by Nisha Kumar

Created on: March 20, 2009

THE SAIGON EXPERIENCE

TEASER: The plan was a short weekend getaway; some shopping, lots of eating and even more sleeping. But Saigon turned out to be much more than bargain hunting and good food. At the end of it, I came back home more tired and sore than when I left. So much for a restful weekend... But the experience was worth the pain endured. Read on to find out more.

The author had to break from her tradition of dorming it this time as it was her birthday weekend and she was with a special someone. So apologies on no hostel recommendations. But she did manage to stay true to her tradition of being as cheap as possible no matter what the situation. At US$13/pax a night, Nguyen Khang Hotel was the closest to dirt cheap without compromising on privacy. But the homely environment (no shoes beyond the reception) and the friendly staff (pretty Tho by day and cheerful Lang by night) came as bonuses. The hotel is also located along the backpackers district of Pham Ngu Lao, perfect for in-city sightseeing and booking of out-of-city tours.

After a little bit of a sleep-in the next morning, it was decided that it was time to experience Saigon during its waking hours. To her disappointment, she could not rent a bike and join the millions of other motorists on the roads (Not having a license was never an issue before!). This turned out to be a blessing in disguise though. Having been a mere pedestrian on the streets of Saigon was a dangerous enough affair, don't think she would have survived on a set of wheels.

Armed with an A4-sized map of city, they started their day long walking tour of the city which included Binh Tay Market, the War Museum and the Reunification Palace.

Binh Tay was really great for souvenir shopping if you can handle the aggressive vendors. The cramped aisles of the clothing stalls especially provided no means of escape when they resort to shouting loudly and sometimes even physically restraining you. But if you live to tell the tale, it's an experience worth having for the sake of the great bargains.

The War Museum, true to its name, was filled with an assortment of war paraphernalia including military tanks, wax figurines of dead people and even a basement bomb shelter. Strangely still were the couples were having their wedding pictures taken there.

For some unexplainable reason, the author was expecting the Reunification Palace to be in ruins. This is what happens when one does not do research beforehand perhaps. So you can well imagine her disbelief

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