Interesting places in Ho Chi Minh

Visted the famous Ben Thanh market and it resembles a large, historical structure, orange in colour, with a distinct clock tower. This market is situated on District One.

Walking through this Ben Thanh market is amazing - they have all sort of things for sale. You need to bargain. Everything is for sale from a wide variety of shoes, tea-cup sets, fans, textiles, clothings, handicrafts, wicker goods, dried food stuffs. Their famous aromatic coffee beans - it is amazing that Vietnam in such a short time is one of the world's largest exporter of Coffee.

Did not manage to visit Binh Tay market - maybe next time.....

Dong Khoi Street - a good place for luxury shopping. Looking around you will find elegant gowns, fabrics of exellent quality, the Vietnamese Ao Dai. We purchased 50 sets for each conference partner a beautiful craft lacquer wine holder. The craftsmanship is very good - even deliver directly to the hotel doorstep.

Ho Chi Minh has many historical buildings with French influence that makes the charm of this city. The Notre Dame Cathedral (or Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica) is a Catholic Church which was constructed before 1890 by the French. Once you step inside, the feeling of being in France is there....the structures, statutes. The cathedral's giant twin bell towers, together with its imposing height, are what makes it an eye catching sight.

Saigon River Cruise

For tour agency, you need to beware of unscrupulous tour agency - I used Saigon Tourist company and a very reliable tour agent.

On 8th March, the Saigon Tourist coach arrive on time @ Omni Saigon Hotel for a sunset cruise on the Saigon River with fresh gentle breezes. The scenery was fantastic to see Saigon river with all the buzzing activities.

Building the bridge across the Saigon River

Old junk

We arrive at the Binh Quoi Tourist Village. Set on verdant grounds with coconut-shaded creeks and thatched cottages, the village offers a reminiscence of the Mekong Delta in bygone days. It was fascinating cultural show presenting a traditional wedding with a bridal procession on water, solemn rituals and vibrant dances.

We enjoyed an elaborately prepared Vietnamese dinner served indoors by the riverside before their return to downtown Ho Chi Minh City by car. Upon arriving Ho Chi Minh, the roads were clogged with so many motorcycles - it was amazing.