t r i p
j o u r n a l
141
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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
At the Vietnam Women’s
Museum, engaging exhibitions capture
relevant social issues affecting women in
traditional and contemporary Vietnam.
Spend two nights in Ha Long Bay on the
Dragon Pearl III
with Indochina Junk,
which cruises along the uncongested Bai
Tu Long Bay.
SLEEP
The Rising Dragon Cathedral Hotel
on Au Trieu has budget-friendly rooms.
EAT
Try the three-course prix fixe lunch at
Green Tangerine on Hang Nga Be in the
heart of the Old Quarter.
SHOP
The hip Saint Joseph’s area has a
slew of chic boutiques.
INSIDER TIP
There’s a street close to
Sofitel where locals go for pho cuon spring
rolls and clams with lemongrass and chili.
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
Take your camera and walk
along Dong Khoi Street where you will
see the Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame
Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office.
The Reunification Palace and City Hall are
nearby too. Go up to Saigon Skydeck on
the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower
and enjoy the view.
SLEEP
ParkRoyal Saigon at 311 Nguyen
Van Troi Street is close to the airport and
just 10 minutes to the city center.
EAT
Nothing beats pho. The best place
to enjoy it is at Pho Hoa at 260C Pasteur
Street.
SHOP
Practice your haggling skills at
Saigon Square.
INSIDER TIP
When crossing the street,
open your palm, stretch your arm so the
motorbikes will slow down and avoid you.
Patricia
Tumang
writer and editor
TJ Vargas
travel blogger,
photographer,
author, teacher
VIETNAM
HOCHIMINHCITY
VIETNAM
HANOI
Hanoi's Saint Joseph Cathedral
was consecrated in 1886.
DIDYOU
KNOW?
LESTER LEDESMA
