Curious travellers can look forward to refreshingly local experiences that celebrate the colourful heritage of Saigon’s District 1.

As one of South East Asia’s fastest-growing destinations, Vietnam has seen a rise in visitors seeking authentic and truly memorable experiences. Poised to meet the needs of curious travellers, InterContinental Hotels Group has signed a management agreement with Europe Trading Investment Company Limited for Hotel Indigo Saigon The City. This is the second Hotel Indigo to be signed in Vietnam, and will be the country’s first when it opens its doors in 2019.

The new-build hotel will boast a central location along District 1’s Ly Tu Trong Street, just six kilometres away from the airport. Rich with historic character dating back to the French era, the hotel’s locale is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most timeless neighbourhoods — Ba Son. The neighbourhood sits on the site of the former Ba Son Naval Shipyard — previously an arsenal compound in the city’s port — and home to a fascinating assortment of local cafes, restaurants and shops.

Just as no two places are alike, each Hotel Indigo is different. Hotel Indigo Saigon The City, which has been named in homage to the city’s history, will be specially designed to reflect the unique character and stories of its surrounding neighbourhood — from thoughtful decor that lends a local touch to its 150 guest rooms and three meeting rooms. The hotel will also feature a unique street-front destination neighbourhood cafe serving Vietnamese-inspired cuisine using locally sourced ingredients. Immersed in the lively pulse of the neighbourhood, which boasts a bustling street food scene, guests will also be able to explore famed attractions just a short walk away, including the Saigon Opera House and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.

Commenting on this landmark signing, Rajit Sukumaran, Chief Development Officer, EMEAA East, IHG, said: “Since IHG introduced Hotel Indigo to South East Asia in 2015, the hotel brand has enjoyed great success across the region. Set in one of Vietnam’s most visited cities, Ba Son’s intriguing heritage makes it the perfect next step for Hotel Indigo’s regional growth. We are confident that Hotel Indigo Saigon The City will be an ideal choice for travellers who value an authentically local experience, with the consistency of one of the world’s leading hotel groups.”

The developer, Europe Trading Investment Company Limited, owns several hotels. The group has plans to expand its existing portfolio with a special focus on the lifestyle segment.

Mr. Lau Duc Duy, General Director, Europe Trading Investment Company Limited said: “Ho Chi Minh City has much to offer, and we are excited to partner with IHG to tap into the strong potential that this market holds. With today’s travellers increasingly prioritising locally immersive, authentic and personally enriching experiences, Hotel Indigo will be the perfect addition to our portfolio and we know that the brand’s compelling positioning, coupled with the hotel’s excellent location, will be a big hit when it opens in 2019.”

IHG currently operates three Hotel Indigo hotels across South East Asia, including Hotel Indigo Bali Seminyak Beach, which launched in 2017 as the first Hotel Indigo in a resort location. As part of IHG’s continuing efforts to expand its upscale lifestyle portfolio in the region, there are a further nine Hotel Indigo properties in the development pipeline for the next three to five years. In Vietnam, Hotel Indigo Saigon The City is just the first of several properties under the brand to be launched, with Hotel Indigo Phu Quoc Starbay to follow in 2021.