Ho Chi Minh City Journals

Ho Chi Minh City

A November 2005 trip to Ho Chi Minh City by nemo247

Cu Chi Entrance Photo - The Tunnels of Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam More Photos
Quote: Saigon is amazing in its ability to draw so many unique and diverse elements together in a frenetic hubbub that can leave you happily exhausted, sipping an iced coffee at one of the many cafes that dot the city.

Ho Chi Minh City

Overview

City Hall Photo - Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Most of the museums focus on modern history, with emphasis on the French and American wars. If that’s not your thing, a trip around the Delta is a popular single or multi-day excursion. Although not packed with a lot of must-see sights, the ambience of Saigon can keep you busy for days exploring local markets, cafes, and architecture. Quick Tips: Best Way To Get Around: As in much of Southeast Asia, motos, cyclos, and cabs are ubiquitous. Getting a driver recommended by your hotel can be helpful, and, as always, make sure you agree to a price upfront. When crossing the street, traffic will swerve around you (they won't stop, so don't expect it). DO NOT RUN. Walk slow and ...Read More

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The Hong Kong Hotel is right in the heart of the Backpacker's Ghetto, just 30 yards from De Tham Street. Rooms were priced from $10 to $16. The $10 room I stayed in was neat and clean but also a bit threadbare and musty. The staff were very friendly and they spoke reasonably good English and helped me with bookings, laundry, day trips, etc. The satellite TV actually had a decent selection of English channels, which seems to be a bit of a rarity in Vietnam. Most importantly, even though it is located in one of Saigon's busiest districts and the traffic goes all night, the room was very quiet.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on December 6, 2005

Hong Kong Hotel
22 Bui Vien District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
+84 8 836 4904

Hotel 265

Hotel

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This hotel had some very nice rooms. Mine was large, bright, spacious, and immaculately kept. All this for only $12 a night, with A/C! The satellite TV didn't have any English channels, but that's not a big deal; I wasn't there to watch TV anyway. The staff was very friendly and spoke excellent English. As an added bonus, the hotel offered some of the cheapest broadband telephone in Saigon (1,000 dong a min. to North America). Unfortunately, the street noise came right through the large single pane windows, and street noise in Saigon is LOUD. I gave it two nights before moving on; even with earplugs I couldn't get any sleep. I asked another person staying a few floor up, and he said that his...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on December 6, 2005

Hotel 265
265 De Tham St.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Pho 2000

Restaurant

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If you want to try some authentic pho while you're in Saigon and the street stalls are a bit too adventurous for you, this place is a great bet. It's located right beside Ben Thanh Market. It's a bit Western-influenced, with a fast-food feel to it, but the food is authentic and excellent. The place is obviously popular with people who work in the stores around the market and was packed every time I was there. The service is a cut above what you will find at most other noodle stands, and better than anything I saw around De Tham St.

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on December 6, 2005

Pho 2000
Beside the central market
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The Tunnels of Cu Chi

Attraction | "Cu Chi Tunnels"

Cu Chi Entrance Photo - The Tunnels of Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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If you’re going to the Tunnels, remember to bring a flashlight and a pair of ear plugs. The lighting in the tunnels is completely inadequate (although it does sort of add to the experience), and the firing range is painfully loud and too close to be avoided. Finally, if you have the slightest bit of difficulty with mobility, skip this site. The tunnels are, for obvious reasons, simply not accessible to most people with mobility issues. All things considered, I was disappointed by my visit here. It’s basically a museum display that has been set up in the wilderness. You can't really go exploring through the tunnels and the tiny section that has been maintained and widened for tourists is rath...Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on December 1, 2005

The Tunnels of Cu Chi
Củ Chi District
Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon