Readers Suggestions

I'm enjoying visiting as many of the '1000 Places to See Before You Die' as I can, but I'm aware there must be loads of other fantastic places to visit, that aren't in the book. Please make comments at the end of each posting with your recommendations!

Tuesday 30 August 2011

211: Rex Bar and Ben Thamh Market, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam from the 1000 places to see before you die book

The Rex Hotel is one of the great old guards in Saigon. A retreat for all the hacks in the days of the War and a rambling 5 star hotel now that still retains its charm. Greatly helped of course by the fact that 5 star luxury in this city only costs $145 a night. I think the reason why it is here is because it is one of only a handful of outdoor bars in Ho Chi Minh...mind you..I dont think that being a mere 5 storeys high protects drinkers from either the noise or pollution issues- especially when next door they are building something that is looking rather large and had hundreds of workers on it seemingly 24/7.
The Rex Bar: Quite gaudy with itsgold crown and two elephants




at nighttime the bird cages all light up as does the crown!


one of the views from the bar

Anyhow....thats it- a bar. turns out there is a newer more spectacular one in a new shopping complex around the corner on level 33 which I think will take this one out of its spot in the book.

So...to the market. Well here it is...


It had about 100 stores selling either clothes, shoes, souvenirs or food. As always in these places the food ones are the most interesting..the verdict?


 

Its a tear off for both. Ive seen far more exotic markets (this was a tourist market) and have been to bars with far better views

snake and scorpion rice wine. Very good for men apparently





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