oh boy, i luv this city...cuz i was born there... however, u need ur sunblock, it's too hot over there, plus pollution.... bad... u need a hat, a helmet (they require wearing 1 now), and some cash, most things are cheap over there... but be careful with ur purse... if u like necklaces or bracelets (all type - from girly to weird, unique...), just ride around the city, there'll multi-stores that have those cute stuff...with a price from $2 - 5 usd/ each, u'll find a bunch of great stuff.... market, u MUST negotiate with the seller, cuz ur stuff might cost only 1 buck but they can charge u for like $5, 6... cuz they know u're traveller.... dun eat in a fancy restaurant, a small place always have better food with better price.... great place to visit....

If booking a day trip or multi day trip, check out the travel agencies on De Tham (near 23/9 park, just off of Pham Ngu Lao). Probably the best would be Delta Adventure Tours as it has been around for a long time and gives more options. Also, if you book through another agency, it is quite likely that you will end up on a Delta Adventure tour anyway. Why not go to the source.

Change money at any legal money changer or there's one in Bne Thanh Market Bargain bargain when u shop Handphones wallets in pockets.. tight pants better Bring your own basic medicine Book hotels form internet.. cheaper easier. Ride taxi with meter. Backpackers area.. more info for attractions there.. Pham Ngu Lao Street.. Light clothings only.. Local food is cheap but be careful..

Love it. After a week or so the smog gets to me so I'll probably have some down time for a day. Bring your own sinus medication as most of the stuff you find as of 2006 would be French brands at best. Maybe nothing wrong with that but you likely won't see anything familiar if you are from the States.

Don't buy anything the first week - you'll start noticing what the real prices for things are. Those postcards the kids will sell you for 110,00-150,000 dong can be found at the store for 7,000 dong. :)

Yes, the cold coconut drinks are touristy but refreshing even to the locals. If you like Pho. Try Alley #4. You'll have to ask some locals where it is. It is off the beaten path.

Cheap and good! Great place to shop!

One of the places I would recommend with no reservations, Ho Chi Minh City is a sight to see, with a bustling nightlife, great (and cheap) delicacies, a well-preserved culture, and for you history junkies out there, many war remnants.
Cu Chi Tunnel is a must. It is located in the suburbs of the city, but easy to get to nonetheless since cab fare is so cheap. There are deserted tanks, and anyone is allowed to fire live rounds from a real M16 if they pay a little out of their pocket (a few USD, not over 10).
The nightlife is great too. Pha mu lau (not quite sure how to spell it, my apologies) is a great place for cheap drinks, so is Eden, located adjacent to it. Bounce is a good hiphop club and has impeccable western furnishings. Other than that, there is shopping at Diamond Plaza during the day, which also boasts an accessible bowling alley.

If you always had the dream of owning a old sailship model here you have the best chances ,opposite the hotel Rex you will find nice and not expensive shops offering old new fashioned ships models.Remember; last price is the best price not the first;)