TIMELESS CHARM

October 2007

Ho Chi Minh, the capital city of Vietnam, is the first place that I visited outside the Philippines. I was with a new group of people who became my travel buddies for several years. It was also my first time to fly with Philippine Airlines. Indeed, this trip was very memorable because I was able to experience new things with new people.

Ho Chi Minh City is previously known as Saigon. We took our time walking around the city to witness and feel the immense beauty of the place. But be alert in crossing the streets since motorbikes are so many, since it is their most common mode of transportation.

Here are some pictures to show the magnificence of Saigon.

Ben Tanh Market

Saigon Opera House

Notre Dame Cathedral De Saigon

Facade : The old and The new

Saigon Post Office Museum

Regina Pacis Ora Pro Nobis  

Reunification Palace

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Ho Chi Minh Monument 

 WHERE TO STAY:

There is a street called Pham Ngu Lao St. in District 1 which is considered as the tourists’ area or backpackers’ haven in Saigon. Hotel rates are not that expensive. I stayed in 3 different hotels within 6 nights. They are all 3-star hotels serving luscious breakfast buffet. For those who are planning to visit Vietnam, I recommend ELIOS HOTEL which is my favorite.

CURRENCY: Vietnamese Dong
                                               

1.00 USD	=	21,125.00 VND
US Dollar	↔	Vietnamese Dong
1 USD = 21,125.00 VND		1 VND = 0.0000473373 USD

                                                                    FOREX : XE