Walking sight seeing
by maria_hz
Ho Chi Minh City has the benefit of being rather compact, so you can take a walk around the city to see the most central sights. All it takes is a morning/afternoon, good walking shoes and carefulness when crossing the street. We walked to: Saigon river, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, The National Theatre, the City Hall and the Ben Thanh market, all within walking distance from our hotel a stone throw from Saigon river.
When crossing the streets, be careful! Sometimes it may feel impossible to cross, as the traffic seems to be relentless. However, there are tricks and that's to do what the locals do: Walk slowly but in an even pace when crossing where motorbikes drive. Buses and lorries won't be able to stop for you so wait until you can cross safe from them, the motorbikes will be able to yield as long as they know where you are going (so avoid sudden movements). Also, if they see you are not a local, they are likely to pay more attention.
Gone are the Airport Tax
by Aidy_p
I'd kept USD 24 in my little pouch for the longest time. You see, I was told that we needed to pay USD 12 per person for the Airport tax. I stinged on food and drink to make sure that I do not spend this last bit of money and end up becoming an illegal immigrant in Vietnam.
Just kidding!!!.
But the truth of the matter is that...THERE IS NO NEED TO PAY AIRPORT TAX ANYMORE!!!! It's true. I didn't believe it myself. I was about to board my taxi to the airport and was asking if the hotel counter could help break my USD 50 note into smaller denominations...and the lady seemed a little astonished as she mentioned "Don't need to pay airport tax". Woohoo!
More spending money...just that by that time, I was already at the airport!
Children transportation
by ValbyDK
During my stay in Ho Chi Minh City, I noticed that many motorcycles had an extra seat for small children. Actually, it was a wooden chair placed between the driver and the handle bars.
I don’t know if the chair is special designed for this purpose?
Packing List
by pez
Pants, shirts: Nylon.
Undergarments: Capilene.
Patagonia is always good, but pricey.
Caution: Cotton absorbs moisture, and moisture happens alot in VN. Sunscreen. Lead bag for film, which you want to buy at home, develop at home. Bring a digital for snapshots.
Rowing a Boat in Qui Son Canal
by Aidy_p
We were brought to the Quoi Son Canal where the boats lay awaiting - Four persons per boat - as we were told. Jac and I got into the boat with a French couple. It's these interesting rides with no where to go that you get to speak to people from various countries. It was interesting to hear from the couple about France and about the history of the lady who shared that she was actually born in Vietnam but left with her parents when she was three months old.
The four of us, together with our boatman, went down the canal for about 30 minutes. Very serene with the only sound coming from the peddle meeting the water.
Sign in with Facebook
Bien Hoa
Nice big roads inside and outside the city
War Remnants Museum
BPK area
