Vietnam
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Still referred to by locals and expatriates as Saigon, H.C.M is an incredibly vibrant city where the new is on a rapid collision course with the old. Many people speak English and the culture shock is minimal when compared with China.
The French influence is evident in many aspects of Vietnamese culture and is very noticeable with baguette/sandwich stalls at most street corners, coffee bars lining the street at each and every turn and the abundance of patisseries and bakeries. Combine this with the constant background noise of motorbikes and sound systems, as well as the heat and humidity, and it gives the city an energy unique to South East Asia. Just don’t forget the earplugs!
The city is divided into around 15 districts and a few of them have their own distinctive feel. District 5 (Chinatown) caters to the large Chinese expat and business community with traditional Chinese massage, medicine and market stores a common sight. District 1 (downtown) and the backpacker district of Pham Ngu Lao allows one the opportunity to sample food from all over the world or pick up a pirated paperback. There are top quality restaurants and delis that serve everything from Lebanese falafel and Spanish tapas to Indian tikka. The city also has some interesting museums and architecture, showing the horrors of the Vietnam War and the many different stages of Vietnam’s history.
Travel opportunities around the city abound and the variety of places to visit caters to the needs of most. There are the beach resorts of Vung Tau and Mui Ne, 2.5 and 5 hrs away by bus respectively. Mui Ne is one of the worlds top kite surfing destinations, but the beach is quiet enough at most times of the year with superb seafood and beachside accommodation catering to all budgets. The Mekong Delta is a few hours south of Saigon and it’s possible to spend a few nights on the banks of this mighty Asian giant as it winds its way to the coast. Tours can be arranged where one can spend the evening with a local family and experience the way of life and how people have lived and made the river their home for centuries.
The town of Dalat lies about 5 hrs north of Saigon and is a bohemian getaway with a cooler climate due to the mountains and parks in and around the town. It is very popular with Vietnamese lovers and honeymooners and offers one a break from the hustle and bustle of life in Saigon.