A View of My Ho Chi Minh Trip (Part 1)

In total, I spent 6 days in HCM. This is the influence of TVB drama “dead wrong” as some scenes filming at HCM. But I haven’t visited all the filming scenes.

This is what I got up at there, please read on.

"No Need Arrival Card"

The newfound thing about HCM is the absence of arrival card. How new visitors know what to declare with HCM immigration officers? How HCM immigration officers know the entry details of the new visitors?

Seriously, I can’t recall which country never issued the arrival cards. One guy in front of me says all the countries are connected, so there is no longer need the arrival card.

I tend to judge the guy with high eyebrows. *don’t trust*

"Vietnam Dong"

Exit side of the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, HCM has plenty money changers kiosks: Mobiphone, Vinaphone & Viettel. It is pretty convenient for the travellers to compare the exchange rates and choose the right one.

Oh they also sell SIM card with data. I got the Mobiphone SIM card, 200,000 VND, 3GB data. The speeds are good but occasionally slow. The kiosk also allows us to book and pay for the taxi. But we are not using kiosks services since the fare is slightly higher than the outside taxi-Vinasun & Mai Linh.  

"Vinasun & Mai Linh Taxis"

As recommended, Vinasun and Mai Linh taxi HCM are the most honest and reliable. They have meters in the taxi and start automatically once the vehicles start. Vinasun ride costs 200,000 VND to our hotel-District 1.

"Hong Vina Ben Thanh Hotel"

The location of this hotel is very strategic. 3 or 2 minutes to the Ben Thanh and street food markets; 10-15 minutes walks to the Independence Palace, Saigon central post office, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Ala-carte breakfast is provided but limited menu: beef pho, fried noodles with eggs, fried rice with beef, noodles soup with egg, scramble eggs with French loaf, 3 different cereals, milks, and fruits. To be fair, noodles soup with egg is tasty and I have it every day.

My Ringgit Malaysia is taken while away from the room. The hotel has thief and I suspect the room cleaners are the one who steal it. But it’s too late to complain with the hotel manager as I realize after I landed in Malaysia.

"Ben Thanh Market"

For me, it’s like the local market and not the new discovery. This market full of bags, clothes, coffee and instant noodles. The prices are higher than other places, so prepare to haggle, haggle and haggle.

Travel companions: W & E 

Vietnamese spring rolls are wrapped in the rice paper, fill with vermicelli, lettuce, prawns and pork. There are no seasonings in the fillings so it needs to get the flavors from the dipping sauce. But, it’s not the sharp flavors I prefer.  

Crab rice noodle soup comes with fresh unknown vegetables and bean sprouts on the side. The noodle soup has strong fishy smell. The “culprit” of the fishy smells is it serves cold, no gingers or the crab meats is not fresh. 

"Avoid Street Vendors Especially Coconut Sellers to Lend You Coconut Basket for Taking Photos"

We came across the coconut seller who offers to lend us the coconut basket to take the photos. This is his method to build rapport and trust with us. Something worse that happen is the coconut seller gives 2 coconuts for us. 

A friend confirms whether isn’t free but he smiles without reply. At the end, he demands a fee over 2 coconuts.  We initially pay him based on the coconuts prices in Malaysia but he ignores and hounds us until we pay. 

"Independent Palace"

In the past decades, Independence Palace is the President Vietnam’s homes and workplace. It right now turns to museum.  This is an amazing history reflection tour from the reception room, to the meeting room, to the dining room and guest room. 

"War Remnants Museum"

It pertains the sad stories and horrors of the Vietnam War. I learn more about the Vietnam Wars histories at this place but heartbreaking to see the wars’ negative effects.  Many lives are lost and people suffer from serious diseases and disabilities.

 "Notre Dame Cathedral"

No entry as it closes for renovation. So, that’s just the photo opportunity. The designs show the influence of French colonization.

"Saigon Central Post Office"

It is right across Notre Dame Cathedral.  Quite stunning. 

Although French colonization design building, at the end of the inside building Ho Chi Minh portrait hang high above. I think the intention is to remind everyone we are in Vietnam. 

"Book Street-Nguyen Van Binh"

I found Book Street once I passed Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral. It lived up to its name-full with Vietnam books. There are little English books. As I walked down the street, I notice some people are reading, some having coffee and chatting with friends.  Such a perfect laid back place!!!

"Saigon Opera House"

Impressive architecture and many performances are carried out at there. It is not opened to the public. 

While searching Saigon Opera House, window shopping is available since it is surrounded by many high ends shopping malls and hotels at Dong Khoi Street. 

Dong Khoi Street is not crowded attributed to the upmarket products. 

Saigon Opera House

High ends shopping malls 

"People's Committee Building"

Visiting People’s Committee Building at night times and it is gorgeously illuminated.  It is another beautiful French colonial architecture building. In front of the building suppose has Ho Chi Minh statue that adds to the beauty of the building. Unfortunately, it is covered by the box. Sadly, no one is allowed to the building.

"Cafe Apartment: Boo Coffee (9th floor)"

Google image 

Café Apartment is a 9th floors old fashion buildings with many coffee shops. Its entrance at the left side of a bookstore where staircases and lift are. 

Café Apartment charges 3000 VND for using lift.

cute business slogan

We choose to climb each floor just to appreciate the old building plus check out others cute coffee shops of each floor.

We ended up at Boo Coffee at 9^th floor. We’re at the air-conditioner room with chill and relax atmosphere. 

There’s a balcony overlooking the walking streets and high scrapper buildings. Very windy, cool and comfortable.

The Latte coffee tastes strong and bold according to the friend. Recommended!!!! But I find this place’s service is slow. Our drinks take decades to arrive. I’m slightly annoyed, patience is not my strength.

"Street Food Market"

I can conclude the street food market very near to Ben Thanh market is made for tourists. Plenty of tourists and the foods are expensive.

Street Food Market Banh Mi (35,000 VND) serves with hams and vegetables. The Banh Mi is not my favorite though-outside breads too crusty contribute difficult to eat and lack of fillings.