Ho Chi Minh City Hall, Saigon Opera House & Goodbye Ho Chi Minh City

Date of Visit: 7th April 2012

Just like any other of my trips, there will always a time where it's hard for me to bid goodbye. Sames goes to my Ho Chi Minh City trip. The people and their culture, the local foods and also their amazing and spectacular architecture were among what I admired the most.

Since our flight back to Kuala Lumpur was 4.20 pm local time, hence we still got plenty of spare time to wander around the city. As usual my friends will do their last minute shopping in Ben Thanh Market where they bought few packets of lotus seeds. We noticed that there are many of Ho Chi Minh City's famous landmarks that could go and take a few shots before leaving this bustling city.

#1: A statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of Ho Chi Minh City Hall

One of the famous landmarks is Ho Chi Minh City Hall. It was built in a French colonial style and it was renamed as Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee afterward. Unfortunately, the building is not opened to the public or for tourists. Therefore, we could only took few shots outside the building. Some recommended to come at night and you will get amazing nightshot.

#2: The overview of Ho Chi Minh City Hall

#3: Saigon Opera House

Located not far away from Ho Chi Minh City Hall is the standing grand and elegant Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, which also known as Saigon Opera House. It is an opera house for the city and this is another example of French colonial architecture in Vietnam. It has beautiful and stunning carvings on the building. Too bad it was closed and we're not allowed to enter to see the interior design of this well-preserved building.

#4:Louis Vuitton in the middle of the city

I just can't held myself from keep taking photos around the city. Almost all the buildings architecture never failed to amaze me and even in some point, I thought myself was somewhere around in Europe until the scorching hot weather awake me. Ho Chi Minh City was really hot but we could still bear with that kind of weather just like how we experienced back in Malaysia.

#5: One of the most impressive hotels in the city - Hotel Continental Saigon

#6: Tran Hung Dao - Vietnamese military leader

As we walked further, we came across a standing tall Tran Hung Dao statue. He is known as the legendary in Vietnamese history, a brilliant military strategist who defeated two Mongol invasions and became a cultural hero among modern Vietnamese. While on our way back to the hotel, we spotted this skyscraper as the photo below:

#7: Bitexco Financial Tower - Ho Chi Minh City's tallest building. But don't you think it looks alike Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur TM Tower?

#8: Saigon Tourist, for more of the travel information and also service center

Around 2.30pm local time, we requested the hotel to book the taxi for us to the airport. Like I mentioned before in one of my previous post, either you request from the hotel or you take taxi on your own, always remember to take the MaiLinh or Vinasun, the most reliable taxis in the city, or else you will being ripped off badly. And remember as well, do not open your purse/wallet widely for the driver to notice cause he will try his best to request for more. The journey from District 1 to airport took roughly less than half an hour and it cost USD$10. This is the normal rate from what I research and in case, the driver requested for more, instantly switch to other taxi.

#9: Tan Son Nhat International Airport is so huge, not like what I expected

Regardless whether have any luggage to check-in or not, it is compulsory to queue up for documents verification, eventhough we have printed out our boarding pass earlier. This is because for purpose of exchange for the typical boarding pass instead of using the AirAsia printed boarding pass when going through the immigration verification. And for your information, they were very strict too on the hand carry. Do not carry more than 7kg, or else you have to check-in your bag or luggage and bear the extra expensive cost.

#10: My boarding pass and my cute passport holder. I always love and keep all my boarding pass as collection. Check out my boarding pass collection in Instagram - click here.

#11: No, I'm not flying with Vietnam Airlines but I hope someday I got the chance to experience this.

And that's the end of my 7 days and 6 nights Ho Chi Minh City travelogue. I would love to go back again someday but for more outskirt area such as Dalat, Hue and Hoi An. And if you ask me would I recommend anyone to Ho Chi Minh City, I would definitely say YES! Seriously, I am pretty enjoying myself at there - lay back, no rush and relax throughout my trip.

By the way, Happy 56th Independence Day to Malaysia and 50th Independence Day to Sabah! Merdeka!

[Credit To: Encyclopedia Britannica]

Ho Chi Minh City Day 6: Coffee, KFC, Night Market & Random Photos

Date of Visit: 06th April 2012

My friends and I were almost done with visiting all those famous attractions around Ho Chi Minch City, except for China Town which tucked in District 5 and 6 and I thought it wasn't necessary for a visit since I had visited the one in London and Manchester. Even in Malaysia, we have our own Chinatown located in Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur. Hence, on the 6th day of our Ho Chi Minh City we just simply wandered around the city without any contingent plan. 

To be frank, if you wanna visit Ho Chi Minh City, 5 days and 4 night will be totally sufficient for you to cover all, including a day trip to Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnel. Don't be like us, where we spend a week in Ho Chi Minh City itself and nothing much we can do around. So basically what we did on that day was kinda laid back and relax which watching the times goes by.

Since we didn't manage to visit any coffee shops for the past few days, therefore we decided to try at least once given that Vietnam is one out of the top 10 best coffee producing countries in the world. Forget all those global coffeehouse such as Starbucks, Coffee Bean and more cause in Vietnam itself, there are countless number of coffee shops for you to enjoy the authentic Vietnamese coffee.

#1: 10 stylish coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City

#2: According to one of the tour guide, Trung Nguyen Coffee is the number 1 coffee in Vietnam but I found the coffee is kinda bitter for my taste.

#3: Highlands Coffee

We had our Vietnamese coffee in Highlands Coffee, which located very close to our hotel. Simple and modern ambiance, just like how Starbucks and Coffee Bean looks like but not really crowded with plenty of seats still available for us to sit down and enjoy the free WiFi connection. Unfortunately, phototaking is not allowed inside the cafe. Besides coffee, there are many foods being served as well such as dessert, sandwiches, noodles and more but we're still full with our late breakfast.

#4: Two packets of coffees from Highland Coffee for family

My friends and I bought few packets of coffee for our family to taste and enjoy how Vietnamese coffee taste like. I noticed that if you don't have sufficient Vietnamese dong, you can opt for US dollar to pay for the bills. After spending more than an hour, we left this cafe and moved on to wander around before leaving on the next day.

#5: KFC for lunch

Fast foods are not always I fond of but when comes to travelling, I always love to try for something different and unique, especially McDonald's. I had McDonald's at almost all the countries I visited - Thailand, Singapore, United Kingdom, Italy, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan and even South Korea but then in Vietnam, we couldn't located any of these the big golden arches there. Mainly due to the American war which hurt deeply to the Vietnamese people, hence these red and yellow American fast-food giant unable to conquer this country at that moment. At the end, we had our lunch in KFC - nothing special and almost the same like Malaysia. But like I said before in one of my previous posts, I always being spoil with fast foods. Meanwhile talking about local foods, I will share this in the upcoming post.

#6: A random church we stumbled upon

I can't say Vietnam as a whole cause I haven't been to any other parts of Vietnam, but in Ho Chi Minh City, we came across quite number of beautiful churches and buildings with unexpected architectural delights that instantly took my breath away.

#7: Another unique and sweet-looking coffee house across the street

#8: No doubt Vietnam is known as Land of Motorbikes, where motorcycle is the king of the road

#9: Local enjoyed their foods by the road side is part of their routine activities

#10: Hardworking street seller

#11: Night market outside of the Ben Thanh Market

Almost every night, we were never fail to visit the night market which was located few minutes away from our hotel. All the items sold were almost the same like in Ben Thanh Market, nothing to shout for. But one thing for sure I love this night market was because I can freely browse the items without being hassled by the sellers. I managed to grab few Nike tops and shorts for at least USD3 each for myself and my family. A pretty bargain right? But of course, those are not authentic items. 

Conclusion, what we did on the second final day were eat, drink, shop, walk and take a pitcha - that's all. Kinda pretty lay back and relax, right? This is what I call - HOLIDAY! You don't have to be rush or even touch and go when comes to travelling. Just take it easy and slowly as life is for you to enjoy.

Ho Chi Minh City Day 5: Cu Chi Tunnel & Cao Dai Temple

Date of Visit: 5th April 2012

Besides the One Day Mekong Delta Tour package, we also bought along a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnel from STA Travel. It cost 180,000 Vietnamese dong or USD$8 per person (aprox. to RM24) which includes pick-up and drop-off from where you stayed and English speaking tour guide. However, admission fee and lunch is not provided and we have to bear on our own.

The tour started at 7.30am where they picked us up in front of our hotel and the journey from city center to Cu Chi Tunnel took almost 1 and half hour. The tour package that we took included a visit to Cao Dai Temple. Hence, a short visit here before we reach the Cu Chi Tunnel.

#1: Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai Temple is located in the city of Tay Ninh, a province 95km away on the south east of Ho Chi Minh City and it's very close to Cambodia border. Figuratively, Cao Dai means that highest spiritual place where God reigns. CaoDaiists believe that, before God existed, there was the Tao which was nameless, formless, and unchanging.

#2: Cao Dai followers worshipping inside the temple.

The Cao Dai Temple is like a Walt Disney fantasia of the East. Its exterior is decorated with multi coloured dragons of all shapes and sizes competing for space with a number of swastikas. The interior is just an engaging as statues of Jesus Christ, Buddha and the Hindu God, Brahma, stand side by side. After spend less than half an hour around this temple, we left for lunch break.

#3: Sweet and sour pork rice

As I mentioned earlier, lunch is not included in the tour fee and we have to pay ourselves. There are plenty of choices to choose from but I believed, it's non-halal. So for those Muslims traveller, it is advisable to pack along your own foods.

We reached Cu Chi Tunnel before 2pm local time and each of us have to queue up to purchase the admission fee - 80,000 Vietnamese dong per person. Strategically located behind the ticket counter, there is a huge tree with lots of jackfruits and I saw many foreigner travellers especially were curious what type of fruit is that. I was even being asked by some of them how it looks like, taste like and so on. I'm glad that we live in a tropical country blessed with different kind of fruits and even they can't grow naturally like kiwi, blueberries and more, we can grabbed them from the supermarket.

#4: The tree with so many jackfruits

Now a brief history of Cu Chi Tunnel. Cu Chi used to be a bitter battleground for many years during the Vietnam War. It somehow likes an underground village with indiricate network of over 200km of tunnels at Ben Dinh, which is 50km away from Ho Chi Minh City. This incredible labyrinthine tunnel network was used as a shelter, hospital, weapons cache and supply route during that devastating war against the American forces.

#5: The entrance and our tour started with watching the video of the Vietnam War

#6:  Be careful! It's a booby trap with bamboo spikes at the bottom.

#7: Our English speaking tour guide explained how this tunnel was made

#8: One of Cu Chi tunnels entrance hole where it was so small that an American soldier unable to enter

#9: This is how the soldiers wore during the war

#10: A war tank in the middle of the jungle

#11: The most fun part - time to enter into the tunnel

We're were given an opportunity to enter into the tunnel, but not everyone can enter into this tunnel as it need to depends on your body size. For your information, this tunnel has been made wider and taller to accommodate the visitors. In some part inside this tunnel, there is no light and completely dark and all we can do were touching the tunnel wall. We were even crawling underneath and at some point, we had to based on our instinct to jump down. There is no stairs, no light and we're unsure how deep it was but to be frank, it was really fun and adventurous. Because my friends and I were consider quite small if compare to the Westerner, we came out from the tunnel more faster than the rest. This is one of the thing you must do when visit Cu Chi Tunnel unless if you are big in size, sorry to say that.

#12: Self-made weapon gallery

#13: Visitors can fire a variety of Vietnam War era weapons at the shooting range. It is chargeable, not free of charge.

While waiting for the rest to do their shooting activities, we went and had a look at the souvenirs store. If you are thirsty and hot, grab some drinks or even ice-cream at the small tiny cafe besides the souvenir store. I didn't buy any of these souvenirs cause I had bought quite a few in Ben Thanh Market. Plus, I found out the souvenirs were slightly expensive compare elsewhere.

#14: Souvenirs inside Cu Chi Tunnel

And that's how we spend our fifth day in Ho Chi Minh City. Cu Chi Tunnel is indeed a pleasant visit and offers more insights of this labyrinth of interlaces tunnels on how the Vietnamese cleverly designed the tunnels and the strategic use of trap doors making the 30 thousand American troops failed to conquered this are.

Ho Chi Minh City Day 4: Saigon Square

Date of Visit: 4th April 2012

From War Remnants Museum which tucked in District 3, we walked back again to District 1 for Saigon Square. Actually in between, we did wander somewhere else before we stumbled upon Saigon Square.

#1: The side entrance of Saigon Square

Saigon Square is another option for those who looking for shopping fix. If Ben Thanh Market is not your favourite choice, then you may consider here for a decent shopping as Saigon Square is equipped with air-conditioner, less crowded, wider space and of course, more cleaner and cheerful atmosphere. On top of that, the stall vendors won't hassled or pulled us if compare to those stall vendors in Ben Thanh Market giving us more freedom and relaxing feelings to scout around.

#2: Main entrance of Saigon Square

Literally packed under one roof, Saigon Square stocks with plenty of stuffs - from clothing to sunglasses, handbag, luggage bag, footwear, accessories, jewelries, watches, belts and more. Even electronic items including those smartphone accessories such as cover and also DVD are available here. 

#3: The overview of Saigon Square's ground floor

We spotted tons of designers fashions and footwear here - from Louis Vuitton, Channel and Gucci handbags to Polo Ralph, Lacoste and Burberry polo T-shirt were being sold here. Not just that, high-end items like Ray Ban and D&G sunglasses as well as Rolex and Tag Heuer watches can be found inside Saigon Square. But of course, bear in mind all of these items here are either export overruns, factory rejects and even completely knock-offs, but the prices are reasonable and the quality is satisfactory.

 

#4: More room to manoeuvre in between the stalls

As Saigon Square offers a better atmosphere, hence almost of the items here are quoted at higher price.  But not to worry, you still can try to negotiate with them but it is impossible for you to bargain until half of the price. Most probably they are only willing to shave few dollars. And if you are not satisfy with the price, just give a smile and walk away and scout other stalls as I believe there are more stalls selling the same items as well.

#5: Colourful Crumpler bags

One of the main reason we visited Saigon Square was mainly scouting for Crumpler bag. My friend told me that the Crumpler bags sold in Vietnam is freaking dirt cheap cause they were made in Vietnam. Crumpler bags are specially designed for backpack type and putting cameras and notebook. At first, I almost wanna joined my friend to buy one of these bags but at the end, I didn't do so cause I think it's not that essential for me. Plus, I have plenty of sling bags back in my home.

#6: Saigon Square - One of the top markets of Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike Ben Thanh Market, the stall vendors of Saigon Square only accept currency in US dollar and Vietnamese dong. Even if you are not in the mood of shopping, a visit to Saigon Square is another one of the unique kind experience where it gives you a taste of Vietnamese market.

Ho Chi Minh City Day 4: War Remnants Museum

Date of Visit: 4th April 2012

To be frank, I am not the type who love history and if can, I would try to avoid by visiting those boring museum. I tends to prefer enjoy watching the amazing and beautiful scenery and landscape, visiting theme park or maybe watching the moving creatures in zoo or aquarium. But for this War Remnants Museum which situated in District 3, instead of feeling boring, turns out that my tears almost dropped by just looking at the photos from the past displayed inside the museum.

#1: The opening hours for War Remnants Museum

#2: The admission fee is 15,000 VND per person (approx. to RM3)

Just as low as RM3 for the admission fee, I guess you won't have to think twice whether to visit this museum or not. War Remnants Museum is being listed as one of the well-known, cultural and tourist sites, attracting both Vietnamese and foreign tourists. It's just located a couple of blocks behind the Reunification Palace. Hence, it would be great idea if you visit Reunification Palace in the morning, have your lunch then visiting War Remnants Museum in the afternoon - in case you only spend couple of days in Ho Chi Minh City.

#3: The main building of War Remnants Museum 

Primarily, this museum contains exhibits relating to America phase on the Vietnam War. Frankly speaking, I didn't know much about Vietnam War and if you are interesting to know more, you can read here. But after spending more almost two hours inside this museum, at least I get some roughly pictures of what were going on during the Vietnam War and the huge devastating impact especially to the Vietnamese.

#4: Artillery, armor and aircraft collection

#5: Unexploded ordnance being display in the corner of Museum's courtyard.

#6: Tiger Cages, where the South Vietnamese government allegedly kept political prisoners and for punishment purpose.

#7: Exhibition of anti-war artwork done by the Vietnamese children on the ground floor

The museum is specialised in research, collecting, preserving, and exhibition the remnants proofs of Vietnam War crimes and their consequences. It shows some of the true horrors behind the Vietnam War and for those who has weak heart, it may not be the best choice for you to visit cause it comprises provocative displays of photographs.

#8: The devastating impact caused by the Vietnam War

It's indeed heartbreaking by just looking at the war documentary photos. I even saw few of the visitors failed to hold their tears in front of the pictures. Initially I decided to take some cruel and horrify photos of the aggressive war crimes especially the traumatizing consequences of Agent Orange and share it here but at the end, it's hard for me to do so cause I was trying my best to hold my tears. Therefore, I only managed to take few photos as the following:

#9: Photo of the vicious fighting in Vietnam

#10

#11

Just when you thought museum is boring, the War Remnants Museum could be consider out of the norm. Not only does the museum illustrate a phase of painful history, but it also tells the unknown stories about war to people.

[Credit To: Wikipedia, Vietnam Travel & Living Guide]