Originally Posted by
dkc192
I know this is veering into OT territory, but since we're on the topic of things to do in and around HCMC, what is the ideal length of stay there for a first-timer? I'm looking at a 5-6 day trip around SE Asia, and was thinking of 3 nights in HCMC, followed by 3 nights in Siem Reap or Bangkok (been to the latter but not the former). But if HCMC and nearby has enough to keep me busy for the full 5-6 days, I certainly wouldn't mind staying longer at the PH, which has been on my Hyatt bucket list for a while.
I like HCMC a lot, but the main sights (aside from my Cu Chi recommendation) are condensed into maybe six or eight square blocks. You can see everything (including Cu Chi) in two full days.
Likewise, Angkor Wat is incredible, but for most people, one or two days of sightseeing is plenty. (There's not much, if anything, to see in Siem Reap itself.)
If you find yourself with a day to play with, the architecture in Phnom Penh is beautiful, and there's a new Hyatt Regency there that opened last year. A half-day city tour and a dinner cruise is the perfect way to spend a day there.