Deputy Minister of Transport Bui Hoa An announced the construction schedule at a meeting with the district’s voters on Monday, saying the completion date is set for late 2025.

He expressed the hope that locals owning lands could reach agreement with authorities to hand them over so that the work could be implemented on schedule.

The VND5.3 trillion ($230 million) bridge will replace the Binh Khanh ferry as the means to connect the coastal Can Gio District with the rest of HCMC.

The cable-stayed bridge will be 3.4 kilometers (2.1 miles) long and have four lanes and navigational clearance of 55 meters (180 feet).

It will start at the intersection of roads 15B and 2 in Nha Be District’s Phu Xuan urban area, span the Soai Rap and Cha Va rivers and end on Rung Sac Street in Can Gio District.

City authorities had initially thought of building it under a combined build-operate-transfer and build-transfer model.

But the National Assembly passed a law on public-private partnerships last June that does not feature the latter model.

Here are nine options to check out.

The View Rooftop Bar

A glass of Oreo Choco at The View Rooftop Bar. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: 195 Bui Vien, District 1. Opening time: Monday to Sunday, 4 p.m.-1 a.m.

The View Rooftop Bar uses bright and colorful decorations. What greets you is a view of modern and older buildings that symbolize the growth of Ho Chi Minh City throughout the decades. This hip bar is also one of the more affordable bars out there, especially for beers, which starts from as low as VND65,000 ($2.80).

Broma Not a Bar

Broma Not a Bar looks down on Nguyen Hue walking street. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: 41 Nguyen Hue, District 1. Opening time: Sunday to Thursday 6 p.m.-1 a.m., Friday and Saturday 6 p.m.-2 a.m.

Another of those hip, trendy bars, Broma Not a Bar, is on HCMC’s walking street Nguyen Hue. It has an exclusive wine list, live music from Tuesday to Thursday and a DJ on Friday to Saturday. “Vitamin D – After party” is a unique event hosted on Saturday and Sunday for those who enjoy late-night partying. This bar is well known for having themed events.

Social Club Saigon

Social Club Saigon is not crowded during the day. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: MGallery Saigon, 76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 3. Opening time: Monday to Sunday 9 a.m.-1 a.m.

Social Club Saigon is one of the most popular rooftop bars in the city, one with the city’s highest infinity swimming pool. Social Club meets all moods, it is peaceful and quiet during the day, and when the sun goes down, it offers a vibrant, rich music experience. Drinks are not cheap with beer starting at VND140,000 ($6). During the happy hours between 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can enjoy 50 percent discounts.

SKYXX Garden & Lounge

A music performance at SKYXX Garden & Lounge. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: SKYXX – Garden & Lounge, Deutsches Haus Building, 33 Le Duan, District 1. Opening time: Monday to Sunday 5:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.

One thing is guaranteed at this bar: No two nights are the same. It offers attentive service, sophisticated cocktails, live music, diverse events and breathtaking views. It is not a cheap place with drinks going well beyond VND100,000 ($4.30) and beers starting at VND140,000 ($6).

Chill Skybar

Saigon’s Bitexco Tower (C) and construction work on the city’s first metro line are seen from the Chill Skybar. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: AB Tower, 26th floor, 76A Le Lai, District 1. Opening time: Monday to Sunday 5:30 p.m.-3 a.m.

As the name suggests, Chill Skybar is indeed a chill place to hang out with friends and family. Drinks tend to be affordable with cocktails starting at VND88,000 ($3.78). Beers start at VND99,000($4.25), and there is a relatively large selection of drinks available. This bar also offers promotions for happy hours, ladies nights, birthday’s exclusives and even a bachelorette party. At night, the atmosphere changes with the local DJ playing various kinds of music.

Glow Skybar

Glow Skybar is easily recognized with its sign. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: 93 Nguyen Du, District 1. Opening time: Sunday to Thursday 5 p.m.-2 a.m., Friday and Saturday 5 p.m.-3 a.m.

This rooftop bar really glows at night. The lightings of the bar set it apart from the others. Drinks tend to be slightly higher priced with cocktails starting well above VND200,000 ($8.60). But then it is posh, casual and friendly with live music in the evening.

Above Bar

Above Bar is one of a few in HCMC that opens almost the entire day. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: 59 Pasteur, District 1. Opening time: Monday to Sunday 8 a.m.-1 a.m.

A swimming pool, live music, stunning views and reasonable prices: this bar has it all. Situated on top of Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint, it ticks all the boxes that make for a right rooftop bar.

It has its own unique cocktail called the “Pho Signature” for VND50,000 ($2.15), which is made with vodka, sambuca and the herbal ingredients of Vietnamese iconic noodle soup pho – lime juice, cilantro, basil leaves, cinnamon and anise. Daily happy hours are from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Bar Eon 52 Heli

The Saigon River and Vietnam’s talles building Landmark 81 from a far, as seen from Bar Eon 52 Heli. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: 52nd floor, Bitexco Tower, 2 Hai Trieu, District 1. Opening time: Monday to Sunday 10:30 a.m.-1 a.m.

Standing on the city’s second tallest skyscraper, the Bitexco Tower, Bar Eon 52 allows you to see Saigon from an unprecedented height – the 52nd floor. Bar Eon 52 offers a diverse menu, but quite pricey. Beers start at VND140,000 ($6) and cocktails at VND220,000 ($9.45), but these are not too stiff considering the scenery. There is quite no view anywhere else like from here!

M Bar Majestic Hotel Saigon

M Bar Majestic Hotel Saigon sits on top of a colonial landmark. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Address: 1 Dong Khoi, District 1. Opening time: Monday to Sunday 6:30 a.m.-1 a.m.

The M Bar at the Majestic Hotel Saigon is quite exclusive and offers a unique view of the Saigon River. The hotel was a colonial landmark from 1925 and has withstood the test of time. The atmosphere here symbolizes the rich history of this hotel. The bar has live music at night, and there is a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. where beers and cocktails are half the price for VND90,000 ($3.87).

One is always curious to know what locals are selling and how a shopping experience in a foreign country is different from what you have at home.

In a city as large as Ho Chi Minh, there are endless opportunities for shopping ranging from local markets such as Ben Thanh to large shopping malls like Vincom Center. This guide will help you go to the right one when you visit one of Southeast Asia’s growing cities.

Saigon Center & Takashimaya

Multistory interior of Saigon Center with two large advertising placards showing portraits of models. Photo by Shutterstock/David Bokuchava.

Takashimaya and Saigon Center are two malls in one. On one side of the building is Takashimaya, the Japanese retail brand that has stores all over Asia, and the main customer at Saigon Center. You could find yourself entering Saigon Center and exiting Takashimaya, so do not be confused.

It is one of the biggest retail places you will find in Ho Chi Minh City, and has everything you expect from a mall: restaurants, clothes, perfumes and more. It ticks all the boxes for what a shopping experience should be in Vietnam’s largest city.

The majority of brands here are international, and restaurants range from Asian to western. This is the kind of mall where you could spend a whole day.

People here speak good English since it is one of the go-to places for tourists. Prices are a bit higher than what you would find locally, but hey, it is in the heart of District 1.

Saigon Center: 65 Le Loi, District 1 // Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Friday to Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Takashimaya: 92-94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1 // Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:30am-9:30pm & Saturday to Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza

Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza in District 1, HCMC. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

As the name suggests, Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza is indeed a place for tourists. Situated just opposite another huge mall, Vincom Center, and around the corner from Nguyen Hue walking street, this is a shopping experience of its own.

As it is owned by Parkson, it is home to many international brands, with a wide variety of fragrances and perfumes on the first floor.

It offers a unique food experience with cuisines from all over the world. In fact, it is one of the oldest malls that offer international products in this country. After 14 years, it is finally being renovated, but promises to look better than ever when it reopens.

What you find here is similar to what you find at Parkson’s Hung Vuong Plaza in District 5, slightly outside what you would call the city center.

The Hung Vuong building, both inside and outside, is quite old fashioned compared to the modern Vincom Center or Diamond Plaza. But the majority of what is sold inside consists of international brands. Well-known cosmetics and fragrances can be found as well as fashion brands such as Nike and Adidas.

If you are hungry, don’t worry. Not only are you surrounded by street food in the area, but the mall itself has restaurants. Cuisines range from local food to other Asian cuisines and western fast food chains such as KFC. Hung Vuong Plaza also consists of a gym and a cinema.

Prices are roughly similar to what you would pay in your own country, especially if you are buying an international brand. There are signs in both English and Vietnamese, and basic English is understood.

There is no free wifi.

Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza: 35-45 Le Thanh Ton, District 1 // Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Parkson Hung Vuong Plaza: 126 Hung Vuong, District 5

Saigon Square

Vendors and customers at Saigon Square, District 1, HCMC. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

If big shopping malls are not your thing, then you should definitely pay a visit to Saigon Square, which is just across the street from the giant Saigon Center. It is more of a market than a mall.

Its tenants are local businesses that sell a variety of items ranging from clothing to jewelry in booths that stand pretty close from each other.

Here you can find international brands at prices no mall can compete with. Like Ben Thanh Market, this is a place where you should test your bargaining skills.

Address: 81 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1 // Opening hours: 9 a.m.-9 p.m.

Vincom malls

Vincom Center, one of the most popular malls in the city, is both an office building and a mall with more than 250 shops. What you get here is a dynamic shopping experience. The top and bottom floors are food heavens with endless choices.

As it is a major tourist hub, it is busy most of the time, and it does feel quite claustrophobic. It feels like a fast-paced shopping experience. However, that should not put you off as whatever you fancy or are looking for, you are guaranteed to find it there. Well-known brands such as Zara, H&M, Nike and Adidas can all be found here, and there is free wifi.

If you fancy something more leisurely, you can visit Vincom Mega Mall in District 2, which is quite popular with expats who live in the area.

As the name suggests, this Vincom mall is mega indeed. It has five floors and its own little ice ring on the top floor.

Inside Vincom Mega Mall in District 2, HCMC. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

International brands, a gym, restaurants and even an arcade means there is something for everyone at this mall.

The signs are in both English and Vietnamese, and like most places in HCMC it has free wifi.

It is larger than Vincom Center and less busy. You definitely need a whole day to see this mall.

Vincom Center: 72 Le Thanh Ton, District 1 // Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Vincom Mega Mall: 161 Hanoi Highway, District 2 // Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Union Square

Union Square is the most luxurious form of shopping there is in Ho Chi Minh City.

Situated close to Nguyen Hue walking street, this is a place where you will find international brands at the other end of the price spectrum. It is where you’d need to have serious cash since there are no “cheap” brands here.

However, it is still worth a visit because many brands they sell here cannot be found elsewhere.

Address: 171 Dong Khoi, District 1 // Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9 a.m.-10 p.m.

Diamond Plaza

Diamond Plaza in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Nafi Wernsing.

Standing behind the Notre Dame Cathedral, Diamond Plaza is another shopping mall in District 1 and within walking distance of Vincom Center.

This modern glass building is home to familiar brands, both international and local. The layout of Diamond Plaza is slightly different: Rather than separate stores, you will find various brands in one common area.

So there is no Nike store near an Adidas store, but instead, you will find Nike apparel with other sports apparel on one floor.

The floor layout is designed in such a way that one level is for men, one for women, and so on.

There is a floor specifically for arcades, so it is a great place for kids.

Diamond Plaza has all the elements that make for a splendid mall: restaurants, clothing, jewelry, perfumes.

Address: 34 Le Duan, District 1 // Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Nowzone Fashion Mall

A “hidden gem” as it does not seem to be well-known among foreigners is Nowzone Fashion Mall.

Situated in District 1, it is a large mall with a slew of global brands such as Nike and Crocs and local and Asian brands.

It has five floors and consists of a cinema on the fifth florr that shows both foreign and Vietnamese movies. On the fourth floor are a food market and an arcade.

For a place not really meant for foreigners, all the signs are in both English and Vietnamese.

Nowzone has its own wifi, and the connection is best on the fourth floor. Nowzone is the place to go to if you want to check out Asian fashion brands.

Address: 235 Nguyen Van Cu, District 1 // Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. & Saturday to Sunday 9:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

An Dong Plaza

Roughly a 20-minute walk from Hung Vuong Plaza is An Dong Plaza, a shopping center which stands at the heart of the city’s Chinatown. Again, it is not a touristy place, and people tending to shop here are locals. The significant difference between the two places is the shopping experience.

An Dong Plaza is more of a local/traditional shopping center. It consists mainly of local businesses, but there are also international brands sold at significantly lower prices.

This is the place for you if you are looking for a traditional shopping experience and want to avoid tourist traps. Mind you, they might not speak as much English as the other more touristy places.

The malls in this list all offer parking spaces, but it is also convenient to reach there on a taxi or xe om.

Address: 18 An Duong Vuong, District 5 // Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 8 a.m.-8 p.m.