Thao Dien in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, has ranked 16th on Time Out’s list of the 38 most wonderful neighborhoods in the world.
Thao Dien is also known as the “Western street” of Ho Chi Minh City because it has many international-style restaurants and shops. Photo: Phuong Lam
Recently, Time Out officially announced its list of the 38 most exciting neighborhoods globally.
The magazine’s global team of editors and writers directly consulted with experts and conducted on-site surveys to identify neighborhoods that met the criteria of being interesting and worth visiting.
The criteria included food, drink, art, culture, street atmosphere, community, and unique local characteristics.
As a result, 38 neighborhoods were selected as the best on the planet. Notably, Thao Dien in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City, was named for the first time in this ranking, securing the 16th spot.
Thao Dien is located along the Saigon River, about 7-10 kilometers from the city center. Previously part of District 2, it is now part of Thu Duc City.
Time Out describes Thao Dien as a neighborhood with plenty of walkable, tree-lined streets, many restaurants, spas, and fashion boutiques. Thao Dien is highlighted as a hub of creativity, showcasing culinary, cultural, and artistic uniqueness.
In Thao Dien, there is Bakes, a creative French bakery with cakes that look like works of art. Tre Dining, a famous restaurant in the neighborhood recognized by Michelin, features a unique blend of traditional and modern architecture. Tre’s dishes are rich in traditional Vietnamese flavors.
Beyond food and drinks, Thao Dien is also a shopping destination for local fashion brands and handicrafts. Particularly, visitors to the weekend market (open on Saturdays and Sundays) can find affordable clothes, accessories, books, and more.
Thao Dien neighborhood has many walking spaces, tree-lined streets, many restaurants, spas and fashion stores. Photo: Phuong Lam.
Time Out suggests that a perfect day in Thao Dien starts with salted coffee at Hue Cafe Roastery before enjoying a bowl of pho at Pho Bac Hai No. 1 Hanoi. After recharging, visitors can stroll down Xuan Thuy Street, then stop at Amaï to admire Vietnamese ceramics. Next, stop by Maison Marou for a cup of hot cocoa and some delicious chocolate made from Vietnamese cocoa beans.
For lunch, head to Dotori Dining, which serves Japanese-Korean cuisine, followed by a matcha-coconut drink at Cafe 1/4 next door. For shopping, visit OBJoff or Maverik Studio for street fashion. Afterward, relax with a Thai-style massage at Phaya Thai Spa.
End the day with a chic dinner at Madame Lam and enjoy a romantic evening at Xao Xac Bar.
Topping the list of the 38 best neighborhoods in the world is Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille, France. This neighborhood is known for its colorful cul-de-sacs, alleys filled with murals, banana trees, and spiral staircases descending from Cours Julien. Second on the list is Mers Sultan in Casablanca, Morocco.
▸ Asia is represented by seven neighborhoods, including:
- Pererenan in Bali, Indonesia (ranked 3rd);
- Seongsu-dong in Seoul, South Korea (ranked 4th);
- Thao Dien in Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City (ranked 16th);
- Ekkamai in Bangkok, Thailand (ranked 27th);
- Kowloon in Hong Kong, China (ranked 33rd);
- Orchard in Singapore (ranked 37th).
Earlier, in March 2024, Quang An Street in Tay Ho District, Hanoi, was also included by Time Out in the list of the 30 most beautiful streets in the world.
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Source: Vietnam Insider