Vietnam? Ho Chi Minh?
Err...I hesitated. It had never occurred to me to visit this country till one of my friends popped the question. The only impression I had of the place was of the Vietnam war and landmines that were left behind.
After some thought, I decided why not?
So, off we went...
The first thing that came to mind upon touchdown was the lack of structure of the city planning. Buildings were all over with new tall ones sprouting out from the midst of older and shorter buildings. (Someone commented that it looked like a "tek po", i.e. bamboo pole) *laugh*
The place reminded of my own homeland in the 1960s.
Hmm...this is going to be an interesting trip. A walk down memory lane?
Our first stop was to the grand Majestic Hotel which stands at the end of Dong Khoi Street (HCM's main shopping district), facing the Saigon River. This prime landmark has been there since 1925. The interiors are posh and has a european touch to it.
Hmm...this is going to be an interesting trip. A walk down memory lane?
Our first stop was to the grand Majestic Hotel which stands at the end of Dong Khoi Street (HCM's main shopping district), facing the Saigon River. This prime landmark has been there since 1925. The interiors are posh and has a european touch to it.
For those without a city map, you might want to get one from the hotel counter. The map is much clearer than most available.
We had lunch with my friend's colleagues, who treated us to the hotel restaurant which offers a wide range of local delights. Hot favorites were the Vietnamese fresh spring roll, the fried prawn rolls, sweet potato and prawn fried in batter, and the hot pot. Great place to start off if you would like a sample of the local spread. Cost : USD 15++
We had lunch with my friend's colleagues, who treated us to the hotel restaurant which offers a wide range of local delights. Hot favorites were the Vietnamese fresh spring roll, the fried prawn rolls, sweet potato and prawn fried in batter, and the hot pot. Great place to start off if you would like a sample of the local spread. Cost : USD 15++
An interesting thing about the hotpot we had. It is served with either bee hoon or yellow noodles, an assortment of prawns, bean sprouts, the bark connecting the banana fruit to the tree (Yes, you read correctly. I never knew that could be eaten! And it was really fragrant), and .....mimosa pudica! More commonly known as "touch-me-not"! A first time for me. Tasted pretty okay.
touch-me-notDhong Khoi street is the place to be at if you were to shop for quality products. It is definitely pricier than the rest of the city. If you are expecting this main street to be a reflection of Singapore's Orchard Road or Bangkok's Times Square, you will be greatly disappointed. There is only one elegant shopping mall (part of Sheraton Hotel) hosting well-known brands. Other than that, the rest of the road is filled with small, dusty shophouses, similar to that of chinatown back home.
Recommended shops to go...
- Swaroski Products
This shop sells lots of ladies' accessories made from crystals which they claim are imported directly from the Swaroski company. Not sure if it is true, but the crystals do have more shine compared to the rest that we saw along the streets.
Address: 25 Dhong Khoi - Saigon Souvenir
For artistic and quality lacquer ware, as well as nice, elegant souvenirs. One item which caught our eyes was a small shiny lacquer cup with saucer with some little chick painted on it.
Address: 51 Dong Khoi or 116 Le Loi - TanPoPo
You will be taken aback by the strong aroma of coffee as you step into the shop. From the window display, you would have expected a souvenir shop only selling handbags and the local handicrafts. Upon walking further into the shop, you will find a small section dedicated to selling coffee powder. Strongly recommend that you purchase the hazelnut or almond flavoured coffee powder, which costs around USD 1.5 and USD1 per 100g, respectively.
Unfortunately, I don't have the exact location for Dong Khoi Street, but you sure won't miss the attractive shop if you were to walk along this street.
Alternate address: 79 Mac Thi Buoi Street (one of the side streets to Dong Khoi) - The Vietnamese Refinement
One of the shops that sells dragonfly souvenirs which you can balance the dragonfly's beak on your finger or any other surface. Interesting gifts to get for children. Cost : USD1 for all sizes.
Address: 141 Dhong Khoi Street - Beautiful Shop
A variety of embroideried handbags. We bought a total of 3 here. The quality is slightly better, however, bargaining is required.
Cost: USD 6. We realised later that the price we purchased at was still high, and could have it down by two dollars or more.
Address: 2A Nguyen Thiep (this is one of the side roads just off Dhong Khoi Street) - Nhu Y Oriental Lacquerwares
Products sold here are relatively much more expensive than the rest of the lacquerware shops that we visited. However, the patterns are unique and quality is much better. Bought a pair of wine holders for my wine-loving friends, which cost USD 11 each. Other shops sell it for less than half the price.
Don't be taken in by the shop owners when they give excuse about closing. We were hurried to make purchases with little bargaining done, but were surprised to find the shop still open when we passed by again forty-five minutes later.
Address: 08 Nguyen Thiep Street - Uyen
Bought a pair of handmade topaz earrings here. Very nice, but a little on the expensive side. Cost: USD 6
My friend, C, liked the tortoise-shell hairpin. Felt sorry for the tortoise, so didn't get one myself.
Address: 13 Nguyen Thiep Street - T&H Silk Zakka
Wide collection of ao dai (the traditional Vietnamese costume) and handbags. This shop offers cheaper quality goods for a bargain. Make sure you are really into your bargaining mood when entering less established shops in Vietnam. Cost: USD 30 for a set of ao dai, which includes the top and pants.
Address: 17 Nguyen Thiep Street
