Chu Chi Visitors' Tunnel (Jan 2007)

Entrance fee is 75000 dong, about USD 4.6.

Joined a short half-day trip which cost USD 11. Our travel guide was come from a South Vietnam Soldier's family, but he tried not to side any parties for the history story telling - Viet-Kong and South Vietnam Soldier. On the way to Chu Chi, we stopped by a painting factory (egg shell or shell drawing). According to the guide, those people are the descendant of "Orange" victims. A medium size painting sold for USD30-40 (we found the same painting in An Dong market for USD 1.8).

At Chu Chi, I tried the visitor's tunnel, it is about 15m long. Pregnant woman, please don't try. Also, if you daring enough, try it on your own. I followed a group of visitors, crawling in the darkness. There are some guide dim light served as guide a long the way. But you still won't know whether the tunnel is heading down and up, until you knock your head or slipped down.

Really an unforgettable experience, must try.

HCM City Chinatown: Binh Tay Market at Cholon, District 5 (Jan 2007)

From Bui Vein street (backpacker area), we took a cab down to Binh Tay (refer to picture), with full of expectation to get cheaper goods than Ben Thanh Market. It costs us 46000 dong (about USD 3). According to the taxi driver, it is the biggest market in Ho Chi Minh.

Yes, it is big, but it is not a good place for you if you intend to buy only small volume.

Basically it sells all items except souvenirs (which were what we looked for). We were looking for key chains, egg shell lacquer paintings and wood carving. They do not have that.

You can see people carrying boxes of goods running around. I think this place is a reseller center rather than normal open market.

Address: Cholon, District 5 (Chinatown)

Directions: Take a metered cab. From Bui Vuin / Pham Ngu Lao, it cost about 46000 dong (abt USD 3)

Ho Chi Minh City, Good and Cheap Place to Stay (Jan 2007)

Thien Hong (Room For Rent)

Family-run. Quite, clean and friendly owner. We stayed at the highiest floor, 5th floor.No lift. No Internet Access (Internet access can be found easily at De Tham St or Bui Vein St). Bad thing is owner not good in English. Must practice your body language more often.

Total: 12 rooms. 2 types of rooms, USD 12/night and USD 15/night. Check-out time, 12:00pm.

Attached bath room with heater. Air conditioner.

Recommended. Take a look at the picture. Unique Qualities: Everything is new. I believe it has been built/renovated not long back.

Backpacker area. Easy access from De Tham Street, Bui Vein Street or Pham Ngu Lao Street. At the heart of the City. Very convenience.

Phone: 08.9206078

Mobile: 0902 804 053

Address: 241/34 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Dist. 1, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Directions: Tell the taxi driver An An Hotel at Bui Vien street. Once you get there, take the Alley 104. Within 5 minutes walk.

Other Contact: thienhonggiau@yahoo.com.vn

Taxi Fare from Ho Chi Minh Airport to Backpacker Area (Jan 2007)

I did a search before i go Ho Chi Minh City. Base on tips from the internet, reasonable taxi fare to town area from Airport is US$5 or it can bo as low as US$4.There are many cabs waiting outside the airport. First, I tried to look for a cab that uses meter (the taxi always shows "Metered Taxi"). After i spent 10 mins looking for a cab that really use meter, i can't find any. They offer me fixed price, which is US$10 or US$8.

There was one taxi driver said he would follow meter and asked us to get into hir car, i doubted and reconfirmed before i put my luggage inside. Again, he said he won't follow meter. So dissappointed. I rejected him immediately.

We give up. Finally, we took another cab by paying US$6 (to Pham Ngu Lao area, Bui Vein street).