The dining opportunities in Ho Chi Minh are outstanding, with a feast at a street-side outlet being a must for an authentic experience. While you can past hours drinking coffee and snacking on noodle soup on the city’s restaurants outdoor terraces, there are plenty of more active leisure options for those wanting to work up a sweat. Eating and drinking: with the country’s cuisine divided into three main regional areas, the capital has the advantage of offering specialised restaurants, meaning you can sample dishes from around the country without having to travel. These street-side stalls are the cheapest option however the city’s tourist hotspots, especially around De Tham street, also offer some good options including European and other Asian options. For a top-end meal, try one of the city’s five-star hotels, which offer excellent service and unforgettable meals. Popular dishes include spring rolls; noodles with sliced pork, beef or duck (pho); baguettes filled with a variety of cold cuts and vegetable; shellfish steamed with ginger; duck eggs (which contain a partly developed foetus); and sea crabs fried with salt. Common ingredients include: shark fin, fish sauce (nuoc mam), vegetable and seafood as well as an array of herbs and spices including garlic, lemongrass and ginger. Shopping: Ho Chi Minh is guaranteed to delight any serious shopper with its bustling markets and outstanding array of products on offer. While the food sections of the markets are fascinating and largely unchanged for generations, souvenir hunters will want to get searching in the clothing and handicrafts areas, where you can pick up anything from intricate basketry to silk traditional costumes. Popular buys are conical hats, embroidered mats, mother-of-pearl ornaments, photocopied books and cheap CDs and DVDs, whose authenticity is questionable. The busiest and most popular market in the city is the centrally located Ben Thanh Market, while Cholon Market in Chinatown is also a must. Cultural events: the capital city celebrates a number of events throughout the year, with cultural happenings occurring year-round. One of the biggest parties is Tet Nguyen Dan, which is Vietnam’s New Year, a three-day celebration marking the start of the new lunar year. It’s normally held in January of early February, and expect to see big parties, with the final day culminating in a firework, drum and gong show. Residents carry out various religious rituals throughout Tet and special foods are prepared to appease the gods. Spas: many of the larger hotels in the city have excellent health and well being facilities including spas, saunas and Jacuzzis. There are also a few private agencies offering spa and massage services, with YKC Beauty Spa on Dien Bien Phu street being one option. For a real pampering and some unhindered indulgence, head for the Sheraton Saigon Towers and Hotel, where you can de-stress at the Aqua day Spa, where you will find everything from body and facial treatments to massage therapy, foot care and Jacuzzis. Oregon Institute of International Education offers Vietnamese language courses for visitors; fees are paid on a weekly basis. It is also possible to study for a TEFEL teaching qualification in the city, which normally takes about six weeks. Cooking courses are typically offered through travel agents. | 
