Ace of a base
wander, but less so is the zoo that’s also here. It’s terribly dated and we did not enjoy seeing bored elephants and tigers in small compounds (saigonzoo. net, around £1.70).
CROSSING THE ROAD
Nine million scooters and motorbikes and endless taxis on the go 24/7 turn a routine task into a heart-pounding, whiteknuckle challenge.
Expect motorbikes with riders carrying animals, produce, the entire family, towing trailers one-handed or delicately balancing panes of glass.
There pedestrian crossings but little notice seems to be taken of them; though traffic does stop at red lights.
The trick is to look for a slight gap in the traffic (eventually there will be one!) and go – and keep going. Don’t break your stride or stop as that confuses the drivers and riders.
Ignore your shaking knees, terror and instincts and keep going; keep your eyes peeled and the traffic will go round you. If you turn round and go back you could be in trouble.
Ideally, go alongside a local the first couple of times until you have got the hang of it. It’s all part of the HCMC experience. Our base was the well-run four-star Liberty Central Saigon Centre Hotel right by Ben Thanh market.
Rooms are comfortable and quiet, the restaurant does a decent breakfast buffet of international and regional food and the bar has a happy four hours!
On the 12th floor roof there’s a modest sundeck and swimming pool with drinks service and city views. odysseahotels.com