Ho Chi Minh is the biggest city in Vietnam and people often argue that it’s the most dizzying one. It has so much to offer everyone like unique shopping, a crazy nightlife, and the most amazing food. These are all affordable, too. Going here is a unique experience that will make you fall in love with its mess and chaos.

How to Go

People on their way to Ho Chi Minh start their journey in Tan Son Nhat Airport. This is a short distance from downtown at about 30-45 minutes of travel depending on the traffic. The first option to the city is through Yellow Bus 109. It operates at an interval of 30 minutes and its first trip is at 5:30 AM. Taxis can be found there, too. However, tourists avoid it because of overcharging.

Getting Around

Catching public transportation in Ho Chi Minh is an adventure. Meant for the ones who want to travel like a local, using the Xe Om — a motorbike taxi, is the way. These will take you anywhere you need to go quickly, zipping through the city’s winding streets. They’re not quite easy to spot, but they’re everywhere. You’ll notice them in certain street corners lounging about.

The public bus is incredibly efficient here, too. They serve several districts as well as tourist destinations so simply taking them will get you to most parts of the city. Rideshare services and taxis are easily flagged here too.

The city also has a hop-on, hop-off bus that makes it easier to see the city. These go in loops and most are equipped with air conditioning and wifi. These operate from 8AM to 5:30AM.

Top Things to Do

Ho Chi Minh is a crazy destination that packs surprises for everyone and energizes them with its unique chaotic energy. The city pulsates with life that only this city can give.

Rich in history, there are several landmarks and museums dedicated to Vietnam’s rich past. In the War Remnants Museum, you’ll find photographs, tanks, and fighter jets on display. It also has a heart-wrenching exhibit regarding the Agent Orange project. The Cu Chi Tunnels are also a popular destination during the day. These are winding underground tunnels that show you how life was for the Viet Cong.

Independence Palace, built during the 1960s, is also an intriguing place because of the period motifs in the building. Within the vicinity, you’ll also see tanks, which were driven there in 1975 during the reunification of the country. In the government quarter of the city, the Notre Dame cathedral stands tall. It's a Romanesque church built from 1877 to 1883. The church has a beautiful stained-glass window with its interiors inlaid.

For more of Vietnam’s culture, you’ll find markets and all sorts of picturesque pagodas. Binh Tay Market is an endless array of food and stores that contain all sorts of Vietnamese goods. It’s also filled with locals starting off their day so it’s a good place to see and observe how locals start off their day. In the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda, are a series of divinities and heroes with the most unique Vietnamese architecture.

One of the most famous spots in Vietnam is the long and winding Mekong Delta. Considered as the country’s “rice bowl”, the delta has numerous agricultural areas next to it. Apart from the paddies, they also have coconut palms and fruit orchards. For animal lovers, you’ll also see various animals in the area especially since this remains as one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world.

What to Eat

Food is such a big deal in Vietnam. In the city center, you’ll find a lot of street vendors and restaurants dotting the streets. People who visit often recommend taking cooking classes because of the uniqueness of the cuisines. It’s also a great way to get to know the local cuisine. Food tours are also seen everywhere in the city and it takes you around to the different foodie spots in the city. You’ll be able to taste the local rendition of BBQ pork, coconut juice, and lots and lots of Vietnamese coffee.

If you’re in the city, you’ll notice sandwiches called banh mi everywhere. This is one of the most recognizable offerings of Vietnamese cuisine, with stores opening up in a lot of places in the West.

If you want to taste the best and most authentic ones, go to Banh Mi O Moi — owned by a lesbian couple and directly translated as “lesbian banh mi”. The sandwiches are filled with pork, chicken, and pickled vegetables wrapped in the crunchiest bread. To keep warm, pho bo is beef tendon soup with flat noodles. It’s one of the most flavorful soups in the city.

Nightlife

Depending on where you hang out, you’ll find an endless array of nightlife ideas in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll find casinos, rooftop bars, and jazz clubs all over the city as well as the craziest clubs with well-known DJs. Rooftop bars are popular in the city and it’s a matter of what kind of vibe you’re looking for. Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar has a colonial charm to it while Chill Skybar is more modern and chic. Both are good places to get a cocktail and enjoy the stunning view of the city.

There is also a street drinking scene in Pham Ngu Lao in District 3. It’s a mix of foreigners and locals because of how affordable the area is. Sax n’ Art Jazz Club is a staple in the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh. There will always be people here that watch the local and international performers.

Where to Stay

There are different districts in Ho Chi Minh that offer comfortable accommodations and great vibes. The Dong Khoi Street Area in District 1 is the main historical area of the city so staying here if it’s your first time is the best. You’ll be a stone’s throw away from the various landmarks and sights in the city and you’ll also find a good collection of restaurants and shops in the area.

Pham Ngu Lao in the same district is ideal if you’re on a budget. Everything here is affordable from the food and accommodations. District 5 in the city also has Cholon which is near the Binh Tay Market and Chinatown. It’s the best place to stay because of all the hip bars nearby.

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