Local Interest
Route : District 7 : the Crescent , Panorama Park , Nguyen Van Linh Freeway
At the Lotte Mart intersection , the half dozen tower blocks of Sunrise City stand tall in the night sky ; illuminated in changing garish colours . These towers herald your arrival into District 7 ’ s forest of apartment blocks . But before plunging into the ‘ woods ’, take Nguyen Thi Thap street east of Lotte Mart . This road offers a little bit of ‘ old ’ District 7 : before the luxury condos and ‘ Singaporification ’ of the area . You ’ ll find lots of street buzz here , even at this late hour . Hungry ? There ’ s always something good to eat on Nguyen Thi Thap Street . Head south on Nguyen Luong Bang , past the international hospitals and luxury car showrooms . Turn right after crossing the Nguyen Van Linh Freeway and head towards the Crescent Mall . A popular place to hang-out , shop and dine during the daytime , it ’ s totally deserted at night . If you ’ re a little bit sneaky , it ’ s possible to ride along the Crescent waterfront promenade , although you may be told ( politely ) by security guards to leave .
It ’ s worth heading back to Nguyen Luong Bang and over the Ca Cam 2 Bridge for a quick ride around some of the new residential areas . These streets are lined with brand new , million dollar homes . It ’ s a kind of American Dream compound , where all houses have white picket fences , neat front yards , lawns , expensive cars , and neighbourhood security guards on every corner . Many of the homes are so new they ’ re still being ‘ unwrapped ’, and at least half of them are yet to be occupied . It ’ s a surreal sight and one that most travellers wouldn ’ t associate with Saigon .
16 The MAG Vung Tau