Travel and shopping in Hochiminh city

Shopping is ever-lasting passion of almost women in the world. And obviously, they can not miss the chance for doing shopping whenever travelling. The International Women day is coming and I hope this post will give our beautiful women some tips when travelling and shopping in Hochiminh city (former Saigon)

Of all the many places in the world that I've travelled to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam offers the best-value shopping opportunities for made-to-measure clothing, lacquer ware, woodwork, fine cotton goods, machine embroidered and hand embroidered goods, scarves, t-shirts, faux jewellery and shawls. The last time I was there I stocked up on everything. Now my gift drawer is filled to overflowing with presents that would cost three and four times the amount if they were purchased at home. So when birthdays, anniversaries and holidays come along all I need to do is gift wrap one of these fabulous items. And guess what? I bought the gift wrap in Vietnam, too.

A note about tailors in HCMC

These Vietnamese tailors work so fast and so well. They sometimes sew things to order in two to three days. Here's a few of my tried and true tips for ordering made to measure items.

Pack a shirt or jacket from home that you love. Pick your fabric in one of these tailoring shops, leave your garment with them and they will copy it exactly. Be sure to arrange for an early fitting so that any problems can be fixed before you have to leave the city.

Always ask the tailors to make the back of the garment an inch wider than the original. Our JW experience has been that some shopkeepers tend to skimp on material that 'you've' paid for and make the garment just a bit smaller. By adding width I've ended up with the size I really want. Remember the old Journeywoman rule -- an inch too big is far better than an inch too small.

Every tailor is going to ask for at least a 50% deposit. I try to leave as small a deposit as possible. Though this has never happened to me I don't want to be in a position of losing a lot of money if the tailor does a terrible job and I have to leave the garment behind. If less than 50% is unacceptable then make your deposit using a credit card so you have a better chance of retrieving your money if necessary.

I always tell the tailor that I am leaving town one day earlier than I actually am. This way in case extra time is needed for changes to the garment you'll have it without extra stress.

Lovely linen shirts tailored to measure...

I had a five-day stay in Vietnam. On my first day there I brought one of my linen shirts to Nam Silk to have it copied. They completed the job in two days and charged me $US16.00 per shirt for the linen, creating and sewing the pattern. The finished product was perfect and it cost me a fraction of what the original shirt had cost. This tailoring shop is located at 191-193 De Tham Street, District One. Tel: (84-8) 4042429. Do yourself a favour. If you're staying in the center of town, take a cab from your hotel. It shouldn't be more than $US2.00 and the cab driver will find the shop a lot faster than you will. P.S. I left my old, worn shirt with them so that they would have the pattern and I could then order more by mail when I wanted to.

Have an ao-dai made just for you...

The ao dai (pronounced ow-yai) is a long gown with slits on either side that is the traditional woman's dress of Vietnam. These are worn with matching wide silk pants. Some women choose patterned material for the ao-dai and solids for the pants.

Depending on the material you choose you can make a set for about $US30 but of course better silks will cost much more. These outfits are so lovely and can be worn to dressy events once you get them home.

One shop that specializes in more expensive ao-dai is Thuan Viet. 213B dong Khoi St., District 1, HCMC. THey charge $US150 and up for exquisite, colourful, hand embroidered silk ao dai sewn to order. See their website: www.aodaithuanviet.com

Less expensive ao-dai can be purchased ready to wear at stalls in Ben Thanh Market. Other shops like Nam Silk (191-193 De Tham Street, District One) will tailor far less expensive ones in gorgeous vibrant silks.

Sweet smocked dress for girls...

In Ho Chi Minh City there is a wonderful shop called, Ninh Khuong Embroidery. I came across it by accident because it's across the street from my tailor, Nam Silk on De Tham Street. I later found other branches at 83 Dong Khoi and 34 Le Loi Street. They sell the most attractive smocked and embroidered cotton party dresses for little girls (about $US20). They also have outfits for babies and boys plus a lovely selection of the softest cotton nightgowns, sleep shirts and linens. Be prepared to empty your pocketbook but you'll get great value for the money. Address: 220 De Tham Street, District 1. – By Evelyn Hannon

Posted by Vietnamholidaynow / Tel: 0084-43-6339577 / info@vietnamholidaynow.com

Tags: Vietnam holiday, holiday indochina, Indochina holiday, travel to vietnam, vietnam travel guide, Hochiminh city excurions, Hochiminh city tours, Shopping in Vietnam, Shopping in Saigon, Shopping in hanoi, Vietnam travel tips, travel tips to vietnam, vietnam travel, Halong cruise vacation, Mekong cruise, luxury mekong cruise, Vietnam junks and boats, Asian junks, Halong travel, Halong day tours and excursions, Halong hotels, Hotels in halong bay, vietnam beach vacation, Muine beach, china beach vietnam, nhatrang beach, Phu quoc beach, Nhatrang hotels and resorts, Muine hotels and resorts, Luxury resorts in vietnam, Mekong delta excursion, Halong cruise lines, Vietnam halong cruise, Vietnam luxury cruise, deluxe cruise on halong bay, Halong bay kayaking, sapa discovery, sapa expedition, sapa travel, trekking sapa

Shopping is ever-lasting passion of almost women in the world. And obviously, they can not miss the chance for doing shopping whenever travelling. The International Women day is coming and I hope this post will give our beautiful women some tips when travelling and shopping in Hochiminh city (former Saigon)

Of all the many places in the world that I've travelled to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) in Vietnam offers the best-value shopping opportunities for made-to-measure clothing, lacquer ware, woodwork, fine cotton goods, machine embroidered and hand embroidered goods, scarves, t-shirts, faux jewellery and shawls. The last time I was there I stocked up on everything. Now my gift drawer is filled to overflowing with presents that would cost three and four times the amount if they were purchased at home. So when birthdays, anniversaries and holidays come along all I need to do is gift wrap one of these fabulous items. And guess what? I bought the gift wrap in Vietnam, too.

A note about tailors in HCMC

These Vietnamese tailors work so fast and so well. They sometimes sew things to order in two to three days. Here's a few of my tried and true tips for ordering made to measure items.

Pack a shirt or jacket from home that you love. Pick your fabric in one of these tailoring shops, leave your garment with them and they will copy it exactly. Be sure to arrange for an early fitting so that any problems can be fixed before you have to leave the city.

Always ask the tailors to make the back of the garment an inch wider than the original. Our JW experience has been that some shopkeepers tend to skimp on material that 'you've' paid for and make the garment just a bit smaller. By adding width I've ended up with the size I really want. Remember the old Journeywoman rule -- an inch too big is far better than an inch too small.

Every tailor is going to ask for at least a 50% deposit. I try to leave as small a deposit as possible. Though this has never happened to me I don't want to be in a position of losing a lot of money if the tailor does a terrible job and I have to leave the garment behind. If less than 50% is unacceptable then make your deposit using a credit card so you have a better chance of retrieving your money if necessary.

I always tell the tailor that I am leaving town one day earlier than I actually am. This way in case extra time is needed for changes to the garment you'll have it without extra stress.

Lovely linen shirts tailored to measure...

I had a five-day stay in Vietnam. On my first day there I brought one of my linen shirts to Nam Silk to have it copied. They completed the job in two days and charged me $US16.00 per shirt for the linen, creating and sewing the pattern. The finished product was perfect and it cost me a fraction of what the original shirt had cost. This tailoring shop is located at 191-193 De Tham Street, District One. Tel: (84-8) 4042429. Do yourself a favour. If you're staying in the center of town, take a cab from your hotel. It shouldn't be more than $US2.00 and the cab driver will find the shop a lot faster than you will. P.S. I left my old, worn shirt with them so that they would have the pattern and I could then order more by mail when I wanted to.

Have an ao-dai made just for you...

The ao dai (pronounced ow-yai) is a long gown with slits on either side that is the traditional woman's dress of Vietnam. These are worn with matching wide silk pants. Some women choose patterned material for the ao-dai and solids for the pants.

Depending on the material you choose you can make a set for about $US30 but of course better silks will cost much more. These outfits are so lovely and can be worn to dressy events once you get them home.

One shop that specializes in more expensive ao-dai is Thuan Viet. 213B dong Khoi St., District 1, HCMC. THey charge $US150 and up for exquisite, colourful, hand embroidered silk ao dai sewn to order. See their website: www.aodaithuanviet.com

Less expensive ao-dai can be purchased ready to wear at stalls in Ben Thanh Market. Other shops like Nam Silk (191-193 De Tham Street, District One) will tailor far less expensive ones in gorgeous vibrant silks.

Sweet smocked dress for girls...

In Ho Chi Minh City there is a wonderful shop called, Ninh Khuong Embroidery. I came across it by accident because it's across the street from my tailor, Nam Silk on De Tham Street. I later found other branches at 83 Dong Khoi and 34 Le Loi Street. They sell the most attractive smocked and embroidered cotton party dresses for little girls (about $US20). They also have outfits for babies and boys plus a lovely selection of the softest cotton nightgowns, sleep shirts and linens. Be prepared to empty your pocketbook but you'll get great value for the money. Address: 220 De Tham Street, District 1. – By Evelyn Hannon

Posted by Vietnamholidaynow / Tel: 0084-43-6339577 / info@vietnamholidaynow.com

Tags: Vietnam holiday, holiday indochina, Indochina holiday, travel to vietnam, vietnam travel guide, Hochiminh city excurions, Hochiminh city tours, Shopping in Vietnam, Shopping in Saigon, Shopping in hanoi, Vietnam travel tips, travel tips to vietnam, vietnam travel, Halong cruise vacation, Mekong cruise, luxury mekong cruise, Vietnam junks and boats, Asian junks, Halong travel, Halong day tours and excursions, Halong hotels, Hotels in halong bay, vietnam beach vacation, Muine beach, china beach vietnam, nhatrang beach, Phu quoc beach, Nhatrang hotels and resorts, Muine hotels and resorts, Luxury resorts in vietnam, Mekong delta excursion, Halong cruise lines, Vietnam halong cruise, Vietnam luxury cruise, deluxe cruise on halong bay, Halong bay kayaking, sapa discovery, sapa expedition, sapa travel, trekking sapa

Sweet Valentine on Halong bay

Valentine cruise is sister's cruise of Indochina Sails. This luxury cruise with 5 cabins was launched from Oct 2007 to offer the best suite for VIP or private charming space for single passengers. Spend Valentine day with your partner in Valentine cruise on Halong bay. Can not be more perfect!!!

Day 01: Hanoi - Halong
8h00: The A/C vehicle pick you up from your hotel for transfer to Halong bay
11:30 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.

12:15 Transfer by tender to the Indochina Sails boat – enjoy Welcome Drink. Receive cruise briefing and check in to cabins and begin cruise.
13:00 Lunch - deluxe Vietnamese and International Set Menu.
Massage service is available beginning after lunch and
throughout the cruise. Please book in advance with Cruise Manager.
14.30 Arrive at Titop Island. Enjoy swimming, relaxing on the beach and climbing the steps to the top of the mountain on the island for fantastic views and photo opportunities. Water and towels supplied. We will spend about one hour on the island.
15.30 Transfer back to the boat and sail for approximately 45 minutes to our second destination - the Bat Cave area.
16.30 Arrive at the Bat Cave area. There are two programs to choose from at this time. One option is a 40 minute kayaking program to the nearby Bat Cave and lagoon and surrounding waters. Kayaking is $10. per person unless already booked as part of your package. Water is supplied.
The second option is to visit the largest floating fishing village in Halong Bay. We will travel to the village on the tender and tour the village for approximately 20 minutes.
18:30 Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight.
19:00 Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese & Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.
20:30 Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 9:15, board games and playing cards are available, join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available.
21:00 – 23:00 Happy Hour!
Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded).
23.00 End of program for Day One

Day 02: Halong

6:30 Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).
6:45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.
7:45 Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room.
8:30 Transfer by tender to the “Day Boat” and begin to cruise to some of Halong Bay’s more untouched locales. Exact locations depend on tide conditions. Enjoy a leisurely day of kayaking and swimming. A multi-course lunch will be served mid-day. Pack lightly; swimwear and set of dry clothes and there may be some walking on slippery rocks and through shallow water so appropriate shoes for this.
16:00 Return by tender to the Indochina Sails boat.
18:30 Arrive at Luon Bo area - anchor for overnight.
19:00 Dinner - deluxe Vietnamese and Western Buffet or Set Menu Dinner.
20:30 Evening activities include: film entertainment in the dining room at approximately 21:15, board games and playing cards are available join squid fishing from the boat with our crew, massage services are available.
21:00 – 23:00 Happy Hour!
Buy one drink - get one free (wine excluded).
23.00 End of program for Day Two

Day 03: Halong - Hanoi

6:30 Enjoy Tai Chi instruction on the sundeck (duration about 30 minutes).

6:45 Coffee, tea and breakfast pastries served in the dining room.
7:00 Arrive at the Surprise Cave.
8:00 Transfer by tender to the Surprise Cave.
Walk up the 100 steps to the entrance of the cave and tour on foot for approximately 45 minutes.
9:00 Upon return to the boat take time to freshen up and please check-out of cabins. Please leave heavy luggage outside of the cabins (staff will transfer to the pier). Depart for Bai Chay/Halong pier.
10:00 Relax on the sundeck or in the dining room and enjoy the bay scenery as we approach the pier.
9:30 Enjoy Breakfast Set Menu or Buffet served in the dining room. Settle bills in the dining room after breakfast.
10:45 Arrive at Bai Chay/Halong pier.
11:00 Transfer by tender to the pier, relax inside the pier building while waiting for return transportation. Farewell and End of Cruise.
11h30: pick at the port for driving back to Hanoi. Tour end upon arrive in your hotel

Rate for group of 2 persons: 342 USD/pax

INCLUSION:
_ Accommodation on twin cabin (lockable) on traditional junk
_ In-house speaking tour guide
_ Transportation with A/C vehicle
_ Boat cruise with meals: 3 main meals (01 lunch, 1 diner and 1 brunch)
_ Welcome drink on arrival
_ Fresh fruit, free tea and coffee
_ Entrance fee to Halong bay
_ Taxes and Service charge
_ Insurance on board

EXCLUSION: Kayaking, Travel insurance, Drink other than the above, Other personal expenses

Book this tour with Vietnamholidaynow / Tel: 84-43-6339577 / Email: sales@vietnamholidaynow.com

***Two days program with Valentine cruise is also available on our website at http://vietnamholidaynow.com/english/vietnam_tour_halong_Halong-Valentine-luxury-cruise-days_244_1883/index.html
***And many other cruises on Halong bay at http://vietnamholidaynow.com/english/vietnam/tour/Halong-Bay-Cruises/244.html

Mui ne holiday – more than a beach vacation

Mui Ne has an international reputation for being one of the places in the world to be when it comes to windsurfing and kite-surfing. It’s hardly surprising then that resorts, bars and restaurants stand side by side along the miles-long stretch of beach to cater to the increasing number of tourists who visit the region. The resorts range from the luxury and five-star kind to budget. Getting around isn’t any problem, too. You can hire one of the ever-present motorcycle taxis to take you where you want to go. Or, you can rent one for a few days or weeks.

Waking up to the sound of the waves lapping gently on the shore, going out on the beach, coffee in hand, to watch the local fisher folk plying their trade in the early morning hours a few minutes after sunrise is a good way to start the day. How about jogging barefoot along the beach, then taking a dip in the ocean afterwards? The experience certainly set me in the right mood for a good, hot breakfast. And there was no shortage of items from which to choose! Sure, the resort offered the usual Western breakfast dishes, but eating a big bowl of hot noodle soup - with beef, seafood, or just eggs - is a tasty and most filling way of breaking an overnight fast.

My friend and business partner, Victor Volder, who is from the Netherlands and who had been staying in Mui Ne for a couple of months before I visited, gave me a mini-tour on his rented scooter. Construction was going on almost everywhere I looked - sidewalks being built, resorts and houses being erected. We stopped at the lookout point over the fishing village and visited a beach located quite a ways from the one dotted with resorts. This beach was deserted, only one restaurant, no one swimming or doing any water sports. From what I understand, the conditions for such activities are not the best.


Sights, sounds, smells


The main beach was perfect for water sports, though. I spent several afternoons on the stretch where the Wind Chimes kite-surfing center is located. Victor, an avid windsurfer, took a few kiting lessons. Still, he preferred windsurfing when he felt the weather was right. We usually had lunch on the beach, chatting with the friendly local surfing or kiting instructors, who never hesitated to offer us a cucumber, soup, whatever. (Make sure to turn your back to the wind when eating on the beach, otherwise, your food will be liberally sprinkled with fine golden sand.)

Sometimes, the combination of a good lunch and the balmy wind made us feel a tad lethargic. We’d then settle on the deck chairs for a quick snooze. Afterwards, I would watch Victor and others doing their thing out on the water - so many kites and sails bobbing and swaying in the wind made a pretty sight. I remember walking several miles along the shoreline in the afternoon hours, sometimes exchanging a quick word or two with other tourists, but mostly just sightseeing and people watching. (Never forget to use sunscreen or wear a wide hat).


At sunset we usually sat at our resort’s open-air restaurant or by the chairs overlooking the water, cold beer in hand. Everything was so casual and laid-back - no pressure. We’d normally have dinner at any one of the many restaurants in the area, a motorbike ride away. A large variety of cuisine was available and affordable - a fish steak with mashed potatoes and a side dish of vegetables, plus a beer cost about four U.S. dollars. The fun was choosing a different restaurant each time. One of the fun things to do was to choose a restaurant we hadn’t eaten at before.



On weekends the resort’s owner came from Ho Chi Minh City. Once I attended a dinner he hosted, the specialty may have been pork skin, I don't remember, but it was very tasty. We'd get crash courses counting in Vietnamese, as well as some history - and drinking more beer.


On our day of departure, one resort waitress added to my arsenal of good memories; she took the day off and invited us to her house for lunch. Victor and I walked to her living quarters, sat on the floor of her room, and watched as she and her boyfriend prepared a meal on a portable stove: fresh fish in a savory, slightly sour soup, with lots and lots of fresh vegetables and noodles - a very good and tasty meal, made even more delicious by the fact that it was served with triple heaping of local hospitality and friendliness.


A few hours after lunch we waited for the bus that would take us back to Ho Chi Minh City. We felt sadness leaving such friendly people but the sights, sounds and smells of Mui Ne will always be in my memories.


(By: Lalaine Capucion)

Adapted by Vietnamholidaynow / 0084-36339576 / email: info@vietnamholidaynow.com

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