Getting there Ho Chi Minh
City's Tan Son Nhat International
Airport (SGN) is the destination of choice for those coming to the city or anywhere else in
Vietnam. Flying from the United States (generally Chicago or California) usually involves a stop-over in Asia, be it Seoul, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan, etc. so be prepared for a long haul.
Arriving
You will be given a two-part customs form to fill out before your arrival. Upon landing, follow the signs to immigration, where you may pick up your luggage. Afterwards, you will head to the customs counter to present your passport, visa and customs form. They will take the customs form and return you a yellow receipt. Keep it! You need it for departure.
Taxis may be accessed just outside of customs. The cost to most hotels in the city center is only $5.
Getting around
Crossing the road in Saigon can be a
nightmare. The trick is to disconnect
the part of your brain that processes
fear. Be Moses. Walk slowly and
confidently - the sea of motor scooters
will part every time. After this, you’re
ready to for some serious fun - a trip
on a motor cycle taxi (xe-om or moto for
short). Whilst a few vice peddlers at
the bottom of Dong Khoi give these chaps
a bad reputation, and few speak much
English, it’s the only way to see this
town. Note that your moto driver will be
getting a kickback from some places he’s
recommending. He needs it to live, so if
you get a good moto, tip well. If not,
stop at the nearest corner and duck into
a shop until he’s gone. 20,000 for short
trips, 150,000 plus tip for a half-day.
Taxis are also plentiful are less likely
to try to get you into tourist fleecing
dens. They are a much safer bet late
night. Maps: Most
hotels will provide a free tourist map of district 1 although these vary in quality and tend to be advertising based. The Sheraton have one of the best of these and will provide one if you ask at reception. Within District 1, 'Bookazine' at #28 Dong Khoi (between Ngo Duc Ke and Ho Huan Nghiep) have larger city maps if you plan to venture beyond District 1. The one published by Du Lich & Giao Thong has a street index on the back. Fahasa Books also carry a full range of available maps. They have two large stores in District 1 - 185 Dong Khoi, just down from Le Thanh Ton, and 40 Nguyen Hue, just down from Mac Thi Buoi. Outlets in Saigon include Gaya , Dolce Casa, Annam
Fine Foods, T&V Tailor, Galley Deli, and
a number of two star hotels. From Saigon River, walk to Nguyen Hue Street, District 1. End of the street is the building of the People's Committee of
Ho Chi Minh City. Entry is not allowed however you can take photos in the small park in front of this building. It appears that this area is one of the most beautiful spots of the city with buildings, hotels, shopping places, trees, flowers, people and vehicles, etc. During the biggest festival in Vietnam , Tet (Lunar New Year), Nguyen Hue is the amazing flower walking street. Walk back a little from Nguyen Hue Street , turn left to Le Loi Street , you will see the City Theater (City Opera House), intersection of Le Loi and Dong Khoi Street . On big festivals such as Tet, Victory Day 30 April, National Day 2 September... live bands performs at the open area in front of the Theater and people gather to watch. Walk on Dong Khoi Street against the one way direction, you will reach the Notre Dame Cathedral. It is very crowded inside and outside during Christmas night time (December 24 and 25). On your right hand side, there is the Central Post Office. Continue with the Dong Khoi Street, after passing the Notre Dame Cathedral, the same street is named Pham Ngoc Thach. Walk straight, you will see Le Duan Street . Turn right and walk to the end, intersection with Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, the Zoo and Botanical Garden (Thao Cam Vien) is there. Animals and flowers... in the zoo are normal but there is quite a good museum about Vietnam since the beginning which worth a visit, Vietnam History Museum. Go straight from the zoo entrance to the other end of Le Duan Street, intersection with Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, you will reach the Reunification Palace (Thong Nhat Conference Hall, Dinh Thong Nhat, Dinh Doc Lap). Around this Palace is a green park with stone chairs for you to rest. There are Book Exhibitions in this park sometimes. No park border nor gate. Going out from the Reunification Palace , turn right and walk on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street towards Saigon River direction, on your left you will see the City Museum near Ly Tu Trong intersection with Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street . Walk straight and turn right to Le Thanh Ton Street , walk for a few blocks, you will see Ben Thanh Market. Or going out from the Reunification Palace, walk on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, away from Saigon River direction until you reach Vo Van Tan Street, turn left again and walk straight to the War Remnants Museum (Nha Trung Bay Toi Ac Chien Tranh) near Le Quy Don Street. Bus travel: Traveling on bus is recommended when you are new to the city and want to have a quick tour. Buses are new, clean and air-conditioned. Ticket costs about VND3,000. There are many bus routes but for tourists, these 2 buses are good for city tour: - Airport Bus (Xe Buyt San Bay) connects Tan Son Nhat Airport and City Center including backpackers' area Pham Ngu Lao Street , De Tham Street , etc. - Cholon Bus (Xe Buyt Cho Lon) leads you to China Town in District 5. |
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