TWENTY REASONS TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY (PART 2) A visit to Ho Chi Minh City is an encounter with exotic food, French colonial architecture and memories of war. 11 Nightlife Equivalent to Bangkoks famed Khao San Road, Pham Ngu Lao Street is HCMCs backpacker district, and its where the revelry goes on long into the night. If youre looking for a more urbane option, try a rooftop bar hop of three of the citys most famous hotels, the Rex, Caravelle and Majestic. Yes, drinks are nosebleed expensive, but theres a colorful history and impressive view from each. For a refined colonial feel, Temple Club serves up a mean gin and tonic in a former temple guesthouse, while the Dong Khoi area is home to several live-music venues and more upmarket bars. 12 Coffee Since its introduction to Vietnam by French colonists in the 19th century, coffee has become a national obsession. Thanks to the intense humidity, iced coffee, known locally as ca phe sua da, is generally favoured, and is brewed with a dark roast over a single metal french drip filter called ca phe phin. Served with sweet condensed milk poured over ice, its the perfect kick-start. Head to the Tan Tao Park to enjoy an early-morning brew with the locals or order a cup from any street vendor. 13 History Museum Ensconced among lush botanic gardens in a beautiful 1929 French colonial building is the history museum, showcasing 4000 years of Vietnamese life and culture, starting from the Bronze Age. The collection includes items from the Cham and Khmer civilizations as well as artefacts illustrating mountain culture, revolutionary periods and even gifts bestowed on president Ho Chi Minh before his death. Not all exhibits are clearly labelled in English, but the setting practically justifies the visit. (Open Tuesday-Sunday, 8-11am and 1.30-4.30pm.) 14 Cooking classes After sampling so much great food, chances are youll want to replicate it. While many of the major hotels offer generic cooking lessons, a smaller-size class is a far better option. The best classes will team you with a chef to source ingredients at a nearby market before you learn to cook classic dishes such as summer rice rolls, rice noodle soups and many more. Most provide a take-home recipe pack so you can dazzle your mates back home. 15 Mekong Delta Often dubbed the rice bowl of Vietnam, this 39,000-square-kilometre labyrinth of waterways remains one of the most densely populated parts of the country. About four hours drive from the city, its another world, where markets, villages and schools float on sprawling, life-sustaining estuaries. Its easiest to experience the delta on a tour, with most ranging from between one and five days. Spend a few days here if time permits; you can even make your way over to Cambodia by river, rather than by plane or bus. 16 Cu Chi tunnels You dont know the true meaning of claustrophobia until youve visited this vast network of interconnecting underground tunnels, 30 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City. Used as operational headquarters by Vietcong guerrillas during the Tet Offensive of 1968, they were instrumental in numerous military campaigns during the war and played a decisive role in defeating American forces. A guided tour allows you to explore the tunnels firsthand or even fire an AK-47 should you wish to emulate Chuck Norris for a day. 17 Tailored clothing While the World Heritage-listed riverside town of Hoi An, about 865 kilometres north of HCMC, remains Vietnams top spot for quality tailoring, HCMC is another safe bet. For best results, go prepared, take magazine cutouts and bring clothing you want to replicate. Have a set budget in mind, too; its easy to get talked into an entire new wardrobe. Allow a few days for the necessary adjustments. For high-end tailoring, try Mi Silk, 181 Dong Khoi, District 1. 18 Fine Arts Museum Not far from the Ben Thanh Market, housed in a Chinese-influenced yellow and white colonial-era mansion, the Fine Arts Museum offers an extensive insight into Vietnamese aesthetics ranging from the countrys earliest civilizations to the present day. Exhibits include anything from sculpture and paintings to pottery, abstract art and even weaponry. (Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9am-4.30pm, baotangmythuattphcm.vn.) 19 Pagodas and temples The Jade Emperor Pagoda is widely regarded as the citys most spectacular, but its one of many. For a dose of southern Indias colour, check out Mariamman Temple, built in the 19th century by traders to honour the Hindu goddess Mariamman. For a wealth of Chinese temples, check out Cholon or take a day-trip to the Cao Dai temple at Tay Ninh, which is easily combined with a tour of the nearby Cu Chi tunnels. Incorporating aspects of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism and even Catholicism, it was built between 1933 and 1955. 20 Shopping Markets aside, there are plenty of options for high-end shopping. The major department stores are found at the central business districts Diamond Plaza or Saigon Centre — though prices wont differ much from home — while locals tend to favour Trai Street, straddling districts 1 and 5 for cheaper goods. Le Cong Kieu is famous for antiques, and the relatively new Vincom Centre opposite the Hotel Continental is a good bet for pricier, high-quality and boutique wares, while fashionistas will love Nguyen Hue Street. Part 1: https://facebook/ViettimeTravelJSC/posts/626491977458699 Read more: smh.au/travel/activity/shopping/twenty-reasons-to-visit-ho-chi-minh-city-20130222-2evh4.html#ixzz37h0eQmIH
Posted on: Fri, 18 Jul 2014 13:25:00 +0000
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