HO CHI MINH ESCAPADE- DAY 1 (BEN THANH MARKET)

After an enjoyable lunch, we find our way to Ben Thanh Market which is about 10-15 mins walk from our hotel. But it took us an hour to reach this place after so much hassles of going through terrible traffic jam, looking at the map and asking direction from the local who can't communicate in English. Luckily, along our way, we hopped into a travel agency and managed to get them to show us the location.

For your info, majority of the locals ride motorbikes and also cars on the road. We were terrified with these vehicles which comes from all directions eventhough when the traffic light is red. Most of the time (day & night) , we got caught in the middle of the road surrounded by motorbikes/cars and noisy horns which is very dangerous but rest assure the driver knows when to stop and let you walk passed.

The biggest & popular market in Ho Chi Minh, District 1

We were stunned and speechless upon entering the market. It was so huge and there were lots of traders selling handicrafts, souveniers, textiles, local cuisines and etc.

Assorted designs of Vietnamese Traditional Clothing /'Au Tho Than' for female


colorful paintings and t-shirts

textiles/fabrics


fashionable shoes

assorted snacks

pickled fish jelly, soft crabs, salted vegetables and etc

variety of dried tea leaves & coffee

different grade of rice & beans

female accessories

food stalls

There were too many stalls selling the same item in the market which we did not visit all. Feeling tired, we quenched our thirst with a glass of ice cendol, 1 whole coconut water and sourplum juice which was indeed refreshing.

drinks & dessert stall




My glass of Ice Cendol (VND30,000)

Irresistible!

fresh coconut milk, red beans, cream corn, cendol, jelly and etc

HO CHI MINH ESCAPADE - DAY 1 (HOTEL & LUNCH)

It was an ad-hoc decision made by the three of us to backpack and have a vacation in Ho Chi Minh City also known as Saigon in Vietnam. Armed with information and recommendations (from a friend's colleague who had travelled to that country early this year) such as cheap air fares, budget hotel and tour packages, we quickly booked AirAsia tickets for RM676 per person and hotel at USD23 per room per day. For this trip, each of us allocated a budget of RM1200-RM1300 per person only (including spending money) and true enough, we spent within this limit.

We left LCCT via the morning flight and touched down at Tan Son Nhat/Ho Chi Minh International Airport after 2 hours of flight. The airport was not crowded and thus we managed to go through the Immigration Counter without any beeline.

Our taxi driver (pre-booked from the hotel) had waited for us at the departure lounge holding a sign board bearing my friend's name. After loaded our luggages into the car, he drove us to the hotel where we will be staying for four nights.

Phan Lan Hotel located @ Pham Ngu Lao Street

Double bed + 1 single bed @ USD23 per nite

(air conditioned + ceiling fan and window view)

Clean toilet with hot shower
tv, mini fridge and wifi
After settled down, we started our itinerary by searching for good authentic Vietnamese food and exploring nearby attractions.

We spotted this small shop and decided to have our lunch here.

Condiments i.e slices of lime, pickled onion, chili flakes & sausages wrapped in banana leaf

Our order (fm l to r)plain beef noodles, spicy seafood noodles, a plate of mixed roasted meat, sausage + savoury cakes) & a portion of mixed greens

Do note that whenever you order beef noodles, you will be served with a plate of mixed greens containing basil leaves, shredded lemon grass & herbs/ulam which I enjoyed it so much.

Total bill came to VND96,000...indeed cheap