Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.

Little has changed with the commies, the star on the red flag; the aura of intimidation at the airport; and charging everything in American dollars to tourists. It all adds up to an interesting experience in Vietnam.

While I have been to Hanoi before, a city in the north, Saigon in the south offers a different perspective of modern day Vietnam. The capitalist side.

Saigon Tourist …

Ho Chi Minh City isn’t very big. It’s bustling with businesses, cafes and restaurants catered to foreigners. It has more tall modern buildings compared to Hanoi, but like any city, spend only a day for sightseeing.

The Mekong River Delta, 2 hours drive away offers a not to be missed countryside experience. Authentic third world country, per se.

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t enough places within Saigon to keep an itchy feet busy on a whole day tour. Just make sure you stay in a hotel within District 1 area so you could walk about as cabs can be get pretty expensive.

Places like Opera House, Ho Chi Minh Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral is worth a visit. They’re within the city limits and you can walk to get from one attraction to the next.

Places like Chu Chi tunnels, floating market, and indigenous temples, however, are outside of town and requires you to book a tour to get there.

 … Notre Dame Cathedral

WiFi Internet is readily available in most places. Restaurants and cafes in downtown Saigon offers Internet for free. The locals are nice and friendly, but never trust them with your poodle. Last I heard they still have dogs for meal.

I have no clue what I’m doing here. Last I remembered I had to escape my cubicle prison and made last minute arrangements with a travel agent. One notable word of advice though: Plan and book your tours ahead. Tourists are rampant in this place.