THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY (P – 3)

Saigon’s big central shopping spot Ben Thanh Market hustles and bustles at almost every hour with locals visiting early in the morning to pick up ingredients for the mealtime menus, tourists arriving during the day to browse for a designer duplicate, and foodies descending after dark to dine on street snacks.

Start a Saigon sojourn by strolling Nguyen Hue Street, the inner-city pedestrian promenade that stretches from the Saigon River to City Hall. Pause near the top to dodge water launched into the air from invisible footpath fountains, or pose for a selfie at the Uncle Ho statue.

It’s safe to describe Saigon as steamy so travellers strolling the streets must schedule regular drink breaks by retreating to a cool spot – airconditioned, or just in the shade – and rehydrating with fresh coconut (pictured), sugarcane juice, iced Vietnamese coffee complete with condensed milk, 333 beer or soda chanh settlement specialties.