Can we do Ho Chi Minh in 5 days In early November 2011 - Need response today to book

[DontGetMeStarted]

Hi all we have an opportunity to be in HCMC in November for 5 full days (other option is Singapaore) JS sale .. We are late 50's early 60's couple, well travelled but this is a bit out of our comfort zone but sounds more exciting than Singapore.
A: Can we do HCMC and surrounds comfortably in the 5 days - we will go back and do other areas when have more time.
B: Any suggestions on mid range places to stay in District 1
C: Any advice on car pick ups from airport return so we don't get scammed
D: Any other helpful hints..need to book today to get sale fares so looking forward to hearing from you Thx

 

[casanovawa]

Re: Can we do Ho Chi Minh in 5 days In early November 2011 - Need response today to b

I did HCMC for about 3-4 days in 2009, guess it depends what you are looking for as i did do a day tour out to the tunnels at Cu Chi but didn't go down into the Mekong Delta, tours like that might require an extra couple of days. But in my stay as i said i did the tunnels, toured the Reunification Palace I think its called now, visited the museum about the war (forgot its name now but could look up) and also walked around and saw quite a few sites in the city... didn't bother to go shopping there as not my thing, but also good places for that...

I stayed with a couch surfer the first night and then moved to my own room in like a hostel, so don't think i can give you any advice on the types of accommodation your looking for...

i might be able to ask the lady i stayed with up there for a bit of advice for you about arriving at the airport (she told me which taxi service to use and what sort of price is hould expect to pay etc) if your interested...

 

[DontGetMeStarted]

Re: Can we do Ho Chi Minh in 5 days In early November 2011 - Need response today to b

Thx for the prompt response, I think we just want to get a feel for the place and know its different from the rest of Vietnam but the sale prices are great. There is a guesthouse that comes recommended Mrs. Longs maybe one up from a hostel and I cannot believe its only $18 a night with b/fast, have never done that type of acc before so maybe thats the go or find one for about $100 a night..if you do get any info on the taxi service that would be great, I can imagine landing at 11.00pm and being overwhelmed but I am sure some hotels would offer a service..Cheers

 

[casanovawa]

Re: Can we do Ho Chi Minh in 5 days In early November 2011 - Need response today to b

I think my private room might have been like about $25 a night, but on the 4th floor and no lift, so got a bit of exercise coming and going... and yeah, 5 days should be well long enough to get a taste of the city and see if you want to go back and another time do a delta tour... I would like to go back some time and do a tour from south to north up to Hanoia nd Ha Long Bay... Its just finding the time...

I haven't done anywhere else in Vietnam, so can't say if its different or not, although i think the vibe of HCMC and old Saigon is different to Hanoi in the former North Vietnam parts...

 

[munitalP]

Re: Can we do Ho Chi Minh in 5 days In early November 2011 - Need response today to b

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....reports-and-trip-photos/c-ng-h-x-h-26662.html

This is a report I done late last year - Ha Noi, but the similarities will be the same

Your hotel will be your sanctuary from the madness of the city, spend the extra and get a hotel that will be security conscious and safety conscious, not to mention English speaking - mind you HCMC is more tourist friendly than Ha Noi or so I am lead to believe.

Enjoy Vietnam

 

[RB]

Re: Can we do Ho Chi Minh in 5 days In early November 2011 - Need response today to b

Quite a few years since I have been there but looking at Trip Advisor it seems there is still plenty of value in the hotels around $40-$60. I don't recall any particular security problems & language wasn't a hassle. It is easy to get out & into the life of the place. I would make sure I got a place with air con.