Vietnam 
It was my first time at this part of SEA last December, 2015 and I couldn't be more glad to embrace this gem of  a land which has been through so much since the Vietnam War history — the history, food, culture, everything. We traveled round via taxis everywhere and there wasn't much of a problem. Taxis are the most convenient way for tourists and not expensive, unless you choose to ride a rental scooter. Public buses are unreliable and you might be spending too much time waiting, so that was out the question.  

1. Ben Thanh Market 

Ben Thanh Market is just down the street from our hotel at Thien Xuan Hotel and we heard there are many shopping to be done! However in the end we mainly bought food stuff and some souvenirs. Shopping for clothing or bags? I would say no.  

Kopi Galore

There are no shortage as to the kind of coffee powder or beans you can find at this 

Below are the Beef Noodle Soup and Chicken Noodle Soup akin to Pho.
Soupy and light.

Eat: Mixed Fried Noodle

This mixed fried noodle ( more like bee hoon) is anything but stir-fried and looks more like the dry version of  our local Yong Tau Foo with it's sweet sauce an all, minus the ingredients..
The toppings and ingredients were, very simply, char siew, prawns and fishballs. Taste? Sweet and spicy with the chili but didn't made much of an impression. 

Spring rolls need no introduction with its mixed of veges rolled in rice sheets. 

2. Independence Palace ( Reunification Palace)

A significant landmark of Ho Chi Minh, this was the home and workplace of the South Vietnam President during the Vietnam War. Needless to mention, the whole compound was humongous

Entrance 30,000 VND/head.

Stepped inside to the house where history unfolded. 

The conference hall was where important speeches were read and where revolution raised. 

4. Saigon Central Post Office

Just next to the cathedral is the bright cherry yellow building where you can post your love worldwide. The Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn. I was definitely ecstatic to have come across this magnificent, beautifully restored building in golden yellow, dedicated as the central post office. 
What accounts for the stunning carvings and curves is the influence from Renaissance and French influences.

2 gigantic maps of such hang on the high walls depicting Southern Vietnam and Cambodia and another showing greater Saigon and its surroundings with world clocks adorning the walls

Children on excursion to the central post office and eagerly posting their letters. 

So adorable.

Of course I sent tons of cards back to Singapore too! 

Vietnamese Coffee Brew

Just round the corner opposite from the post office where the bars and cafes are, you can rest your feet and grab a bite

Drip Coffee is definitely a must-try at Vietnam. Such luxurious time spent waiting is definitely something we can do so often in Singapore. Watch whilst the coffee brew concentrate drips slowly but surely into the glass, which can be filled with condensed milk or likewise.
Have it hot or cold with ice added thereafter the drip completes

5. Ho Chi Minh City Hall

One of the most beautiful part of HCM has to be downtown City hall. Looking exceptionally dazzling in the night when the yellow-golden building shines and with a perfectly mowed lawn in the garden front, tons of locals and foreigners flocked to take photos at this beautiful place — day or night. 

Looking around, you will be able to spot high-end departmental stores and grand luxe hotels are, with such disparity versus the common streets.

Because it was Christmas... =)

6. Saigon Opera House

In the opera house, catch a performance. We caught the A O My Village which just so happened to be showing. It was, in my opinion the best choice ever and money well-spent. The tickets were not cheap even as we chose the back-end seats but the performance with its exhilarating sounds and movements was a sensory enough experience.The story presents life in Northern Vietnamese village life recreated with scenes of Bamboo, breath-taking dances and music. Not much tickets were left on the spot as we just tried out luck. For the more serious ones, perhaps you would like to try booking online.                                                        

Thanks for reading!
More to follow on my Vietnam Trip coming up~~~