Ben Thanh Market's Hidden Gem: Your Stunning 100m² Vintage Apartment Awaits!
Ben Thanh Market's Hidden Gem: A Chaotic Love Letter to a 100m² Vintage Escape (and My Sanity)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe a little bit of the accidental lychee juice I spilled on the sofa - more on that later) about Ben Thanh Market's Hidden Gem: Your Stunning 100m² Vintage Apartment Awaits! I've just returned from a stay, and honestly? My brain is still doing the cha-cha. This place…it's an experience. Forget sterile hotel rooms; this is a chaotic symphony of charm, a vintage vortex you'll either adore or find yourself desperately googling "nearest five-star escape."
First, the Basics (Because Gotta Cover Those):
Let's be real: in the age of pandemics and questionable hygiene, the "Cleanliness and Safety" stuff is crucial. So, I'm happy (and slightly relieved) to report they're doing their level best. Anti-viral cleaning products are apparently a thing, rooms sanitized between stays, and they've got the whole hygiene certification situation going on. They even have individually-wrapped food options, which is great for germaphobes (like, ahem, me). They've got the hand sanitizer strategically placed, staff trained in safety protocol, and daily disinfection in common areas. Honestly, I felt relatively safe. Though, I did bring my own industrial-strength wipes, just in case. (Don't judge!)
They also boast a whole arsenal of techy stuff to stay clean, too. Sterilizing equipment and the ability to opt-out of room sanitization is perfect, I did opt-out. They are clearly dedicated to the little details.
Accessibility:
Now, for the "Facilities for disabled guests" part. The elevator is a lifesaver, trust me. Especially after you've spent a day navigating the glorious chaos of Ben Thanh Market and your legs feel like lead. I didn't personally need wheelchair access, but the presence of an elevator certainly means a step in the right direction. While I wasn't looking for it, the front desk [24-hour] is there for any needs.
Getting Around & Parking (Because Let's Face It, You Need to Know):
Finding this "Hidden Gem" is part of the adventure, which is also the problem. Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site] is available but there are a lot of people here. I'm a fan of being able to park my car and not have to deal with Saigon's legendary traffic, so this is a big plus. They have a taxi service in case you don't feel up for it.
Internet & the Modern Age (Because We Can't Live Without It):
Listen, I need my internet. A girl's gotta Instagram, right? Thankfully, the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! lived up to its promise. Strong signal, didn’t drop out. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN options are there in all rooms, so you have options. And for the social media addicts like myself, Wi-Fi in public areas, is a godsend. No issues here. Just me, my phone, and a potential Instagram story of a delicious banh mi at 3am.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Because Fueling Your Adventure is Key):
Okay, let's talk food. The Asian breakfast was a delightful wake-up call. Think pho and fresh fruit. There are restaurants offering Asian cuisine and International cuisine options. The coffee shop is a must-visit for your morning caffeine fix. The Poolside bar is a great way to relax and drink. Room service [24-hour]. I had the a la carte in restaurant, breakfast [buffet] and a late-night snack from the snack bar. The variety kept me happy and fueled up for another day of exploring.
What to Do (Beyond Eating Everything in Sight):
Things to do are endless. The pool with a view is a godsend after a day of navigating the bustling streets. Body scrub sounds amazing. I'm too lazy and afraid of other people to go. I didn't get a chance to check out the Fitness center, Spa, Sauna, Spa/sauna or Steamroom, but maybe next time.
Important Note: Things to do and ways to relax are available in spades. I spent a solid afternoon just gazing out the window, watching the vibrant life of Saigon unfold. I'm a big fan of doing nothing.
My Apartment: The Vintage Vortex (Where the Magic Happens):
Now for the good stuff. The apartment? It’s huge – 100m²! That's more space than my actual apartment at home! It really is a stunning space. It's dripping in vintage charm. Think high ceilings, beautiful original tilework, and furniture that looks like it's been expertly curated from a flea market dream. I LOVED the vibe – it felt like stepping back in time, in the coolest way possible.
The air conditioning in the room and public areas was a lifesaver in the Saigon heat. The extra long bed was a godsend. I could stretch out to my heart's content. The blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping in, and the non-smoking policy was a winner for an ex-smoker like myself. They provide a bottle of water, linens, towels, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, and toiletries which makes the trip way easier for the lazy like myself. I did appreciate the complimentary tea and coffee/tea maker in the apartment.
Room for Improvement (Because, You Know, Perfection Doesn't Exist):
Okay, slight imperfections. The water pressure in the shower wasn't amazing. And sometimes, the noise from the street below could be a bit much (bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper!). I did find out about the soundproof rooms after the fact. While there are a lot of windows, I'm wondering if they could add some extra insulation for the sake of the people living in the apartments.
I'm unsure how many non-smoking rooms there are. The hallways did not always smell good. The luggage storage was helpful.
The Verdict: Should You Book?
Absolutely. If you're looking for a cookie-cutter hotel experience, steer clear. This place is for the adventurous traveler, the one who appreciates a little bit of chaos and charm. It's a true "hidden gem" – a unique, unforgettable experience.
Final Emotional Verdict: 9/10. Definitely returning. Just pray I don't spill any more lychee juice.
My Anecdote: The Sofa Incident (Because It's Not a Review Without a Story).
Okay, so, there I was, sprawled out on the gorgeous vintage sofa, reading. I reached for a lychee from the overflowing fruit bowl (yes, there was an overflowing fruit bowl!), and bam. A rogue lychee juice explosion. It missed my face, thankfully, but found its way to the cream-colored sofa. My heart sank. I frantically dabbed at it with a napkin, hoping the stain wouldn't set in. The next day, to my immense relief, the stain was gone. Apparently, the apartment is ready for a little bit of the chaos I always bring.
Call to Action (Because I Need You to Book This):
Are you ready to be whisked away to a vintage paradise? Do you crave a unique experience, a chance to be surrounded by the buzz of Ben Thanh Market, but retreat to a sanctuary of your own? Then book Ben Thanh Market's Hidden Gem now! It's more than just a place to stay; it's an adventure.
And here's the kicker: I've heard they're offering a special deal right now for bookings made within the next month! Use code "VINTAGEVIBES" for 15% off your stay! Don't miss out! Trust me, you won't regret it. See you there! (Just try not to spill anything on the sofa – unless you're really adventurous.)
Escape to Paradise: Dalaman's Lykia Resort & Spa Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your pristine, perfectly organized travel diary. This is the real deal. This is what happens when you actually live in a place – even for a fleeting moment, like I did in that crazy-cool 100m2 Vintage Fusion apartment near Ben Thanh Market in Vietnam. Let's dive in, shall we?
Ben Thanh Bonanza: My Messy, Wonderful, and Utterly Unpredictable Itinerary
Pre-Trip Chaos (aka "My Life Before Vietnam")
- Week Before: Packing. OMG. The dread. Tried to channel Marie Kondo. Failed spectacularly. Ended up with a suitcase overflowing with "maybe-wear" outfits and about a dozen pairs of shoes I knew wouldn't be comfortable. Also, panic-buying travel insurance because, you know, someone (me) forgot.
- Day Before: Last-minute frantic internet searches for "Vietnamese phrases to avoid looking like a total idiot." Learned "xin chào" (hello) and "cảm ơn" (thank you). Feeling like a linguistic genius. Spoiler alert: I wasn't. Ate a whole pizza. Nerves, people. Nerves.
Day 1: Arrival in Saigon - The Sensory Assault Begins!
- Morning (ish): Touchdown at Tan Son Nhat Airport. The air? Thick. Humid. And filled with the intoxicating aroma of… everything. Motorbikes buzzing like angry bees. Heat hitting you like a wall. Immediately felt a wave of "holy moly, I'm here." Airport customs? A surprisingly painless exercise. Found a pre-booked airport transfer (thank GOD, no public transport for this jet-lagged newbie).
- Afternoon: Arrived at the 100m2 Vintage Fusion apartment near Ben Thanh Market. The building? A cool old colonial-era place with a slightly dodgy elevator (but hey, character!). The apartment itself? Gorgeous. Seriously, design goals! Exposed brick, funky furniture, that balcony overlooking the crazy street below… Sigh. Checked in and then promptly collapsed on the bed for a power nap. Jet lag, you jerk.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Woke up from nap with a growling stomach. Ben Thanh Market adventure! First impressions? Chaos, in the best possible way. Colors, smells, sounds… it was an explosion. Tried to bargain for a silk scarf. Failed miserably. Got ripped off, I suspect. But hey, a stylish rip-off is still a stylish memory, right? Ate some banh mi from a street vendor. OMG, heaven on a baguette! So good I ate two. Then stumbled back to the apartment, feeling slightly buzzed from the sensory overload and the bread.
- Evening: Tried to find a restaurant. Ended up lost. Twice. Asked for directions (with my sophisticated two-word Vietnamese vocabulary). Someone laughed. Finally found a place. Ordered pho. The best pho I've ever had. Seriously. Just the simple pleasure of a bowl of delicious noodles, that amazing broth and it felt like I was instantly at home.
Day 2: Deep Diving into the Saigon Stream
- Morning: More Ben Thanh Market madness! This time, armed with a slightly better understanding of the local culture (and some tips from the apartment's cool host). Bargained like a pro (ish!). Bought some knock-off sunglasses that are probably protecting my retinas as well as a sieve protects a puddle from a typhoon. Browsed through the spice markets, trying out flavors I had never even dared to think of before. Ended up buying a bunch of stuff I have no idea what to do with.
- Afternoon: Cu Chi Tunnels tour. Packed lunch of banh mi (of course!). The tunnels were… claustrophobic. Like, "I might have a panic attack" claustrophobic. But also incredibly fascinating. Crazy respect for the people who lived and fought in that tiny space. Felt a strange twinge of patriotism as I was reminded of the history. Also, the heat was absolutely brutal, leading to a whole lot of sweating and mild, unspoken discomfort.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Back in Saigon. Needed a drink. Badly. Found a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the city. Ordered a refreshing cocktail and watched the sunset. The energy of the city was amazing. It really felt like one of those moments where you realize you are living in the moment. Truly took a moment to try and cement the feeling.
- Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Tried grilled prawns. Delicious. Felt brave and ordered something I couldn't pronounce (and still can't). It was a spicy noodle dish. My mouth was on fire which I think made the waiter laugh. Good times.
Day 3: Exploration, Relaxation, and Farewell Food
- Morning: Woke up with a slight hangover and a deep longing for a proper English breakfast (but where in the world could you satisfy that craving??). Decided to explore the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office (both beautiful, but I won't pretend I understand the history. I was too busy thinking about breakfast). The architecture was absolutely stunning. Lost myself in the sheer scale of the buildings, trying to imagine the people who had built them. Ended up at a cafe as a pick-me-up.
- Afternoon: After what felt like 10 minutes of rest, it was time to head to the War Remnants Museum. A sobering experience. Incredibly moving and made me realize just how little I truly knew. Found myself tearing up at some of the images and remembering my own personal history.
- Late Afternoon / Early Evening: Shopped for souvenirs. Again. Bought way too much. Spent way too much. Regretted nothing.
- Evening: One last banh mi. This time, I went to my favorite little street vendor and had our usual greetings, a shared laugh and my order. Went back to the apartment, packed my bags (with slightly more organization this time, thanks to a new packing cube!), and had a moment of quiet reflection on the balcony. The energy of the city, the smells, the people… I felt connected. Said a silent goodbye to the apartment and the city.
Departure Day: (Tears and Tarmac)
- Morning: Final, lingering look at that gorgeous apartment. Said goodbye (tearfully) to the host (who was incredibly helpful and friendly). Packed up and headed to the airport.
- Flight: Sat on the plane. Stared out the window. Thought about the pho, the motorbikes, the crazy market, the beauty and the noise of that one place. And already started planning my return.
Post-Trip (aka "The Aftermath")
- Immediately After: Declared to everyone I knew that Vietnam was the best place on earth. Started hoarding pho seasoning.
- A Month Later: Still dreaming of banh mi. Trying to learn Vietnamese. Already saving for my return.
- Now: Smiling from ear to ear, remembering every chaotic, wonderful, imperfect moment. And thinking, "When can I go back?!"
This isn't a perfect travelogue, but it's my travelogue. It's real, it's messy, and it's filled with the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you've unpacked your suitcase. And that, friends, is the best kind of travel, isn't it? Now, where's my pho fix?
**Mira Hotel Alsancak: Your Dream Izmir Getaway Awaits!**
