Morning, we went down to a nearby University campus (University of Sports) to take part in an environmental program. Basically we just planted trees but it was fun and tiring. Standing under the hot sun, sweating out with few volunteers from the Vietnamese counterpart. Hoeing and watering tirelessly. It was heartwarming to see that they are aware of the major environmental changes that is ongoing. Initially, one would though that only citizen in well-developed countries are more pro-active in environmental work.Although it's a small scale project, being an ERS, I'm proud to take part..
Another trip to HCM city in the afternoon. We went to Ben Thanh Market and it's twin market Binh Tay located in the Chinatown district. That was during the day. Ben Thanh was quite a good place to shop but you have to be cautious. It's a tourist trap as prices of items could elevate to 50%-100% of the original price. I didn't bought anything here although I'm tempted to. There are plenty of shirts you can buy for friends and families. I would recommend bargaining but you have to be persistent in order to secure a deal with shopkeepers. Do take note of the locals that always take advantage of tourists, it's hard to spot one as they are always friendly. Just be on the lookout and it's wise to scout the entire market before making purchases.
Binh Tay was much more of the type of market for groceries(wholesale goods) but items are cheap. There are clothings and footwear you can buy at affordable prices.
Located outside Ben Thanh is the night market. It only opens from 6pm onwards. Ben Thanh closes at 6pm. Here the night market is much more of safer to shop and a good place to buy souvenirs.You can have dinner here too.
I had dinner at one of the few halal restaurants in HCM city. Halal@Saigon. Here's the address:
30 Dong Du Street, D1, is opposite to the Indian Jamia Mosque, near Sheraton Hotel.
Food there, I would rate it about 3.7 out of 5. Serves Malaysian and Vietnamese cuisines. I highly recommend their Malaysian dishes although their Vietnamese is quite of good standard. The interior of the restaurant is well lavished. Pictures of the early years of the pioneer and old-school music enhances the atmosphere. Price-range is quite mid-range and some are expensive. I wouldn't recommend this if you're on a budget but if you plan on dining here, come in a group of friends.
More info and comments on Halal@Saigon
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| Ben Thanh is recognizable from its clock tower on the large traffic circle. | | | |
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| Night Market. Near the clock tower. |
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| Green Sunday project that initiated. Even though it was on a Saturday. |
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| Binh Tay Market. |
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| Binh Tay is basically wholesale stuffs but they do sell clothings too. |
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| The woman in the middle is the manager of Halal@Saigon. |
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| Malaysian cuisine they served. |
