BonBon Residence 2

BonBon Residence 2
2C15 Trường Sa
P.19
Bìng Thạnh District
+84 98 944 40 80

*******************************

Who knew giraffes could gallop?

I mean, I’ve seen these impressive creatures strolling across beautiful grasslands on a South Africa safari …  and even saw them standing on their tippy-toes, stretching to reach those delectable leaves atop tall trees.  But, watching them break into a majestic gallop, seemingly in slow motion, was truly an awe-inspiring experience.

Now, witnessing such a site is not your usual “amenity” at a Ho Chi Minh City tourist accommodation.  But, in fact, it was at our stay this year at the BonBon Residence in Saigon’s Bình Thạnh District! Honestly!

When Hai and I returned to Saigon earlier this year to enjoy the Tet Holiday in his hometown with his 11 siblings  (and also to enjoy the absolute best street foods in the world),  we hoped we’d be able to stay once again at the BonBon Residence.  You can read about our initial stay at the BonBon last year here.

Several months before this year’s visit, I sent off a message to Thảo giving the dates of our 5-week stay and even being pushy enough to ask for the same wonderful room as we enjoyed last year.  When she responded, my worst fears were realized.  Not only was “our” room already taken, but the entire BonBon Residence was booked full for weeks and months to come.  Damn!

Could Eating Saigon!‘s glowing review last year have led to BonBon’s “sold out” status??  We’ll never know for certain (but why not take some credit / blame for their success!)

Then …  some good news!

A second message followed quickly from Thảo.  BonBon Residence 2 was under major construction/renovation and one unit just might be ready in time for our arrival.  It was just a half block from BonBon Residence 1.  Oh, and it would be a unit with a slightly better view of the canal than our prior unit and its balcony looked directly the Saigon Zoo! Well, okay!

The rest is history. Hai and I got our room at BonBon Residence 2 … and loved it!

Truong picked us up at Saigon’s Tân Sơn Nhất Airport … a fun surprise & reunion with our sweet northern Vietnamese BonBon receptionist from last year.

Our new unit was fully and tastefully renovated – completed just hours before our arrival.  It even has a jacuzzi bathtub and a shower that played music!

[Enter galloping giraffes in the Saigon Zoo viewed from our balcony each morning.  Life is good … actually, amazing.]

The owners, Hải (not our Hải, a different Hải) and his wife, Thảo, once again this year were exceptional hosts.  It was a real joy sharing time and conversation with both of them, discussing the Vietnam economy, real estate, and most importantly Vietnamese recipes.

I must selflessly recommend again the BonBon Residences (1 or 2 – they’re only a half-block apart) as wonderful places to stay, especially if you’ll be enjoying Saigon for a period of several weeks or months.

And, BTW, did I mention the great coffee shop, the really delicious Cháo eatery, or the definitively authentic Com Tam restaurant all just short walks from both BonBon Residences?

Once again, take a peek at our first post about BonBon Residence 1 for more information about the nearby local street market, easy access to Saigon’s tourist center, the wonderful canal walk and more.

 

Almost assuredly, I have now sealed a “No Vacancy” fate at both BonBon Residences for our next year’s visit.  Oh well, anything for Eating Saigon!‘s wonderful readers. 🙂

BonBon Residence 2
2C15 Trường Sa
P.19
Bìng Thạnh District
+84 98 944 40 80

BonBon Residence 1
2C8 Trường Sa Street
P. 19
Bình Thạnh District
+84 98 944 40 80