We're quite proud to say that we had our tours customers aged from 1 to 95 years old, and they all enjoyed it! Though parents are often quite scared to let their children on a motorbike in busy Saigon, we believe that is also a fun experience for them to buzz through the lines and crossroads of our city. Many travelling families have been asking us, either throughout the tour or through email: "Where should I take my kids to in Saigon?" And it is indeed a good question: after all, while we believe attractions such as the War Remnants Museum or the Museum of Fines Arts are things to do in Saigon, they're not quite kid-friendly (definitely not the first one for sure). So we decided to make this new video, our top 5 children activities in Saigon (according to us!). Scroll down below the video for the list and addresses. #5 Artinus 3D Art Museum, 02-04 Street 09 (Next to Vietopia) Him Lam area, Tân Hưng Ward, District 7 #4 X-Rock Climbing, 75 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street, Ward 6 District 3 #3 The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, 55B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai Street, Bến Thành Ward, District 1 #2 Đầm Sen Park, 3 Hòa Bình Street, Ward 3, District 1 #1 Ourselves :-)
We hope this post will help some enjoy a great family experience here in Ho Chi Minh City. Stay tuned on our for more videos coming soon!
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Originally Published Here: Top 5 Children Activities in Saigon, Vietnam! https://backofthebiketours.com/top-5-children-activities/
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What to eat for Lunch in Ho Chi Minh City a.k.a Saigon?Entering the world of Vietnamese food can be a daunting task for a beginner out there on their own. What is it? Where is it? Is it the best? These are the questions that probably run through the mind of those out on their own Ho Chi Minh City foodie adventure. Well, this is why we have put together a Top 5 List of our favorite Lunch foods in Saigon. We have done the leg work to point in you in the right direction for a delicious afternoon feast.
#5 Miến Gà Kỳ ĐồngGlass Noodles, Boiled Chicken, in a sweet but light chicken broth has been pleasing the crowds in District 3 for a long time now. One of the unique items that you will find in your bowl is small yolk that is found inside the chicken before it makes its way to become an actual egg. While this isn't typically something you would find in a bowl of Chicken Soup back in the Western Nations, do not be fickle! Dig right in because this small yolk is delicious. Glass Noodles for the uninitiated is a transparent noodle commonly known as cellophane noodles. You can find these noodles in different dishes from Pakistan all the way up to Korea. Typically, the noodle is made from various starches that might include Potato, Mung Bean, Cassava, etc etc. If you haven't had the glass noodle, go for it. If it isn't your thing, then be sure to ask for some other options in your soup. The two other popular noodle choices here would be rice noodle or wheat noodle. The homemade Vietnamese hot sauce for dipping the chicken is also a do not miss when you visit this vendor. I repeat, use this sauce, it is delicious. The herbs on the table will be Thai basil, Mint, and Sawtooth Coriander along with a nice big plate of Bean Sprouts. Address: 14/5 Kỳ Đồng, Phường 9, Quận 3 Hours: 8 am- 11 pm/ 7 days a week Note: Restaurants close for random days in Vietnam but this one is open 99% of the time it should be, if it is not Tet Holiday.#4 Bánh Khọt Vũng Tàu KhanhThis vendor is located fairly far from the city center of Saigon. If you plan on making a trip out here, it might be worth while to check out our other recommendations in this area so that you can make an event of the trip with more bang for your taxi bucks. It is best to think of this dish has a wrap, since this is the proper way to eat the Banh Khot. This delicious fried disk of Coconut water and Rice Flour is topped with flash fried seafood such as shrimp and squid. There are a few different versions of Banh Khot but this is the more traditional version from Vung Tau. If you have tasted Banh Xeo, the famouse Vietnamese Pancake, then you will be familiar with the taste and style of eating this dish. The plate of Banh Khot is set on the table leaving you to assemble your own wrap according to the desires of your own palette. Feel free to sample all of the fresh herbs and vegetables placed on the table to get an idea of what you like and don't like. Using the big leaves as the base for the wrap, you can then place the smaller herbs on top of those. Placing the Banh Khot disk inside with a little shredded papaya, you will then roll the wrap tight, dip into the side of sweet fish sauce, and enjoy. Tip: Don't hesitate to add some chili to your sweet fish dipping sauce. Address: 7 Đồng Nai, P. 15, Quận 10 Hours: 9am-10pm / 7 days a week#3 Bún Chả Hà NộiAllow me to get wax poetic, on the dish that is Bun Cha Ha Noi. A delicious meal brought to us from the heavens playing on our love for sweet and sour infused with the taste of grilled pork. Combined with fresh herbs and vegetables to keep it light and playful in our mouths. This dish is damn good and you should eat it. Now, if you have the chance to eat it in Ha Noi, then you should eat it there. If you are only visiting the South of Vietnam then our recommendation here at #3 will do the job just fine. If you decide that you want to eat two bowls of Bun Cha, we won't judge. We have done this as well on several occasions. Tip: Banh Thom (Fried Shrimp and Potato "Cake") and Nem Cua (Square Crab and Pork Spring Roll) are two side dishes you should order while here. 1 plate of Banh Thom is enough for 3-4 people. While if you love crab like we do, then perhaps 1 Nem Cua per person will be ideal. Address: 8B Trần Phú, Phường 4, Quận 5 Hours: 7am-9pm / 7 days a week#2 Bún Thịt Nướng Chị TuyềnIn Southern Vietnam this is an extremely popular dish that can be eaten for Breakfast, Lunch, and/or Dinner. You can find heaps of Bun Thit Nuong vendors all over the streets of Saigon. We have been serving this dish on our afternoon food tours for years and have no plan on stopping. Quite often this tends to be the highest ranked dish on the tour based on the response of our guests. With that many thumbs up from all over the world we suggest you try it as well. Tip: This dish contains pork in every way possible, so if you are not eating pig this dish is probably not the best choice for you. Be sure to check out our Top 5 Vegetarian Foods in Ho Chi Minh City Blog. Address: 195 Cô Giang, Quận 1 Hours: 7am-9pm / 7 days a week#1 Cơm Tấm Nguyễn Văn CừBroken Rice, Pickles, and Marinated Grilled Pork served with Sweet Fish Sauce is our number one choice for the best lunch food in Ho Chi Minh City. This dish can literally be found everywhere you look on the streets of Saigon, but this particular vendor is doing it very well. Not a very far taxi ride from the center makes this a must try dish while in Ho Chi Minh City. Be prepared as this can be quite filling and heavy so you aren't going to want to eat for a while after sinking your teeth into this meal. Tip: Come here very hungry for Breakfast or Lunch. Address: 74 Nguyễn Văn Cừ, P. 2, Quận 5 Hours: 6:30 am- 3 PM / 7 days a weekArticle Source Here: The Best Lunch Foods in Ho Chi Minh City https://backofthebiketours.com/best-lunch-in-ho-chi-minh-city/Vietnamese Salad Recipe: Goi Ngo Sen (Lotus Stem Salad)Everyone hears about the freshness and interesting flavors that make Vietnamese food unique and exciting. Especially for those seeking refuge from salads made up of Green Leaf lettuce covered in oil and vinegar with the hope of taking a few pounds off their waste line. Now, I am not promising that Vietnamese Salads don’t have their fair amount of sugar but they are absent in oil. Goi Ngo SenLotus Stem Salad with Shrimp Pork and Fish Sauce Dressing• 75 grams of cleaned Lotus Stem Vietnamese Fish Sauce Salad Dressing• 60ml - 4 tbsp of water Shallot Oil• 80 Grams – about 16pcs Peeled Asian Shallots Once browning occurs prepare to remove the shallots immediately using a metal strainer or “spider”. Vietnamese Pickling Liquid Recipe• 625ml – 2 ½ cups Rice Vinegar Looking to learn more about Vietnamese Food? Please check out more of our blog or our Motorbike Street Food Tours in Saigon. Wanna let us know how your salad turned out? Please leave a comment below! Originally Published Here: Vietnamese Salad Goi Ngo Sen Recipe https://backofthebiketours.com/best-vietnamese-salad-goi-ngo-sen-recipe-fish-sauce-dressing/“Happiness is … a perfect handbag” - That can be true for many women, despite age, professional and style. Every season, designers around the world amaze shopaholics with thousands of new items, but at the same time, they break our hearts with shocking price tags. If you don’t want to break the bank purchasing those fancy bags, the counterfeit market in Vietnam is happily offering you the same things at a fraction of the cost. Let’s start an exciting, yet thrilling journey to explore the counterfeit market for handbags in Vietnam! Can You Buy Fake Designer Bags in Vietnam? The answer is Yes! All over Vietnam, you can find counterfeit bags to buy. Just like with anything you are buying, you should do some research to help you get the best bag for your buck! Some tips before you go shopping for Designer Bags in Vietnam
Now that you are equipped with basic knowledge, let’s get shopping! The Best Cities for Fake Designer BagsFirst of all, let’s have a look at where should you go shopping for handbags during your stay in Vietnam. In general, Vietnam is a paradise for counterfeit goods because of various factors: the great supply from China, huge demand from low-income local customers and the lack of a strict anti-counterfeiting policy from the government. It’s easy to spot knockoff handbags everywhere in Vietnam, from local markets, small shopping malls to handbag shops.. However, there are only two centres where you should go shopping: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - the main commercial and economic centres of Vietnam. These cities are also the place where suppliers gather products before distributing them throughout the country. You can find a whole universe of knockoff handbags in any style and at any price. In each city, counterfeit goods are sold either in traditional markets or in-house stores. While sellers in traditional markets win customers by offering the best price and various products, the majority of goods belongs to the low end of the quality scale. On the other hand, in-house stores are more pricey than markets, but they are favoured by bag lovers who wish to purchase unique, good quality duplicates from high-end brands at a fraction of the original cost. In this article, you can find information about all the most well-known counterfeit markets, as well as a list of top in-house stores for knockoff handbags throughout Vietnam. Where to Buy Fake Designer Bags in Hanoi?Dong Xuan Market (Chợ Đồng Xuân)It is said that there is nothing in Hanoi that cannot be found in Dong Xuan Market. Being the oldest wholesale market in Hanoi since the French colonial times, Dong Xuan Market is a must-see site for tourists. The market is located in the heart of the Old Quarter on a vast area of around 6.500 sqm with one stadium-like building and an open-air market. The handbags/ clothing section is on the second floor in the main building with hundreds of small kiosks. Most handbags sold in Dong Xuan Market are made in China with low to medium price and quality with logos of famous brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada etc. The average price for a handbag in this market is 150.000 – 200.000 VND or $7.5 - $10, however, shop owners usually start the deal at 400.000 – 500.000 VND or $20 - $25. Despite the variety of styles, most shops don’t have unique items and are quite repetitive. Also keep in mind that some shops may refuse to retail because they are wholesale suppliers.
Weekend Night MarketSince 2016, to promote the city’s tourism and entertainment activities, the Hanoi government opens a weekend night market in the centre of the Old Quarter. The market is open only 3 nights per week, from Friday – Sunday. This 1 km – long market serves mostly tourists with street food, souvenirs, clothing, and accessories. Handbag stores are scattered throughout the market. In general, the quality and styles of these stores are similar to those in Dong Xuan Market, but with a better price and easier negotiation. Whether you are casually looking or eagerly shopping, always pay attention to your wallet as pick-pockets are notorious here.
Cho Nha Xanh Market (Chợ Nhà Xanh)If you ask any college student in Hanoi where to go for a shopping spree on a budget, most will recommend you to Cho Nha Xanh. Surrounded by many campuses, this market’s main customers are high-schoolers, college students, or fresh graduate employees who are loyal fans of fashion with a tight budget. Therefore, you can find various handbag stores with lower price than any other place in Hanoi. Many shops in the market publicly show the price tags, which greatly helps customers in making a purchase decision. Note that in this case, there is no point to bargain. A disadvantage of the market is its limited space, which makes the atmosphere stuffy and noisy. When shopping here, you should take your time to have a look at many stores, because the price can vary greatly.
Locating Fake Designer Bags in Ho Chi Minh City?Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành)If Hanoi has Dong Xuan Market then Ho Chi Minh City has Ben Thanh Market. Located in the city centre, the market occupies a huge area of 13.000 sqm. Like Dong Xuan, this is the commercial hub of the city where you can find almost anything. Head into the southern gate of the market where you can find a whole world of handbags, wallets, clothes and shoes from any global brands that you can think of. Latest styles from Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc. can be found stacked piles upon piles in these stalls with the average price from 200.000 – 300.000 VND. While most shops offer average-quality replicas, a few shops can offer you super fake handbags with prices up to $50 - $150, depending on how close their quality is compared to the originals.
Note: after the market is closed, shoppers can still continue to wander around the Ben Thanh Night market until 10 P.M. The night market consists of stalls clustered around the east and west sides of Ben Thanh market and Le Thanh Ton avenue. There are less variety of offer than the day market, but it is still a good place to swing by for a walk after dinner or before you head to a night out. Binh Tay Market (Chợ Lớn)Unlike the touristy Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay market serves mostly wholesalers with affordable prices and diverse goods. The majority of items sold in Binh Tay are distributed throughout Southwest provinces. In general, the shop owners here are not as pushy as in Ben Thanh. Chinese – speaking tourists also find this market enjoyable as many sellers speak Chinese fluently. The unique oriental architectural style of the market, along with the China Town neighbourhood, gives Binh Tay a cinematic vibe. Overall, Binh Tay market is worth visiting both as a shopping paradise and a historical building. However, since the market is much smaller than Ben Thanh, be prepared to feel sweaty and uncomfortable making your way through narrow stalls. Tourists should also not be disappointed or surprised if many shops refuse to sell small quantities for retail.
Saigon Square“If you haven’t gone shopping in Saigon Square, you haven’t gone shopping in Saigon” – that’s why this shopping mall is always bustling with locals and foreigners every day. Saigon Square brings you a unique shopping experience: a combination of a shopping mall with the hustling atmosphere of a traditional market. Many people describe Saigon Square as “a luxurious market” because of its modern facility, air-conditioned and clean in-house stalls, a wide range of goods with comparably lower price than the nearby Ben Thanh market. The mall also opens later at night than normal markets, which gives tourists more time to explore. When it comes to counterfeit goods, Saigon Square offers you various unique items that may not be found in other places. The level of “fakeness” in Saigon Square’s handbags ranges widely from crappy replicas to perfect duplicates that even a fashionista would find it hard to tell the difference. If you are a huge fan of designer handbags, this place can be a paradise for you. One thing that tourists usually complain is the narrow walkways between stalls, due to the limited size of the mall, which can make you uncomfortable during the crowded time. Though Saigon Square was built to be a shopping small, it’s still a market with crazy inflated price so don’t forget to play the haggling game to find the best deal.
Looking for a more pleasant shopping experience?Despite the amazing price, chances are you may feel disappointed and tired while shopping in the counterfeit markets mentioned above, due to the stuffy atmosphere, sometimes terrible customer service or repetitive styles. The good news is you can still stay in air-conditioned rooms, being served by friendly staff and don’t have to play the hustle game to find lovely bags at a good price. Below are reputable handbags shops that offer items from world-renowned brands like Charles & Keith, Chanel, Gucci, Michael Kors, etc. for only 30% - 50% of the original price. Shop owners claim that these bags are authentic overstocked or discounted items that come from outsourcing factories in Vietnam, which explain their too-good-to-be-true price. However, this explanation is still debatable, and many people believe that these handbags are simply super fake or perfect replicas imported from China, Thailand, or Cambodia. Whatever the reason is, shopaholics with medium to high – income in Vietnam prefer these places to find good-quality handbags at a reasonable price. Some stores below have many branches in big cities in Vietnam or support online shopping, which helps make your shopping experience more convenient. Kinda ShopWith helpful customer service and up-to-date items, Kinda Shop is the go-to place for ladies in Hanoi when it comes to bags and accessories. You can find copies of famous Chanel, YSL, or Charles & Keith bags with prices from 300.000 – 800.000 VND ($15 - $40), which is only 1/3 – ¼ compared to the original price. You should browse the Facebook fan page for items and prices before coming to the store, as the location is a little bit hard to find.
VeobagsVeobags focuses on designer handbags with competitive price, which is relatively lower than the average. The store’s fan page has reached over 1 million followers, making it one of the most well-known shops for designer handbags in Hanoi. Two branches of the stores are located in the city centre, which makes it easy for tourists to swing by. Each store is beautifully decorated to bring you a luxurious feeling as if you are shopping in an original branded store. The price starts as low as 220.000 VND($10) for items from Zara, Charles & Keith to 600.000 VND($30) for brands like Gucci or LV.
Hà TúiOpened since 2010, Ha Tui now has many branches throughout the country with 3 stores in Hanoi and 1 store in Ho Chi Minh City. Customers praise Ha Tui for responsive customer service, diverse items and frequent sale events. The average price usually ranges from 300.000 VND to 500.000 VND($15 -$25) for a classic Chanel or Dior replica. In Hanoi:
In Ho Chi Minh City:
Atoobee by Zara1987Here is where you can find every accessory you need, from handbags, purses, backpacks to watches or belts. Unlike many shops only focus on female customers, menswear and male accessories are also major products offered at Atoobee. Knockoff handbags in this store are usually from well-known brands like Charles & Keith, Gucci, Mont Blanc and Louis Vuitton. Atoobee claims to bring you authentic branded items with ⅓ the original price. For example, you can find a Louis Vuitton Reverse Pochette Metis bag at only 5.900.000 VND ($256) whereas the original costs you $1800, or a Charles & Keith handbag that costs only $25 - $30. The quality of handbags is worth the price and most customers leave the store with satisfied feedback.
Chip.vnChip.vn has been a go-to destination for bags lovers in Ho Chi Minh City since 2010. Beside handbags as the main product, Chip.vn is also famous for backpacks, suitcases and accessories with various styles, suitable for a wide range of customers, from students to office ladies. The store offers good shipping and returns policy. Handbags at Chip.vn usually cost from 300.000 to 500.000 VND ($15 - $25).
Whatever your need is, we hope you can find a suitable place from our recommendation list. Enjoy your shopping and don’t forget to share this article with any shopaholic who is coming to Vietnam. Learn More Here: Can You Buy Fake Designer Bags in Vietnam? https://backofthebiketours.com/can-you-buy-fake-designer-bags-in-vietnam/Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City means you are going to immerse yourself in a vibrant and bustling lifestyle. This city is made of a variety of colors simply lying there in its daily life waiting to be discovered. No matter if you’re a wanderer who loves to capture and save every single moment on the go or an extreme instaholic with a ton of followers, Ho Chi Minh City deserves a place in your Instagram feed. Although you’ll find lots of photogenic sights around the city, the following are among the most Instagram-worthy spots that can’t be missed once you’re in Ho Chi Minh. Unique Instagrammable Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Hue Café ApartmentWould you like to let everyone know that you’re right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City? Take a photo and check-in at No.42 Nguyen Hue Apartment right away! Standing proudly in one of the most festive and expensive streets in Ho Chi Minh City, what this iconic apartment holds inside is more than meets the eye. Nguyen Hue Apartment was built in the 1960s and only high-ranking officials in Saigon were able to own a room here at that time. Over the years, more and more residents had left this place due to the poor maintenance. It’s the privileged location that saves the apartment from abandonment. Nguyen Hue Apartment features over 30 businesses, including coffee shops, workshops, and local brand boutiques. Many of the shop owners here are artists and designers. Nguyen Hue Apartment has blossomed into a hot spot not only for cafe hoppers and shopaholics but also art lovers. You’ll find plenty of inspiration in this apartment to make your followers jealous! From minimalism to impressionism, there will be a place that satisfies most any eathestic. All the shops face down Nguyen Hue Street and utilize their balcony space, giving you a perfect view of the crowded walking street. Because this is actually an old-school apartment that wasn’t designed for commercial purposes, you may find it a bit puzzling when exploring the apartment for the first time. Here’s a tip for you: Research for a certain coffee shop or business before heading into the building. This will save a lot of time wondering and looking for your destination in this 9-floor maze. If you have no idea where to go, here are some of my favorite places to visit: Thinker & Dreamer Cafe - 4th floor Partea - English Tearoom - 4th floor DOSH - Doughnuts and Shakes - 3rd floor Orientea - 7th floor Where to find it: 42 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC Opening hours: 7 a.m - 10:30 p.m Price: 30,000VND - 150,000VND
Ba Lu CaféAnother destination in District 5 that will drive your followers crazy with envy is Ba Lu Café. Hiding itself in a busy local market, the coffee shop is a frequent destination of residents in the area and those who enjoy the Vietnam’s traditional coffee culture. This is an heirloom coffee shop owned by a Chinese family. Its former owner is Mr.Lu (he’s the second child in his family, this is how the name “Ba Lu” was formed), a Chinese who left his homeland and settled down in Saigon in the 1940s. The over-70-year old business is now run by his daughter, Ms.Hoang with support from her brother. Even if you’ve visited lots of coffee shops downtown, Ba Lu Café is a totally unique experience. This experience first comes from the way they roast coffee beans to make a cup of “đen đá” or “nâu đá”. Every step is handmade with traditional roasting equipment that is no longer used widely. Come to the shop at night and you might get lucky enough to watch the roasting process right on the street. The shop also uses an old school filter when making their coffee, which results in a very special and different flavor from modern coffees. Ba Lu Café is not just a place where you come to enjoy a cup of coffee. People keep coming to this coffee shop for over 70 years to share daily stories with each other and to take part in the memories of generations of Vietnamese-Chinese that stay alive with every drop of coffee served here. As a foreign visitor, it’s best to have a native tour guide or a Vietnamese friend accompany you to this coffee shop. So that you can have an easier time talking with the owner and get to know more about this interesting coffee shop. Where to find it: 193 Phung Hung, Ward 14, District 5, HCMC (inside Phung Hung Market) Opening hours: 2 a.m - 5 p.m (YES, the café is open that early to serve the merchants at the market) Price: 12,000VND - 15,000VND
Best Photo Spots of Ho Chi Minh City Attractions
Ben Thanh MarketIf you want to capture all shades of the bustling lifestyle of Saigon in just one photo, do it in Ben Thanh Market. Although the market is becoming touristy over the years, it’s still worth a visit since you can have a ton of iconic photos here. The market was built even before the French colony came to Vietnam. In 1912, it was rebuilt and relocated to the current location in order to serve higher commercial demands. Since then, Ben Thanh Market has survived through several major events in Vietnam’s History, including the revolution against the French and later the American War. This market has been featured in many movies filmed in Saigon, and mentioned in every single Vietnam tourist guidebook for decades. Apart from being the single most notable Ho Chi Minh City icon, the market is an Instagram-worthy place thanks to its architecture. Ben Thanh Market inherits the typical French Architecture that you can find sprinkled all over Vietnam. Over 100 years, it hasn’t gone out of style but has even matched well with the continuously changing pace of life in Saigon. Outside of Ben Thanh market, there are four main entrances called East, West, South and North. The South entrance, which is ornate with a facade clock a facade clock above the door, is one of the most recognized icons of the market. You may have seen it somewhere on Instagram before because it is depicted in several pictures from those who have traveled to Ho Chi Minh City. Tips: Feel free to take photos inside the market, however, don’t touch any goods unless you intend to buy them. Picking up things without buying them may get the sellers angry. Ben Thanh Market is definitely an eye-catching background for your photos, but watch your back when posing here. Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is crazy, and it’s even worse at market areas like this one. Check out our articles about Shoe Shopping in Ho Chi Minh for safety and shopping tips. Where to find it: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, HCMC. Price: No entrance fee Opening Hours:
Tan Dinh ChurchMore than a religious destination, Tan Dinh Church attracts both Vietnamese and foreign visitors due to its charming pink color. This is why its so-called name “The Pink Church” is somehow more popular than its official name. Tan Dinh Church is the second oldest cathedral in Saigon. You will be amazed at the architecture of Tan Dinh Church. This is a Roman-style cathedral with the combination of Gothic and Renaissance elements. The church was built in 1870 under the French colonization in Vietnam. This over-hundred-year-old church has been reconstructed many times since then. In the fourth construction in 1957, Tan Dinh Church was repainted into its current lovely color - pink. The whole building is covered in 3 shades of pink inside out, turning the solemn cathedral into a dreamy Cinderella Castle. I know it’s a bit disappointing but tourists are not allowed to visit inside the church. The good news is, the best photos of Tan Dinh Church are usually taken from the roadside. The best time to visit the church and get some photos here is in the early morning (except Sundays) when the surrounding streets are vacant. For those who are not professional photographers, shooting vertical panorama with your smartphone is a good idea to get the full stunning view of the whole church. Where to find it: 289 Hai Ba Trung, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City Open hours: Daily 5 a.m - 5 p.m Price: No entrance fee Thien Hau TempleWelcome to the biggest ChinaTown in Vietnam - District 5. Your next destination, Thien Hau Temple or Ba Thien Hau Temple, is an iconic and Instagram-worthy destination that can’t be missed. Built in the 19th century, the temple represents important religious traditions which have been valued by the Chinese community living in the South of Vietnam for over 200 years. Thien Hau Temple is a Taoist temple dedicated to Mazu Goddess, the “Lady of the Sea” in Taoism. The temple is miscalled in Vietnamese as “Thien Hau Pagoda” because “pagoda” is labeled for any religious places except for churches in Vietnam. Thien Hau Temple, in fact, has nothing to do with Buddhism. The temple displays the famous ancient Chinese architecture with the traditional curvy roof, well-carved pillars, and sculpted holy animals. Having survived for over 2 centuries, the temple and its interior decorations are still in good condition. There are 2 things that shouldn’t go unnoticed once you visit Thien Hau Temple: worshiping and photo shooting. Take your time and zen your soul in the deeply sacred atmosphere of the temple. Don’t forget to pray for health and good fortune as this temple is very famous for its spiritual power. Then it’s time to capture your best moments here. Every single corner of the temple is photogenic. If you want to have some fantastic ancient mood photos, don’t hesitate to wear Ao Dai - the Vietnamese traditional costume. It matches perfectly with the background here. You’re going to visit a solemn destination, right? So please mind your clothes before dashing to the temple: dress smart and appropriately. Long clothes like trousers and shirts are always the safe choice. Anything that is too revealing is not recommended in order to keep this place respectful. Where to find it: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Opening hours: 8 a.m - 4:30 p.m Landmark 81 This is the latest Instagrammable hotspot in Ho Chi Minh City. Landmark 81 was completed in the mid-2018 and is now the tallest skyscraper in Vietnam. This 81-floor skyscraper offers a lot of high-end services, including shopping, entertainment, long and short term apartments. On important holidays or events in Vietnam, the building is also used as a giant led screen for celebrating purposes. Inside the building there are tons of shops to explore but the Landmark Skyview is the must visit destination here. The views are located on the 79th, 80th and 81st floor. They are the highest spots to observe the whole of Saigon with an awesome view along the river. Each of the 3 floors is a different experience. The 79th floor is a coffee lounge called MIWAKU. The 81th floor is MIWAKU Premium. Its highlight is a Japanese restaurant, where you can enjoy a fine dinner high up in the sky. And the highest floor - 81st floor offers a full-view telescope. There is also a service called SkyTouch, which allows true thrill seekers to step outside the building from an altitude of nearly 400 meters. Due to its outstanding height, Landmark 81 is recognizable from almost every corner of the city. Yet the best place for you to capture the whole building is from Saigon Bridge or Thu Thiem Bridge. Did you know that there’s an amazing park inspired from the famous Central Park in New York City right in the residential of Landmark 81? The park that first served the Vinhomes residents exclusively is now open for all visitors. From the main entrance of the building, you’ll see a huge red bridge leading to the park. This is the easiest way for you to visit the park after exploring the fabulous Landmark 81. Where to find it: Vinhomes Central Park, 208 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, HCMC Opening hours: 8 a.m - 10 p.m Landmark Skyview ticket price: 810,000VND/adult - 450,000VND/child
Abandoned Places in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Thien Thuat ApartmentAnother aged apartment cracks our top ten list, guess what’s waiting for you here? While this apartment is far from being abandoned, if you are looking for that old empty feeling instagram spot for a great photo, there are tons of opportunities in this location. While Nguyen Hue Apartment embraces a dynamic and young vitality of Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment is where you can breathe in the old Saigon of the last century. The apartment was originally aimed to provide contemporary accommodation for residents who suffered from the fire loss in 1968, and no one expected it to last for such a long time. After the Vietnam War, the apartment was governmentalized and rented out to residents. While some people have decided to move on, a lot of residents still live here. Many of them are doing quite well though with local business here, and they also probably love the location. It’s best to visit Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment in the late evening. This is when people coming home after a long working day, light up their homes, or gather around the playground for some small talk with their neighbors. In the warm light that spreads from home to home, don’t forget to capture this lazy but cozy pace of life right in the middle of bustling Saigon. One of the best things about this old apartment is that you’re free to enter the building. And Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment is no exception. At block G of the apartment, there is a small temple that you would love to visit. Unlike other temples, this one is located on the 3rd floor, which also allows you to have a full view of the apartment complex. Where to find it: Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, Ward 1, District 3, HCMC Opening hours: Always open
More Instagram Worthy Places around Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Vien StreetIt’s time for a night out on the most touristy and controversial street in Saigon! You may love the overfilled atmosphere of Bui Vien, while some can’t stand such a flood of people. But still, no trip in Saigon is completed without a visit to Bui Vien Street. This is where every photo taken is extremely energetic and full of nightlife. Started as a small alley that foreigners can easily find a hostel room, Bui Vien has turned out to be a famous (and infamous) party destination, where there’s more to do than just drinking. Walking through this short street, you can capture every typical scene of this city. It is filled with pubs, bars, massage services, restaurants, hostels, and street food. All these things are squeezed in a crowded space and seasoned with high pitch EDM, making the whole street insanely chaotic and thrilling. The typical Instagrammable shot on Bui Vien will show the large crowd of people on the streets with the Bitexco looming large in the background. Don't miss the perfect Bui Vien plastic chair instagram moment: A small stool right on the sidewalk with a local beer and street food. Important tips: ALWAYS take care of your things! There is no better place for a pickpocket than this street. Put your valuable things at the hotel, keep your stuff on your front and use a neck strap for your phone or camera and you’ll be fine. Where to find it: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, HCMC Opening hours: Always open - but the street actually wakes up at night. Cu Chi TunnelsGetting off the central city around 50 kilometers, you’re heading to the most iconic historical destination in the South - Cu Chi Tunnels. Let’s take a quick glance at the history of this destination back in 1948. The tunnels in Cu Chi are parts of a tunnel system stretching from the South Vietnamese capital to the Cambodian border. In Cu Chi, the total length of the tunnel is around 250 kilometers. Can you imagine that whole area of underground honeycomb was completely man-made? There were trapdoors, constructed living areas, storage facilities, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres and kitchens all underground in the network of tunnels. This is where Vietnamese soldiers lived and survived the fiercest carpet-boombings during the war. Your trip to Cu Chi Tunnels will be an eye-opening journey, which gives you the chance to peek into the past of Vietnam during the war-time. The deeper you dig into the tunnels, the more you unearth about how “real” the war was, and what the soldiers had suffered in those darkest days. Along with these tunnels, historical exhibits are also displayed here such as tanks, guns, military aircraft, and punji sticks - which are a type of booby trapped stake. The tunnels have a lot of activities for visitors to experience the real atmosphere of days long gone. One of the most recommended reasons to visit Cu Chi Tunnels is to try crawling in the tunnels, experiencing how terrible it would be as a soldier during those times. There is also the opportunity to fire a gun. Wouldn't it be cool to capture and share the moment you are letting the bullets fly from an AK-47? Tips: Although exploring the tunnels seems to be an interesting experience, it’s not advisable for visitors with breathing problems because the tunnels are extremely narrow. Photos from the internet may be hard for you to know the tunnels’ actual size. Large people can fit into the tunnels but some may be too large. So consider it before jumping into these tunnels. If the history of Vietnam excites you, then spend more time visiting the nearby Cu Chi War History Museum. You can find many old and valuable photographs and large chunks of rusting military hardware here. For an, check out our article here! Where to find it: Provincial road 15, Phu My Hung Ward, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM Price: Entrance fee: 80,000 VND Minimum Price to shoot 10 Bullets: 600,000 VND Floating Market - Can Tho, Mekong DeltaHow about taking your Instagram followers a bit further to the South and explore the unique experience in the Mekong Delta - floating market? Although the floating market is quite popular in the South, Can Tho stands out as the capital of this kind of market. You can opt to visit one of the two biggest floating markets in Can Tho, Cai Rang and Phong Dien. Cai Rang Floating Market is also the oldest and located in the Mekong Delta. With the absence of the road traffic system over 100 years ago, floating markets were initially formed to serve the demand of trading activities. It made good use of the river systems in the Mekong Delta. Now since the traffic system has been developed, the floating market today serves mainly as a tradition rather than the original purposes it was created for. For all first-time visitors, I’m sure that you’re going to marvel at the merchants’ boating skills. On their medium-size boats, which are also their floating houses, they can run a very fine business. Fresh farm products, fish, flowers, fruits, foods and drinks are all available at any floating market just like a normal market. The best time to capture the busy atmosphere of a floating market is in the morning. As the Southern residents have the habit of starting a day very early, you should plan to visit the market before 7 A.M. The temperature is also more comfortable at that time. If you’re interested in floating market and Can Tho, don’t miss out our article about the Where to find it: Cai Rang District, Can Tho Province Tip: The floating market as lost a bit of it's business over the years, so it isn't the destination it once was. We recommend checking out the Mekong Delta with a tour company who will show you more than just the market so you can have a trip that was well worth the journey. Read more about how to in our article. Opening hours: 3 a.m - 9 a.m
What are some fun activities to do in Vietnam? Learn More Here: Best Instagram Places in Ho Chi Minh City: Our Top 10 Instagrammable Spots https://backofthebiketours.com/best-instagram-places-in-ho-chi-minh-city-our-top-10-instagrammable-spots/Many of my friends from school asked the question "Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe?". Many of them are from smaller cities and countryside towns outside of Ho Chi Minh City. So for them to move to the big city was a scary notion that made them wonder about the safety. Ho Chi Minh City is like any other big city in the world, you will always want to be aware of your surroundings and watch out for common risks that can be dangerous for not only residents but travelers. Ho Chi Minh City is actually quite safe. Besides some scams and petty thefts, there isn’t much that a traveller will have to worry about if they are traveling wisely. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be aware of common safety tips that you wouldn’t know if you weren’t a local or even a frequent world traveler. I’m gonna give you the best tips on how to be on the lookout and to prevent common scams, pickpockets, and robberies. I’ll also let you know about how to stay safe when walking around and also when eating local food. Staying Safe While Walking Around Ho Chi Minh CityTaking over the sidewalk seems to be a part of the culture of Vietnamese in every major town in Vietnam. The culprits of this encroachment are often food hawkers, shop owners, and motorbike parking for locals. Hawkers bring their goods everywhere to sell for customers whom they meet on the street. When they find a "gold place" where there are many people they will set up shop. This can cause congestion on the sidewalk but many of us accept this as a way of life. We want local food hawkers to be able to make money to support themselves but also provide us with delicious Vietnamese food! Shop Owners also do a similar thing, when it comes to taking up public space on the sidewalks. The shops will often not have a private parking lot for their customers. To meet the demand of customers parking, they turn their storefront sidewalks into parking lots. Consequently, you will see a lot of motorbikes built into long rows on the sidewalk. This again is something that as locals we have been willing to accept because we appreciate being able to park our motorbikes in front of stores when we wish to go shopping. These are the reasons that our sidewalks are always a bit congested and difficult to walk in the more local areas. Another point we want to make about walking in Ho Chi Minh City is that the sidewalk is a bit rough and uneven in many places. Be sure to wear nice walking shoes when traveling around during the day so that you can be more steady on your feet when running into unexpected cracks and potholes. Where can I walk safely in Ho Chi Minh City?Government has done a nice job in recent years of keeping the sidewalks in District 1 and 3 clear to allow a better walking experience for travelers. If you are looking at walking around downtown areas, we still recommend wearing comfortable sneakers as some of the pavement is still under construction and a bit uneven. How to Eat Local Food Safely?One of the exciting experiences that anyone traveling to another country has is tasting local food. Vietnamese cuisine is a rich and important part of Vietnamese culture. Ho Chi Minh city has a lot of food hawkers and small local restaurants that serve up great delicious Vietnamese food. This creates an issue when travellers want to eat the local cuisine but aren’t sure how to navigate food vendors to choose the right one in terms of food safety. One common misconception among a lot of travellers is that the locals in a country don’t get sick from dirty food. This couldn’t be further from the truth, we all get sick from dirty food unless you are Superwoman. As a local, we know what to look for in street food hawkers and small restaurants to avoid eating food that could make our stomachs upset. My local tips are using online apps for recommendations, finding stalls who have prepared a lot of food, and eating from crowded places. There are many famous food locations that have many good reviews on food apps like Foody.vn or Tripadvisor. Looking to see how much food a vendor or restaurant has prepared in advance is a safe bet that lots of locals eat there everyday. Another way that is used to identify good quality food stalls is based on the number of guests, the crowded stalls will often be safe. Of course, you can always take a look at our Food Tours here at Back of the Bike Tours if you want to try some delicious and safe Vietnamese food! How to Stay Safe in Ho Chi Minh City by Avoiding Common ScamsAny major city in the world that has large amounts of tourism, also has its fair share of scam artists looking to prey on tourists to make some quick money. There is a phrase in Vietnamese “Tay Balo” which means someone who doesn’t know a currency or local prices very well. This is a common phrase used among despicable scam artists that work as taxi drivers or street merchants. Don’t be “Tay Balo” use our guides to learn about Vietnam before coming so that you can understand the local currency and prices before arriving to avoid these types of situations. Avoiding Scams While ShoppingDishonest sellers have many ways to deceive foreigners such as raising the price of goods, taking advantage of currency confusion, or using some fraudulent calculations. This is different than your normal bartering that happens at many of the markets in Ho Chi Minh City, which is a fun part of travelling to Asia that many tourists want to experience. We are referring to a vendor who will sell a coconut that costs 30,000 VND ($1.28 usd) for 300,000VND ($12.87 usd). This is outrageous and a true scam but it happens everyday to tourists who do not understand the currency before they travel to Vietnam. To prevent these situations from happening, make sure that you have knowledge of Vietnamese currency and can distinguish the similar banknotes. Is Shopping Safe in Ho Chi Minh City?Yes! Shopping is safe in Ho Chi Minh City and quite fun for a lot of travellers who come here looking for the thrill of the bargain! My suggestion is to do your due diligence before coming so that you have an understanding of what is a fair price for some things. My tips for bargaining is to not pay more than ⅔ of the starting price the vendor offers. Also, always be willing to walk away from the deal! Staying Safe in Ho Chi Minh City by Avoiding Taxi ScamsBefore famous apps like Grab and Uber, Vietnamese and foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City relied heavily on Taxi Cabs. This led to a lot of Vietnamese and Foreigners being ripped off by illegitimate drivers and companies. Today there are only two companies we recommend when using a taxi cab and those two are Mai Linh and Vina Sun. Even though these are great companies with a decent reputation, things aren’t always perfect so you need to be aware of a few common taxi scams. The first scam would be the classic “drive around” where the taxi will add some distance to the drive by going the long way to get to your destination. You can avoid this by opening up google maps on your phone to be aware of where your driver is taking you. Another Taxi Scam to be aware of would be the broken meter, which means the meter starts moving at a very quick rate of speed. Last but not least, is the luggage highjack. This scam happens if a taxi driver tries to refuse giving luggage back if a customer does not pay the exorbitant amount of money the taxi driver is trying to scam them for. To avoid that type of situation, I never keep my truly important things in luggage that is too far away from me when I get into a taxi. Watching Out for Pickpockets in Tourist AreasI am sure the feeling when someone steals your possessions without your knowing is really upsetting. It does happen at many places in Ho Chi Minh city, especially in crowded places including Nguyen Hue Walking Street, Bui Vien Walking Street, shopping centers, Ben Thanh market, or public transportation. The pickpockets take advantage of the cramped distance of crowded places to quietly sneak into your pocket, purse, or bag. The rules to remember are to store valuables in a safe at the hotel. Bags and Backpacks should be moved to the front of your chest when in these crowded areas. Do not regularly check the pockets containing important assets, as it's the way to show the thieves where you are keeping your wallet. Be wary when someone bumps into you or approaches you too closely, thieves often use this trick to approach their prey. Finally, when you take money out of your pocket for payment, do not forget to pay attention to your surroundings. Bag and Phone Snatching while on the StreetsFrom my perspective, robberies are the most dangerous risk in Ho Chi Minh city. Not only foreign tourists but also Vietnamese residents are often victims of bag or phone snatching by thieves on motorbikes. This only takes a few seconds, you won't have enough time to react promptly and protect your assets. This can happen anywhere, at any time. Maybe it comes when you're walking on the road, driving on the motorcycles, getting out of the car or buying something from street vendors. The way Vietnamese people apply to prevent losing property is to avoid using their bag or phone while standing on the street, where bags with a strap across their chest and staying aware of their surroundings. Try to limit using smartphones while traveling on the road when it is not needed. If you need to use your phone, be sure to be away from the street and standing on part of the sidewalk that is not easy to get to for a motorbike. If you have some valuable assets such as watches, necklaces or bracelets, my advice for you is not to bring it with you when traveling to Vietnam. Of course wearing your wedding ring is okay and no cause for alarm but there isn’t anything to gain from bringing fancy jewelry on your vacation to a developing country. Robbers often pay attention to valuable things that catch their attention quickly, so it’s best to avoid putting yourself in this situation. Back of the Bike Tours does a great job in this Video of Showing you How To Stay Safe in Ho Chi Minh Cityhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j0FfVIKJnw Ho Chi Minh City is Safe and I am happy to call it home.At the end of the day, I have lived in Ho Chi Minh City my whole life and I am proud to be from here. I don’t feel scared or threatened. My country and people are beautiful even if in the big city you always need to be aware and to be careful. If Vietnam is one of the destinations on your travel plan, I think you shouldn't miss Ho Chi Minh city. It is an interesting place with a unique cultural and culinary richness that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Read Full Article Here: Safety Tips for Ho Chi Minh City https://backofthebiketours.com/is-ho-chi-minh-city-safe/As a local Vietnamese from the Mekong, I spent the first 18 years of my life living in the beautiful Mekong Delta before moving to the big city of Ho Chi Minh! In the past 5 years, I've been traveling back and forth between Saigon and the Mekong Delta at least once a month to visit my family. I guess you can say that I am pretty much an expert on how to get to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City. There are five different methods you can use to visit the gigantic and popular Mekong Delta. You can get to the Mekong Delta by Car, Bus, Motorbike, Boat, or Plane but not all ways to travel or created equal. It’s best to plan what kind of Mekong adventure you want which will be a large part of how you should get there! In this article, I’ll give my personal recommendations for every method of travel including my preferred way to travel and the best version of each method. Whether you are adventurous and want to drive yourself on a motorbike, easy going and want to join a bus tour or looking for something more personal like a private experience this article has all the information you need. How to go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by Motorbike?Taking a scooter to the Mekong Delta from Saigon on your own can be an exciting adventure that you will remember for a lifetime. Coming from Vinh Long in the Mekong Delta, I am familiar with motorbike drive from Ho Chi Minh City down to the more famous areas of the Mekong. When I visit my hometown, I almost always use my motorbike. The motorbike trip takes around 4 hours which makes it fast, easy, and cheap. On average, it takes me less than 4 hours one way from my house in Saigon to my mother’s house in the Mekong Delta. With such a short distance between the two cities, a trip to the Mekong Delta on the motorbike will be a fun and exciting day trip that will only take around 4 hours each way. If you are a first-time traveler to Vietnam, you should focus on visiting Can Tho, Ben Tre, and Tien Giang. These cities are known for the splendid floating markets, alongside the infinite green rice fields and an immense network of rivers and canals. If you’re about to go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City on your own motorbike, then here are some of my useful tips from my own experience.
Even for a local like me, getting pulled over by traffic police along the way is always my top fear. They can appear all of the sudden from nowhere and pull me in for some random reasons. To avoid this situation, don’t break the rules when driving. Driving your scooter in the car lane, not using turn signals, and speeding are the three most common reasons for being pulled over from my own experience.
I'm usually worried about getting lost and the language barrier when driving on my own in a new place outside of Vietnam. I think you may face the same issue when driving to the Mekong Delta on your own. In this case, a local guide or a Vietnamese friend by your side will be super helpful. They will know the way better, and it's easy for them to talk to a native person in case you get lost.
If I were you, I would consider having a local Vietnamese friend or a tour guide to escort me to the Mekong Delta. It’s good to have a local friend who’s willing to travel back and forth by your side. Otherwise, you may need a local tour guide, who can become really helpful if you have some problems on the drive, like a flat tire. Where to Rent a Scooter for Driving to the Mekong?Before planning a motorbike trip to the Mekong Delta, you need to rent a scooter for yourself. TIGIT does a really good job in scooter rental services in many big cities across Vietnam including Saigon. Just go-ahead to the TIGIT website, skim through all the categories offered and contact them for more details! Is Driving a Motorbike to the Mekong on Your Own Right for You?Even though driving to the Mekong is super fun and pretty easy in general, it’s still not for everyone. Joining the traffic in Vietnam is another kind of game, which requires you to have basic knowledge and experience driving a motorcycle or two-wheeled vehicle. Not every single Vietnamese driver follows the rules strictly while driving on the roads in Vietnam. This means a car or container truck may show up all of the sudden in front of you at a cross-road or T-junction, along with many other random situations that you’re not aware of beforehand. Therefore, it’s good if you’re an adventurous person, but without basic motorbike driving skills, I do not recommend you drive a scooter in Vietnam on your own! Last but not least, remember to cover yourself with travel insurance before arriving in Vietnam just like anywhere on Earth, especially if you’re up for driving a scooter here. How to Find a Good Motorbike Tour to the Mekong Delta from Saigon?Knowing that many of my foreign friends are not capable of driving a motorbike in Vietnam but are still interested to see the Mekong in a totally cool new way got me researching. After some digging, I had some recommendations for them which turned out to be a great experience. They told me it was the highlight of their time in Southern Vietnam. Some of the top agencies offering motorbike tours to the Mekong from Saigon that come highly recommended are Vespa Adventures, Saigon Riders, and Onetrip Adventures. As a passionate worker in the travel industry myself, these are simply some of the best motorbike tour agencies that bring you the finest off-the-beaten-path experiences. I don’t think other mainstream agencies are able to give you this type of in-depth tour. Their well-trained guides can guarantee a fun and safe adventure! Go ahead and check them out! How to Go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by Bus?The Bus is easily the most used transportation method for both locals and tourists to visit the Mekong Delta. There are many types of bus companies ranging from cheap and very local to high quality that are expensive. We are gonna discuss two options for you as a traveler to get to the Mekong Delta by bus. The first option will be to book a bus on your own to be dropped off in Can Tho or another city in the Mekong. The second option is to work with a reputable company that will arrange not only the bus but also the tour experience. Booking a Bus on Your Own to the Mekong DeltaWhen it comes to booking your own bus to the Mekong Delta, it can be a bit overwhelming as there are so many options out there that all seem relatively similar. This may not be true when it comes to the quality of the trip or the bus itself. I recommend the bus company of Futa for anyone wanting to book tickets themselves. Compared to other brands, Futa is a leader in terms of quality and charisma. When I’m just feeling too exhausted to drive my motorbike for 4 hours to my hometown, then Futa is my go-to alternative. To book the tickets, you can either call them or purchase online via. After that, arrive at the ticket booth at Ben Xe Mien Tay (West Coach Station - Booth No.23), show your confirmation email to the ticket seller in order to get the tickets. Remember to arrive around 60 minutes before departure. West Coach Station Address: 395 Kinh Duong Vuong St, Binh Tan District, Ho Chi Minh City. Futa hotline: 19006067 Booking a Bus Tour to the Mekong DeltaMany tourists in Saigon will opt for a one or two day trip to the Mekong Delta when they don't want to go sightseeing by themselves. This is a good pick as you will have a tour guide arrange everything for you, and show you all the most iconic features of the Mekong Delta. This choice is also relatively cheap compared to many private tour packages around the city. However, you need to keep in mind that these bus tours are usually very low quality and touristy. You will stop at places where they ask you to spend money on souvenirs so that the tour guide can make extra commission. The standard tour for these large bus groups is also not very appealing and has led to some major complaints that can be found in many online reviews. We recommend doing your research and understanding what kind of experience you would like for the amount of money you want to spend. If you would like to experience the Mekong Delta via a bus tour, I recommend checking out the offers from Sinh Tourist, TNK Travel or Saigon Tourist. While these companies do offer your typical Mekong bus tour experience, these brands have been around for a long time and can be trusted in terms of safety and reputation. They all offer a wide array of packages to the Mekong Delta with the cheapest price starting at around 300.000 VND/pax, which is very reasonable. How to Go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by a Private Car?When is a private car the better option? If you don’t want to join other travelers, then you may consider renting a private car with your own driver. Most of the time, I don’t take a private car to travel to my hometown. The exceptions that my family might consider renting a car from Saigon to the Mekong would be for a large family gathering or for a wedding. This way the older family members can travel in comfort and the whole family can be together for the trip. For those considering visiting Can Tho, a price for a one-day round trip should be around 1,500,000 VND. However, it varies a lot depending on the distance and route, so when you contact a car rental operator, remember to go specific on details such as pick-up and drop-off time. We have worked with An Minh Car Rental to book cars for our private tours inside of Ho Chi Minh City. They are easy to communicate with and offer a wide range of cars, vans, and buses. If you have any issues with a language barrier, please free to reach out to your localhost or receptionist. An Minh Car RentalPhone (Mr. Phong, Speaks some English): 0909 555 783 0913 724 238 Email: [email protected] Website: xedulichanhminh.com Roundtrip Saigon to Can Tho 8 Hours or 110 Km For 4 people: 2,000,000 VND For 7 people: 2,200,000 VND Overnight: 3,000,000 VND *Note: The price could be different on National Holidays.
How to go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by plane?There is only one flight from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta, which takes you directly to the island of Phu Quoc. Traveling by bus and then boat to Phu Quoc can take up to 9 hours. I would much rather spend a little extra money to take a 1-hour flight to visit Phu Quoc. Vietjet and Jetstar Pacific usually offer flights to Phu Quoc that can range from $64 to $128 USD. With such reasonable prices, I think it’s a no brainer to fly to Phu Quoc over the bus/boat route. For your information, there are two airports in the Mekong, one in Can Tho and another one in Phu Quoc. My initial thought was, why not just spend 45 minutes on a flight to Can Tho instead of spending 4 hours on a bus? However, it turns out that there’s no direct flight from Saigon to Can Tho, not at this time. It is possible to fly straight to Can Tho from other major cities in Vietnam like Hanoi and Da Nang. You may consider flying directly to Can Tho and then making a trip up to Ho Chi Minh City.
How to go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City by Boat?One last option is to go to the Mekong Delta on a boat. As far as I know, you can only sign up for a tour offered by a company. There is no rental boat service for the route between Saigon and the Mekong Delta since the daily rate is usually high, it can go up to $1000/hour depending on which type of boat you're looking for. For boat tours, Les Rives and Fish Eye Travel are the two top-rated agencies introducing boat trips to different parts of Saigon and also to the Mekong via waterways. Les Rives and Fish Eye offers one-day trip to the Mekong at nearly 3,000,000 VND. Pricey as it seems, their quality is second to none! You can read all the reviews on their website or TripAdvisor before making a decision. Most of their services include pick-up and drop-off, multiple departure times throughout the day, and additional tour inclusions. I hope this article helped you navigate the best option that suits you! If you think you enjoyed this article and found it helpful please share it so others can also find out how to go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh! Article Source Here: How to go to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City? https://backofthebiketours.com/how-to-go-to-the-mekong-delta-from-ho-chi-minh-city/Banging your head against the bus window on a boring tour isn’t an adventure. Challenging yourself with getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own is an experience. I’ve crafted this article featuring all you need for getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own. Selecting a guide can be expensive and time consuming. The Cu Chi Tunnels supply free guides for visitors with an admission ticket. Read on to learn about how to get to the Cu Chi Tunnels, then follow their free guide for a money saving adventure. Visit the Cu Chi tunnels on your own by calling a taxi, renting a Car, or hop on the local bus. Every option above has its own merits. Follow my recommendations found below, and you will be climbing through those elaborate tunnels in no time at all. If you are adventurous but on a budget, I believe you are not looking at hiring a taxi or renting a car. Renting a Taxi or Car is a great option though for some that are not on a tight budget. I’ll give you options to pick and choose the best transportation for your Cu Chi Tunnel experience. Hiring a TaxiStanding on the sidewalk, waving your arm to flag down a taxi isn’t what I have in mind. Mai Linh, one of the most reputable Taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh City, offer some roundtrip fares to Cu Chi. Be clear with the taxi company over the phone on dropping you at the Benh Duoc entrance. Also your driver will most likely not speak much English, if any. Speak to the operator on the phone ahead of time about any questions you might have before departing with the taxi. Here are the contact information for Mai Linh. Use this information to get a taxi anytime not just for the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Mai Linh Taxi (10-15 minutes call before) Hotline: 028 3838 3838
Saigon (District 1) -> Cu Chi Tunnels( Ben Duoc Entrance)
Option 1: 7 Hours or 70km (140km total) Package 4 Seats: 1,160,000 VND 7 Seats: 1,340,000 VND
Option 2: 6 Hour or 50 km (100km total) 4 Seats: 950,000 VND 7 Seats: 1,130,000 VND ***Every Extra Hour is 60,000 VND, Every Extra km is 12,000 VND*** ***Tolls are not included in the price***
How would I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on my own in a taxi?Hop out of bed early, even though it’s vacation time. Drag my lazy butt down to the hotel buffet for breakfast. Speak with the hotel concierge directly about calling Mai Linh. Show the hotel staff this article with the Mai Linh prices and be sure to repeat destination is the Ben Douc entrance. Confirm that twice, sometimes details get lost in Vietnam. When driving to the Cu Chi Tunnels, ask the taxi driver for his phone number. Ring him up when you finish and are ready to be picked up. Eating a tantalizing bowl of Pho for lunch or experiencing new dishes at the famous Beef Restaurants out in Cu Chi might be worth planning ahead of time on the way home.
How to do the Cu Chi Tunnels with Car/Van/Van Limousine Rental on your own!Traveling with my family is like pulling my own teeth sometimes. A little sister who cries when out of her comfort zone and a brother who shouts about always being bored. The picture I am painting is familiar to some people. The family comfort factor rests heavily on us when traveling sometimes. Rental services have large comfortable vehicles that will make getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels easy for the planner in the family. A free guide at the Cu Chi Tunnels balances out the price to make it affordable to travel in style.
An Minh Car Rental Phone (Mr Phong, Speaks some English): 0909 555 783 0913 724 238 Email: [email protected] Website: xedulichanhminh.com Saigon -> Cu Chi Tunnels 6 Hour Two Way Trip Package 4 Seats : 1,100,000 VND 7 Seats: 1,200,000 VND ***100,000 VND for every hour over 6 hours*** ***Tolls INCLUDED in the price*** The price is comparable to renting a taxi. I would go for renting the car as I would be able to set up communication and confirmation ahead of time via email. I also like being able to call Mr Phung on the phone during the trip if I needed to. You could arrange the address you want to be dropped off at for the tunnels and then the address for anywhere you would like to stop for lunch.
Getting to the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own on the public bus.Starting out a window on a long bus ride isn’t what some would call an adventure. When the local language is not English, something that sounds so mundane can become quite the voyage though. Not knowing what exactly will happen is all part of the mystery and fun of traveling. I’ve tracked down everything you need to know to jump on the bus and get to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This way to travel is budget friendly. # 13 Public Bus to Cu Chi Tunnels Open time: 3:30 – 20:30 Type: 46-80 seat bus Price: 7,000 VND Quantity: 150 trips/day Time length each trip: 60 – 75 minutes Time between each bus: 10 – 20 minutes #79 Public Bus from Cu Chi Bus Station -> Ben Duoc (Cu Chi) Open time: 5:30 – 17:30 Type: 46-80 seat bus Quantity: 70 trips/day Time length each trip: 45 minutes (25 km) Time between each bus: 10 – 20 minutes
10 Steps to do the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own By Bus:Step 1: Wake up early. Eat some breakfast then head off to the bus station. Step 2: Pack a small bag of any supplies you might need. Step 3: Make your way to the Pham Ngu Lau Bus station at the end of 23/9 Park towards Nguyen Trai street. The location on the map below. Step 4: Get on the Public Bus #13 to Ben Duoc. You will purchase your ticket in Vietnamese Dong from the Ticket Agent on the bus! Step 5: Read a book, nap, strike up a conversation, or whatever tickles your fancy. Step 6: Arrive at the Cu Chi Bus Terminal and search for Bus No. 79. There will be taxi drivers and motorbike drivers offering their services. Just ignore them, get to Bus No. 79 and buy a ticket from the agent on the bus. Step 7. After 35 minutes there will be blue sign saying Ben Duoc to the left and Ben Dinh to the right. Get off 2 minutes later at the Ben Duoc entrance. Step 8: Congratulate yourself for a mission well accomplished! Step 9: Go into the main entrance, buy yourself an Entrance ticket. Walk your way to the local Cu Chi building where you will watch a short introduction video. After, you will receive a guide who will show you through the tunnels! Step 10: Return to the No. 79 bus BEFORE 17:30, THIS IS THE LAST BUS OF THE NIGHT. Hop back on the No. 13 back to Saigon at the Cu Chi Terminal! There you have it all of the knowledge you need to do the cu chi tunnels on your own. You might want to ask yourself if visiting the cu chi tunnels is worth it? If so, then what should I wear to the cu chi tunnels? I hope this article helped, I invested some serious time into making it so if you enjoyed it please don’t hesitate to share it for other adventurous travelers like yourself. Source Here: How To Visit The Cu Chi Tunnels On Your Own https://backofthebiketours.com/how-to-visit-the-cu-chi-tunnels-on-your-own/Mosquitos, they were excellent for bringing back dinosaurs in Jurassic park but aren’t very fun to deal with on vacation. This might leave you wondering, “What’s the situation like in Vietnam with Mosquitos and Tropical diseases like Malaria?” Visiting a tropical country like Vietnam means you will be welcomed with long beaches, sunshine and endless summer days. However, getting malaria - a common tropical disease is the very last thing you want to happen. Do I need to take Malaria pills before coming to Vietnam? If you are traveling to Rural Areas, Yes. If you will be mostly staying in the big Cities, No. Read on to find out more information to decide what level of precaution suits your vacation. Everything You Need to Know about Malaria before Traveling to VietnamWhat is Malaria?Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasite. The disease is also known as Plasmodium infection. Most often, the malaria parasite enters the human body through mosquito bites. Malaria disease can lead to severe complications and even death if left untreated. According to a report by WHO, there were 435,000 malaria deaths worldwide in 2017. The organization also warns that international travelers could be at risk of malaria in 87 countries around the world, mainly in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. How do you get Infected with Malaria?As mentioned above, the parasite is transmitted to humans most commonly through mosquito bites. Notice that only Anopheles mosquitoes can transmit malaria. Here is the Mosquito transmission cycle:
Who is at Risk of Getting Malaria?Anyone! Although the fact that malaria is likely to happen more in children, adults are no exception. There are 5 population groups that WHO lists as being at considerably higher risk of contracting and developing malaria. They include:
If you’re reading this article, you may probably belong to the last group. Travelers are at higher risk of getting malaria. This is because they often lack partial immunity to malaria, and have limited access to prevention, diagnostic testing, and treatment services. Do I need Malaria Pills for Vietnam?As a tropical country, malaria does happen in Vietnam. This means that malaria pills are needed if you’ve planned for a trip to Vietnam. The good news is: malaria pills for Vietnam are recommended but not a must. You may decide to get them or not depending on where you are going to visit because the disease occurs in rural areas only. Places at high risk for malaria in Vietnam include the Southeast, Highlands, and Central areas. Although malaria is not an epidemic anymore in Vietnam, prevention is still advisable for travelers flying to hot spots like Binh Phuoc, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Kon Tum, Quang Binh, and Quang Tri. There is no need for malaria pills if you are going to spend your trip in the rest of Vietnam, especially in big cities such as Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang or Hoi An. You should also notice that malaria is a seasonal disease in Vietnam. There are two malaria seasons here, the early peak (April - May) and the later peak (September - October). Unless you have any important purposes to visit those areas during the peak of malaria, it’s wise to plan your trip at another time. What are Malaria Pills?So what are malaria pills, anyway? They are drugs that you can take to treat malaria or to help prevent the disease from infecting you if you are bitten. They are mainly used as a part of the pre-travel health advice for travelers. Some Antimalarial pills are taken daily, or weekly, and some only require being taken 1 time. There are 6 main types of drugs used to prevent malaria, including malarone, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine, primaquine, and tafenoquine. CDC recommends the following Anti - Malarial for traveling to Vietnam. (This list doesn’t match up with the typical prescription and most popular anti-malarial which happens to be the most expensive, might worth asking your doctor about the cheaper option to save some money)
You will need to visit your doctor (4 or 6 weeks prior to your trip) for a specific prescription depending on the destination that you’re about to visit and your health condition. The average cost of Malaria pillsInsurance generally doesn’t cover malaria pills, meaning you’ll need to pay on your own for malaria prevention. The cost of malaria pills widely varies depending on your choice of drugs. In the U.S.:
In the U.K., Malarone is the most common pill that doctors may recommend. The cost for Malarone oral tablet starts from £19.80 for a supply of 16 tablets (one-week trip). In Australia, Malarone is also the most-used, and most expensive, antimalarial drug. 12 tablets of Malarone can cost you around AUD $60. When to get malaria pills before traveling to Vietnam?It is recommended that everyone should take malaria pills 1 or 2 weeks before your trip to Vietnam. For me, this seems a bit over protective since there aren’t any Malaria outbreaks in any of the popular areas visited by travelers. Where to buy malaria pills in Vietnam?Buying drugs abroad without advice from doctors has its risks. They include poor quality, contaminated drugs, and unexpected side effects. Those are more on the extremes of what could go bad and I personally believe that buying Malaria Pills when you arrive in Vietnam can actually save you a ton of money. You will need to visit a local hospital in order to get your prescription. I will not recommend looking for Malarial Pills in a private pharmacy for the sake of your health. In Vietnam, the most common Malaria Pill is Chloroquine. It is more affordable for the majority of Vietnamese citizens. Mefloquine and Malarone are not available in Vietnam. What to do if you catch malaria in Vietnam?Preparing for the worst situation is always smart as a traveler. It’s a life-threatening blood disease, so take it seriously! If you suspect you’ve been infected with malaria, visit a doctor right away. Although doctors will normally prescribe drugs to kill the parasites, don’t try to treat yourself at home. An infectious disease doctor will give you the right prescriptions and guidance. In Vietnam, you’d better go straight away to a community hospital or a district hospital if possible. If you’re in big cities, you can visit the following hospitals:
Address: 315 Nguyen Van Linh Street, An Khanh Ward, Ninh Kieu District, Can Tho City Hotline: (+84)292 3820 07 Hours: Open 24 hours Website: http://bvtwct.vn/
Address: 764 Vo Van Kiet Street, Ward 1, District 5, HCMC Hotline: (+84)28 3923 5804 Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: 124 Hai Phong Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City Hotline: (+84)96 523 18 18 Hours: 24 hours
Address: 78 Giai Phong Street, Phuong Dinh Ward, Dong Da District, Ha Noi Hotline: (+84)24 3576 3491 Hours: 24 hours You should also notice that there are many cases in which symptoms of malaria don’t develop until months or up to 1 year after returning home. Be aware of your health and seek immediate professional medical care in those cases. After all, keep in mind that there is no 100% effective malaria pills. Apart from using malaria pills before flying to Vietnam, other ways to prevent mosquito bites are also important:
While it’s important to know all of the information we have discussed in this article. Taking Malaria pills is a precaution for peace of mind. It’s not a common thing disease to catch in the main areas of Vietnam. My final recommendation is that if you are traveling to Rural parts of Vietnam, please take Malaria Pills for protection. I hope my article has helped, if you found it useful please share with other travelers like yourself! Traveling to Vietnam Helpful Tips Article Source Here: Do I Need Malaria Pills For Vietnam? https://backofthebiketours.com/do-i-need-malaria-pills-for-vietnam/If you expect to buy Northface factory rejects in Vietnam, I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed. I have spent days researching and shopping for both factory rejects and high quality fake Northface products in Ho Chi Minh City. Even for a local, who speaks Vietnamese, I found it impossible to track down factory rejects. With so many people asking the question about where to buy Northface products in Vietnam, I was surprised I didn’t find any good resources and suppliers since it is such a popular request for tourists. What have I learned about Northface in Vietnam? Factory Rejects are non-existent in all of Vietnam but you can buy fake Northface with decent quality in most cities. Where to buy Northface in Ho Chi Minh City?I feel the best location is at certain Local Markets and a few small shops. My Local Market recommendation includes Saigon Square Center and the Russian Market in District 1. Smaller retail shops selling Northface include places like Armyhaus an outdoor and camping supplier in District 1 or Wetrek an outlet store in Tan Binh District close to the airport. What Should you know before shopping for Northface in Vietnam?Be Aware of the Tourist “Scam”While not really a scam, some shopkeepers may sell Northface at high prices in order to make you believe that the products are real. I am confident after my research that all of these sellers are pushing fakes. I’ve spent a serious amount of time contacting shopkeepers and sellers to find out whether their products are real, fake, or factory rejects. Whenever I asked them if their Northface products were real or not, they all said that it’s a trade secret. My feeling after talking to a few vendors is that they didn’t really care about the quality of their Northface or even where they were getting them from. They just want to sell them to anyone who will buy for the highest price possible. While not illegal or a scam, it’s good information for potential buyers. That’s why it’s important to buy from the right suppliers and check the quality of the products thoroughly before committing to spending your money. Not all sellers are looking at getting rid of bad products some legitimately care about their products and reputation. That doesn’t mean they are selling factory rejects with super high quality, it means they are trying to provide fakes that have some craftsmanship to them. Which is gonna be your best bet for buying a product that will last for a while. How to Identify Quality Fake Jackets and Backpacks in Ho Chi Minh CityBefore a fun day of shopping, here are some tips that will help you check the quality of the Northface jackets and backpacks. You should check any fake product carefully before buying. Even though I’m gonna give you some great tips, you should always be aware of the risks when buying fake products. They might last two years or they might break in two days. It’s the risk we take when haggling for a great deal. FabricFeel the material and the thickness of the jacket to determine the quality. This is the easiest way to determine high quality from low quality.
CraftsmanshipIf you are buying a raincoat or an anorak, beware of the area around the seams and zipper. Those are the places water may leak in easily. The good quality jackets have those parts covered.
ButtonsSome fake Anoraks change the buttons on the covering cloth outside of the zipper to velcro, but I prefer buttons to velcro because they seem to be more secure. You should make sure that the buttons are sewn firmly on the jacket.
ZipperI’ve read complaints about the zipper metal being broken quite easily on many jackets and backpacks. That is because the zipper is made of poor-quality metal. Make sure that the zipper for anoraks is made of metal and not plastic. Without being too aggressive, see if it feels like the zipper metal is thin and brittle. - Test Durability of Zipper Metal - Zip up and down many times to test quality or if it gets snagged easily StichingYour jacket should have firm and neat seams. Make sure that there is no redundant thread at the corners of the product.
Where to Buy Good Quality Fake Northface in Ho Chi Minh City?Buying Good Quality Fake Northface at marketsI’ve gone shopping at popular markets in Ho Chi Minh City to find quality fake Northface jackets. Since then I have come up with these recommendations. The prices are noted in this section so that you can compare them when you go out shopping. Russian MarketAddress: 328 Vo Van Kiet Street, Co Giang Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Hours: 10 AM - 7 PM There are two buildings sharing the same address at 328 Vo Van Kiet Street. Northface jackets are sold in the bigger building when you pull into the complex. The market is air conditioned and is suitable for those who prefer a peaceful shopping experience. The shops that sell Northface jackets are next to the escalator which is at the center of the market. There is also another shop at the front corner of the market. They may not sell many styles of Northface jackets that you want, but the products are much higher quality compared to the other markets. The price here ranges from $28.3 to $40 USD each for a winter coat or jacket. The Western market is known for carrying large western sizes so this is a reliable spot to check out if you need bigger sizes. The Russian market is not known for haggling, most prices are set in stone. The employees here actually speak limited English, we recommend having a translation app on your phone handy if you have any questions about the products. Saigon Square CenterAddress: 81 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Hours: 9 AM - 9 PM Saigon Square is a popular shopping destination in Ho Chi Minh City for both locals and tourists. When you enter the market from Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, go straight ahead to the end of the market and then turn left towards the corner. You will find shops that sell Northface jackets from $20.9 to $57.5 USD. The prices depend on the thickness of the jacket. They have both 2 layer and 3 layer jacket options. The Northface backpack aisle is on your right side. Depending on the size of the backpack, they can be sold from $11 to $26 USD. Shops around Ben Thanh Market
You can visit Ben Thanh Market if you are confident with your bargaining skills, since this market is notorious for intense selling techniques. I prefer the small shop on the corner of Le Lai Street and Phan Chu Trinh Street which is just across the street from the right side of Ben Thanh Market. They sell fine quality fake Northface backpacks with the same quality at a much cheaper price. The backpacks are from $16.5 to $21.8 USD each. Buying Good Quality Fake Northface at Small ShopsArmyhausAddress: 68/25B Tran Quang Khai Street, Tan Dinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Hours: 9 AM - 8.30 PM This is the favorite brand for teenage backpack travelers in Vietnam. You can find the following Northface products in Armyhaus: Pants $17, shoes $54, jackets 20$, and gloves $15. There are also different types of equipment for your travels if you are doing any adventure tours. Their products include helmets, tents, gloves, air cushions, and mountain climbing clothes. The inconvenience at this shop is that they sell clothes for Vietnamese, which is best for the average height of 1m70 and 70kg weight so your size may not be available unless you are smaller. Wetrek (Update October 2019, This shop no longer carries Northface.)Address: 2D Truong Son Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City Hours: 8.30 AM - 9.30 PM This shop is recommended by many local travelers. Located near Hoang Van Thu Park and Tan Son Nhat Airport. Northface’s backpacks, caps, shoes, jackets, and pants are all sold here. The prices for these items vary from $17 to $87 USD each. What have I learned about buying Northface in Vietnam?You can’t expect to buy real Northface in Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnam. Fake Northface products with good quality are available in certain shops or markets if you know where to look. With our tips to identify Quality fake Northface, we hope you have the chance to buy Northface products for a great price that will last a long time. Post Source Here: Where to Buy Northface in Ho Chi Minh City? https://backofthebiketours.com/where-to-buy-northface-in-ho-chi-minh-city/ |