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Vietnam and Cambodia

  • 06-06-2012 8:02pm
    #1
    Funkyman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 46 ✭


    Hey all,

    I will be around Hanoi,Ho Chi Minh and Phnom Phen for Christmas this year and wondering if there are any cool things to do other than the usual tourist things?.
    Any cool places to celebrate xmas with other expats in Ho Chi Minh city?.

    Thanks for any help.


Comments

  • #2
    Blitzkrieger
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,660 ✭✭✭Blitzkrieger


    https://mms.cardsaveonlinepayments.com/Pages/PublicPages/PayByLink.aspx?PaymentLinkUID=d0da915d-a49d-4564-81b4-c56579219589

    Well I don't know how much help I can be - I was there recently but did most of the 'tourist' things - but I'll give it a shot.

    On my first day in Saigon I could barely move for the guys on mopeds wanting to take me places. Mostly to 'massage' parlours. They will bring you to all the big tourist places too - just make sure you agree the fee up front. They will try and screw you - like if you agree "10" beforehand they'll claim it was 10 x 100,000 dong. If you're very clear on setting the price beforehand you shouldn't have a problem.

    As to where the ex-pats go - I don't really know. I've heard there's a sports bar in some big shopping centre near the airport that's popular, but I was only in the city for two days.

    In Phonmh Penh I can recommend you don't go to TS21 or the killing fields - seriously depressing stuff. If you do go, make sure you get an english speaking guide or it'll be a waste of time. Again, I wasn't in Phonmh Penh long, but I'd recommend staying in the touristy bars by the waterfront. Some of the bars off that strip are properly seedy. Look out for 'happy hour' promotions in bars/restaurants normally up to 8pm. We ended up with two pitchers of beer each for $3. For food we ate at some great restaurants in Phonmh Penh (much better than Siam Reap) but damned if I can think of the names of them now. Both were by the waterfront and will probably show up with lots of recomendations if you do a quick google.

    If you get the opportunity try and take in some tradional Cambodian dancing - it's class. They do huge stage productions with amazing costumes and lasers, but find a small theatre if you can. I certainly enjoyed a simpler show more.


  • #3
    ArphaRima
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,676 ✭✭✭ArphaRima


    HCMC notable bars

    Expat/upmarket:
    Lush
    Chill
    Gold
    Park Hyatt bar
    Vascos
    Cage

    Backpacker:
    Go2
    Eden
    Apocalypse
    (plenty more in Pham Ngu Lao area)
    Spotted cow

    Mixed others:
    Sheridans Irish bar
    Le Pub

    Local style:
    Gossip
    Any street corner

    On Christmas go play golf or paintball, book an expat lunch in one of the 5 star hotels and then go out at night partying in a good club.

    My info is probably a bit out of date since I moved on so read these:
    www.asialifehcmc.com
    www.wordhcmc.com

    Both are brilliant for restaurants clubs and the general scene in Hcmc. One of them even has a cambodian sister magazine, cant remember which one..


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