Exactly seven years ago today, I embarked on a Malaysia-Cambodia-Vietnam sojourn. Let me zero in on Vietnam as I recently received inquiries from friends as to where to go for shopping and dining in Ho Chi Minh City, visa requirements, Visa on Arrival services, a good place to stay, and other information they would need for a travel to Vietnam.
I gladly responded to their queries and pointed out certain places that they can also include in their itinerary. I also shared some of my favorite attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, which are:
1.) District 1
This is the backpackers’ area. There are rows of hotels and inns, as well as tour agencies and operators, shops, and restaurants. There is a large park where one can walk around and watch the local scene before you.
2.) People’s Committee Hall
The building is quite impressive, with a touch of European (probably French) architecture and design. The statue of Vietnamese leader, Ho Chi Minh, can be found in front of the building. The hall’s façade is intricate, with arches and relief carvings.
3.) Notre Dame Cathedral
A short walk from the People’s Committee Hall is this beautiful cathedral, with the peaceful image of the Regina Pacis. The cathedral has similar architectural style as those of the churches in Europe.
4.) Ben Thanh Market
This is a shopper’s haven where you can find most of the local goods. It is spacious with many stalls selling different kinds of items.
We also visited the war museum and explored the city on foot. Just be careful when you cross the street as there are motorbikes everywhere. Be on the lookout for North Face and Kipling bags at a good bargain! You can read my post on Ho Chi Minh City for details of my trip there.
Incidentally, another group of friends went to Hanoi and Halong Bay a few weeks back, which I still need to visit soon. This made me think of the various attractions in Vietnam that I still have to see and experience myself:
- Halong Bay
- Hanoi (and its old French quarters)
- Hoi An (and the ancient city there)
- Hue (the former Imperial capital)
- Phong Nha-Ke Bang
But I’m not worrying when I can next visit Vietnam because traveling to this country is a breeze, based on my experience like when we crossed the border to Vietnam, as we didn’t need to have visa as tourists. But that was because we belong to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) wherein entry visa requirements are waived among member nations. Now, how about those outside of ASEAN who wants to visit Vietnam?
The good news is that for those going to Vietnam by air, there is a Visa On Arrival Service, which you can easily access online. Application is very convenient and time-saving as you don’t have to line up and go through the bureaucracy to get your visa approved. Even those who have availed of such service speak of how easy it was for them and left their reviews in the Vietnam-visa Facebook page.
Among its advantages is that there is minimum visa refusal risks, plus there is legitimacy and trustworthiness. The fees are also reasonable, most especially with the newly approved stamping fee by the Vietnam Ministry of Finance, Visa on Arrival fee can even be reduced.
For more details, visit http://www.vietnam-visa.com/ where you can also chat with their staff members who can assist you with your queries and visa application concerns.
You can also contact their office at +84.946.583.583, or +84.437.925.339 (ext. 221), or +1 (559) 922-2468 (Ext. 1), or e-mail them at [email protected].
That’s a really detailed post on where to go in Vietnam depending on what you’re planning to do. I love that there’s a place where all the inns and hotels are, so it’s easier to choose. It’s good to know that traveling here is quite easy and that you can apply online.
First time I’ve heard of a country offering Visa On Arrival. Maybe my Mom would like to visit Vietnam this year!
I’ve never thought about visiting Vietnam before and I love how detailed your post is. Now if I ever decide to visit, I’ll know where to stay, where to go and what to do. Thank you.
What a beautiful city to visit! The photos make it all so inviting and excited for new travelers.
I loved Vietnam! Possibly one of my favorite countries. I enjoyed the northern side more. I also loved Hoi An.
I was able to visit Vietnam a few years ago. We were lucky enough to have our hotel situated near Notre Dame and the post office as we were able to roam around the area even for our short visit.
Vietnam is one of the few places that have Visa on arrival. It’s so convenient! 😀
I had also been able to see Ho Chi Minh City as well. Agree with your description of Ben Tahn Market. I do not like bargaining though, so my wife will like it better.
Visa on arrival is an excellent way to promote tourism.. Thanks for this detailed post!
I don’t think I know anyone who has been. I have heard people online though, saying how lovely it is in person!
Vietnam is a beautiful place and many new things on explore. Actually many countries are giving visa on arrival.
Beautiful clicks of a beautiful country. This visa-on-arrival system makes travelling so easy.
I’ve went to Vietnam Ho Chi Min once but I didn’t know that these places need Visa on Arrival. Thanks for providing the information! Really helpful!
For ASEAN countries like Singapore and the Philippines, there’s no need for a visa to Vietnam. 🙂
vietnam is still on my to visit list. i need to go explore the country at some point in my life
I’ve always thought that being an ASEn member country is such a privilege because of the visa free entry. I’d love to go to Vietnam next and already noting your suggestions.
Combination of inn and hotels within the same proximity is cool. I like the idea of that. I feel traveling to Vietnam has been made easy with Visa. Can I apply from Lagos, Nigeria? I’d like to visit Vietnam, Cambodia also.
You can probably check on the link on the Vietnam visa that is in my post. They can assist you with your queries and requirements. 🙂