Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

SHOPPING MALLS

CRESCENT MALL Officially launched in late 2011, Crescent Mall is one of the first commercial centers in Vietnam with international standards. With a unique arc design and facilities similar to the famous shopping centers in Hong Kong, Singapore and many other Asian countries, Crescent Mall offers more than 134 retail stores all over the five modern and large floors, along with two basements for parking and a spacious outdoor parking space. 101 Ton Dat Tien Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7 Monday – Sunday 10 a.m – 10 p.m (+8428) 5413 3333 TAKASHIMAYA 92-94 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, SAIGON CENTER Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 Coming to Takashimaya, visitors have Monday – Friday 9.30 a.m – 9.30 p.m; access to the latest fashion trends, Saturday – Sunday 9.30 a.m – 10 p.m highly applicable products that are both trendy and traditional, perfectly serving (+8428) 1800 577 766 the modern lifestyle. Visitors also enjoy a unique art space which is completely different from other commercial centers in the city. 102

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.5 Shopping DIAMOND PLAZA 34 Le Duan Street, District 1 Monday – Sunday 9.30 a.m – 10 p.m As a major shopping center in Ho Chi (+8428) 3822 5500 Minh City, Diamond Plaza is where you can find a variety of imported items as cosmetics, perfumes, fashion clothes, and jewelry. Opened in 1999, this place has become an ideal shopping center for both Vietnamese and foreign visitors. 103

PARKSON COMMERCIAL CENTER SYSTEM It has become an indispensable multicolors and become a destination part of people's lives. Located in for thousands of domestic and foreign the heart of the city, these bustling visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. shopping centers beautify the city with Monday – Sunday 9.30 a.m – 10 p.m PARKSON HUNG VUONG PLAZA PARKSON SAIGON TOURIST PLAZA 126 Hung Vuong Street, Ward 12, 35bis-45 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben District 5 Nghe Ward, District 1 (+8428) 2222 0383 (+8428) 3827 7636 PARKSON CT PLAZA 60A Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District (+8428) 6297 1888 104

VINCOM SHOPPING AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.5 Shopping CENTER SYSTEM As one of the largest shopping six floors of the central business malls in Vietnam, Vincom brings area, food court and entertainment together most of the world-famous area of Vincom will offer visitors a brands. With 250 fashion boutiques truly relaxing shopping experience. and high-class restaurants across Monday – Sunday 9.30 a.m – 10 p.m VINCOM CENTER DONG KHOI VINCOM PLAZA SAIGON RES 72 Le Thanh Ton Street, 188 Nguyen Xi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 Ward 26, Binh Thanh District (+84) 0975 033 288 (+8428) 7307 2999 VINCOM MEGA MALL THAO DIEN 161 Hanoi Highway, VINCOM PLAZA THỦ ĐỨC Thao Dien Ward, District 2 216 Vo Van Ngan Street, (+8428) 6285 2299 Binh Tho Ward, Thu Duc District (+84) 0903 304 888 VINCOM PLAZA GO VAP 12 Phan Van Tri Street, VINCOM PLAZA CỘNG HÒA Ward 7, Go Vap District 15-17 Cong Hoa Street, (+8428) 90 297 27 25 Ward 4, Tan Binh District (+8428) 7106 5188 VINCOM PLAZA LE VAN VIET VINCOM PLAZA BA THÁNG HAI 50 Le Van Viet Street, Hiep Phu Ward, District 9 3 - 3C 3/2 Street, District 10 (+8428) 7300 2888 (+8428) 93 218 59 18 VINCOM PLAZA QUANG TRUNG 190 Quang Trung Street, Go Vap District (+84) 01645 989 802 105

TRADITIONAL MARKETS 106

BEN THANHMARKET AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.5 Shopping Ben Thanh Market is considered as a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and one of the most popular destinations. Opened in 1914, the market is a historical witness to the city's ups and downs. Up to now, Ben Thanh market is still the largest trading center in the Southern region with more than 3.000 business households, and more spacious and modern facilities compared to the past. Products at Ben Thanh Market are extremely diverse, including not only domestic products, especially those in the Mekong Delta, but also a variety of handicrafts. Quach Thi Trang Square, District 1 TAN DINH MARKET Tan Dinh Market, built in 1926, is one market also receives the recognition for of the markets bearing the historical its cuisine area filled with Vietnamese vestige of the city. The market is located specialties including bun mam on Hai Ba Trung Street, right at the (fermented thick vermicelli soup), crab corner of Hai Ba Trung and Nguyen Huu soup, banh canh cua (rich, thick crab Cau. It has four main gates, creating soup cooked with tapioca noodle), convenience for visitors when going xoi ga (chicken with sticky rice), che shopping. The items sold at the market (sweet dessert soup), fruit plates. are diverse, from fabrics, clothes, dry food, fresh food, fruits to footwear, Hai Ba Trung Street, jewelry, ensuring the daily needs of the Tan Dinh Ward, District 1 local and the tourists are fully met. The 107

AN DONG MARKET An Dong Market, established in 1954, is one of the central markets of the city. The main items sold here are fabric, ready-made clothes, footwear and so on. The visitors can find here a food court, several stalls selling snacks, fruits and fresh flowers, a collection of daily items, and handicrafts. An Dong Market is spacious, pleasantly decorated, clean, modern, safe and convenient. Next to the market is An Dong Plaza with minimalist and elegant design. 18 An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5 HO THI KY FLOWER MARKET Founded in 1987 and dubbed “the Langbiang Plateau in the heart of the City”, Ho Thi Ky Flower Mart is the city’s largest flower terminal market. The market concentrates an extensive range of flowers that contain various colors. The flowers sold here are just as familiar as rose, orchid, lily, statice salem, mimosa, begonia, lotus, chrysanthemum, sunflower and just as fancy as wide banana, hanging lobster claw (Heliconia rostrata), fire banana. Flowers are originated mainly from Da Lat and Southwestern provinces, even from other countries as Japan, Thailand, and China. Besides providing fresh flowers, the market also sells finished flowers plugged into rings and baskets. NOTES WHEN SHOPPING AND BARGAINING - EĐxưcờenpgt Hfoồr TBheịnKỷT,hanh Market that - Choose stores that publish pricing. sepllhsưfiờxnegd 1p,rqicueậnite10ms, in most of the markets, the items are priced higher - Buy the items after striking a than they should be. Therefore, bargain with the sellers, especially making a bargain is advisable. The in the morning. Vietnamese people bargain price might be lower and believe the first customer of the day even half of the initial price. will indicate how lucky the store will be for that day. - Every traditional item lies interesting tales, do not forget to ask the sellers the history of the items. 108

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.5 Shopping BINH TAY MARKET Lasting for nearly 100 years, Binh Tay Market represents the history and culture of the Chinese community living in Ho Chi Minh City. The market is divided into 5 distinct areas with more than 2300 stalls selling more than 30 different items, mainly spices, jam, clothes, shoes. Coming to the market, tourists will be dazzled not only by the charm of its bustling atmosphere but also by its admiring architecture that is a great combination between Far Eastern style, French advanced technique and Chinese elegant design with winding roof tiles and spacious yard in the middle of the market. 57A Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City 109

SPACE A city open to diverse landscapes 110

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.6 Space Do you know 75% of Ho Chi Minh City is suburb? It takes you only about a 2-hour drive from the city downtown to let yourself be carried away by countless different spaces. Integrating the creativity in people’s lifestyles and various great heroic events in history, each space leads you to a sheer amplitude of rare experiences: acquainting yourself with rural life, exploring dynamic ecosystems or being overwhelmed by historic works of national stature. 111

CAN GIO MANGROVE FOREST Can Gio – the largest mangrove and can stop at Dan Xay bridge to visit Bat lung of Ho Chi Minh City, is recognized Lagoon at Vam Sat, and conquer the as the first biosphere reserve of 28m Tang Bong Tower that offers you Vietnam that is a part of the world’s a vantage point to watch the extensive biosphere system in January 2000 by Can Gio mangrove forest and flocks of UNESCO (United Nations Educational white storks returning to their nests Scientific and Cultural Organization). when the sun gradually disappears out of sight. Can Gio, a key destination listed Riding along the road which has the in the book devoted to the conservation immense green of typical trees on either of cultural and natural heritage, is side including ban, duoc, mam trang, an attractive getaway for those who su, vet, etc. that stand close to each love picnic and seek adventure. other with a large number of aerial stilt roots buttressing the trunk, Can Gio will Visitors can take the bus number be within your reach. You can sit on the 75 that starts at 23/9 Park or rent a motorboats to penetrate deep into the motorbike and ride along the Nha Be mangroves, or visit Rung Sac Special route then turn to Duyen Hai Street to Zone that used to rise to fame. You also get to Can Gio. 112

CU CHI TUNNELS AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.6 Space Cu Chi Tunnels is an acclaimed Before starting the journey in Cu historical site, one-of-a-kind Chi Tunnels, visitors will watch a construction work that contains a documentary film about the bravery of tunnel system of over 200km lying the people here during the wartime, they deep in the ground with dozens of can try shooting with the real bullets. floors and a complicated web of nooks and crannies that lead to kitchen, Visitors can buy bicycle tours in the meeting room, training room, etc. Cu City or rent motorbikes to drive to the Chi Tunnels validates the resilience, tunnel. However, it is advisable to buy intelligence, and pride of the people of a one-day tour to visit Cu Chi Tunnels. Cu Chi, and indicates the revolutionary heroism of Vietnamese people. Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District 113

HO CHI MINH CITY

Recommended tours to visit Ho Chi Minh City

CITY TOURS 116

TOUR 01: EXPLORING THE TRACE OF THE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 2.1 City tours PAST IN THE HEART OF THE CITY The journey begins with a spiritual and cultural experience at Le Van Duyet Mausoleum – the temple and the tomb of the viceroy of Gia Dinh that showcase imperial architecture. Then visitors will continue to explore the rich cultural and historical web of the City in the two notable museums. The highlights of the journey are the water puppet show – a fabulous traditional art of Vietnam and the Vietnamese-style dinner on the romantic Saigon River. Schedule 16:30 - The tour guide picks up travelers at the meeting place 17:00 - The group visits Le Van Duyet Mausoleum 17:30 - The group visits Ho Chi Minh Museum 18:00 - The group visits Museum of Vietnamese History located next to Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens 18:30 - The group watches a 36-minute long water puppet show delivered by dexterous artists 19:15 - The tour guide will lead the group to the yacht named INDOCHINA QUEEN to explore Saigon River and enjoy dinner on board 21:15 - The group returns to the pickup location. The tour ends 117

TOUR 02: THE CITY – PAST AND PRESENCE Seeing the pain that war inflicted on Vietnam with their very own eyes will surely be a not-to-be-forgotten experience to travelers on this tour. Then travelers will get to explore the Europe-influenced wonders that is what gives the City the name “the Pearl of the Far East”. The tour ends with a varied dinner of Vietnamese delicacies on the Saigon River, allowing travelers to watch the lights sparkle in the night of a modern City to the fullest. Schedule 18:00 – The group goes to the pier 16:00 – The tour guide picks up and takes photos as souvenirs before travelers at the meeting place boarding Indochina Queen restaurant 16:30 – The group visits the War 19:00 – The yacht will go along the Remnants Museum. The Museum Saigon River. The group enjoys the houses a multitude of invaluable art performances and adore the exhibits that reveal the pain caused by beauty of the City’s nightlife from the war the river, then has meal served with thought and enthusiasm 17:00 – The group stops by Notre 19:30 – The yacht docks Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central alongside the pier. The group Post Office gets on the bus and returns to the pickup location. The tour ends 118

TOUR 03: VIEWING THE CITY IN THE CLOUDS AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 2.1 City tours The best part of the tour is viewing the City from Skydeck of Landmark 81 that is as high as the clouds. Landmark 81 is the world’s top 10 tallest buildings. The travelers also watch the water puppet show performed by talented Vietnamese artists which is a pleasure to behold. Schedule 18:00 - The tour guide picks up the travelers at the meeting place 18:30 - The group watches the water puppet show which is performed in international festivals as the cultural exchange activity with other countries 19:30 - The group goes to Landmark 81 building where they try the fastest elevator in Vietnam to get to Skydeck. At Skydeck, travelers view the City by using telescopes and the most advanced touch screen The group visits the rest of the buildings on their own and has dinner at the top of the tower The group returns to the hotels by themselves 119

SUBURB TOURS 120

HALF-DAY TOUR AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 2.2 Suburb tours TOUR 04: CU CHI – THE LAND OF STEEL AND THE WALL OF COPPER Cu Chi Tunnels, among the top 7 exotic destinations in Southeast Asia, an immense network of underground tunnels that run hundreds of kilometer long, is the wonder that made a great contribution to the country’s resounding victory in the wartime. The experience to live in the “underground city” and enjoy in the idyllic, laid-back rural setting in Vietnam’s rustic countryside can be easily found in here. Schedule 07:30 - The tour guide picks up the travelers and the bus drives the group to Cong xa Paris Square to visit Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office 08:00 - The bus then advances to Cu Chi Tunnels – Ben Dinh and pasts several districts, for example, District 3 and Tan Binh District 09:30 - The group gets on the bus and rides towards Ben Dinh area 10:00 - The group arrives at Ben Dinh. At Cu Chi Tunnels – Ben Dinh, the group watches a valuable documentary film summarizing the heroic history of this place. The group is shown the bunkers, the images that depict the way the tunnels were built and the difference in military uniform between Cu Chi guerrilla force and official army. The group follows the narrow routes of the underground tunnels to apprehend the resilience of Cu Chi guerrillas 11:30 – 12:30 - The group has lunch at a local restaurant 12:30 – 15:00 - The group returns to Ho Chi Minh City. On the way, the group stops by a workshop named 27/7 that specializes in making lacquer paintings to sightsee and shop. The tour ends after dropping the group off at the hotel 121

ONE DAY TOUR TOUR 05: EXPLORING “OASIS” CAN GIO It takes only about an one-hour drive from the city downtown to the “oasis” of Ho Chi Minh City – Can Gio, where you can spend more time in nature after busy days at work. Heading into here, you will feel fulfilled with the diversity of the animals living in the pristine mangrove forest, with the touch of the sea breeze and with the fresh seafood which is sheer ambrosia. Schedule: Morning: The bus departs at 8.30 – 9.00 a.m and heads towards Can Gio (1 hour and 45 minutes) The bus stops by Dan Xay Bridge, the travelers enjoy this place’s signature cane juice. The group arrives at Lam Vien, Can Gio The group visits the wildlife zoo that is home to more than 1000 wide monkeys The group visits the Hoa Ca crocodile sanctuary and views several other mangrove animals The group canoes to visit the mangrove forest and Rung Sac Special Zone. 122

Noon: AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 2.2 Suburb tours The group has lunch at the Phuong Nam resort Break time The group can bathe in the freshwater swimming pool (free of charge) The group can visit around on their own (take a stroll, take souvenir photos at the resort, etc.) Afternoon: The group gets to 30/4 Beach The group visits the souvenir stalls The group visits and buys seafood at Can Gio Market The tour ends and the bus returns to Saigon at 6 p.m 123

ONE DAY TOUR TOUR06:RIDINGLEISURELYONTHERIVERS In just one day, this tour will help travelers fully experience the Southwestern region. There are various once-in-a-lifetime, rustic but unique experiences that can only be found in this region including exploring fruit gardens and fish rafts; listening to Don ca tai tu singing, or riding xuong ba la (small rowboat) through interlaced canals and rivers. Schedule: Afternoon: Morning: The group visits the floating fish rafts placed along the Tien River and Rach The tour guide picks up the travelers at Mieu Bridge – the bridge that connects the meeting place. Tien Giang and Ben Tre Province. The group then visits Thoi Son Islet (or The bus drives the group to Cu Chi Con Lan): visit the beekeeping facility Tunnels (Ben Dinh): watching a or enjoy the fragrant honey tea; take a documentary film about the guerrilla stroll and learn about the lives of the war of the local people; visiting the local; visit fruit gardens, eat seasonal area that houses modern war weapons; fruits and listen to Don ca tai tu exploring Cu Chi Tunnels that has a singing – a unique traditional music of total length of over 200 km to visit Southwestern people. bamboo traps, fighting tools, living The group tries rowing through the room, infirmary, working room, Hoang interlaced narrow canals and river Cam Kitchen; or trying shooting real on xuong ba la (small rowboats) bullet at the firing range. sightsees the idyllic Southwestern river highlighted by lines of coconut trees. Noon: The group visit the factory that manufactures Ben Tre coconut candy. The bus leaves Cu Chi and heads to The group gets on board to return to My Tho. The bus arrives at My Tho, the My Tho. group gets on board and has lunch at At 4 p.m, the bus drives the group back the restaurant in the island. to Saigon. 124

ONE DAY TOUR AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 2.2 Suburb tours TOUR 07: BLENDING IN THE PRISTINE VAM SAT FOREST Getting back to nature, and discovering a wildlife world of crocodiles, bats, monkeys are among the experiences that you will enjoy on the Can Gio – Vam Sat tour. Besides, you also learn the processes in nest farming and eat edible bird’s nest soup – the world’s top nutritious food. Schedule: Morning: The tour guide picks up the travelers at the meeting place and the group then goes to Vam Sat Ecological Area in Can Gio mangrove forest. The group is expected to arrive at Vam Sat at 9 a.m The group visits Vam Sat Ecological Area: discovering the habitat of bats by speedboat; enjoying the unspoiled landscapes of the mangrove ecosystem which are home to a variety of fishes and crabs; visiting the crocodile pond and learn about the process of tending and protecting crocodile eggs, even having a chance to meet the crocodile hatchling; joining the adventure-filled game called “Sit on the boat and fish crocodiles”; climbing the Tang Bong tower (26m high) for a panoramic view of the mangrove forest. Noon: The group has lunch at a local restaurant and enjoys their signature dishes. The group visits Vietnamese Bird’s Nest Exhibition Center (VBEC): Learn the process of raising edible-nest swiftlet, harvesting bird’s nest and preparing bird’s nest soup; enjoy a nutritious bird’s nest soup. Afternoon: The group returns to Ho Chi Minh City by bus. 125

LIST OF TOUR OPERATORS 126

LEADING INBOUND AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 2.3 List of tour operators TOUR OPERATORS IN HO CHI MINH CITY SAIGONTOURIST TRAVEL SMI-VN TRAVEL CO., LTD. SERVICE CO., LTD. Room No. 1202, 12th Floor, Havana 45LeThanhTonStreet,Ward1,HCMC Building, 132 Ham Nghi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC (+8428) 3827 9279 (+8428) 3914 2525 FIDITOUR JSC 127-129-129A Nguyen Hue Street, VIETNAM TRAVEL AND MARKETING Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC TRANSPORTS JSC - VIETRAVEL (+8428) 39 14 14 14 190 Pasteur Street, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC EXOTISSIMO TRAVEL (+8428) 38228898 VIETNAM JSC (+8428) 3820677 261-263 Phan Xich Long Street, TNK TRAVEL CO., LTD. Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, HCMC 220 De Tham Street, Pham Ngu Lao (+8428) 3995 9898 Ward, District 1, HCMC JTB-TNT CO., LTD. (+8428) 38378276 259 Tran Hung Dao Street, VIDOTOUR A DONG TOURIST Co Giang Ward, District 1, HCMC AND TRADING CO., LTD. (+8428) 71077088 145 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 6, District 3, TP.HCM BENTHANH TOURIST SERVICE JSC (+8428) 3933 0457 82-84 Calmette Street, Nguyen VIETNAMTOURISM HO CHI MINH Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCMC CITY JSC (+8428) 38227788 234 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ward 6, (+8428) 38222979 District 3, HCMC (+8428) 35202020 (+8428) 3932 6776. 127

APEX VIETNAM HG SAIGON TRAVEL CORPORATION TRAVEL CO., LTD. 11 Huynh Tinh Cua Street, 194 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ward 8, District 3, HCMC Ward 6, District 3, HCMC (+8428 )3936 2121 (+8428) 3933 0333. ICS VIETNAM CO., LTD. 27F Tran Nhat Duat Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, HCMC (+8428) 3846 8104 LEADING DOMESTIC TOUR OPERATORS IN HO CHI MINH CITY VIETNAM TRAVEL AND MARKETING LUA VIET TOURS CO., LTD. TRANSPORTS JSC - VIETRAVEL 677 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1, 190 Pasteur Street, Ward 6, District 5, HCMC District 3, HCMC (+8428)7108 7799 (+8428)38228898 (+8428)38206777 VIETTOURS INCENTIVES AND EVENTS CO., LTD. SAIGONTOURIST TRAVEL SERVICE CO., LTD. 19B Mai Thi Luu Street, Dakao Ward, District 1, HCMC 45 Le Thanh Ton, District 1, HCMC (+8428)3827 9279 (+8428)38 218 218 FIDITOUR JSC VIETNAM PEACE TOUR JSC 127-129-129A Nguyen Hue Street, 60 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC District 3, HCMC (+8428)39 14 14 14 (+8428)39303909 (+8428)39304607 128

BENTHANH TOURIST CHOLON TOURIST JSC AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 2.3 List of tour operators SERVICE JSC 787 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ward 1, District 5, HCMC 82-84 Calmette Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, HCMC (+8428)39245091 (+8428)39245094 (+8428) 38227788 (+8428) 38222979 CÔNG TY CỔ PHẦN TRUYỀN (+8428) 35202020 THÔNG DU LỊCH VIỆT VIET MEDIA TRAVEL CORPORATION 56/47 Thich Quang Duc Street, Ward 4, Phu 95B-97-99 Trần Hưng Nhuan District, HCMC Đạo, Quận 1, TP.HCM (+8428)3845 9077 (+8428)7305 6789 CÔNG TY TNHH DL VÀ SỰ DAT VIET INVESTMENT TRADING KIỆN VIỆT (VIETTOURS) SERVICE TRAVEL CORPORATION 19B Mai Thi Luu Street, 198 Phan Van Tri Street, Ward Dakao Ward, District 1 10, Go Vap District, HCMC (+8428)3914 4220 (+8428)39897562 LEADING INBOUND TOUR OPERATORS FOR SOLO TRAVELERS IN HO CHI MINH CITY TNK TRAVEL CO., LTD. KIM TRAVEL CO., LTD. 220 De Tham Street, Pham Ngu 189 De Tham Street, Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC District 1, HCMC 38378276 39205552 39205865 SOUTH ASIA TRAVEL MEDIA CO., LTD. VIETNAM ADVENTURE TOUR JSC 219 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC 123 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 38379618 38229068 129

Basic travel information

PLANNING ON YOUR TOUR OF HO CHI MINH CITY

MODES OF TRANSPORT AIR Tan Son Nhat International Airport Bamboo Airways all offer flights to most is 7km from the city downtown, an major cities. There is a slight difference international gateway with frequent between ticket prices of these airlines. flights to and from all corners of the planet. Domestic flights: Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Vietjet Air, CÁC CHUYẾN BAY QUỐC TẾ…. HCMC – Hue: $267 HCMC – Nha Trang: $210 HCMC – Ha Noi: one-way ticket HCMC – Phu Quoc: $210 priced at $235, round-trip ticket priced at $468 HCMC – Da Nang: $276 AIRLINES VIETNAM AIRLINES As a dynamic and modern international airline imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity, during more than 20 years of development, Vietnam Airlines has been leading Vietnam’s aviation market. Vietnam Airlines, an avant- garde airline that attracts the limelight thanks to its distinctive cultural values, aims to become the Asia-leading 5-star international airline. 27B Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 1 (+8428) 3832 0320 (+8428) 3844 6667 132

JETSTAR PACIFIC AIRLINES AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.1 Modes of transport 177 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3 (+8428) 6290 7350 VIETJET AIR 8Bis Cong Truong Quoc Te Street (Turtle lake Circle), ward 6, District 3, HCM (+8428) 3823 9860 133

ROADS CENTRAL DISTRICTS BUS Bus fare: VND 6.000 – VND 10.000 14-seater electric bus fare: VND 12.000 QR CODE APP-BASED MOTORBIKE TAXI App-based motorbike taxi is a popular mode of transport in Ho Chi Minh city, catering to travel needs of the local and tourists by offering ride-hailing services via mobile apps that can be downloaded on smartphones. Grab GoViet Be TAXI Taxi fare: VND 8.000- VND 12.000 for the first 500 meters and VND 13.000 – 15.000 for each additional one kilometer. The familiar taxi brands are Vinasun, Mai Linh, Futa, etc. 134

HOP ON - HOP OFF BUS AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.1 Modes of transport Hop on – Hop off bus is a double-decker bus that has capacity for 60 passengers. The bus goes through 24 streets and drives tourists to 30 of the city’s most amazing attractions. At each stop, tourists are free to hop off, explore and experience the attractions at their own pace. Hop on – Hop off bus uses GPS as its navigation system. The entire City Tour is programmed automatically to ensure that every 30 minutes, at any stop in the journey, there will always have one bus depart and one bus arrive. The automatic gearbox operates smoothly and each floor has a wheelchair lift that helps the elderly, children and the disabled easily hop on the bus. INCLUSIONS Camera Automatic multi-language Tour record set translation system City map Entertainment programs: Multi-language translation music, livestream earphones Water bottle Tour guide Travel insurance Vietnamese conical hat as a gift For more information on the High-speed wifi attractions, please visit the USB charging port website at Hopon-Hopoff.vn Refrigerator 135

ROUTE OPERATIONS Detail Tourist attractions, No. Location cultural and historical destinations (within Saigon Central Post In front of the walking distance of the stop, <700m) 1 Office, Cong xa Paris Central Post Street (at the tree no.6) Office Central Post Office, Book Street, Notre History Museum, Corner of Le Dame Cathedral, 2 Le Duan Street Duan and Independence Palace Nguyen Binh (at the tree no. 16) Khiem Street History Museum, Zoo and Botanical Garden War Remnants In front of War War Remnants 3 Museum (bus stop, Remnants Museum, Le Quy Don Highschool,..; 28 Vo Van Tan Street) Museum Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese restaurants 4 Bus stop, 187 Pham 187 Pham Ngu Bui Vien walking street Ngu Lao Street Lao Street – Pham Ngu Lao 5 Bus stop, 129-133 129-133 Ham Ben Thanh Market, Ham Nghi Street Nghi Street Wall Street 6 Bus stop, 67 Ham 67 Ham Skydeck at 68-story Nghi Street Nghi Street Bitexco, Nha Rong Harbour 7 Bus stop in front of Saigon Bach Dang Harbor waterbus Waterbus, Tran Hung Dao Statue Bus stop, 21 Ton Duc Corner of Dong Khoi Bach Dang Harbor 8 Thang Street (opposite and Ton Duc Bach Dang Harbor) Thang Street 9 Bus stop, 92 – 92 92-96 Nguyen Nguyen Hue walking Nguyen Hue Street Hue Street street, Head Office of City People’s Committee 10 The treet no.10 on In front of Independence Palace Le Duan Street Independence Palace 136

GIÁ VÉ Types of ticket Unit Price Note AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.1 Modes of transport No. 1 Children, under 5 years old Free 2 Ticket for an entire loop, VND/person 150 000 children, 6-12 years old 3 Ticket for an entire loop, adults VND/person 200 000 24-hour ticket, children, VND/person 350 000 9h00-20h00 4 6-12 years old (the time is counted from the moment the visitor gets on the bus) 5 24-hour ticket, adults VND/person 475 000 9h00-20h00 6 Night ticket, 7 p.m – 8 p.m VND/person 350 000 7 48-hour ticket, children VND/person 475 000 9h00-20h00 + 48h 8 48-hour ticket, adults VND/person 650 000 9h00-20h00 + 48h Complimentary ticket for 9 people with meritorious VND/person Free services, Hero of the Armed Forces, Vietnamese Heroic Mother and the disabled * Note: Child can only buy ticket when they are accompanied by at least one adult SERVICE INFORMATION BOOKING INFORMATION Operating time: Monday – Sunday 9 a.m Website: www.hopon-hopoff.vn – 6.30 p.m (the last departure in at 5 p.m) Address: Anh Viet Tourist, Hop on-Hop off Frequency: 30 minutes, 20 buses/day Vietnam, 210 Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 7, Audio guide: English/ French/ Chinese/ District 3, HCMC Russian/ Japanese/ Korean/ Spanish/ Email: [email protected] German/ Malaysian Hotline: 0913 67 44 12 Suburbs Tourists are advised to rent cars or take taxies, buses for a safe trip to suburb, driving rented motorbikes at night is considered dangerous. 137

SEA TOURS The sea tours are diverse, offers an exploration of Southern culture, history and cuisine. Cu Chi Tunnels Tour: Sea travel rowing banana boats, Don ca tai tu includes inland waterway travel and singing, miniature floating market bicycle tour around Cu Chi. as well as organizes team-building activities, and entertainment events. Can Gio Tour: Kayaking, visiting Giong Chua Mountain – historical site on feet, District 7 Tour: Visiting the new urban planting forest, visiting Bat Lagoon, Vam area of the city. It takes 15 – 30 minutes Sat and Can Gio mangrove ecosystem. to go there by ship. The main attractions of the new urban area are the activities District 9 Tour: Visiting Historical and of people living along the canal, Phu My Cultural Park (Hung King’s Memorial Hung, Crescent Mall, Starlight Bridge, Temple), Golden Pagoda, Hoi Son Crescent Lake. Pagoda, Ao Dai Museum, gardens placed in Long Phuoc Islet. District 8 and District 5 Tour: Visiting the landscapes along the Thanh Da – Binh Quoi Tour: The tour canal including Vo Van Kiet Boulevard, departs at Tan Cang wharf and stops ancient building in District 1 and 5, by Thanh Da peninsula. On Saturday, Long Hoa Pagoda, “Chinese medicine” Sunday and public holidays, tourists street, “Lantern” street, Chinatown. will join the culinary event “Khan hoang Nam Bo” buffet in Binh Quoi 1 Tourist Mekong Delta Tour: The tour offers Area or “Mon ngon mien bien” in Binh a trip from Ho Chi Minh City to other Quoi 2 Tourist Area. It takes 3 hours to provinces and cities namely Binh go there. Duong, Dong Nai, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Can Tho, etc. Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Tour: The tour offers a panoramic view of inner waterway of several districts namely 1, 3, Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan and various water games including kayaking, 138

CONTACT INFORMATION OF AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.1 Modes of transport TOUR OPERATORS FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT SEA TRAVEL TOUR SAIGONTOURIST TRAVEL FIDITOUR JSC SERVICE CO., LTD. 129 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1 45 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1 (+8428) 3914 1414 (+8428) 3827 9279 (+8428) 3828 2282 (+84) 0909 284 554 SAIGON FLOATING RESTAURANT LES RIVES CO., LTD. Bach Dang Harbor, Nguyen Hue Room 2105, Me Linh Point Building, Street, District 1 02 Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1 (+8428) 3823 0393 (+8428) 3827 5000 BEN NGHE BOAT TRADING AND Ext.: 171; (+84) 01285 920 018 TOURISM CO., LTD. SAIGON BOAT CO., LTD. 11.0 Mieu Noi Residential Area, Ward 3, Binh Thanh District 462LeHongPhongStreet, District10 (+8428) 0862712121 (+8428) 39118987 BONSAI CRUISE CO., LTD. INDOCHINAJUNK CO., LTD. LE-03,62, 3rd floor, Lexington 159/21 Bach Dang Street, Building, 67 Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, Ward 2, Tan Binh District An Phu Ward, District 2 0908611630 (+8428) 3895 7438 SAIGON RIVER TOUR CO., LTD. Room 04, International Business Center Building, 1A Cong Truong Me Linh Street, Ben Nghe Ward (+8428) 62909410 139

HYDROFOIL RAIL Hydrofoil starts from Ho Chi Minh City Thong Nhat Train departs at Saigon and heads towards Vung Tau province station, 01 Nguyen Thong Street, Ward and vice versa. The frequency is 1 hour, 9, District 3 and stops at Phan Thiet, operating time is from 6 a.m to 5 p.m, Nha Trang, Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, Quang the duration is 1.5 hours. Ngai, Hue, Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Vinh, Thanh Hoa, Nam Dinh and Ha Noi. Phone: (+8428) 1900 1520 BUS STATION Odd-numbered trains head towards the Southern region while even-numbered trains head towards the Northern region. It takes about 29 – 33 hours for SE2, SE4 and SE6 drive from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Noi. These trains depart at Ho Chi Minh City at 7 p.m, 7.50 p.m and 23 p.m. The ticket prices for foreigners and the local are the same. An Suong Bus Station, National HIGH-QUALITY CAR Highway 22, Ba Diem Commune, Hoc Mon District; Phone: (+8428) 3883 Futa Express, 274-276 De Tham Street, 2517; đi Tây Ninh. District 1; Phone: (+8428) 3820 6564. Mien Dong Bus Station, 292 Dinh Bo Hoàng Long, 47 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Linh Street, Binh Thanh District; Phone: District 1; Phone: (+8428) 3915 1818. (+8428) 3898 4983; from here, buses head towards eastern cities, northern Kumho Samco Express, 292 Dinh cities, and the Central Highlands. Bo Linh Street, Binh Thanh District; Phone: (+8428) 3511 6861. Mien Tay Bus Station, 395 Kinh Duong Vuong Street, Binh Tan District; Phone: Mai Linh Express, 400A Le (+8428) 3751 0524; from here, buses Hong Phong Street, District 1; head toward Southwestern cities and Phone: (+8428) 3507 3587. Vung Tau province. 140

CLIMATE Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical monsoon AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.2 Climate climate, meaning pleasant and warm weather all year round with two distinct seasons – the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to November, the dry season lasts from December to April. 141

January - February These are the two months that has the lowest temperature in the dry season, the rains are very scarce and the humidity is low. This is the time that the city is most fun and exciting because Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) – the biggest festival in Vietnam – takes place in early or mid-February. March - June This is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City as it has low rainfall and moderate humidity. There are a great number of festivals and events held at this time. August - November These months are the wettest month in the rainy season with high humidity. The heavy rains often pour down in the early morning or late afternoon. Tourists travel to the city during this time are advised to prepare raincoats, umbrellas and waterproof shoes in advance. 142

ACCOMODATION AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.3 Accomodation No. Company Rating Number Street Ward District Phone 1 Vu Vinh Khoa 2 27-29 Bui Vien Pham 1 (028)38389898 2 Lac Vien Ngu Lao 1 (028)39204899 2 28/12- Bui Vien Pham 1 0974 840 242 14-12/4 Ngu Lao 1 0918 714 401 1 0937 646 250 3 Than Tinh Yeu 2 2 Bis Nam Pham 1 0938 317 283 Quoc Ngu Lao 1 01698 515 905 Cang 1 0908 077 770 1 0906 323 867 4 My Hoa 2 97 Bui Vien Pham Ngu Lao 1 39260678 1 39260368 5 Dai Hoang 2 173 Pham Pham 5 39232456 Long Ngu Lao Ngu Lao 143 6 A25 2 274-276 De Tham Pham Ngu Lao 7 Hoa Long 2 160Bis Bui Thi Pham Xuan Ngu Lao 8 Hai Duong 2 82-84/1 Bui Vien Pham Ngu Lao 9 Phuc Long 2 136 Bui Thi Pham Xuan Ngu Lao 10 Dai Phu 2 14 Luong Pham Tai - A25 Huu Ngu Lao Khanh 11 Le Han 2 142 Bui Thi Pham Dai Nam Xuan Ngu Lao 12 Thien Phuc 2 2-4-6 Nguyen 1 Honey Bieu

No. Company Rating Number Street Ward District Phone 5 5 3924 6159 13 Tai Nguyen 2 Tran 5 5 3836 6566 Fortune II 1127 Hung 9 5 (028)39380003 14 5 38535355 Dao 9 5 3830 8589 7 5 028 3923088 14 Phung Hoang 2 Tran 985 Hung 8 5 028 39520949 Dao 2 5 0903368939 9 5 0909 200 277 15 An Dong 2 14-16 Su Van 14 5 0909 200 277 Center 2 Hanh 2 5 0909 200 277 2 9 5 0909 833 728 16 Thuan 906- Nguyen Phung Hung 908 Trai 17 Phuoc Loc 192-194 Su Van Tho 2 Hanh 18 MARIO 2 940- Tran 942 Hung Dao 19 Phu Giai Loi 2 580- Lien ke 582 xom 1, 20 Huy Phong 2 Xom cai Fortune 2 700 Nguyen Trai Tran Hung Dao 21 Tan Thu Nguyen Do Hai 97A Duy 22 Tan Thu Do 2 Duong 23 Tan Thanh 2 Chau Cong 192-194 Van Liem Tran 117 Binh Trong 24 Xe Na 2 Nguyen 9 Chi Thanh 144

No. Company Rating Number Street Ward District Phone AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.3 Accomodation 25 Moonlight 3 180-184 Nguyen Ben 1 38335999 (A25) Trai Thanh 1 (028)38236167 1 (028)38275275 26 Blue Diamond 3 48-50 Thu Khoa Ben 1 (028)38364556 Huan Thanh 1 (028)38228222 27 Sanouva 3 175-177 Ly Tu Ben 1 1800-577775 Trong Thanh 1 (028)38242545 Liberty 3 265 Pham Pham 28 Saigon Ngu Lao Ngu Lao 1 (028)38291415 1 (028)38234363 Parkview 1 (028)22228888 (Que Huong 4) 1 (028)38234501 1 (08)62519666 29 Pastel Inn 3 99 Pasteur Ben 1 (028)38369522 Nghe 1 (028)38291516 30 Vien Dong 3 275A Pham Pham 1 (08)38245888 Ngu Lao Ngu Lao 1 (028)38398264 31 Dai Nam 3 79 Tran Cau Ong 1 Hung Lanh 1 (028)39251880 Dao 32 Huong Sen 3 Dong Ben 68 Khoi Nghe 33 Ha Hien - 3 145-147 Ly Tu Ben Signature Trong Thanh 34 Lavender 3 208-210 Le Thanh Ben Central Ton Thanh 35 MAY 3 28-30 Thi Ben Sach Nghe 36 Sunflower 3 11B Thai Van Ben 3 Lung Nghe Liberty 37 Saigon 3 187 Pham Pham 3 Ngu Lao Ngu Lao Greenview (Que Huong 3) 117 Dong Ben Khoi Nghe 38 Bong Sen 52B- 62-64 Pham Ben Alagon Hong Thanh 39 Central Hotel Thai & Spa (Hoang Hai Long) 40 Rang Dong 3 81-83 CMT8 Ben Thanh 41 Sai Gon 3 41-47 Dong Ben Du Nghe 42 Hoang Ngan 3 29-31 Bui Thi Ben Xuan Thanh 145

No. Company Rating Number Street Ward District Phone 43 Thiên Bảo 3 9A-9B Thi Ben 1 Bình 3 288 Sach Nghe 1 (028)38235555 44 Paradise SG Le Thanh Ben Ton Thanh 45 Signature 3 65-67 Nguyen Nguyen 1 -69 Thai Thai Binh Binh Alagon 3 28-30 Nguyen Ben 1 46 Western Hotel An Ninh Thanh & Spa (Hoang Hai Long 1) 47 Le Duy 3 18-20 Nguyen Ben 1 (028)39252090 Thi Thanh Nghia Silverland 48 Jolie Hotel & 3 4D Thi Sach 1 Spa (Hoang Hai Long 3) 49 Hoang Phu Gia 3 19C Bui Thi Ben 1 (028)39252555 Xuan Thanh 50 Kelly 3 42-44 Thu Khoa Ben 1 (08)38233364 Huan Thanh 51 Riverside 3 18-19-20 Ton Duc Ben 1 (Phong Lan) Thang Nghe 52 Hong Ngoc 3 26 Thi Sach Ben 1 Chau A 3 Nghe 1 Asian Ruby 98R Le Lai Ben 53 Parkview Thanh (Hong Ngoc Chau A 3) Asian Ruby 3 20 Bui Thi Ben 1 54 Central Xuan Thanh (May Flower) 55 Lavender 3 47-49 Le Anh Ben 1 (028)38245323 -51 Xuan Thanh 56 Blessing 1 3 48-50 Nguyen Ben 1 (028)38225898 3 An Ninh Thanh 1 Silverland Ben Thanh 57 Central Hotel 14-16 Le Lai & Spa (Tan Hai Long) 58 Elios 3 231-235 Pham Pham 1 (028)38385584 Ngu Lao Ngu Lao 59 Sunland 3 302-304 Vo Van Co 1 (028)38385584 Kiet Giang 146

No. Company Rating Number Street Ward District Phone AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.3 Accomodation 60 Quynh An 3 86-88 Bui Thi Ben 1 (028)38389922 (Queen Ann) 3 Xuan Thanh 1 (028)38238795 1 (08)39497777 61 Thien Xuan 108-110 Le Thanh Ben (028)39259001 Ton Thanh 1 (028)38234370 1 (028)38222255 62 GK Central 3 92-94 Ly Tu Ben 1 (028)38245680 Trong Thanh (028)37292958 63 Hoan Vu 3 Tran 549 Hung Cau Kho (028)38238762 (028)39258866 Dao (028)38227148 (028)35218532 64 Oscar Saigon 3 68A Nguyen Ben Hue Nghe (028)39158126 65 Sunrise 3 275A Ly Tu Ben (028)38246368 Central Trong Thanh (028)22220000 (028)38239292 66 Avanti 3 186-188 Le Thanh Ben 1 (028)38228871 Ton Thanh (028)39156666 67 Bloom (Tuoi 3 27-29 Truong Ben 1 Thanh Xuan) Dinh Thanh 68 Roseland 3 8A/6D2 Thai Ben 1 Corp Van Nghe Lung 69 Asian Ruby 3 122F Bui Thi Pham 1 Select -122F1 Xuan Ngu Lao 70 Roseland 3 15/1A- Le Thanh Ben 1 Centa 15A/57A Ton Thanh 71 Cititel Ly 3 247-249 Ly Tu 8 1 Tu Trong Trong 72 Millenium 3 7A Thai Ben 1 Boutique Van Nghe Lung 73 A&EM Corner 3 52-54 Thu Khoa Ben 1 (A&EM Huan Thanh Signature) 74 Nhat Ha 1 3 252B- Le Thanh Ben 1 252C Ton Thanh 75 Lavender 3 200-204 Ly Tu Ben 1 Boutique Trong Thanh 76 A&EM Corner 3 52-54 Thu Khoa Ben 1 77 Nhat Ha 2 3 Huan Thanh 1 78 Blue Diamond 3 1 149-151 Ly Tu Ben Signature Trong Thanh 11 Thai Ben Van Nghe Lung 147

No. Company Rating Number Street Ward District Phone 79 Silverland 3 87-89 Ho Tung Ben 1 (028)39156666 Charner -91 Mau Nghe 80 Grand 4 125-127 Ly Tu Ben 1 (028)38293888 Silverland -129 Trong Thanh -131-133 81 Nhat Ha 3 4 Cao Ba Ben 1 (028)38277430 Quat Nghe 82 Kim Do 4 133 Nguyen Ben 1 (028)38225914 Hue Nghe 83 Continental 4 132- Đong Ben 1 (028)38299201 134 Khoi Nghe 84 Saigon Prince 4 63 Nguyen Ben 1 (028)38222999 Hue Thanh 85 Eden Saigon 4 38 Bui Thi Ben 1 (028)62988388 Xuan Thanh Liberty 86 Central 4 17 Ton Duc Ben 1 Saigon Thang Nghe Riverside 87 Norfolk 4 117 Le Thanh Ben 1 (08)38295368 Ton Thanh Liberty 4 177- Le Thanh Ben 1 88 Central 179 Ton Thanh 4 Saigon Centre 4 Golden 140 Ly Tu Ben 1 (028)38270666 89 Central Trong Thanh 90 Huu Nghi 56 Nguyen Ben 1 (028)38244231 (Palace) Hue Nghe 91 Paragon SG 4 22-24 Thi Ben 1 (028)38233999 Sach Nghe Liberty 92 Central 4 59-61 Pasteur Ben 1 Saigon Nghe Citypoint Central 4 140 Nguyen Ben 1 (028)38290029 93 Palace Trung Thanh Truc Muong 4 Mac Ben 94 Thanh 8A Dinh Chi Thanh 1 (028)38279595 148

NECESSITY AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 3.4 Necessity Lightweight Sneakers Flip-flops/Sandals clothing Mosquito Raincoats Wet and dry repellents and paper towels Sunscreen umbrellas and caps Power converters MAPS I gl r ok ^ i TRAVEL q fb `q h 149

CURRENCY CREDIT CARD ATM Visa, Master, American Express, JCB ATMs of Techcombank, Vietcombank, and Diners Club International cards are BIDV, Sacombank, and so on can be accepted at most restaurants, shopping easily found in the city downtown, centers, hotels, travel agencies, and taxi especially at banks, supermarkets, companies. Several places (especially shopping centers, and hotels. travel agencies) charge extra for card payments up to 4%. Sacombank and Vietcombank charge 3% of the amount being withdrawn by credit card. 150