Bikes and bustle

Get caught up in the heady buzz of Saigon, dizzy with the pace of a million motorcycles, and beguiled by the local girls cycling by in their flowing Ao Dai dresses. Southern Vietnam is captured in all it’s intriquing essence here.

Follow the history and culture of the city on this blog, from Re-unification Palace to the War Museum, with plenty of Asian and Indo-Chine architecture and character splashed across this guide. From the Cu Chi tunnels and Mekhong Delta, to endless pagodas and Com Pho shops, it’s all soon covered here.

It’s all part of a comprehensive travel guide, with hundreds of pages and dozens of pictures, which we are busy developing to help you plan you trip to Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam.

Dai Nam Tourist Park, is an interesting attraction found around 40kms from Saignon which opened in November, 2008. Dai Nam Van Hien Temple is located within the site as well as entertainment site complex, shopping areas, open range zoo, hotels, Vietnamese and Western restaurants plus the country’s biggest man-made mountain range.

Upon arrival visitors first across the famous Dai Nam Quoc Tu Temple. The first floor contains historical artefacts whilst the second continues to be used as a place of worship. Exhibits of the various dynasties of Vietnam from Ngo to Nguyen are on show here.

Dai Nam Quoc Tu is otherwise known as Tu An Temple (or the Temple of Four Gratitudes), and acts as a reminder of the apparent origins of the Vietnamese people. Buddha, the Au Co Mother, the Hung Kings and President Ho Chi Minh all represented here.

More than 50 billion dong was spent to build the park, and it is treated as the started point for mass tourism in Vietnam. However, despite the rather contrived origins, many locals rave about it especially the beautiful temple. The park can be found as Thu Dau Mot Town, Binh Duong Province (to get there take bus number 616 or arrange a tour through a travel agent.

Reunification Palace: Previously known as Independence Palace, this five-storey time-warp has been left largely as it was when Saigon fell to northern Viet Minh troops in April 30, 1975. The impressively kitsch recreation room is a popular draw as is the basement, filled with 1960s office equipment abandoned as the defeated forces fled. There are propaganda films and a photo gallery whilst free tours are available. A pleasant café can be found outside the main building. (135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, tel. 9693272. Open daily 7:30am to 11am and 1pm to 4pm, Entry 15,000 dong)

War Remnants Museum: Having shrugged off it’s rather confrontational former name of the ‘Exhibition House of American War Crimes’, this museum first opened its doors a mere five months after the end of the Vietnam War. Visitors of a squimish disposition may want to avoid the re-created ‘tiger cage’ prison,gruesome photographs and jars of deformed fetuses apparently caused by Agent Orange poisoning. (28 Vo Van Tan Street, tel. 9302112, warrmhcm@gmail.com, Open 7:30am to 12noon and 1:30pm to 5pm. Entry costs 15,000 dong)

City Hall: Called the Hôtel de Ville during the French occupation and now formally entitled the People’s Committee Hall, Saigon’s City Hall is a a striking yellow and cream French colonial building especially picturesque while floodlit at night. Although visitors are not allowed inside, the statue of Ho Chi Minh outside is an obligatory photo stop. (End of Nguyen Hue Street)

Museum of Vietnamese History: This museum contains an extensive collection of Vietnamese exhibits from ancient times, although it’s best to come prepared to get the most out of the experience as descriptions are minimal. The Botanical Gardens outside have placed for a cheap lunch and are great for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle. (Intersection of Nguyen Binh Khiem and Le Duan Street just within zoo gates)

Ho Chi Minh City Museum: This museum is housed in another imposing French colonial building by Saigon’s docks. It depicts the life of Ho Chi Minh, the hero of the communist victory in the Vietnam War. Don’t expect impartiality here though! (Duong Nguyen Tat Thanh, District 4, Open every day from 7:30am to 12:00noon and 1:30pm to 5pm. 10,000 dong entry)

Although Saigon is the country’s commercial centre, the city also has a healthy cultural side. Just walking around the city, you can soak up the rich blend of culture Saigon has to offer.

The Saigon Opera House is at the heart of the city’s cultural centre. The building itself is an icon of the city, it’s grand colonial style architecture illustrating the strong European influence Saigon has experienced over the years.

Inside the 800-seater venue, visitors are treated to many elements of the beautiful design from this period. Catching a show at the Opera House is also a great way to gain insight into the local arts culture.

Water Puppetry is not confined to Hanoi, The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre is a fantastic venue and allows visitors to experience this ancient arts tradition. Experiencing this atmospheric drama is must while visiting Vietnam.

The show’s dialogue is in Vietnamese, but most foreign audience members find the show is still incredibly entertaining and easy to follow. Traditional music accompanies the water-based puppet show.

Saigon also has a number of excellent art galleries and museums. Despite its modern elements, Saigon is still a very traditional city with a deep rooted cultural heritage.

It is always fun to pick up some souvenirs and handicrafts when travelling in a foreign land. Such goods are particularly appealing in countries such as Vietnam and Thailand, where craftsmen use their skills to create intricate designs.

Most of Vietnam’s handicrafts originate from the north. It is always more satisfying to buy from the craftsperson who created the piece, but this is not always possible. If you want to buy souvenirs in Saigon there are a number of places we recommend.

The Dong Khoi area of the city is the best place to hunt for high qaultiy souvenirs, silk and one-off designs. You will pay more for the goods, but you can be assured that the quality is of a considerably higher standard than at markets such as Ben Thanh.

Ben Thanh Market is a one-stop shopping arena for souvenirs; however quality varies and it is recommended you examine the goods carefully before making a purchase. Endless rows of stalls sell every knick knack under the sun, providing the ideal opportunity for gift shopping.

Haggling is recommended at all markets, as prices are always marked up for tourist shoppers. Barter with a smile for the best result.

Like many Southeast Asian destinations, one of Saigon’s highlights is its vibrant markets. These lively trading places are always worth experiencing, even if you don’t intend to make a purchase – although, it is often difficult not.

Ben Thanh Market is a massive trading centre, and has recently been divided into two sections to separate tourist orientated goods from the every day items. There are so many bargains to be found, so it is well worth having a good rummage. The market opens before dawn, when locals swarm to buy the freshest produce.

Binh Tay Market is more of a wholesale outfit. It is considered the largest market in the whole of Vietnam, so be prepared to get lost. You can find almost everything under the sun at this trading spot. Binh Tay Market enjoys a scenic location amongst the vibrant streets of Chinatown.

The War Surplus Market is a dark and dense maze of stalls selling everything military related. There are some good finds, but most of the goods aren’t authentic. It’s a great place for stocking up on combat wear, Zippos lighters and other military paraphernalia.

Market shopping is an exciting experience in Saigon. Don’t be shy to practice your bartering skills as the prices are usually set exceptionally high for tourists.

Travellers who love shopping are in for a treat in Saigon. Shopping opportunities arise on every street corner, so it is best to carry some small money for those instantaneous must-buys.

From upmarket off the peg originals to intricately carved souvenirs, Saigon aims to please. The shopping district in Saigon begins at Dong Koi, where the best quality goods can be found. A general rule to remember is that the goods become cheaper and lesser quality as you move closer to Benh Thanh Market.

The most chic boutiques can be found in Dong Khoi, including gleaming department stores and swanky silk shops. The nearby streets of Hai Ba Trung and Le Loi are home to a cluster of antique shops and souvenir outlets. Goods found here are of very high quality, and it is often possible to find some real gems.

Shoppers who aren’t afraid to elbow through the crowds will enjoy a few circuits of Ben Thanh Market. This massive shopping ground is worth experiencing even if you aren’t planning to buy anything. However, it is unlikely you will leave without making a purchase.

Saigon is quite simply a shopper’s paradise; whether you are looking for designer tags or quirky souvenirs, you won’t go home empty handed.

Most visitors to Southeast Asia indulge in a massage during their stay. Spas and massage parlours are in abundance in the tourist districts throughout Vietnam. Before you have a massage you have to decide on how much money you are willing to part with for the treatment.

Spas in Saigon’s high end hotels are immaculate and every aspect of design aims to create the most relaxing environment possible. Scented candles, toweling robes and English speaking therapists are the advantages of paying the extra.

At the other end of the scale, small independent spas and massage shops around the city may be able to provide an equally good, or better massage in more modest surroundings.

Massage therapists are usually female and older ladies usually offer a more satisfying massage. There are different types of massage on offer, so you also need to decide if you want a Thai, Swedish or aromatherapy massage.

It is always best to check that your therapist is qualified in the type of massage you prefer, so have a look at the certificates on the wall before committing yourself. All types of massage can be tailored to suit your preferences, so you can tell your masseuse you like a strong or light massage.

There is little trace of a gay community in Saigon, which is typical of Vietnam as a nation. The ‘gay lifestyle’ of the west is an unknown concept in Vietnam. The result of this ignorance means many gay Vietnamese live their life with a spouse and children, despite their homosexual desires.

Saigon lacks a gay scene, so visitors hoping to meet up with other gays in Saigon must use other measures to make contact. The internet is the most common way for working gays to interact in Saigon. However, this can also be a dangerous way to meet new people.

Some tour operators organize gay tours to Saigon, which allows gay travellers to travel and mingle with other gays while on holiday. This is a safer way to meet people. These tour groups often stay in designated ‘gay-friendly’ hotels which have been selected by the operator.

There is little evidence of a gay scene among Saigon residents; however, due to the cosmopolitan nature of the city, many clubs are ‘gay-friendly’. If using the internet to initiate meetings in Saigon, it is important to be very cautious. Many gay tourists who used such methods have been targeted in the past. Creating a friendly relationship for a lengthy period before travel is recommended.

Many travellers indulge in spa treatments while travelling around Southeast Asia. Not only are the local people naturally gifted at providing these holistic treatments, but they can be enjoyed for a fraction of the price back home.

Spas in Saigon fall into different categories, from the basic spa found along the streets of the tourist district, to the swanky spa suites in the city’s high end hotels. Where you choose will be dictated by how much money you are willing to part with.

Massages are mainly performed by masseuses (women), and older women tend to give much better massages due experience. All spas will offer a range of massages, usually including Thai, Swedish and aromatherapy. Thai massage is the most vigorous technique and involves some yoga-like stretches.

Swedish massage is much gentler, and involves oil being massaged into the skin in circular motions. Aromatherapy is similar only essential oils are used to enhance relaxation and well being.

Other spa services include manicures, pedicures, facials, body scrubs and herbal compresses. Most spas provide an excellent standard of service and it is possible to enjoy five star treatment without paying the five star hotel spa fee.

Saigon’s nocturnal offerings are a lot tamer than Bangkok, but much livelier than Vietnam’s capital city. Westerners and locals tend to create separate scenes; however, this is starting to change with more venues attracting a mixed crowd. Whatever your preference it is definitely possible to have a fun night out in Saigon.

There are lots of backpacker haunts offering the usual rusty formula of pub grub, happy hour specials and a pool table. These venues provide an opportunity to mingle with other travellers and exchange useful hints and tip about travel.

Cabaret clubs and live music bars are a great place to mix with locals; however they tend to blast out Vietnamese hits which doesn’t always appeal to the Western ear.

Saigon’s cosmopolitan bar scene attracts a who’s who of Saigon. The city’s classy high end bars are frequented by the city’s elite, who are possibly the only ones who can afford the drinks. Delicious cocktails and prime people watching means it is sometimes worth the splurge.

There are some clubs in Saigon, which allow revellers to keep the candle burning into the wee hours. Clubs often attract a mixed crowd, allowing visitors to relax and socialize with locals.