Was in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) for 3N4D. Last year in Feb, I went to Hanoi and I think, Saigon is fairly modern compared to Hanoi. Most people know Vietnam because of the infamous Vietnam War. French, Japanese and US occupied the country many many years ago. They celebrate Vietnamese New Year which actually the same as Chinese New Year.
Few things about Saigon:
1. If you would like to go back to the past, say 15-20 years back - Saigon is the place to go. Somehow Saigon reminds me of our own country when I was a little girl. Terdapat banyak taman/padang. Kids and adults playing sepak yim. Kabel electric berselirat di jalan raya. Mereka kelihatan susah, tetapi tidak kelihatan pengemis di jalanan. Tapi jaga-jaga dengan si penyeluk saku. Mereka ni terror. Sedar-sedar dah kena copet. Jalan raya sentiasa sibuk dan confusing.
2. Saigon is paradise for shoppers. I was surprised. Tak sangka di negara yang 80% populasi nya Buddha, punya banyak kedai menjual kain (cotton and silk), baju kurung (with heavy mannequin), telekung dan tudung. Harga – memang sangat berpatutan. The only setback is that they are not that friendly, especially at Ben Tanh market. Do not bargain if you are not sure if you want to buy. They like to force you to buy.
3. Begitu juga dengan tailor made suit and shirts. They can make it in one day. Bought myself in total of nine pieces of shirts, pants and skirts. I felt that I’m a designer :). I can choose the material and design it. I like :).
4. I took half day tour to Cu Chi tunnels. I watched very old video about how the Vietnamese people outsmarted the Americans. Then the tour guide explained the weapons and traps used. I crawled inside the tunnels. It’s narrow, dark and hot. I felt suffocate inside the tunnel. So if you are claustrophobic, please do not enter. Ended my journey with ubi kayu dan menembak dengan senapang M16.
5. Sad to say one day Mekong Delta tour is just a waste of time. Traveling by bus and motor boat for few hours just to experienced candy making process, sampan and Vietnamese singing some old song. Tak berbaloi. Our own homestay programme is much more happening.
6. Halal food is not really a problem. VN Halal is very near to Ben Tanh market. If you opt for tour, bring your own food – roti, biskut or maggi. Otherwise – kelaparan. I did not have the courage to try chon coffee. Cukup lah sekali.
Akhir kata, jika ke Saigon – Selamat bershopping. That’s the only thing that worth to Saigon.
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