It’s time for another issue of our popular series of postcards from Indochina. Ann, our itinerant access expert, has now moved on from Cambodia and into neighbouring Vietnam. She’s headed straight for Ho Chi Minh City – the metropolis formerly known as Saigon – ‘Nam’s biggest city:
How much more evocative is the name Saigon than Ho Chi Minh City?
If you like Bangkok or Hong Kong then there’s a good chance you’ll be an HCMC fan. Although the streets are mean and unforgiving- uneven pavements crowded with motorbikes and crossing the road is a heart-in-the-mouth experience- HCMC has some really big plus points for the disabled traveller. Firstly, there are many wheel-in taxis, so transport around the city and to and from the airport is a piece of cake. Secondly, there’s lots of choices with hotels…. stick with 4* and 5 star and you’re sure to get lifts, ramps and properly accessible bathrooms.
You’re safe with the modern high end Western chains who are disabled-aware, with the right bathrooms and wide lifts for a stress-free stay
In downtown District 1- the heart of the old and new city there’s a gaggle of stylish and Blue Badge-friendly places. The best of the bunch…
InterContinental Asiana Saigon: Very modern, uber-tasteful, understated service but you are in Indochina and there’s no way of forgetting it.
Park Hyatt: Probably the most elegant hotel in Saigon with a great location next to the Opera House and the evocative statue of Ho Chi Minh, ‘Uncle Ho’, in front of the People’s Committee Buildings – a name that doesn’t give justice to the beautiful French Colonial palace it used to be. A touch of Versailles in a fast and furious 21st Century metropolis.
Caravelle: An old favourite, first opened in 1959, then reopened after the turmoils of the Vietnam war, shortly after the GIs had vacated. Still going strong today with 16 new floors complimenting the original ‘Signature’ wing. This is a quietly stylish hotel, home from home to royalty and foreign correspondents alike. A bit more understated than your usual 5 star. 6 restaurants, a spa, oozing with atmosphere. The key thing here is the spectacular roof top bar – Saigon Saigon…. another cocktail please?
Food, glorious food! The Vietnamese are rightly proud of their cuisine. It’s hard to go wrong even in the lowliest of street food joints. In addition to their own food, you can get virtually anything you want from around the world including some great east/west fusion options. And remember, the French were here for a long time and left their stamp on the Vietnamese cooking portfolio including the best baguettes outside of Paris.
Sample the best at Hua Tuc. This is classic Vietnamese cooking (they do a cookery class if you’re interested), located, excitingly in an old opium factory, Try any of the crispy vegetable and seafood options. This isn’t the most accessible venue, but remember you can always get help from the willing staff – it’s worth it for the experience.
If you are homesick for a bit of Modern European food, try Flow no faded elegance here, modern, lively and buzzing. Again, don’t expect miracles with the accessibility.
And for a super stylish fusion food experience, go to Xu. Its on the pricey side, but worth it, and by London standards, its a steal. The wine list is good, the food excellent and there’s a great lounge bar as well.
InterContinental Asiana Saigon: Very modern, uber-tasteful, understated service but you are in Indochina and there’s no way of forgetting it.