Ho Chi Minh City

Most people who lived through the Vietnam War period probably do not think of Saigon as a top tourist destination.  Fortunately, the stigma surrounding Vietnam has dissipated since then and I have heard nothing but positive things from people who have visited.  When it was time for me to plan a vacation between assignments, Southeast Asia was at the top of my list.  

Arriving at Ho Chi Minh City 

Americans require a visa to visit Vietnam, which can be arranged in advance or purchased on arrival. The only caveat is that visa-on-arrival is actually a two-step process. Before traveling, I had to pay an online broker to provide a letter that authorizes me to enter the airport. The letter included names and passport numbers of about 30 different people and did not look authentic at all, which made me a little nervous. Fortunately, this is modus operandi in Vietnam and they gladly stamped my passport without any questions whatsoever. 

The exchange rate in Vietnam is 21,000 dong to 1 US dollar, which instantly made me a multi-millionaire when I exchanged some money. I like this place already!

I had read that taxi drivers are sneaky but my experience was stress-free.  In the middle of the ride, the driver asked if I preferred a fixed price but I said that the meter would be fine and he didn't complain.  By the way, the 30-minute ride to the hotel only cost around $7.  

Home for the next 3 days

The area surrounding my hotel reminded me more of Rodeo Drive than it did a developing country.  Within two blocks were boutiques like Burberry, Ferragamo, Fendi, and Ralph Lauren.  I noticed a movie scene being filmed at a nearby hotel, so I decided to eat lunch there and watch the activity. As I looked out at the palm trees, I could not help but wonder if I had accidentally landed in LA.  

Filming in progress

People's Committee building, behind some flowers

Vietnam? Could have fooled me.

After lunch, I walked through Ben Thanh market to try my luck at bargaining.  The vendors were selling a myriad of souvenirs, cheap shoes, knock-off bags/purses, and electronic items.  I stopped to look at a funny tee-shirt (which I had no intention of buying), but the salesman thought I was playing hardball and continued dropping his price.  By the end, it was so cheap that I couldn't say no. I am sure the shirt will shrink to half its size after one wash, but at least I got a taste of bargaining. 

Commercial street in central Ho Chi Minh City

Another destination worth visiting in Ho Chi Minh City is the Central Post Office, which was built in the early 19th century when Vietnam was part of French Indochina.  For whatever reason, it remains a popular tourist attraction.   

Main entrance to the Saigon Central Post Office

Ho Chi Minh overlooks all activity in the Post Office

Adjacent to the post office is the Notre Dame Basilica, which was also established by French colonists and remains active for weekly services.  If it weren't for all the Vietnamese people or the countless motorbikes everywhere, I would have (again) felt like I was somewhere other than Asia.  

Notre Dame Basilica from the front

As expected...surrounded by motorbikes

I couldn't help but notice the large number of parks and green space in the city, which are highly utilized.  Couples were enjoying some time together, older people were doing strange exercises, and groups of people were playing frisbee practicing martial arts.  

One of many parks in Saigon

These people must be reading my blog :) 

The funniest area of the park was the set of stationary machines that resembled gym equipment.  I could have watched the old people "work out" for hours...

Workout in the park

After a brief stop at my hotel to hit the gym and confirm upcoming tours, I went back out for the night - this time to the backpacker district. Pham Ngu Lao street is probably the best place to find restaurants and bars that are filled with (mostly) young tourists. Fine dining doesn't exist in this part of town but neither does the snobbery that sometimes accompanies it.  

My first impressions of Ho Chi Minh were really positive.  The city offers everything from designer boutiques and traditional fine dining to tasty street food and cheap souvenirs.  It is also one of the most chaotic and vibrant places I have ever visited.  I certainly couldn't live here, but it is already proving to be a fun place to spend a short holiday.