The heat was indeed ON in Saigon when we were there. Literally. It was quite a pleasant surprise to find that the City I originally only identified with the Cameron Macintosh musical actually has a lot to offer. It’s easy to get lost in images of “Platoon” and other Vietnam War movies and completely forget the fact that Ho Chi Minh is a progressive and thriving city that is definitely worth your while.
It’s easy to get around. Relatively.
When we decided to explore the City, we opted to do it on foot. One: because the guy at the guesthouse suggested it. Two, because trying to understand the various modes of commute/transit seems a pain. And three, because the places we’ve eyeballed for our walking tour are just several minutes’ walk away from one another.
From the rooftop of the Independence Palace (check out the blog post on that), using a bit of zooming in, here’s a view of the street right outside its gates.
Plus, when you see the traffic – largely motorcycles – on the streets and sidewalks, I think you’d end up spending more time commuting rather than actually checking out the sights.
So if you ask me, WALK.
It’s like an all-in-one treat.
Depending on which part of the City you’re at, you’d get pretty much the best of all worlds. French or colonial architecture? Check.
Nature in the middle of an urban jungle? Check!
What about high-rises and modern buildings and signs of commercialism and capitalism? Check, check and check!
It’s like you’re in France… but not really.
Now, I’ve never been to France, so for this one I can only rely on from other sources who are authoritative in their own right. Perhaps the most telling would be the architecture of many of the City’s landmarks, which is French. Well, duh, considering how these ancient structures were designed and built by the French, that shouldn’t be any surprise now, should it?
Out of the several French-style buildings, however, if I’d have to pick a favorite, it would probably be the Central Post Office.
Oh, and another indication is many of the street names being distinctly French-sounding.
You can shop ’til you drop. But hopefully not.
We’re not heavy shoppers, and that isn’t really our intention coming here, but if you like to shop, then you’ll find many opportunities to do that here, especially if you’re the type to look for bargains and budget finds.
The Ben Thanh Marketplace is particularly famous as a shopping spot, but we only got to enter it for several minutes, because it always seems like the place is already closed by the time we get there (too busy exploring, you see).
What caught my eye when we were inside, however, were some of the local snacks and flavors. We tried something, and it must have been the dried persimmons, I’m not too sure.
And, of course, since this is still Vietnam, there is coffee being sold everywhere! I bought some – kopi luwak and weasel coffee – just to taste. I had my folks enjoy them when I got home because I don’t really drink coffee, and they said it tastes very good!
Of course, there is the usual fare you’d find in markets, from apparel to various wares. If you’re from other Asian countries and are familiar with these markets, you’d feel right at home here.
But fear not, avid shoppers, because once the Market closes, the Night market just on its both sides are going to come to life!
It’s a place that will keep you on your toes.
Because a moment’s distraction can mean potential vehicular accident, meaning you’re going to be run over by a rushing motorcycle.
I’m not even kidding.
You’d literally be playing patintero or an obstacle game with these two-wheeled modes of transport, and you’re going to pretty much risk your limbs on the line! Just look how close this was. And we were even walking on the pedestrian lane here! Do they show signs of slowing down? ABSOLUTELY NOT.
I wonder how many accidents are listed on a daily basis in this City alone. Because there is bound to be at least one in a day.
To be fair, though, from the couple of nights that we found ourselves wandering the streets relatively late already, Ho Chi Minh is quite safe for tourists. I’m not sure about the crime rate, but we didn’t feel threatened at all (well, except for the uncaring motorists on two-wheels). But maybe that is also because we opted to stick to the more crowded areas and avoided seedy-looking alleys and streets? Haha!
Next up: our bit of foodtripping in Ho Chi Minh. See ya then!
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