Spotlight on: Little Saigon

Tucked away, in the city of Westminster, nestled between the 405 and 22 freeways, is Little Saigon... quite possibly the closest you can come to Vietnam without a passport.

Just 10 minutes from Anaheim, the heart of Orange County, visiting Little Saigon is like being transported to another world.

Covering roughly 3 square miles, Little Saigon is overflowing with over 3,500 bustling Vietnamese-owned businesses - restaurants (including lots of pho noodle shops), shops, herbalists, ethnic food markets, French bakeries, massage and more.

For the full Little Saigon experience, start your adventure by "cruising" Bolsa Avenue - you'll notice that most of the signs are in Vietnamese, at times you almost forget that you are still in Orange County. Luckily, the people are always friendly and willing to answer questions, or offer advice & recommendations.

Once you've gotten the "lay of the land." It's time to park the car and explore...

Most Bang for your Buck (and/or Time): The Asian Gardens Mall has it all - food, bakeries, jewelry stores and so much more.

Vietnamese Restaurant: Brodard Chateau - with over 100 menu items, you're sure to find something you love. My suggestion? Order the spring rolls, they are to-die-for.

Coffee & Pastries: Banh Mi & Che Cali Bakery - cheap, open 24 hours & cash only. Bahn Mi sandwiches are buy one get one free (and most sandwiches are $2.50). Delicious cream puffs, green tea and milk tea. It's usually busy, so be assertive when placing your order.

Pho Noodles: Pho Kimmy - truly authentic Vietnamese pho... if you're a "first timer," I recommend Pho Ga (which is chicken broth & noodles) or Pho Tai (which is a beef broth with noodles & bits of rare beef).

Massage: Life Reflexology - don't be fooled by the sign that says "foot massage." Because for $20 you get a 60 minute, full-body slice of heaven. Unlike your typical massage, these are fully-clothed & in a "common" room setting - so it might not be as serene as your used to, but it's still wonderfully relaxing.