I am going to Ho Chi Minh City for six days during the Christmas period. Where are the great shopping areas and must-see tourist spots? My companion and I are both women and we will be travelling by ourselves. Is there anything we should take note of?
Siti Suryani Tupani
Ho Chi Minh City does not have factory outlets featuring commercial brands.
But head to the Ben Thanh Market in the heart of the city for 3,000 stalls of handicrafts, foodstuffs and knock-off apparel.
If you are looking for better quality and more niche products, head to the quaint Dong Khoi area.
Must-see places in the city include the former Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Saigon Post Office for their rustic charm and architecture.
To explore the city outskirts, buy a day tour to see the Mekong Delta which is a three-hour drive away.
Since you have six days, Chan Brothers Travel suggests taking one or two days to visit Vung Tau, a coastal fishing village that is known as Vietnam's Hawaii, located four hours from the city.
As a pair of female travellers in a foreign country, avoid revealing too much personal information and keep your accommodation details to yourself.
Watch out for snatch thieves on motorbikes or 'motorbike cowboys' in crowded places in the city.
Take extra care of your belongings, especially when walking in open streets.
Top picture: Motorcycles are a popular form of transport in Ho Chi Minh City
This article was first published in The Straits Times on Nov 18, 2008.
