I've spent my weekend at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to sort out some of my personal matters.

It was a great trip overall. I took over 200 pics during this trip and would like to share my experiences with everyone of you here !! :)


Ho Chi Minh City
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/4673/dsc09312.jpg

http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/637/dsc00618w.jpg

That's great!!! hope you can upload and share the pics to every1. I look forward to seeing it from you soon. Thank SeeMacau

I can't wait to see them !

6:30 in the morning
Arriving bus terminal near the Olympic Stadium, waiting for the bus depart at 7:30am

The street was so quiet and empty
http://a.imageshack.us/img294/8938/dsc00459um.jpg
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Here is the bus !!

The bus fare from/to Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh is US$12. Traveling distance from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City is about 240 km.

The earliest bus departs from 6:00am, and I chose to take the 7:30am bus.
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/8776/dsc00460o.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img818/470/dsc00458w.jpg

8 to 9am
On my way to Ho Chi Minh City :)

Monving Boulevard

A new project Under Construction - Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction
http://a.imageshack.us/img251/1301/dsc00466s.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img811/1160/dsc00464q.jpg

Phnom Penh Commercial Bank
http://a.imageshack.us/img148/8854/dsc00465gq.jpg

Before crossing the Monivong Bridge

A very nice house I spot
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/9446/dsc00469u.jpg

Some other low rise comercial buildings
http://a.imageshack.us/img685/3069/dsc00468u.jpg
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/8052/dsc00467.jpg

A new KFC on the other side of the river
http://img836.imageshack.us/img836/8206/dsc00470b.jpg

National Road No 1

Road widening
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http://a.imageshack.us/img62/1675/dsc00479t.jpg

9:30am
Halfway to Bavet, the border town


Neak Leung, Prey Veng Province

Mekong ferry takes vehicles and passengers across the Mekong River

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/2965/dsc00483ct.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img10/8109/dsc00482we.jpg

How long does it take now Saigon-Phnom Penh?

^^ The bus depart at 7:30am and arrived in Ho Chi Minh City at 1:50pm - 6 hours and 20 mins in total. It takes about one hour to travel from District 12 (outskirt of Ho Chi Minh City) to the center of the city where the bus stop at, because of the traffic.

Well, it really depends on the traffic in Saigon and staff efficiency at the custom checkpoints.

We stop at this restaurant for lunch before heading to the border.

http://a.imageshack.us/img690/6953/dsc00498h.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img138/832/dsc00499er.jpg


A ''Dry Port'' opposite the restaurant
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My lunch !! :)

http://a.imageshack.us/img146/5589/dsc00494ox.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4789/dsc00495s.jpg

It's great to see the pics of your journey :)

My lunch !! :)

http://a.imageshack.us/img146/5589/dsc00494ox.jpg

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/4789/dsc00495s.jpg

The lunch looked yummy. Make me miss khmer food :lol::lol:

You are among the most active members. Thank SeeMacau for all the pics :)

It's great to see the pics of your journey :)

I wish I can travel to Nha Trang - the most beautiful beach city in Vietnam next time. The bus ticket is cheap but I don't have time to go there during this short trip unfortuantely :)

The lunch looked yummy. Make me miss khmer food :lol::lol:

You are among the most active members. Thank SeeMacau for all the pics :)

I'll become less active over time once this forum is growing :D

Beautiful farmland continue to amaze us :)

http://a.imageshack.us/img88/3066/dsc00489rr.jpg

Casinos in Bavet - Part 1

Caesar Casino and Hotel
http://a.imageshack.us/img130/6831/dsc00501rj.jpg

Crown Bavet Casino and Hotel
http://a.imageshack.us/img716/305/dsc00509j.jpg

Silver World Casino
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/4043/dsc00507p.jpg

Le Macau Casino and Hotel :D
http://a.imageshack.us/img186/9231/dsc00505ip.jpg

Unknown name
http://a.imageshack.us/img340/2271/dsc00506ec.jpg

The most beautiful house in Bavet :)

http://a.imageshack.us/img651/7544/dsc00500b.jpg

Bavet Border Crossing
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/250/dsc00511h.jpg

Customs Buildings - Bavet
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http://a.imageshack.us/img820/2782/dsc00516y.jpg

We stop here for about half an hour to get our passports stamp
http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/5664/dsc00512x.jpg

Socialist design Customs building in Moc Bai - Tay Ninh province
http://a.imageshack.us/img37/9461/dsc00514cq.jpg

Monument in front of the Customs building
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Two workers sleeping under the truck
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Travelling along the National Road No 22 to Ho Chi Minh City

Soccer Field
http://a.imageshack.us/img135/4631/dsc00523r.jpg

Entering Ho Chi Minh City

Each of these ''tubehouses'' are very unique and highly decorative in their own ways :)

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/5008/dsc00532u.jpg

Tan Phu District

Co.op Mart - a very famous supermarket chain in Vietnam
http://a.imageshack.us/img205/4733/dsc00535vu.jpg

Mercedes Benz Office
Tay Thanh Ward, Tan Phu District
http://a.imageshack.us/img137/7451/dsc00536h.jpg

High Rise Buildings

Many high-rise buildings (150+) are currently under constructions around the city.

For more details:
Saigon Construction Updates
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1144829

Saigon Pavillion
http://a.imageshack.us/img37/1373/dsc00549p.jpg

High Rise Buildings

Tan Binh District

SCETPA Building - Cong Hoa Street
http://a.imageshack.us/img534/7884/dsc00541w.jpg

e.Town - Cong Hoa Street
http://a.imageshack.us/img824/2472/dsc00539ok.jpg

You forgot to invite me SeeMacua, I thought we were friend? :lol: nice photos, have fun in Vietnam, thanks for sharing your journey with us.

District 1
The financial, commercial, and administrative center of Ho Chi Minh City.

Two buildings in this pic
1) Sun Wah Tower at Nguyen Hue Boulevard (20 floors) - tallest building in Vietnam when it was completed in 1995
2) Bitexco Financial Tower (68 floors) - tallest topped out building in Vietnam, fully completed by the end of this year

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/415/dsc00559l.jpg

Sun Wah Tower
http://a.imageshack.us/img809/3028/dsc00582l.jpg


Caravelle Hotel and Sheraton Saigon
http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/9325/dsc00691b.jpg

You forgot to invite me SeeMacua, I thought we were friend? :lol: nice photos, have fun in Vietnam, thanks for sharing your journey with us.

I invite everyone of u !! :D

Sure, you can join me next time when u come to Asia :cheers:

Bitexco Financial Tower (68 floors)
Construction of the tower was started in June 2007, and the tower is due to finished by the end of 2010.
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/5426/dsc00552.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img257/2051/dsc00581np.jpg

A&B Tower (25 floors)
Le Lai Street, District 1
Topping Out
http://a.imageshack.us/img695/7948/dsc00551pr.jpg

My afternoon meal :)

Pho 2000
This place is famous for US former president Bill Clinton and his daughter, who dined here during their visit to Vietnam in 2002.
The restaurant has become a landmark destination for many tourists looking for the real Vietnamese cuisine.

http://a.imageshack.us/img291/5780/dsc00555v.jpg

Chicken Pho and Red bean ice :)
(I don't eat beef ..)
http://a.imageshack.us/img248/5840/dsc00553x.jpg
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/5821/dsc00554r.jpg

Statue of 'Tran Nguyen Hai' in front of the Ben Thanh Market - one of Saigon's most famous landmark

http://a.imageshack.us/img217/4030/dsc00556ca.jpg

Shoppings
Parkson Department Store is a premier family department store latest in fashion, beauty and lifestyle to its middle and middle upper class consumers. There are 4 Parkson Department Stores alone in Ho Chi Minh City, 1 in Hanoi and 1 in Hai Phong.

The group plans to venture into the retail markets in Cambodia.

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/4420/dsc00561.jpg
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Dong Khoi Street, District 1

Tree-lined street with shops selling jewellery, ceramics, antiques, furniture and silk.
http://a.imageshack.us/img443/9681/dsc00585ei.jpg

Rex Hotel

A luxury hotel heritage dating back to early 20th century when it was originally opened as a French garage. For over 80 years, the Rex has been as a landmark, as well as a witness of the ups and downs of the city’s history.

Address: Nguyen Hue Blvd, District 1
Strategically located in the center of the city.

http://a.imageshack.us/img820/9681/dsc00584q.jpg


The hotel ground floor is currently under renovations. Invested by Duy Anh Fashion Cosmetics and Saigontourist. It covers an area of 2000 square metres and will gather the most popular brand names in the world

Four of the stand-alone shops from Marc Jacobs, Loewe, Chloe and Balenciaga were recently opened, and the remaining nine shops will soon be completed.
http://a.imageshack.us/img405/4238/dsc00726qy.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img697/6889/dsc00558dv.jpg

Park Hyatt Saigon

Honored by Travel + Leisure as Best Business Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, within walking distance of main tourist attractions, restaurants and parks.

Address: Lam Son Square, District 1
http://a.imageshack.us/img295/373/dsc00587k.jpg

Statue of 'Tran Nguyen Hai' in front of the busy intersection of Ben Thanh Market - one of Saigon's most famous landmark

http://a.imageshack.us/img217/4030/dsc00556ca.jpg

He is commander who helped Le Loi to defeat the Ming invasor in 15th century. He's also regarded as founder of Vietnamese transmittance industry.

National Road 6A

Road widening
http://a.imageshack.us/img199/8728/dsc00473jx.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img62/1675/dsc00479t.jpg

This is National road 1. 6A is from Phnom Penh to Banthey Meanchey thru Kampong Thom and Siem Reap.

Asiana Plaza
This project finally completed after 10 years of interruption

Address: Le Duan Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

From Top to Bottom: 21 floors Office Tower, 21 floors InterContinental Hotel and a 32 floors Service Apartment
http://a.imageshack.us/img405/1269/dsc00594g.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img251/1589/dsc00592kv.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img716/1853/dsc00595i.jpg

This is National road 1. 6A is from Phnom Penh to Banthey Meanchey thru Kampong Thom and Siem Reap.

Thanks for your correction !! :)

Hotel Continental Saigon

In 1878, Pierre Cazeau, a home-appliance and construction material manufacturer, started building the Hotel Continental with the purpose of providing the French traveler, a French style of luxury accommodation after a long cruise to the new continent. This project took 2 years, and in 1880 the “Hotel Continental” was inaugurated.

Address: Dong Khoi Street, District 1

http://a.imageshack.us/img26/876/dsc00629ti.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img42/2946/dsc00603um.jpg

Kumho Asiana Shopping Venue

Among the most noticeable brands are:

Debenhams
A well-known British department store, recently opened at Kumho Asiana Shopping Venue. The first of its kind in Vietnam.

Address: Le Duan Street, District 1
http://a.imageshack.us/img135/7107/dsc00599kf.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img213/7985/dsc00600a.jpg


Hard Rock Cafe
World famous Hard Rock Cafe is now in Ho Chi Minh City :)
http://a.imageshack.us/img810/6218/dsc00596e.jpg

Ho Chi Minh City most famous landmark - Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
Established by French colonists, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880.

http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/9454/dsc00637b.jpg
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http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8/dsc00634e.jpg

HCM City People's Committee (Hôtel de Ville de Saigon)
The structure was built in 1902-1908 in a French colonial style for the then city of Saigon. It was renamed after 1975 as Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.

Address: Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1

http://a.imageshack.us/img802/6482/dsc00606.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img808/6879/dsc00728.jpg

My dinner

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
A chain of fried chicken fast food restaurants from US, serves chicken in mild and spicy flavors

The food there is so-so (I don't like fast food that much)

Address: Vincom Center, District 1

http://a.imageshack.us/img441/8131/dsc00601n.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img121/1836/dsc00602f.jpg

Carl's Jr.
Very famous in US

This one taste better compare to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen :)

Address: Vincom Center, District 1

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/998/dsc00564.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img714/7109/dsc00758p.jpg

Charbroiled Chicken Breast, Lettuce, Tomato and Tangy BBQ Sauce on a Honey Wheat Bun
http://a.imageshack.us/img51/9255/dsc00756wv.jpg

Vincom Center (28 floors)

Almost Completed
http://a.imageshack.us/img180/5622/dsc00632h.jpg

This building house the biggest shopping center in Vietnam
http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/5016/dsc00575a.jpg

6 levels of Shopping Centers - more than 250 shops altogether
This shopping center also has the nicest food court I’ve seen in Saigon

Any brands you can think of :
Aldo, Axara, Bata, Braun Buffel, Charles & Keith, Pedro, Pierre Cardin, Bonia, ECCO, La Vie En Rose, La Senza, Nine West, Emporio Armani, Paris Hilton, Furla, Just Cavalli, Versace, Jimmy Choo, Versus, Bebe, bYSI, Focci, Carven, FCUK, Giovanni, Fila, Levi’s, Replay, Mango, Aspial, Tag Heuer, PLAYBOY, Swarovski and many more ....

http://a.imageshack.us/img94/8841/dsc00568dj.jpg

Extension open in August
http://a.imageshack.us/img821/5936/dsc00563b.jpg

Emporio Armani Caffè
I know there is one in Hong Kong, and now there is one in Ho Chi Minh City :)

http://a.imageshack.us/img69/4766/dsc00571ye.jpg


http://a.imageshack.us/img571/7646/dsc00686zs.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img687/5906/dsc00689i.jpg

My ''Espresso''
http://a.imageshack.us/img409/9968/dsc00688v.jpg

Café

Many nice indoor and outdoor café on the streets :)

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
http://a.imageshack.us/img230/9198/dsc00635v.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img267/2151/dsc00733mg.jpg

Gloria Jean's Coffees
http://a.imageshack.us/img138/4817/dsc00699zd.jpg

Vincom Center (27 floors)

Almost Completed
http://a.imageshack.us/img180/5622/dsc00632h.jpg

This building house the biggest shopping center in Vietnam

it's 28floors SeeMacau!
Oh hey,did you go to District 7?

it's 28floors SeeMacau!
Oh hey,did you go to District 7?

Not this time, because I only stay in Vietnam for 2 and a half days during this trip

I've been to District 7 (Saigon South) few years ago - Phu My Hung :)

Saigon Central Post Office

The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century. It has a Gothic architectural style. Designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in harmony with the surrounding area.

http://a.imageshack.us/img191/6967/dsc00636d.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img138/8929/dsc00671ce.jpg

Bud's Ice-cream

From San Francisco
http://a.imageshack.us/img340/7812/dsc00565g.jpg

My Lunch

The Sushi Bar

Address : Zen Plaza, Nguyễn Trãi, District 1

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/28/dsc00609t.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img822/8883/dsc00610l.jpg

Zen Plaza
A 14-storey tower in the heart of Saigon consisting of an 8-storey shopping complex, five floors for offices and a penthouse for events.
http://a.imageshack.us/img405/5641/dsc00607n.jpg

Street Scenes

Nguyen Trai Street - Saigon

http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8854/dsc00612q.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img251/6145/dsc00611o.jpg

Dong Khoi Street - Saigon

http://a.imageshack.us/img137/3138/dsc00702c.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img69/9580/dsc00697ev.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img405/1520/dsc00701v.jpg

Dong Khoi Street - Saigon

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/9265/dsc00704.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1913/dsc00706.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img186/5375/dsc00710w.jpg

Dong Khoi Street - Saigon

http://a.imageshack.us/img443/9681/dsc00585ei.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7403/dsc00714n.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img409/9467/dsc00703.jpg

Upscale Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Shops and boutiques are springing up rapidly :)

Some of the major boutiques

At the Opera View Building - Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Furla
Louis Vuitton
http://a.imageshack.us/img690/7995/dsc00692q.jpg
http://img266.imageshack.us/img266/273/dsc00574f.jpg

Gucci
http://a.imageshack.us/img821/3846/dsc00577n.jpg

Roberto Cavalli
http://a.imageshack.us/img3/897/dsc00700na.jpg

Emporio Armani - Vincom City Center
http://a.imageshack.us/img51/268/dsc00569r.jpg

Marc Jacobs - Rex Hotel
http://a.imageshack.us/img5/7772/dsc00725xf.jpg

Local Cafe


Ciao Cafe
http://a.imageshack.us/img208/2879/dsc00720j.jpg

Highlands Coffee
http://a.imageshack.us/img201/5584/dsc00646c.jpg

Symbols of Ho Chi Minh City - Ben Thanh Market

The market was formally established by the French colonial powers after taking over the Gia Dinh citadel in 1859. It was destroyed by fire in 1870 and rebuilt to become Saigon's largest market.

In 1912 the market was moved to a new building and called the New Ben Thanh Market to distinguish over its predecessor. The building was renovated in 1985.

http://a.imageshack.us/img405/8602/dsc00660c.jpg

The Saigon Opera House

Built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat building was used as the home of the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was not until 1975 that it was again used as a theatre, and restored in 1995.

http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/628/dsc00573l.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img257/5564/dsc00693ih.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img705/7978/dsc00695t.jpg

A statue next to the The Saigon Opera House
http://a.imageshack.us/img202/7665/dsc00754c.jpg

Parks

Cong Vien Van Hoa Park
It was originally constructed as a recreational territory for the French. Now this park with its lush green foliage and affordable amenities, serves as a sports club for the common people in Saigon.

Besides its lush greenery, the park offers tennis courts, a swimming pool and table tennis courts. The Gym and weight room within the Cong Vien Van Hoa Park are very popular among the young Vietnamese. A French Colonial clubhouse in the middle of the park, reminds you of the days of French dominance.

http://a.imageshack.us/img204/7941/dsc00639f.jpg

23/9 Park

Such a huge park in the middle fo the city

http://a.imageshack.us/img251/9711/dsc00661se.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img408/6601/dsc00759c.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img230/4544/dsc00761jz.jpg

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4880/dsc00760r.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img44/69/dsc00685hb.jpg

New Completed Buildings :)

Sailing Tower (22 floors)
A mixed-use project comprising residential units for sale, office and retail.

Address : Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, District 1

http://a.imageshack.us/img5/7492/dsc00643n.jpg



Havana Tower (20 floors)

Address : Ham Nghi Street, District 1

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/1265/dsc00655z.jpg

The Lancaster

Address : Lê Thánh Tôn, District 1

http://a.imageshack.us/img293/3098/dsc00734hb.jpg

Anyone understand what it means?

http://a.imageshack.us/img44/9756/dsc00752zb.jpg

Street Scenes

Nguyen Hue Boulevard

Widest, and the most beautiful boulevard in District 1

http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/7504/dsc00719.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img203/2770/dsc00626ik.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img340/6/dsc00718l.jpg

Other Streets

Mac Thi Buoi Street
http://a.imageshack.us/img530/5893/dsc00717m.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img248/1850/dsc00580h.jpg

Le Loi Street
http://a.imageshack.us/img709/8118/dsc00722kq.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img153/9054/dsc00624rw.jpg

Under Constructions

Saigon Times Square (40+ floors)
http://a.imageshack.us/img197/7185/dsc00712ya.jpg

Vietin Bank
http://a.imageshack.us/img237/9828/dsc00659y.jpg
http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/2235/dsc00657x.jpg

Were you driving and be distracted by taking pictures, so your Roll Royce hit the taxi in front of Park Hyatt Hotel, SeeMacau??:lol:

http://a.imageshack.us/img295/373/dsc00587k.jpg
http://vnexpress.net/Files/Subject/3B/A1/E6/90/23072010136.jpg


Anyone understand what it means?

http://a.imageshack.us/img44/9756/dsc00752zb.jpg

Residents in Eden Centre don't agree with Vincom's compensation for their house, example of Civilian Disobedience propaganda:) It has funny meaning in Vietnamese. Nice pics!!

Were you driving and be distracted by taking pictures, so your Roll Royce hit the taxi in front of Park Hyatt Hotel, SeeMacau??:lol:

Well, I am not rich enough to afford a Rolls Royce :)

When was that happen? A taxi hit by a Rolls Royce - First thing you have to do is call up your powerful friends and the matters will be solved

Residents in Eden Centre don't agree with Vincom's compensation for their house, example of Civilian Disobedience propaganda:) It has funny meaning in Vietnamese. Nice pics!!

I suppose to visit one of the office in Eden Centre during this trip, but their office were relocated to Pasteur Street

Are they turning the site into another shopping center?

I try to upload all the remaining photos in the next 45 mins .. let's see if I can do it or not :)

Tubehouses around Ho Chi Minh City

http://a.imageshack.us/img571/5328/dsc00590l.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img690/4237/dsc00740d.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img810/8172/dsc00662.jpg

Tree-lined pedestrian walkways

Nguyen Hue
http://a.imageshack.us/img443/8199/dsc00727f.jpg

Le Thanh Ton
http://img841.imageshack.us/img841/9069/dsc00724e.jpg

After visiting Vincom Center on the other day, I walk towards Le Thanh Ton Street to get my haircut done.

Le Thanh Ton Street
http://a.imageshack.us/img20/2929/dsc00739g.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img822/3216/dsc00737l.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img293/1589/dsc00735r.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img690/7665/dsc00729r.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img717/1816/dsc00651pw.jpg

I feel like I am in Japan !! :)

http://a.imageshack.us/img248/3706/dsc00731i.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img341/374/dsc00730b.jpg

Many foreign restaurants along the street

Japanese
http://a.imageshack.us/img72/5646/dsc00743j.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img213/2281/dsc00741iw.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img42/5434/dsc00746lx.jpg

Japanese

http://a.imageshack.us/img405/9708/dsc00749e.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img514/4750/dsc00750k.jpg

Italian
http://a.imageshack.us/img28/9192/dsc00748t.jpg

Indian
http://a.imageshack.us/img245/1189/dsc00747sg.jpg

Thai
http://a.imageshack.us/img529/5070/dsc00745c.jpg

Pizza Hut
http://a.imageshack.us/img638/8977/dsc00751pi.jpg

Cafe Restaurant and Wine bar
http://a.imageshack.us/img38/5193/dsc00744l.jpg

French colonial architecture

http://a.imageshack.us/img97/5316/dsc00709a.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img189/1870/dsc00708vw.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img801/6343/dsc00588p.jpg

Espirit
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/4207/dsc00707l.jpg

Street Scenes - Pasteur Street

http://a.imageshack.us/img824/751/dsc00645s.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img291/9464/dsc00644p.jpg

Street Stalls
Vietnamese Rice Noodles

VN$20000 (US$1.1)
http://a.imageshack.us/img62/7548/dsc00764a.jpg

Other Shopping Centers

Saigon Plaza
http://img844.imageshack.us/img844/3645/dsc00721v.jpg

Lucky Plaza
http://a.imageshack.us/img52/3382/dsc00711ii.jpg

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

It was built during the French colonial era and was the residence of high-ranking French colonial officers. Called Gia Long Palace before the Fall of Saigon.

After the Fall of Saigon, the Gia Long Palace was turned into a museum.

Address : Situated at the corner of Lý Tự Trọng street and Nam Kỳ khởi nghĩa street, District 1

http://a.imageshack.us/img15/6704/dsc00650cp.jpg

Street Scenes - Le Lai Street

http://a.imageshack.us/img269/3358/dsc00619c.jpg

Afternoon meal at Vincom Center

http://a.imageshack.us/img64/3893/dsc00670t.jpg

SJC tower (52 floors - 200m)

Address : Le Loi Boulevard
http://newsaigon.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/sjc_large.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img295/1486/dsc00622n.jpg

Parks at ''Le Loi Boulevard''

http://a.imageshack.us/img810/6115/dsc00628j.jpg

http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/607/dsc00627v.jpg

Diamond Plaza,
One of my most favourite high-rise building in Vietnam :)

The complex was completed and open for business in 1999. It includes a 22-story building and a 15-story building, and also serves as a shopping center with brands like Bally, Braun Buffel, Cartier, Chopard, CK Jeans, Clarks, Crocodile, Dr. Martens, Dunhill, Ferragamo, Furla, Geox, Guess, Guy Laroche, Gucci, Kappa, Levi's, Mont Blanc, Omega, Rolex, Swiss Watch, Valentino Rudy and many more ..

It also consist of 6 cinema lounges, restaurants and café.

http://a.imageshack.us/img824/4764/dsc00597w.jpg
http://a.imageshack.us/img405/1359/dsc00640n.jpg

I spent my final night around Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham and Bui Vien

A very nice and crowd bar at the corner of Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham
http://a.imageshack.us/img541/4220/dsc00684u.jpg

OK convenience store - remains me ''Macau'' :)
http://a.imageshack.us/img84/3226/d/sc00683sv.jpg

On my way back to Phnom Penh

Casinos in Bavet - Part 2

Winn Casino Resort (Not Wynn Casino Resort) :D
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/3617/dsc00786e.jpg

Pho Paris Hotel & Restaurant ???
http://a.imageshack.us/img201/2236/dsc00783s.jpg

Chateau De Bavet
http://a.imageshack.us/img153/4739/dsc00784p.jpg

Las Vegas Snn (Not Las Vegas Sands :D)
http://a.imageshack.us/img291/5537/dsc00785k.jpg

Neak Leoung Ferry

http://a.imageshack.us/img35/3036/dsc00791bq.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img267/9597/dsc00793q.jpg

Thats all the photos I got !!

Thanks for reading :)

^^ that's one great photos you got there. You should turn this into a blog, 'cause I love it. I think you really have a great-time there!!! :D

This forum is my blog :D

I think you can create a similar thread to this when you visit Cambodia :) (I am waiting :D)

Wow, beautiful photos. Vietnam's cities are modern now !

oppps -- (problem of posting) :-(

I suppose to visit one of the office in Eden Centre during this trip, but their office were relocated to Pasteur Street

Are they turning the site into another shopping center?

Yep, Eden will turn out to be a French-style shopping center but it will take time to make an agreement on compensation.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2309/2395408524_5c875162d8_o.jpg
Source: tq-Vietnam forum

Wow, Saigon looks really modern now. I will be there in Aug for a few days before heading to Phnom Penh. Any recommendations as to where to eat or what to do there?

Wow, Saigon looks really modern now. I will be there in Aug for a few days before heading to Phnom Penh. Any recommendations as to where to eat or what to do there?

A room in Sheraton, shopping in Vincom Center!

is it Le Macau casino belong to you Macau? :D:banana::cheers:

WOW Great Saigon @@!!! Vietname Looks modern and clean. I like the gardens n the trees along side of the roads. Many shopping n high rise buildings. Many big brand shops over there...Thank SeeMacau for all the pictures
I hope I could be there next year. :)

Yep, Eden will turn out to be a French-style shopping center but it will take time to make an agreement on compensation.
Source: tq-Vietnam forum

Most expensive compensation ever .. :)

The location is so strategic. It'll be great if the developer ''Vincom'' can turn this huge plot into a luxury shopping center - higher class than the current Vincom Shopping Center. Something like Siam Paragon in Bangkok would be great !!

Everything is chaging so rapidly in this city. Few years ago when I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, all I saw was lots of wires as well as motorbikes on the streets.

But when I visit the city again (this is my 3rd trip to Vietnam), a lot of improvements has been made. The roads are now fill up with many new private cars. New shops, department stores and shopping centers are popping up around the city. High-rise constructions are everywhere. Workers are busy placing powerlines underground. Traffic lights were installed in many places ..

The Vietnamese really know how to maintain their parks and gardens .. one thing that really impress me !! :)

is it Le Macau casino belong to you Macau? :D:banana::cheers:

Don't tell anyone !! :D

Wow, Saigon looks really modern now. I will be there in Aug for a few days before heading to Phnom Penh. Any recommendations as to where to eat or what to do there?

Museums
Museum of Vietnamese History
Revolutionary Museum
Museum of Southeastern Armed Forces
War Remnants Museum
Museum of Southern Women
Museum of Fine Art
Nha Rong Memorial House
Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Sightseeing
Saigon Opera House
Duc Ba Cathedral
Central Post Office
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
Reunification Palace

Shopping
Diamond Plaza (Department Store)
Parkson (Department Store)
Vincom Center
Saigon Paragon
Kumho Asiana Plaza
Ben Thanh Market (The most famous)

Others
Cu Chi tunnels

The best hotels would be Rex Hotel, or Hotel Majestic :)

Very beautiful building !
The roof looks like french style.
How much earn an engineer in Vietnam ?

Very beautiful building !
The roof looks like french style.
How much earn an engineer in Vietnam ?

A bowl of Pho:lol: Just kidding, it depends on your education, experience, what company you work for, etc. I could say an average salary for a college graduate is btw $400-1000/month

Saigon looks nice, want to visit at least once

A bowl of Pho:lol: Just kidding, it depends on your education, experience, what company you work for, etc. I could say an average salary for a college graduate is btw $400-1000/month

The indian have the same salary ! But better skill I think.

$400-1000 .. thats the average personal income in most of the South East Asian big cities (except Singapore)

$400-1000 .. thats the average personal income in most of the South East Asian big cities (except Singapore)
In Cambodia, people who work in garment earn only 61 dollars :-(.
Teacher is not better :-/

$400 - $1000 is the average wages for people living in South East Asian big cities.

These are what I called ''big cities''

Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia
Bangkok - Thailand
Jakarta - Indonesia
Manila - Philippines

In Cambodia, people who work in garment earn only 61 dollars :-(.
Teacher is not better :-/

I think that's almost the same, or slightly higher as in Vietnam, but the food there is cheaper than in Cambodia.

I wish they can increase to at least about $100 .. because everything is expensive here in Cambodia (even me as a foreigner also think the cost of living here is expensive) and its hard to survive with only $61 per month.

Absolutely amazing :O ty seemacau :)

very nice pictures of your trip to Saigon , SG is so beautiful and it cost really cheap to go there . Visit again next time and take many many pictures as you can :lol: . I'd like to visit Phnom penh someday too .

Thanks haikiller11 and VietnamEagle2010 ..

Yes, it is very cheap to travel there. The food and hotels are cheaper than bangkok, but less entertainments.

This forum is my blog :D

I think you can create a similar thread to this when you visit Cambodia :) (I am waiting :D)

Don't get your hope to high!! 'cause I'm not planning to go to Cambodia anytime soon. But if I do go, I need your help me to upload the picture.

(even me as a foreigner also think the cost of living here is expensive) and its hard to survive with only $61 per month.

wait.. you aren't cambodian?

that surprised me.

wait.. you aren't cambodian?

that surprised me.

I am 100% Chinese .. :)

I always thought that you were cambodian.

you know a lot about cambodia.

^^That's because he living in Cambodia.

^^That's because he living in Cambodia.

Yes !! :)

Other than buildings, I am not familiar with anything else in Cambodia :ohno:

Hey SeeMacau,
Thanks for your photos. I really enjoy them!

What impressed me are many casinos built a long the border btw VN and Cambodia. I heard many VNese ppl go there to gamble. :lol:

FYI, in 2006 as a fresh graduate (with almost no industrial experience) from Hanoi Univ. of Tech. which is a top engineering college in VN, I earned about $ 500 per month when working for a big state company in Hanoi. At that time "average" starting salary for graduates from my college were around $ 100-200/month. I heard that at present, my college graduates' starting salary is around $ 200-300/month. One good thing is that most of companies are willing to pay you high salary if you are excellent. And your wage will get better when you gain more experience. :) After about 6 months, my salary got reviewed to be around $ 600. After that, I quitted my job for further studies so I don't really know what would have happened if I had stayed with them.:lol: Many of my classmates now drive expensive cars (worth $40K or more) ...:)

Teachers or lecturers earns much less than that.

Thanks for your info heavyrain2408 !! :)

I think the wages in Vietnam has increased significantly over the past decade, which is good for the locals :)

I think that's almost the same, or slightly higher as in Vietnam, but the food there is cheaper than in Cambodia.

I wish they can increase to at least about $100 .. because everything is expensive here in Cambodia (even me as a foreigner also think the cost of living here is expensive) and its hard to survive with only $61 per month.

1000000000 % agree with you:)

hey seemaucau Visist my page

^^ What do you mean? Your website??

^^ What do you mean? Your website??
You're Chinese but don't eat beef,so are you Confucianism ?

^^ No

^^ No
Opps...so sorry.Oh i know,you're real Buddism,right ? :banana:

You're Chinese but don't eat beef,so are you Confucianism ?

Some Chinese never eat beef :)

Why don't you eat beef ?

So, you never test the famous Big Mac :D

Opps...so sorry.Oh i know,you're real Buddism,right ? :banana:

um .. I don't know how to explain :)

Yes, it is related to religious