Saigomax
Concept
SaigoMax - The Saigon Entertainment World - shall become the main modern entertainment landmark of HCMC and its surrounding provinces. The 47 hectare park is within minutes from the city center. In close proximity to a main highway, its location is also ideal for out-of-city visitors.
SaigoMax shall be a uniquely designed adventure and entertainment park with a significant educational focus, and a family and youth orientation. The park shall comprise a large palette of attractions and exhibits, grouped in five main sections:
SaigoMax Plaza, TechnoMax, ShowMax, RideMax and SplashMax. All elements are embedded in a tropical garden-like setting with lakes, creeks and a small mountain. Individual attractions and recreation facilities shall have a common design theme and 'feel'. This park costs 220 mil $.
Project Status
The SaigoMax project was initiated in 1997 by IMA (Jersey) Ltd, an international project development and finance company. In the first years, IMA undertook detailed project initiation, mainly involving research, licensing, and concept design. IMA continually expanded the project and invited partner firms that would ideally contribute to the development of SaigoMax.
Since 2002 SaigoMax is a portfolio company of Asia Leisure Industries Holding (S) Pte Ltd, a financial investment company focused on the leisure industry. A group of leading firms have been assembled as Core Participants for the implementation of SaigoMax. The project is managed by Maxmakers, an internationally active management services company focused on the venue-based entertainment market. SaigoMax enjoys the full support of the relevant Vietnamese Government authorities.
Financial feasibility has been extensively examined and is today established. The chosen legal and financial structure optimizes both operational and tax parameters and is attractive for investors. Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB) has been mandated as SaigoMax' investment bankers and financial advisers.
A detailed implementation plan is currently being executed. SaigoMax is scheduled to open its doors in 2006.
SaigoMax Plaza
Starting at the main entry gates of the park, SaigoMax Plaza is the main hub and entry point of the park. The Plaza square is designed in the form of an Italian piazza. From here, all other SaigoMax sections can be accessed.
SaigoMax Plaza hosts many restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs, as well as a number of shops. Especially during evening hours, street performances and similar attractions offer entertainment. Access to the Plaza is free for all visitors with tickets to other park sections. Plaza visitors also have complementary access to a romantic float ride on the main pond of the park, as well as access to some of the recreational garden areas.
Given the park's location, a mere 15 minutes from downtown HCMC, SaigoMax Plaza will also attract short term visitors, coming for a coffee in the afternoon, or a beer in the evening in a relaxed yet entertaining environment. In order to control access, SaigoMax charges a nominal entry fee to Plaza-only visitors. The entry fee can then be redeemed against food or beverage purchases.
TechnoMax
One of the unique elements of the SaigoMax park is the TechnoMax section - an interactive science and technology exhibition.
Vietnam's growing international openness is provoking a rapidly increasing desire for knowledge. Vietnamese are exceptionally keen on learning, getting to know and experiencing the "new" the world has to offer.
TechnoMax stands for world-class educational entertainment, featuring some of the latest technologies in a "try it yourself" fashion. TechnoMax impressively explains science and its effects on technology in every-day life. Despite the complexity of some of the more than 150 exhibits, they are addressing all age-groups and are presented in an engaging, easily understandable manner.
TechnoMax topics and themes include amongst others Gravitation, Light & Color, Optics, Mathematics, Water & Weather, Nature & Structure, Electricity, Waves & Motion, Sound & Music, Communications, Computing, and the Internet. The TechnoMax section will also include a tethered balloon, taking visitors to a height of 150 meters.
IMA (Jersey) Ltd has conceived the exposition and is its supplier. The manufacture of exhibits will be effected in collaboration with the San Francisco Exploratorium, with the Swiss Technorama, as well as selected sponsors.
ShowMax
A key SaigoMax section is ShowMax - which stands for theatre, movie, music and other performances. While there is rapidly increasing demand for international entertainment content in Vietnam, existing offerings are limited in scope and quality.
ShowMax consists of three key elements: (1) a digital multiplex cinema, (2) a 1,500 seat state-of-the art indoor performance stage, and (3) two outdoor stages (one small and one large).
ShowMax shall play a vital role in making SaigoMax the main hub for modern culture in Vietnam. It will offer high quality performance facilities to local and international artists and musicians. Especially with respect to classical and jazz orchestras, major theatrical performances, and large-scale pop concerts, ShowMax shall represent the best entertainment venue available and will draw international talent. Stage and supporting equipment will be chiefly manufactured by Eberhard AG (Switzerland).
The digital multiplex cinema (supplied by Kinoton GmbH, Germany) will offer the country's very best quality in terms of vision and sound. Educational/documentary films will be shown during daytime. Major feature films are regularly screened during late afternoon and evening hours. On special occasions, there will be outdoor movie showings.
ShowMax also includes a number of food and drink outlets, as well as a modern bar/club specifically targeting 16-30 year olds.
RideMax
The RideMax section will feature many of the world's most modern and best-liked entertainment rides and attractions, aesthetically integrated into the SaigoMax landscape and themeing concept.
RideMax shall initially include attractions such as Wild Water Flume Ride, Poseidon Water Coaster, Blue Runaway Train, Wild Mouse Coaster, Indoor Theme Boat Ride, the new Euro-MIR Coaster, Excursion Floats, and Fjord Rafting. Additionally, there will be many children's carousels, play-dens, and a state-of-the-art electronic games arcade. RideMax attractions will be updated and expanded in regular intervals.
A monorail train connects various segments of the park and provides transportation to and from different sections. It also offers an overview of almost the entire park. An endless monocable cable car, manufactured by Leitner AG (Italy) spans across the park. A mini-railroad, manufactured by Balson AG (Switzerland), winds its way through the terrain.
All equipment is of the latest technology. Rides comply with the world's most stringent safety code - Germany's "TÜV".
RideMax' monorail, main attractions and selected additional equipment will be supplied by Heinrich Mack GmbH (Germany).
SplashMax
SplashMax shall be one of Asia's most sophisticated water parks, bringing "refreshing" fun and excitement to the whole family. The SplashMax concept combines sporty activities with plain open-air fun.
Grouped around a huge wave-pool and several children's activity pools, there are a number of water-slides and "river- and raft-rides", some equipped with a variety of partly interactive elements, such as sprays, jets, waterfalls as well as optical and electronic fun-components.
The SplashMax waterpark's main features shall include: 10-Lane Multislide, Lazy River, Typhoons, Harakiris, a Wave Pool, Balloon Island, Family Slide, River Rides, and Children's Play-Pools. Additionally, a large selection of sportive fun-equipment, such as trampolines and swings, will be available throughout the area.
The SplashMax admission is affordably priced to induce frequent visits, in line with Vietnam's climatic conditions and the park's 365-days operations.
SplashMax equipment will be chiefly supplied by the René Mettler Freizeit & Sport Company (Switzerland).
Other Elements
SaigoMax shall offer a broad and diverse selection of Vietnamese and international food for all different kinds of tastes, and at affordable prices. Facilities shall include a high quality restaurant with international & Asian cuisine, Vietnamese and Chinese rice- and noodle-based eateries, pizzerias, hamburger and sandwich bars, Vietnamese and international barbecues, in addition to a "Biergarten", ice cream parlors, and coffee shops. There will also be a number of vending carts, vending booths, and designated areas for picnics.
The central kitchen's equipment will primarily be supplied by ELRO-Werke AG (Switzerland). The entire food and beverage section shall be designed and set up by Peter Knipp Holdings Pte Ltd (Singapore).
The park will feature a number of retail shops stocking souvenir and convenience articles. Merchandise will be offered by SaigoMax and other brands.
SaigoMax shall provide attractive facilities for travelling exhibitions, seminars, small trade shows, and promotional events. These facilities can be accessed from within the park, as well as directly by way of a special gate from the entrance plaza.
And there will be some other features - but those we wish to keep as a surprise! Click here to get notified early.
A substantial investment in infrastructural and administrative elements will secure the safe, clean and efficient operations of SaigoMax.
For more information, visit at www.saigomax.com