Origin Vietnam your local connection. A country famous for it's peace and safe. So it would be a lifetime to discover travel beauty of Vietnam. Origin Vietnam arranges trips for you come from Manila to Hanoi or Manila to Ho Chi Minh City. From the Philippines to Vietnam. Because we are local tour operator with more than 10 years experienced. Fears of tighter Covid-19 curbs trigger panic-buying in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnamese man jailed for 18 months for spreading Covid-19. Around 300 police checkpoints have been set up around the city Ho Chi Minh is considered the father of the nation, and is known as 'Bác Hồ' or Uncle Ho. And to have Dương Thu Hương write an imagined account of his inner circle in communist North Vietnam in the late 50s and 60s that includes rape, murder and political intrigue, is quite radical. But, firstly, it's a great novel to read. Get Ho Chi Minh's weather and area codes, time zone and DST. Explore Ho Chi Minh's sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset. Previous Moon Phase. Full Moon October 10, 2022 3:54 am. Next Moon Phase. Third Quarter October 18, 2022 12:15 am. Day off for International New Year's Day; Jan 21 - Vietnamese New Year's Eve; More Holidays in Accommodation: Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Areas & Hotels 3. Hue Hue One of Vietnam's most historic towns, Hue is packed to the brim with relics from the reign of the 19th-century Nguyen emperors. Sitting along the banks of the gorgeous Perfume River, the Imperial Enclosure is a huge site set within walls that sprawl for 2.5 kilometers. Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, issued new COVID-19 restrictions Monday, one day ahead of a visit to the country by United States Vice President Kamala Harris. The city is You can get pretty much any part in a big city like hanoi, hue, saigon, etc. I brought an extra folding tire, patches, a few tubes, lube, tire lever, pump, and multitool. You can bring some extra chain links and a chain tool if you're paranoid, but worse comes to worse you just grab a ride to the nearest town. 7ykcFA. The Malaysian Consulate General in Vietnam’s southern Ho Chi Minh City opened the Malaysia Madani Week on Friday evening, which consists of a series of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and Vietnam. The special week is hosted by the Malaysian Consulate General and some relevant Malaysian agencies, in conjunction with several Vietnamese bodies including the city’s Department of External Relations. Deputy chairman of the city’s administration Bui Xuan Cuong, Malaysian Consul General to Ho Chi Minh City Wong Chia Chiann and Malaysian Ambassador to Vietnam Dato' Tan Yang Thai were among the officials at the event’s opening ceremony. The event started with a three-day exhibition, named Malaysian Madani Pavilion,’ which features over 30 Malaysian businesses in the trade, investment, tourism, and education sectors. The expo also highlights business networking activities between companies from both countries, as well as traditional art performances by Malaysian artists. Along with the expo is the Malaysia Education Festival that will introduce study opportunities in Malaysia and launch a program promoting education cooperation between the two countries. The most significant events of the week will be two ceremonies to mark a half century of Vietnam - Malaysian ties, with one to be held in the city next Tuesday and another in Dong Nai Province two days later. In addition, a Malaysian cultural and culinary promotion program will be conducted from June 9 to 18 at four major hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, namely Sofitel Saigon, Sheraton Saigon, Pullman Saigon, and M Gallery Saigon, with the participation of eight renowned Malaysian chefs. Also, a business networking session between Malaysian and Vietnamese entrepreneurs will take place next Monday under the host of the consulate general in collaboration with the Vietnam - ASEAN Friendship Association and Ho Chi Minh City Union of Friendship Organizations. “I am very pleased to see the Malaysia Madani Week celebrated vibrantly in the city, especially since this is an important year marking 50 years of diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Vietnam,” Ambassador Thai addressed the ceremony. Vice mayor Cuong highly appreciated the initiative to organize Malaysia Madani Week and expressed his belief that the event will help strengthens the friendship between the two nations “This special week will also create an opportunity and a platform to explore and promote new prospects in the fields of economics, trade, investment, tourism, medicine, and education between the two sides,” Cuong added. He believed that cultural exchanges during the event will promote mutual understanding and connections and pave the way for stronger ties between the peoples of the two countries. “Today is a very special day for all of us,” Consul General Chiann said, adding that the words Malaysia Madani’ reflect the vision of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar bin Ibrahim. Madani’ is the Malay acronym made up of six core values keMampanan sustainability, kesejAhteraan prosperity, Daya cipta innovation, hormAt respect, keyakiNan trust and Ihsan compassion. Accordingly, Malaysia Madani’, is the embodiment of the prime minister’s vision for a civilized, progressive and inclusive Malaysian society based on these key values. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon, though all the locals still call it that is the largest and most chaotic city in Vietnam. Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever they please, and lots of street stands and markets spill into the traffic lanes. It’s a city with a billion things happening at once. It’s also one of the most popular destinations in the country and has recently evolved into a hotspot for digital nomads thanks to its cheap cost of living. The city has a lot to offer wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, delicious food, and plenty of historic sites. Additionally, you’ll find some interesting and propaganda-heavy museums like the War Remnants Museum as well as the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, secret tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. It’s my second favorite city in Vietnam after Hoi An and worth spending a few days visiting. This travel guide to Ho Chi Minh can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this hectic metropolis! Table of Contents Things to See and Do Typical Costs Suggested Budget Money-Saving Tips Where to Stay How to Get Around When to Go How to Stay Safe Best Places to Book Your Trip Related Blogs on Ho Chi Minh Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ho Chi Minh City 1. Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral The Notre Dame Cathedral is an imposing red brick building built between 1877 and 1883 by the French. At nearly 58 meters 190 feet, the two towers in the front of the cathedral rise above visitors and the neon-lit statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral still functions as a religious site and a major tourist destination, especially after gaining international recognition for a supposed sighting of a teardrop falling from the Virgin Mary statue in 2005. Note The Notre Dame Cathedral is temporarily closed for renovations until 2023. 2. See the Cao Dai Holy See Temple The Cao Dai religion known as Caodaism is relatively new it’s less than 100 years old. It combines the teachings of several religions, including Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. This Cao Dai temple is the main temple for the religion and is hugely ornate and colorful, with a giant globe behind the main altar displaying the religion’s “divine eye” symbol. Entrance is free but there are a few rules to follow when visiting. You will need to enter through the side door instead of the main door and be sure to keep your shoes outside. Men will need to use the door on the right side and women on the left. Most people combine a trip to the temple with the Cu Chi Tunnels excursion. 3. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels Here you can crawl through the extensive network of narrow tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s to fight American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Tours involve a walk-through of the tunnels over 100 meters of tunnels are open to visitors which give you a sense of how the Vietnamese were able to defend their country for so long against a stronger force. It’s a sobering experience and not one for anyone claustrophobic. Tours cost around 350,000 VND. 4. Ascend the Saigon Skydeck For a 360-degree panorama of the city, head to the Saigon Skydeck, one of the tallest buildings in the country. The observation deck is on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower and offers amazing views. Admission costs 200,000 VND and includes a bottle of water. Just check the weather forecast ahead of time. You can also go at night to see the city lit up. Open daily from 930am-930pm. 5. Take a food tour To best learn about the local cuisine, take a tour through Ho Chi Minh’s best foodie neighborhoods. With Street Food Adventure Tours you can safely try lots of street food, including everything from rice vermicelli with BBQ pork to coconut juice and Vietnamese coffee and more!. There are vegan and vegetarian food tours as well. Most of the tours are done via motorbike although there are a few walking tours listed on their website. Tours are typically around 820,000 VND. Just be sure to bring an appetite! Other Things to See and Do in Ho Chi Minh City 1. Get lost in Chinatown Chinatown is a hive of activity and a maze of temples, restaurants, jade ornaments, and medicine shops. Aside from the sprawling Binh Tay Market, you’ll find some fascinating temples in the area including the Chinese Chua Quan Am Temple and Cha Tam, a Catholic cathedral. It’s the biggest Chinatown in the country there are around 500,000 Chinese people living in the city alone. 2. Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum At one point or another, this city museum has been a Governor’s Palace, a committee building, and a Revolutionary Museum. Today, you’ll find a collection of weaponry and memorabilia from the country’s revolutionary struggle as well as captured fighter planes and tanks from the Vietnam War. Located in the former Gia Long Palace, there are some permanent exhibitions along with special exhibitions that rotate on a regular basis check the website for details; it has an English version. Admission costs 30,000 VND plus 20,000 VND if you want to take photos. 3. See the Emperor Jade Pagoda This temple was built in 1909 to honor the supreme Taoist god, Emperor Jade. It’s one of the most impressive pagodas in Vietnam. It’s also referred to as the Tortoise Pagoda and the pond on site is filled with turtles. The building is filled with intricate woodcarvings and statues of divinities and heroes, including Emperor Jade himself. The roof is also covered in detailed tile work showing characters from Buddhist and Taoist legends. 4. Shop at the Ben Thanh Market Though this market in District 1 is crowded and rife with pickpockets, it is the ideal place to pick up some handicrafts, bargain souvenirs, and try some traditional and inexpensive Vietnamese food. It’s the largest market in Vietnam, so get lost in the chaos and enjoy it all. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price since you will be given the “tourist price” on items here. Just keep your wallet secure and out of reach as you wander. 5. Escape to Can Gio Island Also known as Monkey Island, Can Gio Island is popular with tourists and locals looking to escape the chaos of the city. The beaches here aren’t mind-blowing like they are in Thailand, but it’s a cool place to relax and is one of Vietnam’s better islands. The Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve which is where the island is located is a recognized UNESCO site and the island’s monkey sanctuary and mangroves are perfect for wildlife fans. It’s about a two-hour drive to get here and you can take the 75 bus from 23/9 Park. If you don’t feel like navigating the island by yourself, there are tours available for purchase in District 1 that provide transportation. Prices range from 590,000-1,170,000 VND for full-day tours. 6. Unwind in Twenty-Three September Park Formerly the location of the Saigon Railway Station, this park was built in its place after the station was demolished. In the early morning and just after the work day is done, this park is packed with people exercising and playing games. Watch a Tai Chi class, play a game of badminton, or chat with one of the many students who hang out in the area. There is a large underground entertainment complex just below the park and plenty to do nearby. Bring a book and a snack and enjoy the local pace of life. 7. Visit Ba Thien Hau Temple Located in Chinatown, the Ba Thien Hau Temple is a Buddhist temple that was built in 1706 for the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. It’s believed she flies around on a cloud or a mat, rescuing people at sea. The outside of the temple doesn’t look like much but the inside is filled with porcelain figures and the roof is covered in colorful dioramas. On March 23rd of the lunar calendar, you can expect to see celebrations in the form of parades and dancing honoring Lady Thien Hau’s birthday Mazu. 8. Tour the War Remnants Museum This museum has a very “pro-communist, down-with-the-capitalists” bend to it but is nevertheless very interesting. Focused on the Vietnam War, which killed between 1,500,000-3,500,000 people, the museum’s best exhibit is the collection of bombs, tanks, planes, and war machinery, including an American F-5A fighter jet at the front entrance. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND. 9. Take a cooking class For the best souvenir, take a cooking class. It’s a great way to learn new skills, try new dishes, and explore the country’s food culture and history. You can usually combine your cooking class with a market tour as well, allowing you to shop for your own, fresh ingredients before you cook. Tours vary but a quality tour with a local chef usually starts around 800,000 VND. 10. Catch a show at the Opera House The Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best-preserved examples of French colonial architecture in the country Vietnam was annexed by France and under French control for the better part of a century. It was built in 1897 for the opera but now hosts lots of different performances, including ballet, a bamboo circus performance, and Vietnamese traditional dances and plays. Check the website or stop by the front gate to see what’s on during your visit. Ho Chi Minh Travel Costs Hostel prices – Hostels start from 90,000 VND for a room with 8-10 people and 140,000 VND for a bed in a smaller dorm with 4-6 beds. Most hostels offer free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. Private rooms start at around 375,000 VND for a double room, but they average closer to 470,000 VND. Budget hotel prices – Two-star budget hotel starts at around 170,000 VND, but for something a little nicer and less bare bones, 300,000-650,000 VND per night is the average. Expect standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, AC, and TV. Airbnb is also available, with private rooms starting from about 350,000 VND. An entire home/apartment starts at around 800,000 VND. Expect prices to double if you don’t book early. Food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common, as are various soups such as the iconic pho a beef noodle soup. Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread known as bahn me, and grilled fish are just some of the popular dishes you’ll encounter. Standard ingredients include fish sauce, lemongrass, chili, lime, Thai basil, and mint. You get street food for around 25,000 VND or less. Sit-down restaurants are also inexpensive at around 90,000 VND per meal. The backpacker area, Pham Ngu Lao, has a wide range of restaurants worth checking out for good eats. For fast food, expect to pay around 100,000 VND for a combo meal while a large pizza is around 150,000-250,000 VND. If you want to splash out, a three-course meal with a drink costs around 300,000 VND. Beer costs around 24,000 VND while a latte or cappuccino is 50,000 VND. Bottled water is around 7,000 VND. I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss. It really won’t be much cheaper either! Backpacking Ho Chi Minh City Suggested Budgets On a backpacker budget of 515,000 VND per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat street food for all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly cheap activities like museum visits. If you plan on drinking, add another 25,000-50,000 VND to your daily budget. On a mid-range budget of 1,125,000 VND per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out at some restaurants, drink more, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels. On a “luxury” budget of 2,350,000 VND or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, hire a private guide or driver, drink as much as you want, and do whatever tours you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit! You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less you might spend less every day. We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in VND. Accommodation Food Transportation Attractions Average Daily Cost Backpacker 125,000 150,000 120,000 120,000 515,000 Mid-Range 350,000 275,000 250,000 250,000 1,125,000 Luxury 900,000 700,000 350,000 400,000 2,350,000 Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Money-Saving Tips You don’t need to do much to save money in Ho Chi Minh City as it’s super inexpensive to visit. If you stick to local cuisine, cheap guesthouses, and public transportation, you’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money. Nevertheless, here are some additional ways you can cut down your costs Only take metered taxis – Make sure the taxi drivers turn on their meters, otherwise, drivers can rip you off. Better yet, skip them and walk or take the bus as taxi prices add up fast! Ask your hostel staff – Before you leave the hostel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost? How much should you pay to have a custom dress or suit made? They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines so you don’t get ripped off. Eat street food – Street food in Ho Chi Minh City is inexpensive and delicious. Be sure to try a banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich popular in the south. You can find many different kinds of noodle soup at small street stalls for just a couple bucks a day. Enjoy happy hour – The bars in the Pham Ngu Lao area have plenty of Happy Hours, including half-price drinks, cheap cocktails, and buy one get two free! Save money on rideshares – Grab is the Uber equivalent in Asia and is way cheaper than taxis. It’s the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi. Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are one of the best ways to get oriented in a new city. I recommend Saigon Free Day Tours. Just remember to tip your guide at the end! Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is not safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with you. LifeStraw make a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean. How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City Public transportation – Ho Chi Minh City has over 100 different bus routes, and you can reach all major tourist destinations this way. They’re safe and affordable, costing between 3,500-10,000 VND depending on the distance. You’ll pay the driver in cash as you get on the bus. However, if you’re going a short distance, this isn’t the most practical way to travel, as traffic is really bad here so it’s slow to get around. Bicycle – A common way to get around the city is by bicycle, which you can ride easily since the city is so flat. You can rent a bike for about 130,000 VND per day. Some good companies to rent from include Mr. Biker Saigon Saigon Bike Shop The Bike Coffee Cafe Just a note of caution traffic in Ho Chi Minh can be intense, so if you’re not an experienced cyclist, you may want to skip this option. Taxis – Taxis start at around 12,000 VND for the first kilometer and 10,000 VND per kilometer thereafter. Grabbing a taxi from the airport to the center of the city should take about 30-minutes and costs about 200,000-330,000 VND. Do not take unmetered taxis! You can also catch rides from motorcycle taxis for about 10,000 VND per kilometer or about 30,000 VND per short ride. Remember to set the price beforehand and always wear a helmet. Motorcycle taxis get you places the quickest, as they’re able to weave in and out of heavy traffic. Cyclo – Cyclos are like tuk-tuks, except they run completely on man-power. Because cyclos are slow-moving and often a nuisance in traffic, many roads in Ho Chi Minh City are entirely closed off to them. If you choose to go this route, your driver may have to navigate around prohibited roads and may not be able to drop you off right at your address. Because of this, I do not recommend cyclos. Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber. It works the same way you hire a local to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi too. Car rental – I don’t recommend driving here as the traffic here is hectic and the rules of the road don’t exist. When to Go to Ho Chi Minh City The driest months in Ho Chi Minh City are from December to March, making it one of the most popular times to visit. The temperatures are warm during this time, ranging between 21-34°C 70-93°F. If you can, come during the Tet Festival Vietnamese New Year around the end of January or the beginning of February to enjoy the colorful celebrations. Prices are jacked up during this time, however, the city is lively and there are tons of parties and activities. April and May are the hottest months of the year with highs reaching 37°C 99°F. The humidity can make it feel a lot hotter, though. The rainy season lasts from May to September, but as in other parts of Southeast Asia, the downpour doesn’t tend to last long. The days are sunny and warm otherwise. Another thing to note about the monsoon season there are several public holidays during this time that may affect your visit. The most important ones are Vietnam Reunification Day on April 30th, May Day on May 1st, and Vietnam National Day on September 2nd. Shops and restaurants may be closed and public transit is unreliable. How to Stay Safe in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City is a very busy city, but it’s a safe place to visit. Violent crime against travelers is very rare, but petty crime and theft are not. In crowded places, keep your purse/wallet close and be mindful of the activity around you. Don’t keep your cell phone or money in your hand as you’re walking around. Additionally, don’t leave your bags unattended when eating out. Always secure them so someone can’t grab them and run. Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. The standard precautions apply as they do everywhere. For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web that go into more detail. Traffic can be hard to navigate here. Motorbikes are everywhere, and as a pedestrian, crossing the street can be scary. Wait for a break in the traffic before crossing the road, but then don’t slow down or adjust your gait. Just make a beeline to the other side so the drivers can weave around you. Be on the alert for scams. Most are really just cheap attempts to try to nickel and dime you so you’ll need to be vigilant. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here. If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance. Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide The Best Booking ResourcesThese are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals. Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start. Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability. Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia. – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites. Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more! SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road. LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe. Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing. Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Related Articles Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Vietnam travel and continue planning your trip Quick Facts Best Time to Go How Long to Stay What to Expect How to Get There Choose a Tour Style Where to Stay Vietnam has eased its travel restrictions from March 16, 2022. All travelers are exempt from quarantine to visit Vietnam now as long as you're fully vaccinated. As 'the most delicious city' in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City HCMC is suitable for travel all year round. Two to four days is enough to include the most famous tourist spots in the city, and also a trip to the Mekong Delta. As international flights, buses and cruises connect with the city, HCMC has become one of the most popular ports of entry and departure in Vietnam. Quick Facts The months November to April inclusive are the best months to visit. During festival times especially Lunar New Year, Christmas and western New Year, the city is crowded and prices rise. Two to four days' stay is enough for both a city tour and a trip to the Mekong Delta region. A foodie tour is one of the must-do things in HCMC. Guests from Australia, Europe and America will need at least one transit before arriving. There are many international flights from other popular Asian cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. A guided tour to the Mekong Delta region is recommended, for public transport is not too convenient in the region. Most travelers will choose to stay in the 1st District or the 3rd District. Recommended Itinerary positive customer reviews among 10,000+ positive customer reviews among 10,000+ Vietnam & UAE FANTASTIC tour! Thank you Albee Ning! Albee was INCREDIBLE. She arranged a 9-day private tour of both North and South Vietnam. No stone was left unturned a private cruise up the Mekong; excellent hotel reservations; personal, caring tour guides; More Consumer, Jun 2020 We traveled with Asia Highlights… My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful 5 1/2 week trip that was organized by the exceptional Ruby Zhao. We have traveled a lot and Ruby is the VERY BEST AGENT we have ever had! More Lurinda Smith Barton Barnwell, Mar 2020 We satisfied with Asia…Four Great Weeks in China and Viet Nam Asia Highlights was very efficient at advising us on what to see and the best routes to take, but they were also very flexible in integrating our own ideas in regard of travel destinations and accommodations. More Eva and Jim, Oct 2019 Trip to Vietnam with Asia Highlights was well above expectations My 12-day private trip to Vietnam was a very rewarding experience, and every day was fantastic, and well above expectations. My trip was perfectly well prepared and organized by Lissy Syoo from Asia Highlights, More cdietp, May 2019 Repeat Customer We traveled with China Highlights in 2015 and were completely satisfied, so when they emailed that they now were arranging trips to SE Asia we didn't even consider looking at other tour companies. More Terry, Feb 2019 7-Day Vietnam Tour - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang/Hoi An Asia Highlights did a great job planning and executing our family’s trip around Vietnam. We have two young girls and wanted to have a balance of sightseeing and activities so nobody got bored. More Andrew, Jan 2019 We would like to thank Asia Highlights We would like to thank Asia Highlights for a wonderful trip. Lissy was a joy to work with, in planning a vacation that took into account all our interests and was able to give us so much more than we expected. More Victor Cognato, Dec 2018 Vietnam with Asia Highlights Just returned from Vietnam trip arranged by Albee at Asia was very helpful with the arrangements even when I requested multiple changes in the itinerary. More Tom, Oct 2017 Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia… Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia trip via Asia Highlights and had a wonderful experience. The hotels they chosed for us were all very food. the guides were all very professional and spoke good English More Yumin Zheng, Feb 2017 Best Time to Go Ho Chi Minh City is suitable for a visit all year round. The months November to April are probably the most comfortable months to visit. From November to April the weather is cool and dry, suitable for outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit. From May to October it is hot and wet. Rainfall increases sharply but the showers do not last long, and the rain can help by cooling down the temperatures. The peak travel season is in August, when all prices rise steeply. You are strongly recommended to book in advance for August. Festivals Compared to other cities in Vietnam, HCMC is more inclined to embrace western holidays, not simply focusing on traditional holidays such as Lunar New Year and National Day. During Christmas and western New Year, the city is busy and there will be a shortage of rooms and flight tickets, so booking in advance is necessary. Luxury Mekong Cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia How Long to Stay In one or two days, you can have a city tour and take a visit to My Tho the gateway to the Mekong Delta. If you stay for two to four days, we recommend you do the city tour, and later stay a night in the heart of the Mekong Delta, for you can explore the boisterous floating market early the next morning. For a better experience, we sincerely recommend that you stay one night in Can Tho. If you have a week or more, you can extend your trip to Phu Quoc Island. As one of the best beach resorts in Vietnam, the Island will never let you down. Recommended Itinerary What to Expect In the City Scenic Spots The Independence Palace, Central Post Office, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum are landmarks of the city. Shows The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre, only offers three shows Ao Show, the DAR and the Mist. Among these, the Ao Show is not only the most famous, but is also regarded as the best. For the show timetables, you can refer to Saigon Opera House. Activities Motorbike Tour As a motorbike kingdom, a Vespa Motorbike Tour is the last thing you should miss in Vietnam. Not only can you join a city tour by motorbike, but you can also use the motorbike to negotiate the narrow streets and look for delicacies. Saigon River Dinner Cruise This is one of the most popular night activities in HCMC. Although the set menu is not that exceptional, the night views over the river really deserve a try. Night View from the Financial Tower The viewing deck is on the 49th story, but there is also a restaurant on the 51st floor and a cafe on the 52nd. Simultaneously tasting the delicious dishes and enjoying the stunning scenery will be one of the highlights of your stay in HCMC. Food Paradise If you would like to taste the most authentic dishes, joining a Foodie Tour should do the job. Not only will you taste the delicious dishes, but you will also learn from your guide about them and about local life in general. The street food culture in HCMC is popular, and eating street food should be one of the experiences you have here. In addition, there are also many fancy restaurants with both eastern and western menus, which will surely satisfy your stomach. Special Restaurant Recommendation Noir ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor Have you ever eaten in an invisible environment? Have you ever imagined that those who serve you are blind? Dining in Noir will revolutionize your dining experience. When your eyes cannot see, your sense of taste will be stimulated. It will be interesting to guess what food you are putting into your mouth! Around the City Cu Chi Tunnel This will take you back into the time tunnels of the Vietnam War. Since the tunnels are short and it is damp and musty inside, some visitors will feel it is stuffy and uncomfortable as they walk through. But it is definitely an unusual and memorable experience. My Tho The gateway to the Mekong Delta. The easiest way to reach the Mekong Delta area is by joining a day tour from HCMC. Compared to other parts of the Mekong Delta, this is the most commercial area. Vinh Long Located between My Tho and Can Tho, Vinh Long has a lot of small islets awaiting your exploration. Can Tho At the heart of the Mekong Delta. We recommend our guests to stay one night in Can Tho, so they can visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, which is the highlight of Can Tho as well as the whole Mekong Delta area, early the next morning. Chau DocFrom here, you can get to Phnom Penh Cambodia by boat./p> How to Get There Flights The most popular international routes are to and from the capitals of some other Asian countries such as Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and some other popular cities such as Hong Kong, or Shanghai, which can be transit stops for travelers departing from Australia, Europe and America, who need at least one transit before arriving in HCMC. For more information, you can refer to How to Get to Vietnam by Air. Trains or Buses There are no international trains, but international buses run regularly to and from Cambodia. Cruises There are regular cruises traveling along the Mekong River from other Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and even Myanmar. Besides, many international cruises stop at Phu My Port, which is a two-hour drive from downtown HCMC. Shore excursions are very popular. Recommended Itinerary Choose a Tour Style Inside the City If you like to explore by yourself, renting a bike or a motorbike to travel round the city is a very good option. But doing so is not convenient or comfortable during the scorching summer or the rainy season . Outside the City Taking a guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta will be more appropriate than going on your own, due to the inconvenience of public transport. You can either choose a private tour or a group tour. Both are well worth it. Where to Stay Most visitors choose to stay in the 1st District or the 3rd District. [Is this really true? This is the same as Hoi An! ]If your budget is adequate, however, choosing a hotel along the river is also a good option, for you can enjoy the serene environment there and the beautiful view over the river. There are about 252 hotels in the Cho Ben Thanh Market area. The market is in the city center, so it is convenient to go from there to the main attractions by foot. There are also many high-end hotels nearby, but the area near the market is noisy. There are about 193 hotels around the train station or Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral. You can reach the downtown area in about 30 minutes by foot, and it is very convenient. You can choose from 109 hotels in the River District. But the price of the accommodation here is relatively high. It is more suitable for who prefer a quiet environment. Explore Asia with Asia Highlights At Asia Highlights we offer tailor-made tours through Asia, where you can enjoy all highlights as well as amazing cultural experiences. To get started, send us an email. TENSES & PASSIVEShe to Ho Chi Minh city last year. A. goes B. has gone C. go D. wentSince we came here, we a lot of acquaintances. A. have had B. had C. have D. are having he playing football now?A. Will B. Does C. Was D. IsEvery morning, I often sit in my garden and to my nightingale listening B. listen C. listened D. listensShe school when she was start B. started C. has started D. are starting 6 . When I came, an experiment _________in the was being holding B. has been held C. was being held D. has held7. I will contact you as soon as I the will get B. get C. got D. had gotIf he's late again, I very am going to be B. will be C. would be D. amA “The phone is ringing” B. “ I it”.A. answer B. will answer C. have answered D. will be answeringYesterday, I for work late because I to set my had left / forgot B. was leaving / was forgettingC. left / had forgotten D. had been leaving / would forgetBy the time we _ to the train station, Susan for us for more than two will get / has been waiting B. got / was waitingC. got / had been waiting D. get / will waitWhile her brother was in the army, Sarah to him twice a was writing B. wrote C. has written D. had writtenThe Titanic the Atlantic when it an was crossing / struck B. had crossed / was strikingC. crossed / had struck D. is crossing / strikesIn the 19th century, it two or three months to cross North America by covered took B. had taken C. had taken D. was takingLast night at this time, they the same thing. She and he the are not doing / is cooking / is reading B. were not doing / was cooking / was readingC. was not doing / has cooked / is reading D. had not done / was cooking /read 16. After he his English course, he went to England to continue his finish B. finishes C. finished D. had finished17. This exercise may__________ with a be written B. be to write C. be writing D. write 18. This picture___________by Johnny when I painted B. was painted C. was being painted D. had been painted RELATIVE CLAUSE1. I couldn't remember the time there was no what B. who C. which D. when2. The restaurant we had our dinner was the most expensive in this where B. which C. when D. that 3. The top model about I was telling you is on TV who B. which C. that D. whom 4. Are you the student mother called me yesterday?A. whose B. who C. that D. when 5. Mary, has only been in Japan for 3 months, speaks Japanese that B. whom C. which D. Who 6. Who is your daughter? She is the child has long, straight whose B. who C. which D. when 7. I don't think my ex-girl friend will remember the day we saw each other for the first which B. on which C. at which D. why 8. August is the month I always give my birthday which B. in which C. what D. why 9. The purse she had lost last week was found which B. what C. whose D. whom 10. The old lady _ we were travelling told us her life of whom B. with whom C. whose D. whom 11. She says the exam, she took yesterday, was full of hard which B. of which C. whom D. of whose 12. I called my cousin, is a mechanic, to fix my car, was who/ which B. that/ all of which C. who/ all of which D. who/ what 13. My only blue tie, Richard wants to wear, is really an expensive that B. whose C. which D. whom 14. This is the village my family and I lived for six in which B. that C. on which D. in where 15. She is a famous actress everybody to whom B. whom C. to which D. of whom 16. The food I like best of all is pie who B. whose C. whom D. that 17. Justine, parents live in Christchurch, has gone to whom B. which C. to whom D. whose 18. The old building was behind the local church fell of which B. which C. whose D. whom V+ to-V/V-ingIt takes me ten minutes to school every walking B. to walk C. walk D. walkedWe expect him arrive B. arriving C. to arrive D. will arriveWould you mind not the radio on until I’ve finished with this phone call?A. turning B. to turn C. being turned D. to be turnedWould you like to my birthday party?A. coming B. come C. came D. to comeI tried the bus, but I missed catch B. catching C. to catch D. caughtEveryday I spend two hours speaking practise B. to practise C. practising D. practisedTommy admitted the rock through the throwing B. being throwing C. to throw D. to be thrownHe suggested a double railway to build B. built C. building D. that buildingThe children stopped games when their mother came playing B. play C. to play D. playedI can’t go on here any more. I want a different working B. to work C. work D. workedMy uncle has given up for 3 to smoke B. smoking C. smoke D. smokedRemember Lan a present because today is her send B. sending C. to send D. sentIt’s not good to avoid the teacher’s questions in answer B. answering C. answered D. to answerDoes Dr Johnson mind at home if his patients need his help?A. to call B. to be called C. calling D. being calledWe hope that the students themselves will enjoy part in the to take B. taking C. to be taken D. being takenYour house needs . A. redecorate B. redecorating C. redecorated D. to redecoratePlease wait a minute. My boss is busy something. A. to write B. write C. wrote D. writingIt is no good sorry for yourself. A. to feel B. feeling C. feel D. FeltCOMPARISONSMr. Brown receives a prize than anyone else in the big B. more bigger C. bigger D. the biggerMy young brother grew very quickly and soon he was my more big than B. so big than C. as big as D. too big thanHe is not tall as his the B. as C. than D. moreJohn’s grades are than his sister’ higher B. more high C. high D. the highestDeana is the of the three most short B. shorter C. shortest D. more shortShe speaks English as as her friend good B. well C. better D. the bestOf the three shirts, this one is the ………………… .A. prettier B. most prettiest C. prettiest D. most prettyThe baby’s illness is than we thought at bad B. worst C. worse D. badlyToday is the day of the hot B. hotter C. hottest D. hottest than 10 He works more than slow B. slowly C. slowest D. most slowlyMy book is as as good B. well C. better D. the bestI love you than I can much B. many C. more D. the mostIt’s to go by bus than by cheaper B. cheapest C. more cheap D. more cheaperThat house is one on the street. A. oldest B. the oldest 15. I can't cook as well as my mother oldD. olderA. My mother can cook better than I can. B. My mother can't cook better than I My mother can cook well than I can. 16. My interview lasted longer than yours. D. I can cook better than my mother Your interview wasn’t as short as mine. B. Your interview was shorter than interview was as long as Your interview was longer than ÔN SỐ 2 Exercise 1 Find and correct one mistake in each sentenceWhen I walk past the park, I saw some children play football. A B C DAfter John eaten dinner, he wrote several letters and went to bed. A B C DWhat did you do at 9 o'clock last night? I phoned you but nobody answered. A B C DWhen I arrived at the station, the train has already left. A B C DAnn and Susan have known each other during they were at B C DShe has disappeared three days ago, and they are still looking for her now. A B C DAfter Mrs. Wang had returned to her house from work, she was cooking dinnerA B C D It’s the first time

she to ho chi minh city last year