Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) is a huge place and although the centre can be navigated on foot reasonably easily, venturing further afield can be hot and thirsty work.

For the brave, a motorcycle taxi, or Xe Om, is a great way to see the city; travelling without a roof means you can take in a lot more of the city, provided you haven't clenched your eyes shut in fear. Since December 2007 all Xe Oms carry spare helmets for their passengers so this is now safer than it was. Be prepared to haggle for your fare though!

For the rest of us, taxis are a cheap, cool and comfortable. Escape from the heat and the noise of the city; a journey across the centre can cost as little as $1-2.

Be careful to go with a good brand like Vinataxi, Mai Linh or Vinasun though, as there are a few shady operators who fiddle their meters.

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Bargaining is considered the most common way to buy things in Saigon. It is not that complicated if you think of it as a a harmonious yin-yang balance. You want the item, and the seller wants your money. Bargaining is simply a search for the balance between your desire and the seller's. However, should the items have price labels, there is almost no bargaining.

If you get hungry during your shopping spree, stop for some finger food or relax in one of the Saigon Restaurants along the city's shopping streets.

As the most active city in Vietnam, Hochiminh city offers an excellent variety of clothing, ceramics, ethnic fabrics and lacquered bamboo.

vietnam-beauty.com/cities/ho-chi-minh-city.html

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There are three different weather seasons in Vietnam and it's always good somewhere. Take a look at the following site for a really accurate break-down.

www.selectiveasia.com/weather-in-asia.aspx?pnl=vietnam

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Stayed at the Omni as part of a tour and found the hotel very good. It is a little bit out of town but not a problem as this made the rooms much quieter.

The food was good and we also enjoyed the spa at fair price. The rooms are quite comfortable, and there are amenities including the many fine-dining outlets, popular Irish pub Mulligan's, and fitness centre.

The breakfast buffet was extensive and the food of good quality, which applied also to the other eateries offered in the hotel. Staff were pleasant and efficient, though not especially friendly.

Situated about 15 minutes from the airport and about 25 minutes from the centre of town.

Address: 253 Nguyen Van Troi Street Phu Nhuan District Ho Chi Minh City.

www.omnisaigonhotel.com/
www.sai-gon-hotels.com/

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