Ho Chi Minh City Day 2: Reunification Palace Saigon

Date of Visit: 2nd April 2012

Staying in District 1 of Saigon is the perfect choice cause most of those main and popular attractions were tucked around this area such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, Reunification Palace, Opera House, and War Remnants Museums. Once we done with scouting around Ben Thanh Market which offered wide range of souvenirs and mementos, we walked to Reunification Palace which we believed that it's not really that far away. Wandering around Ho Chi Minh City seems to be pretty safe but please make sure be extra careful on your belongings especially the valuable one. 

#1: The ticket hours - 07:30 am to 11:00 am and 1:00pm to 4:00 pm

We reached around 12.30 pm and we had to wait for the counter to open at 1:00pm. So do take note before decide to come here cause there will be break in between 11.00 am to 1.00 pm. But afraid not cause if you reach during the break time, you still can visit the other two attractions which were few stones away - Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office [will blog about these in the next post].

#2: Ticket includes film "Independence Palace-Witness to History" and access to the garden.

#3: Front view of the prestigious Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace, formerly known as Independence Palace was the residence and workplace of the President of the former South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Still standing strong and powerful in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, this fascinating government building is a prominent symbol of the country's political history.

#4: Free English speaking tour guide in her Vietnamese national costume, ao dai

In this large and well-maintained historical building, we're fascinating with so many interesting things when viewing through all the four floors, including the rooftop as well as the secret tunnel passage inside this building. From the formal meeting rooms to private bedrooms and even visitors allowed to enter the war situation rooms 10 meters underground, all the rooms including the furniture and fittings were remains largely unchanged and making the whole place looking so grand and elegant.

#5: The Banquet Chamber

#6: The cabinet meeting room

#7: Auditorium stage with a statue of Ho Chi Minh and a red Communist flag and star in behind

 

#8: President's office in the hall

#9: The President suite and diplomat waiting room

#10:Vice President reception room

#11: Credentials presenting room

#12: Dining room with lavishly furnished and glittering chandeliers

#13: The living quarter built around a sunny atrium

This palace still holds many important functions until today. Some of the rooms in the Palace are available for the purpose of meetings and banquets. The palace even has facilities for held celebrations such as wedding and birthday parties.

For the admission fee per pax is 30,000 dong (approx. to USD1.50) that seems to be reasonable, I think that this is one place that you should visit when come to Saigon. It's a place more than just a museum itself.

[Credit To: Paddle With Hoz, Wikipedia, Saigon Muslim Tours]

All Under One Roof In Ben Thanh Market

One thing I love about Thien Xuan Hotel, which was recommended by a friend of mine was because it was located so close to this largest marketplace that tucked in District 1 of the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh City. Almost every single day my friends and I never failed to visit Ben Thanh Market which is known as one of the most popular and famous symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. And I believed that no one ever leaves this shopping mecca empty-handed, even for those with no intention to shop initially.

#1: The infamous Ben Thanh Market

One of the reason why this Ben Thanh Market tends to be famous spot among tourist and travellers was because it offers extensive range of souvenirs and mementos - from the typical travel collections such as keychains and fridge magnets to clothes, bags, accessories, jeweleries, textiles and even the famous Vietnamese strong aroma coffee. But this market is not just for the purpose to serve the tourist and travellers' need, it also where the local get their daily necessities such as fresh foods, groceries, household items and more. It's like you can get anything you want - all under one roof in Ben Thanh Market.

#2: The wet market part that sells fresh meat, fishes, seafoods and more

#3: Jeweleries and accessories section

Most people claimed that at here, where you can bargain with the stall owners up to as high as 70% discount from the original price of the items. I can said that it's partly true but not all the stalls in Ben Thanh Market you can bargain with. Some areas had displayed with a huge sign of "Fixed Price" and that's indicate no discount will be given. So be alert with that signboard cause they tends to ignore you if you bargain with them.

#4: Plenty of clothes but these not suit me

#5: Ao dai, a Vietnamese national costume, most commonly worn by Vietnamese women

When comes to bargain, you can bargain either in their own currency, Vietnamese Dong or even US Dollar. It's up to you as long as you know how to do the maths. Some even accept Malaysian Dollar but only you agree with the rate converted by them. Besides the general and widely spoken English language, most of the stall owners here can speak in different kind of language - Mandarin and even in Malay. So beware before you speak in your own language cause you will easily annoy them and some of them rather don't want sell their items to you. In order to attract more customers, hence don't be surprised some can be even spoken in Japanese and Korean language. Macam-macam ada!

#7: Colourful fridge magnets - I can't help myself from looking at this and I bought a lot, to be frank

 

#8: Unique and impressive Vietnamese lacquer act - Regret for not buying this for my future house

#9: Colourful Vietnamese lacquerware

 

#10: Dried nuts and fruits. My friend said the lotus seeds were freaking dirt cheap here

 

#11: Vietnamese women selling fruits outside of Ben Thanh Market

#12: The statue of Tran Nguyen Han, located in the roundabout which just right in front of the Ben Thanh Market

 

I can't deny that Ben Thanh Market is one of the best place to get what I what - especially in accumulating more of my travel collections such as keychains, fridge magnets, theme T-shirt, postcards and more when I was in Saigon. Even my parents who went earlier than me also said that this is one good place to buy household items, kitchen ware, clothes and more, just that you must know the exact and appropriate way to bargain with the sellers.

Alone to Ho Chi Minh City & Stayed in Thien Xuan Hotel

Date of Visit: 01st April 2012

Initially, it was a trip of two. Then, it became four. Unfortunately one month before, one couldn't make it and so it became three. But how come at the end, only I alone to Ho Chi Minh City?

I went Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam less than a week after back from a week trip to Philippines last year. To be frank, I never thought of going Vietnam until one of my best friends proposed that she wanna go there just for their famous authentic and strong aroma coffee, and so I tried my luck for AirAsia's promotion and surprisingly, I managed to secure the deal that I think might be one of the best - a return for just RM146 as well for my return ticket via KK-KL-KK for just RM12.20 (when can you get this best deal anymore?). Then, when my collegemate know about this, she and her friend interested to join too but unfortunately by the time she wanna book the same flight as mine, the airfare had increased and I advised her to buy the night flight and so she did. Luckily my collegemate did bought cause one month before the trip, my best friend unable to join cause she will having exam on our travel period. Therefore, I went alone in the morning and waited for my collegemate and her friend at night in Ho Chi Minh City. Hereby, I can concluded that this is the first time I flew abroad alone without the companion of any friends of mine.

#1: The flight duration from Kuala Lumpur to Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) took 1 hour and 55 minutes. In between, Ho Chi Minh City is 1 hour behind Malaysia.

Travel Tips in Saigon:

Beware of the rip-off taxis scam. Do not simply take any taxi cause it will hurt your wallet so badly. The most reliable cabs are MaiLinh and Vinasun. Beware of the letters as well cause some try to fool you by placing Vinasum. See the difference? To get more info on how to avoid Saigon's rip-off taxis - read this article.

#2: Took MaiLinh cab from the airport's counter to hotel and it cost USD$10

#3: Thien Xuan Hotel in District 1

From airport to Thien Xuan Hotel (which recommended by my friend), it took less than 20 minutes via taxi. I noticed that most Malaysian and Singaporean love to stay in District 1 cause it nearby most of those popular and main attractions of Saigon such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Post Office, Reunification Palace, Opera House, and War Remnants Museums. There are more than 20 budget and affordable hotels around this district. 

After done with all the check-in procedures, I was allowed to check-in into the room earlier. I though I have to wait until 2pm like most of those typical hotels but then I was being told I can check-in as early as 8 am. On top of that, the full amount of the hotel fees were paid when we check-out.

#3: Cozy and modern design superior triple room

#4: Clean and well-equipped with a bathtub and hot water

#5: All basic toiletries were provided in each and every room including bath towels and hair dryer

Although there is a free Wifi inside the room but unfortunately maybe because our room was located at very corner end, hence the connection was very weak. Sometimes I can access to Internet, sometimes I can't. Most of the time I access internet at the lobby or using the hotel's computer which located besides the hotel small little so-call cafe. To my surprised was besides China, even country like Vietnam is unofficially blocked Facebook.

#6: Famous Ben Than Market is located less than 100 meters away from the hotel

I can see Ben Thanh Market by just standing right in front of the entrance of the hotel. This is what I like about the strategic location of this hotel. Besides Ben Thanh Market, there are also many restaurants nearby. And when the day turned to night, a bustling and happening night market set up outside Ben Thanh Market. [Will blog more about Ben Thanh Market in next post]

After scouting around Ben Thanh Market alone for almost two hours, I went back to the hotel and took a nap. Imagine I woke up as early as 3 am to catch my flight and I was extremely tired and exhausted.

#7: My first dinner in Saigon - Rice with roasted pork [USD$3]

When I about to step out from the hotel hunting for my dinner, the weather was really bad with heavy rain and strong wind. Out of sudden, the whole District 1 including the hotel I stayed was blackout. Scary to the max cause this is my very first time of experience this. Therefore, my last resort was having my dinner inside the hotel's small little so-called cafe. By that time as well, I received message from my friend that her flight will be delayed until the next morning due to the bad weather conditions.

#8: Whole night alone in the room wrote postcards cause of the bad weather conditions

Overall, this hotel is ideal and perfect choice for traveller and tourist at leisure as it tucked right in the center of the city and only few walking distance to most attractions like I mentioned above. The amount that we paid for 6 nights was USD$294, which it cost roughly USD$16 per person per night, this room is absolutely affordable and friendly to our wallet. The rate that we paid was including breakfast as well. This hotel is highly recommended for those who travel on a budget - clean, convenient, cheap and excellent services.

7D6N Philippines Itinerary (2012)

Here is the compilation for all the post relating to my trip to Philippines last year for 7 days and 6 nights.

Day 1 (20th March 2012)

From Clark to Manila & Friendly Guesthouse (Accommodation)

Although this guesthouse cost P400 (approx. to RM28) per night, but we had bad experience where one of my friends was attacked by bed bugs and there is no blanket provided in the dorm.

Day 2 (21st March 2012)

Tagaytay City & Taal Volcano

Taal Volcano, MushroomBurger, Sonya's Cottage Inn Bed & Breakfast, Bags of Bean Coffee Shop

Day 3 (22nd March 2012)

SM Mall of Asia


Day 4 (23rd March 2012)

Rizal Park

- Admission fee for adult is P20 

- Between 8:00 pm to 8:30 pm, the admission fee is P50 cause these statues will become part of the light-and-sound presentation

Fort Santiago & Manila Cathedral

- The admission fee for Fort Santiago is P75 (adult) and P50 (children and students)

Quiapo Market Manila, Jollibee, San Agustin Church and Casa Manila

- The admission fee for San Agustin Church is P100 whereas for Casa Manila is P75

Manila American Cemetery and Memorial


The Singing Cooks & Waiters Restaurant


Day 5 (24th March 2012)

Manila Ocean Park

- There are many kind of package rates that you can choose from and we opted for the PH900 (approx. to RM63) which includes entrance to Oceanarium, Sea Lion Show, Marine Life Habitat, Fish Spa, Jellies Exhibit, Trails to Antarctica and Musical Fountain Show.

Day 6 (25th March 2012)

Shopping & Shopping - SM Mall of Asia, Shopping Malls around Ayala Center Station, Robinsons Place Mall

Day 7 (26th March 2012)

Farewell Philippines - KFC in Manila, Bus from Manila to Clark Airport & Airport Terminal Fee

- From Pasay to Clark International Airport, it cost P450 (approx. to RM14)
- Airport tax is not included in the airfare, therefore must pay before depart

Extra Features

• 2012 Philippines Trip (Sneak Peek)
• Travel Haul & Expenses 

NOTE
If you plan to hire a local tour guide/driver around Manila and maybe outskirt of the city, here is the detail and contact: 

Abel Dava - Contact through sending message via email to abeldava@yahoo.com or through mobile phone: +63 908 256 3818

He charged P3,500 for unlimited of time and this fee including petrol and parking fee. His car could fit up to 7 people. 

Finally I done with my Philippines travelogue. Oh boy! I still have so many travelogues in queue - Ho Chi Minh City, Bali, Hong Kong & Macau, Melbourne, Bangkok, Singapore-Malacca-KL, Johor Bahru, Bangkok (second visit), Siem Reap and the latest one, Hatyai! Wondering when will I ever to finish them. #facepalm

For more of my travel updates, follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

My Travel Haul & Expenses of Philippines (2012)

Philippines might sounds like nothing to shop for but you will be shocked that there are plenty of shopping malls in Manila city itself. Although we didn't manage to visit of them, at least we did visit few of them such as SM Mall of Asia and even few malls which situated in Ayala Station. I had to admit that it's really hard for me to resist myself from shopping when I travel abroad but in the mean time, I did refrain myself from shopping too much cause I do have my own budget when comes to shopping.

And now let me reveal what did I bought when throughout my 7 days and 6 nights trip in Philippines:

#1: As usual, this is all my shopping and foods haul from Philippines.

#2: Food hauls - The dried mangoes were so delicious and yummy! Regret for bought so little.

Bought most of my food and snack from supermarket of SM Mall of Asia. 

#3: My travel collections: Keychains and fridge magnets 

Fridge magnets bought from different places - With the brand Kultura, its from SM Mall of Asia whereas those in pack bought from Quiapo Market Manila.

#3: My very first luggage tags collection - Bought from SM Mall of Asia as well

#4: Accessories - Earrings from Kultura, SM Mall of Asia and hair clips from The Landmark

#5: Philippines tote bag and toiletries bag from Kultura, SM Mall of Asia - The quality is worth every dollar we paid.

#6: I'm kinda fancy sling bags and bought both of these from The Landmark where both cost RM57

#7: Canvas flat shoe from night market. Just cost P100, approx to RM7. Freaking dirt cheap.

I even wore the white one throughout my trip to Hatyai, Thailand last month. 

#8: T-shirts and tops for my family including my uncle and Boyfie.

And the following is my sharing of the full details of my travel expenses that I spend throughout the 7 days and 6 nights trip around Philippines:

(The rate as at the time I changed; RM7.24 : P100)

NOTE:

1. The airfare didn't included the airport tax and it's compulsory to pay before depart. 
2. Initially, we travelled by hand-carry but unfortunately our umbrellas were strictly prohibited to be on board. Therefore, got no choice but being forced to check-in just for the sake of our umbrellas.
3. Stayed for 6 nights throughout our trip. For more information about this budget guesthouse, click HERE. 
4. Rate for a day is P3,500 - unlimited time per day and it's including the fuel and driver fee as well but excluded the parking and entrance fees.
5. This includes the admission fees, boat and horse ride. 
6. Most of my souvenirs and shopping haul are as above photos. Also including postcards and stamps which I bought and send to recipients in Philippines.
7. Tips for the bus driver, horse guide.