Travel to Ho Chi Minh

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Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is the first city of Vietnam in terms of demography and economy. The thousands of scooters and bicycles that criss-cross this city give you the impression that it is in perpetual movement. It is a place that is constantly developing and evolving, with big brands rubbing shoulders with small stalls in the midst of the hustle-and-bustle. It is the departure point for numerous excursions into the Mekong Delta. It is worth spending one or two days in Ho Chi Minh just to get a feeling for the city, which, despite its bright future, has kept a firm hold on the past, as seen in the Chinese and colonial districts.

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pros

•  The monuments that date back to the colonial era
•  The lively bars in the luxury hotels
•  The atmosphere in the small streets of the Chinese district

cons

•  The noise and the traffic
•  The pollution and the summer heat
•  Pick-pockets and bag snatchers

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map Vietnam

Visit Ho Chi Minh

• To see

  The indoor market in the city centre, which is a very lively place, especially in the food area where there are fewer, if any, tourists.
  The Cu Chi tunnels, some 30 mi from the city, are a perfect destination for a half-day excursion.

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  To do

  Visit the colonial district, where superb buildings are testament to the city's past: the Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, built in 1876, and the Opera.
  Go for a stroll in the city's Chinese district, Cholon, where the maze-like roads are strewn with tiny stalls.
  Visit the Thien Hao pagoda, the protector of sailors.
  Enjoy a walk through the market, on the food side rather than on the souvenir side, and
  go on a scooter ride, (preferably behind a local who has good knowledge of the traffic), just to get a feel for the city from the street... unbelievable!
  Another unique experience is to go to the centre for the blind and receive a massage!

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  To think about

  Remember to have a quick manicure or pedicure on your way back, it won't cost you more than ?5.

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• To avoid

  Buying your souvenirs in Ho Chi Minh, where everything is more expensive.

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  To try

  Numerous Mekong Delta seafood-based dishes, but also, as in the rest of the country, the famous Pho soup, fish dishes, meat and vegetables with "nuoc mam", a truly excellent fish sauce. Tit cai is Vietnamese for dog so you can choose whether you want to have a bite or not!

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  To bring back

  A painting bought in one of the many art galleries in the city.
  A rucksack: all brands and sizes of rucksack are for sale at very reasonable prices, although it is hard to tell if they are genuine or fakes - at first sight they look like the real deal straight out of the factory, which is in Vietnam.
  Aeroplane, car, bicycle, scooter, (etc.) miniatures made of aluminium cans.
  Army clothes, from the ranger's cap to cammo items. >br>Lotus tea and coffee, which is for sale in the indoor market.

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Country guide

Vietnam, All you need to know!

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Ho Chi Minh in pictures

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Share your opinion

Melia Hotel Hanoi

 

Score 7/10

susan humphries 18/04/2011 : "Really a business hotel more than a tourist hotel but in a very good position for all the sights, some walkable others in a taxi.. "

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Bamboo Village

 

Score 8/10

susan humphries 27/03/2011 : "Fabulous hotel on the beach with a pool. Rooms like mini chalets and glorious tropical gardens. Restaurant with delicious food by the beach."

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Victoria Chau Doc Hotel

 

Score 8/10

susan humphries 16/03/2011 : "Lovely hotel with old world charm right on the Mekong river in Chau Doc. Beautiful room with a view of the river, nice bathroom."

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