Thao Dien, a popular expatriate neighborhood in Ho Chi Minh City, has been named the 16th coolest neighborhood in the world by U.K.-based magazine Time Out.

This marks the first time Thao Dien, located in Thu Duc City, a district of the southern metropolis, has appeared on the list of the world's trendiest areas.

Located along the Saigon River, some 7km from the bustling center of Ho Chi Minh City, Thao Dien is a walkable, tree-lined neighborhood packed with restaurants, spas, and cool boutiques, according to Time Out.

The neighborhood has recently thrived as a hub for young Vietnamese talent shaping the local food, art, and culture scenes.

Prominent spots include Bakes, a Vietnamese-French-owned bakery known for its creative offerings, and Tre Dining, a Michelin-recognized restaurant featuring an open-terrace tasting menu that highlights traditional Vietnamese flavors and ingredients.

In addition to its food and drink offerings, the ward is also home to some of the city's best shopping, featuring various retail storefronts.

Time Out suggests visitors start their day with classic salted foam Vietnamese coffee at Hue Cafe Roastery before savoring a bowl of phở at a Pho Bac Hai restaurant.

The magazine recommends a stroll along Xuan Thuy Street to buy local ceramics, or drop into the world-renowned Vietnamese chocolatier Maison Marou to sip hot cocoa.

Visitors are encouraged to explore one of the area's many Japanese-Korean fusion pasta spots, enjoy a refreshing matcha-coconut water for lunch, and end the evening with dinner at the upscale Madame Lam, followed by a nightcap at the trendy Xao Xac Bar.

Notre Dame du Mont in Marseille, France took the top spot on the list of the world’s 38 coolest neighborhoods.

Its seventh annual list of the World’s Coolest Neighborhoods was created after Time Out’s global travel editors worked with local, in-the-know Time Out writers and editors across a selection of the world’s best cities to garner information about the coolest neighborhoods.

Then the magazine narrowed down the selection and ranked the list based on criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community, and one-of-a-kind local flavor.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!