saigon tours_2"saigon tours" any 3 day tours in saigon?
3 days down the ho chi mihn trail
I don't know about any tours in Sai Gon which explore the HCM trail and I'd be a little wary of anyone offering one. The HCM trail was not one trail. It was a series of routes ranging from foot paths to macadam roads. Once the NVA approached the South Vietnamese border, they would usually cross over into Laos and then down to Cambodia in order to make it politically difficult for the US to circumvent their supply lines. So basically, the HCM trail rarely existed in S. Vietnam. It wasn't like a fixed road or trail, something like that would have been exceedingly easy to destroy. If you're interested in war history, there are plenty of places in and around Sai Gon to see, as you may notice when you land at Tan Son Nhut airport. (that was the main US airbase). Also, the former American Embassy is now a war museum, and a couple of blocks away, the former presidential palace is open to the public, the Rex Hotel was the Headquarters of MACV and the Cu Chi Tunnels can be explored via a day tour leaving from many tour vendors in Sai Gon. Enjoy your trip.
"Saigon war tour" Feeandpete's photos around Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
saigon tours vietnam"saigon tours vietnam" Is there a nice beach resort near Saigon?
Following a tour of Cambodia and Vietnam this summer I would like to spend 2 or 3 days relaxing on a beach, preferably near Saigon as that as where the tour ends and where I'll be flying home from. Can anyone recommend a picturesque, relatively quiet resort that is not overly touristy.
Vung Tau, while very close to Saigon has a beach that is a real tragedy. The Government have built heaps of high class resorts and hotels close to the b each, but almost none are actually on the beach. You will need to cross the road, but that is not the problem. The Saigon River receives untreated raw sewage and also is prone to large amounts of domestic wast. This sweeps out to sea, but much of it washes up on the beach. Also, not too far off shore is a combination of oil rigs and major shipping lanes. The result is the oil that ends up on the Vung Tau beaches. It is not particularly cheap to eat or shop, and the resorts/hotels jump the prices on weekends and for foreigners. Sadly, Vung Tau is also a town favored by pedophiles. Garry Glitter got arrested there and spent time in jail for his activities with 12 and 13 year old girls. He is not the only one. Going to Vung Tau by bus can take as much as 2 and a half hours subject to traffic. The quickest is to take the hydrofoil down the Saigon River. Costs about $9 each way.
Best close beaches as per your description is undoubtedly at Mui Nei. $4 - $8 by bus each way. They advertise it as 4 hours each way, but heavy traffic can slow it down to as much as six hours to travel the 210 kilometres. At Mui Nei, there is a string of resorts to suit all price ranges with most on the beach. The beaches are clean. You can either laze around or get into the many activities such as para-sailing and windsurfing. Go the short distance north to the fishing village and invite yourself of a fishing boat and head out to sea. Most will charge you nothing if you give them a hand with the nets, and you get the freshest sea food possible. You can stay at 3 star resorts for as low as $15 a night to over $50.
The best of all of the Mui Nei resorts is possibly 4 star "Sailing Club" which is around $45 and up each night, and owned by an Australian.
If you get sick of the beach, a short drive north is the giant sand dunes. You can visit alone on a rental motorbike, or jump in a organised jeep tour.
A little south of Mui Nei is the small city of Phan Thiet. The markets there offer you very cheap shopping, compared to what you can find in Saigon. Phan Thiet also has some neat history. You can visit the ancient, but well preserved Cham Ruins half way between Phan Thiet and Mui Nei. Also, Phan Theit is the site of a massacre just prior to the escalation that pretty much marked the start of the Vietnam War. South Vietnamese militia believed to have been under direction of the corrupt South Vietnam Government stormed in killing many civilian farmers. Estimates are between 50 and 200. It was said that this was the nail in the coffin that lead Ho Chi Minh to re-commence aggression. It was an event that was largely kept secret.
Any way, I digress.... another option is to take the train from Saigon to Phan Thiet, then take a taxi bus or motorbike to Mui Nei.
Vung Tau beaches on weekends are packed with Saigon locals, while Mui Nei, even when the resorts are fully booked out, offers you wide quiet clean beaches. And, I can not recommend high enough to try the huge fresh Tiger Prawns. They are close to the size of a Maine Lobster (about 4 to the pound or 7 to the kilo). Shop around and you will find some restaurants that will serve you a plate of fresh prawns for under $10, some as cheap as $5.
saigon tours_3"saigon tours" Help! What is the best way to experience Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnan in 9 Days?
3 male friends will be flying into Bangkok on Friday, Nov 12th arriving late afternoon. We will be staying in the region until Sunday Nov 21. We WANT to go to visit all the 3 countries and want to hear from people who've done this before. Please refrain from opinions or suggestions on the list of countries. I want to hear about logistics of transportation, accommodations, MUST see places. One thing I'm struggling right now is the direction of the tour - Thai > Cambodia > Viet or the opposite. (we can fly to HCM City/Saigon as we arrive and work r way to Bangkok)
Train vs bus vs flying.
Somewhat of budget. We don't need really expensive hotels, but we also don't want to share a bathroom with others (including insects!!)
Is someone can please provide or direct me to the right track I appreciate it. I want to have an itinerary no later than this weekend...
Thank you all!!
I have been to these 3 countries. Bus is the best way for you. From Bankok to Phnom Penh takes 10hrs from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh takes 6hrs. I think you should fly to Bankok. Visit there for 2 might and take a bus to Siem Reap. Stay a night in siem reap and continue your trip to phnom penh then from phnom penh to ho chi minh. 9 days is too short. You'll miss a lot of wonderful places you should see it these 3 countries.
saigon tours_4"saigon tours" Is the play Ms Saigon still showing anywhere, or touring?
Or is it completely ended? All of a sudden, my mom said she missed this play and wanted to see it. I am afraid it is not playing anymore, anywhere. Any info? tagsmomm : I assume the play in Korea is in their language? Then I my mom won't understand.
Maybe the Atlanta run instead?
There's also a regional production at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta next year. My mom loves that show too ever since she saw the origional cast in West End.
saigon tours"saigon tours" When is Miss Saigon coming back to the UK?
It's gone on world tour. Is it coming back to England and if so, when?!
If it's gone on a world tour, that usually means it doesn't come back. Many shows have been on "world tours", and that's the last you see of them, unfortunately. Starlight Express went on a "world tour" and never returned to the UK, as did Sunset Boulevard.
