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Let me introduce you to Saigon (yep, that's what the locals still call it)! It's Vietnam's biggest city with 9 million people spread across 24 districts. I moved here two years ago and fell in love with its beauty - you'll find gorgeous French buildings from the 1900s right next to shiny new skyscrapers like Landmark 81.
The center of HCMC is District 1, with amazing food spots (try Pho Hoa on Pasteur Street!), cool rooftop bars, and markets selling everything imaginable. Also venture out to places like Cho Lon (Chinatown) or the trendy Thao Dien area, and you'll discover a totally different side of the city. You can eat like a king for $3, or splurge on fancy cocktails at the top of Bitexco Tower - this city fits any budget!
Tan Son Nhat Airport (TSN) is right in the city - it's just 7km from downtown. Grab a Mai Linh taxi (green) or Vinasun (white) from the official taxi stand - it's about 150,000 VND (~$6) to District 1.
Pro tip: skip the airport Grab pickup point (crazy queues) and walk 3 minutes to the regular pickup area instead. Or take Bus 109 (20,000 VND/~$0.80) - it runs every 15-20 mins to Pham Ngu Lao area.
If you’re catching a red-eye flight or arriving late, staying near the airport with shuttle services is a great option. Here are two excellent hotels to consider:
Hotel Name | Distance from Tan Son Nhat International Airport | Service Info |
Ibis Saigon Airport | 5 minutes by car | Free airport pick-up; Outdoor swimming pool; Restaurant; 24-hour front desk; Gym |
M Village CMT8 | 10 minutes by car | Airport pick-up (additional charge); Stylish rooms; Lush garden; Cozy coworking spaces |
Getting around is super cheap and easy. Grab bike is my go-to (15,000-30,000 VND/~$0.60-1.20 for most trips). Regular Grab cars cost 50,000-80,000 VND (~$2-3) for typical city rides. The new Metro Line 1 just opened - it runs from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien (15,000 VND/~$0.60), perfect if you're heading northeast. Buses are dirt cheap (7,000 VND/~$0.30) but can be tricky to figure out.
Tan Dinh Church in District 3
Sai Gon Central Post Office in District 1
Picture this: You're sipping Vietnamese coffee in a cozy cafe inside a 100-year-old apartment, watching motorbikes zip past French colonial buildings while skyscrapers loom overhead. That's Saigon for you! After living here for two years, I'm still discovering amazing spots and exciting things to do - let me share my favorites with you!
Saigon Central Post Office The Post Office looks like a train station from 1890s Paris, but step inside and it's still a working post office. The ceiling is gorgeous, and there's this sweet old man who's been writing letters for people for over 30 years.
Ben Thanh Market & Night Market This is Saigon in a nutshell! During the day, Ben Thanh is this maze of stalls selling everything from coffee beans to silk dresses. Yes, it's touristy, and yes, you need to bargain HARD (start at 50% of their first price), but it's such a fun experience. The real magic happens at 6pm when the night market opens outside - the streets turn into food heaven. Try the fresh spring rolls at the corner stall near the roundabout - the lady there has been making them for 20 years and they're incredible. Bring cash and come hungry!
Ben Thanh Market
War Remnants Museum I've been three times and still notice new things. It tells the story of the Vietnam War through photos and exhibits - some parts are pretty intense, but it really helps you understand Vietnam today. Go in the morning when your mind is fresh (it closes at 5pm), and plan something light afterward. Entry is just 40,000 VND (~$1.60), and most people spend about 2 hours here. The old US military vehicles outside are pretty impressive too.
Before planing the trip to Ho Chi Minh City, it's good to keep a few things in mind:
Things to Know | Details |
Time Zone | HCMC operates on Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7). Compared to NYC (+12 hrs), UK (+7 hrs), Thailand (same), India (+1.5 hrs), and Australia (-3 hrs AEST). |
Electricity | HCMC uses 220V with Type A, C, and G plugs. Bring an adapter if needed to keep your devices charged. |
Emergency Numbers | Police: 113, Fire: 114, Ambulance: 115. These are easy to remember and important in case of emergencies. |
Apps to Download | Useful apps include Grab for rides and food, Google Maps for navigation, and Google Translate to help with the language barrier. |
Pho
After living here for long time, I can tell you - Saigon's food is insane! The cheaper it is, the better it usually tastes. Forget fancy restaurants - the real magic happens on tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk. Here's what you absolutely can't miss, and exactly where to find my favorite spots:
Bun Thit Nuong
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the city experiences less rain and the temperatures are more manageable, typically ranging from 21°C to 34°C (70°F to 93°F). The humidity is also lower, making it more comfortable for sightseeing.
However, if you want to experience the city's vibrant festivals, you should consider visiting during Tet, the Vietnamese New Year, which usually takes place in late January or early February. But keep in mind that many shops and restaurants may be closed during this period.
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