HO CHI MINH

PUBLISHING DATE: 2012-04-03 | COUNTRY CODE: VN

Contents: The City, Do & See, Eating, Cafes, Bars & Nightlife, Shopping,
Sleeping, Essential Information, Maps
Copyright 2012 ArrivalGuides AB. All rights reserved. For more information visit: www.arrivalguides.com
Located near the Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City is the
largest and most exciting city in Vietnam. With a population
now exceeding 7 million people, its one of the densest urban
areas in the world and its common to see houses where
several families share the same living space. For a foreigner,
visiting Ho Chi Minh is a real experience! Its a vibrant and
an `in transition city. Youll be fascinated by its rich cultural
and quite recent traumatic history, mixed in with its current
modernization. Unlike other cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is
also very active at night, with many bars and restaurants to
entertain you!
online hotel reservations
Population
7 million
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Opening hours
Government: 7.30 am-4.30 pm (excluding
one-hour lunch). Closed on Saturday and
Sunday.
Banks: 7.30 am or 8 am-11.30 am and 1
pm-4 pm. Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Private shops: 8 am or 8.30 am-9 pm or
10 pm.
Internet
www.vietnamstay.com
www.vietnamtourism.com
www.saigon-tourist.com
www.saigontoday.net
Newspapers
Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Saigon)
Tuoi Tre (Youth)
Nguoi Lao Dong (Labourer)
The Thao (Sports)
Saigon Times Daily
Emergency numbers
Police 113
Fire Brigade 114
Ambulance 115
Tourist information
Head office
Address: 45 Le Thanh Ton street, District 1
Tel: + 84 8 38 27 9279 / +84 8 38 29
8914
www.saigon-tourist.com
THE CITY
lynt
Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? The first used
to be the capital of the French colony and
the latter - the former state of South
Vietnam until the end of the war in 1975.
Yet the locals still lovingly call it Saigon.
Upon arrival, youll immediately be
plunged into a lively street atmosphere,
cadenced by over 3 million motorcycles,
racing along sidewalks dotted with
colourful fruit stalls.
Ho Chi Minh did not escape the war but
its now a rapidly growing city. The
nations economic heart has embarked
onto important urban and education
developments. Some 50 universities and
colleges attract over 300.000 students!
You will also find dozens of supermarket
chains, luxury shopping malls and modern
fashion centres. But Ho Chi Minh is also a
city with a rich past! Heavily influenced
by the French in terms of culture and style
in the past, there are still elegant
boulevards and historic colonial buildings.
For a moment you may be fooled by the
smells of coffee and baking bread. The
city is divided into several districts. The
best way to do the tour is on foot. Most
major tourist venues are in District 1.
There youll find the History Museum or
the famous Ben Thanh Market!
DO & SEE
daverugby83
In Ho Chi Minh you will find many
beautiful temples and gorgeous
architecture. To truly understand the
meaning of the temples and buildings
around visit the Museum of History which
houses 2 000 years of Vietnams history.
Just stroll around the city and find smaller
lovely districts in town.
Museum Of History (bao Tang Lich
Su)
Bao Tang Lich Su first opened its doors in
1929. The Museum houses a unique
collection of artefacts from Vietnams two
thousand years of recorded history. A
statue of the Buddha with 1.000 eyes and
1.000 arms is also part of this superb
collection.
Address: No. 1, Trang Tien - No. 25, Tong Dan
Phone: +84 4 38 252 853
Internet: www.baotanglichsu.vn
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Destination: Ho Chi Minh
Publishing date: 2012-04-03
Unification/independence Palace
(dinh Doc Lap)
The former presidential palace, significant
for its role in the Vietnam conflict, is a
fascinating building preserved almost
exactly as it was in 1966.
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1
Phone: +84 8 382 236 52
Internet: www.dinhdoclap.gov.vn
Emperor Jade Pagoda (den Ngoc
Hoang)
There are many beautiful pagodas
(temples) in Ho Chi Minh, Emperor Jade is
considered by many to be the finest and
most lavishly decorated. The architectural
style is heavily influenced by southern
China.
Address: 73 Mai Thi Lun St.
Cho Lon (chinatown)
Separated from the main section of the
city by the Saigon River, this is one of
Saigons oldest and most mysterious
parts. Dont miss the overwhelming Binh
Tay Market where youll get uncanny
glimpses into everyday life in Saigon.
Touring the bustling place in the morning
is a real experience! Cho Lon is also home
to some of the best Pagodas in town,
Quan Am is the oldest one.
Address: West, District 5
Vinh Nghiem Temple
This is a seven layer tempel and southern
Vietnams most majestic one.
Address: Cong Ly Boulevard
More Info: (Nam Ky Khoi Nghia)
Notre Dame Cathedral
The Catheadral was built by the French in
the 19th century with bricks shipped from
Marseille. A taste of France in the heart of
Ho Chi Minh Ville!
Address: Duong Nguyen Du, District 1
Cao Dai Temple
If you have time, a day trip to Tay Ninh,
the centre of the Cao Dai religion is
fascinating. The breathtaking temple is
the main attraction.
Address: Tay Ninh
Fine Arts Museum
View a beautiful selection of both
Vietnamese and foreign artists, pottery,
sculpture and even weapons.
Address: 97A D Pho Duc Chinh
Phone: +84 8 294 441
Internet: www.baotangmythuattphcm.vn
EATING
lvovsky
The colonial influence of the French is still
very much apparent. On the local side,
the Vietnamese dishes are made with
fresh vegetables and meat. The seafood is
also abundant and excellent. For a fast
and efficient lunch break, try the Pho, the
typical beef noodle soup! One of the best
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Publishing date: 2012-04-03
places to taste the authentic and cheap
local food is Thi Sach street (two blocks
behind the National Theatre) lined with
many small restaurants which are packed
nightly.
Le Bordeaux
One of the best contemporary French
cuisine and wines in town. The goose liver
is imported directly from France.
Address: 72-D2 Road
Phone: +84 8 3899 9831
Internet: www.restaurant-lebordeaux.com.vn
More Info: Binh Thanh District
Nam Phan
Not far from Nam Giao, Nam Phan is on
the top of Vietnamese cuisine in town,
beautifully situated in a former colonial
villa.
Address: 64 Le Thanh Ton
Phone: +84 8 829 2757
Restaurant 13
Restaurant 13 serves traditional and
flavourful Vietnamese food at reasonable
prices and has become popular with
travellers. Ask for the Clay Pot dish and
you can even cook the cuisine yourself!
Address: 13 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1
Phone: +84 8 823 9314
Nam Giao
This is another recommended venue
offering excellent Hue-styled central
Vietnamese cuisine in the city centre.
Here you can find a mixed crowed of both
locals and tourists.
Address: 136/15 Le Thanh Ton
Phone: +84 8 825 0261
More Info: Behind Ben Thanh Market
Song Ngu Seafood Restaurant
Song Ngu is one of the best venues for
seafood adepts. Try the fresh seafood hot
pot.
Address: 70 Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1
Phone: +84 8 325 017
Internet: www.songngu.com
Good Morning Vietnam
Tired of local food? This popular Italian
restaurant serves great and cheap Italian
dishes.
Address: 102 Nguyen Thai Hoc St.
Phone: +84 510 391 02 27
Internet: www.goodmorningviet.com
La Nicoise
La Nicoise serves decent French and
Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of
Saigon. Highly recommended!
Address: 42 Ngo Duc Ke
Phone: +84 8 822 8613
Asian Kitchen
One of the favourite among the
backpackers community. They serve great
food to a good price!
Address: 185/22 Pham Ngu Lao
Phone: +84 8 836 7397
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Publishing date: 2012-04-03
CAFES
fortinbras
This is not the city of cafs but the ones
you will find you will not get disappointed
off.
Aq Caf
This is another recommended venue with
in a pleasant courtyard, offering excellent
coffees or teas and even ice cream for the
gourmets.
Address: 39 Mac Dinh Chi, District 1
Phone: +84 8 829 83 44
Illy Caf
In the city centre, Illy Caf lets you
choose between its local coffees or
international food. You can relax in the
inviting courtyard.
Address: Bong Sen Centre, 11-13 Lam Son
Square, District 1
Phone: +84 8 827 5946
Caf 343
This caf has tv screens everywhere
showing movies, music videos and sports.
The menu is presented in vietnamese and
english.
Address: 343 Nguyen Trai, District 1
Phone: +84 920 0998 / +84 920 0988
Bread & Butter
This place is close to the backpackers
district and a nice stop when you are
looking for lunch. Small place with great
food and service.
Address: 40/24 Bui Vien Street, District 1
ABC Bakery
ABC Bakery offers a unique range of
pastries and is the perfect place if you are
in the mood for nice bread and lovely
croissants.
Address: 223 - 225 Pham Ngu Lao
Internet: +84 8 38 364 213
BARS & NIGHTLIFE
fibroblast
Ho Chi Minh City is very intense at night.
You will find dozens of featured bars and
pubs, wine and cocktail bars or
backpackers bars. District 1 is the best
place to stay when the sun goes down,
especially around Hai Ba Trung and Dong
Khoi. In Saigon, you can have fun and
dance to the latest sounds all night long!
Like the bars, the best nightclubs are in
District 1. They usually have a cover
charge and not any particular dressing
code to get in. Go as you are.
Hoa Vien
Youll find some of the best Saigon beers
in this popular micro-brewery that can
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Publishing date: 2012-04-03
host over 600 guests.
Address: 28 Bis Mac Dinh Chi, District 1
Phone: + 84 8 829 0585
Internet: www.hoavien.vn
Vasco's Club
Vascos is very popular with the expats,
this funky and sophisticated venue offers
great fun every day and features live
music on weekends.
Address: 74/7D Hai Ba Trung, District 1
Phone: +84 8 3824 28 88
Internet: www.vascosgroup.com
The Wild Horse Saloon
Just next to La Casa Latina, the Wild
Horse Saloon features live music most
nights with no specific genre.
Address: 8A1/D1 Thai Van Lung, District 1
Phone: +84 8 825 1901
Rex Hotel Rooftop Bar
This is one of the best bars in Vietnam! It
has a gorgeous view over the city, lovely
drinks and a great atmosphere. Basically
all you need for a good night out.
Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Blvd, District 1
Phone: +84 8 829 2185
Internet: www.rexhotelvietnam.com
Cloud 9
Welcome to a lovely rooftop, giving you a
great combination of top design, amazing
view and a great place to chill out and
checking out the gorgeous people around
you.
Address: 2bis Cong Truong Quoc Te, District 3
Phone: +84 909 44 55 44
More Info: Level 6 & 7, Hai Nam Building
SHOPPING
adforce1
Welcome to paradise for shoppers! And
those who like haggling will get endless
pleasure here! Most of the time items
without a price sticker can be bought for
about two thirds the price initially quoted.
You will find plenty of shops with beautiful
handicrafts but there is also a lot of
tourist junk. Lacquer items are found
around District 1. Boxes, vases or
rosewood bowls make wonderful gifts!
Celadon Green (51 Ton That Thiep,
District 1) is one of the best shops for
such items. Jewellery, amber, ceramics,
antiques, silk and clothes are found in
Dong Khai Le Thanh Ton areas. Le Loi
Street is home to specialised shops for all
kinds of war surplus and hardware items.
At the corner with Nguyen Hue is the Tax
Department Store with a good
supermarket on level 2. Silk and fashion
are major draws for shoppers. Khaisilk
(107 Dong Khoi, Disctrict 1) has superb
creations in silk from Vietnams most
respected manufacturers. There are also
affordable tailors for custom made shirts
in just three days for less than ten US
dollars! Youll find most of them in District
1.
Nha May Cuong (59 Ly Tu Truong or 247
Le Thanh Ton), or Albert Thanh at 22 Vo
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Publishing date: 2012-04-03
Van Tan Street (District 3) have also been
recommended as very good by
travellers.Those who look for a more
westernized style of shopping may head to
Diamond Plaza (34 Le Duan St), Saigons
premier department store. Saigontourist is
another huge department store to satisfy
all the shopping and entertainment
demands of domestic and foreign
customers (35 bis Le Thanh Ton St).
SLEEPING
suprememoocow
In Ho Chi Minh you can choose from both
the most luxurious hotels or from
backpacker hostels, where ever you stay
you will be met by a friendly staff.
Caravelle Hotel
Expect the top luxury with all amenities in
the heart of Saigon! It is located only 8
km from the airport and has six dining
venues.
Address: 19 Lam Son Square, District 1
Phone: +84 8 3823 4999
Internet: www.caravellehotel.com
New World Saigon Hotel
Excellent value in this category! This five
star hotel is located only 7 km from the
airport and has two restaurants offering
Chinese or International cuisine.
Address: 76 Le Lai, District 1
Phone: +84 8 3822 8888
Internet: www.saigon.newworldhotels.com
Grand Hotel
In a beautiful colonial building, this is one
of the oldest hotels in Saigon, tastefully
renovated. There is a nice pool and a
great location for families.
Address: 8 Dong Khoi, Disctrict 1
Phone: +84 8 823 0163
Internet: www.grandhotel.vn
Continental Hotel
This hotel offers everything you need for
reasonable rates in this category.
Excellent level of facilities, services and
beautiful furnitured.
Address: 132-134 Dong Khoi, District 1
Phone: +84 8 829 9201
Internet: www.continentalvietnam.com
Duna Hotel
Duna hotel is a new modern building with
beautiful architecture, situated
conveniently in the heart of Saigon and
with a very friendly staff!
Address: 167 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
Phone: +84 8 3837 3699
Internet: www.dunahotel.com
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Publishing date: 2012-04-03
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
badlydubbedboy
Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is
Vietnams largest international airport,
located 7 km north of the city centre
(District 1).
The air-conditioned airport bus is the
cheapest way into the city. You can also
get in town with taxis (make sure the
driver uses the meter and wears an official
badge) in app. 20-30 minutes.
(A departure tax of $14 must be paid in
cash (dollars or dong) when leaving.)
Internet: www.hochiminhcityairport.com
Local Public Transport
Since 2004, Saigon has had an efficient
public transit bus network. Its cheaper
and safer than many of the alternatives.
Address: 1 Pham Hng Thi Street, 2 Ward,
Distric Tn Bnh.
Phone: +84 8 385 461 10
Internet: www.saigonbus.com.vn
More Info: satranco@vn.vn
Taxi
Taxis are the most comfortable way of
getting around and are cheap. Its easy
and safe to catch one anywhere and
anytime. Its recommended to use the
newest taxis, they have air-conditioning
and they drive more safely. Always make
sure the meters work properly.
Taxis are also levied a toll fee of 5,000
VND in addition to the meter fare.
Cyclos
This three wheel pedalled vehicle is being
phased out, as more and more streets are
banning the cyclos from entering. Cyclos
prices are bargains, which is about
one-third of taxi fares.
Bicycles And Motorbikes For Hire
Bicycles and motorbikes for hire are
available along the sidewalks near hotels
and around the backpackers area. Many
places will ask you to leave your passport
as a deposit other places just ask you for
your name and the hotel where you are
staying. Prices are negotiable.
Post
The main post office is located on Dong
Khoi in district 1.
More Info: Opposite Notre Dame Cathedral
Emergency Center
The Family Medical Practice on Diamond
Plaza has emergency service and dental
service. There is also a 24-hour
international standard pharmacy.
Address: Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan St., District
1
Phone: +84 8 3822 7848
Internet: www.vietnammedicalpractice.com
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Telephone
Country Code: +84
Area code: 08
Electricity
220 Volts, 50 Mhz
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Publishing date: 2012-04-03
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