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Friday 29 December 2017

A View of My Ho Chi Minh Trip (Part 2)


"Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden" 

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardenis literally the small, rundown and old zoo I have ever visited in my entire life.

All the animals including elephants, tigers and camels are in the small cages. They appeared malnourished and honestly looking unhappy.

I spotted some rats running around at this place. So dirty. You can skip Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden.  


“Com”

Similar with Malaysia mixed rice. The good thing is it gives free vegetables at the side of the rice, free soups and drinks. 


“Bun Bo Hue”

It’s a beef noodle soup at roadside. I surprise found that it is so decent plus the reasonable price, 30,000 VND.   

One thing I dislike is the rats are scurrying across the opposite walls. The owner fails to keep the place free of rats.

How come the locals seem doesn’t mind to patronize such disgusting place? They ignore the surroundings and enjoy their Bun Bo Hue.

They really open to the disease and infections. 


The favorite place of rats 

 “Water Puppet Show at the back of Tao Dan Park”

We bought the water puppet show ticket- 230,000 VND a day before the show. There are 2 time slots in the evening: 5.30m & 6.30pm. Only 6.30pm show is available.

The water puppet show takes about 45 minutes. The ticket reveals the seat number and the staff guides us to search the seat. The theatre is almost full.

The stage comprises a square-sized pool. 6 singers have different music instruments on the both side of the stage. They offer music and vocal support for the water puppets performance.

The show describes Vietnamese tales: dragon & phoenix dance, catching frogs, rice harvesting and religion festivals through water puppets.

The show is played in the Vietnamese language without English translation and program information.

Still, I found it is entertaining, enjoyable, unique and worth to watch in the life times. It would appeal to the young kids.

Along the show, I wondered how the water puppets move around the square-sized pool. Isn’t the water puppets are made with water proof materials? How long it takes the performer to build up the water puppets moving skills and techniques?

All these are unquestionable and remain mystery. I sincerely hope Vietnam can preserve and protect this traditional art alive.




“Bin Tay Market & Thien Hau Temple, District 5/China town/Cho Lon”

Me and travel companion took taxi to District 5/China town/Cho Lon. District 5 is different with District 1.

The differences lies in locals are everywhere, many motorcycles and people, congested traffics, narrow streets, Chinese restaurants and shops.

It’s good to see other part of HCM. 2 famous attractions in District 5: Binh Tay Market & Thien Hau Temple.


Unlike Binh Tan Market, Binh Tay market is a wholesale market. Everything is sold in bulk. The selections range from coffee, bras, nuts to dried fruits.



Next, we adjourned to the Thien Hau Temple, the oldest temple in the HCM. It stands out in the midst of the crowded District 1.

Strong incense smells welcomed me with the sights of beautiful sculptures, carvings and loyal devotees calm my soul.

I went in praying and donating.

“Phu My Hung, District 7”

Phu My Hung at District 7 is a urban development area especially for Japan and Korea expatriates. 3 large shopping malls at this area: Crescent Mall, Vivo City & Lotte Mart.

Crescent Mall is a quiet mall. Lack of visitors except the tourists like us. There is an Anh Sao/Starlight Bridge nearby. At night the LED lights switch on and become the beautiful place. Many lovers and couples will be dating over there.  


Relaxing at the park near to the Anh Sao/Starlight bridge. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Anh Sao/Starlight bridge
SCVivo is the newest shopping mall and far from the city center.
Lotte Mart is a 2 stories shopping mall. It mostly sells Korea groceries. 

“The Roadside Fried Foods”

Having roadside fried foods cause me sore throat the next day morning. My body can’t take those “heaty foods” especially travelling.


Fish balls, quail eggs and sausages, why you make me sore throat?

“Pizza 4Ps near Ben Tanh Market”

Dinner here is the best meals I have during my 6 days in HCM. The foods are great, the atmosphere is inviting. Staffs are polite and friendly.

The staff serve us lemon water rather than the plain waters that we ordered. Thoughtful and value added customer service. 

If you interested to come, you have to reserve beforehand because it is full house all the times. I have been waited for 20 minutes.

W.E.L.F.I.E

This place is this is not the quiet place to have meals. I can’t hear clearly what travel companions says when it is full house.

We have Burata Parma Ham Margherita pizza and crab pasta. Both are best sellers.

The pizza topped with hams, basil leaves and Burata cheese and a crust that is very crispy. It is easy to eat this pizza since it is not oily and no cheesy feelings
And the pizza baked in the open brick oven in the middle of the restaurant.
Crab pasta never ceased to wow me. Pasta tossed in cream sauce and cheese with good balance. It was rich and creamy.
The mango dessert is very tasty. 
Wonderful dining experience during my HCM travel 

“Experiencing HCM's Low Miniature Chairs”


We’re on the low miniature chairs

Served with coconuts

And Bo Bu Hue, Hu Tieu

Chatting

Watching people walk by the streets and speeding motorcycles

Admiring how slim and beautiful Vietnamese ladies

"HCM Haul"

Honestly, Piah with durian is very nice. The winter melon and durian fillings so aromatic, moisture plus the outer layer is soft. Highly recommended!!! It tastes differently with Tau Sar Piah Malaysia
This coconut jelly like masks is not bad; it not leaves feeling sticky on my face and absorbed very quickly. Worth to try!
 
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