Ho Chi Minh city formerly known as Saigon is a very vibrant metropolis and commercial capital of Socialist Republic Vietnam.Vietnam is the 65th largest country in the world, covering about 331,689 square kilometers.
However, the massive Vietnam population 90,549,390 (July 2011 est.) , makes it the 14th most populous country in the world.
Thailand ranked 20th with a population of 66,720,153.
Compared to China where bicycles swarmed the street,over here in Ho Chi Minh city motorcyclist zoomed all over the roads even during off peak hours.
A food stall vendor transporting his wares on a tricycle cart gets his priority against all the super fast machines.
Well he must be a "Pho" vendor. Pho is the closest thing Vietnam has to a national dish, originally from Hanoi; this hearty noodle soup is very famous and one must never miss this while in Vietnam.
As the sunset in the horizon,the sidewalks of the city emerges with a new set of activities especially the street food vendors.
Vietnam’s street food are some of the best in the world.
The Sorya bus from Phnom Penh stopped across its main office along Pham Ngu Lao Street.
It was already 5:30pm and the whole area was bustling with all sorts of activities.
A park is just beside the main street.
Along this road were many travel and bus ticketing agencies.
Crossing the road is quite hazardous as one has to tackle with the oncoming vehicles on both sides.Heading towards De Tham Street were many guesthouses which were popularly recommended on travel websites.Don't forget to walk into the alleys which even have more budget hostels.
A shop selling Vietnamese flags and insignias along Pham Ngu Lao Street.
The flag of Vietnam, also known as the "red flag with yellow star"
Saigon was a French colony from 1862 to 1954. Japan occupied Vietnam in 1941-1945.
In March 1945, the Japanese deposed the French colonial authorities and proclaimed an Empire of Vietnam with Bao Dai as emperor. At that time Vietnam was also called Annam with its capital at Hue.
In this photo,another 5 minutes walk from where most cross borders buses stop is the Benthanh Market.
Pham Ngu Lao was a prominent general in battlefield of the Dai Viet Army so this street was named after him.
The history of Vietnam begins over 2,700 years ago.
By far Vietnam's most important historical international relationship has been with China. During World War II, Imperial Japan expelled the French to occupy Vietnam, though they retained French administrators during their occupation.
After the war, France attempted to re-establish its colonial rule but ultimately failed in the First Indochina War.
The Geneva Accords partitioned the country in two with a promise of democratic election to reunite the country.
However, rather than peaceful reunification, partition led to the Vietnam War.
During this time, the People's Republic of China and the Soviet Union supported the North while the United States supported the South.The war ended with the fall of Saigon to the North in April 1975.
De Tham Street is the first lane off Pham Ngu Lao and midway is the Bui Vien St junction.
Travelers all over the world will converge in these two roads where there were many bars,guesthouses,hotels ,tour companies,open air bars and food stalls.
It has a similarity to that of Khao San Road in Bangkok except that there were no night market stalls
During the night the streets were fantastically very lively.
Crazy Buffalo Saigon Restaurant and Bar at the corner of DeTham & Bui Vien Street off Pham Ngu Lao main street.
A big red crazy club with beer and booze and music 24/7 days a week.
Located right in the heart of the 'Backpacker Area' This Restaurant and bar is a hot spot amongst backpackers, locals and expats.
Along De Tham Street,same row across Crazy Bull Restaurant is the Sinh Tourist Office.
Located right in the heart of the 'Backpacker Area' This Restaurant and bar is a hot spot amongst backpackers, locals and expats.
Along De Tham Street,same row across Crazy Bull Restaurant is the Sinh Tourist Office.
This is a very popular tour booking office which is unusually pack with travellers even during the night.
They have reasonable cheap tour packages within Vietnam as well as bus services to Dalat,Nha Trang,Danang,Hoi An Hue,Hanoi and Halong.
Headoffice address:
246 - 248 De Tham Str., Dist.1, HHCM
Tel: +84.8.38389593
Fax: +84.8.38369322
Email: info@thesinhtourist.vn Website: http://www.thesinhtourist.vn/
Hotels and guesthouses along the main street are slightly higher in room rates and easily being fully booked.
Email: info@thesinhtourist.vn Website: http://www.thesinhtourist.vn/
Hotels and guesthouses along the main street are slightly higher in room rates and easily being fully booked.
By venturing into this narrow alleys and backlanes off Bui Vien Street you'll be surprised to see a large section of the community live inside and as many as about 20 guesthouses similar to that of a homestay were available.
This hawker stall operates in the evening selling Vietnamese noodle called Pho and is quite popular among the locals.There is limited sitting tables as the alley entrance is shared with motorcycles going back to their community.
Most of the buildings here are 5 storey high and the only air flow that can be felt is along the alley's corridor.
Many of the housing blocks here have room to let.
Stayed at Phuong Van Guesthouse.
84/12,Bui Vien Dtreet,Pham Ngu Lao Ward District 1.
Ho Chi Minh City.
Tel:(84-8)22100754 H/p:0906 613 567
email:dungkhanhvan_hcm@yahoo.com.vn
Imagine a single bed fan room for USD7.00 per night.
This is far much better than staying in a dorm with the same price as noted in some travel sites.
Imagine a single bed fan room for USD7.00 per night.
This is far much better than staying in a dorm with the same price as noted in some travel sites.
It is family owned and the rooms are very clean and tidy.Towel,a small piece of soap and disposable toothbrush are provided minus the toilet rolls.
Satellite tv channels and free in house wi-fi is also provided.
I was given the first floor which has 2 fan rooms in a row,while aircond room is on the 3rd and 4th floor.
Travellers have to walk up the very narrow staircase as there isn't any lift.
Travellers have to walk up the very narrow staircase as there isn't any lift.
A western toilet with hot shower.
The lady owner's grandson by the name of Hom is a fluent English speaker who graduated from the University of Dalat majoring in Business English.
He'll be available in the evening after his office work as a land surveyor.During the day,his elder sister will be manning the reception.
A view of the narrow alley where the community live.The local community are very closely knit and with this type of 4 or 5 storey building,olden days Vietnamese must have live in a multifamily in the same building block.
