OK, it is not really Spring in Saigon.  It is summer….always summer which is one of the many reasons to love the city.

Ho Chi Minh City also known as Saigon is located in southeast Vietnam. It was once (twice really) the capital of French Indochina and there is still French influence and architecture.  Similar to most cities in Asia there is also a bit of old and new existing side by side.

We stayed at a lovely hotel in District 1, just a couple of blocks down the street from Ben Thanh Market.

Ben Thanh Market

In 1912, the market was moved to this building, from markets first established in the 17th century.  Today it is a huge, bustling, labyrinth of shops that will challenge your bargaining power and possibly your sanity.

Bitexco Tower

From the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor, you can see across the city.

 

Around the City

It is easy to make new friends in Ho Chi Minh City especially with the numerous shoe shine guys.

In the mornings, the parks are full of people excercising and dancing.

In the afternoon, children playing and grown-ups napping.

Pasteur Street Brewing Company

Check out some local brew at Pasteur Street Brewing Company. We found it by accident down a narrow alley off Pasteur Street.

Hem Tap Room- 144/3 Pasteur Street, District 1, HCMC
Down the alley, to the right up the stairs
+84 28 7300 7375
Opening hours: Daily 11am – 12am

Propaganda Bistro  21 Han Thuyen, District 1  7:30am- 11:00pm

More local brew with a nice view.

160 Pasteur – Great Food and Atmosphere
160 Pasteur, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Tan Lap Restaurant – Genious

We noticed some (5?) restaurants on the block of our hotel and decided to try one (pictured below on the right).  As we were waiting for our food we came to realize that it was several locations of the same restaurant- some on each side of the street.  The food was really good so on our last night we decided to give it another go.  This time we found an outside table across the street.  It was very amusing to watch the staff  ‘Frogger’ back and forth across the busy street with dishes and drinks, as it appeared that food was coming out of only 2 kitchens.  These people know how to corner the market.

Another great trip in the books.

Where to Stay

District 1- The Luxe Hotel

261-263 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.  Tel: 0838 24 66 33

This hotel was a pleasant surprise.  The rates were reasonable and the hotel was very clean.  Staff was super friendly especially one of the doormen who was super sweet.  Breakfast was average- nothing fancy but free.  We were able to walk everywhere from here. Very convenient.

Taxis from the international terminal of the airport were reasonable.  There were several taxis parked outside the hotel each morning.

The Airport Hotel

11 Cuu Long, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City

If you need a place close to the airport (like if you have an overnight layover) this hotel is convenient.  It is only a 5 min drive from the airport by taxi. Rooms were clean and comfortable and someone is at the desk 24 hours in case you need to leave at 4am.  They called us a taxi and it was there in about a minute.  If you get in late, pick up some food at the airport before you head out.