I began my sightseeing around Ho Chi Minh City with quick stops at Ben Thanh Market and Mariamman Hindu Temple in the morning. Next on my itinerary was going to be Saigon’s Independence Palace.
Using Google Maps, I walked towards Independence Palace
Lots of colourful buildings in this part of the city
I entered this green space
This is a part of Tao Dan Park — the largest public park in Ho Chi Minh City
You have a bunch of sculptures… and benches to rest on
As I walked towards the entrance, it was nice to see the remnants of French city planning in these boulevards. Makes this part of Ho Chi Minh City all the more scenic.
The exhibit ‘From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace, 1868-1966’ is housed inside this building
Tickets to the Independence Palace costs 40,000 VND as does the individual ticket to the exhibit. But the combination ticket costs 65,000 VND (₹210/$2.7/€2.5) and that’s what I opted for.
Breakfast options were from a set menu list. It was pretty much a choice of Vietnamese breakfast options (noodles, noodle soup, fried rice) or Bánh Mì (Vietnamese for bread). But what bread is to Vietnamese is essentially their take on the French baguette.
Since I don’t like Asian fare for my breakfast, I stuck to Bánh Mì with omelette and sausage.
On the way out, close by was a tour agency. I inquired about a few tours and their prices were lower than what I saw quoted online.
I booked the Mekong Delta 1 day tour. To get picked up for the tour, I merely have to step out of my hotel and just walk a few steps to this tour office.
I then walked a few metres from the hotel to Ben Thanh market, my first stop for the day.
Ben Thanh market is one of the oldest surviving markets in Sai Gon and is open daily from 6am to 6pm
The Ben Thanh market junction is very busy and sees heavy traffic flow. The blue walls you see in the photo is part of the construction of Ho Chi Minh City’s metro.
After 6pm until 10pm, the Ben Thanh market area all around the building turns into a night market with plenty of street vendors selling wares and food.