PORTS OF CALL - Asia
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, also referred to as Saigon, is Vietnam's most bustling and spirited city. Breathtaking in its scope of activities, culture and excitement, Ho Chi Minh City is a modern metropolis with attractions such as museums, art galleries and botanical gardens, along with cultural sites like elegant palaces and stunning pagodas.
Don’t Miss
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City is the scenic Tao Dan Cultural Park. Known for its entertainment and recreational activities, the park is a popular venue for Saigonese. While walking along the expansive park filled with over 1,000 trees, one can spot locals practising Tai Chi, exercising and relaxing. Open night and day, the park is a great place to stroll, relax, read a book or go native.
Sporting Adventures
Saigon Water Park is a perfect place for family fun. Recently completed, the Water Park is great for those looking to cool down from the tropical heat and humidity. Filled with pools, water slides and a wave pool that switches on every 10 minutes to simulate the ocean, it's a huge oasis in the suburbs of Saigon that's certain to please the visitors.
Shopping for Bargains
Where better to look for a bargain than a place known as "Fashion Street." Located in District 1, this street is dotted with shops popular among the locals, where an abundance of apparel, handbags, footwear, leather belts and wallets are sold. Another hot spot for tourists, especially those visiting from Asian countries, is An Dong Market, which is well known for the quality craft shops that sit above many of the retail stores.
Local Flavours
The specialty of Ho Chi Minh City is the Salted Fish Hotpot, a southern dish that includes vermicelli noodles, plenty of salted fish, shrimp and squid, plus a whole lot of vegetables. And when you're done with that, why not head over to the Dong Khoi area where you'll find some of the best Vietnamese ice cream (known as kem) the city has to offer. A favourite among the locals are the Kem Bach Dang ice cream shops. They're often full, but well worth the wait.
Currency
The Vietnamese currency is the dong. You can exchange currency in any of the following ways: at a bank, through an authorized exchange bureau or at a hotel reception desk. The best rates are at the banks, but the exchange bureaus are the most convenient, as they're open for longer hours. Most major credit cards should be accepted at almost any major city or popular tourist spot.