Joanna James
A nation of diverse experiences, Vietnam has much to offer the curious tourist. The capital lets you dive into the nation's history, enjoy cheap and delicious food, and absorb exotic experiences to make memories that last a lifetime. Here are things to know before visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
You may remember the name Saigon strongly associated with the Vietnam capital city – especially in old movies. Where then is Ho Chi Minh? It's the same place. The official name of the capital from 1976, is Ho Chi Minh City. The name change happened when the Vietnam war ended and has remained to date. However, there are many times that locals and tourists refer to the city as Saigon, a name that is both infamous and well-loved for its part in the country's tumultuous history. Some hotels such as PARKROYAL Saigon prefer the vintage tag, and like use it to define the comforts and charm on offer.
If visa protocols held you back from exploring Vietnam, they shouldn't anymore. eVisa options are now available for simplifying the entire procedure. The system is applicable for any type of entry to the nation, via water, air, or land crossing.
Uber or Ubermoto are the most reliable taxi services in Ho Chi Minh City. By choosing this service, you get to enjoy affordable rates for exploring the city. It is also a safer option as the risk of getting scammed when you use private taxis in Vietnam is avoided.
Avoid tap water when touring Vietnam. Opt for the bottled water provided by your hotel in Saigon, Vietnam, which is the safest option. You can purchase extra for when you are travelling or invest in a good filter bottle before your departure for Vietnam. Bottled water is sold by roadside vendors too, you just have to make sure that they are properly sealed before you purchase it.
No matter what you plan, do make a slot in your schedule for a tour of the Mekong Delta. The area is only four hours from your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City and offers a unique experience. Explore the floating markets and let loose the foodie in you as you wander around the food bazaars tasting food that you have never eaten or heard of before. The entire adventure will be one to remember, plus you can easily organise a tour of the delta with your Vietnam hotel.
Transactions are done more in cash than a credit card, which is often only accepted at the more up-market stores. Therefore, take along enough cash that can be converted into local currency, and will last long enough to cover your tour expenses. You can use the safety deposit facility at your Vietnam resort to store the extra money or take along an ATM card that lets you withdraw money from a local machine. Just make sure that you are aware of withdrawal fees beforehand.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
