Ho Chi Minh City Things to Do Tips by Aidy_p

This French inspired building houses many shops that offer items from local handicrafts and art pieces to clothing and food stuff.

This was also the first time I spotted a gleaming new Merc on the roads of HCMC. Things have really changed.

Anyway, back to Ben Thanh Market, always throw in a bargain for the things that you want. Sometimes as much as 50%. But i'll usually end up paying about 70% of their quoted price.

The bargains offered were so-so but the sweltering heat sure brought upon unceasing amount of perspiration.

So other than bringing enough VND, remember to dress down to your sports gear and bring along your fluid (i.e. Mineral water).

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Directions: At the round-about of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao and Le Lai streets.

It's so apt in meaning when you see Ho Chi Minh's statue in the foreground while the City Hall sits in the background. The defeat of the French and other colonial rulers by someone in their Vietnamese community.

If you think what I'm saying sounds a little abstract or slanting towards propoganda, well, just admire the picture that I've taken in the evening. It was taken without flash so as to capture the nice glow of the building.

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Address: Nguyen Hue Boulevard

I was so tempted to walk in as they were having a concert within the building. Chose not to in case I get shot at...Kidding!

Historical building built by the French in the 1900s. It fortunate that the picture came out clear as I took it without a tripod nor flash. This means that I really have to keep my hands real still. Oh boy!

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Even during the Vietnam War, the Americans were already using what the Bush Administration would call "Weapons of Mass Destruction".

Big bombs, solid tanks, attack helicopters and the works. The military equipment were placed in the outdoors without any protection or shade. But it was not the equipment that got my attention, but the effects of Agent Orange on humans. Babies came out deformed; people died; the Vietnamese were scarred for life. The point that has ingrained more into my mind is that War sees no victory. Both warring nations would suffer.

I'd say that the 15,000VND that I paid was pretty worth it because of the knowledge gained.

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Phone: 848 9302112
Address: 20, Vo Van Tan, District 3
Directions: Building on one side of the road has odd numbers while on the other, even. Walk down the street, and you'll see that the home number gets smaller. Just walk on till you see the entrance.
Other Contact: warrmhcm@gmail.com

It's quite impossible to find a place where there's no or low pollution. Motorcycles zipping all over the place, and the honking adds to the noise pollution.

It was great that my hotel was just in front of Tao Dan Park. One of the larger parks in Ho Chi Minh City, walking into the park brings you into another dimension.

Somehow, the noise seems to stop, and the place was a tinge bit cooler. Nice water fountain and big hanging trees adds to the serenity of the place. The park was teeming with life. Older folks were just sitting around for that morning chat; Adults doing their morning exercise "Qi Gong".

To the left of the park was a children playground. It was really impressive in terms of the overall quality of the equipment and the effort that the government has placed on giving the young a place to call their own.

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Directions: Surrounded by Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Nguyen Du, and Huyen Tran Cong Chua streets. Opposite the Reunification Palace

After visiting Ben Thanh and An Dong, going to Binh Tay Market should not be a neccessity at all if you're looking to buy more local discounted items. Of course you should visit the place to see it's architecture, and also to experience how the Vietnamese people go through their daily lives.

There are also nice little shops surrounding the market. But looking from the other side of the spectrum, Binh Tay Market is more chaotic than An Dong Market, and the shopholders are not too desperate for your business and thus would not try to court you to buy their items. Some may even display signs to say that their items are all fixed price. No chance for discount.

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Address: Thap Muoi Street, District 5

If you can spare some time out of your busy touristy schedule, do drop by Notre Dame Cathedral on a Sunday and soak in the atmosphere of a Mass.

A sense of serenity comes upon you as you step into the cathedral. The candles, the priest, the congregation. Everything. Another reason why you'd want to visit the cathedral is also to see the architecture. Lovely stained glass and intricately designed high ceiling makes this cathedral a lovely building.

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Address: Dong Khoi, District 1
Directions: City center

Stepping into the Post Office (Buu Dien) brings you back in time. Lovely floor tiles, a row of old telephone boxes, and a super large portrait of Uncle Ho makes visiting the Post Office a unique experience.

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Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1

This building was momentous to the fall of Saigon. When the Russian-made T-54 tank rolled into the compound, it meant that the US has been defeated.

The tank that rolled into the compound is now immortalised within the premises of the Palace.

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Address: 106 Nguyen Du