Just thought I would write a quick post of our first Vietnam experience since I have been living on other people%26#39;s reviews for the past few months! But it is very long - sorry! Arrived in HCMC on Tuesday evening after flying all day, Took a taxi to our hotel - Mini Saigon 1. Slight problem because we had not yet changed US dollars for dong and I think we may have been ripped off slightly as a worker from the hotel took our money and paid the driver and did not give us any change and when we calculated it later we paid probably around 4 or 5 USD more than we should - but our fault for poor planning and regardless, was half the price of being picked up by the hotel. Saigon Mini was great value and apart from that first experience, the staff were all totally lovely and helpful. After a simple and filling breakfast the next morning the girl at the desk marked on a street map all the places we wanted to go which was a godsend to show taxi drivers.
We went to An dong Market - interesting, but wouldn%26#39;t do it again - mostly locals and was good for a look. There was a bug shopping complex nearby which looked good but we forgot it was there until we went past it in the taxi when we were leaving the market. Then went to Ben Than Markets which was also good for a look, only bought one bag. Be prepared for MAJOR hassling. The lady at the hotel had told us not to pay more than half what is originally asked. Went for a stroll in the park opposite then took a trishaw to the electronic market (don%26#39;t take a trishaw!!!See post in the topic relating to trishaw scams - big rip off!). Anyway, once we strolled past all the electronic shops, we came upon a lovely part of town with great restuarants (I can find out the name of the street if you need it) - can%26#39;t remember where we had lunch but it was on the corner opposite from a flash looking restuarant called fashion tv and had a yoghurt bar inside it as well. Lunch was cheap and it was great food with a really nice atmosphere. We then went across the road to Professional Foot massage and for $15 AUD each had one hour of delicious pampering - a whole room full of armchairs side by side with Vietnamese masseurs giving amazing foot rubs and then they do your arms, hands and you turn around and they do neck, back, head and shoulders. This was a real highlight.
Afternoon - back to hotel, changed into swimmers and packed a change of clothes and took taxi to the Majestic Hotel right by the Saigon river - had a walk by the river first and then went into the Majestic where you can pay $7 USD to use the pool. had a swim and got changed - the toilets have showers and hairdryers and then went to the rooftop bar for drinks and watching the action on the river and all the big cruise boasts getting ready to go out on the river for dinner.
Dinner - went back to where we had lunch and a little bit down the road went to the Temple Club (you should book, we had to have dinner in the bar area which was still great). Food AMAZING and good value. Flash place, most meals seemed to be less than 5 USD. I have their card somewhere if you need exact details. For dessert we went downstairs to Fanny which is an icecream and dessert restuarant and had about the best banana crepe we have ever had. Although we only had 1 day in HCMC we felt we experienced a lot and had a really great time. The trishaw rip off was a annoying, but we were naive and it was a small thing in a wonderful day. Flew out early this morning to Quy Nhon.....stay posted!
Sorry for rambling with the details...hope this is helpful to someone!
Review 24 hours in HCMC for the first time -
Cassie thanks so much for your review.
The swim at the Majestic Hotel then drinks is a wonderful idea, I think we might do it as our hotel has no pool!! Sounds like a you had a full on fun day! Please keep us posted on the rest of your stay if you get time!
Chez
xx
Review 24 hours in HCMC for the first time -
Hi Cassie,
So glad you are letting us know how you are - I would love to know the name of the street that has all the lovely restaurants - take care, and look forward to your next report.
X Sandy
Dear Chez and Sandy
Thanks for your replies. I found the address - temple club is 29-31 Ton That Thiep St, District 1, HCMC. Tel 848 38299244 and fanny is right downstairs - they are both in a lovely old building, The place we had lunch is a few doors up nearly opp the foot massage place and as I say just across the road from fashion tv and had big whiite picture windows and really cheap set menus. We are now at Life Resort at Quy Nhon and OMG - the most GORGEOUS place I have ever been. I will write a more detailed hotel review later but honestly, I thought I had been to nice places but this place is beautiful on every level and the GM is an Aussie and the most friendly, down to earth young guy. As well as being extremely classy everyone is so friendly and helpful so it doesn%26#39;t feel snobby like some flash places. The rooms are just amazing - based on cham architecture and all natural materials...no plastic to be seen. Anyway...I digress....am on way to swim and lounge by pool. When are your trips? Soon aren%26#39;t they? We have only been in Vietnam since Monday nighht and it just feels so accessible. Even though in Quy Nhon there is a huge language barrier everyone is just so friendly - not many tourists here compared to other parts and the locals make a huge effort.
Pool calls! Cassie SC
PS My husband corrected me - at Temple Club meals were around $7 USD - but well worth it.
Cassie I am so so jealous! enjoy the pool!
We are there in May for 3 weeks, HCMC, Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, HoiAn and Mui Ne, can%26#39;t wait!! Sandy is going in April......hey Sandy not long now, bet you are counting down the days??!!
Chez
xx
Hi Guys,
Yes, 4 weeks %26amp; 2 days = 30 SLEEPS!!!!!! Itinery is the same, hotels a little different:
Metropole - HCM
Sunny Beach Resort (bungalow) Mui Ne
Hoi An Beach Resort - Hoi An
La Veranda - Phu Quoc (got it for $46US p/n - so just had to take it, although a bit disappointed that we are not staying at Cassia Cottages)
Can%26#39;t wait!!!!
Cassie, your info is fantastic.
X Sandy
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