Villa Sông Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Located along Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2, a newer section of the city, is this luxurious riverside urban resort by the name of Villa Sông Saigon. Sông means “river” in Vietnamese and Sài Gòn is the former name of the city.
hotel lobby
private pier and speedboat for guests
Offering peace and serenity away from the chaotic traffic conditions of the most populous city of Vietnam (officially Socialist Republic of Vietnam), tucked within an upscale expatriate neighbourhood much like Kuala Lumpur’s Bangsar, Villa Sông Saigon is a sanctuary for its guests.
Sanctuary Suite
welcome fruit platter
Sanctuary Suite
Sanctuary Suite
Sanctuary Suite
Sanctuary Suite
The 4-year-old Villa Sông Saigon, with its French colonial architecture and delicate beauty, transports one to the setting of classic romance novels or the rich tin mining era of Kinta Valley in Malaysia.
Writer’s Room
Writer’s Room
By the time I checked in to Villa Sông Saigon, I had travelled from Nha Trang and Mũi Né. Throughout the journey, if there was any landmark that exuded a “timeless charm”, it would be Villa Sông Saigon itself. If you didn’t know yet, 2019 is Visit Vietnam Year with the tagline “Vietnam Timeless Charm”. Therefore, if you have yet to visit Vietnam, this would be the year to discover its charms and gems. I am glad that I made it in the nick of time before 2020 comes knocking.
Art Suite
Art Suite
Art Suite
As mentioned, Villa Sông Saigon is a boutique accommodation. Low density with only 23 rooms and suites, each features a different layout that maximises its spaces, although all are similarly stylishly appointed in pristine colour schemes of primarily white, black and gold. Each unit is decorated by a unique art piece or more. In fact, the entire hotel strategically displays contemporary paintings which are the property of private art collectors. Some of them are for sale, so do enquire.
Art Suite
Art Suite
Art Suite
Despite the low number of rooms/suites, there are actually EIGHT categories: Writer’s Room, Villa Room, Sanctuary Room, Sanctuary River Room, Art Suite, Villa Suite, Sanctuary Suite and Imperial Suite.
Imperial Suite
Imperial Suite
Imperial Suite
Imperial Suite
Oh, which to choose? It really depends on your requirement. Just let the staff know if you wish for a room with garden view, river view pool view, connecting room, room for those with limited mobility, or even a room that inspires you in your book-writing adventure. That would be the Writer’s Room, a homey single-occupany room.
Sanctuary Suite
Sanctuary Suite
Guests are welcomed with a fruit platter upon check in. Moreover, each room/suite is equipped with a well stocked up mini bar, which is replenished daily, except for the day of check out.
Sanctuary Suite
Sanctuary Suite desk
wardrobe
A stay in Villa Sông Saigon means total relaxation and rejuvenation from the moment you set foot past its doors, greeted by smiling, friendly staff. And I must mention, having spent many nights at different hotels throughout my travelling life, Villa Sông Saigon has one of the most comfortable pillows. They look bulky but once you lay your head down, you automatically fall asleep, which puts you at risk of oversleeping!
complimentary mini bar
Sanctuary Room pool view
PRO TIP: When at Villa Sông Saigon, it’s better not to fix any appointment or meeting because there are times when you just want to spend more time in bed! Lie ins are the order of the mornings when you are here! I kid you not!
Villa Spa
Villa Spa
While I personally advocate a complete rest and recreation at Villa Sông Saigon, and just laze around the whole day in my room or by the pool doing “nothing”, there are plenty of activities to occupy your time, should you wish for them. Just make a reservation at the front desk for Thanh Da Island Tour (45 minutes duration) or Phu Chau Floating Temple (90 minutes duration).
fitness room
swimming pool
For your information, the swimming pool here, measuring 20 x 8 metres, is the only salt water swimming pool in the city. Taking wellness to heart, this is one pool that’s great for guests who relish some salt water therapy for heath and beauty intents, if not for sport and recreation. Even I, with water phobia, went in for a dip. Ala, it’s not that deep pun, only up to 1.5 metres. Hehehe!
Bistro Sông Vie
indoor dining
By the way, Villa Sông Saigon has its own in-house spa, the cosy Villa Spa. Guests can pamper themselves to various beauty and wellness treatments, from facials to pedicure and massages. The best thing, there are monthly special offers available, so don’t miss their promotions.
indoor dining with wine cellar
indoor dining
Villa Sông Saigon may seem like it is quite a way from the action, which it is, but its advantage is that it operates a private speedboat shuttle service from the resort to Bach Dang Waterbus Station straight to the heart of the city in approximately 10 minutes, avoiding the horrendous traffic of Ho Chi Minh City. Woohoo! Convenient, luxurious and complimentary, wouldn’t we love to have our very own private boat transport every day? Like a Boss!
bread basket
Speedboat Shuttle Schedule is as follows:
Departure from Villa Sông Saigon: 9am, 10am, 11am, 1.30pm, 5.30pm & 6.30pm
Departure from Bach Dang Waterbus Station (City Centre): 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 2pm, 6pm & 7pm
Oh, by the way, Villa Sông Saigon is the only proper hotel in District 2, as well as the only hotel with boat transfer.
wonton
American breakfast
Despite easy access to the Ho Chi Minh City Centre, truth be told, I just wanted to spend maximum time at Villa Sông Saigon! Besides catching up on much needed sleep on my holiday, I already have all my needs taken care of at this urban resort.
Seafood Fried Noodles
Seafood Fried Noodles
Dining is at its riverside restaurant, Bistro Sông Vie: breakfast is eat-all-you-can from its à la carte menu, lunch is bistro-style, while dinner is upscale from an extensive mix of local and international menu. Live music is available on weekends. There’s Jazz on Saturday evenings during dinnertime, and Rock on Sundays from 4pm ’til 7pm. Indeed, there is never a dull moment at Villa Sông Saigon.
Fish & Chips
Honey Ham Soup
Bistro Sông Vie is transformed into a magically-lit garden at night, but even during the day, it looks like an ideal venue for events, functions and social gatherings, not forgetting, a garden wedding! It can accommodate 200 pax for table setting meal, or up to 250 pax for buffet-style.
Sheered Scallop with Tumeric Dill Sauce
Pan-seared Cod Fish with Cream Dill Sauce
Bistro Sông Vie is actually open to outsiders (non-guests) who enjoy whiling some time away over a drink or meal as they watch the world pass by, or rather ships sail along Saigon River. One thing that struck me as I did the same was how the larger the vessel, the quieter it is, so much so that one wouldn’t even notice without looking at it directly.
Mixed Nut Crusted Veal Tenderloin with Foie Gras with Green Mesh and Cherry Sauce
Green Tea Parfait with Strawberry Sauce
Travelling to Ho Chi Minh City soon? I would definitely recommend Villa Sông Saigon, because you deserve it!
Villa Sông Saigon at night
Add: 197/2 Đường Nguyễn Văn Hưởng, Thảo Điền, Quận 2, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.
Phone: +84 28 3744 6090
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