public transportation in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Finding Ho Chi Minh City Transport is never a problem as it seems to be the occupation of a large proportion of the male population. We've already covered HCMC airport transfers so here are a few tips on getting around the city when walking gets too much for you.

Cyclos

Cyclo drivers won't be happy seeing you walking around when they could be cycling you around town so they'll be offering their services wherever you go. These men are extremely good natured and a rejection is normally met with a smile. If you do decide to go in a cyclo just be sure to agree a price in advance, it's unlikely to cost more than about 30,000 Dong ($2US) between any of the main HCMC sights and usually less.Many of these drivers speak good English having worked in administrative jobs with the Americans but after the fall of South Vietnam they became an underclass who were never able to return to professional posts. The Municipal Government of HCMC has already set restrictions on where these cyclos can go so don't assume you're being ripped off if you end up taking a road that doesn't seem logical (you've agreed a price already remember). In fact there is a plan to get rid of this traditional form of Ho Chi Minh City transport entirely which would be a major loss to HCMC so go in one at least once, it might be your last chance.

Metered Taxis

You'll see metered taxis all over the place and these are also an incredibly cheap transport option. We took a taxi from the Spring Hotel in the Dong Khoi district out to the Chinese district of Cholon which is about 5km away through fairly heavy traffic. The driver didn't speak any English though he was very helpful in ensuring that he took us to the correct pagoda that we'd showed him on the map. The price was a mere 50,000 Dong ($3US) as shown on the meter.Coming back from Binh Tay Market market in Cholon we jumped in another taxi that took us back to the Ben Thanh market along the squalid banks of the Saigon River where we saw the poorest living conditions of anywhere in Vietnam. The fare was again about the same as on the outward journey. No problem. One thing to avoid when using public transport is being paranoid. Some travellers seem intent on bargaining for everything and saving a dollar here and there. It's not worth it as everything is so cheap. Even if you are overcharged on a cyclo or in a taxi you're looking at a few cents, nothing more. Having said that we never felt overcharges and found people in HCMC very honest and friendly people.

Motorbike Taxis

Just as the cyclo riders will offer to give you a ride every time you see them so will men standing by their motorbike at the roadside. Again this is a cheap way to get around but when you see the chaos on the roads you may not be too keen to give it a try. Certainly this is the most dangerous of the Ho Chi Minh City transport options in the city.

City Buses

You'll see city bus services operating all over the place but realistically there's no need to use them when the cyclos and taxis are so easily accessible and cheap. You'll have no idea where to get off buses and the driver is unlikely to be able to help you, they're usually overcrowded and very much for the use of locals.



Source : http://www.vietnam-travel-guide.net/ho-chi-minh-city-transport.html

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Eat & Drink like the locals, Ho Chi Minh City

Eat & Drink like the locals: Yummy Vietnamese Coffee

According to a Viet Kieu (that's overseas Vietnamese for you ) I spoke to, it takes an average of half an hour to drink the local coffee and 1 min to drink a cup of java in the US. Well, I don't know how many times he must have scalded his tongue in the process but he was right about the local coffee...

Over here, Vietnamese love to use a fancy coffee strainer that makes coffee drip out in an agonisingly slow fashion. So, too bad if you're a Type A. In any case, it's worth the wait . The coffee is thick but excellent .

Think Italian expresso. One shot of of this powerful drink is enough to propel you to the moon. Perhaps, this explains why all the motorists over here drive as though they're competing in the grand prix.

You can find coffee everywhere but tell them that you want VIETNAMESE COFFEE. They'll serve you instant coffee since they think we foreigners love this soot-tasting invention.
Tip: Take the coffee with condensed milk like the locals. Since the composition is about 40% milk and 60% coffee, this drink will make probably your eyeballs roll backwards. But heck, it just doesn't taste the same with fresh milk. Dilute it with hot water if you must.

Double Tip: If you want to buy back some of the delicious coffee, pop over to BenTanh Market and get freshly ground coffee that comes from "BUONMETHUOT". That's the premier coffee district and all coffee beans from there are roasted in butter! Needless to say, I'm addicted to this fragrant smelling joe

Eat & Drink like the locals: Rice Paper Rolls

If you have not eaten Goi Cuon, or the steamed spring roll, you have not been to Vietnam! What is it? Well, yummy pieces of pork, prawns, vemicelli are tightly wrapped around a delicate white skin known as 'rice paper'.

Spring rolls make an excellent light, late-night snack. Just pop over to Ben Tanh in the evening ( yes you read that correctly) , go to the right side of the market where you'll see a long row of stalls and order the rolls from anyone. It should cost less than a dollar.

Eat & Drink like the locals: Street Food in Vietnam

Other than Goi Cuon, the commonly seen cold spring rolls, you could also try Cha Gio Chay , the fried version. I had mine in the Mekong Delta region, along with the famed Delta rice which is supposedly very flavourful because of the good flood waters...

This spring roll is fried to a golden crisp and stuffed w/ tofu, cellophane noodles, black mushrooms, carrots, served w/ lettuce, mint, etc

Eat & Drink like the locals: Try the local beer

The next you want beer in VN, try saying ba ba ba. It's not a booze for sheep but a local white beer ( pilsner ) that is commonly enjoyed by all. My new found French friend also commented that this beer can also be found in gay Paree but it's an abbreviated "33" over there. If any of you Parisians are reading this, could you let me know if this is true? I sure didn't see no "33" when I was there.

Eat & Drink like the locals: Hawker's Center Pho Mua Sam

Hawker Food Centers abound around asia and here in saigon, there is no exception, but prices here are the cheapest! (even cheaper than Bangkok, thailand! and Hongkong being the most expensive) off course the choices here are less than the other countries hawker centers but you could not beat the price here!

Opens 6:00 pm to 1:00 am everyday!

example is Goi Cun (Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls) at 2,500 VND (for 6 pieces at $ 0.17!), Cha Goi Re (Fried Spring Rolls) at 15,000 VND ( $ 0.90) even cheaper than in Pho 24 wherein Fried spring rolls cost 25,000 VND!, my favorite Cua Lot (Deep Fried Soft Shelled Crab) for 6 pieces at 40,000 VND ( $ 2.40) while in vietnam house restaurant it costs 75,000 VND!, Tom' Hap Dua' (Steamed Tiger Prawns in Coconut Juice) at 30,000 VND ($ 1.85) for 9 pieces! while in Ngoc Suong Marina it costs 70,000 VND!. If you are a super el cheapo, I would suggest the Dui' Cha Gien' (Vietnamese Fried Chicken Leg) at only 14,000 VND ($ 0.81). A Bottle of the Famous Ba Ba Ba or Saigon Beer is 10,000 VND ( $ 0.62 ).

What To Pay: for a glutton like me, I've Spent 200,000 VND but if you are a light eater, then 20,000-50,000 VND will be suffice!
Buy anything you fancy here and eat it, it is not bad to pig out once in a while since prices like these are unbeatable elsewhere! then go on a diet after you arrive back to your country!

Source : http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/Asia/Vietnam/Thanh_Pho_Ho_Chi_Minh/Ho_Chi_Minh_City-1470720/Restaurants-Ho_Chi_Minh_City-Eat_Drink_like_the_locals-BR-1.html

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vietnam travel guide - ho chi minh city tour

Ho Chi Minh City Bonsai Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

Experience the vibrant city lights of Ho Chi Minh City when you join the Bonsai for a memorable, two-hour dinner cruise on the Saigon River.

This Ho Chi Minh dinner cruise is a Vietnamese dining experience with a difference and the perfect way to soak up the activity along the Saigon River. You will cruise 2-hours on a traditional Junk and enjoy sensational gastronomic moments on one of the most authentic vessels on the Saigon river.

The captain will welcome you aboard and introduce you to the specialties, both European and Asian cuisine, which have made this Ho Chi Minh City dinner cruise a must-do culinary experience while in Vietnam. On board, you would be able to relax on the upper deck and enjoy the panoramic view of the city lights or to admire the traditional junk boat while cruising along the Saigon River.

For dinner, you can select from a range of traditional dishes, including rice flower pancakes 'Banh xeo', shrimp paste on sugar can, lotus salad 'Goi ngo sen' or pork pineapple skewers made on the BBG grill. A delicious dessert will end this unforgettable evening on the waterways, before getting back to the dock after saying goodbye to your hospitable hosts. A truly memorable evening.

Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group Adventure Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Travel to the heart of the Mekong Delta on this small group adventure tour from Ho Chi Minh City. You'll board a private longtail boat, experience the diversity of the Mekong waterways first hand as you explore fish farms, exotic fruit farms and dine on traditional Mekong Delta food.

Travel to the city of My Tho, a 2.5 hour journey, by air-conditioned mini-coach. A former naval base, My Tho is now a bustling port city in the Mekong Delta. The area is the final destination of the Mekong River which winds its way from Tibet, China, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and finally Vietnam. An incredibly fertile region its prime industry is food production, producing approximately half of Vietnam's total agricultural output. Life for villagers in the area revolves around the rivers and canals that make up the delta, people are more likely to transport by river than by road.

Upon arrival into My Tho you'll board a private boat for a cruise on the Mekong River. On the boat ride your local guide will take you to visit an island with lush tropical gardens where you'll have a chance to sample tropical fruit. You'll continue to another island in the Mekong Delta, you'll learn more about another cottage industry, coconut candy. Your local guide will take you to a coconut candy factory and explain the process of making this sweet. You'll have a chance to visit local villages in the area and learn more about the traditional lifestyles, culture and customs of people who call the Delta their home. Continue by Xe Loi (motorized cart) to a bee farm where you'll transfer to a smaller rowing boat allowing you to get deeper into the smaller canals of the Delta.

Sample the local Mekong cuisine at the Diem Phuong Restaurant where lunch is served. After lunch you'll return to My Tho for the journey back to Ho Chi Minh City

Private Tour: Ho Chi Minh City Full-Day Tour

See the best of Ho Chi Minh City on this private full-day tour. In the morning, visit the historic Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum, followed by the architectural treats of French colonial Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. Enjoy the culinary delights of reknowned Pho 2000, before visiting Giac Lam Pagoda, the bustling Chinese district of Cholon and Ben Thanh market - a shopping paradise!
Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) is a fast paced city with a unique mix of French colonial architecture, Chinese influences, a modern entrepreneurial spirit and numerous temples. On this tour, you will take in the highlights of Ho Chi Minh starting with an exploration of Saigon's turbulent past with visits to the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum.
The tour continues to Ho Chi Minh's finest examples of French colonial architecture with a visit to the Notre Dame cathedral and Post Office. Enjoy Vietnamese lunch at the renowned Pho 2000. Your Ho Chi Minh tour continues with a visit to Giac Lam Pagoda, the Cholon Chinese district. Tour concludes at the Ben Thanh market, practice your bargaining skills.

This tour operator is the 2007 Conde Naste winner of the Best Operator category in the World Saver Awards

Private Tour: Mekong River Cruise Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Explore the Mekong River - the rice bowl of Vietnam - by boat on this full-day tour from Ho Chi Minh to the Mekong Delta. Travel by Boat along these canals and visiting the floating markets, a truly memorable experience. Cruise through the lush green vegetation of the Mekong canals to an orchard, where you are treated to a delicious lunch complete with tropical fruits, before continue along to the town of Vinh Long town, where you are picked up for your return transfer to Ho Chi Minh City.

Often referred to as the rice bowl of Vietnam, the fertile Mekong Delta is also famous for its tropical fruits and flowers. Traditional transportation in the Delta is by boat along a vast network of canals and channels. Boating along these canals and visiting the floating markets always proves to be a fascinating and rewarding experience for all visitors. On this trip, you will boat through the lush green vegetation of the canals to an orchard, where you are treated to a delicious lunch complete with tropical fruits. Travel by boat to Vinh Long town where you will be picked up and driven back to Ho Chi Minh City around 6:30pm.

Cu Chi Tunnels Small Group Adventure Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

Experience the world of the Cu Chi freedom fighters with a visit to their famous tunnel system. This network of over 200 km of tunnels became legendary during the 1960's when they played a vital part in the American War, allowing the Viet Cong to control a large rural area close to Ho Chi Minh City. In their heyday, the tunnels were functioning underground cities.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City behind, take a 2.5-hour journey west towards the Cambodian border bound for the Cu Chi Tunnels. The Cu Chi tunnels were built by local fighters during the Indochina conflict as a base from which the Viet Cong could operate from close to the Southern Vietnamese capital. Initial construction started in 1948 when the Viet Minh required somewhere to hide from French air attacks and by 1965, the Cu Chi tunnel complex was estimated to consist of 200km's of tunnels. It included, hospitals, schools, meeting rooms, kitchens and sleeping quarters. Life was difficult for the inhabitants and to protect against outside intruders bobby traps were laid throughout the complex.

Your local guide will take you on a fascinating tour around the Cu Chi Tunnels where you'll learn more about the conditions the Vietnamese people lived in, the hardships they faced and the amazing ingenuity employed to maintain life in the tunnels.

Private Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple Full-Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City

The private tour to Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai is a great day trip from Ho Chi Minh. Visit Tay Ninh, home of the unique Cao Dai sect which is a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. After lunch, visit the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an amazing underground labyrinth from which the Vietnamese fought during the American/Vietnam war.

The private tour begins with a visit to Tay Ninh, near the Cambodian border, home to the unique Cao Dai sect, whose patron saints include Joan of Arc, Victor Hugo and Winston Churchill to name a few. The religion is an odd mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. The trip to Tay Ninh is combined with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. At its height, the tunnel system stretched from Saigon to the Cambodian border and was three levels deep. Today the remaining tunnels have become a major tourist attraction giving the visitor a unique experience and a feel of what underground life in the war must have been like. The tour includes a local Vietnamese lunc

Ho Chi Minh Cyclo and Walking Small Group Adventure Tour

Explore the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City on foot and cyclo on this small group adventure tour. Travel like a local as you discover Ho Chi Minh City's many sights. Get a taste of colonial days at the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral, see the beautiful central post office and get an insight into the horror of modern war at the War Remnants museum.

Hop into a traditional cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle with a carriage at the front for you to sit in, while the driver pedals you through Ho Chi Minh City. Take in the sights, sounds and smells of Ho Chi Minh City without the barrier of a car window or the sound of an engine. Travel through Tao Dan Park to the War Remnants museum, originally opened in September 1975, the museum displays old military equipment and other related items from the Vietnam War including some larger exhibits including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. Continue passed the Reunification Palace, previously known as the Presidential Palace, the sight of the official South Vietnamese surrender on April 30th, 1975. Entry is not included but you will have the opportunity to take photographs.

Leaving the cyclos behind walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the General Post Office, both fine examples of French colonial architecture. Join up again with your cyclos and ride to the Saigon Opera House and City Hall where scenes from the movie "The Quiet Amercian" were filmed.
Leaving behind the cyclos , walk towards the Ben Thanh market where you can practice your language skills bargaining for souvenirs, clothing and knick knacks. The market itself has an interesting history. Its original location was close to the Ben Nghe River and the old fort of Gia Dinh before it was destroyed in 1859 during the French invasion of Saigon. It was rebuilt and later moved to its present location in 1899.

At the end of your tour, you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City Discovery Small Group Adventure Tour

Explore bustling Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon) on this small group adventure tour.The Ho Chi Minh City tour will give you an insight into the history, culture and the daily life of the locals in Ho Chi Minh City. Discover the historic Giac Lam pagoda, bargain for souvenirs at Ben Thanh market and enjoy a lunch of local Vietnamese cuisine. Learn about Vietnam's modern history by visiting the Reunification Palace and finish the day with a stroll along Ho Chi Minh City's tree-lined boulevards.

Your first stop is Giac Lam, built in the 17th century it is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Continue to Chinatown with stops at Cholon and Binh Tay markets to see the locals bartering for wares. Next is Thien Hau temple, built in the early 19th century and dedicated to the Thien Hau the goddess of seafarers. Continue to Nha Rong wharf where Ho Chi Minh first left Vietnam in 1911. Your final stop before lunch is at the Ben Thanh Market, where you can practice your language skills and barter for goods. The market's original location was close to the Ben Nghe River before it was destroyed in 1859 during the French invasion of Saigon. It was rebuilt and moved to its present location in 1899.

Enjoy lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant where your guide will explain the local specialties. After lunch you'll visit the War Remnants Museum, originally opened in September 1975, it displays old military equipment and other related items from the Vietnam War. In the courtyard you will find some larger exhibits including a F5A fighter and a UH1-Huey helicopter. Continue on foot past the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, the General Post office, and the Opera house which are all beautiful examples of architecture from the French colonial period.
At the end your tour you are free to continue exploring the area or your guide will assist you in getting a taxi back to your hotel.


Source and ref : http://www.viator.com/Ho-Chi-Minh-City/d352-ttd

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ho chi minh city

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The city center is situated on the banks of the Saigon River, 37 miles (60 kilometers) from the South China Sea and 1,094 miles (1,760 kilometers) south of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.

Over the past decade, Vietnam has been improving its legal infrastructure, banking systems and overall economic and social environment. On January 11, 2007, the country became the 150th member of the World Trade Organization. Today, the local business community is as enthusiastic about the country's growth and future potential as foreign investors are. In fact, foreign direct investment in Vietnam is expected to reach US $15 billion in 2008, which is more than double from the same period in 2007.

Ho Chi Minh City is the financial hub of Vietnam with over 300,000 businesses in industries such as technology, electronics and construction. It is a fast-paced city that is growing rapidly both in terms of its industry and its population. The city's vibrant culture and historical ambiance--combined with an optimistic workforce (many of which have no direct memories of the war with America that ended in 1975) -have catapulted the city into one of the fastest growing economies in Asia.

The metropolitan area, which consists of the city center and surrounding towns, is home to more than 9 million people, making it the largest metropolitan area in Vietnam and Indochina. Walking through the streets of Ho Chi Minh, one gets a sense of the modern mixed with traditional Asian ambiance.

The local language is Vietnamese but English is spoken almost everywhere. All foreign restaurants have English-speaking staff and most taxi drivers speak a little English. The street and store signs are in Vietnamese. Learning at least a little Vietnamese will make life easier and efforts to do so will be appreciated by the locals.

All foreign visitors are required to get a Visa. A foreigner who comes to live and work in Vietnam usually obtains a visa through his or her sponsoring organization. For a three- or six-month work visa, a passport and an invitation or assignment letter will need to be produced. The passport with a relevant visa is the most important document for a foreigner in Vietnam. It is recommended that all visitors register with their local Consulate or Embassy upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City.

The local currency is Vietnam dong (VND). The dong comes in notes and coins, which range from 200 to 500,000 VND. It is advisable to take US dollars into Vietnam and exchange it upon arrival. US dollars can be used and changed although dong is the most commonly-used form of payment for everyday purchases such as groceries. Larger establishments accept credit cards but they will levy a 3-5% service charge. Smaller local markets only accept cash.

There are many foreign banks in Ho Chi Minh City and accounts are easy to open. Most banks are open Monday through Friday from 8am to 3pm. There are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock all around Ho Chi Minh City.

For expats seeking housing in Ho Chi Minh City, proximity to schools and the degree of security are the most important issues. Most expats choose to live in expat communities. Inside Ho Chi Minh City are a mix of older, French-style villas and modern serviced apartments. Expats seeking to live in houses tend to live outside the city, where there are larger villas with elaborate gardens and swimming pools. The international schools are also located in these areas outside of the main city. Expats typically rent their homes. Rental agreements require a deposit that is equal to three months' rent and the renter will need to pay six months' rent in advance.

Utilities are extra and will need to be paid separately and usually with cash. Furnished homes are decorated to suit the taste of the landlord, and such styles might not appeal to the typical expat. It is sometimes possible and becoming more common to negotiate with the landlords of unfurnished properties and purchase furniture to that of your own taste, dependant on the length of your lease.

Ho Chi Minh City is not, overall, a dangerous city. However, petty theft and house break-ins concern many expats. A home security system is not very expensive and is recommended.

International schools are very popular with Ho Chi Minh City's expats. British, Australian, French, Japanese and Korean international schools are all available but they can be quite expensive. There are many to choose from but it can be difficult to secure a spot. The British International School and International School of Ho Chi Minh City have pre-school programs. The school year starts at the end of August and ends in early July.

The water in Ho Chi Minh City is not fit for drinking from the tap but is more than safe for brushing teeth and cleaning dishes. Bottled drinking water is delivered to the home or purchased from a store. "Pharmacy" in Vietnamese is "Nha Thuoc Tay" and they can be found throughout the city. The Vietnamese word for "doctor" is "Bac Si."

It is recommended that travelers to Vietnam have a variety of vaccinations such as hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis and typhoid, in addition to Malaria capsules. Visitors should bring an extra supply of prescription medications as they might be hard to come by in Vietnam. Healthcare facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are limited but are ever improving with the opening of International clinics.

There are a few foreign health care providers that have different things to offer. These include International SOS, Columbia Saigon Clinic and the Franco/Vietnamese Hospital. If the scope of care needed is beyond what's offered at Ho Chi Minh City's foreign hospitals, visitors can be evacuated to Singapore or Thailand. It is recommended that all visitors research this information as soon as they move into their new home.

The rapid growth of the city has created unbearable traffic throughout the city. Since traffic laws are not strictly enforced and driver's education is limited, patience on the roads is mandatory. Visitors who wish to drive will need to obtain a Vietnamese driving license. Typically, expats have their own car and driver. People drive on the right side of the road. Ho Chi Minh City does have buses, but they are very crowded.

Motorbikes are by far the most common form of transport. It's not uncommon to see whole families on one motorbike. They make crossing the street incredibly difficult. Visitors have to have the confidence to find a gap in the traffic, make eye contact with any oncoming drivers, and cross slowly, always walking forwards, do not hesitate and do not step backwards.

To travel outside of the city, there are trains going out every day and there are rental cars available. Taking a mini-bus is another option. These are small, air-conditioned and clean.

Expats might want to bring along their favorite designer-label clothing, cosmetics and sporting goods--as the genuine articles are hard to come by in Vietnam. There is more choice when shopping in Ho Chi Minh City than there is in other cities. For large-sized clothing or shoes, it is recommended that expats bring enough clothes to last through their stay. Finding apparel that fits can be very challenging, though custom tailoring is an option.

The stores of serviced apartments sell foreign items. Local markets are used for fresh dairy and produce where bargaining is the norm. It's a good idea to learn the numbers in Vietnamese and it's best to not seem too interested in an item. When bargaining, one should make an offer and leave if it's not accepted. If the seller changes his mind, he will call the person back. A good rule of thumb when bargaining is to give a counter-offer of half the price originally offered, and then bargain to a middle point. Also, a smile goes a long way!

Counterfeit merchandise--from handbags to mineral water--is everywhere in Ho Chi Minh City. It's best to buy such items from department stores or other official retailers rather than street vendors. For other household items such as cleaning materials and home furnishings, Ben Thanh Market and Diamond Plaza are two places to look for such items in Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh Market is the home of everything one could ever need such as clothing, shoes, home furnishings, keepsakes as well as fruits, vegetables and some other very interesting food.

Spouses are permitted to work however, finding employment can be difficult. In addition, there are professional associations specifically for women. For recreation, joining a golf and tennis group is a popular option. Bars and restaurants are popular hangouts. Beside expat groups, clubs like the International Ladies of Vietnam, Amicale des Francais (a French association) and various business organizations are very popular.

Playing or watching sports, traveling to local beaches and riding in go carts are also among the city's favorite diversions for kids. School-related activities are ideal for teenagers looking for something to do. Clubs and sporting activities are very very popular. One can enjoy tennis, squash, swimming, badminton and Rugby (Aussie rules) are just a few.

Chris Draeger, Group Vice President, Crown Relocations

Crown Relocations has been providing international moving and relocation services since 1965. With 200 offices in 50 countries, Crown has "people on the ground" in all the major Expat communities around the world. Crown provides a range of services to help Expats and their families move and settle into their new home ranging from Orientation Tours, Home finding, School Search and more.

Crown also organizes Expat Clubs with regular events to help people meet and socialize with other Expats.

We also serve corporate clients as they develop and manage the relocation policies and employee benefit programs for the staff moving overseas. Services include expense management, program development, policy counseling, customized online reporting and full departure and destination services for the employees.

Crown is a private organization headquartered in Hong Kong, with European HQ in London and Americas HQ in Los Angeles California.
Crown provides free moving quotations on its website at http://www.crownrelo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christine_Draeger

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hotel ho chi minh city vietnam

Hotel Continental, Ho Chi Minh City

The Hôtel Continental is a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was named after the prestigious Hôtel Continental in Paris, and is located in District 1, the central business district of the city. The hotel is situated by the Saigon Opera House and was built in the early 20th century by the French. The hotel has undergone a few refurbishments over the years, whilst still maintaining the essence of its original architecture and style.

The Ho Chi Minh City Hotel Continental has been also been featured in the Hollywood movie The Quiet American, an adaptation of Graham Greene's novel with the same name.

Rex Hotel

Built in 1927 for M. Bainier during French colonial rule in Vietnam, the building started out as a two story auto dealership/garage complex called Bainier Auto Hall. The building showcased Citroen and other European cars. From 1959 to 1975, Mr. and Mrs. Ung Thi renovated the building into a 100 room Rex Trading Center with three cinemas, a cafeteria, a dance hall and a library. It was made famous and popular by American troops during the Vietnam War when its conference room hosted a daily press conference, by the MACV, derisively named The Five O'Clock Follies by cynical journalists who found the optimism of leading US military officers to be misguided. Its rooftop bar was a well known hangout spot for military officials and war correspondents.
After the Vietnam War (1975), Saigon Tourist Bureau took ownership of the hotel and renamed it "Ben Thanh." The "Ben Thanh" hotel was used as the location for the press conference announcing the reunification of Vietnam in 1976. In 1986, the hotel was sold and renamed the Rex Hotel.

The 230 room five story building is located in the District 1, close by to the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Municipal Theatre. In 2003 the Rex Hotel underwent an extension and renovation including architecture, interior design and engineering serivces provided by Archetype Group.

Ref : ^ Graeme Leech, In resurgent Ho Chi Minh City the scars are still visible, The Australian, March, 09, 2009

Caravelle Hotel

The Caravelle Hotel is located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The hotel was opened to the public on Christmas Eve 1959, when the city was known as Saigon. Contemporary journalists noted its use of Italian marble, bullet-proof glass and a “state-of-the-art air-conditioning system and a Berliet private generator.”

The hotel’s modern design was the work of two architects, one French, one Vietnamese. During the 1960s The Caravelle was home to the Australian Embassy, the New Zealand Embassy, and the Saigon bureaus of, NBC, ABC and CBS.

On the morning of August 25, 1964 at around 11:30 am a bomb exploded in room 514, on a floor occupied mostly by foreign journalists, who were all out on assignment. Nine rooms were damaged, windows were blown out of several cars parked in the street, and a number of people were injured without fatalities.
Following the Fall of Saigon in 1975, the hotel was taken over and operated by the government and renamed the Doc Lap (Independence) Hotel. And so it remained until 1998, when the Caravelle name was relaunched.
The original ten-storey building is now adjoined to a 24-storey tower that forms the bulk of the new property. However, the iconic Saigon Bar has changed little since 1959.

Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special%3ASearch&redirs=0&search=hotel+ho+chi+minh+city+vietnam&fulltext=Search&ns0=1

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Vietnam Travel

Vietnam is one of the hottest travel destinations in Asia. More and more tourists come to Vietnam every year because of its peace, friendliness and fast development. Tourists can enjoy visiting peaceful traditional villages, grand temples and pagodas or sunbathing on beautiful beaches in luxury seaside resorts. However, to enjoy the best of your travel, you have to know something about the art of bargaining in this country. Except grand hotels, big restaurants and luxury resorts where fixed prices are listed, you can bargain for anything in Vietnam.

Before going to Vietnam you should do some searches for a general idea about prices in Vietnam. The Vietnamese currency is the Vietnam Dong ($1 = 15800 VND). On the internet, you can easily find information about prices of going by taxi or some other means of transportation. However, for long distances, you have to bargain for a lower price because for some certain long routes, the price is not what is counted on the taximeter. If you go by taxi over a distance which is greater than 50 km, you should call the taxi company directly and ask for their price for that long route.

Going in a tour group arranged by a tourist agent is an interesting way to explore Vietnam. There are many famous tourism agents in Vietnam and most of them have their own websites. You can search on the internet for famous travel agents in Vietnam and book in advance if possible. However, if the online booking function is not available or you want to book for a tour when having come to Vietnam, you should ask for their fixed list of available tours and their prices in advance. Most well known tourism companies have their tours and prices listed on a large board in their offices. If you register for many tours of the same company, you can ask for a discount because it is a usual thing in Vietnam.

Vietnamese food is very delicious and well known all over the world. It is really a memorable experience to taste Vietnamese food right in Vietnam. However, you have to be careful when eating in restaurants. Even natives can be overcharged sometimes when they go to restaurants. There are some restaurants whose menus are just lists of dishes and don't include the prices. In that case you have to ask the waiters to tell you the prices of the dishes in advance otherwise they may give you a big bill with amazing prices at the end of the meal.

It is a fun experience to go shopping in Vietnam. The goods are usually very cheap and there are large selections for buyers. Apart from grand shopping centers where prices are fixed and written already on the tags, most markets, souvenir stands and street vendors don't have fixed prices for their goods and customers have to bargain. Sellers there always try to take advantage of foreigners whom they assume to be rich and have a lot of money. When you go to markets and souvenir stands, the prices they tell you are never true. The true prices are usually half or one third of what you are told. There are many sellers who can speak nice English. They will tell you that you are the first customer of their store today and they will give you the item at their buying price for some luck. Don't ever believe them. The "buying" price they tell you is always many times more than the real value of the product.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Travel [http://travel-guided.com].

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