Tiger Tales

Drink on the cheap in Asia

HONG KONG

It’s no secret that Pier 7 is home to a bar. But what many people don’t know is that the outdoor seating here is in a public area, with hard-to-beat harbour views and the chance to admire the skyline from a closer standpoint than those offered by many of the city’s upscale hotel bars. Chill out with a drink and a snack. www.starferry.com.hk

The IFC Tower, Hong Kong’s second- tallest building, is another public area with great seating and it’s only a short walk from Pier 7. Like the pier, the tower is home to a bar, Red, but the seating on the perimeter of the deck is for everyone to enjoy – as are the sweeping views. www.ifc.com.hk

Forgo the high-priced drinks along Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong’s party strip and instead grab a beer at 7-Eleven – it’s on the left-hand side about halfway up. While you won’t have a seat, you can hang out in the city’s most raucous nightlife zone for a fraction of the price. www.lankwaifong.com

Slow things down at Shek O, one of Hong Kong’s prettiest beaches and a great picnic spot. Head to the barbecue pits if you’re feeling peckish. Shek O Beach, Hong Kong Island, www.lcsd.gov.hk/beach

Each night, Liberty Private Works runs a seven- to eight-course omakase (chef’s choice) using ingredients fresh from the market. This French-influenced restaurant is a great choice for birthday parties or group outings as there is no corkage fee. 3/F, 12 Wellington St, Central, tel: +852 5186 3282, www.libertypw.com

HO CHI MINH CITY

Cong Vien Van Hoa Park originally provided shade for French colonialists but it’s now popular with young Vietnamese. Spend a lazy afternoon with drink in hand. 115 Nguyen Du St, District 1, www.visit-mekong.com

Ngan Dinh serves Cantonese and Sichuan food. Dishes discounted by up to 50% and no corkage fee makes for good value. 5/F, Windsor Plaza Hotel, 18 An Duong Vuong St, District 5, tel: +84 (0)8 3833 6688, www.windsorplazahotel.com

Pull up a stool at one of the many pho stalls in the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area and enjoy a cheap beer with your meal. Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, www.visit-mekong.com

After stocking up on Vietnamese curios at Ben Thanh Market, wander around the streetside eateries and savour grilled seafood, crispy rice pancakes and cold beer. Ben Thanh Market, Le Loi, District 1, www.visit-mekong.com

Stalls serving bia hoi (“fresh beer”), including the popular Saigon Bia Hoi, are found throughout the city. Served over ice and selling for pocket change, Vietnamese beer is a guaranteed budget stretcher. Saigon Bia Hoi, Hai Ba Trung, Dong Khoi, District 1

MACAU

A 17th-century ruin, Mount Fortress offers great vistas over the city from its lofty perch next to the ruins of St Paul’s. A public park, it’s home to plenty of trees so find a shady spot here and enjoy a cool drink. www.macautourism.gov.mo

In business for over 100 years and still family-run, Fat Siu Lau boasts some of the finest Macanese food in town, including marinated roasted pigeon, African chicken and curry crab. The corkage fee is a reasonable MOP100 (S$16). 64 Rua De Felicidade, tel: +853 2857 3580, www.fatsiulau.com.mo

Take a break from Macau’s bustling casinos and head out to sleepy Coloane, where you’ll find Hac Sa (black sand) beach. It’s lined with barbecue stands selling chicken skewers, charred sweetcorn and cheap drinks. www.macautourism.gov.mo

Travelling with kids? The Seac Pai Van Park – which boasts playgrounds, picnic areas and even a small zoo – has just about everything you need to keep the little ones occupied. Stock up on supplies ahead of time at local supermarket Park ‘n’ Shop. Estrada de Seac Pai Van, Coloane, www.macautourism.gov.mo

Grab a bench and a beer and soak up the Portuguese ambience at Senado Square, home to some of Macau’s most eye-catching colonial buildings, including St Dominic’s Church and the General Post Office. Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, www.macautourism.gov.mo