Visitor's Itinerary--Saigon, Vietnam

My sister, her fiance Lance Armstrong, my cousin Billy and my best buddy Jason are all coming to visit for the Holiday.  They will be arriving on December 20th and because I'm so anal retentive, I've created an itinerary for them.  I want to share it with you so you'll know what to expect when you come and visit.  So Angela and Erin, please read this again before you come in February!

When my sister arrives, we are going to Hanoi and catching a cruise to Halong Bay, a natural wonder of the world.

Wiki: The bay consists of a dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone monolithic islands each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Hạ Long area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuần Châu and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants, as well as tourist facilities including hotels and beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches on the smaller islands.

After Hanoi for Christmas, we are going to Malaysia for my birthday and for the New Years!  We haven't decided on an itinerary yet but I'm super excited.

Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon Itinerary

Day 1 Thursday 12/20

12pm

Arrive to Lyna's unpack, shower

Chill/Nap

2pm

Lunch Nha Trang D7 *mi xa xiu and wonton nuoc or any dish really

Buy SIM cards, bug repellant

3pm

Exchange money Black Market D1

Ben Thanh Outdoor Market (bargain)

Buy Mekong Delta Package and maybe Cu Chi Tunnel for Saturday

6pm

Dinner Nha Hang Ngon *cuisine from all over Vietnam laid out, walk around and see what you like D1

8pm

Trivia Night at Ruby Soho D7

Get chocolate wasted and walk home

Day 2 Friday 12/21

8/9am

Breakfast Lunch Lady *set menu D1

11am

Cho Lon (similar to Ben Thanh) D5

12pm

Lunch Bun Cha Hanoi *vermicilli noodles with pork and pickled cabbage D5

1pm

Visit Paul Chiropractic Clinic-get adjustments D5

Art District-Art Paintings for sale

2pm

Backpacker's District D5

Art Painting for sale and lots of souvenirs slightly different from Ben Thanh and Cho Lon

Can buy Mekong Delta Tour package here too

4pm

Massages cheaper in D5 then D7

6pm

Dinner Gourmet Seafood Buffet *all you can eat seafood and regular dishes too, you can have them cook it any way you like D7

8pm

Poker with friends D7

or

Club Lush D1

Day 3 Saturday 12/22

6am

Breakfast Phu Hung D7 *pho is awesome, com tam bi cha suon and bun thit nuong is the best dishes here

Cab to D1 for Mekong Delta Tour (Bus Depart 7:30am, Return 6:30)

7:30pm

Home Chill/Change clothes D7

8pm Dinner at Ben Song *River Restaurant, you take a boat over and it's a restaurant, never been, traditional Vietnam food D7

9pm

District 1 aka the City Center and do a whisky tasting

Hang out near Opera House

The famous Rex Hotel or the Majestic Hotel

Day 4 Sunday 12/23

9am

Breakfast Mon Hue *cuisine from middle Vietnam Spicier Bun Rieu or Banh Beo or Pho Hung D7

10am

Boomerang Flea Market (really awesome unique stuff and clothes for cheap, 3rd Sunday of each month) D7

12pm

Crescent Mall (super posh, all name brands) D7

1pm

Lunch Vung Tao *banh xeo

3pm

War Remnant Museum D1 (hope it's open Sundays, hours are 9-1 then 1-5 only, does not advertise dates)

Cyclo to Parliament/Post Office/Nortre Dame Cathedral (very touristy things but dissapointing) D1

6pm

Dinner Bizu Hotel *great American food with Vietnamese Fusion D7

Day 5 Monday 12/24

9am

Breakfast Dim Sum *tapas

10am

Do something we missed or pack

1pm

Depart for Airport to Hanoi