The Saigon Diaries - Around Ho Chi Minh City

Day 3

It was the last day of our stay in Vietnam and we decided to see Ho Chi Minh City as much as we can. Our first stop was the War Remnants Museum.

Upon entering the complex, you'll see aircrafts and tanks that were used during the war. Inside the museum, the history and culture of Vietnam is told through different exhibits. But the exhibit that will stir so much emotion, anger and hatred probably, is the exhibit on the Vietnam War.

Next stop was the Thien Hau Pagoda located in the Chinatown District. The pagoda is dedicated to the Thien Hau or the Lady of the Sea.

From the pagoda, we were brought to the Binh Tay market which reminded me of Divisoria.

Then we had lunch at Pho Hai Thien which prides itself for using fresh vegetable noodles. No chemicals or food coloring as the noodles retain much of the color of the vegetable base. Actually, I liked the pho here than the one served at a popular restaurant.

After lunch, we toured the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Municipal Post Office.

The Reunification Palace

Notre Dame Cathedral

Post Office

We went back to our hotel to freshen up before our dinner at a revolving restaurant just near our hotel. As we were walking down the street, we saw the popular Trung Nguyen Coffee at the end of the block. We decided to have what was supposed to be a "nightcap" ahead of our dinner.

Dinner was at the Royal Revolving Restaurant located on the 9th floor of the Hoang Gia Hotel. The experience of dining in a revolving restaurant was something new. By the time we were done, the restaurant has completed its 360-degree turn. 

Ho Chi Minh City at night

A view of the Phu Dong Thien Vuong Roundabout

Here's what we had for dinner.

What a great way to culminate a three-day vacation in Vietnam by having a view of the city while enjoying good food in the company of wonderful friends.


P.S. Jollibee in Vietnam says Chào!