I received some Ho Chi Minh's travel tips from Vietnam visitors before
my trip.
One was how to get downtown from Tan Son Nhat Airport, another was their
recommended lodges.
They said that travelers should stay around De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao and Bui
Vien area because there are many budget restaurants and travel agencies
nearby.
Mr. Yuji Shimokawa, Japanese travel writer also recommends to stay at De
Tham area, for example, Bi Saigon, Hoang Linh, Hotel 265, Lan Anh and Phong Nam/Southern Hotel.
Despite of his recommendation, I didn't stay these hotels because they
didn't be listed at tourist information in Tan Son Nhat International Airport where travelers can reserve some hotels and buy airport taxi coupon (payable
in US dollar or Vietnamese Dong).
Ultimately, I stayed Duna Hotel where information staff reserved on an
equality with that I requested.
Airport taxi coupon is suppose to be $4 but driver urged me to pay $1 for
additional charge.
I had asked why but he gave me dusty answer: "It's commission or tax."
Later I asked Ho Chi Minh-based Japanese about the same question, they said assuredly "I might have gotten cheated."
However, from Duna Hotel to airport on the following day took $5 for the
coupon, and I faced a same situation on September 25.
Does anyone tell me a correct answer?
Duna Hotel is near tourist facilities at De Tham area, for example, budget
restaurants, internet cafes and travel agencies: Sinh Cafe Travel, Kim Cafe Travel and Fidi Tourist.
But this hotel is some distance from many tourist attractions.
They are easily accessible from rather Dong Khoi area than De Tham area.
Hence, I took motorbike taxi from De Tham to Dong Khoi for 5,000VND (40Yen).
Fortunately, I took it at reasonable price but in many case foreign tourists may be overcharged.
My advice would be to bargain within the limit of $1 (15,000VND=123Yen).
Of course $1 may be overcharged, but you should look upon it as a kind
of tip for avoidance of trouble.
But if you will be obliged to pay over $1, metered taxi is rather safe than motorbike taxi.
Vietnamese Restaurant "Lemon Grass"
(Address: 4 Nguyen Thiep Street, Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City) |
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| From left: Yoko, Carlos, Machiko, Kobuna, Yoshitaka |
From left: Yoko, Carlos, Machiko |
I wandered around the Dong Khoi area as I was looking for a restaurant
in the evening.
In Ho Chi Minh, there are many street restaurants, seating is at folding
tables on the sidewalk but I would go to such places at a future date.
Time passed while I took a photo of lightened City Opera House, and then
I talked with peddlers and self-appointed tourist guide.
After that I met Kobuna out on the street.
I thought he was solo traveler like me but he came to Ho Chi Minh with
his friends: Yoshitaka, Machiko and Yoko.
So I had a dinner at Lemon Grass Restaurant with them.
We paid $14 (210,000VND=1,720Yen) for each, it was very high as compared
to local restaurants; however, I was glad to see nice people.
Again, I would like to thank Kobuna for this meeting.
I think Duna Hotel was well appointed accommodation for budget hotel.
Each room had a bedroom, bathroom, air conditioner, and refrigerator (mini-bar).
Mini-bar's charge was about the same as restaurants at De Tham area.
Breakfast is included but I wonder about leaving here without trying pho
(Vietnamese noodle) in the city.
So at least you should avoid buying costly hamburger ($4=60,000VND=490Yen)
at airport.
It is higher than Big Mac, right?
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It was very easy to get a tourist visa at Siem Reap Angkor International Airport.
Honestly speaking, it's no problem if short sightseeing travelers come
to Cambodia without visa.
If you don't have any hotel reservation, motorbike taxi driver may help
you to find a hotel or guest house depending on your budget in USD.
Since there is not tourist information at the airport, if you are not good
at bargaining, you should reserve any hotels before arrival.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the bank out of the airport, local
currency (Riel) may be useful for bargaining when tourists buy some small
goods and move in the town by motorbike taxi.
So there is Japanese magazine "Angkor Explorers" at departure
lobby, not arrival.
It's strange isn't it?
Motorbike taxi driver took me to Home Sweet Home Guest House.
This guest house had a big bedroom, bathtub, air conditioner, and cost
us only $15.
In addition, meals and cold drinks are available on request.
I thought fit to stay there, and reserved more one room for Tagameinu and
Kaji, my friends coming from Bangkok.
They intended to come here at 3:40 p.m. by Bangkok Airways (PG) 936.
I altered my schedule and picked them up at airport with 3 motorbike taxi
drivers because time passed while I had a lunch and relaxed in the room.
In the squall, as I waited for them among locals, I felt myself to be locals.
The airport was deserted, tourists from Bangkok seemed to be about 10 person,
including them.
Anyway since it was rain, I was right in going to airport, not waiting
for them in the town.
By the way, I was advised to bring a rain coat, but I didn't use it this
day.
Because motorbike taxi driver wore it and also pulled it over my head.
For the meanwhile we drink a toast to our reunion! Welcome to Cambodia!
But that's what I'm not supposed to say!
