Vietnam Travel - Epic Bucket List Adventures

Bargain Delights: Uncovering The Wonders Of Ben Thanh Market

During our visit to Ho Chi Minh City, one of the must-see attractions on our list was Ben Thanh Market. This iconic market, located in the heart of the city, is a bustling hub of activity. It offers a unique glimpse into local culture, food, and shopping. Our time at Ben Thanh Market was an unforgettable experience, full of vibrant colors, enticing aromas, and lively interactions.

A Bustling Market in the Heart of the City

As we approached Ben Thanh Market, the first thing that struck us was its sheer size and the energy surrounding it. The market is housed in a large, colonial-era building with a clock tower that serves as a landmark in District 1. Inside, the market was a maze of stalls. Each stall overflowed with goods ranging from fresh produce and seafood to clothing, souvenirs, and handmade crafts.

Shopping for Treasures at Ben Thanh Market

We spent hours exploring the stalls, each offering something different and uniquely Vietnamese. From traditional ao dai dresses to beautiful lacquerware and conical hats, the variety of products was astounding. The vendors were friendly and eager to engage, often sharing the stories behind their goods. We particularly enjoyed browsing the stalls that sold hand-made goods. The selection and craftsmanship were incredible. One item we purchased was a home-made “my room” sign for a young friend back home.

Bargaining is a common practice at Ben Thanh Market, and we quickly learned the art of negotiation. The atmosphere was lively and the interactions with vendors were friendly, making the shopping experience both fun and rewarding. We managed to find some great deals on souvenirs and gifts to bring back home. Of course, we had to get the Meerkat coffee, which is sold by weight. We were able to break that purchase up into smaller packages for several friends.

A Feast for the Senses

Beyond the shopping, Ben Thanh Market is also a paradise for food lovers. The market’s food stalls are a sensory overload. The air was saturated with the smells of grilling meats, fresh herbs, and exotic fruits. We couldn’t resist sampling some of the local street food, starting with a bowl of pho, Vietnam’s famous noodle soup. The broth was rich and flavorful, and the fresh herbs and tender slices of beef made it a perfect introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.

We also tried banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich made with a crispy baguette, stuffed with a variety of meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The combination of flavors and textures was simply delicious. For dessert, we treated ourselves to a heavy but refreshing iced Vietnamese coffee.

Experiencing Local Culture

Ben Thanh Market is more than just a place to shop and eat; it’s a cultural experience that offers a window into the daily life of Ho Chi Minh City. The market was buzzing with locals and tourists alike, all going about their business in the midst of the market’s lively atmosphere. We enjoyed watching the interactions between vendors and customers, observing the hustle and bustle that makes Ben Thanh Market such a vibrant part of the city.

Final Thoughts on Ben Thanh Market

Visiting Ben Thanh Market was a highlight of our time in Ho Chi Minh City. The market’s lively atmosphere, diverse shopping opportunities, and incredible food made for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re looking to buy souvenirs, sample local cuisine, or simply soak in the vibrant culture of Vietnam, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit destination.

If you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to set aside some time to explore Ben Thanh Market. It’s an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the rich culture and traditions of Vietnam.

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Exploring Southeast Asia: Getting Around With The Grab App

Traveling through Southeast Asia is an adventure filled with vibrant cultures, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. During our recent trip to Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, we relied heavily on Grab, the region’s most popular ride-sharing app, to navigate our way through these diverse countries. Here’s a rundown of our experiences using Grab in each location, highlighting its convenience, affordability, and local nuances.

Background

During our previous to trip to Vietnam, we used Uber to get around. When we discovered that Uber is no longer available in the region, I booked with a car service to pick us up at the airport in Vietnam. It was a complete fiasco. First of all, the price was outrageous for what we received. Secondly, our driver was not there to pick us up at our pickup point when we arrived. So we ended up with an unnecessary delay, a very low quality car and a very high price point. After arriving at our hotel, a colleague shared that he uses the Grab App, which I immediately downloaded. It was a good decision.

Thailand: A Seamless Grab App Experience in Bangkok and Beyond

Our journey began in Bangkok, Thailand’s bustling capital, where traffic can be overwhelming, and navigating the city can be a challenge. We had side trips to Vietnam and Cambodia during our trip, but Bangkok was our base of operations during the trip. While we didn’t download Grab until we got to Vietnam our second day, it quickly became our go-to mode of transportation. The app was easy to use, and we appreciated the upfront pricing, which helped us avoid the haggling that can sometimes come with traditional taxis.

Wat Pathum Khongkha in Bangkok, Thailand

Pros:

Availability: Whether we were heading to a temple, a night market, or the airport, a Grab ride was always just minutes away. The drivers were friendly and often shared tips about the best local spots.
Pricing: We found Grab rides to be reasonably priced, especially when splitting the fare among a group. Compared to tuk-tuks or traditional taxis, Grab offered a more predictable and often cheaper option.
Variety of Options: In Bangkok, we had the option to choose from GrabCar, GrabBike, or even GrabTaxi, depending on our needs. GrabBike was particularly useful for zipping through the city’s notorious traffic.

Challenges:

Language Barrier: While most drivers were familiar with basic English, we occasionally encountered a language barrier.

Vietnam: A Reliable Grab App Companion in Ho Chi Minh City

Our first side trip from Bangkok was Vietnam. We downloaded the app after a bad experience with the shuttle service pre-arranged to take us from the airport. We used Grab extensively in Ho Chi Minh City. It was very inexpensive to get from our hotel to nearby restaurants or the market. All of our trips combined were less expensive than the one bad experience with the airport car service.

Church in Ho Chi Minh City near Banh Xeo 46A.

Pros:

Wide Availability: Grab rides were easy to find. The app’s popularity in Vietnam meant that we rarely had to wait more than a few minutes for a ride.
GrabBike: Similar to Thailand, GrabBike was a fantastic option. While we availed ourselves of this option in Bangkok, we did not in Vietnam.
Food Delivery: We did not use the food delivery option, either. But the app was very easy to use. Ordering food appeared to be very intuitive.

Challenges:

Traffic: While Grab offered a reliable way to get around, Vietnam’s traffic can be intense, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. This sometimes meant longer ride times.
Driver Communication: As in other countries, communication with drivers was sometimes a challenge.
Quality of Cars: The standard for cars in Vietnam was very low. They didn’t appear to be unsafe, but they were not up to typical ride-share standards. This may be part of the reason Uber pulled out of the region. I recall our Uber rides from our previous trip to Vietnam were in similar vehicles.

Cambodia: Grab App Convenience in Siem Reap

Tuk Tuk in Siem Reap (taken from my own tuk tuk).

Our final side trip took us to Cambodia. Our experience was limited to Siem Reap and the airport. Cambodia’s ride-sharing scene is less developed than Thailand’s, but Grab still provided a convenient way to get around. We took plenty of tuk-tuk rides in Siem Reap.

Pros:

Ease of Use: In Siem Reap, we used Grab to explore the city’s outskirts and make our way to local restaurants. It was a reliable alternative to haggling with tuk-tuk drivers, especially in more touristy areas.
Cashless Payment: We appreciated the option to pay through the app, which was particularly useful in a country where carrying cash can sometimes be a hassle.
Inexpensive: The pricing in Cambodia, like Vietnam, was very reasonable. Particularly for the tuk-tuks.

Challenges:

Limited Availability: While Grab was available, it wasn’t as widespread as in Thailand. During peak times or in less touristy areas, we found that wait times could be longer.
Communication: Most of our rides in Siem Reap were silent due to the language barrier.

Final Thoughts: Navigating Southeast Asia with Grab

Overall, Grab was an essential tool during our travels through Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam. It offered a convenient, affordable, and often culturally immersive way to get around. Each country had its own unique Grab experience, but the app’s consistency and reliability made our journey smoother and more enjoyable.

For anyone planning a trip to Southeast Asia, I highly recommend downloading Grab before you go. Whether you’re catching a ride to Angkor Wat at sunrise, zipping through Bangkok’s traffic on a motorbike, or having pho delivered to your doorstep in Hanoi, Grab is your ticket to a hassle-free adventure in this incredible region.

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Luxury Comfort in the Heart of Saigon: Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel

Our stay at the Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel was an experience of luxury and elegance, perfectly nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. This hotel provided a seamless blend of modern amenities and Vietnamese charm, making it an ideal base for exploring the vibrant culture and history of the city. It also served as a great host to meetings I attended at the hotel.

Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel First Impressions

Upon arrival, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a smooth check-in process. The grand lobby, with its sophisticated design and attention to detail, set the tone for what was to come. The hotel’s prime location, near iconic landmarks such as the Saigon Opera House, made it convenient for us to immerse ourselves in the city’s bustling energy. We also downloaded the Grab ride-share app for quick, inexpensive transportation to nearby attractions.

Comfort and Luxury in Every Room

Our spacious room at the Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel.

Our room was spacious, with large windows offering stunning views of the cityscape. The plush bedding and elegant décor provided a serene retreat after our days of exploration. Modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and a well-appointed bathroom with luxury toiletries added to our comfort. The hotel also offers a variety of room options, catering to different needs, whether you’re traveling for business or leisure. We arrived in our room to a delightful fruit tray left for us by housekeeping.

Fruit tray left in our room at Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel

Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel Dining

One of the highlights of our stay was the dining options available at the Sheraton Saigon. While we didn’t dine at the hotel restaurant, the options available at the concierge lounge were amazing. One of the most amazing hospitality suites I have visited as a Marriott Platinum Elite member. We particularly enjoyed the breakfast, which featured a range of options from traditional Vietnamese dishes to Western favorites.

The rooftop bar, with its panoramic views of the city, was the perfect spot to unwind with a cocktail after a day of sightseeing. Endless options for dining were also available within walking distance or a short Grab ride away. Because we love Vietnamese street food, we availed ourselves of this opportunity to explore amazing banh mi sandwiches and a Michelin rated banh xeo restaurant a mile or so away.

Amenities and Services

The hotel’s amenities were equally impressive. We didn’t take advantage of the fitness center, but it was well-equipped for a workout. They also have an outdoor pool, and conference facilities. The conference facility was excellent, providing ample space for several business meetings during my visit. The concierge service was exceptional, offering helpful recommendations. This includes the restaurants indicated earlier.

Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel fitness center from website.

Final Thoughts on Sheraton Grand Opera Hotel

Our stay at the Sheraton Saigon Grand Opera Hotel was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of luxury accommodations, excellent service, and a prime location made our visit to Ho Chi Minh City truly memorable. Whether you’re in the city for business or leisure, this hotel offers an experience that balances the excitement of Saigon with the comforts of a high-end retreat. We left feeling refreshed and well taken care of, with fond memories of our time in this vibrant city. One of the best Marriott properties I have stayed at.

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A Taste of Authentic Vietnam: Dinner at Banh Xeo 46A

Our culinary adventure in Ho Chi Minh City led us to a place that’s not just a restaurant but a living piece of Vietnamese culture—Banh Xeo 46A. This unassuming eatery, nestled in a bustling neighborhood, serves some of the city’s best banh xeo. It didn’t disappoint. Guests filled several outdoor metal tables at the restaurant.

First Impressions of Banh Xeo 46A

As we walked up, the sizzle of batter hitting hot pans filled the air. The sizzling mingled with the rich aroma of fresh herbs and pork. The atmosphere was lively, with locals and tourists alike gathered around small tables, eagerly anticipating the next savory bite. We followed an employee to an empty table where we sat down in anticipation.

About Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo, often described as a Vietnamese savory pancake or crepe, is the star of the menu here. Made from rice flour, water, and turmeric, the crepe is cooked to a crispy perfection. I ordered my crepes stuffed with a generous mix of pork and bean sprouts, leaving out the shrimp. The real magic happens when you wrap a piece of the banh xeo in fresh lettuce or rice paper, add herbs like mint and cilantro, and dip it into the tangy nuoc cham (dipping sauce). The combination of textures and flavors—crunchy, savory, fresh, and slightly tangy—creates a culinary experience that’s quintessentially Vietnamese.

Banh Xeo 46A Has Great Atmosphere

Our meal wasn’t just about the food; it was about the experience. Watching the skilled cooks deftly maneuver their woks over open flames, flipping the delicate crepes with ease, added an element of theater to our dinner. The staff were friendly and efficient, quickly serving up plates of banh xeo with a side of warm smiles, despite the restaurant’s constant buzz of activity. I also ordered a bowl of bun, which I doctored up with a dab of peanut sauce.

Final Thoughts

Dining at Banh Xeo 46A gave us a deeper appreciation for the simplicity and richness of Vietnamese street food. The restaurant seemed humble, but the care and tradition poured into each dish made it extraordinary. How extraordinary? Banh Xeo 46A is a Michelin Rated Restaurant. If you’re in Ho Chi Minh City and looking to experience authentic Vietnamese flavors in a vibrant setting, a visit to Banh Xeo 46A is an absolute must.

Read more about our adventures in Southeast Asia!