Saigon: April 2016
The Saigon River and the Ben Nghe River provide a beautiful riverwalk, although as soon as you cross the Mong Bridge and leave the downtown area, it gets quiet. All locals outside of maybe one hotel (Riverside Palace) that looked remotely ritzy for two miles in the direction I went.
Nights are definitely more pleasant than the daytime-- 80F vs 98F (!), although figuring out the roads was definitely an experience. Lots of supposedly dedicated lanes for scooters, who don't apparently have to stop at intersections, fences separating the roads, and general insanity-- first-time visitors be careful! Not to mention a severe lack of pedestrian bridge crossings-- lead to a nice long walk at least?
In comparison to the extended river walk, the downtown area is pretty compact. Blocks are short, roads are crowded, and the beer at the somewhat hidden Pasteur Brewing Company is surprisingly good. Passionfruit wheat and Jasmine IPA both suited the heat nicely, and it was nicely packed on a Saturday evening.
Dinner at a local chain, Pho 24, showed slightly wider pho noodles and much smaller spring rolls than I was used to, but the taste wasn't bad and can't beat the price!