Saigon (HCMC) is a very lively and vibrant city, and you will find the Vietnamese very friendly people. The old French colonial buildings are interesting architecture and reminders of the Vietnamese struggle for independence are plentiful. Vietnamese food is not as spicy as Thai and dog is a speciality!If you are there for 4 days then trips into the countryside are a good idea. You can visit the Cu Chi tunnel complex that the Vietcong developed to literally undermine the Americans, go to the home of the Cao Dai religious sect in Tay Ninh (I think), or take a trip down the Mekong Delta. A good idea is to get a Lonely Planet guide to HCMC and check up on the cafes favoured by backpackers where cheap, reliable tours can be booked. Don't book tours through the hotel unless you enjoy paying more than you need to.Taxis and cycle rickshaws are cheap and the rickshaw ride from central Saigon to Cholon (Saigon's Chinatown) is an exilerating journey.Cash machines are now available and prices are generally lower than Bangkok.Check out the weather to be expected.
John Connelly ● 7217d