My first journey to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam took place in June 2010. Since then, I’ve developed a deep connection with the Goddess Mariamman Temple in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, making it a point to visit Goddess Mariamman almost every year. I typically opt to stay in a hotel just a few minutes’ walk away. This allows me to pay my respects to all the Gods and Goddesses before continuing my journey to the next destination.
Mariamman Temple, HCMC District 1
In this post, I aim to share my experiences exploring selected tourist attractions, recount my dining experiences at local restaurants, and provide insights into my accommodations during my most recent visit in December 2022. The content will also offer additional travel tips, accompanied by vivid visual representations.
Visa Requirements for Visiting Vietnam
A valid visa is required for entry into Vietnam. During my initial trip to HCMC in 2010, I visited the Vietnam consulate in San Francisco to obtain my visa. At that time, I applied for a single-entry visa and opted for an expedited processing service for an additional fee. However, a significant challenge arose in finding suitable parking and dealing with the costly parking fees.
In recent times, I have chosen to work with Heidi, my Vietnamese travel agent at Lite Travel, San Jose, to handle my visa needs. Heidi has proven to be incredibly friendly and helpful. I rely on Lite Travel not only for securing my Vietnam visa but also for passport renewal. While a nominal handling fee is charged for these services, the convenience and assistance provided by Lite Travel make it worthwhile.
Due to the pandemic, I was unable to visit HCMC in 2020 and 2021, but I finally managed to make the journey in 2022. After enjoying a few delightful days exploring Kuala Lumpur, I embarked on my trip to Ho Chi Minh City from KLIA2 on AirAsia.
However, I would like to offer a word of caution to fellow travelers considering AirAsia from Kuala Lumpur – it’s advisable to allocate extra time for obtaining your boarding pass and reaching the boarding gate
The line moved frustratingly slowly, and the announcements over the intercom were muffled, leaving me bewildered and struggling to grasp the vital information. Consequently, it took me considerably longer than anticipated to secure my boarding pass and proceed to the gate.
Despite the exasperating check-in process, the flight itself turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It departed on time and offered a smooth and comfortable journey. However, upon my timely arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, an unforeseen hiccup awaited me at immigration.
The typically efficient immigration process seemed to falter on this particular occasion, resulting in me standing in line for over an hour – an unprecedented delay that I had not previously encountered.
Nevertheless, I embraced the unexpected ups and downs of my journey to Ho Chi Minh City with an open mind. After all, these twists and turns are an integral part of the travel experience.
Crowded Immigration at Tan Son Nhat International Airport Ho Chi Minh City
After going through immigration and customs, I headed towards one of the various tables positioned near the exit. These tables provided services for taxis and sim cards. After sharing the address of Thien Hai Hotel, the representative informed me about the taxi fare, which was around 10 dollars. I was happy that they accepted credit card payments. After the payment, a friendly staff member guided me to the awaiting taxi.
As expected, the streets of HCMC were busy with traffic congestion, and it took 20 to 25 minutes to drive to the hotel
Since 2017, I’ve established a routine of revisiting Thien Hai Hotel in District 1. Making use of regular reservations through www.expedia.com, this hotel has earned a special spot among my preferences. Its charm is attributed to its hospitable staff, well-kept rooms, affordable rates, and advantageous location.
Nestled in a secure and bustling area, the hotel enjoys the convenience of being surrounded by various 24-hour convenience stores, restaurants, and the iconic Ben Thanh Market all within a short walking distance. Furthermore, my cherished Mariamman temple is just a swift five-minute stroll away, adding to the hotel’s allure. Taxi drivers face no challenges in locating the establishment, ensuring effortless access to transportation at any time of day.
Inside, my room lived up to my expectations – simple, neat, and cozy. The provided amenities encompassed bottled water, a hot water kettle, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a TV with a selection of English channels. With this hotel as my home base, I am free to uncover new and undiscovered attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and its neighboring areas.
Thien Hai Hotel: Clean Affordable and Friendly staff
Although I have lodged in various hotels over a span of 13 years, I was only able to retrieve records of a few hotels: Hoang Hai Long Hotel, Ruby Central Hotel, Mai Kim Loan Hotel, Tan Hai Long 3 hotel and Luxe Hotel. During my initial journey, I lodged at Hoang Hai Long Hotel, a pleasant establishment equipped with a restaurant. The experience was quite enjoyable.
Hoang Hai Long Hotel: Friendly Staff And Great Location
After getting comfortable and unwinding for a while, I opted for an early dinner. For dinner, I decided to try out Phuong Cua, a nearby restaurant. I went for the hot pot and had a really enjoyable food adventure. Even though I had to cook the meat and veggies myself, I liked being part of the process and loved how tasty it turned out. The staff there were friendly and always ready to help.
The friendly staff and the fact that it’s so close to my hotel made me a regular customer. During my three-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City, I had both dinner and lunch here a few times. Besides this place, I also went to different eateries like a Japanese noodle spot, McDonald’s, and some cozy local restaurants. It was fun exploring and trying different types of food.
I also tried the pre-made fish sticks and cakes from the nearby 7-Eleven store. They were quite salty, but it was an interesting culinary experience.
Delightful Hot Pot Dinner Experience at Phuong Cua-Day 1
Delightful Hot Pot Dinner Experience at Phuong Cua-Day 2
Lunch Menu I Tried at Phuong Cua
While I enjoyed the lunch at Phuong Cua, I inadvertantly overlooked photographing the dishers and instread captured images of the lunch menu
One day, I opted for lunch at Marukkame Udon. This fast-food restaurant is conveniently situated in front of the iconic Mariamman Temple. While the culinary experience was notable, there isn’t much to highlight about their customer service. I selected and paid for my meal, though a touch more friendliness could have been appreciated.
Lunch at Marukkame Udon
While awaiting the opening of Ben Thanh Market to buy a battery charger for my camera, I decided to taste a bowl of pho at a restaurant situated adjacent to one of the market’s sides. The restaurant was quite modest in size, yet the pho I sampled was truly delightful. The proprietor of the establishment was very friendly.
Pho for Breakfast
During my stay in HCMC, I decided to indulge in pho once again, this time at Pho 24 restaurant. The restaurant impressed me with its cleanliness, and the staff members were remarkably friendly and helpful. The taste of the pho was truly enjoyable, adding to my dining experience
Pho 24: Clean, Fast Service, and Delicious Pho
Upon my friend’s suggestion, I visited Binh Quoi Tourist Village to immerse myself in the tranquil ambiance of a quaint, old-fashioned village complete with a pond, rowing boat, thatched houses, cottages, and wooden bridges. Reaching the village from the city entailed a 30-minute taxi ride, and I spent approximately 2 hours leisurely strolling around, capturing moments with my camera.
It’s truly remarkable to encounter such a village setup just a few miles away from the bustling city, evoking a nostalgic sense of the pre-industrial era. Amidst the charming snapshots, I was particularly delighted in capturing a moment of a woman donned in traditional Vietnamese attire, skillfully riding a bicycle while gracefully balancing a food bowl in her other hand.
For those considering a visit, I recommend setting aside more than 3 hours to fully savor the leisurely walk and the enchanting allure of this location. One highlight that especially captivated me was the sight of an old hurricane lamp. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that it had been ingeniously modified—now housing an electric bulb instead of the traditional wick and kerosene—a fascinating fusion of the past and the present.
Binh Quoi Village: Transporting You to the Pre-Industrial Era
During my Google search for information for this post, I discovered that there are three distinct villages: BINH QUOI 1, BINH QUOI 2, and BINH QUOI 3. Despite having visited and taken pictures of the location, I remain uncertain about which one I actually explored. Hence, I recommend verifying the specific village before planning a trip there.
A Visit to Cu Chi Tunnel
A recommendation from a staff member at my friend’s company led us to consider a visit to the iconic Cu Chi Tunnels. Following their advice, we promptly approached a nearby travel agency close to our hotel to inquire about a day tour to the tunnels. Unfortunately, our timing was less than ideal; we had missed the window for booking a spot that day.
Undeterred, we opted for an independent journey and hailed a taxi to transport us to the Cu Chi Tunnels, despite the considerable expense.
Upon arrival and after securing our tickets, a courteous staff member guided us into a room where a poignant video unfolded. This visual narrative vividly depicted the transformation of HCMC’s landscape before and after the Vietnam War, revealing the stark contrast between the lush greenery of the past and the desolate aftermath of conflict.
The weight of history hung heavily as we embarked on the tour. The Cu Chi Tunnels encapsulated a spectrum of strategies and tactics employed by Vietnamese soldiers during wartime. While often touted as an essential destination, I found myself grappling with conflicting emotions. The undeniable historical significance was juxtaposed with a somber atmosphere that left an indelible impression.
Reflecting on the experience, I value the opportunity to have encountered the Cu Chi Tunnels, yet it’s a place I personally wouldn’t choose to revisit. The intensity of emotions evoked and the contemplative aura it exudes have left an enduring mark on my memory.
Pho 24. on the way to the post office, i stopped at pho 24 to get early lunch.
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnel: A Thought-Provoking Experience
Visiting Ba Thien Hau Pagoda
In 2010, while wandering through District 1, a motorcycle taxi driver approached me and offered to take me to Ba Thien Hau Pagoda. However, feeling somewhat uncomfortable with the idea of riding on a motorcycle, I politely declined. Instead, I opted to navigate my way to the pagoda using directions from my hotel. It turned out to be quite a lengthy walk from my accommodation in District 1.
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, also known as Chua Ba Pagoda, is a historic Chinese-style temple located in District 5, often referred to as Cho Lon. The architecture of the pagoda is quite intricate and ornate, showcasing traditional Chinese designs and features. It’s a popular place of worship for both locals and visitors. I managed to capture a few photographs during my visit. I hope to revisit the pagoda and capture more pictures
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City -2010
Currency Exchange:
Ever since a friend introduced me to a currency exchange store that deals in Vietnamese Dong, I’ve been relying on this conveniently located shop. Situated near one of the entrances to Ben Thanh Market, closest to the Mariamman Temple, it’s my go-to place for converting dollars to Dong. This comes in handy as many small stores and taxis primarily accept cash, prompting me to exchange dollars whenever the need
Conclusion
Every time I return to HCMC, I discover new facets of this vibrant city that continue to amaze me. As I dig into my travel blog and reminisce through my collection of photographs, I find it incredibly rewarding to revisit these cherished places, armed with a better camera to capture their beauty in even greater detail.
Sharing these experiences with fellow travelers brings me immense joy. Without a doubt, I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing the allure of HCMC at least once in a lifetime. It’s a journey filled with rich history, cultural marvels, and unforgettable moments waiting to be embraced.
Useful Links
- Money Changers at and around Ben Thanh Market
- Thien Hau Temple Ba Thien Hau Pagoda Ho Chi Minh Saigon Vietnam-YouTube video
- Is Ho Chi Minh City safe: A comprehensive guide to safety in the city
- 12 Best Places to Visit Near Ho Chi Minh City
- 15 Incredible Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- The Cu Chi tunnels
- Binh Quoi Village-Bamboo Oasis in the City
- All You Need to Know Before Travelling to the Binh Quoi Village
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