t r i p
j o u r n a l
141
{ }
DIALING CODE
+84 (4)
CURRENCY
VND10,000 = PHP19.68/
US$0.48
TOUCHDOWN
The Noi Bai International
Airport is located 45km away from the
city center. Transportation services like
public taxis, mini and public buses are
available at the arrivals level.
hanoiairportonline.com
SEE &DO
Take the Ho Chi Minh
Mausoleum tour for a little history. Walk
along the Old Quarter (all 36 streets)
to experience the sights, sounds and
aromas of Hanoi, and visit Dong Xuan
Market for snack shopping. If you have
time, spend a night or two in Ha Long
Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
SLEEP
Sofitel Plaza is not as pricey as
its sister The Metropole. It’s in a good
location too!
EAT
The special fish cooked in turmeric
and butter at Cha Ca La Vong is a
must-try!
SHOP
Check out the shops at the
Old Quarter.
INSIDER TIP
On your first night go
to Quan An Ngon to try out different
Vietnamese food.
DIALING CODE
+84 (8)
CURRENCY
VND10,000 = PHP19.68/
US$0.48
TOUCHDOWN
The airport is a
30-
minute drive away from District 1.
A taxi ride costs about VND200,000
(
PHP394). You can also hire a motorbike
and driver for at least VND80,000 to
VND100,000 (PHP158-PHP197).
SEE &DO
Do a walking tour of Old
Saigon to see city sights from Ben
Thanh Market, Opera House, Notre
Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office and
Reunification Palace. For art enthusiasts,
visit the Fine Arts Museum or walk inside
the numerous art galleries along Dong
Khoi Street.
SLEEP
Try the Hong Han Hotel. It’s clean
and affordable.
238
Bui Vien St, Pham
Ngu Lao Ward, 1st District
EAT
For first timers, Nha Hang Ngon is
a good place to try the best of Vietnam’s
street food.
SHOP
You can buy anything at the Ben
Thanh Market. Bargaining is a must!
INSIDER TIP
Go to any rooftop bar in
Ho Chi Minh to enjoy the best view of the
city. Try Shri or Skye Bar.
Reena
Francisco
foodie and
entrepreneur
Ina Casas
salesand
marketing
manager
VIETNAM
HOCHIMINHCITY
VIETNAM
HANOI
Cho Ben Thanh means "the market
at the city’s port".
DIDYOU
KNOW?
LESTER LEDESMA
