Ben Thanh Studio: Scandinavian Chic in Ho Chi Minh City (You HAVE to See This!)
Ben Thanh Studio: Scandinavian Chic in Ho Chi Minh City (You HAVE to See This!)
Ben Thanh Studio: Scandinavian Chic in Ho Chi Minh City (You HAVE to See This!) - A Review Diary (and Some Rambling)
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this review is going to be less polished travel brochure and more, "Hey, just got back from Ben Thanh Studio and my socks are still a little damp from the pool." Seriously, I’m still processing. "Scandinavian Chic" in the heart of chaotic, vibrant Ho Chi Minh City? I was skeptical. REALLY skeptical. Turns out, I was wrong. So, so wrong.
Let's dive in. And by "dive," I mean, I'm going to ramble a bit. Bear with me. This place… it did things to me.
(SEO & Metadata Starter - We'll weave this in throughout, don't worry!)
- Keywords: Ben Thanh Studio, Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon hotels, Scandinavian design, luxury hotel, accessible hotel, spa, swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant, Wi-Fi, family-friendly, non-smoking rooms, airport transfer.
- Description: A detailed and honest review of Ben Thanh Studio, a Scandinavian-chic hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, covering accessibility, dining, amenities, cleanliness, and overall experience.
First Impressions & The Great Accessibility Gamble
Okay, so arriving in HCMC is an experience in itself. The sheer energy of the place is overwhelming. Thousands of motorbikes buzzing, vendors hawking everything imaginable, the air thick with… well, everything. Finding Ben Thanh Studio felt like stepping into a serene, minimalist oasis. The exterior is deceptively simple, but the interior… swoon.
Accessibility: This is a big one for me. I'm always a bit anxious about accessibility, and honestly, the website wasn't crystal clear. But! Elevator? Check! Facilities for disabled guests? Check (though I didn't personally use them, they were present and seemed thoughtfully considered). The hallways were wide, and the common areas were easy to navigate. Wheelchair accessible? I would say it's definitely mostly accessible. There might be a few tight spots, but generally, thumbs up. The staff were also incredibly helpful and always eager to assist. I was actually relieved. Seriously, a big weight off my shoulders.
This leads me to something else: CCTV in common areas and 24-hour security. You feel safe there, which is gold when you're in a bustling city like this.
The Room – My Personal Zen Den (and the Blackout Curtains, OMG!)
I booked a Non-smoking room (essential!) and, like most rooms, it included:
- Air conditioning. (Necessary!)
- Free Wi-Fi (and it actually worked!).
- Internet access – wireless (again, reliable).
- A desk (good for catching up on emails, pretending to work).
- A coffee/tea maker (life-saver for a caffeine addict like myself).
- A refrigerator (for those late-night snacks… or, you know, water, for hydration purposes).
But the best thing? THE Blackout curtains. Oh, sweet, blessed blackout curtains. After a day of navigating the city's chaos, crawling under them was pure bliss. I slept like a rock. I’m serious; if I could buy those curtains, I would.
There was also a private bathroom with a separate shower/bathtub situation. The toiletries weren't the generic hotel kind. Nice touch. And for the forgetful? Plenty of towels, naturally. The wake-up service worked perfectly (though, honestly, those blackout curtains almost made me miss the sunrise!).
It was, generally, a very comfortable and well-appointed space. I would have happily lived there (at least for a week).
Food, glorious food (and the pool with a view!)
Let's talk about food. I’m a sucker for hotel breakfasts. And the Asian breakfast was outstanding. But if you're into a little more comfort, the Western breakfast was pretty good, too. They had Breakfast [buffet] and offered Breakfast in room, which I actually took advantage of one morning when I really didn’t want to face the world. They had:
- Restaurants: Plenty of restaurants!
- Asian cuisine in restaurants.
- International cuisine in restaurant.
- A Poolside bar: Perfect for those sundowner cocktails.
- Coffee/tea in the restaurant: Necessary.
- Soup in restaurant: Sometimes, you just need soup.
- Desserts in the restaurant: Always.
I also loved the A la carte in the restaurant. One night, I treated myself to something fancy and the presentation alone was worth it.
They did a really good job. And the safe dining setup. And Individually-wrapped food options. They're clearly taking the post-Covid world seriously.
The Pool With a View: Okay, this deserves its own paragraph. The rooftop pool is… spectacular. The view of the city is breathtaking, especially at sunset. I spent a shameful amount of time there, alternating between swimming and lounging, book in hand, cocktail (from the poolside bar, naturally) within easy reach. They have a Sauna area and a Spa. I didn't use these but I heard good things from other guests
The Relax and Revive Zone – Spa Shenanigans (and My Face!)
Alright, now for the confession: I did the spa thing. I usually avoid hotel spas, assuming they're overpriced and underwhelming. I was WRONG AGAIN!
I booked a Massage and also indulged in a Body scrub and Body wrap. The details are a bit hazy (blissful haze, that is). I do remember the masseuse's skill being practically divine. I emerged feeling like I’d been reborn. My skin felt… luminous. My face felt… a thousand years younger. (Okay, slight exaggeration, maybe. But it was good.) There was also a Foot bath -- which was exactly what I needed!
They also had a Fitness center. I didn't go, because, you know, the pool and the cocktails, but it looked modern and well-equipped.
Services and Conveniences (And the Slightly Awkward Currency Exchange)
Ben Thanh Studio offered all the usual bells and whistles:
- Concierge: Very helpful with recommendations and bookings.
- Daily housekeeping: My room always sparkled.
- Elevator: (Crucial!)
- Laundry service: Excellent, and fast.
- Luggage storage: Easy and secure.
- Currency exchange: The rates weren't the best, but it was incredibly convenient.
Okay, confession time: I almost made a HUGE mistake with the currency exchange. I was tired, flustered, and nearly handed over way too much cash. Thankfully, the staff were incredibly patient and helped me sort it out. (Note to self: double-check those numbers before handing over your hard-earned money!)
They also had a Convenience store, which was a lifesaver for late-night snack runs.
Cleanliness and Safety – The Covid Conversation
I was particularly impressed with their attention to hygiene. This is a huge deal for any hotel these days, and Ben Thanh Studio excelled.
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- They even had Anti-viral cleaning products.
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Rooms sanitized between stays
- The staff was always masked, friendly, and professional. I felt very secure.
They obviously took this seriously (which is great, because who wants to be that person who brings a disease back home?)
The Minor Annoyances (and the Final Verdict)
Okay, nobody’s perfect, and I’m not going to pretend that Ben Thanh Studio was flawless. There were a few minor hiccups:
- The Wi-Fi, while mostly reliable, occasionally dropped out. However, this is a minor issue; it was a solid Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! experience overall.
- The breakfast buffet, while good, got a little repetitive after a few days. (But hey, that's what room service is for, right?)
Overall… I loved it. I really, really loved it. It’s a perfect blend of style, comfort, and practicality. It’s a sanctuary from the chaos of Ho Chi Minh City. It's a place I can't wait to return to.
Final Verdict: 4.5 out of 5 Stars. (Would be a solid 5 if the Wi-Fi was perfect and the currency exchange rates were friendlier! But hey, nobody's perfect!)
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Especially for those looking for a stylish, comfortable, and well-located hotel in HCMC.
(More SEO Stuff – just to be thorough!)
- Hotel chain: (Not a chain, but does it have any affiliations or awards?)
- Safety/security feature
- Soundproof rooms
- Getting around: Airport transfer, taxi service
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the messy, glorious chaos that is traveling (and eating, let's be honest) in Ho Chi Minh City, specifically with a home base at the glorious, minimalist heart of Ben Thanh Studio. Prepare for rambles and the occasional existential crisis!
Ben Thanh Studio ❤ Scandinavian Design: A Saigon Sensation (My Messy, Wonderful Plan)
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (Or, "OMG, I'm in Vietnam!")
Morning (or, Okay, maybe late morning): Touchdown at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). The air hits you like a humid, fragrant wall of… well, everything. Immediately, I’m that sweaty, slightly-panicked tourist, clutching my passport like it's a life raft. Seriously, how can a place smell both of exhaust fumes and blooming jasmine simultaneously? It's a sensory experience that’s… intense.
Finding Ben Thanh Studio: Taxi! Thankfully, the studio's not far. I envision a serene, IKEA-esque haven. Get ready for disappointment. The taxi driver, bless his heart, may have had a general understanding of where it was. We spent a good 20 minutes circling, me frantically showing him the address on Google Maps, while he just kept grinning and speaking rapid-fire Vietnamese. Finally, triumph! The studio. And yes, it’s as beautifully designed as advertised. Relief washes over me like a cool shower – finally some peace and quiet.
Afternoon: Unpack. Ooh, that beautiful wood flooring! Admire the clean lines and the carefully curated minimalism. Then the reality of travel sets in: laundry, unpacking, charging everything, and the ever-important hunt for caffeine. Coffee is life, people. Hit the streets for the most amazing coffee - "Ca phe sua da." This sugary, milky delight is an absolute game-changer, and it's cheap! You can find it on virtually every corner.
Evening: Street food frenzy! This is one huge category, but the sheer joy of it requires more time. First things first, Banh mi! I can't even describe how perfect it is. Crispy baguette, fluffy bread, delicious pork, pâté, chili, I could go on. Then, wander into the Ben Thanh Market. It’s complete organised chaos here, in a completely beautiful way. All kinds of food here. There is the chaotic, beautiful, amazing variety of stalls: from pho to spring rolls. Get ready to be overwhelmed, but also get ready to EAT. Choose a few stalls to sample like a good tourist and dive right into it. Don’t be afraid to point and try those things you don't recognise! It's all part of this huge adventure…
Day 2: Deep Dive into History & a Lesson in Patience (Oh, and More Food)
Morning: Time to face the history. Visit the War Remnants Museum. This is…heavy. A powerful, sobering experience. I thought I was prepared, but seeing the photographs and the relics is something else entirely. It’s important to remember, to learn. Make sure you plan to visit the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace. These beautiful buildings show something about the history of the country but can also be a bit jarring.
Afternoon: Navigating the city. The traffic is a beast. Crossing the street becomes a death-defying performance art, and a lot of it is in the middle of the hot sun. The key is to look confident, walk slowly, and try not to make eye contact with the speeding motorbikes. It's basically a game of chicken, only you’re the chicken. Visit the Central Post Office (amazing architecture!) and maybe find a good gelato place to chill.
Evening: More food! I'm starting to think the best way to experience Ho Chi Minh City is by my stomach. Tonight, I want to get some authentic Bun Bo Hue. Delicious and Spicy. It’s a bit of a journey, but worth it!
Day 3: "Motorbiking Madness" or Finding the Calm within the Chaos
Morning: Okay, I'm biting the bullet. I'm renting a motorbike. It's either this or be endlessly stranded in the city. Trying to do this is an adventure of its own. First, the rental process. Then, the helmet selection (I have a ridiculously large head, which complicates things). And finally, the terror! I'm told to keep my right hand steady, honk the horn… And then I'm off. It's terrifying, thrilling, and exhilarating all at once. I’m convinced I'm going to die, but the city looks gorgeous.
Afternoon: Find some peace and quiet. The city can be so overwhelming. I am going to seek out the tranquility in the heat with a visit to a temple, like the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Take a moment to appreciate the carvings, the incense, the peaceful atmosphere. It’s a much-needed reset.
Evening: Cooking Class! I'm going to learn to make some of these unbelievable dishes.
Day 4: Bargains, Coffee and Last Bites
Morning: Visit the markets. Ben Thanh market again! Now that I'm more comfortable. This time, it's shopping! Take a shot at negotiating! I’m going to go for some souvenirs!
Afternoon: Get some more coffee. You can not get enough coffee here.
Evening: Last dinner! I'm going to spend the last day exploring more restaurants and getting more food!
Day 5: Departure: Saying Goodbye (or, “I’ll Be Back!”)
- Morning: Sad packing. One last, longing look at the minimalist perfection that is Ben Thanh Studio. A final Ca Phe Sua Da, and one last Banh Mi.
- Departure: Goodbye, Saigon! This place has completely wrecked me with food, history, and overwhelming beauty. The mess, the chaos, the absolute vibrance of the city… I’m already planning my return.
Important Notes/Imperfections/Random Thoughts:
- Haggling: Embrace it! It's part of the culture. But remember to be polite and have fun with it.
- Food Safety: Eat where the locals eat. If a place looks busy, it’s usually a good sign. Don't be afraid to eat.
- Pace Yourself: Don't try to do everything at once. Sometimes, just sitting and watching the city go by is enough.
- Embrace the Chaos: Things won’t always go according to plan. That’s part of the adventure.
- I'M GOING TO MISS THE FOOD. And the people! And the motorbikes (okay, maybe not the motorbikes entirely).
This isn’t a perfect itinerary, but it’s mine. It's designed to be flexible, adaptable, and open to the unexpected. And most importantly, it's designed to immerse myself in the messy, wonderful, and incredibly delicious heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Wish me luck!
**Unbelievable Delhi Studio: Ajnara Daffodils Sky View Awaits!**
Ben Thanh Studio: The "Scandinavian Chic" Rundown (And My Brain's Take on It)
Okay, seriously, what *is* this "Scandinavian Chic" thing everyone's raving about at Ben Thanh Studio? Is it just a bunch of white walls and cold vibes?
Alright, buckle up, buttercup, because "Scandinavian Chic" in this context is... well, it's a whole thing. Picture this: a lot of natural light, a sea of pale wood (think IKEA, but fancier), minimalist furniture with clean lines that makes you want to *not* spill your pho on it. Think less "icy tundra" and more "cozy, curated simplicity."
But here's the kicker: It's *Ho Chi Minh City*. Concrete jungles, scooters, and the humid air. The whole thing is an unexpectedly harmonious concoction.
And no, it's not *all* white walls. (Thank goodness, because my stain-prone self would be a nightmare.) There's usually a pop of color - a throw pillow, a strategically placed plant, a piece of abstract art that makes you go, "Huh. Okay."
So, what kind of experiences are on offer? Photo Shoots with minimal backgrounds, or something else.
Photo shoots, yes! They're the bread and butter. Think everything from portraits that make you look like a flawless, minimalist goddess to products. I've seen everything for family photos to model portfolios.
BUT, they also offer event spaces. I'm talking small workshops, and the like. I even know a friend who used it for a baby shower and it looked really nice.
And you might think they'd do well to expand upon what they offer. A few more ideas for workshops and the like wouldn't hurt.
Okay, the big question: Is it Instagram-worthy? (Be honest!)
Oh, honey. Is the sky blue? Absolutely. 100%. It's designed to be. Everything. The lighting, the angles, the stark simplicity – it's practically begging to be snapped. I walked in, instantly took a photo and posted it.
But here's the thing – and this is where the "realness" creeps in – don't let the 'Gram fool you.
Here's an anecdote: I booked a shoot for a "lifestyle" post, or so I thought! The photographer was nice but the lighting was difficult. And let's just say, the end result wasn't quite the effortlessly chic vibe I was aiming for. It took some serious editing.
What's the atmosphere like? Is it intimidating? Or is it a more approachable atmosphere?
This is the beauty of it. it's actually a bit more approachable. The first time I went in, I was a little nervous. I'd envisioned a place where everyone was impossibly stylish, sipping lattes, and judging my t-shirt.
But honestly? It's relaxed. Most of the time. The staff were so nice and helpful. They were really welcoming and they seemed to care about their work.
Any downsides? Because you can't tell me it's all sunshine and Scandinavian rainbows.
Alright, let's get real. Some downsides:
- Price: Depending on what you want, it can be on the pricier side. You're paying for the aesthetic, the location (it's smack-dab in District 1), and the "experience," so to speak. So, be prepared to open your wallet.
- Expectations Vs. Reality: As with any trendy place, the photos can sometimes look better online than in person. Make sure your expectations are grounded. If you're looking to start the next big thing, or just make a new photo album, it's perfect!
Would you go back?
Hm. Good question! If I had the budget for it, I would go back in a heartbeat. I loved the whole experience. And who knows? Maybe I'll get a better shoot the next time around. Or maybe I'll just stare at a white wall and find immense inner peace, who knows.
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