Formerly known as Saigon (in fact, still widely referred to by its
old name), Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the largest city in Vietnam. It was also
the capital of South Vietnam, before they reunited with North Vietnam at the
end of the Vietnam War.
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| Traffic in this young city. Photo credit: emilio labrador on Flickr, used under Creative Commons. |
When you think about it, HCMC seems to be a little similar to our very own home country – known for being a shopper’s paradise and lots of good food among the hustle and bustle of activities. What draws the line, though, is that one has to spend much less in HCMC than in Singapore to have a good time. That, and the fact that HCMC’s roads are practically flooded with motorcycles.
For a start, no visitors should ever miss shopping at Ben Thanh
Market. It is largest old-style market in the central area of the city and so
well-known that it is regarded as a symbol of HCMC. In fact, the place is so
popular among tourists that it was eventually divided into two sections – apparel,
souvenirs and other touristy items in one section and in the other, regular necessities
like food, kitchenware, flowers and such. Although the aisles are narrow and seem quite impossible to pass through especially
when there is a crowd, the determined shopping veteran will be able to walk
away with a good loot in hand, at the end of the day.
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Photo credit: chee.hong on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
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Ben Thanh market can be spotted by its clock and Vietnamese name, Chợ Bến Thành. Photo credit: Christian Haugen
on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
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After the Ben Thanh Market closes at about 6 p.m., the night market
starts just outside. Saigon Square is also
another favourite shopping location – just like Ben Thanh market, except with
air-conditioning. Do remember to be aware of your belongings while shopping
around these places, as pickpockets thrive on over-exposed bags.
You have to keep in mind that while making purchases
in HCMC, you must haggle hard. In
most places, prices are not fixed and always raised two to three times higher for
tourists. Do not feel shy, embarrassed or rude because in this city, it is
through haggling that people interact. It is almost a form of culture and
entertainment for the locals (or an art form to others, just like how you try
to master getting through their traffic).
If you are not already used to it, it might take
some time, but if you are going to shop a lot then the practice will perfect
your bargaining skills. Being polite and friendly goes without saying – winning
the seller’s heart through humour is even better. Another tip that might come
in handy is to “act poor” – carry small change and trade in Vietnamese Dong
instead of American Dollar.
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The ao dai, Vietnamese traditional dress, consists of a silk tunic top
with slits down both sides starting from the waist, worn with a matching pair
of loose trousers. Photo credit: Leo
Chuoi [ RIO studio vn ] on
Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
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In HCMC, custom-made clothing is very affordable, so
it is no surprise that there are plenty of tailors around. It would be such a
waste if the ladies do not use this opportunity to get your very own ao dai. It
is meant to be fitting too, quite like the Chinese cheongsam, so getting it
tailored here will ensure that it fits you personally.
After you have busied yourself going about the
modern activities, head over to Giac Lam Pagoda and Giac Vien Pagoda, two of
the oldest temples in the city. Both share quite similar architecture, seeing
as how Giac Vien was initially constructed to be a warehouse while Giac Lam was
being rebuilt. Giac Vien is also less often visited, as it is harder to locate
even though it is not too far off from Giac Lam.
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Climb up to the top of the seven-storey stupa in Giac Lam for a great view
of the city, and maybe snap some splendid photographs too. Inside each of the
seven storeys, you will find relics of Gautama Buddha. Photo credit: katinalynn on Flickr, used under Creative Commons.
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