This is what I posted on my FB page and truly descriptive of how a day in Ho Chi Minh is like:
We stayed at Saigon Odyssey hotel along the famous backpackers area of Pham Ngu Lao at district 1. We arrived late in the afternoon so our first HCM experience is at night. First thing we had in mind is to try the "must have" national dish - Beef Pho noodles. We were lucky enough to follow the trail of the locals also looking for food and found this unassuming food stall that is apparently one of the best Beef Pho in the area.
I did say we booked ourselves in the backpackers area but what i didn't expect is, there's almost a country of backpackers in the area. You will forget where the locals are, everyone around you are mostly Caucasians, Chinese, Japanese tourists! It seems all the tourists in HCM congregate in this area for the cheap beer, good coffee, interesting street food, night market bargains, and the peculiar drinking culture. The side walk are all filled with small chairs and tables, arranged in a row. Now imagine this same arrangement on the other side of the road so you find yourself facing another stranger on the opposite side versus looking at your company next to you. It is awkward in the beginning but i must admit, the people watching experience is enjoyable.
The following day we were all psyched up that it is going to be a long day walking so we started right by eating breakfast. We were happy to meet fellow Visayans from Cebu, Philippines. They have been here ahead of us and already went to see most of the places of interest. There is always a Filipino in every corner of the world.
Our family is no stranger to walking around the city on foot but when in HCM, this is a totally different experience. Motorbikes would just swarm around you, there is no clear pedestrian lane, and it seems no stoplight at all. I can imagine this must be an overwhelming experience for a tourist first time in SouthEast Asia as it is already overwhelming for someone like me living in the region.
From our hotel, our walking tour started at the popular Ben Thanh market but unfortunately, due to the CNY festivities, this market was closed. We managed to still find some trinkets as souvenir items, we were lured to the aroma of fresh coffee and ended up buying coffee beans and tea leaves. From Ben Thanh, we walked towards the City Hall and then hurried our way to visit the old Saigon post office which is also next to the popular Notre Dame cathedral. The old post office is very charming but i wish that they did not allow souvenir shops here as it feels like it is one of those bazaar stalls. Next to the post office is the Notre Dame cathedral, a structure that cannot be missed because of its distinct architecture. This building has survived since it was built in the 1880's and as we went in, it is still bustling with parishioners praying and you can see it is a busy church with all the activities posted on the bulletin board.
There is a rotunda (roundabout) surrounding the cathedral and you will see cafe's sprawling in the area. We walked a few meters and found ourselves in a nice coffee and crepe place. It was one of those great mornings to bask under the sun enjoying fresh coffee and tasty crepe experiencing a new place.
From Notre Dame, we walked further to the Reunification Palace. Here we came to understand a little bit more of Vietnam history. I appreciated how this building was still preserved after the war and particularly, i was delighted to see the furniture design of the 60's era -- the palace has well showcased their guest rooms and banquet tables.
From Reunification palace, we walked next to Tao Dan park. The CNY festivities has made the streets of HCM colorful and they culminate in this park with a week long Flower Festival. We were lucky to see the different flowers on display and the children wearing their traditional costume for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
From Tao Dan park we headed back to Pham Ngu Lao, the famous backpackers street. I had a good Vietnamese traditional massage and pedicure here. There is a bounty of street food to choose from and once again, a relaxing coffee break. Here's a quick guide to our walking trail from Google maps.
To sum it up, when in Ho Chi Minh, you must:
1. Try Beef Pho noodles - this is very common to find in the streets of HCM. Pho Thanh Canh is one of the best places to go according to the locals. Other Vietnamese food is equally delightful. You will find yourself in a gastronomic adventure here so just be open to try local food.
2. Savor the coffee experience and drinking culture at Pham Ngu Lao -- Vietnames drip coffee is strong and sweet (because they add condensed milk). It is best taken chilled since HCM is also a very humid city (like Singapore). I prefer my coffee hot, I added a little bit more of hot water to make it bearable to taste. At night, don't miss to check out Pham Ngu Lao, i find it really awkward to be sitting in rows and rows of people staring at the person across the street but, it is again one of those unique experience you can only find in HCM.
3. Be prepared for miles and miles of walking -- wear comfortable shoes and dry fit shirt. You need to also bring with you a bottle of water and don't bring too much stuff to carry along.
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