Joanna James
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a mix of old and new. The city brings you an array of pagodas and colonial architecture. Here are some things you need to know before visiting.
Ho Chi Minh City is pretty affordable for travellers. The currency here is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Hotels in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, can range from luxury to budget-friendly. For a comfortable 3-star hotel, you’re looking at around 40 dollars a night. If you’re watching your money, hostels would be perfect, with beds from as little as 5 to 7 dollars a night. If you want a blend of affordable luxury and comfort, you can stay at a place like PARKROYAL Saigon.
Vietnamese food is delicious and won’t break the bank. Street food or a casual restaurant meal will set you back about 2 dollars. Fancy something a bit more lavish? A three-course meal for two people is about 25 dollars. Also, make sure you try some local specialities like Banh Mi, snails and Com Tam while you’re here – it would be a shame to miss out on these delights.
There are loads of ways to get around the city. Buses are the least expensive, but they’re slow – a bus ride won’t cost you more than a dollar. Taxis and motorbike taxis are everywhere, and there’s also Grab, which works like Uber. Fancy a bit of adventure? You could rent a bike for around 5 dollars a day, but you need to watch out; the traffic is hectic!
Respect is everything here. Dress modestly when visiting temples, and keep your PDA to a minimum. Haggling at markets is common and a must. If you want to take pictures of locals and their surroundings, ask permission first.
There’s a heap of attractions to keep you occupied and happy throughout your holiday. Don’t miss the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Ben Thanh Market and the War Remnants Museum. Each of these places offers you a unique insight into Vietnam’s culture and history. So, block some time on your calendar to visit these attractions.
Vietnam is safe, and so is Ho Chi Minh City, but it wouldn’t hurt to take some basic precautions. Watch out for petty crimes like bag snatching, which is quite common here. Traffic here can be mad, so be careful when crossing the roads – locals rarely adhere to traffic rules, so crossing the road here is an art form and takes a bit of practice.
The internet connection here is pretty decent, but keep your expectations low. For most nationalities, a visa is needed. The visa process is quite straightforward: you can apply for it online, and you’ll get a 30-day visa. Make sure your passport is valid for at least the next six months.
This point cannot be stressed enough. Vietnam is a conservative country, so when you’re touring a city like Ho Chi Minh City, which is historically and culturally important, it’s crucial that you dress right. Religious places call for a modest dress code. You don’t have to adhere to the same when you’re just touring the city, but it’s wise to cover your shoulders and thighs. Also, make sure you pack some breathable fabrics that allow your skin to breathe.
People working at hotels and tourist places can converse in English, so you won’t run into any language barriers. But if you can learn some basic Vietnamese, it will be much appreciated by the locals.
Prepare yourself for the weather. Vietnam is a tropical country, so it can be pretty hot and humid with sudden rain showers. A good mix of light clothing along with rain gear will work best for your holiday in Ho Chi Minh City.
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.
