An Dong Market
This three-story market in District 5 features some modern architecture than Ben Thanh or Binh Tay markets, including escalators. It is both a retail and wholesale market.
The basement is reserved for processed and packaged foods and small eateries that sell Vietnamese dishes such as noodle soup, rice and sweet soup. On the first floor are jewelry, footwear, fabrics, eyewear and hat stalls. The second floor features garments and the third has lacquer ware, woodwork and handicrafts. Jackets and knitwear are also available on this floor.
• Tips for travelers:
Pros: Many shopkeepers can speak Chinese. Many items have price tags. Cons: There are fewer people who can speak English at An Dong than at Ben Thanh
• How to get there
Take the Ben Thanh-Dam Sen bus rout. It departs at the central bus station just cross the south gate of Ben Thanh Market. Get off on An Duong Vuong Street in District 5 and walk to the market just a few blocks away. The bus route operates from 5a.m. to 6:45 p.m. at intervals of 15 minutes.
A taxi from Ben Thanh to An Dong costs about VND28,OOO.
This three-story market in District 5 features some modern architecture than Ben Thanh or Binh Tay markets, including escalators. It is both a retail and wholesale market.
The basement is reserved for processed and packaged foods and small eateries that sell Vietnamese dishes such as noodle soup, rice and sweet soup. On the first floor are jewelry, footwear, fabrics, eyewear and hat stalls. The second floor features garments and the third has lacquer ware, woodwork and handicrafts. Jackets and knitwear are also available on this floor.
• Tips for travelers:
Pros: Many shopkeepers can speak Chinese. Many items have price tags. Cons: There are fewer people who can speak English at An Dong than at Ben Thanh
• How to get there
Take the Ben Thanh-Dam Sen bus rout. It departs at the central bus station just cross the south gate of Ben Thanh Market. Get off on An Duong Vuong Street in District 5 and walk to the market just a few blocks away. The bus route operates from 5a.m. to 6:45 p.m. at intervals of 15 minutes.
A taxi from Ben Thanh to An Dong costs about VND28,OOO.
History of the ao dai
Even now, nobody is sure of the true origin of the ao dai. Yet, looking back to history, the image of the graceful two – flapped ao dai in the breeze can be seen in images on the surfaces of the historical Ngoc Lu kettledrum carved a few thousand years ago.
It is assumed that in the early 18th century women of King Nationality wore skirts like today’s ethnic minority women. In 1744, Lord Vu Vuong of the Nguyen Dynasty was assigned to revise the dress of Vietnamese ladies. He was the one who made the first design of the ao dai under certain influences of Muong patterns and Chinese versions. Later on, the ao tu than (four – flapped dress) was selected as the official national dress for Vietnamese ladies.
Ao dai is a two-piece garment made of cloth, it is full-length and worn over loose silk trousers that brush the floor. It flatters every figure for those who wear it. The Long Dress splits into two flaps, a front and back panel from the waist down, made comfortable and easy to move in. Ao Dai at that time was wider and simpler than that of today.
Today, the Ao dai length is shorter than that in the past; it is only below the knee. Women wear Ao dai in different colors without the same patterns and designs. The colors of Ao Dai show us to know the age and the status of the wearer. Schoolgirls usually wear white Long Dress, the color of white symbolizes their purity.
There is also a similar costume for men and is also called “Ao Dai,” but the man’s dress is shorter, just at knee length, and more loose-fitting. Men wear it less than women; they usually wear it on ceremonial occasions such as weddings or funerals.
The Ao Dai today has been becoming more and more popular. There are plentiful of designs, materials, and colors. Velvet, silk, satin, embroidered, painted or printed with flowers pattern have been creating more and more exquisite and elegant. Therefore, it has become standard outfit for many office workers and hotel staff. Moreover, it has now been the favored dress for most formal occasions.
To the whole Vietnamese people, it has been always synonymous with their grace and beauty. Over many years in Vietnam’s history, it still kept its symbolism and image in the hearts of all Vietnamese. The Ao Dai has been perfected step by step to overcome all ages and time to reach with all people not only in our country but also in the world. To Vietnamese people, rich or poor, old or young, the Ao Dai are always their favorite choice in most special occasions.
It is assumed that in the early 18th century women of King Nationality wore skirts like today’s ethnic minority women. In 1744, Lord Vu Vuong of the Nguyen Dynasty was assigned to revise the dress of Vietnamese ladies. He was the one who made the first design of the ao dai under certain influences of Muong patterns and Chinese versions. Later on, the ao tu than (four – flapped dress) was selected as the official national dress for Vietnamese ladies.
Ao dai is a two-piece garment made of cloth, it is full-length and worn over loose silk trousers that brush the floor. It flatters every figure for those who wear it. The Long Dress splits into two flaps, a front and back panel from the waist down, made comfortable and easy to move in. Ao Dai at that time was wider and simpler than that of today.
Today, the Ao dai length is shorter than that in the past; it is only below the knee. Women wear Ao dai in different colors without the same patterns and designs. The colors of Ao Dai show us to know the age and the status of the wearer. Schoolgirls usually wear white Long Dress, the color of white symbolizes their purity.
There is also a similar costume for men and is also called “Ao Dai,” but the man’s dress is shorter, just at knee length, and more loose-fitting. Men wear it less than women; they usually wear it on ceremonial occasions such as weddings or funerals.
The Ao Dai today has been becoming more and more popular. There are plentiful of designs, materials, and colors. Velvet, silk, satin, embroidered, painted or printed with flowers pattern have been creating more and more exquisite and elegant. Therefore, it has become standard outfit for many office workers and hotel staff. Moreover, it has now been the favored dress for most formal occasions.
To the whole Vietnamese people, it has been always synonymous with their grace and beauty. Over many years in Vietnam’s history, it still kept its symbolism and image in the hearts of all Vietnamese. The Ao Dai has been perfected step by step to overcome all ages and time to reach with all people not only in our country but also in the world. To Vietnamese people, rich or poor, old or young, the Ao Dai are always their favorite choice in most special occasions.
Apocalypse Now2C Thi Sach, Dist. 1. Tel: 8241463.One of the best bars in town. Tip: Carefully selected music not usually found in other bars or cafes.Backpacker streetsBach Dang Ice Cream
26B Le Loi Street, Dist.1. Tel: 8257140.A favorite place of young Saigonese. At night, this ice cream shop of several stories is often full. Tip: At night, watching Le Loi Street, one of the main streets of Saigon, is an experience one should try.
Ben Duoc TempleNear Cu Chi Tunnel, Ben Duoc Temple was built in 1993 to commemorate war martyrs who died fighting for Vietnam's independence.
Ben Thanh MarketThis "all-in-one" market is in the center of the city. Tip: A must-visit place. You need no address of Ben Thanh Market. Call a cab and ask the driver to take you to Cho Ben Thanh.
Ben Thanh Tourist4-6 Ho Huan Nghiep St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8238962One of the top-ten tour operators in Vietnam
Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1147 Binh Quoi St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 8841195.On Thanh Da peninsula, the tourist village is like a huge garden with lawns and trees. Tip: A tourist village beside the Saigon River.
Binh Tay MarketBinh Tay Market on Thap Muoi Street in District 6 is the largest wholesale market in town.
Blue Ginger37 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8298676A restaurant of Vietnamese cuisine tourists shouldn't miss. Tip: The banh cuon tom ap chao (pan-fried shrimp scallion ravioli) is a must.
Bodhi Tree Restaurant175/6 Pham Ngu Lao St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8369545.This restaurant offers a menu of 150 vegetarian dishes from Vietnam, India, Mexico and Italy. Tip: Dishes are cooked when ordered.
Bonsai 1 cruise ship1147 Binh Quoi St., Binh Thanh Dist., Tel: 8991833.A wooden cruise ship on the Saigon River, the Bonsai 1 is 40m long, 9m wide, and capable of accommodating 120 people. Tip: Cozy atmosphere.Brodard Restaurant11 Nguyen Thiep St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8275891.A favorite coffee shop of the Saigonese.
Ca keo hotpot streetCa keo is a fish about 10cm long. Grilled ca keo fish served with tamarind fish sauce is a specialty. But it is ca keo hotpot that makes this a special street in HCM City. Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street and its environs in District 1 are the ca keo hotpot street. The hotpot has a sour taste, and is served with a lot of vegetables and rice vermicelli. Tip: How to eat a ca keo fish from the hotpot: Put the entire stewed fish in your mouth with the tail in first. Hold the fish with your lips and pull the fish out by its head. The meat of the fish will remain in your mouth while the head and the backbone is pulled out.
Caravelle Hotel
19 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1. Tel: 8234999No other five-star hotels in town have a history comparable to that of the Caravelle. The hotel is also the first hotel to win The Saigon Times FDI Top 40 Award for foreign investors. Tip: Saigon Saigon Bar is a must.
Carving street, a section of Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District
Cha ca La Vong - A Special Dish A specialty of Hanoi, cha ca La Vong (La Vong fish paste) is now available in HCM City. The place that serves it is Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant.The restaurant opened in May, 2003, and it has been serving only the dish besides drinks. With 20 tables, it can serve 120 customers at the same time. "At present, though not much advertising has been done for the dish, about 10% of our customers are foreigners," says Doan Cong Thanh, the owner. He says the fish paste was invented by his great-great grandparents more than a century ago. It is made of catfish or snakehead fish fillets. They are spiced and broiled, and are eaten with rice vermicelli or banh da (northern-style rice paper) and fermented shrimp paste, fried peanuts, pickled spring onion bulbs, and aromatic herbs. The eatery belongs to his family's three-restaurant chain and it is the only branch in the South. The main restaurant is also the oldest restaurant in Vietnam (in operation for 133 years), located at 14 Cha Ca St., Hanoi. The La Vong fish paste is the only dish which is used to name an ancient street in Hanoi. In particular, it has been introduced in the website of the U.S. television station MSNBC as one of the 10 places that everybody should visit before they die.Address: 31 Nguyen Thi Dieu St., Dist. 1, HCM CityTel: 9305674
Com Nieu Saigon Restaurant6 C Tu Xuong St., Dist. 3. Tel: 9326388.Tip: Rice cooked in clay pots.
Conical hatOne of the symbols of Vietnam. In HCM City, non la is still worn by street traders. It remains a favorite item for foreign tourists because it is made from natural materials.
Continental Hotel132 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8299201.Built in 1880, Continental is the oldest hotel in HCM City and Vietnam. Tip: The hotel welcomed French writer Andre Malraux, Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore and British writer Graham Greene.
Cruise ships on the Saigon River at night
Cu Chi Tunnel in Cu Chi DistrictOnce the headquarters of the armed forces in Saigon-Gia Dinh, Cu Chi Tunnel is a system of 200km of tunnels between 2.5m and 12m underground. Tip: Tourists can shoot real guns.
D.A.N.19 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1. Tel: 8247144.A must-see jewelry shop in downtown HCM City.Dam Sen Park3 Hoa Binh St., Dist. 11. Tel: 8841195.Dam Sen is one of the recreational parks most familiar to Saigonese. Tip: It has a water park inside.Draft beerIn HCM City bia hoi or draft beer is often served in sidewalk eateries. Bia hoi is often served with grilled dried squid or groundnuts. Tip: Bia hoi is inexpensive beer and bia hoi eateries are where people make friends easily.Fashion streetFootwear streets
General Le Van Duyet Temple1 bis Phan Dang Luu St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 8412517.This is the temple of Le Van Duyet, a high-ranking mandarin of the Nguyen Dynasty and governor of Gia Dinh, the former name of Saigon-Gia Dinh area, now HCM City.
Giac Lam Pagoda118 Lac Long Quan St, Tan Binh Dist. Tel: 8642012.The oldest pagoda in HCM City.
Givral Restaurant169 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8292747.One of the best-loved coffee shops in Saigon.
HCM City's Wall Street
Ho Chi Minh Museum1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Dist. 4 Tel: 8299749.Also called Ben Nha Rong, the building used to be the office of the French maritime transport firm Messageries Maritimes. It was at this place that Nguyen Tat Thanh, who later became Uncle Ho, embarked on the Latouche Treville to go abroad to begin the struggle for Vietnam's independence. The museum displays materials about President Ho's activities.Ho Chi Minh City History Museum2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St., Dist. 1, Tel: 9100167.One of the oldest museums in the city, the museum displays exhibits on Vietnam's history and on some themes such as antiques, the Phu Nam culture, Cham arts and Mekong Delta arts.
Ho Chi Minh Operation Museum2 Le Duan St. Tel: 8229387.
Hoa Vien Brauhaus28 bis Mac Dinh Chi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8290585.A cozy place to enjoy draft beer from Pilsen, the Czech Republic, and Eastern European dishes.
Kuan Yu's Temple678 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 5. Tel: 8538775.Not far from the Lady's Temple is a temple built by the local Trieu Chau association to worship Quan Vu, or Quan Cong (Kuan Yu). It is called Nghia An Hoi Quan or Mieu Ong.Lady's Temple710 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 5. Tel: 8555322.Built by the local Guangdong community in the 19th century to worship the goddess of the sea, this temple attracts the largest turnout in Cho Lon, the Chinese area of HCM City. The temple has been renovated by Saigontourist to make it more attractive. Tip: Sophisticated ceramic sculpture on the roof of the temple.
Le Cong Kieu Antique street
Lion draft beer11-13 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1. Tel: 8238514.
Mangosteen Restaurant in Bong Sen Hotel117-123 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1 .Tel: 8291516.
Mrs. Ca Doi Restaurant11 Ton That Thiep St., Dist. 1.One of the oldest restaurants in Saigon, the 50-year-old restaurant was set up by a northern woman. The Menu is of the daily dishes of Vietnamese families. Tip: The restaurant has a northern taste, but its diners are people from all over Vietnam plus foreigners.
Nhu Lan bread with ham50, 68 Ham Nghi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8292970.Set up in 1968, Nhu Lan was first on Gia Long Street, now Ly Tu Trong, before being moved to Ham Nghi Street. Aside from ready-to-eat foods, Nhu Lan also offer dishes from the three regions of Vietnam. Tip: Vietnamese bread with ham is Nhu Lan specialty.
Nightclub quarter
Notre Dame Cathedral
Quang Truong Cong Xa Paris, Dist. 1. Tel: 8294822.Built by the French in 1877, this cathedral, the best known in Saigon, has neo-Romanesque architecture and two towers 57m high. In front of it is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Tip: Some ceremonies are in English.
Oriental medicine streetPanorama 3337 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1. Tel: 9100493.The coffee shop is at the top of HCM City and Vietnam's tallest building, where you can watch the city's skyline, including its most famous structures and the winding Saigon River. Tip: There is a terrace at Panorama 33 where you can inhale fresh air high in the sky.Pedestrian street
Pho 2000 (pho soup restaurant)1-3 Phan Chu Trinh, St.1. Tel: 8222788.
Pho 24 (pho soup restaurant)67 Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8228360.
Phu Thinh SouvernirsBamboo and rattan products.23/2A Tran Nao St., Dist. 2. Tel: 8875736.
Phu Tho Horse Race StadiumLe Dai Hanh St., Dist. 11. Tel: 8662644.
Reunification Palace133 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8223652.On this site the former palace of the French governor of Indochina was built in 1868 and became the presidential palace of South Vietnam when Ngo Dinh Diem came to power in 1950s. After being damaged by bombs during a coup attempt in early 1960s, the palace was rebuilt. In early 1975, Nguyen Thanh Trung, a revolutionary secret agent who was a Saigon regime fighter pilot dropped bombs on the palace. On April 30, 1975, tanks of the liberation army crashed through the main gate of the palace, ending the 20-year war for Vietnam's reunification.
Rex Hotel141 Nguyen Hue St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8292185.One of the best known hotels of HCM City. Tip: From Rex's rooftop Garden Bar, which was voted by Newsweek as one of the best in Asia, tourists can see busy streets thrivers. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Saigontourist Department Store35bis-45 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8225328.One of the most modern shopping center in town.
Saigontourist Travel Service49 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8298914.One of the most reliable tour operators in Vietnam.
Saigon Water Park
About 10km from downtown, Saigon Water Park was the first modern water park in HCM City and Vietnam.
SakuraA restaurant run by a Japanese lady with a mentally-handicapped staff.4 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1.QI Saigon Spa253 Nguyen Van Troi St., Phu Nhuan Dist. Tel: 8449222
Salted fish hotpotA southern specialty cooked with salted fish and eaten with a lot of vegetables. Rice vermicelli is put into a bowl, and beef, fish, shrimp and squid is put into a hotpot. Tip: A bowl of lau mam must be served with a lot of vegetables.
Sheraton Hotel Saigon88 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8272828.The five-star of the five-star hotels in Saigon.
Southern BBQ villageThese restaurants, often on large roofed space, are becoming more popular. Besides, grilled dishes, other southern foods are served. You can find one at 9 Tang Bat Ho Street in District 5 (Tel: 8554024).
Soya milkA wonderful beverage because it is nutritious and cheap and available everywhere.
Squid Rice PorridgeA popular dish, the chao muc is delicious. Dried squid is grilled and torn into small pieces and then cooked with rice. Tip: Thanh Son eatery at 144 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3 (Tel: 8297554), is a good place to visit.
Street of ornamental fishA section of Nguyen Thong Street, District 3. One can find everything for an aquarium.
Sugarcane juice, sold everywhere.
Suoi Tien ParkTan Phu, Dist. 9. Tel: 8964705.For provincial visitors to HCM City, Suoi Tien is a must-see place. Tip: Huge statues of the kings of the Hung Dynasty, the founders of Vietnam.
Tao Dan Park on Truong Dinh Street in District 1.The park resembles a part of a jungle in the middle of Saigon, with many high trees providing shade for the whole park. A place of interest of Saigonese who do physical exercise.
Tax Shopping Center135 Nguyen Hue St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8213849.The wedding apparelstreet
Thu Ha Tailor, a tailor for foreigners at Vietnamese prices.29 Nguyen Huy Tu St., Dist. 1, Tel: 8203981Thu Ha has both Vietnamese and foreign clientele. Foreign customers are residents in serviced apartments such as Somerset or Norfolk Mansion or living in An Phu or Thao Dien. June, July and December are peak time for foreign customers who go on vacation or return to their homeland to welcome the new year. Suits and coats are the two most popular items for this kind of client. Tip: Foreigners and Vietnamese pay the same price which is reasonable. Thu Ha is very punctual in delivery.
Thuan Kieu broken rice54 Thuan Kieu St., Dist. 11. Tel: 8562891.Although also using rice, com tam is a unique dish of the Vietnamese. The rice must be broken rice to have a special taste. Thuan Kieu has nine restaurants in HCM City. Tip: Home delivery available.
Thuyen Vien Vegetarian Restaurant 11-13 Nguyen Van Dau St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 8433050.With a menu of 60 dishes, Thuyen Vien is one of the famed vegetarian restaurants in HCM City, although it is not in the city's downtown. Tip: Open from 7a.m. to 10p.m. Thuyen Vien also offers excellent cakes for vegetarians.Traditional Medicine Institute273 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Phu Nhuan Dist. Tel: 8443049.This institute holds short courses on health and yoga, and it treats patients using traditional Vietnamese medicines.
Tropical Vietnamese fruitDon't miss a chance to taste Vietnam's best fruit when in HCM City. Tip: The section of Le Thanh Ton Street opposite Ben Thanh Market in District 1 has several shops selling good fruit at fixed prices.Vam Sat ResortLy Nhon, Can Gio Dist. Tel: 8876169.A resort in the middle of Can Gio mangrove forest, one of the world's recognized biospheres. Tip: Dam Doi near Vam Sat is the natural habitat of large flocks of bats.
Vietnam Golf & Country Club Long Thanh My, Dist. 9. Tel: 2800115
Vietnamese filter coffee
The French introduced coffee into Vietnam less than two centuries ago. Now Vietnam has become one of the world's top coffee exporters. In this digital age, some Vietnamese have adopted instant coffee with Coffeemate cream and sugar, and others use electric coffee makers. The purists, however, shun such philistine practices and keep the habit of enjoying ca phe phin, filtered coffee, lovingly produced by single-cup filters. It's simple to make a cup of filtered coffee. The filter is placed on a coffee cup or glass, two teaspoons of ground coffee are added, and then boiled water. The filter is capped and another process begins that Vietnamese claim is essential to enjoying coffee: the Wait. You sit, you talk or meditate, you think about what you are about to savor. In a minute or so, the first drops of precious dark brown liquid begin to fall from the filter to the cup. It takes a full five to ten minutes for the water to fully pass through the filter. When it stops dripping, remove the cap and manipulate the little press to squeeze the last drops from the fragrant grounds. Add sugar or condensed milk to your taste and stir with a spoon. The filtered coffee is now at your service.But is the art of making filtered coffee really so simple? Of course not, or else the thousands of coffee shops in Vietnam will shut down. The art lies in how the coffee is treated before being ground, and the way boiled water is poured into the filter. The secrets are too complicated for this article. In fact, not all coffee shops here mastered the art of making filtered coffee. However, coffee enthusiasts prefer having a cup of coffee at a shop to a homemade coffee. There, they can sip hot coffee while discussing current news or sports. They sit on stools, often very low, at inexpensive ca phe via he, or sidewalk coffee sites, a common scene in Vietnam. However, for the elite there are luxurious ca phe via he as well. Some of these in HCM City may approach the caliber of coffee shops along France's famous Champs Elysee. For example, the one in front of Me Linh Point Tower where coffee drinkers can watch the Tran Hung Dao Monument Park and inhale the fresh air from the Saigon River. At Highlands coffee shop at The Metropolitan Building, customers can take in the view of the Paris Commune Square, Notre Dame Cathedral, the lovely Central Post Office, and Diamond Plaza Shopping Center. Half a century ago the Hotel Continental's sidewalk coffee shop was a rendezvous for French elite and international journalists, but it has gone. When filmmakers shot Indochina, Dien Bien Phu and The Quiet American, they had to recreate it. Filtered coffee is available at rooftop cafes at the Rex, Caravelle, Palace, Century Saigon and other hotels. HCM City's highest coffee shop lies on the 33rd story of the Saigon Trade Center, which is the tallest building in Vietnam. There, you can both enjoy a cup of filtered coffee and a panoramic view of Saigon. There have been no reports on whether the altitude affects the taste one way or the other. If you're used to drinking instant coffee, don't hesitate to try a cup of filtered coffee, another unforgettable experience of Vietnam. And if you want to try making your own, the Vietnamese coffee filter is made of aluminum or stainless steel and sells for VND5,000-10,000 in department stores.
Vietnamese pancakes on Dinh Cong Trang Street46A Dinh Cong Trang St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8241110.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8483153.This is the biggest Buddhist pagoda in HCM City. The main hall was completed in 1970 with assistance from Japanese, and the pagoda has some Japanese architectural characteristics. Tip: The pagoda's bell is also a gift from Japan.Xe OmA motorbike taxi is a very convenient way for budget tourists to move around town.
Xich LoXich lo comes from the French word "cyclo." Traveling by xich lo is now a great way to tour the city. A guest sits in the front of the vehicle and the driver sits behind. A xich lo that runs slowly on the streets of Saigon helps a tourist enjoy the cityscape and Saigonese activities. Tip: If you are courageous enough, ask the driver to give you a try at the cycling (but not on crowded streets).
War Museum28 Vo Van Tan St., Dist. 3. Tel: 8290325.A must-see for foreign tourists. On display are exhibits concerning the atrocities during the Vietnam war such as My Lai massacre and victims of napalm bombs and Agent Orange. There is also a guillotine brought to Vietnam by the French colonialists. In late 1950s, this guillotine was moved to several provinces in South Vietnam to execute revolutionists. The souvenir shop sells items related to the war.Len Saigon (Wool Products)255 Hoang Van Thu St, Tan Binh Dist.. Tel: 8445943.Fl. 2, Zen Plaza, 54-56 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 1.Fl. 1, City Plaza, 230 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 1.Ground Fl., CMC Plaza, 79B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Tan Binh Dist. Zen Plaza54-56 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 1. Tel: 9280339.Biggest fashion center in HCM City
26B Le Loi Street, Dist.1. Tel: 8257140.A favorite place of young Saigonese. At night, this ice cream shop of several stories is often full. Tip: At night, watching Le Loi Street, one of the main streets of Saigon, is an experience one should try.
Ben Duoc TempleNear Cu Chi Tunnel, Ben Duoc Temple was built in 1993 to commemorate war martyrs who died fighting for Vietnam's independence.
Ben Thanh MarketThis "all-in-one" market is in the center of the city. Tip: A must-visit place. You need no address of Ben Thanh Market. Call a cab and ask the driver to take you to Cho Ben Thanh.
Ben Thanh Tourist4-6 Ho Huan Nghiep St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8238962One of the top-ten tour operators in Vietnam
Binh Quoi Tourist Village 1147 Binh Quoi St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 8841195.On Thanh Da peninsula, the tourist village is like a huge garden with lawns and trees. Tip: A tourist village beside the Saigon River.
Binh Tay MarketBinh Tay Market on Thap Muoi Street in District 6 is the largest wholesale market in town.
Blue Ginger37 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8298676A restaurant of Vietnamese cuisine tourists shouldn't miss. Tip: The banh cuon tom ap chao (pan-fried shrimp scallion ravioli) is a must.
Bodhi Tree Restaurant175/6 Pham Ngu Lao St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8369545.This restaurant offers a menu of 150 vegetarian dishes from Vietnam, India, Mexico and Italy. Tip: Dishes are cooked when ordered.
Bonsai 1 cruise ship1147 Binh Quoi St., Binh Thanh Dist., Tel: 8991833.A wooden cruise ship on the Saigon River, the Bonsai 1 is 40m long, 9m wide, and capable of accommodating 120 people. Tip: Cozy atmosphere.Brodard Restaurant11 Nguyen Thiep St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8275891.A favorite coffee shop of the Saigonese.
Ca keo hotpot streetCa keo is a fish about 10cm long. Grilled ca keo fish served with tamarind fish sauce is a specialty. But it is ca keo hotpot that makes this a special street in HCM City. Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street and its environs in District 1 are the ca keo hotpot street. The hotpot has a sour taste, and is served with a lot of vegetables and rice vermicelli. Tip: How to eat a ca keo fish from the hotpot: Put the entire stewed fish in your mouth with the tail in first. Hold the fish with your lips and pull the fish out by its head. The meat of the fish will remain in your mouth while the head and the backbone is pulled out.
Caravelle Hotel
19 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1. Tel: 8234999No other five-star hotels in town have a history comparable to that of the Caravelle. The hotel is also the first hotel to win The Saigon Times FDI Top 40 Award for foreign investors. Tip: Saigon Saigon Bar is a must.
Carving street, a section of Cong Hoa Street in Tan Binh District
Cha ca La Vong - A Special Dish A specialty of Hanoi, cha ca La Vong (La Vong fish paste) is now available in HCM City. The place that serves it is Cha Ca La Vong Restaurant.The restaurant opened in May, 2003, and it has been serving only the dish besides drinks. With 20 tables, it can serve 120 customers at the same time. "At present, though not much advertising has been done for the dish, about 10% of our customers are foreigners," says Doan Cong Thanh, the owner. He says the fish paste was invented by his great-great grandparents more than a century ago. It is made of catfish or snakehead fish fillets. They are spiced and broiled, and are eaten with rice vermicelli or banh da (northern-style rice paper) and fermented shrimp paste, fried peanuts, pickled spring onion bulbs, and aromatic herbs. The eatery belongs to his family's three-restaurant chain and it is the only branch in the South. The main restaurant is also the oldest restaurant in Vietnam (in operation for 133 years), located at 14 Cha Ca St., Hanoi. The La Vong fish paste is the only dish which is used to name an ancient street in Hanoi. In particular, it has been introduced in the website of the U.S. television station MSNBC as one of the 10 places that everybody should visit before they die.Address: 31 Nguyen Thi Dieu St., Dist. 1, HCM CityTel: 9305674
Com Nieu Saigon Restaurant6 C Tu Xuong St., Dist. 3. Tel: 9326388.Tip: Rice cooked in clay pots.
Conical hatOne of the symbols of Vietnam. In HCM City, non la is still worn by street traders. It remains a favorite item for foreign tourists because it is made from natural materials.
Continental Hotel132 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8299201.Built in 1880, Continental is the oldest hotel in HCM City and Vietnam. Tip: The hotel welcomed French writer Andre Malraux, Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore and British writer Graham Greene.
Cruise ships on the Saigon River at night
Cu Chi Tunnel in Cu Chi DistrictOnce the headquarters of the armed forces in Saigon-Gia Dinh, Cu Chi Tunnel is a system of 200km of tunnels between 2.5m and 12m underground. Tip: Tourists can shoot real guns.
D.A.N.19 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1. Tel: 8247144.A must-see jewelry shop in downtown HCM City.Dam Sen Park3 Hoa Binh St., Dist. 11. Tel: 8841195.Dam Sen is one of the recreational parks most familiar to Saigonese. Tip: It has a water park inside.Draft beerIn HCM City bia hoi or draft beer is often served in sidewalk eateries. Bia hoi is often served with grilled dried squid or groundnuts. Tip: Bia hoi is inexpensive beer and bia hoi eateries are where people make friends easily.Fashion streetFootwear streets
General Le Van Duyet Temple1 bis Phan Dang Luu St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 8412517.This is the temple of Le Van Duyet, a high-ranking mandarin of the Nguyen Dynasty and governor of Gia Dinh, the former name of Saigon-Gia Dinh area, now HCM City.
Giac Lam Pagoda118 Lac Long Quan St, Tan Binh Dist. Tel: 8642012.The oldest pagoda in HCM City.
Givral Restaurant169 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8292747.One of the best-loved coffee shops in Saigon.
HCM City's Wall Street
Ho Chi Minh Museum1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Dist. 4 Tel: 8299749.Also called Ben Nha Rong, the building used to be the office of the French maritime transport firm Messageries Maritimes. It was at this place that Nguyen Tat Thanh, who later became Uncle Ho, embarked on the Latouche Treville to go abroad to begin the struggle for Vietnam's independence. The museum displays materials about President Ho's activities.Ho Chi Minh City History Museum2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St., Dist. 1, Tel: 9100167.One of the oldest museums in the city, the museum displays exhibits on Vietnam's history and on some themes such as antiques, the Phu Nam culture, Cham arts and Mekong Delta arts.
Ho Chi Minh Operation Museum2 Le Duan St. Tel: 8229387.
Hoa Vien Brauhaus28 bis Mac Dinh Chi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8290585.A cozy place to enjoy draft beer from Pilsen, the Czech Republic, and Eastern European dishes.
Kuan Yu's Temple678 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 5. Tel: 8538775.Not far from the Lady's Temple is a temple built by the local Trieu Chau association to worship Quan Vu, or Quan Cong (Kuan Yu). It is called Nghia An Hoi Quan or Mieu Ong.Lady's Temple710 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 5. Tel: 8555322.Built by the local Guangdong community in the 19th century to worship the goddess of the sea, this temple attracts the largest turnout in Cho Lon, the Chinese area of HCM City. The temple has been renovated by Saigontourist to make it more attractive. Tip: Sophisticated ceramic sculpture on the roof of the temple.
Le Cong Kieu Antique street
Lion draft beer11-13 Cong Truong Lam Son, Dist. 1. Tel: 8238514.
Mangosteen Restaurant in Bong Sen Hotel117-123 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1 .Tel: 8291516.
Mrs. Ca Doi Restaurant11 Ton That Thiep St., Dist. 1.One of the oldest restaurants in Saigon, the 50-year-old restaurant was set up by a northern woman. The Menu is of the daily dishes of Vietnamese families. Tip: The restaurant has a northern taste, but its diners are people from all over Vietnam plus foreigners.
Nhu Lan bread with ham50, 68 Ham Nghi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8292970.Set up in 1968, Nhu Lan was first on Gia Long Street, now Ly Tu Trong, before being moved to Ham Nghi Street. Aside from ready-to-eat foods, Nhu Lan also offer dishes from the three regions of Vietnam. Tip: Vietnamese bread with ham is Nhu Lan specialty.
Nightclub quarter
Notre Dame Cathedral
Quang Truong Cong Xa Paris, Dist. 1. Tel: 8294822.Built by the French in 1877, this cathedral, the best known in Saigon, has neo-Romanesque architecture and two towers 57m high. In front of it is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Tip: Some ceremonies are in English.
Oriental medicine streetPanorama 3337 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1. Tel: 9100493.The coffee shop is at the top of HCM City and Vietnam's tallest building, where you can watch the city's skyline, including its most famous structures and the winding Saigon River. Tip: There is a terrace at Panorama 33 where you can inhale fresh air high in the sky.Pedestrian street
Pho 2000 (pho soup restaurant)1-3 Phan Chu Trinh, St.1. Tel: 8222788.
Pho 24 (pho soup restaurant)67 Hai Ba Trung St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8228360.
Phu Thinh SouvernirsBamboo and rattan products.23/2A Tran Nao St., Dist. 2. Tel: 8875736.
Phu Tho Horse Race StadiumLe Dai Hanh St., Dist. 11. Tel: 8662644.
Reunification Palace133 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8223652.On this site the former palace of the French governor of Indochina was built in 1868 and became the presidential palace of South Vietnam when Ngo Dinh Diem came to power in 1950s. After being damaged by bombs during a coup attempt in early 1960s, the palace was rebuilt. In early 1975, Nguyen Thanh Trung, a revolutionary secret agent who was a Saigon regime fighter pilot dropped bombs on the palace. On April 30, 1975, tanks of the liberation army crashed through the main gate of the palace, ending the 20-year war for Vietnam's reunification.
Rex Hotel141 Nguyen Hue St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8292185.One of the best known hotels of HCM City. Tip: From Rex's rooftop Garden Bar, which was voted by Newsweek as one of the best in Asia, tourists can see busy streets thrivers. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Saigontourist Department Store35bis-45 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8225328.One of the most modern shopping center in town.
Saigontourist Travel Service49 Le Thanh Ton St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8298914.One of the most reliable tour operators in Vietnam.
Saigon Water Park
About 10km from downtown, Saigon Water Park was the first modern water park in HCM City and Vietnam.
SakuraA restaurant run by a Japanese lady with a mentally-handicapped staff.4 Ton Duc Thang St., Dist. 1.QI Saigon Spa253 Nguyen Van Troi St., Phu Nhuan Dist. Tel: 8449222
Salted fish hotpotA southern specialty cooked with salted fish and eaten with a lot of vegetables. Rice vermicelli is put into a bowl, and beef, fish, shrimp and squid is put into a hotpot. Tip: A bowl of lau mam must be served with a lot of vegetables.
Sheraton Hotel Saigon88 Dong Khoi St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8272828.The five-star of the five-star hotels in Saigon.
Southern BBQ villageThese restaurants, often on large roofed space, are becoming more popular. Besides, grilled dishes, other southern foods are served. You can find one at 9 Tang Bat Ho Street in District 5 (Tel: 8554024).
Soya milkA wonderful beverage because it is nutritious and cheap and available everywhere.
Squid Rice PorridgeA popular dish, the chao muc is delicious. Dried squid is grilled and torn into small pieces and then cooked with rice. Tip: Thanh Son eatery at 144 Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3 (Tel: 8297554), is a good place to visit.
Street of ornamental fishA section of Nguyen Thong Street, District 3. One can find everything for an aquarium.
Sugarcane juice, sold everywhere.
Suoi Tien ParkTan Phu, Dist. 9. Tel: 8964705.For provincial visitors to HCM City, Suoi Tien is a must-see place. Tip: Huge statues of the kings of the Hung Dynasty, the founders of Vietnam.
Tao Dan Park on Truong Dinh Street in District 1.The park resembles a part of a jungle in the middle of Saigon, with many high trees providing shade for the whole park. A place of interest of Saigonese who do physical exercise.
Tax Shopping Center135 Nguyen Hue St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8213849.The wedding apparelstreet
Thu Ha Tailor, a tailor for foreigners at Vietnamese prices.29 Nguyen Huy Tu St., Dist. 1, Tel: 8203981Thu Ha has both Vietnamese and foreign clientele. Foreign customers are residents in serviced apartments such as Somerset or Norfolk Mansion or living in An Phu or Thao Dien. June, July and December are peak time for foreign customers who go on vacation or return to their homeland to welcome the new year. Suits and coats are the two most popular items for this kind of client. Tip: Foreigners and Vietnamese pay the same price which is reasonable. Thu Ha is very punctual in delivery.
Thuan Kieu broken rice54 Thuan Kieu St., Dist. 11. Tel: 8562891.Although also using rice, com tam is a unique dish of the Vietnamese. The rice must be broken rice to have a special taste. Thuan Kieu has nine restaurants in HCM City. Tip: Home delivery available.
Thuyen Vien Vegetarian Restaurant 11-13 Nguyen Van Dau St., Binh Thanh Dist. Tel: 8433050.With a menu of 60 dishes, Thuyen Vien is one of the famed vegetarian restaurants in HCM City, although it is not in the city's downtown. Tip: Open from 7a.m. to 10p.m. Thuyen Vien also offers excellent cakes for vegetarians.Traditional Medicine Institute273 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Phu Nhuan Dist. Tel: 8443049.This institute holds short courses on health and yoga, and it treats patients using traditional Vietnamese medicines.
Tropical Vietnamese fruitDon't miss a chance to taste Vietnam's best fruit when in HCM City. Tip: The section of Le Thanh Ton Street opposite Ben Thanh Market in District 1 has several shops selling good fruit at fixed prices.Vam Sat ResortLy Nhon, Can Gio Dist. Tel: 8876169.A resort in the middle of Can Gio mangrove forest, one of the world's recognized biospheres. Tip: Dam Doi near Vam Sat is the natural habitat of large flocks of bats.
Vietnam Golf & Country Club Long Thanh My, Dist. 9. Tel: 2800115
Vietnamese filter coffee
The French introduced coffee into Vietnam less than two centuries ago. Now Vietnam has become one of the world's top coffee exporters. In this digital age, some Vietnamese have adopted instant coffee with Coffeemate cream and sugar, and others use electric coffee makers. The purists, however, shun such philistine practices and keep the habit of enjoying ca phe phin, filtered coffee, lovingly produced by single-cup filters. It's simple to make a cup of filtered coffee. The filter is placed on a coffee cup or glass, two teaspoons of ground coffee are added, and then boiled water. The filter is capped and another process begins that Vietnamese claim is essential to enjoying coffee: the Wait. You sit, you talk or meditate, you think about what you are about to savor. In a minute or so, the first drops of precious dark brown liquid begin to fall from the filter to the cup. It takes a full five to ten minutes for the water to fully pass through the filter. When it stops dripping, remove the cap and manipulate the little press to squeeze the last drops from the fragrant grounds. Add sugar or condensed milk to your taste and stir with a spoon. The filtered coffee is now at your service.But is the art of making filtered coffee really so simple? Of course not, or else the thousands of coffee shops in Vietnam will shut down. The art lies in how the coffee is treated before being ground, and the way boiled water is poured into the filter. The secrets are too complicated for this article. In fact, not all coffee shops here mastered the art of making filtered coffee. However, coffee enthusiasts prefer having a cup of coffee at a shop to a homemade coffee. There, they can sip hot coffee while discussing current news or sports. They sit on stools, often very low, at inexpensive ca phe via he, or sidewalk coffee sites, a common scene in Vietnam. However, for the elite there are luxurious ca phe via he as well. Some of these in HCM City may approach the caliber of coffee shops along France's famous Champs Elysee. For example, the one in front of Me Linh Point Tower where coffee drinkers can watch the Tran Hung Dao Monument Park and inhale the fresh air from the Saigon River. At Highlands coffee shop at The Metropolitan Building, customers can take in the view of the Paris Commune Square, Notre Dame Cathedral, the lovely Central Post Office, and Diamond Plaza Shopping Center. Half a century ago the Hotel Continental's sidewalk coffee shop was a rendezvous for French elite and international journalists, but it has gone. When filmmakers shot Indochina, Dien Bien Phu and The Quiet American, they had to recreate it. Filtered coffee is available at rooftop cafes at the Rex, Caravelle, Palace, Century Saigon and other hotels. HCM City's highest coffee shop lies on the 33rd story of the Saigon Trade Center, which is the tallest building in Vietnam. There, you can both enjoy a cup of filtered coffee and a panoramic view of Saigon. There have been no reports on whether the altitude affects the taste one way or the other. If you're used to drinking instant coffee, don't hesitate to try a cup of filtered coffee, another unforgettable experience of Vietnam. And if you want to try making your own, the Vietnamese coffee filter is made of aluminum or stainless steel and sells for VND5,000-10,000 in department stores.
Vietnamese pancakes on Dinh Cong Trang Street46A Dinh Cong Trang St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8241110.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St., Dist. 1. Tel: 8483153.This is the biggest Buddhist pagoda in HCM City. The main hall was completed in 1970 with assistance from Japanese, and the pagoda has some Japanese architectural characteristics. Tip: The pagoda's bell is also a gift from Japan.Xe OmA motorbike taxi is a very convenient way for budget tourists to move around town.
Xich LoXich lo comes from the French word "cyclo." Traveling by xich lo is now a great way to tour the city. A guest sits in the front of the vehicle and the driver sits behind. A xich lo that runs slowly on the streets of Saigon helps a tourist enjoy the cityscape and Saigonese activities. Tip: If you are courageous enough, ask the driver to give you a try at the cycling (but not on crowded streets).
War Museum28 Vo Van Tan St., Dist. 3. Tel: 8290325.A must-see for foreign tourists. On display are exhibits concerning the atrocities during the Vietnam war such as My Lai massacre and victims of napalm bombs and Agent Orange. There is also a guillotine brought to Vietnam by the French colonialists. In late 1950s, this guillotine was moved to several provinces in South Vietnam to execute revolutionists. The souvenir shop sells items related to the war.Len Saigon (Wool Products)255 Hoang Van Thu St, Tan Binh Dist.. Tel: 8445943.Fl. 2, Zen Plaza, 54-56 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 1.Fl. 1, City Plaza, 230 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 1.Ground Fl., CMC Plaza, 79B Ly Thuong Kiet St., Tan Binh Dist. Zen Plaza54-56 Nguyen Trai St., Dist. 1. Tel: 9280339.Biggest fashion center in HCM City
