If you haven’t visited Vietnam yet, you’re missing out on a lot. Our Southeast Asian neighbor has tons to offer visitors, from picturesque beaches to majestic temples to amazing food (pho and spring rolls, anyone?). It’s high time you cross it off your bucket list, especially since AirAsia will soon be having direct flights from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City!
Ho Chi Minh, or Saigon as it’s still called by several locals, is the business and travel hub of Vietnam and the perfect starting point to explore the country. Start your trip by visiting a roadside café for some Vietnamese iced coffee or ‘Ca Phe Sua Da,’ followed by stops at the city’s famous architectural marvels such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Opera House, and the Jade Emperor Pagoda. If you’re a history buff, you should visit the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the famed Cu Chi Tunnels for a glimpse into how life was during the Vietnam War.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
After sightseeing, you can test your haggling skills at the famed Ben Thanh Market, or check out the nearby Saigon Square for stylish clothes. And as for food, good news: You’ll never be too far from a good, affordable meal in Ho Chi Minh! For the best local dining experience, visit the Ba Chieu Market to try Vietnam’s famous baguette sandwich, ‘Banh Mi,’ or some ‘Com Tam’, a ‘broken rice’ style dish topped with grilled meat. And if you can’t get enough of Vietnam, you can make your way up north to Dalat, Hoi An, Hue, and Hanoi to see more of what the country can offer!
Ben Thanh Market
It’s never been easier (and cheaper!) to start planning your Vietnam visit, with AirAsia offering introductory promo fares for as low as P990 if you book until October 8! Travel period is from November 17, 2017 to November 21, 2018. Visit AirAsia's website and Facebook page to learn more!