We set off at 7am to explore the city. After having pho and coffee for breakfast (I still prefer the food at Chau Doc), we set off to take a bus to Cho Cholon. Bus no 1 took about 20mins to reach Cholon Bus Station. The bus station at district 1 is just opposite Ben Thanh Market. Its's easy to spot. No worries. There's signs above that lists the bus number and their destination. I'm impressed with the bus system :p You can go anywhere! There's buses to Mien Tay Bus Station too. So, you can actually just go Mekong Delta like that!
There's a bus conductor onboard. He'll come to you to collect the fare of $3000 dong. The market is just across the street. Cholon is where chinatown is, thus you will see many stalls selling liang cha, incense, etc.
vietnam travel
vietnam travel
So, we explore the market, explore the neighbouring streets and took the same bus back to District 1.
We went to Pho 2000 for lunch and laze there for around 2h. It's not because the food is nice, but rather this place has AC. HCMC is SO hot and humid! I've never sweat so much for the past 6 days! Its rather uncomfortable. Oh, pho 2000 boast of the place where the president dine. You'll see several photos of Bill Clinton having his meal here on the walls here.
For dinner, we decided to try out Lemongrass (also recommended by Lonely Planet). However, I have conveniently left my LP in the hotel.. and based on memory, I thought I can find Lemongrass.. After an hour of walking, I have to admit defeat. Luckily there's a tourist information office nearby and we went in to ask! It's just two streets away!
Lemongrass Vietnamese Cuisine
* 4 Nguyen Thiep St. District 1. HCMC Tel 848.38220496
* Palace Hotel Saigon (14th floor)
56-66 Nguyen Hue Blvd. District 1. HCMC Tel 848.38291520
The one at Nguyen Thiep St is the original one. However, they are full for the night. Thus the staff kindly directed us to their branch at Palace Hotel Saigon. Well, its a blessing in disguise :) The view is good from the 14th floor and it certainly looks very posh. We ordered 4 dishes and a bottle of wine. Total bill is about usd $40. hahaha. even cheaper than my french dinner last night!
We did explored Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office. The weather sucks.. sky gloomy and lots of tourists around. Below is just pics inside the Post Office. Tomorrow I'm determined to go try taking Notre Dame again...hopefully the sky will be better.
