Vietnam is expanding greater than most of the other countries in SoutheastAsia in recent years. Whilst economics and trade are always good indicators, in the village of Thao Dien in Thu Duc City under Ho Chi Minh City, one of the biggest indicators of progress is the vast array of cuisine available that, less than 10 years ago, was nothing but a dream for many expats. 

Ask any expat living near the old District 2 and they are quick to talk about their favorite bar and restaurant in Thao Dien. But for me, some of the new and varied experiences are the reason I travel across the bridge to indulge in some unique tastes and experiences. These experiences include food, shopping, adventure games, and world-class wines and beers. 

Recently, whilst wandering the streets of Thao Dien, I came across a retail center that caught my eye. The BLOQ Retail precinct is not a shopping mall, not a food hall, and not an entertainment space, but it houses a range of businesses and holds events, which kind of makes it all three in one.

As you enter the space, you see a list of retailers. From exercise, to clothing, art and food vendors all share a space that is modern and unique in its feeling and usage. There are currently around 27 sellers at BLOQ, including 12 food and beverage sellers and 15 retailers/other services, but at times this number can reach up to 30 sellers with special events and market days being held regularly. The idea was modelled on a number of different shopping precincts seen around the world and is now a modern part of the local culture in Ho Chi Minh City. 

Personally, I am a kebab lover, so the sight of a kebab shop inside the ground floor motivated me to stop for lunch. But Vietnamese food is also well represented with a few retailers selling all the traditional dishes of Vietnam. 

But that is not all. Pizza, bar food, and a range of western and eastern foods are available to eat. There are bars also located in the precinct that are a cool hiding place for a quiet drink or a party with a few friends. 

Unlike many of the bars and restaurants that only open later in the day, this location is in operation all day with breakfast being just as popular as dinner, especially at the weekend. I could see that children are well catered for in this area because of the space and facilities. And show me a kid that does not like pizza for lunch or dinner. 

When I sat in the open space enjoying my lunch, I just felt, for a moment, that I could have been in any location in the world. My mind took me away to the hot summer days by the beach in Australia when I would sit in a similar place or near a local bar and eat a kebab and chips for lunch whilst watching families and children enjoy the sunshine. Whilst not near the beach, this place gives off a similar feeling of not being in the city but being somewhere exotic and enjoyable. 

I visited on a weekend but I am told it is the weekend that is the best time to experience something different. Every weekend the precinct holds a range of events from flea markets to fashion displays. It is open to any business or group that wants to share an experience or product so do not be surprised to see coffee exhibitions or festivals with food and drinks at any time of the year. 

This retail space opened in 2018 and shows the amazing progress of Ho Chi Minh City into a world-class city for business, tourists, and living. And Thao Dien has grown rapidly to be one of the most internationally cultured areas of the city. 

After lunch, I took a walk through the center of Thao Dien. I was amazed to see so many craft beer bars selling beers that can only be found in special places in the city. Further afield was a pet café that allowed children to play with birds, lizards, and other animals whilst mums and dads got the time to sit and enjoy a coffee under the shade of the enormous trees in the garden of the café. 

Adventure is also part of the Thao Dien experience with venues providing experiences such as rock climbing, trampolining, ice skating, and indoor mini golf, just on the other side of the highway. It really has become an adventure playground for both children and adults. 

For the adults, the bars and cafés are world-class. From the more traditional sports bars where many gather to watch the rugby league from Australia or the Premier League in England, to the most modern bars and cafés in the world that sell a range of imported wines, fabulous food, and amazing cocktails. You can never run out of new places to visit in Thao Dien. 

Just at sunset I found myself exploring some new restaurants located down by the Saigon River. At sunset, the view is simply magical. There are more than 10 restaurants and bars that offer a view of the river and across to Landmark 81. At sunset and after dark, the breeze blows across the river, nicely cooling the air and making the outdoor experience relaxing and refreshing. And holding a cold glass of wine and eating a fresh salad make the moment so memorable in so many ways. There are not many places in Ho Chi Minh City that offer such a beautiful view from both the river's edge and high at the few rooftop bars and restaurants near the river. 

As a tourist, or an expat that lives in another district of Ho Chi Minh City, a visit to Thao Dien is well worth it. Generally speaking, the prices are a little higher than other areas of the city but the quality of food and the overall experience are unique to Vietnam. You find yourself dreaming of being in places like the French Riviera, Sunset Beach in California or the Gold Coast precinct in Australia on a warm summer night. It is beautiful, comfortable and you will always want to go back to explore a new street or that restaurant you spotted as you were walking home. 

Breakfast, lunch or dinner, and even just for a coffee, Thao Dien brings the world to Vietnam. Infrastructure improvements have helped create a village of wonderful experiences for locals, expats, and tourists. Make sure you add Thao Dien as a place to visit when coming to Ho Chi Minh City. For those of us that live in Saigon, take the time to go over the Saigon Bridge and enjoy something different. You will enjoy your time there.

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