"Charming, friendly and a fun place at a... " a Ho Chi Minh City Travel Page by zquek

Vietnam is a place that has left a deep impression in me. Its a rapidly booming country, especially Saigon. Yet, it embodies the spirit of Southeast Asia. Your main gateway to Vietnam would probably be Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), immediately stepping into the country would be like transporting you back to the 70s of Southeast Asia. The city landscape is what countries like Singapore, Malaysia and even Hong Kong look like in the 70s. Decades of war and staunch communist economics had undermined the country's development. Many veterans will remark to you that Saigon look pretty much the same, except for the few new skyscrapers in Dong Khoi district, although new shops and modern retailers occupy the shophouses. From the 1990s, an infusion of young, competent leaders in the the Vietnames politburo had brought about a surge in the interests in market-style economics and development is a key objective in the leaders minds. This will be a boon for the people in Vietnam, but to me, as the landscape of Vietnam changes, Vietnam slowly loses its charm. It will probably be no different from Bangkok in 20 years time. But something hints to me, that probably Saigon wont be a mirror of Bangkok. With a pervasive "cafe-ing" culture, diverse attractions and rich history, there will still be a lot to explore in Vietnam in the future. I still say that do not hesititate and start packing, because Vietnam is South East Asia at its best! Many people will regret when the landscape is totally changed!

The signature drink of Vietnam is a small cup of very strong coffee and a very very sweet one! The coffee is made not by the traditional french press method or like the Italian Expresso (streaming it with very hot water). Traditional Vietnamese Coffee is made by brewing freshly grounded powder with hot water from a metal container above your drinking cup and allowing it to slowly drip into it. Its usally drunk with sugar and condensed milk (lots of it!). Most locals will tell you that they cant start their day without it. This coffee is different from the expresso that we are used to. It doesnt have the sour aftertaste and its extremely fragrant. The Vietnamese love their coffee and lounging in cafes. There are cafes everywhere in Saigon, especially the affluent District 1 and even district 3. Its not surprising to find a street with nothing but cafes.... Despite this strong and pervasive "cafe-ing" culture, Starbucks and Coffeebean have yet to enter the Vietnamese market. (Think about it, i cant seem to name another WTO member country that doesn't have Coffeebean, starbucks and Mcdonalds, globalisation isnt that pervasive after all) If you crave an upmarket cafe to enjoy your Vietnamese Coffee or want to savour an expresso (you really should avoid it in Vietnam), you can head on down to Highlands Coffee (its common in District 1). This place is basically the local version of Starbucks but at less than have the price.

Cheap hotels, good food with diverse selection and a good nightlife.
Pham Ngu Lao is the place i would head to stay when im at Saigon. The place is one of the most tourist friendliest, safest and cheapest in the world. A air conditioned double room with bathroom and breakfast will cost you 8-10usd a night and most places are generally well kept and clean (Vietnamese are obsessed with cleaniness). One thing you wouldn't miss in the hotel is the Vietnamese short baguette that is a signature morning item. The baguette, although looks like the real french one, is very different. Its hard and crispy on the outside and less buttery in smell, but soft and moist in the interior. Eat it with (very very sweet) local strawberry preserve and wash it down with sweet local coffee....