I Test Out If Viking Cruises Lives Up To All The Hype (podcast)
Tips For Travellers
I review Viking Ocean Cruises and put the cruise line to the test to see what they offer, what they do different to other cruise lines - and to find out of Viking Ocean Cruise Lines are as good as their loyal fans say they are. I look at everything from the line, ships, facilities, cabins, service, and dining
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I Put Post-Covid Cruising To The ULTIMATE Test ! (podcast)
Tips For Travellers
Can a Post-Covid Shutdown cruise be fun, or are you paying for a much reduced cruising experience and should you wait until things are fully back to normal? I have been on my first cruise (on Viking Venus) since the cruise shutdown and I test out against the 7things that make a cruise fun, enjoyable and relaxing if a post-covid cruise meets them. This is what I found out.
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Cruise Solo Without Paying For Two! How Do I Do It? (podcast)
Tips For Travellers
Solo Cruising can be costly, as you often have to pay the same as two people. I explore how I cruise solo without paying too much. My solo cruise tips and tricks to cruise without breaking the bank.
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How To Meet The Most Interesting People On A Cruise (podcast)
Tips For Travellers
Who is the most interesting person I have met on a cruise ship? A Celebrity? One of the crew? The captain? Or someone else?
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When Things Go Wrong On A Cruise, How To Get What You Want (podcast)
Tips For Travellers
What is my secret to having problems or issues on a cruise solved successfully? Going to the Front Desk / Guest Relations does not usually get my cruising problem solved, and I discovered (through a combination of by chance and desperation) THE best and most successful way to get cruise issues solved. Discover how you can use this too
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5 Things That Make NO Sense On Cruise Ships (Podcast)
Tips For Travellers
Discover why some things seem to make no sense on a cruise ship, and the reason on why it has been done that way. I look at things I have seen on cruise ships that seem a bit off, and share what I found out about why things that don't seem to make sense on a ship do, when you know why.
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What Are The Greatest Cruises in The World? (Podcast)
Tips For Travellers
What Are The Greatest Cruises in The World? Find out in this episode of Tips For Travellers....
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6 Cruise Extras Worth Paying For (Podcast)
Tips For Travellers
What cruise extras and add-ons should you pay for, and which should you avoid? I look at the many cruising extras on offer that are not included in your fare, and which are worth paying and splashing out on, and which you should not - and why
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7 Easily-Made Cruise Mistakes That Will Cost You BIG! (Podcast)
Tips For Travellers
7 Cruise Mistakes That Will Cost You Dearly if you are not careful. I discuss 7 easy-to-make and common cruising errors that cruise passengers make that ends up costing them money that could be spent on better and more enjoyable things. Many of these cruising slip-ups I learnt the hard way. Learn how to save money on your next cruise
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6 Cruises To Now Steer Clear Of (Podcast)
Tips For Travellers
6 cruises to avoid and steer clear of, when you next go on a cruise again. Don't waste your money on these 6 cruises I am going to warn you about. When choosing a cruise to go on, you need to pick one where you will have the greatest chance of having an incredible experience, for all the right reasons.
info_outlineGary Bembridge of Tips for Travellers shares observations, tips and advice for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.
Subscribe free to the show on iTunes, Stitcher Radio or TuneIn Radio
This show covers among other topics:
Observations
- Fascinating and revealing city to visit especially for history lovers
- Easy to see why it has been called "Pearl or Paris of the East" with broad avenues and remarkable buildings from their French ruled.
- People know of it for wrong reasons linked to Vietnam War.
History
French occupied and colonised in 1859 for about 100 years. Vietnamese struggle for independence started after WWII and led to battles with French ending in country being spilt into 2 at 17th Parralell in Geneva Accord in 1960s. With communist controlled north supported by Russia led by Ho Chi Minh and more western leaning south increasingly supported by USA by NGO Dinh Dien.
USA decided to see Vietnam as key to stopping spread of communism and entered war between North and South as North wanted to unite under their rule. Very violent and bloody war lasting two decades. USA pulled out support in 1973 but war carried on until North overan South culminating in tanks smashing through gates of presidential complex on 30 April 1975 and South unconditionally surrendering.
Vietnam is communist country with 1 party state. World's 2nd largest exporter of rice and coffee with high tech industry growing fast.
Safe country but has reputation of being corrupt.
Ho Chi Minh City is the biggest city in Vietnam but Hanoi in the North is the capital.
Vietnam has massive population close to 90 million (one of top 10 in world) - at least 9 million live in the city.
Getting there
Visa needed.
Large international airport eith new one being built opening in 2025
Rail terminal to many areas
Cruise - large ships dock at Phu My and smaller go right into Port Saigon
Best time to go
Tropical climate and gets very hot
Rainy May to Nov and Dry Dec to April (best time to go).
Getting Around
Millions of motorcycles - about 340000 cars and 3,5 million bikes
Developing a light rapid transit system
Taxis - lots
General Tips
- Most of the tourist sights within walking distance in District 1, helpful as no Hop-on Hop-off bus.
- Vietnamese Dong - $1 about 20,000 - most people refer to prices in dong without the 000s - many will take US$ including some attractions.
- Wi-fi in most cafés and restaurants - usually need password but they will provide.
- Most attractions close between 1130 and 1300
Things to do
Reunification Hall
Previously called Independence Hall
Former South Vietnam President's complex of working and living
War Remnants Museum
Used to be called Museum of American War Crimes - opened in September 1975
Aim is researching and collecting evidence of war crimes and attributes.
Norte Dame Cathedral
Built with materials all from France in 1800s
Municipal Theatre / Opera House
City Hall with Ho Chi Minh Statute
Museum of Vietnamese History and Botanical Gardens
Ho Chi Minh Museum
Designed as museum but used as Governors Palace and then French High Commissioner Residence and office and later Supreme Court.
Bitexco Tower and Saigon Skyview
Shopping
- Malls - many including Thuong Xa Tax
- High end stores near City Hall
- Ben Thanh Market
Further Afield
- Dai Nam Tourist Park
- Chi Chi Tunnels
- Cochi Tunnel Complex