Explore the mekong region’s “second City”, Ho Chi minh (HCmC), stands to give Bangkok a run for its money as an international gateway to this corner of the globe
Old Asian hands often say that Saigon reminds them of Bangkok 15-20 years ago, when the Thai capital began racing towards modernisation. Footprint Vietnam Travel Marketing Manager Son Xuan Dang went so far as to call HCMC “The liveliest city in Southeast Asia.”. Amy Summerhayes, General Manager Destination Asia (Vietnam), affirmed: “Saigon is surely one of the most evocative place names in Asia, and definitely one of the most extraordinary cities in the world.”
At the very least, it is expanding. Patrick Basset, Accor vice president operations – Vietnam, Philippines, South Korea, and Japan, said: “HCMC is considered amongst the fastest growing cities in Asia with almost 70% of investment to Vietnam focussed in HCMC alone.”
Development can bring mixed tourism emotions. Seasoned travellers have seen it before and many don’t mind; first-timers feel they missed something but enjoy the modern conveniences. It’s the classic Asian city of contrasts: international hotels, gourmet restaurants and trendy clubs weaved with noodle stalls, street children and distinctive local transport.
“Bustling, booming, crowded, noisy - all words that barely scratch the surface,” Miss Summerhayes said. “And yet there are the elegant colonial French buildings and tree-lined boulevards.”
HCMC, like Bangkok, serves as a cosmopolitan travel hub and a place to bookend a whirlwind Mekong region journey. “Culture is (HCMC’s) main attraction,” said Miss Summerhayes, “with a half-day tour to the historic and fascinating Cu Chi Tunnels and a full-day tour visiting the water ways of the Mekong Delta both very popular.”
She added the War Remnants Museum is the big pull. “Whilst not for the faint-hearted, it does provide an extremely intense and disturbing look at the effects of war on this nation as seen from the side of the Vietnamese.” . Trails of Indochina COO Matt Masson, said: “Our guests enjoy meeting local historians, culinary experts and artists who introduce them to Vietnam and its customs.”
Accor’s Mr Basset added that many guests just spend a day or two walking around and visiting the city’s landmarks, such as the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
Unlike northern Vietnam’s history – characterised by centuries of Chinese influence – the Funnan and Khmer Kingdoms shaped the south’s ancient history. In 1673, a stalemate between the central Nguyen and Hanoi-based Trinh Dynasty divided the country, and the Nguyen began expanding south, pushing the Khmer out of Saigon in 1700.
However, the southern Tay Son expelled the Nguyen and, in 1776, drove out the resurgent Trinh. The Tay Son founder died soon after and the ensuing chaos opened the door for the Nguyen, who returned with the French and retook the country in 1802, establishing a dynasty that lasted through World War II.
Ho Chi Minh established the Democratic Republic of Vietnam in 1945, and the subsequent Geneva Accord divided the country into the communist north and Western-backed south. War between the two broke out in 1965, and raged until the infamous fall of Saigon in 1975.
Ho Chi Minh Museum and the Museum of Vietnamese History join the city’s other historical landmarks in presenting a memorable HCMC cultural odyssey.
A cup of java between attractions is a must and the city’s coffee shops and restaurants serve some of the nation’s best home grown. Daytime drinkers lean towards sweetened ice coffee with condensed milk. For a stiff, hot wake-up call, go for fresh-brewed coffee.
Shopping comes next. “Silk, fashions, bespoke tailoring, embroidery, art and traditional handicrafts…plus some of the best home decor items in Asia - it’s all available in Saigon,” said Miss Summerhayes.
Mr Masson recommended: “Lacquerware is a great craft to purchase. You can find plenty of examples in Ben Thanh market, but make sure you bargain hard…For local creations and boutiques, wander along Ton That Thiep, an emerging new area.
Mr Dang said many tourists are attracted to traditional Ao Dai (long dresses). “They aren’t too expensive and don’t take long to tailor make.”
HCMC’s gourmet scene continues to flourish, with an influx of upscale restaurants, bistros and cafes serving international cuisine of every dimension.
But, for a southern specialty, try banh xep, a pancake pork and bean sprouts. Mr Masson instructed: “You wrap it in lettuce leaves and throw in some fresh herbs before dipping it in a light fish sauce.”
HCMC is also gaining a reputation for a nightlife loaded with discos, karaoke, rock clubs and pubs. Most of HCMC’s star-rated hotels offer lounges and many feature live music. More high-end rooms are in the offing with three five-star properties slated to open in 2009-2011: InterContinental Asiana, Mövenpick Hotel Saigon and Six Senses Latitude Saigon River.
Accor currently has 11 properties in Vietnam including the Sofitel Plaza Saigon, Plaza Saigon, and Mr Basset sees a new generation of traveller coming to HCMC that is seeking more affordable lodging. “To fulfil the demand for mid- and upscale international quality hotels in HCMC Accor has announced the development of Novotel Saigon Centre, a 350-room hotel to be developed in the city centre of District 1 and scheduled to open in 2012,” Mr Basset said.He added: “Low-cost carriers are providing additional supply and keeping fares competitive on regional and domestic routes.”
Tan Son Nhat, Vietnam’s largest international airport, welcomes direct long-haul flights from Frankfurt, Moscow, Paris, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Darwin, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney, and Christchurch, and more than 20 Asia Pacific destinations from 11 countries directly serve HCMC.
The most recent HCMC Municipal Tourism Department statistics show an 18% year-onyear jump in foreign arrivals to more than one million through April 2009, while pulling in 25% more in overall tourism revenue…not bad during a global economic crisis.
Mr Dang said: “HCMC and Vietnam in general had a good year with domestic travellers.” He added that speakers at recent meetings said domestic travel had saved the travel industry in 2009.
National carrier Vietnam Airlines can shuttle HCMC passengers to the northern mountains, Central Highlands, coastal beaches and the Mekong Delta. VA also runs a twice-daily CLV (Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam) route that hits all three capitals and HCMC.
As a stand-alone destination, Vietnam deserves a solid international hub and HCMC is it. As a springboard to the evermore popular CLV, Bangkok may have a fight on its hands.
(Source: PATA Compass)