I would like to share my experience in travelling in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is a description of what I have discovered and learned from visiting this place and getting information from a frequent tourist and a 2-year stay-in foreigner.
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the southern part of Vietnam. This is the tropical area of the whole country. Hanoi - the capital and in the northern part - experiences four seasons.
I visited from December 15 - 23, 2017 and these are the following information that I can share with you.
Best time
Same as the Philippine seasons, December to February months are the best time to visit a tropical place like Ho Chi Minh. These months are windy and you can endure the heat of the sun unlike during March to May which is considered 'summer'. June to November has a predictable thunderstorms and rain showers which is not comfortable to walk outside and explore the city.
Recommended Travel Duration
4 days and 3 nights are enough to explore the city and its related tours.
Booking a flight.
Vietnam Airlines, Air Asia, Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific are the airlines that serve Manila to Ho Chi Minh flights.
We used Air Asia as the price on the dates that we visited were cheaper than the others.
Flight Duration
It takes 2 hours and 45 minutes approximately in travelling.
Visa Acquisition
In the immigration area, there are different classification of lanes:
- ASEAN Lane is for all citizens who are members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations can line up here for a shorter queue. So the countries such as Philippines, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore could easily acquire their visa on the counters free within a specified period depending on your country.
- All Passport lanes are plenty to cater all the nationalities.
- Diplomats, and others are shown on top of the immigration counters for such related person or organization.
- Landing Visa lane are for people who wish to stay longer in Vietnam with their necessary documents according to their country which are listed on the Vietnam's embassy online.
For Filipinos, you can check more details on getting your visa if you wish to stay longer on this link.
TIP: Walk faster to the immigration area once you've alighted the plane and just follow the counters which are open. There are a lot of people. Few are maybe agents that are waiting already for their clients which may confuse you to where the lines start. But, the new international airport will soon open, hoping that the queue system will be improved.
Exchanging of currencies
Money changers are located outside the airport once you finished customs check. Just have to ask for the rate as I saw there were none posted from different changers in that area. The teller is fast in talking in Vietnamese-English accent and the zeros reflected from the calculator are a lot that you might think you are a millionaire. They use K as a substitute for thousands. For example: 27,000 dong --> 27K. You just need to change a small money and just change it in city proper. One is in Koi Cha Coffee and Bubble Tea store beside Ben Thanh Market. I also experienced changing my dollar to Vietnamese Dong to a seller inside Saigon Square when I was buying a set of underwear with the same exchange rate on Google. That I think was better than with legit stores because they do not have a cut.
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| Currency Exchange inside Koi Cha Coffee and Bubble Tea Beside Ben Thanh Market |
Mode of transportation
- Scooters and motorbikes are common in the city
- Taxis are also convenient but what they consider as trusted in terms of metered travel are the companies, Vinasun and MaiLinh. We also used these most of the time. But other drivers still would want to ask for a tip.
- Uber and Grab are also being utilized in this city. Just have to purchase a wifi which you can buy in the airport.
- Subways will soon be available after 2 years. It is now under construction in Le Loi area near Ben Thanh Market
TIP:
Take note that there are a lot of drivers who would want to get you as their passengers once you stepped outside the airport. Just go to the left side and you will see the taxi lane.
Also, have a note or a picture of your hotel's address. It is hard to pronounce their words which might give a confusion to the driver and can cost more.
Give an exact amount of money in paying for the fare. You can see the price in the meter. The drivers might give you a lower change from the metered price meaning you tipped them.
Accommodation/Hotels
There are different types to choose from depending on the number of guests and preferences.
1. Hotels
Great for couples, elders and businessmen because no need to worry for laundry service, cleaning of room and if included, breakfast is ready. It's all about having some cash to spend!
2. Guest houses
Great for youth in making friends with different nationalities. Single ones can make travel buddies in this type of accommodation. Everything is shared from a room, because some are bunk beds, to a toilet/bath room because this type is cheaper!
3. AirBnB
Great for family and groups to fully enjoy the amenities of an apartment/ unit or a house. Maybe you can also meet the host who is a Vietnamese and learn more about their culture.
In our case, we just used a hotel booking app - Agoda - so we could compare prices and also get a discount by being a member and a frequent user of it.
It is nice to also check the location of the hotel from the places of interests. For example, if you would like to stay near the bars and be able to endure the noise every night, that's fine. A lot are in District 1 in Bui Vien Street and Pham Ngu Lao.
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| Luxury Hotel in Mac Thi Buoi in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam |
We stayed in Luxury Hotel in Mac Thi Buoi Street. It is near Saigon River and Ho Chi Minh's City Hall or the People Committee Hall and Nguyen Hue Square - along Nguyen Hue. This area has a lot of tourists and it is full of life at night. District 1 is good to be walked on. Just be careful with motorbikes and you'll enjoy the city.
Electrical Plug/ Adapter Type
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| Electrical Plug Adapter in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam |
The hotel that we stayed is using Type C - the two rounded ends. For more details
check this link.
As a traveler, it is better to have a travel plug adapter like what I have in the picture. You can buy it in any electrical or Daiso store.
Floor Numbering
Vietnamese use the British way of numbering the storeys/floors of a building.
Ground floor is the street level, 1st floor is the first upstairs and 2nd floor is equivalent to 3rd floor in American way.
Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh.
With Pay
War Remnants Museum
location: corner of Vo Van Tan St. and Le Quy Don in District 1
entrance fee: 15.000 VND per person
operation hours: 7:30AM - 6PM
Verdict: Highly recommended
It is all about the history of Vietnam focusing mostly on the Vietnam-American War.
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| A Vietnamese staff showing how to go inside the Cu Chi Tunnel during the war |
Cu Chi Tunnel
can be availed by going to a travel agency located along Pham Ngu Lao Street.
bus fee: 100.000 VND per person
entrance fees: 110.000 VND per person
Verdict: Highly recommended
An interactive way of being aware of the life of the Vietnamese during the Vietnam- American War.
You can buy food or just bring some snacks to munch in the bus while travelling. Wear walking shoes and put on some insect repellent.
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| Our Vietnamese boat captain in Mekong Delta |
Mekong Delta
can be availed by going to a travel agency located along Pham Ngu Lau Street.
fees: 200.000 VND per person
This includes:
- bus
- boat rides
- free lunch (you can choose to have a special group meal which is more sumptuous but need to be paid separately, same with the drinks.)
Verdict: Fairly recommended
A tour to a local village selling their produce and hand-made products for a cheaper price compared with the ones in the city. The boat ride to a narrow river surrounded by coconut/palm trees and listening to a Vietnamese music and song are the highlights of this tour. A side trip to a Buddhist temple with seven big Buddha statues in different posing emerged to the site is something to admire at.
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| Independence Palace exterior front view with my ticket priced at 40.000 VND |
Independence Palace
location: along Nguyen Du Street or Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street
entrance fee: 40.000 VND per person
operation hours: 7:30AM - 4PM
Verdict: Can be skipped
It was the presidential palace of the South Vietnam's leader when Vietnam was divided into 2 ideologies. Vietnam's history is almost similar with Korea's - having North and South, but Vietnam remained as one nation. The bunker is the hidden gem of the palace which you should see.
Without Pay
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| People Committee Hall |
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| A Vietnamese tourist officer in Nguyen Hue street with the People Committee Hall in the background, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
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| Nguyen Hue street or the Square in Ho Chi Minh where Vietnamese people hang out. In the picture, some Vietnamese wearing their traditional costumes and the skyscraper, Bitexco Financial Tower in the background. |
People Committee Hall and Nguyen Hue Street (Plaza/Square)
Just taking a picture of the exterior of the building and the plaza with of the one of the tallest buildings in Saigon - Bitexco Financial Tower as a background is enough to signify that you went to Ho Chi Minh. At night, the locals like to hang out with their loved ones and friends in this area. You can also try to buy some street foods here.
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| The Cathedral Notre-Dame in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
Cathedral Notre-Dame
The facade of the notable Catholic symbol of Saigon is something to be amazed of. Same with Nguyen Hue Street, Vietnamese youth and families are meeting and having their picnic at night outside the Cathedral.
Saigon Opera House
The Opera has cultural and theatrical shows that you need to pay in order to watch it. In my case, I just took a picture with the beautiful architectural style of the building.
Hotel Majestic Saigon and Saigon River park
The majestic hotel of Hotel Majestic Saigon is renowned for being the filming location of some Hollywood movies if the scenes are in Ho Chi Minh. And just acroos the hotel is the Saigon River park. The view is not interesting at all but if you just want to walk and explore the city, why not try this place. You can see and dine to some restaurants along this area.
Restaurants
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| Pho Hoa Pasteur in Pasteur Street, Ho Chi Minh Vietnam |
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| Pho Bo of Pho Hoa Pasteur, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
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| Passion Fruit Drink of Pho Hoa Pasteur, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
Pho Hoa Pasteur
location: along Pasteur Street after Vo Thi Sau Street when you came from the Cathedral Notre- Dame. It is in District 3
Great Pho restaurant for starters! They serve with generous leaves of different variants - coriander, mint, etc. Pho Bo is a must!
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| Pho 2000 is located on the 2nd floor of the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf across Ben Thanh Market |
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| Pho (Seafood) of Pho 2000, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
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| Sapodilla and Mango Shakes and Phos of Pho 2000, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
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| Pho 2000 restaurant in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
Pho 2000
location: 2nd floor of Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, across Ben Thanh Market
In this restaurant, you will see pictures of the former US President Bill Clinton dining when he visited Ho Chi Minh in the year 2000. Pho is their specialty.
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| Nha Hang Ngon entrance |
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| Rice Noodle with Pork and Sauce (Bún Chả) - my fave! |
Nha Hang Ngon
location: along Pasteur Street, after the streets of Ly Tu Trong (if you came from the City Hall - People Committee Hall) and Nguyen Du (if you came from the Cathedral Notre- Dame)
Great ambience and food! A lot of tourists dine here. My Vietnamese student and her friend let me try on their food as they said it is popular and affordable.
I ordered rice noodle with pork and it was so delicious!
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| Dishes at 3T Quan Nong in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam. I love these meals! |
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| On the ground floor, you can see Fanny Ice Cream Store while on the roof top, you can see 3T Quan Nuong |
3T Quan Nuong
location: 2nd floor (rooftop) building beside Fanny Ice Cream Cafe along Ton That Thiep Street near Saigon Center Tower
Great outdoor rooftop barbecue grill dining!
Best for a large group meal.
Best to eat at night.
I like their beef and prawns. So flavorful.
Visit this
link for more details.
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| Fanny Ice Cream Cafe in Ton That Thiep Street, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
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| Ca Phe Sua Da of Fanny Ice Cream Cafe, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam - a must have! |
Fanny Ice Cream
location: along Ton That Thiep Street near Saigon Center Tower
Ca Phe Sua Da - Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk is what I like the best!
They also have this set of ice cream flavors that you can enjoy with your friends.
Check this
link for more details.
Other Eating Areas
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| some of the food in Street Food Market in Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
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| Kumquat fruit drink bought in Street Food Market in Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
Street Food Market in Ben Thanh
Just beside the Ben Thanh Market you will see this haven of food stalls. There are varieties of cuisines that you can select. There are many foreigners dining here.
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| Restaurants and cafes in Bui Vien Walking Street in Ho CHi Minh, Vietnam |
Bui Vien Street
This walking street has a variety of restaurants, coffee shops and bars that you can choose to satisfy your palate or hunger.
Sky Garden condominium in Phu My Hung, District 7
The area of Sky Garden condominium in Phu My Hung in District 7 has numerous Korean restaurants as the place is like the home of Koreans. Korean + Vietnamese cuisines are a great combination to fully enjoy your Asian taste. For more information,
check this link.
Le Thanh Ton Street
Japanese restaurants can be seen in this area as this is a Japanese town. I walked around this mini town. I saw a lot of entertainment hubs which are catered to maybe, Japanese men or single foreigner man.
Tips:
- For cheaper food price, always look for a restaurant that has a majority of Vietnamese than tourists.
- Some people can speak English but sometimes you will do a lot of body language. Be precise in ordering food. From my experience, it happened many times that they double the food order. I think that is their way to get more income. So, you have to make sure that the server understands you.
Shopping Places
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| Outside Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam |
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| Cloth that you can choose and let them create your Vietnamese traditional dress in Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
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| Fixed Price sign is seen in the ceiling or above a stall in Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam |
Ben Thanh Market
There is a FIXED PRICE sign in some stores which means you cannot ask for a discount.
For souvenirs, cloths, nuts and coffees.
Try also eating at the food stalls for a cheaper yet delicious authentic Vietnamese food.
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| Saigon Square is in the left side in this picture. It is located at the corner of Le Loi and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia streets. |
Saigon Square
location: corner of Le Loi and Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Streets in District 1, near Ben Thanh Market
for real leather, factory-priced designer brands.
I forgot to get the stall number which she sells designer brands products that are manufactured in Vietnam. If you happen to see Koreans and Japanese meticulously checking the bags and wallets, it might be her.
Luu Van Lang Street
location: near Ben Thanh Market
for sportswear of famous sports brands which are made in Vietnam, this is the place where you can find great quality but cheaper goods. Lots of tourists from different nationalities are haggling to these stores.
Lotte Mart in District 7
location: 469 Nguyen Huu Tho, Ward Tan Phong, District 7
For a vast selection of coffee and tea to give as presents to your loved ones back home, this is a great store to buy such.
There are a lot to see in this lively and developing city. I really think the weather, the flavorful and sumptuous herbs and spices of authentic Vietnamese dishes and the energy of the Vietnamese in Ho Chi Minh that make the city alive are the reasons why foreigners keep on visiting the city. I would love to come back again and eat and drink more of their cuisine.
I hope that you find this information useful.
Ready.
Set.
Go - to this wonderful city. and
Share - this information.
with love,
Sarah
You can also check out my other blog posts in Central Visayas of the Philippines:
Labels: Asia, food, guide, South East Asia, travel, Vietnam
