both of them are ok. Ho Chi Minh city is formal name. In the past it was called Saigon.
http://www.vietnamliving.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=59
Welcome to the big city. Saigon is your dose of bustle and color. Here life is frantic and on the go yet retains its quintessential charm with modest European colonial structures blending in with architecture from the Orient. Morning is when a lot of the action happens and if you're an early bird and itching for some authentic Saigon life, then you've come to the right place.
Good morning! Rise and shine. Don't press that snooze button! Every minute is valuable here. Hit the showers and head on out right when the sun is about to rise up from the horizon. The traffic is light at this hour and your local form of transport (an open style van with no air-con) will allow you to be fully immersed in the atmosphere of the city.
Watch the locals performing their early morning routines at Tao Dan Park. Seeing these guys performing Tai Chi in perfect form and coordination is quite an amazing sight. Badminton is also a game enjoyed by the masses and you too can watch a game or two unfolding.
Here is the fun part, the morning market. You'll really get a sense of the local atmosphere as early morning folks shop for fresh produce such as live seafood, dried meats, fresh seasonal vegetables and homeware goods. It can get quite colorful and atmospheric, but that's how you like it, right?
Seeing all that food is making your stomach growl? And right on cue. Head over to Pho 24 Restaurant. That's right, Vietnam's favorite soup dish is here for you to savor. Finish up the morning with a café sua da in one of the city's busiest coffee houses. A legacy of the French, coffee houses are a poplar meeting spot for local students, the business set, artists and the trendsetters of the city – a great place to just watch people!
There you have it, Saigon by morning. But we are just getting warmed up. And there's still a whole day to explore Saigon. The city's got a whole list of sites to see. And see them you can, with our exclusive Hanoi Escape tour.
Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator in Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect inspirational tours as well as customized programs in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia and Japan at the best possible price. Your experience guarantees stops to the main sites as well as the hidden spots, giving you a true sense of the culture and rewarding you with unforgettable memories.
Hi There,
We are looking to travel to Vietnam on Sept 08. We will fly into Hanoi make our way down to Saigon then go across to Cambodia. I'm just not sure how much money I need to budget for food and accomadition per day. We plan to stay in 3 star hotels. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
i was there last year spring with 3 other friends.
traveling around vietnam can be quite cheap.
we spent USD 280 per person for one week long including hotel (based share 2 people per room), excursions, foods, local transport etc.
3 stars hotel will cost you around USD 30-50/night.
and food it's pretty cheap.
For big dinner meal we spent USD 25/4 people (incl.bier)
Good luck
