Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: A 3-Day Trip
That Time New Year's Eve Turned Into A Rave
So we went to Vietnam for our honeymoon. Everyone thought we were insane, but we loved it.
We can hear you through the screen. You’re shouting at us and think we’re really weird. And you’re right. But – if you bear with us – you’ll see that had a really great time and have a bunch of awesome recommendations. We saw a lot, ate delicious food, and even found time to relax by the beach.
We landed in Ho Chi Minh city before making our way to the top of the country, stopping off at various points along the way. But let’s start from the beginning.
Of course, Ho Chi Minh is known for the Củ Chi tunnels but there’s much more to it than that. For one, everyone we met was remarkably friendly. One evening, Fatima and I were in a park and someone was shouting at us and pointing at the floor. Apparently, Fatima had dropped a bracelet and they were making sure she didn’t leave it behind (this would never happen in London)!
Afternoon tea full of goodies
There were some pretty spectacular highlights, for both of us. Something we both remember is the smell of the drink we were first given when we arrived at our hotel. It was a mixture of sugar, lemon and a seriously addictive ingredient we’re still trying to discover. It was obvious right from the start that hospitality in Vietnam is incredible.
Another was definitely the Củ Chi tunnels. We travelled about an hour and a half outside of the city and learned about how the tunnels were used during the Vietnam War.
We also got to crawl through them, and got a really fascinating insight into how communities lived together underground for so many years. They managed to ensure there were classrooms for the children, and kitchen to cook food, all while fighting for survival.
On the same day, we visited the gorgeous Mekong Delta, where Fatima was incredibly excited to sit in a boat on the Delta wearing a Vietnamese hat. (We bought about 4 of these hats during the trip, I cannot downplay just how excited Fatima was about these hats!) Tip: Don’t pay more than $1.50 for a hat.
But what we were probably both more excited about was New Years Eve in the main city. I proposed to Fatima on NYE the year before and we wanted to celebrate in a similar fashion.
We had heard the fireworks were going to be spectacular, but what we didn’t foresee was the insane night that would unfold. We got to the central square, near the Ben Thanh night market, at about 930pm, where we saw what looked like a live family-friendly talent show. We nipped out for a quick coffee and just 45 minutes later, re-emerged to find that the whole area had turned into an all-out rave. We’re talking glow sticks, and lasers – the whole shebang. If you’re thinking about an end-of-year trip to Vietnam, definitely start in Ho Chi Minh.
Other places to visit and some tips:
We spent three days in the city and managed to see most of the key attractions, so don’t feel the need to spend too much time there if you’re rushing to venture around the country.
Architecture in the city is incredible. It ranges from the traditional (and there are lots of parks) to more iconic French architecture from the colonial era. You’ll see this in the opera house and surrounding areas, where you’ll also be able to go shopping at familiar retailers.
You’ll need to buy tickets to see a show at the opera house ahead of time. There was an acrobatic show while we were in the city.
Try the Vietnamese coffee. It’s something of an acquired taste and is incredibly strong but you don’t want to miss out. You’ll find it in coffee shops and also at small huts along the road.
Want some pampering? Manicures are super cheap.
Food
Before we went to the Mekong Delta, we went to a restaurant where we had a four-course Vietnamese meal. If you don’t go there, make sure you sure the sticky fried rice ball. It comes to your table as a massive egg and then its cut up in front of you – and it tastes amazing.
If you want a break from the local cuisine, Pizza 4P’s did great food. It was also right by our hotel, in Bến Nghé (district 1), which was convenient for walking to the central areas.
For those missing halal food, head to the Ben Thanh market. There’s one road, which was full of halal restaurants – and some shops dedicated to hijabs and abayas!
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