Saigon City Tour, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
What I like about staying in Vietnam is the cost of living. It is quite cheap here compared to other neighboring countries like Thailand, Cambodia and Singapore; even cheaper than in the Philippines. Therefore, I can say that Vietnam is a back-packer friendly destination because you can get a nice hotel at the backpacker area for less than 20 US dollars a night, or cheaper if you are lucky enough to find a comfy bed space. Also, Vietnamese food is so rich and unique. Authentic Vietnamese 'Pho' is to die for!
Tip when visiting Saigon: Get a hotel at the backpacker area (Pham Ngu Lao street). Night life, booze and souvenir items are all there; and oh, the cheap authentic North Face backpack stores are in this district as well) You can even get a Saigon beer here for 10,000 Dong (that's about 50 US cents!). Around 80% of the people here are tourists, and boy, everyone here knows how to party! I suggest you walk around at night (yes, it's safe!) and explore the many bars and clubs around the area.
One of the best ways to roam around is a bicycle; well motorbikes are the most popular, but since I don't have a license to drive in Vietnam, I got the good'ol bike. And I think I like the bike more than the motocycle because you can easily lift it when passing by monkey bridges and small canals.
It's quite expensive to own a car here that is why most Vietnamese are on motorbikes
Can Tho Bridge. The construction was funded by the Japanese governent. It was opened on April 2010 and construction cost is estimated to be 342.6 million US dollars making it the most expensive bridge in Vietnam.
The mode of transport here in Vietnam is mostly on two wheels
Aha! There's Jollibee here as well!
Chau Ba Thien Temple aka "The Pagoda of the Lady Thien Hau", a Chinese temple located in China Town. See those conical coils hanging? Those are insence and one whole coil can last for weeks.
A fancy building in Saigon
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, built between 1877 and 1883 by a French priest. The construction materials were all imported from France.
Inside Saigon Central Post Office. It is located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, just near the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. It has a Gothic architectural design and was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel.
Vincom Center, a high-end shopping center just across Hotel Continental Saigon and Rex Hotel. There's a food court at the basement and a lot of international signature shops everywhere. But I think malls in Bangkok, Saigon and even in the Philippines are way better in my opinion.
Saigon Opera House aka Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre is a beautiful masterpiece and it looks great at night because of the nice lighting. It is a classic example of French Colonial architecture and offers an impressive view to the surrounding view, perfect for photo ops, night or day.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall, unfortunately is not open to the public.
Sticky rice, a popular Vietnamese dessert
Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Vietnam's largest international ariport
