wolfmisc

Hi Ryss,
Phnom Penh is a kind of 2nd home for me and so I am coming in again.
For budget accommodation I always use the LuckyRo hotel on street 110.
Very convenient, just 2 blocks or so from Riverside.
No lift as all small hotels. And some rooms dont have a window, so you have to ask in advance for a window room. But A/C, TV, fridge and warm water for just 10 or 12 USD. And there are dozens of small hotels and guesthouses in the range of 10 to 20 USD.
Have been to Cambodia and Vietnam so many times. But I didnt know that there is now a boat covering Saigon and Pnom Penh. Anyway, since the road in Cambodia is newly made, the bus should be more suitable.

thursdaysd

Last time I was in PP I stayed at the Riverside, which was great because I had a riverfront room during the river races. I see that it's getting somewhat poor reviews on tripadvisor, but I thought it was fine - big, clean room, helpful staff. Maybe a bit worn.

ekscrunchy

I meant to say that I agree that the BT market is not essential for shopping, at least for arts and crafts-type things. But good, perhaps, for coffee, and cheap clothing..(I did not buy either, although I am now sorry I did not take home some coffee!)

Le Cong Kieu is great for old/antique things, although there are no bargains there anymore..when I was there in 2000 I bought a great "shipwrecked" urn for $20US; first asking for these are now well over $100... (These are pottery items that have been retrieved from a shipwreck off the VN coast; many VN "antique" shops sell various shapes and sizes...) Le Cong Kieu is across the big traffic circle from the BT market front entrance..ceramics and pottery are much in evidence..it is one street with a few dozen shops..apparently well trafficked by antique dealers from other parts of Asia and beyond..

Ryss

Hi wolf, thanks! I am now discussing this to my friend on what to do. Cu chi/Cao dai and mekong delta are most necessary. on shopping: would visit recommended places above.

will let you know how it goes...

cheers

Ryss

One more Q... Any one who can recommend a restaurant in District 1 near Pham Ngu Lao St?

ekscrunchy

Not too far, close to the Reunification Palace, Quon An Ngon was the site of the best meal I ate in Vietnam. You do not need any other restaurant addresses if you want local, non-street, food in Saigon. Reserve ahead for dinner.

ekscrunchy

..oh, and try the Tamarind Crab!

Ryss

Thanks, Eks! i have noted the restaurant name (literally).

cheers!

Ryss

Thanks, All! I am back from my trip.

Stayed at the Liberty 4 and had my first full vietnamese meal at Quon An Ngon (which was also recommended by my hotel)... The other days, we tried Italian Cafes and the Pho shops around....

Sinh Cafe was very very busy but we managed to secure trips to Cu Chi and Cao Dai and Mekong Delta (Ben Tre).. It is very good that this has been recommended as the travel agency is just on the next corner from our hotel. We did the city tour on our own. Ben Thanh Market was exciting! I went home with 7 hand bags and a handful of souvenirs from shirt to key chains and ref magnets. My sister and friend had Ao Dais tailored for them while i had a skirt with hand made embroidery made for me. I decided to reserve Cambodia to another trip.

I also sent post cards from the Main Post office to my friends.

I learned so much from this trip esp during the time of the VN war!!! I didnt know the intensity of the war until the trip. I was born in the 80's and read about the war only thru history books.

And yes, I bought copied books they were selling on the streets! haha

Thanks all! the recommendations had been very very helpful!!!