One of the best things about downtown Saigon on a hot afternoon is Kem Bach Dang. Kem is Vietnamese for "ice cream", and the smooth and icy creamy flavors that are on hand are more than worth a stop for. It's worth saying that Vietnamese ice creams are delicious! Both parlours are located across the street from each other at the back side corner of the Rex Hotel. They are very much set up like a coffee house – allowing you to enjoy the ice cream and watch the crowds passing on the busy street. It is a great way to take a break and just relax and cool off.
Your order comes with a glass of iced green tea. The menu is in Vietnamese and English with pictures of most of the creations. I am partial to the four fruits with whip cream, though any of the tropical ice creams flavors that they serve are outstanding. The Dalat Strawberry will run you about $2.50 and is definitely one of my favorite items, served in a high glass with whipped cream on top. The coconut ice cream served in a coconut is also an item that one just might want to try – because you will not be disappoint at all. One of the hardest choices is narrowing it down to which one do you want.
The service at the ice cream parlor is exceptional, and don’t think that your glass of iced tea will run out. They got a tip from me each time – something that is not the norm in Saigon in regards. When someone takes care of you – it's well worth taking care of them as well.