Job Discussion Forums

capper · Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 61

I'm heading to HCMC on vacation next week. It'll be my first trip to Vietnam. Can anyone suggest the best area to lodge in HCMC? Also, planning / hoping to get over to Angkor Wat and possibly PP. Obviously, AW requires a flight and PP one can use a bus to get to from HCMC. Any suggestions or recommendations as far as taking a tour package or simply waiting till arrival and deciding once there? Is it better to fly to AW from a Cambodian location or from a Vietnam local? Trying to figure out a game plan!

Thanks...

Mr Wind-up Bird · Joined: 22 Sep 2004 Posts: 196

Accommodation depends on your budget. Head for De Tham/Pham Ngu Lao & you'll find loads of rooms for under $10 a night, with shower/aircon/TV.

To get to PP from HCMC you can also take a boat. I believe it's cheaper to get to AW from within Cambodia itself than fly from HCMC. If you're staying on De Tham there are several travel agents there that will help you out with this.

Thay Jim · Joined: 13 Dec 2004 Posts: 13 Location: HCMC, Viet Nam

I have flown to Siem Reap from HCMC via Vietnam Airlines. Not cheap but reliable. They are using new Airbuses on some of their flights.

A PP to SR flight is going to be on some flaky Cambo airline, and probably not much cheaper.

dtomchek · Joined: 07 Jun 2004 Posts: 135

Hey;

Well, the bus leaves at 800am and arrives at 500pm in Phom Penh...only costs $5-$6...seems you go part way but bus and then boat...seemed pretty packed this morning and many I have met have done it so it must be good...

I agree with windupbird...I just showed up in District 1 and took a room for $5.50 a night...good too and it only takes by taxi 70,000 dong from the airport or 45,000 from the train station...cheap as hell, more internet cafes and restaraunts than you know what to do with, and more travel agencies to help with logistics than anywhere else in the world...can do 1-5 day tours of the Mekong Delta, 1/2-1 day Cu Chi tours, city tours, whatever...

I would not plan too much...I did and now I want to stay longer here and for go Thailand late but we shall see...take care

Dave

joeydiaz · Joined: 26 Nov 2004 Posts: 3

If you're planning to head to Cambodia, taking the bus is an inexpensive and relatively hassle free option. The only problem is changing buses and clearing customs at the border; it takes about an hour or so. I flew into Siem Reap from Hanoi, which is a quick and easy alternative, although pricier than some of the other options.

The best place to stay in Saigon is District 1, where there are guest hotels aplenty. Make sure to stop by the Eden Cafe when you're there to say "hi" to Mai, Phuong, and Nhung. They are sweethearts and the food is good.

If you only have a limited amount of time in Vietnam, consider a trip to Dalat, Mui Ne, or the Mekong Delta, all interesting locations close to HCMC. Enjoy your trip. I wish I was there now!