Ho Chi Minh City Things to Do Tips by Mikebb

Underground Command Centre - Reunification Palace Reunification Palace Review

Our guided tour of the Palace took us to the fortified area (bomb shelter) beneath the Palace where the President and his Generals commanded the military activity during the last days of the conflict.

The command centre is extensive and included a communications centre, mobile radio section, a spare radio station, war room including maps, the President's bedroom and large kitchen. It is well worth the time to visit this section of the Reunification Palace.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, HCMC

Directions: An easy 15 minute walk from the City Centre.

Other Contact: dinhdoclap@dinhdoclap.gov.vn

Phone: 0808 5038

Website: http://www.dinhdoclap.gov.vn

Heliport Reunification Palace Review

During the conflict between the North and South Vietnamese the Palace was used as a army command centre and an extensive control centre was established underground, protected by huge concrete fortification which gave protection from bombs.

A heliport was established on the top floor of the Palace and was constantly used by the President. The helicopter presently on display is the same model as that used during the conflict.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, HCMC

Directions: Approximately 15 minutes walk from the City Centre.

Other Contact: dinhdoclap@dinhdoclap.gov.vn

Phone: 0808 5038

Website: http://www.dinhdoclap.gov.vn

Reunification Palace, Important In History Reunification Palace Review

We found our visit to the Palace very interestering and gave us an excellent insight into the recent history of the South Vietnamese people over the last 60 years. Easy to get to from the City Centre, a pleasant 15 minute walk and we were soon at the front entrance, a small entrance fee of approximately US 50 cents and we were soon walking through the large grounds.

Upon entering the Palace we were approached by an official who took us to join a free tour, the guide spoke English and was easy to understand. The tour is the best way to see the palace and appreciate its importance to the Vietnamese people.

The original Palace was built by the French and inaugurated in 1871, however on 27th February 1962, two pilots of the coup d'etat group of the Saigon Army bombed and destroyed sections of the Palace. The Prime Minister Ngo Dinh Diem ordered the demolition of the Palace and the building of a new Palace on the site. This new Palace combines modern architecture with traditional oriental architecture.

The Palace was used by the South Vietnamese as a headquarters during the war with the North and you might recall the television news reports on 30th April, 1975 showing the final stage of the war as the North Vietnamese tanks crashed through the Palace gates and took control as the Generals desperately fled in their helicopter.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, HCMC

Directions: A pleasant 15 minute walk fron City Centre and the Rex Hotel.

Other Contact: dinhdoclap@dinhdoclap.gov.vn

Phone: 0808 5038

Website: http://www.dinhdoclap.gov.vn

Street Cafes

Walking through the city you will see "Street Cafes" of all shapes and sizes, many run by women who toil hard to bring you a cheap and tasty meals, fruits or cold drink. I never eat off the street, however it looks and smells great and you see plenty of Europeans "Dining Out".

These street vendors add colour and atmosphere to the city. You only have to walk a few streets back off the main strip and early evening you will see the local community enjoying this food.

Address: All Districts Of HCMC

Tourist Information Centre

In the city centre there were many Tourist Information Centres which were run by the Government. Opposite the Rex Hotel there were 2 centres, each conviently located on a corner.

These are well worth a visit for general information on the city, plenty of information and brochures on day trips and longer. For those with a thirst there was free cold water. The staff were very good and had brochures on many touris

Address: 4G-4H Le Loi St., District !

Directions: City Square

Phone: (84.8) 822 6033

Website: http://www.ticvietnam.com

Sometimes Known As The Opera House Municipal Theatre Review

The theatre is a standout on the Town Square opposite the Continental Hotel and we would have walked past it a dozen times. Having High Tea at the Caravelle Hotel we looked through the lounge window and saw the side of this significant building.

We tried to get entry but it was closed. I have since learnt that each weekk it has a different programme such as Classical Music, Vietnamese Traditional Theatre, or perhaps gymnastics in the evening at 8pm.

Address: Dong Khoi Street, District 1

Directions: Town Square.

Phone: 829 9976

Catholic Cathedral Worth A Visit. Notre Dame Cathedral Review

From the City Centre it is an easy walk of less than 10 minutes to the Cathedral. The 40 metre high square steeples stand out on the skyline and help navigate the streets. The cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and has no stained glass windows as they were damaged during World War 2 and never replaced, the exterior walls being red brick have suffered water damage over the years. It can be seen where sections have been repaired , however there is need for considerable more work to be done. The lack of maintenance is typical of many classic old buildings highlighted as tourist attractions in HCMC.

We were unable to enter the cathedral as a service was in progress when we visited late afternoon. The entry doors were open but as the fence gates were locked we had to look over the fence through the open doors to glimpse the interior.

Address: Dong Khoi, District 1

Directions: City center, just opposite the City's General Post Office.

Huge Market, Quality Goods Ben Thanh Market Review

This market is an easy walk being 700 metres from the city centre and the Rex Hotel. As we were staying at the Rex we visited this market several times, both early morning (10am) and late afternoon when it is very crowded.

The walk along Le Loi street south to the market takes you past many shops and street vendors selling much of what you will find in the market. It is your chance to check the quality and price before you reach the market.

At the market there are hundreds of stalls selling designed label clothing, bags, beads, shoes, jewellry, cosmetics, crafts, lacquer ware etc, all at very low prices. Do not accept the first offer price, bargain hard but remember the exchange rate is over 18,000 Dong to the US $ and 1,000 Dong is approximately 5 cents. Be reasonable with your offer.

There is a large food market which we walked through but did not eat here. It all looked good and most likely was safe to eat.

The market was constructed by the French in 1914 and has a stylish clock tower.

Address: Cnr Le Loi & Ham Nghi Streets

Directions: Where the large roundabout is.