorry!

Bún Thịt Nướng Chị Tuyền (4/5)

175c Cô Giang, Phường Cô Giang, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Hard to review as I made a mistake with the time and arrived at 9, closing time, me bad.

Waited for friend who came much later, so even though we were late the kind owner still fed us as she cleaned up and got ready to close. Very nice of her.

Food was a bit cold, but beggars cant be choosers……

Quán Ăn Cô Liêng (5/5)

Võ Văn Tần/321 Bàn Cờ, Phường, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Oh man was this place busy! Very busy despite the fact you couldn’t swing a cat in the place, so small it was. We were lucky to get a good table at the back…….

Lots of tourists brought here by some walking group, virtually a new one every ten minutes or so. But this place is authentic, real Vietnamese food cooked simply, small and basic style restaurant with no airs or graces, love it.

Food, although to be honest didn’t look very appetizing, was very tasty. Tried a variety of dishes………grilled beer wrapped in guise leaves (delicious), beef grilled with caul fat (aka sausages? nice), meat wraps…..all the dishes very delicious and interesting to try out.

As for drinks, me the usual beer, while my friend was more adventurous, drinking some pennywort that looked very interesting, and then she tried some sterculia foetida gum, as you do! It was a funny looking concoction, white with small balls of something inside!

Had a good time here, was fun seeing all the tourists coming and going and trying the various dishes……myself included!

Definitely worth a visit. Recommended

Quán Beefsteak Only (3/5)

1 Hàn Thuyên, Bình Thọ, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Packed place, was hard to get seating.

Basically cheaply cooked meat served on a small plate with a bit of lettuce or onion…….and a beer to drink.

Comes thick and fast and I went with two different dishes…..beef and egg, and beef and some lettuce and onion, hats off to the chef there. Still though the beef was half decent….and the beers going down nice.

But the place was absolutely filthy, no care given to cleaning the floor or tables…….

Cheap as well, about 11 Euros…..for three (small) meat dishes…..and beers

Lẫu Bò Giáo Toàn (2/5)

128 QL1K, Linh Xuân, quận Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Popular place, pretty full and a large place with plenty of space to sit down

Ordered a beef noddle dish and a beer

Food came slow enough

Food was pretty dire, surprisingly taste less, bland, and dish had a lot of fatty lumps that were inedible. Disappointing.

Autogrill Vfs F&B (5/5)

1st Cảng Quốc tế Sân bay, Tân Sơn Nhất, Tân Bình, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Good and early, but tired and a little hungry, stepped in for some breakfast and a cup of tea. was lucky, as it was one of the very few places open so early….

Ordered a bacon sandwich………and a cup of English breakfast tea.

Service was fine, and the order came fast.

Sandwich was delicious, was very tempted to get another, and the tea got a few refills……

Good views of planes taking off…………

Nice start to the day oh yeah: was about 4 euros, very good price.

GUTA CAFE – 69 Võ Văn Tần (4/5)

69 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Beef noodles. Love it…nice and simple with a nice cool drink. great nice atmosphere, people relaxing, plenty of space, and nice breeze coming into the restaurant.

Waiting staff were dead slow though, bit dim.

Ngo Steak (1/5)

02 Đ. Đào Trinh Nhất, Linh Tây, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Oh man where do I begin…… Called Mr Bao online, but going as Ngo Steak on the street……bit confusing. Seen the word beef and steak and decided yes they will do for the hungry travellers….

Sat down, décor very nice, good atmosphere in restaurant…..a party was just finishing… Menu very colourful, with pics and information. Ordered a beef steak, a pandan chicken – since it looked good in the photo – some garlic bread (“Garlic bread!”), and a strong bow cider for myself. My friend ordered some beef dish.

Drinks order came and was wrong, wasn’t a Strongbow Cider….red berries fruit drink is not what I ordered…..but anyhow……I let it pass…. The garlic bread and beef steak up next…….. Garlic bread was very dry, and crumbled to bits when eating, no butter or anything to soften it up….and such a small portion….. Beef Steak dish was disappointing, the chips portion was so small that it looked comical…..I cant believe a chef let that out of the kitchen, should be embarrassed……very insulting.. and the beef steak itself was also small in the portion……and surrounded by some kind of taco or something, that wasn’t a great accompaniment to the small bits of beef I could find. What a terrible effort at a beef steak….. The pandan chicken was very tasty, but on its own, with no accompanying veg a bit boring…….

I couldn’t believe it, why make the effort and then serve such awful food? To be fair my friend was happy with her dish, but she doesn’t get out much! Again the size of the portion…..a bit of meat, an egg, one sausage and some lettuce…. oh man…..

Overall very disappointing…..

The only positive at the end of the night was that the bill only came to about 15 euros……

Cocotte Ben Thanh (5/5)

136 Lê Thánh Tôn, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Had the full works here, French style…..from starters to desserts, main course and all knocked down with wine…..

Started with Snails or Les escargots, a novelty for me, but par for the course for my friend, the French lad….. Wasn’t sure what to expect but they were pretty nice to be honest, smaller than I had expected though. After that we had some duck and potatoes, very delicious, very enjoyable, meat so tasty.

Next we went for some beef stew, curious as I was to see how its different to the stews from Vietnam, or indeed even Ireland….the big difference in that its soaked in red wine, which was interesting……not bad, nice and tasty. This is where we went for the starter and the dessert, both arriving at the same time. Maybe that’s a French thing! Cheese and bread……and chocolate caramel. Not so hot in the soft cheese, French style, and the chocolate was just ok…..

The wine was fine, made us a bit giddy. and we had a few beers after as well..

The bill came to about 80 euros, I think the wine largely adding to the high price.

Overall the restaurant was ok, good atmosphere, nice set out, very good and tasty food especially the main dishes, and half decent service……

Would like to return…..

Quán Cậu Út (5/5)

03 Đ. Số 16, Phường Linh Trung, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Lovely tasty clean food, very filling, and good portions of meat…. Very nice side dish of veg and small slices of meat.

Nice decor and a relaxing friendly ambiance.

Friendly staff. Surprising to find such a good restaurant this far out of town……

Nice. good price as well, less than fifteen euros for a large amount of food.

Ushi Mania – Japanese Aging Beef & Bar (13 Lý Tự Trọng) (5/5)

Lầu 3, 4. 5, toà nhà Washoku Garden, 13 Lý Tự Trọng, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Nice enough place to sit down and have some food. Friendly service and nice ambiance in the restaurant.

As I waiting for a friend, I sat down and ordered a Sapporo beer, which was served nice and cool, and tasted refreshing.

When my friend came, we went straight into the food. We ordered the Japanese Cheese Hamburger Steak dish which came with some veg and chips, the burger tasting very delicious, very yummy, and the teeny carrots also nice and tasty….

The Grilled Pork Ribs with Apple Sauce was delicious, very succulent, good meat and easy to eat. The Baked Potatoes were fine, could have had something to give it a more solid base, but it was fine. and the Creamy Salmon Cakes were to die for, very lovely filling with the salmon. My friend had a Fruit Juice and Ice cream, while I got a few more beers.

With all this food one can also order a lot of salad and fresh vegetables for free from the buffet, and also some soup if one so desires….

So overall, we both were well full after the food, and well happy with our choices…… the dishes were very tasty, very filling, with lovely flavours and all well cooked.

This restaurant was a highlight on my trip to HCMC, and if I am ever back I will return. Good food, and for the amount of dishes we had and the beers, it came to a very reasonable 35 Euros, there or there abouts…..

Strongly recommended.

Thông C (1/5)

XRVG+58, Khương Đình, Thanh Xuân, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Food was bland and tasteless,

service was slow and we were served a wrong order too: asked for fries got some sweet potatoes….

Lovely views from our seats, pity the food was not upto any decent standard.

Was stale and tired, no flavours, no seasoning, no love………

Bo Béo (5/5)

52 P. Hàng Buồm, Hàng Buồm, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội, Vietnam

Great family owned restaurant, son and parents, proving good food and nourishment to tired, and drunk, travellers who step in for a bite to eat and a rest.

As can be seen from the photos, the portions were quite big, lots of meat and veg to fry, and beer to complement the feast, and it WAS a feast, I was full after it all.

Good, clean, well cooked food, in friendly environment, in the centre of the main drag. Good spot for some good food in between all the drinking and sport outside.

Recommended. Good value too for about 18 Euros

Hủ tiếu mì Chợ Lớn (4/5)

26 Đoàn Kết, Bình Thọ, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Very popular place, packed as it was early in the morning, was lucky to get a seat. A place popular amongst the locals.

Got some noodles and some meat dumplings, was well tasty.

Good place for some cheap food and to have a morning sack to set you up for the day.

Phú Quốc (3/5)

381 Đ. Số 45, Hiệp Bình Chánh, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 708000, Vietnam

Street restaurant with plastic chairs and tables, next to train tracks and dump…..

Was very busy, but service was quick and friendly

Ordered a few sea food dishes and fish………… for me the fish was very delicious. And a few beers

Was enjoyable enough, but my western sensibilities got the better of me, as right beside us were a good few rats……..ha….something I am not used to seeing as I dine…..but heh maybe this is the Vietnamese way and who am I to argue?

BROS KOREA (4/5)

47 Nguyễn Thị Diệu, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Came here as I have seen the rave reviews and all the 5 stars so was very curious.

Immediate impressions were not great as the waiting staff took forever to get us, a couple, a seat despite the place half empty….. bit headless……but eventually we got a seat…. The staff all have head phones and all the techie stuff which seems to cause more confusion than anything else……..keep it simple lads, simple, tut tut, otherwise you look real foolish.

Before we sat down we were also told in no uncertain terms that there was a time limit of 2 hours……which was nice, considering the only delays were with the staff finding us a seat, giving us the menu, and brining us our food…… A nice welcome indeed! Sheesh!

Anyway, we sat down and ordered a lot of meat and some vegetables – don’t ask me what exactly we ordered, but it was mostly beef, the odd sausage, some bacon rashers, and other assortments of meat – hell its a BBQ so lets all go crazy! There was the odd bit of veg to accompany, and even a small bit of cheese, which was very random. It was all good and very delicious, and watered down with some beer……all in all good food and well presented and damn tasty.

The food was excellent, tasty and the variety of dishes was interesting to see and the price coming to about 35 quid was ok.

The restaurant filled up pretty quickly and the atmosphere was ok, even though its a big place it does feel crowded..they could do with a spring cleaning and get rid of the tat and give the customers more space.

Food was very good, but I have had better BBQs – (the Japanese place I reviewed to name but a few) I drop a mark for the service which left a bit of a sour taste. ….one word: clueless.

edit: i notice they seem to have an awful lot of 5 star reviews from people who have only ever given one review……….cough….very interesting!

Quán Ngõ 89 (5/5)

89 Nguyễn Du, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Real Vietnamese street food, or so they say………who knows…………

Low seating, and a nice colorful decor……. started off ordering some tanks of beer……….

My friend who recommended this place, arrived and so we got into the food — ordering a lot of small meaty dishes…… don’t ask me what they were all, but they all tasted fantastic and well delicious, and went down very well with the beers……..

Had a good bit of beer I must say, and the food was very good, all in all we had a great time………spending a few hours chillin away as the night encroached……….

Bill wasn’t too bad, as far as I can remember, all very affordable and not as pricey as down town………

Recommended.

Marcel Gourmet Burger (2/5)

115 Đ. Calmette, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

I like me burgers so a joint like this should be right up my street….

Small diner, but with plenty of seating space, good crowd for an early Saturday midday, nice and friendly atmosphere in the place.

Service was friendly and quick We ordered a combo burger and a big Marcel with fries – not sure of the exact details, just know its beef, cheese, and bacon – essential components of a decent burger.

For drink I got a fruit ale, my friend a lemonade, and we shared a peach cocktail

Food came quick enough, and I have to say it was all a bit of a great disappointment…..the chips were dry, the burgers were damn tiny and also dry…..and had no juicy flavours or were tasty enough. Both of us found that with our choices….. The drinks were not great either… Pity,

I wanted to like this place, but the food was a big disappointment. Sorry

Price was a bit steep too, at about 27 euros for a dish we had eaten quite quickly and still not feeling full!

Hội An Bistro (5/5)

Hidden gem if you ask me………..at least from the small amount of reviews I see here and other sites….

Not far from Temple around the corner, this place is well worth a look…if you are seeking good food in pleasant surroundings, in an atmosphere of calm and serenity………something most be rubbing off from the Buddhists up the road!

Lovely setting and very easy to get a seat, in what at the time i was there, was a pretty busy (but not packed) restaurant.

Ordered some battered prawns, a massive fish dish and to wash it all down some strong craft beer and a glass of wine (wines from Italy and Chile). Food served very quickly, and with a friendly smile from the waitress, presented well too…

All the food very tasty, the fish had a lot of meat so much that we couldn’t finish it all, yes even me the barbarian from the decadent west ……

Food was very good, filling and did the job. Beers not so much…….took ages to get a second serving, I had to ask for 5 times……yes FIVE TIMES to get a second helping of beer……which when it came was badly poured…… but I am willing to let that slide since the young waiting staff were friendly and all had nice smiles and were generally a happy bunch. Was looking for dessert, but the restaurant does not have a set menu for after’s, which is a pity…… although we were offered ice creams and ice pops bought from the local shop….

Overall, a very enjoyable time spent here in lovely surroundings, at peace, and with good food. Bill was about 30 Euros, which considering I had three beers, wine, and a massive portion of food, was not that bad.

Recommended

Bánh mì gà An An (5/5)

593 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 7, Quận 5, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Street food on a budget, love it

Got a mixed vegetable, some meat, some noodle, some egg, all in a bun……..with some flavouring and sauce…….coming to about one dollar…….NICE!

And it was tasty!!! Result!

Bánh Mì Thổ Nhĩ Kỳ Minh Tuấn (2/5)

89 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Had high hopes for this place as the reviews were good, but sadly I have to report it didn’t cut the mustard!

Kebab was more like a sandwich with some meat and veg, than anything down and dirty like the usual kebabs you’d get back home….. was looking for a big dirty kebab but all I got was a harmless looking light tasting sandwich…..

Needed to be more meat, more grizzle, more sauces, more flavours…. Sorry!

Lẩu bò Khu Nhà Cháy (5/5)

130/50 Đ. Lê Quốc Hưng, Phường 12, Quận 4, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Packed place, but lucky to get a seat at back………

Food was good, a lot of meaty dishes, all very filling and very tasty

Beers aflowing, good atmosphere in the restaurant and good fast, efficient service.

Good times…….

Recommended, and well worth the 32 euros I spent..

241 Restaurant (5/5)

45 Phạm Viết Chánh, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Late night snack after a day of walking, tired and wanting to sit down and relax over some good food.

Food came fast enough, was all good………chicken and beef dishes, with chips, washed down with a few beers…….good price too………all in all , little fuss and good food…………thats how you do it!

Bánh Canh Cua (Tôn Thất Đạm) (4/5)

25 Nguyễn Công Trứ, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Small local restaurant, good food, good atmosphere, no nonsense, dish meaty and tasty,

Nice and hot.

Did the job

GoGi House Vincom Thảo Điền (5/5)

L5-08 TTTM Vincom Mega Mall, 161 Võ Nguyên Giáp, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Meat extravaganza, yes another one!

Wasn’t expecting much when I sat down, as places in malls tend to be a bit drab and unexciting. Ordered from a touchscreen device which was handy and easy to use…….

Food came quick and fast and we were off cooking our own variety of meats we had ordered. And a egg rice dish and some soup to accompany, and also the usual beers and juices one has to water it all down!

The food was great, very succulent and well prepped, slender and juicy, delicious. The egg rice dish was so nice we ordered another one. For after’s my friend got some ice cream, a few goes of it, she really liked it…..

Overall the food was great, and the service very good, cleaning our table of plates quickly and with a smile.

Meal came to about 40 Euros, a teeny bit pricey but for the amount we ate, not bad.

Recommended.

La Table De Saigon Restaurant

185/26 Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

An alright place, easy to settle down and have the chat, get served quickly, food is alright…………..tad dull

Ok place, not going to set the world alight, service was friendly, place had a good atmosphere, and was pleasant enough.

CAFES

COFFEE AND TEA (5/5)

321 Đ. Trường Chinh, Tân Thới Nhất, Quận 12, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 71510, Vietnam

Dropped in for a breather, ordered a chocolate cookie drink, looked lovely, tasted great. Nice.

Friendly girl helped me grab a taxi too.

Phuc Long Coffee & Tea House (3/5)

G17 Aeon Mall, 1 Đường Số 17A, Bình Trị Đông B, Bình Tân, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Waiting to meet friend. Got a strawberry cold drink. Nice and refreshing.

Dalaland Coffee (4/5)

24/4/1 Trần Ngọc Diện, Thảo Điền, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Nice cozy place where one can relax and listen to some good live music, and also see and watch the fish pass by infront of you….

Small entrance fee (as far as I can remember) but that and the cost of the coffee and drinks wasn’t much, coming to less than a tenner in Euros, which for good live music and a nice setting was very good value.

Good ambiance about the place, and a very relaxing décor. Staff friendly and efficient too.

The only slight was that the band played under a very shiny light making it impossible to see the lead singer…….which was a bit silly, but overall a nice experience.

Lamenda Cafe (1/5)

39-41 Thủ Khoa Huân, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Waited here for a friend who was on his way

Busy and all, sat down and got a beer But then they turned on the music………….FULL BLAST……….in the middle of the day……totally pointless………its not a night club so no need for it at all…….

Had to leave as my head was pounding…..and even though I told two members of staff about it, they didn’t seem to give a sh……. Awful

Cafe EVO (5/5)

583-585 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 7, Quận 5, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Stayed here midday to get out of the heat of the sun, very friendly staff looked after us very well, had some coffee, and cold drinks, spent an hour here………..top stuff.

Tonkin Specialty Coffee (5/5)

91 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Not a coffee kind of guy, more tea, or even better a few beers, but as was walking on the street and kind of looking for a place to sit down and waste an hour or two with my friend, for a chat, we happened to pass by two nice young people who were offering free samples of coffee……..sure what the hell, we liked the coffee they offered and they were friendly so we ventured into their café. down a long small alleyway and up and up and up some stairs to the coffee joint…….

I must say it was a good surprise as the place was very well decorated, and looked very nice with cool friendly chilled out vibes…… hats off to the interior decorator, good job!

Had a regular coffee and my friend went with some weird drink, don’t ask me….look at pic…. Then tried their ‘Tonkin Brown’, which looked interesting and tasted very nice……..although small…..(as I said I’m not a coffee drinker, ha)……….so I went for another one….. lovely chocolate taste and flavour on the tongue…..nice..

We spent an hour or so here, and chatted with the manager who was friendly…….

Really a lovely place, and I would love to return again, if I can notice it, as the entrance is so small it can be easy to miss………but it is the type of gem that makes this city so great…………

Recommended place to while away an hour or so in a very relaxed setting…….

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (1/5)

27 Đ. Hàn Thuyên, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Soulless and hellish……luckily I didn’t spend a penny here, just sat down and looked around and upped and went…..

Busy, but no atmosphere or ambiance, decor looked like an office, and full of customers who were well dull…….

Think Starbucks and multiply it by 100…………….yeah THAT bad!

pincup (4/5)

25D Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Chocolate Ice, very nice, lovely on the hot day that it was.

Friendly staff, nice and welcoming.

Lovely little café with a very nice décor

Puro Gusto (4/5)

12 Đ. B, Phường 2, Tân Bình, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Friendly service, nice coffee; good WiF;i nice place to sit while waiting for friend.

Hoff Coffee Brewers (3/5)

42bis Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Small place, down an alley way and up a flight of stairs where there are a few establishments selling coffees and food……a bit of an artists getaway, all a bit bohemian, that is to say a load of bullshite…….but anyway had a coffee and friend got a swiss chocolate roll, which took a long time to be served.

Ate and drank upstairs and sat on some bean bags!

Is a popular place it seems but I have seen better and more hip establishments in town.

Highlands Coffee (3/5)

101 Đ. Tôn Dật Tiên, Tân Phú, Quận 7, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Not a fan of coffee to be honest, but this chocolate version looked nice.

Except they leave some jelly beans in it…… but hey ho this is popular in Vietnam.

AND PLACES TO SEE

Museum of Ho Chi Minh City (4/5)

65 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Not to be confused with the History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, which is more about ancient Vietnamese history, this museum solely focuses on the history of this great city…..Ho Chi Minh City, from its earliest beginnings to the recent wars of independence…..

I preferred this museum to the more graphic war remnants museum, as I learnt more about Vietnam. I never knew how old this city was, thousands of years in various guises, and how it developed from an early portal city to the metropolis it is today. I liked the focus on specific themes – trade, politics, money, city life, weddings, food – was very interesting.

I especially liked the exhibit on money, as someone who collects old coins and money from around the world, I had a good look……but I’m not sure everyone would share my enthusiasm here!

The museum was not packed, and this made it all the more enjoyable as one could really take time to wander around without the hectic crowds you would see in the War Museum, where it can get very busy……this was much more relaxing, and the museum was well ventilated in the hot day with a nice breeze throughout the building.

Yes, this was an enjoyable few hours…….

War Remnants Museum (1/5)

Phường 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

I have to be honest I was a good bit disappointed with my time at this war museum. I left it in a bad mood, due to a few factors.

I know the Americans did absolutely horrific things in Vietnam, from dropping napalm, general torture, and dividing the country into two……but it doesn’t necessarily mean I want an in depth account of each and every bad thing the yanks did……..I don’t really have to be confronted with gruesome photo, picture and display to get it……. They even had a long list of all the tortures….and a rolling movie to accompany….. really, whats the point of this?

And I’d ask who was doing a lot of this torture? (South) Vietnamese onto other Vietnamese, something lost in all of the details. War is war and bad things happen, but in this museum it seems its only the Americans (and the French) who were the naughty boys. History isn’t like that, its not always so black and white.

I need more nuance than that. Why was America there, what was the South Vietnamese state, what happened after the war, was there any real victors, etc. etc.? Plus more of a human side, how the war affected people on a more personal level, from soldier (both sides), to villager, to townie.

Yes there were photos with information (in English which was good, for me at least), but it still was all a bit dry really and hard to get past the pain and conflict and understand on a human level….

The real thing for me is that one should learn from History, the good and the bad. Can we really say that Vietnam, or the USA for that matter, has? It seems to me that American style capitalism is quite popular in this country. How did that happen? (cough!).

Is Vietnam a bastion of freedom and liberty? For sure its a place to lead a comfortable life, but what about personal liberty of freedom and thought?

Yeah all that and more……the present and the past.

Or how about another deformed kid to look at?

Temple of Hung King (3/5)

2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Nice enough place to see and visit, plenty of greenery and the temple itself is lovely and tranquil………………but I was a little distracted by all the snap happy men, lol.

HCMC History Museum (5/5)

2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Really enjoyed myself in this museum, learnt a lot about ancient Vietnamese history, saw a lot of old artifacts and also got in some amazing water puppetry, all in all a good few hours spent here.

Honestly didn’t know that Vietnamese history went so far back, 1000’s of years in fact….was well impressed with the detail and information provided from the exhibits…..which were in English throughout….

The mummy of Xom Cai was interesting, if not a little creepy, and the sculptures, deities, and stone carvings from around south east Asia were magnificent…. the phallic symbols were particularly eye opening……cough.

If you are lucky, like I was, you might stumble upon the twice daily water puppet show they host…….as far as I can remember it costs 100/200 Vnd, but its well worth a look……..the show I saw was on at 2.00 ….. The puppetry was very well done, and it did take me a while to figure out how they did it all……ha……. It was a tad bit long, but overall was something that had to be seen in Vietnam, another cultural highlight ticked off the box!

Overall the museum was definitely worth visiting, combined with the water puppet show, a recommended place to see.

Ho Chi Minh City Book Street (3/5)

2 Đ. Nguyễn Văn Bình, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Buy a book, sit down, have a coffee and brood and look clever, maybe have some glasses resting on head and take in all the atmosphere of Book Street. Or not. A street, with a lot of art and book shops and cafes. Interesting enough to walk through but not enough to stay. Books are all fine and dandy, but if you are reading harry potter, comics, or something on Marxist philosophy you’d be better of joining me in da pub with the football on! Ha.

Saigon Sniper (4/5)

25 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Fun and something different to do on a Saturday afternoon.

Cheap, for about 7 Euros get sixty pellets for the gun……

Staff, nice and friendly and with good English can explain the set up and how to get started.

Good atmosphere in the place, and surprising to see more ladies than men on the range…..which is cool.

Found out that I am a terrible shot, 30 chances and nothing hit. I am thinking of barn doors and banjos!!! Terrible sniper I am!

Tao Dan Park (5/5)

Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

A piece of tranquility in the hustle and bustle of HCMC, very nice park, very relaxing, and plenty of space.

Lots to see while walking around………….

A full circuit -around, in decent walking pace was I think about 8 minutes………..or if you want to join the many running……..quicker…

Very peaceful and definitely recommended for a nice break from the madness on the streets. Ha.

One Pillar Pagoda, Thu Duc – Nam Thien Nhat Tru (5/5)

100 Đặng Văn Bi, Bình Thọ, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Visited midday on a Sunday, very quiet.

Front was closed but can go around the back to another entrance, free to walk in and wander around to have a look at the many alters and statues, and to walk around the lake with the fish.

Peaceful and tranquil, no one to bother you, and can spend a good hour just relaxing……

Thien Hau Pagoda (5/5)

710 Nguyễn Trãi, Phường 11, Quận 5, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Chinese style temple nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh, very peaceful, quiet and a nice place to relax for an hour or so………..just chillin….

Tân Định Parish Church (3/5)

289 Hai Bà Trưng, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Unfortunately as they were doing some light repairs (I think) I couldn’t venture inside the Church, but got to have a nice walk around the grounds.

A nice looking church, perhaps not as pink as expected, me thinks people overdose on the filters for their camera shots, but still an interesting sight in the centre of the city.

Dong Quang Church (3/5)

35 Đông Hưng Thuận 2, Đông Hưng Thuận, Quận 12, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Just passing through, caught my eye and had a wander around…..nice enough looking on the outside…..pity it was closed and couldn’t go in…..shame that the churches seem closed here to the people while Buddhist temples, for example, are open all the time….

Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens (1/5)

2 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Phường Sài Gòn, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

Depressing place. Place is filthy, overgrown, no care taken anywhere, and the animal enclosures look dull and dirty. The animals are stressed and agitated, the bears walking back and forward highlights this…….

Its strange as the parks in HCMC are, on the whole, well kept and maintained and generally pleasurable places to spend an hour or more. So its quite a surprise to see the state of this zoo. Not one effort to turn it into a nice place to visit.

Good to see bears, crocs and alligators (lots of them), lions and tigers, elephants and giraffes, but to be honest couldn’t wait to leave the place….

Should close it down……if only to put the poor animals out their misery.

Visited on Weekend
Wait time: No wait
Reservation recommended: No

Rach Chiec Golf Driving Range (5/5)

150 Võ Nguyên Giáp, An Phú, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

First time we did some golf, and we both thoroughly enjoyed it..

I was happy that it didn’t go as badly as I had expected, in that I was at least able to hit the ball! Maybe not so much in distance, I couldn’t get it over 100m, but at least I could get it up and was mostly straight all the time…… cough!.

In a desperately hot day, it might have got a bit tiring in the end, and with so many balls to hit, yes it was hard work, but enjoyable all the same. Cant remember exactly the price, but I think for just over 12 Euros or so you can have a zillion balls and a few beers thrown in, very good value.

Have two levels, up and down……was busy too, but well spaced out and everyone doing their own thing.

Also the workers are on hand to offer sound advice and help, and they were very kind…..

Overall, a very enjoyable, but tiring, few hours spent here.

Saigon Commando Secret Weapons Bunker – Tet Offensive 1968 (5/5)

287/70 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường 5, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 722000, Vietnam

Cool little place down an alley way street, small and not going to be long here, but worth a visit if only for the cool selfies you can take, ha ha

Free, but a nice old man looks after the place so be kind and give him a tip.

Funny how you think there is not much to see, then the man, like magic, takes a square out of the ground, a hole appears and then you can go, down to the hidden bunker. It surprised us and really shows us how the Vietnamese were great at the hidden art of guerrilla warfare. What you cant see, CAN hurt you in this country!!!

I just hope the grenades were decommissioned! All good fun!

Recommended.

The Venerable Thich Quảng Đức Monument (3/5)

185 Cách Mạng Tháng Tám, Phường 6, Quận 3, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

An iconic figure from the Vietnam war, the “burning priest” who set himself on fire in protest on how the South Vietnamese government were treating Buddhists in the country. I know it from the RATM album cover, but still someone to be respected.

A serene place at the intersection to where the event took place all those years ago.

Very well kept and worth a look.

Statue of Ho Chi Minh (3/5)

110 Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Well its a must if you are here, its his city after all……..nice area of the town, pretty busy though with traffic and the like (where isn’t in this mad city!)

Nice statue with the beautiful Ho Chi Minh City Hall behind him, makes for a nice setting.

Worth a gander.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon (1/5)

01 Công trường Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam

Temporarily closed for renovation. Pity as I was looking forward to having a good look at this city icon…………next time

Bitexco Financial Tower (5/5)

2 Đ. Hải Triều, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

For a Saturday midday it was very, very quiet at the top of the tower, pretty much all to ourselves as we walked around getting some stunning views of the city.

Very affordable, and quick lift to near the top…….40th floor or something, as far as I can remember.

Some history all around to read up on, in English as well, and a nice mini exhibition on Vietnamese fashion for the ladies down through the years.

Definitely worth a visit and thankfully with such a lovely day we were able to see well off in the distance the huge city that is HCMC.

Recommended.

Ben Thanh Market (4/5)

Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Not the greatest fan of markets, as you spend money and lots of it, that is a fact, but this one was pretty good.

Not many visitors on the Saturday we went, which was surprising, which meant as soon as we entered we were accosted for all sorts of products and wares….

The stalls are set out well and one can buy clothes, watches, shoes, jewelry, etc. etc. and it is fun to walk around but one can get lost amongst all the side stalls.

As for buying something……I bought a pair of runners, a small bum bag, and two football shirts. I am quite good at haggling and got most of the sellers down to minimum 50% of what they first asked…..although I think I still over paid on the runners, as the quality of them were not as good as first expected…… and having said that the prices are still a little over priced even with a 50% drop, as the quality isn’t the best……the football shirts are just bad knock offs for example…….. ..

Still though, as markets go, this was very interesting..

NhNhà Úp Ngược coffee/ Upside Down House (4/5)

5 Trương Vĩnh Ký, Phường 1, Vũng Tàu, Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu, Vietnam

A bit of silly fun…….

Was very busy the day we went, but it was fun all the same…….

Good for photos with friends……

I imagine kids would love this place….

Front Beach (5/5)

Vũng Tàu, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Vietnam

Small beach, but good enough for me, lovely promenade to walk along and beach was busy but not packed so pleasant enough to take a dip in the very cool and clean waters.

Nice.

Back beach (5/5)

Thùy Vân, Phường 1, Thành phố, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Nice beach, had a good time here, although with the wind the water was very choppy……big enough to accommodate all the large crowds…..

AND THE REST

Immigration Office HCMC (1/5)

Phòng Quản Lý Xuất Nhập Cảnh TP. HCM

Joke factory. Arrived and waited a little, to be told that we were in the wrong building, so got a taxi across town to another place. For a visa extension. Which on government website states is possible. But, naturally, things didn’t go as expected here. Big queue even to get into building, where at top of steps were two men looking at people’s paperwork to determine if they can get a visa or not. Me n the couple I was with were told we couldn’t get a visa extension, n that’s that! Border run to Thailand.

A good bit annoying as queued under the sun, was stressful n despite what was officially declared on the government website I am now expected to shell out a couple of hundred bucks to extend my visa for the privilege of staying here…..great🤣

GreenLines DP – Ticketing Office (4/5)

10B Tôn Đức Thắng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam

HCMC city to Vung Tau ferry in what was a very hot day…….midday trip……ferry was full but thank god it was very cool inside………

Trip took two hours and went fast enough…….

Can get refreshments at the back of the ferry, and can go outside and grab some fresh air.

Young staff at the cafe at the port were pretty all over the place,I wonder is it some care in the community initiative, I was surprised they could even manage to work the cash register…….. Expensive beers before I start!

Thong Nhat Stadium (2/5)

138 Đ. Đào Duy Từ, Phường 6, Quận 10, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Was here for an Asian Champions League double header, Hoang Anh Gia Lai from Vietnam were kicking things off against Korean outfit Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and the other game was Sydney FC against Yokohama F.Marinos. Didn’t bother to stay for second game…..for a number of reasons…no beer, no atmosphere, and boredom.

First game was a very drab game between two very poor sides. I was actually very surprised how bad the standard was…. The Korean team snatched the win near the end…. The home team have a few Brazilians playing for them, three in fact, stealing a living if you ask me…….one went off as a sub near the end as he was tired, ie not bothered! And as for their manager, ha ha……amateur hour.

No beer at a football game, well that is just taking the pish. Atmosphere was a bit flat too………not much or very little chanting…..perhaps the game had an affect on the crowd…… Ground itself is not much to get excited about…..basic stadium with a running track……seats were fine, tickets were very affordable, and getting to the ground not so hard.

Inside though, there are little refreshments on show, its pretty dirty and unkept, and no chance to buy any merchandise…,like a scarf, etc.

Disappointing……

Linh Dong Wharf – Saigon Waterbus (1/5)

Linh Đông, Thủ Đức City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Needed prepaid tickets, didn’t have, annoying.

AEON MALL Binh Tan (4/5)

1 Đường Số 17A, Bình Trị Đông B, Bình Tân, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

massive place, seems to have everything one needs and wants…..

Moc Bai International Border Gate (4/5)

Lợi Thuận, Bến Cầu District, Tây Ninh, Vietnam

Used Thai Duong Transport /Tourist company, got me there and back and gave me all the information, for 800K VD (about 35 euros)……..

Arrived at border at around 11, after departing HCMC at 9……journey was not pleasant as too much traffic, but arriving early the queues into Cambodia were not heavy.

Was told to expect to pay a “fee” to exit Vietnam, but no, we got our exit stamp with little bother, from the very gruff looking border guard. Then walk to Cambodia visa office, to get the visa on arrival. As I had no dollars, I paid a little extra with my Vietnamese Dong. roughly about 40 Euros.

After that you enter Cambodia, quick enough……border guards seem more friendly this side of of the world…..

A quick turn around the building, and then you are exiting Cambodia, and back again into Vietnam.

This time there was a queue to get back to Nam. Took about half an hour for it to move, and eventually got back into Nam, no special entry “fee” either…..

Along the process, a few security people will look at your passport, etc…….and overall I was happy as there wasnt as many “fees” expected, just the Cambodia visa, which was expected.

All in all, the whole process took about an hour, and back on bus heading to HCMC and arrived back at Saigon at 2:30 with the driver speeding like crazy to bring us home. Stressful all the same though!

Also I had no covid passes or vax nonsense, many had, and I was a little worried they’d ask for it, despite both countries freely open at the moment, but nothing was given and nothing was asked. Sweet!!

Noi Bai International Airport (5/5)

Soc Son, Hanoi, Vietnam

No issue in passing through immigration or with checking in, very fast and efficient (unlike in HCMC)….

Airport not busy, nice to wander around…..small airport but clean and does the job, ie gets you in and ready to depart on time…..no flaffing around.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (2/5)

Trường Sơn, Phường Tân, Sơn Hoà, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Not the best airport in the world……

No bars, and few restaurants but lots of chances to buy tat if you like.

Queues are an hour minimum, especially in the morning. Was asked to pay to make my exit out of the country a bit easier, but as i didn’t have cash and only my card the police man changed his mind and let me through.

Unfortunately as a result of that I missed my plane, but anyhow got the next flight out…..a tad bit annoying all the same!

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Visiting Thailand

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My Time in Thailand: Bangkok, Pattaya, Bang Saen, Koh Larn & Isaan

I’ve just finished another trip around Thailand —Bangkok, Pattaya, Koh Larn, Bang Saen, Korat and Udon Thani. From wild city nights to relaxed local beaches and proper Isaan life, it was a solid mix.

Here are my honest thoughts.

My Time in Bangkok: From Post-COVID Quiet to Full Chaos

I always arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport. It’s big with some lovely sculptures and Thai artwork, but it’s full of expensive luxury shops aimed at Chinese and Middle Eastern tourists. The restaurants and bars inside are average and overpriced.

Bangkok is still a city of extreme contrasts. Shiny high-rises, futuristic skyscrapers and world-class air-conditioned malls one minute, then dodgy broken pavements, run-down streets and shanty towns the next. Private investment has gone crazy in some areas, but government spending on basic infrastructure (roads, pavements, drainage) hasn’t kept up. The inequality is very visible. The city isn’t the cleanest either. Many canals are pretty filthy and a lot of streets are grubbier than they should be.

Sukhumvit Road is where I spent most nights. It’s seedy, yes — but the people-watching is top tier. I only went into Nana Plaza twice. It’s extremely pervy. Instead, I preferred buying cheap beers from the street markets, sitting on the kerb with snacks, and chatting to whoever was next to me while watching the street chaos.

Walking the full length of Sukhumvit is really good fun. You start in the middle of all the bars, hustle and bright lights, then as you go further east it slowly thins out and becomes surprisingly quiet and serene near the parks. Then you do a u-turn and walk back into the craziness — when the shit bars and their overpriced drinks close, and where the real night craic begins. Locals take over with more beer and food. The late-night street energy is still brilliant.

Thai street food is decent, especially for snacking while having a beer. The burgers and toasties in 7-Eleven are surprisingly brilliant too — they happily microwave them for you.

Ladyboys are very visible working the streets, but I also saw many living normal lives — working in banks, shops, on buses, etc. In big cities, there lifestyle really doesn’t seem to be a big deal.

Traffic in Bangkok is mad. Motorbikes and cars drive faster and more recklessly than anywhere I’ve seen. Be very careful crossing the street — they won’t stop for you. No wonder so many people die on the roads here.

Tuk-tuks are insane. They drive like absolute maniacs and charge stupid tourist prices in busy areas. I mostly used Grab instead.

River boat taxis (Chao Phraya Express Boats) are definitely worth trying and easy enough to figure out once you do it a couple of times. Great cheap way to see the city.

The city has changed since my first post-COVID visits (2021-2022). It’s much busier now with more large groups from India and the Middle East. Some of the behaviour from these groups is pretty annoying.

King’s and royal portraits are everywhere. The reverence for the monarchy is real — he is respected almost like Buddha. Talk ill of the King here and you’ll quickly get a swift smack across the back of the head. Respect is non-negotiable.

There are way too many stray dogs on the streets. Most look haggard, flea-bitten and rough. It feels shameful and they can be dangerous too — rabies is a real risk if you’re not careful.

Cannabis and dope shops are everywhere now, but from what I saw, it doesn’t look like the big successful business many hoped for. I had zero interest anyway.

On the cultural side, I really enjoyed the National Museum and the Art Gallery — both very interesting, affordable, and worth seeing. I also recommend a Chao Phraya River cruise — it’s a great way to see the city from the water.

I did a great day trip to Maeklong Railway Market (the train that goes through the markets) and the nearby Damnoen Saduak Floating Market where you can get a boat ride. Both were brilliant and unforgettable.

Good: Insane contrasts, elite people-watching, late-night street energy, river boats, museums, day trips.
Not-so-good: Overpriced bars, sleaze, broken pavements, dirt, traffic chaos, inequality, stray dogs.

Temples & Buddhism in Thailand

Thailand is full of temples — big, small, golden, and ancient ones dotted all over the country.

The Thai people are genuinely deep spiritual people. Their respect for Buddha is real and visible everywhere.

I visited so many temples that I eventually needed a temple detox.

But they are interesting places and it’s cool to see the strong relationship Thais have with Buddhism.

My Time in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima)

Korat, otherwise known as Nakhon Ratchasima, feels very different from Bangkok. It’s not as crazy or overwhelming — it has its own relaxed charm. More like a proper upcountry city with a bit of everything.

I spent most of my time in the countryside around Korat, walking every day in the fresh country air along the canals and taking in real Thai country life. It was peaceful and refreshing. The city itself has a nice centre centred around a lake area, some good cafes, impressive modern malls, decent infrastructure, solid restaurants, and the occasional good bar.

You’ll also spot quite a few statues of Korat cats dotted around the city — which makes sense, as this is where the famous Korat cat breed comes from. Korat also has a lot of cool parks and Buddhist complexes scattered around. A real highlight was visiting Phimai Historical Park nearby — a Khmer-built temple complex that’s basically a mini Angkor Wat. It’s an amazing place and feels like a hidden gem.

The Good: Calm countryside walks, fresh air, canal paths, nice lake-centred city area, good cafes, cool parks, Buddhist complexes, Korat cat statues, impressive malls & restaurants, and the Phimai Historical Park. Much more relaxed than Bangkok.

The Not-So-Good: Not as exciting or varied as Bangkok if you want nonstop action.

My Time in Pattaya & Koh Larn

I spent some time in Pattaya but it was quite different from my usual visits to a place like this. I actually didn’t do the single-man thing and hit up many of the bars — very unusual for me. This time I was mainly there for the beach and the hot weather.

Koh Larn (the island off Pattaya) was one of the highlights of the whole trip. You get the ferry over from Bali Hai Pier (takes around 40-60 minutes). It’s an amazing little island with great beaches and views. Very peaceful once you get away from the main dock.

Loads of day-trippers get off at the pier, but rent a motorbike (no cars on the island) and head further out and you can easily escape the crowds. I stayed three days and would have happily stayed longer. After the last ferry leaves, it gets really quiet — perfect for R&R. You can easily find a deserted beach to yourself. Not much going on at night, but that’s exactly why you’re there.

Mainland Pattaya beach was fine for relaxing and swimming (though strange how few Thais go in the sea). Walking Street is still massively entertaining even if you don’t go into the bars.

Good: Koh Larn was excellent, good beach access, hot weather.
Not-so-good: Missed the usual crazy Pattaya energy this time.

My Time in Bang Saen: A Proper Local Beach Escape

Bang Saen became one of my favourite spots. It’s where Thais go to relax — long beach, good seafood, chilled bars, and very few loud foreigners. Evenings by the pier with locals chatting, drinking and playing music for hours was pure peace.

The Good: Relaxed local Thai vibe, great value seafood, friendly atmosphere.

The Not-So-Good: Beach isn’t the most beautiful in Thailand.

My Time in Udon Thani

I’ve been to Udon a few times, usually after doing Laos border runs from Nong Khai. It feels like a mini Bangkok for the older gentleman — not as overwhelming or expensive as the real thing, but still has plenty of good nightlife and conveniences.

The people here are noticeably more chilled than in Bangkok. It’s the opposite end of the country and you can really feel the difference in pace and friendliness. Good bar scenes (Day & Night Complex, etc.) but more relaxed overall.

Weather in Thailand

When it gets hot in Thailand, it gets very hot — the kind of sticky heat that drains you quickly. Air-con is essential.

Then comes the rainy season, which can be annoying with sudden heavy downpours that flood streets and disrupt plans.

Food & Beer in Thailand

Thai food is decent but overrated. It’s cheap, fills you up, and does the job, but it lacks the depth and variety of Vietnamese cuisine. Plus they have a crazy habit of eating a lot of bugs and crickets!

Pad Thai is the dish you’ll eat most and it’s genuinely good.

Thais also love putting a fried egg on top of almost everything.

For beer, the main local choices are Chang, Singha, and Leo. All are okay, but a cold Leo is the best of the three — crisp and refreshing.

The Good: Cheap food and beer everywhere, Pad Thai is reliable, cold Leo goes down well.

The Not-So-Good: Food is repetitive and often too sweet.

The Thai People

The Thai people are genuinely friendly, always smiling, and good-natured. Even in busy Bangkok you’ll still get plenty of smiles and small talk. In Isaan (Korat and Udon) and places like Bang Saen the friendliness feels even warmer and more natural.

They are also very family-oriented. You see big family groups eating together, grandparents out with grandkids, and family seems to be at the centre of life for most Thais. It gives a lot of the country a warm, grounded feeling.

Overall Thoughts

Overall, I really liked Thailand. It has a good mix of very good nightlife when you want it, but it’s also very easy to relax by the beach or in a small upcountry town. You can go from full chaos in Bangkok or Pattaya to peaceful island life on Koh Larn or chilled Isaan vibes in just a few hours.

For sure it has a negative image — go go bars, tits and ass, and all that — but there really is another side to it. Amazing beaches, old temples, beautiful scenery, modern malls with everything you could want, and great people to match. Yes, I do like Thailand!

ACCOMODATION

Podstel Hostel Bangkok (3/5)

5 Ratchadaphisek Rd, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

As part of the Bazaar Hotel, RedDoorz have a floor to themselves offering budget accommodation. But the upshot is that people which stay here can use some of the facilities of the luxurious hotel…..like pool, gym, dining areas, reception, etc…..

Staff are extremely friendly and efficient, cleaning staff too, and even though there are shared showers, toilet areas and a laundry area, that was fine…..they all were regularly cleaned and checked.

As I work online, I needed a single room, which was extremely small and with no windows, got very hot at times…… the air con was good, but then for sleeping, it was difficult as it made a noise…… the bed was also not the easiest to sleep on….. So it was difficult for me to get a good nights kip…..

Location was fine…. Even though you are very far from city centre, the surrounding area had a lot of restaurants and bars and 7/11’s to keep one happy during the week.

On the hotel ground there was a food market with many stalls selling food, drink and even marijuana!

Overall I wouldn’t return, just because I found it very difficult to sleep in the little room…… otherwise it was all good, especially the staff who were very pleasant and friendly, and the wifi was good.

Rooms: 3
Service: 5
Location: 4

The Home Hotel (2/5)

QJ3V+W7X THE HOME HOTEL 119/1 Ramkhamhaeng 50, Hua Mak, Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10240, Thailand

Stayed 17 days here.

Positives: staff efficient and friendly enough……rooms cleaned and clean sheets/towels/coffee provided regularly, and lots and lots of bottled water…..which is good.

A 24 hour 7/11 near by and also a few cheap food stalls…..

Room nice and spacious, and bed is comfortable…..en-suite shower and toilet good.

Gym, although small, was very efficient for a good workout, and quiet too, which was great.

Negatives: walls were damp, leading to a small smell……..hard to get a decent sleep as there was a low constant sound of buzzing from a machine, like a generator, all night long from outside…….. and worst of all…..the internet was very poor.

The kind lady at desk moved me to another room to see if the internet was better……it was but ever so slightly, and the night sounds were also found in the new room.

Location is a bit out of town.

Overall, with the lack of a good nights sleep and the poor internet I can only give the Hotel a two out of five……even though the rooms and bed are comfy, and the staff are competent….a good hotel should have proper Wi-Fi these days, and better sound proofing…… IMHO.

Rooms: 3
Service: 4
Location: 2

5บีบี 5B&B (4/5)

5 Rama IX Soi 54, Phatthanakan, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand

Two star accommodation, but heh it is what it is.

Friendly service and can wash and dry clothes and has small kitchen. But my room had no internet n in the office where I had to go I got eaten by mosquitos.

Not much nearby in terms of good restaurants and shops

A box for the week, hot and no ventilation, despite the air con, and got a lot, a lot, of bites …..from mosquitoes (I hope and not something else!)

Shared shower and bathroom, fine, nice and hot shower with shampoo and gels available. Kind enough to offer free washing of clothes

Can not complain really as for about 35 euros for the whole week and the staff were very friendly…..so….it was what you pay for…

Chanatinat Place (4/5)

19 12 Thongcomuthit Rd, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Amphoe Mueang Udon Thani, Chang Wat Udon Thani 41000, Thailand

Just the one night here but hotel was decent, nice comfy bed, hot shower, easy to check in/out and good location, not too far from all the main attractions. also very affordable……. cant complain!

Rooms: 4
Service: 5
Location: 4

NIGHT TIME ACTIVITIES

Fitzgeralds Irish Pub (3/5)

12/1, 4 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Ok place, better to be outside people watching than inside.

Staff ok, could be better

Pints fine

L 7 Café (4/5)

26 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Has Guinness on tap, which wasn’t to bad all things considered, poured very well by the friendly bar man.

Friendly staff and nice relaxing place……albeit the Guinness was a bit pricey!

THE LOOK LOUNGE (4/5)

795 797 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Just dropped in for a quick recharge of my batteries and to get some wifi for my map for the journey home.

Even though it was near to closing time, and I think the till was virtually closed, the staff were kind enough to serve me a nice cold beer.

Fancy enough place, with cool staff. Cheers.

Morning Night (3/5)

PHR3+M6J, Soi 4, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Right beside the Stumble Inn, similar enough type of place…..place for people watching……or gawking……lot of men on their own or small groups drinking, served by Thai girls.

Has two pool tables, which attracts a few, good to see the games are all light hearted, and not too competitive..

Hard to connect with anyone in a noisy busy place like this to be honest. just not my cup of tea.

The Bangcockney bar (2/5)

PHQ3+H88, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Ladyboy bar, which I didn’t know when I entered (honest), ha ha but I knew sure enough when the the lady behind the bar serving me a beer had a tache, lol. Not that that matters in any case, its all part and parcel of Bangkok.

Beer was fine, all staff wearing football tops, some stranger than others ….Millwall?

A crowd came in and completely changed the dynamic and atmosphere of the bar. Looked like regulars, some of them seemed like they were on chemicals too either for body building, others for fun.

Added to that the blockers the lady boys are on, and you get a bar where there is a lot of pent up emotions and attitudes.

Well weird to experience and see. Could feel it in the air…..

Not the most friendly of bars and they have their clique

Witch’s Tavern (3/5)

20 Village 20-21, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Quick pit stop, for a beer and to take a rest

Looks like a fancy enough place, good crowd in, decent atmosphere.

Service was fine, beer no problems

Had an issue with the bar chairs, very wobbly and hard to sit still….. very strange design… bit silly.

Chequers British Pub (4/5)

5, chequers British pub, 11 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khwaeng Khlong Toei, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Nice cozy little place in amongst the madness all around.

Good to get some bearings and drop in for a nice pint in a friendly pub where the music isn’t turned to the max and people are actually making conversation.

Ordered a toasted ham and cheese which wasn’t the best at all, but overall enjoyed my hour or so here relaxing……

Shenanigans (3/5)

840 Surawong Rd, Si Phraya, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand

Ordered a beer and some spaghetti carbonara which came to about 9 Euros, a bit steep me thinks……

Dish was ok, beer fine…..not much happening in the middle of the day here so left……..

Nana Plaza (2/5)

3, 1 Sukhumvit Rd, เขต คลองตัน, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

An adult playground really, an enclosed space with many go go bars, top less bars, lady boy bars, and all the rest……very seedy, and a bit too much over the top.

All I can think and hear is the sound of cash registers as money is extorted from horny sad men……

Interesting to see, but not the best experience in the world, too artificial, too noisy, like a lighted up cattle mart with ogling customers and scantly clad young ones all trying to get each others attention.

No thanks! And its not that hard to pick up someone from a bar or on the street for one tenth of the price…..im guessing (cough!)

Stumble Inn (3/5)

1, 2-1/5 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

More or less the first place you meet on Soi Nana.

Arrived early in the day, a few knocking about….ordered a burger and chips, and a beer

Not bad at all, not brilliant either, but did the job

Thought the Chang was a bit off on the draught, not great.

Overall a good place to start as you wander down the street….I guess.

7th Heaven Roof Bar (5/5)

24/25 Lat Phrao 19 Alley, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Here twice during my short stay in this area of Bangkok.

First time a solo effort, sat down and ordered a jug of beer and some chips…. service was fast, beer was good and the chips were damn tasty – very good.

There was music from a young woman with a guitar, and I didn’t catch her name, but she was also very good.

Second time around, was with a friend, and we had drinks and chips again……

The views are great, the atmosphere is top notch, good service, and the place is not pricey at all……..

The only negative, is the menu is very hard to read……dark red in a dark setting, it not the best choice of colour – was difficult to see what exactly was on the menu!!!

Overall, recommended nice place to relax as the sun goes down over Bangkok (and I saw on my way out they do have Guinness on tap too, ah well next time!)

Koh Hop Bar (4/5)

อาคาร 1 โซน F ชั้น 4 ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติสุวรรณภูมิ อินเตอร์) ยูนิต T1FW4 04 999 หมู่ 1 Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand

Had the fried rice and bacon, with a beer Service with a smile and efficient

Food was good, well tasty and beer nice and cool

Nice place to sit down and while away the time.

Order came to about 16 Euros, which wasn’t bad.

Nothing to complain about. very good.

Robin Hood (4/5)

P.B Building 597/1-3 Sukhumvit Rd, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Just a quick drop in for a rest and a cheap pint. Friendly bar staff, fast and efficient.

Lots of football on all the various screens……good atmosphere in…(not as mad as the Irish bar round the corner but there you go, ha!)

Good place for the football on the box

P.J O’Brien’s Irish Pub and Sports Bar (4/5)

1108, 46-47 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

First start of the day, just from the airport, typical paddy straight to the Irish pub, ha ha

Still good to get a pint of the black stuff, not that it tasted too great, but fair is fair that’s a skill in itself to get it right so far away from home.

Ordered some chips, well tasty. Few in for an early midday Saturday, that was just building up…..sport on the box….

Lot of AFL on the wall, couldn’t see a whole lot of Irish sports stuff, which was a pity, maybe I didn’t see it…

Anyway nice enough bar…..friendly staff, good start…

O’Shea’s Irish Pub (Sports Bar, Hotel & Rooftop) (5/5)

595, 16-19 Soi Sukhumvit 33/1, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Celtic were after winning a game as I walked in so one can imagine the craic was mighty, and it was…….good fun, good pints, friendly staff, cracking atmosphere……..will return when back in Bangkok…..

The Rovers (3/5)

630 Sukhumvit 71 Rd, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Midday Saturday, good crowd at front, a gang of fellas having the laugh and there was a spread on….

Didn’t know anyone but was kindly offered some food by one of the bar ladies, which was very kind of her.

Had two beers at bar, grumpy bar lady behind the bar serving could have at least cracked a smile or two…..maybe too early.

Anyway…….more like an Aussie bar than an Irish bar but there you go…

Rees Coffee (2/5)

ชั้น 4, Gate F ขาออก, Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand

Come and get ripped off with over priced beers.

Shame that once you are past security and customs there is no real bar in this shitty airport

PLACES TO EAT AND CAFES

Plara Der (2/5)

193 Lat Phrao 26 Alley, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Had spicy grilled pork neck salad, and spicy pork spare ribs, and khoa Gee.

Dishes were just about ok, fairly small portions especially as there was two of us…..the khoa gee, didn’t look anything like was advertised and I was expecting a few not the one we got!

Overall it wasn’t great, a tad bit disappointing, and we were both still hungry after we left which is always a bad sign for a restaurant.

Was cheap though, at less than 11 Euros……which I cant complain about to be fair.

Burger King – Suvarnabhumi Airport T1 (4/5)

ชั้น 4 (อินเตอร์) ยูนิต T1DW4 ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติสุวรรณภูมิ อาคาร 1 โซน D (ตะวันตก 03 / T1DW4-04 999 หมู่ 1 Nong Prue, Bang Phli District, Samut Prakan 10540, Thailand

Bit of a hit or miss, mostly good, fast and efficient service, nice to sit at side, can be a quiet place in a very busy airport.

Swan (2/5)

31 Sukhumvit 4 Alley, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Fried pork in oyster sauce, bit pricey too at 150 Baht (4 euros), with a few beers.

Service so so, beers fine, atmosphere good, but food bland and just about edible.

See they serve Fried Egg dish! Which says a lot about the standard and effort of this tired “restaurant” .

The Good Corner (3/5)

309/10-11 Pajaksinlapacom Rd, Tambon Mak Khaeng, Mueang Udon Thani District, Udon Thani 41000, Thailand

Right on the corner, so catching all the passing crowd, was busy enough when I ventured in.

Menu had a lot to offer, I asked for a Thai beef dish but when I asked if it came with rice the waitress hadn’t a clue what I was talking about, which was a bit annoying, so just went for a burger and French fries, to play it safe. Ordered a large beer too.

Food came quick enough and although it looked pretty good, alas to say the burger was dry and rather boring in the taste…..pity.

Good atmosphere in the place though, got talking to a few ex pats. Ordered another beer, and left it at that Bill came to just over 9 Euros.

Thestaycafe Indian Touch (3/5)

72/1 Ratchaprarop Rd, Khwaeng Makkasan, Phaya Thai, Bangkok 10400, Thailand

Needed to sit down, check my mobile and get my bearings…….had a beer and some breakfast, an omelette dish.

Food was just about ok, but service was very friendly….

Service: 5

THE COFFEE CLUB – River City (3/5)

ชั้นที่ 1, โซน outdoor, 23 Soi Chareonkrung 22, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

Ham and cheese toasty and a cup of coffee…..

They didn’t have a decent selection of teas unfortunately…..

Beside the river so the views are great, and there are plenty of chairs to sit and relax……teeny bit disappointing they didn’t have any wifi…..one of the main reasons I come into a place like this tbh

Food fine…..service good…….

Brunello Thailand (4/5)

15 Rama IX Soi 58, Suanluang, Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand

Was here for two nights.

First time round, I went for the Parma ham and Buratta Pizza, with a Peroni, and after a Singha Lager coming to about 25 Euros, a teeny bit expensive, but the Pizza was damn good

Cant beat Parma ham, sweet and succulent small slices, love it, going well with the Buratta cheese….and a soft thin base, nice and crisp. Enjoyed it with my lager.

Nice to relax with good food after a hard day of work. Refreshing.

Second time around, I ordered the Fettuccine Brunello and a Chang Lager, just under 21 Euros.

The pasta nice and soft, loving the sauce, and the meat balls hitting the spot.

Lovely, only issue is I could have had more!

Restaurant has good food on offer, in a nice relaxed atmosphere, and the owner is friendly enough to take the time for a quick chat.

Service is friendly, fast and efficient. (Only negative for me was the price considering the location, but maybe because I am a tight ass!?)

Yord Laab Ped Udorn (2/5)

106 ถนน พระราม 9 ตัดใหม่ ซอย 49 Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand

Settled in here, hungry. Big place, with a big menu, but not a whole lot that looked appetizing to be honest.

Eventually went for the stir fried beef in oyster sauce and stir fried sweet leaf in oyster sauce, and since they didn’t do beer, went with coke and a lemon drink.

Service was friendly, if on the slow side

Dishes were not great at all, very bland, could hardly get any taste or flavours at all…. mixed the leaf with the beef made no difference…..all tasteless…. disappointing…

About ten euros.

Burger Bro (1/5)

Rama IX Soi 49 Khwaeng Suan Luang Khet Suan Luang Please select 443 ซอย 9 Suan Luang, Bangkok 10250, Thailand

Don’t accept the Kings good money (cash), what a joke of a place……kip

And they have an ATM in-bedded beside them, clown world.

Café Amazon (5/5)

1323 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok

Lovely little café place, really cool décor, and very friendly staff.

Ordered chocolaty coffee that was well delicious.

Nice

Tum Tum Inter (2/5)

442, 20 ปาก Lat Phrao 26 Alley, Khwaeng Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

Kaprao rice and egg, and meat, and some crispy meat with a beer…….

Was a bit disappointing to be honest, looked good but food was bland and rather tasteless…….the crispy meat wasn’t great at all.

But the real kick in the nuts was that it cost over ten euros…….which was a joke considering its Bangkok and I’m eating food I can get on the street for much less the price.

AND PLACES TO SEE

Lumphini Park (4/5)

Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Nice enough park, massive too…….very busy with loads of people milling about, doing exercise and the rest.

Good break from the craziness off the streets nearby.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (5/5)

Damnoen Saduak, Damnoen Saduak District, Ratchaburi 70130, Thailand

Very interesting trip to see the floating market, in a tour group every thing was prearranged, so no haggling at side and straight onto a boat…….funny to see all the people selling their wares….fruits and veg, and food, but generally a lot of useless tat…….got a bit crowded on the river at the start with the boats on the engine powering through with no regards to us on the man power version……. still though all fun and games……

Once we got out of the market we did a big circle and it was good to see some dwellings and get a feel for the people who live by the river on a daily basis…..houses on big stilts….

The full circle was about an hour and very enjoyable….

Rom Hup Market (4/5)

Phet Samut, Mae Klong, Mueang Samut Songkhram District, Samut Songkhram 75000, Thailand

Went with a tour group, and started on the actual train a few stations back and arrived into the Maeklong Railway Market on the train.

After that we wandered around for a bit, then got ready, like the million other tourists as the train started off again, through the market, watching with interest as how fast and quick the sellers took down and then put up and out their wares…….all in all a tight squeeze and in less than a minute.

Very interesting to see…..

Bigcountry Experience (5/5)

23 Charoenkrung 24 , River City Bangkok Unit 159, Taladnoi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100, Thailand

Very impressive tour with a very good host, Lucky, who was both entertaining and full of knowledge

We did the Damnoen Saduk Floating Market, and the Maeklong Railway Market, both very interesting and quite an experience.

Up early and collected in Bangkok, we took a small mini bus, a group of about 10, and the journey was about one hour and a half…… both ways

Arrived at a small station where we got on the train that leads to Maeklong. From there we got to see how the train goes through the market and how quick the sellers react. From here we went to the floating market, and we were straight onto a boat going down the river……past all the sellers and their wares…..

Both trips were very good and well worth doing……and best of all the tour organized was very affordable, from memory it was between 30 to 50 dollars, great price for a days adventure.

Recommended.

AND THE REST

BKK Sky Gym (4/5)

ชั้น 4, The Bazaar Hotel Bangkok, 52 Ratchadaphisek Road, Chom Phon, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand

As part of the hotel/hostel I was staying, got to use the gym here

Very friendly staff, and a lot of good equipment and machines to get a good workout – a lot of space as well so even if its busy it doesn’t feel crowded.

The only negative was some of the trainers and clientele didn’t look well at all, some of them looked very unwell – perhaps a lot of visitors to the hotel need some fresh air rather than strenuous exercise, and as for the trainers – if they are affiliated with the gym or not – I’d be picky who id allow to do that on the premises – if they look unhealthy why are they training other people? Was funny to see. otherwise all ok…

MBK CENTER (1/3)

444 Phaya Thai Rd, Wang Mai, Subdistrict, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Suffocating……….. not unless you are desperate

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Visiting Switzerland

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My Time Living in Basel, Switzerland: An Honest Expat Guide to Life, Hiking & Family

I’ve lived in and around Basel, in north-western Switzerland, for the best part of ten years now. Two of my kids were born here, and after a decade, this country has worked its way deep into my heart. It’s not always the flashy, tourist-poster Switzerland that people imagine, but it’s real, it’s steady, and it’s become home.

Basel itself isn’t quite as postcard-pretty as Bern with its medieval old town, or as glamorous as Zürich with its lake, or as international as Geneva. It’s more grounded — a working city with a strong industrial and pharmaceutical backbone, sitting right where Switzerland, France and Germany meet along the mighty Rhine. But it has its own quiet charm: the colourful old town, the impressive Münster overlooking the river, and that steady flow of the Rhine that locals treat like their own personal summer playground.

What really takes my breath away, though, is the scenery across the whole country. Switzerland’s landscapes are simply out of this world. Drive an hour or two from Basel and you’re suddenly surrounded by beautiful lush green pastures that look almost too perfect to be real. Then come the amazing mountain peaks that rise dramatically against the sky, the lovely fresh waterfalls cascading down rock faces, and those deep, clear lakes reflecting it all. Even in the north-west, the Jura hills give you rolling, forested landscapes that feel wild and peaceful at the same time. In spring and summer the meadows explode with colour, and in autumn the forests turn golden. It never gets old.

Living here gave me the chance to explore far beyond Basel. The hiking is absolutely amazing — there are so many trails in this country it feels like there’s nearly one for every citizen. Many times I’ve set off on a route and had the whole mountainside to myself for hours. The Swiss are so fit and active it’s almost unfair. I’ve seen grannies cheerfully booting up steep paths, and women carrying their newborn babies in slings while hiking up serious mountains. They make it look effortless. One word of warning though: if a Swiss sign says “20 minutes to the next checkpoint,” double that time in your head if you’re an Ausländer. Trust me — it’ll save you some suffering and a few choice words along the way.

I’ve also caught football matches in different cities and hit the odd rock and punk concert in venues scattered around the country. From the big, self-important city of Zürich — which tends to look down on the rest of Switzerland as if it’s the only cool place that matters — to posh Geneva, to tiny, wealthy Zug (the letterbox city where half the world’s companies seem to hide), to Bern — the capital that isn’t quite the capital but is goddamn beautiful with its arcades and river — to Lucerne with its picture-perfect lake, to far-flung St. Gallen in the east, to Schaffhausen and its dramatic Rhine Falls… every corner feels different, yet somehow unmistakably Swiss.

One of the things I still find quietly amusing on train journeys is watching the ticket inspectors. They move through the carriage and can effortlessly switch between Swiss German, French, Italian, and then drop into perfectly polite English if needed. It’s a small thing, but it sums up how all the languages somehow work together here. In a country with four official languages, people just make it function — calmly and efficiently. It never fails to impress me.

The Swiss themselves can be quite Germanic at times — they love their rules, their regulations, and that business-like efficiency. Everything has its proper way and proper time. Yet they’re noticeably more relaxed about it than in Germany or Austria. They set the rules, point them out clearly, and then trust you to follow them — or not. Adults behave like adults, or not. COVID was a perfect example: they had their regulations in place, but they didn’t go overboard like some other nations. No hysteria, no extreme enforcement. Just calm, pragmatic guidance.

What really shows their independent streak is how they handled it all. Switzerland was one of the very few nations that held not one but three referendums on the COVID laws and vaccine passes. A good chunk of the population voted against them each time — even if the measures ultimately passed. You see that same independent-mindedness all the time in daily life: the cantons, the small valleys, and even individual regions often have their own rules and regulations, decided by the people who actually live there. It’s true representative democracy with a strong direct element — something that feels increasingly rare in a world where democracy often seems to have run its course.

The people here are a big part of why it feels like home too. They can come across as fierce and slow to chat at first. They value their privacy and don’t rush into small talk on the tram or in the lift. But once you get to know them, once you’ve shared a few evenings, helped out at school, or joined a neighbourhood gathering, they turn out to be some of the most reliable, loyal, and genuinely great people you could hope to know. Dry humour, straightforward honesty, and a real sense of community once you’re inside the circle.

I also love the Swiss style of politics — the canton system. In theory (and often in practice), everyone has a voice. The decentralized way the country runs, with real power sitting at the cantonal and even communal level, feels refreshingly different from many places I’ve lived. It means decisions that affect daily life are made closer to the people who actually live there, rather than handed down from some distant capital. There’s a direct democracy element that still surprises me — the way citizens can actually vote on specific issues multiple times a year. It’s not perfect, of course, but it gives you a sense that your opinion can matter if you choose to engage.

Family life here has been wonderful. My kids speak Swiss German with that lovely Basel lilt, they run around in safe streets and excellent playgrounds, and they benefit from top-quality schools and healthcare. The rhythm of daily life suits me: trains and trams that actually run on time, clean air, well-kept forests and parks, and the ability to hop across borders for a quick change of scenery or a different supermarket experience.

Of course, there are negatives — and they’re real. Switzerland is an expensive place to live, especially if you’re coming from elsewhere. Eating out is particularly painful; it’s easily the most expensive I’ve experienced anywhere, on a par with Hong Kong in my book. A simple meal with a glass of wine can make your eyes water. Beer in the bars is the same story — pretty steep prices that would make even Dublin blush these days. Even travelling on the trains, which are world-class and punctual, can be shockingly expensive. Without a Swiss Travel Pass or Half-Fare Card, a single journey can cost as much as a short-haul flight. I used the Swiss Card for a while and it helped a lot, but it’s still not cheap once you add it all up.

Having said that, it’s not all bad on the money front. Shopping for food and drinks at the supermarket is much more manageable. I can grab a decent can of Coop beer for about 60 cents, which takes the edge off nicely when you’re having a quiet one at home. Groceries in general are pricey compared to many countries, but with a bit of planning (and knowing where the deals are), it’s doable.

The scenery, the incredible hiking, the multilingual efficiency, the pragmatic yet independent Swiss mindset, the people, the direct democracy, and the sheer variety you can experience in such a small country — it all adds up to something special. Switzerland didn’t just give me a place to live. It gave my family roots in a country that still feels a bit magical, even on the ordinary days when the bill at the restaurant or the train ticket reminds you exactly where you are.

If you ever find yourself in the Basel region, take a walk along the Rhine, drive out into the Jura or further into the Alps when you can, catch a football match, hunt down a decent gig, or better yet — lace up your boots and hit the trails. Give the locals a proper chance. They’re worth getting to know. And the landscapes? They’ll do the rest.

PLACES TO EAT

Restaurant Grünerbaum (5/5)

Heinrich Moser-Platz 1, 8212 Neuhausen am Rheinfall

Knowing I could walk from Schaffhausen to Neuhausen am Rheinfall, I decided to make a trip to the family run Restaurant CM Brauhaus as I read they brew their own beer, and felt it might be an interesting place to see.

I kind of messed up as the walk, which I had done many times before, was longer than I had remembered. So in actual fact I only made it to one bar for the day out due to this excessive extra trip. But it was worth it as the bar/restaurant is a treasure.

Within the centre of the restaurant there are two bigger copper kettles where the house beer and seasonal beers are regularly brewed. The vaulted cellar is where most of the magic happens, located directly below the restaurant, where all the brews are fermented and stored until served cold at the bar.

The CM Brauhaus restaurant opened its doors for the first time as a Brauhaus restaurant in 2016. The interior has a very modern feel to it yet their is also a nod to its vintage location as there are some artifacts to brewery and local history dotted around. Its a nice place to sit down and relax.

I ventured in to see the copper tanks, but many people were seated outside enjoying their food and beers with the lovely day that it was. A nice atmosphere at the brewhouse, everyone enjoying themselves. A definite touristy kind of feel going on, happy to be out and about.

I didn’t go for any food, which looked damn good on what I saw coming out of the kitchen, I probably should have, but decided to have the house beer, which was a pale ale, nourishment enough I guessed. Service was fast and very friendly, they also charged my phone on request which was kind of them.

The beer was served cold and was FANTASTIC, well worth the long walk. You know the beer was good as I ordered another one, breaking my one beer one pub rule. Liked it here a lot, has a very homely and relaxing feel to the place, and one where I could have happily spent longer. And the beers were to die for.

Often these places can be very pretentious but this brew house was brilliant, and I hope I can return in the near future.

PLACES TO SEE

Merian Gardens (5/5)

Vorder Brüglingen 5, 4052 Basel, Switzerland

Really wasn’t expecting much but was pleasantly surprised.

A gorgeous park, nicely set gardens and walkways, a lovely stream running through the park, a pretty lake with loads of birds, some farm yard animals, and even though it was mid winter there was still a lot to see.

So good that we didn’t even get to see most of the park, and the best part was it was free!!!

Looking forward to going back to complete the park!

Hagenbächli (4/5)

Hagenbachweg, 4133 Pratteln, Switzerland

Not anything to see in itself, but as part of a nice walk around the area and hills…… can get a pretty good view of the town of Pratteln and of Basel off in the distance….

Nice place for a rest and to take a breather

MOUNTAINS AND HIKING

Mont Raimeux (5/5)

2745 Grandval, Switzerland

Last weekend did the Jura Canton Highest peak, Mont Raimeux, 1,302 m. Took a 5 hour and a bit route starting and ending from the small town of Moutier, in the direction of Raimeux de Belprahon, to the peak, Mont Raimeux, then down to Le Petit Pre, through the woods, and right around to the town of Corcelles and back to Moutier.

Was a lovely day, hottest yet I think, but lucky enough most of the route was either under the cover of trees or a strong cool breeze was in my direction (cold winds from the Alps?), which was well refreshing.

Arriving early by train at Moutier, had a quick wander around the small town, and by 10:00 I was ready to start the hike.

The trail to the peak was very easy to do, round and round a forest trail going up and up to the first port of call. Raimeux de Belprahon, after that through very scenic farming land in the presence of cows with their bells (does it not drive the cows mad?), eventually arriving at the top, where there was a bit of activity, with people chilling out, having lunch, and enjoying the views from the peak. You can see the snow covered Alps far off in the distance, and if you have a head for heights can climb the observation tower to get a really great overview of the Jura.

The trek down to Le Petit Pre was the clear highlight for me. A quiet track with views of the Jura on one side, through the forest and occasionally having to go through some more fields with cows a grazing. It was so refreshing that I stopped more than once to take it all in. I could have returned to Moutier much, much quicker, but what’s the hurry when one can have a lie down, drink a lager in a field under a tree in the midday sun, and let the world go by. Who needs a beach holiday, when you have the Jura! Bliss, was in the zone, ha!

But the negative, and there is always a negative, was that the last hour back to Moutier, via Corcelles, was directly under the sun, at its hottest, with no shade. That was a hard walk back to town, lovely views but hard all the same. Especially for the pale skinned Irish lad!

Had a sit down beer and chips in a small restaurant, was a good stop on the way to Moutier. Amazing how tasty a cold beer and chips with ketchup can taste when one is tired. Its the simple things…..

Anyway another peak off my list. 5 down now. Eager to up it to the 2000 metre ones now, but the football will be on soon (Euro Champs) so I am not sure how that will work out…… Would say this peak was easily my favourite so far…..

SOME OF MY SWISS ARTICLES: (click on links)

A drink with Keltikon, Switzerland’s Celtic Punk Rock band

keltikon, The Black Boar. Album Review

Interview with Olaf Ohl, lead singer of Keltikon

Appowila Highland Games

Celtic Punk Invasion Tour, Zurich 2015

Interview with Dr. Daniele Ganser

SOME VIDEOS

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Visiting Mongolia

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Ulaanbaatar City Guide: Where to Eat, Drink & Experience the Soul of Modern Mongolia

Ulaanbaatar – the beating heart of Mongolia, a city I’ve fallen for after 4 visits. There’s something raw and magnetic about UB that just clicks. The people here are proper down-to-earth, tough as old boots from generations of wrestling with the elements, yet they’ve got this gentle, open soul underneath. You can feel their deep, almost spiritual connection to the land and the vast steppes – it echoes their warrior past in every handshake and quiet smile. And yeah, you can absolutely see it in their faces and bearing: these are the descendants of Genghis Khan, the man of Mongolia, the unifier who forged an empire from the saddle. That proud, resilient spirit is still very much alive.

At the same time, the city is transforming fast – money is pouring in from oil, gas, copper, coal, gold and all those rich minerals. Skyscrapers are shooting up, international brands are filling the shops, and there’s a real buzz and excitement about the future. It’s a young, lively capital where ancient nomadic roots meet modern energy, and the vibe is electric. You’ve got great cafes slinging serious coffee, modern restaurants blending Mongolian classics with international twists, hip bars pouring craft beers and creative cocktails, and an overall feeling that something big is happening here. It’s not polished like some Asian capitals, but that’s part of the charm – raw, real, and full of life.

Mongolian food is hearty, built for the steppe – think tender mutton, beef, buuz (steamed dumplings), khuushuur (fried pastries), tsuivan (stir-fried noodles), and salty milk tea (suutei tsai). But the scene has evolved: plenty of fusion spots now mix local ingredients with global techniques.

Cafes and bars are booming: Morning Street has become a trendy strip with early-opening spots, international options (Korean, Indian, etc.), and an easy outdoor vibe when the weather cooperates. Portions are usually generous, and the quality has stepped up with the economic boom.

Where to Drink & Nightlife

This is where UB really shines these days. The drinking and nightlife scene has leveled up dramatically in the last few years – from quiet to vibrant without losing its soul. Locals dress smart-casual and love a night out, especially in summer. Beer is big (local favorites like Chinggis, Golden Gobi, Sengur, or GEM), but craft options, cocktails, and live music are thriving.

One quirky UB hallmark: the surprising number of Irish pubs. They popped up years ago – some say from expats returning after stints in Ireland, others joke it was just the era when “Irish bar” became shorthand for any proper pub. Whatever the origin, they’ve stuck around and become local institutions. They’re great for a pint, pub grub, and that sociable atmosphere where conversations flow easily. I previously wrote about that here > Mongolia and Irish bars!

You’ll find everything from dive-y late spots to rooftop lounges with skyline views, smoky theatrical cocktails, and clubs for dancing if that’s your thing. The energy is sociable – Mongolians are welcoming, and a shared drink often leads to good chats about horses, the land, or the future.

And honestly? Some of my best nights in UB have ended with making lifelong friends – whether over a Chinggis beer in an Irish pub or a negroni in a sleek new spot. The people here have a way of pulling you in.

Beyond Food & Drink

Soak in the contrasts: Sukhbaatar Square for the central pulse, Choijin Lama Temple Museum or Gandan Monastery for Buddhist tranquility amid the urban sprawl, the Bogd Khaan Palace for a taste of royal history, or the National Museum of Mongolia for Genghis-era context and nomadic artifacts.

The city edges give way quickly to hills with views over the ger districts – a reminder that the steppe is never far. In summer, there’s a festival energy; in winter, the cold adds its own stark beauty.

UB can be dusty or bitterly cold depending on the season – pack layers and respect the elements (that warrior resilience isn’t just talk). Transport is improving but still a mix of taxis, rideshares, and walking the lively streets. ATMs and cards are more widespread now with the money flowing in, but have some cash handy. Haircuts, dry cleaning, and everyday services are straightforward and affordable.

Overall, Ulaanbaatar captures that perfect tension: deep-rooted, land-connected souls driving a city that’s charging toward a modern, mineral-fueled future. It’s exciting, genuine, and full of that quiet pride. If you love a place with heart, history in the faces, and a buzz in the air, UB delivers.

The next round’s on me – Chinggis beer, a well-made negroni, or a pint in one of those delightfully unexpected Irish pubs? Either way, you’ll feel the steppe calling even in the middle of the skyscrapers.

NIGHT TIME ACTIVITIES

Grand Khaan Irish Pub (3/5)

Seoul St, SBD – 1 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar 14251, Mongolia

The biggest Irish bar was The Grand Khaan Irish Pub, a good place for food, with great service, and where all the hot shots of the city hang out.

A bit expensive and really doesn’t offer much in terms of decent entertainment, but not that bad for a quite drink and a chat in the day time.

Dublin Irish pub (4/5)

WW74+GFP Seoul St, SBD – 4 khoroo, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

My favourite Irish bar was The Dublin Irish Pub, which for an “Oirish bar” wasn’t too bad. They say they were the first Irish bar in the city, but truth be told the city still has to have a real authentic Irish pub.

I was a regular customer there and managed to get a tab running, which is always a bonus.

Had decent food, good music on the jukebox, had a chilled out atmosphere and sometimes on special nights an impromptu music session would get going.

The only negative was the bar staff had terrible English and were a bit dim.

Some thoughts after more than seven years living in China

The bargain

A few gripes

Loneliness, empty streets and other wild “conspiratorial” claims

A different idea of “freedom”

Some videos!

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ACCOMODATION

James’s Homestay (4/5)

Hotel Vy Nga (3/5)

RedDoorz The Jade Hotel Than Nhan Trung (5/5)

4S Riverside Linh Dong Condominium (4/5)

Khách sạn Biển Đông Green (4/5)

Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa (4/5)

Saigon Charm Hotel (3/5)

Tan Thien Huong Hotel (5/5)

Homestay Nam Dong (5/5)

Ngoc Loan Hotel (4/5)

K’s Homestay (4/5)

Ha Long Hotel (4/5)

Ky Hoa Hotel (4/5)

Eden Hotel Sài Gòn (5/5)

NIGHT TIME ACTIVITIES

Bùi Viện (2/5)

Summer Experiment (2/5)

Pasteur Street Brewing Co (4/5)

The Rabbit Hole Irish Bar (5/5)

Budda Bar (2/5)

Heart of Darkness Craft Brewery (3/5)

BELGO LE NGO CAT – BELGIAN CRAFT BEER & RESTAURANT (5/5)

Mooney’s Saigon (5/5)

7 Bridges Craft Beer Taproom & Restaurant / Lê Thánh Tôn (4/5)

Pasteur Street Craft Beer Le Thanh Ton (3/5)

Cheers Bar SaiGon (1/5)

BIN Cafe Acoustic Thủ Đức (5/5)

Fang Hub (1/5)

BELGO NGUYEN VAN THU – BELGIAN CRAFT BEER & RESTAURANT (5/5)

Legends Bar (2/5)

East West Brewing – Sai Gon (5/5)

M Sphinx Lounge Bar (3/5)

Hay Bar (1/5)

Schiller – River Club (3/5)

P. Tạ Hiện (5/5)

O’Briens Factory (Irish Bar) (3/5)

RockBar – good bar in Saigon (5/5)

Tartine Saigon – Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Q1 (4/5)

MZ Club – Live Music (2/5)

Breeze Rooftop Bar (4/5)

Cà phê Ông già (1/5)

Cask Bar (3/5)

VFB Restaurant & Bar (3/5)

Tiệm bia NHÀ VĂN HÓA (3/5)

PLACES TO EAT

Xưởng Bia Restaurant – 01 Lê Quý Đôn (5/5)

Quán ăn Thành Đạt (5/5)

CHEONGDAM BBQ & SUSHI (4/5)

Quán Vỹ Dạ (1/5)

Mr. Pie bakery (1/5)

Lẩu gà ớt hiểm (1/5)

TAN VINH PHAT FOOD MANUFACTURING AND TRADING CO., LTD (1/5)

Den Long – Home Cooked Vietnamese Restaurant (5/5)

Kem mềm Nhật Bản JAPAN SOFT CREAM (1/5)

Pizza 4P’s The Emporium (3/5)

HỦ TIẾU WE (WE FOOD) – HỦ TIẾU NAM VANG (2/5)

Phuc Loc Rest Stop (5/5)

Bún Chả Bà Hương (4/5)

Bếp Mẹ Ỉn (2/5)

Ngon Restaurant (4/5)

Kebab 88 (2/5)