3 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
With streets full of French colonial buildings and a constant buzz, Hao Chi Minh City has rewarding sights for temple and museum visitors, market lovers, history junkies, architecture fans, park enthusiasts or just anyone who wants to see Vietnam’s most economically vibrant city in action.
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
The best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City is making a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. These tunnels are part of a war museum, where you can learn more about the Vietnam War. Crawl through the cramped tunnels to get a sense of how the Viet Cong lived during the war. In addition, you can see many different traps that she used, how they lived underground and view abandoned military vehicles. Optionally, it is also possible to shoot with different guns on the shooting range.
2. Saigon Food Cuisine With Locals By Scooter
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The food in Vietnam is sacred and their proudest possession to the people. In every street you will find a place to eat, whether it is a luxury restaurant or a simple street stall with some plastic stools. Because people from all over the country have migrated to Saigon for economic reasons, you will also find dishes here from every hat in the country.
The best way is with a street food tour. Just like a street food tour in Hanoi, here you will try different dishes, see places in the city that you would otherwise never see and you get a truly unique insight into local life. If you dare, go on a street food tour on the back of a motorbike of a local guide. This gives an extra unique experience to the already cool activity.
By sitting on the back of the bike and eating at local stalls, you really become a part of the local culture. It is an experience you will never forget.
3. Saigon History and Sightseeing By Scooters
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Hop on a motorbike—like the locals—for a deep dive into Saigon’s culture. Following me, you’ll see how the city changes across its districts, from the well-to-do Districts 1, and 3 to the downtown vibes of District 10 from flower markets and small alleyways to China Town, the famous city post office, and more. You’ll even stop for coffee, peeking in the secret weapons cellar used during the Vietnam War.
1. I will take you to some main unique sites in the heart of the city such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Independent Palace. Learning the history of these colonial buildings under name of Saigon was the capital of the French colony.
2. Discover some historical points that are a bit off the beaten path in District 3. We visit a Memorial Monument Thich Quang Duc, historical buildings, and see a secret underground WEAPONS CELLAR of the VC army. In this weapon house, you will try a cup of Coffee.
3. Continuing to explore the local district 10 which is famous for the most significant wholesale flower market and an outdoor street food market. It is time for filling up your stomach with delicacy food and local drinks
4. Visiting the Cho Lon – China town in districts 5 and 6, you will be blessed with one of the oldest and most fascinating TEMPLES and zipping around through the buzzing silk street and lanterns street of this colorful, incredible Chinatown.
5 SAFETY TRAVEL TIPS IN HO CHI MINH CITY
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Safe travel tips in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Stick these and you and safe like me!!
1. Be careful when traveling by taxi
Taxi scam is quite popular in Vietnam and such a real concern for many tourists. Some taxi drivers could rip you off and charge you at a very high price. They might choose a longer path or go around to maximize the price on the meter.
In this case, you should be careful when you get into a taxi. Only choose reliable taxi brands such as Vinasun, Mailinh or Grab (like Uber). If possible, let’s take some pictures of the taxi’s plate or the meter and confirm to the driver about the shortest path to your destination (We highly suggest you to use Google Map and Grab). Last but not least, make sure you have arrived at the right destination before paying and getting off the car.
2. Buying things in the market
Ho Chi Minh City has the highest average salary in the country. The minimum average salary is around $456 monthly and $5.465 annually, 38% higher than the national average. But there is a world of difference if I compare this amount of number with the average salaries from developed countries. I often joke about the tourists will become millionaires when they travel to Vietnam because majority of things are very affordable, even dirt cheap. That is a common knowledge, so a bunch of shop keepers or sellers would double or triple the price to rip you off, even like a daylight robbery. Therefore, do not be shy to open a negotiation and try to bargain on everything you buy in the market in particular and on streets in general.
3. Do not leave money or valuables in your hotel/hostel
Let’s stick in your mind this tip and you had best apply it to all hotels and hostels. I have heard many sad stories about break-ins from sightseers I have met. Always keep laptop, camera, cash and so on…on your person. Better safe than sorry.
4. Do not carry any valuables in an open pocket
Suddenly, an unknown person approached and bumped into you and you think that is a very normal thing because the street is very crowded and bustling until…you realize your belongings took wing. I learned that precious lesson in my freshman year. Learn my lesson and you would not make same mistake again.
5. Let’s smile
Until now, I do not have many opportunities to travel to broaden my horizons but I know for a fact that you would always find numerous big smiles on the welcoming locals’ faces. Let’s smile because not only make this life more beautiful, but also bring you to become closer to others.
6. Socializing with the locals
If you head towards Bui Vien Walking Street on the weekend, you would see that Vietnamese people sit on one side and foreign tourists would on the other side. One street but has two different worlds. Perhaps you came to our stunning country with your friends and just want to chill out in your limitations, but let’s think out of the box. If you want to find out why the majority of women in Vietnam desire to have a fair skin, how to say “cheers” in this country and leave Vietnam with a head full of memorable experiences…so let’s join with us, it would be “wicked” awesome.
7. Talking to other travelers
“Variety is the spice of life”. I always believe that each person will have their own stories. I do not know about your outlook but to me, I love hearing stories from all travelers I have met and would meet.
At the time you are reading this, Vietnam changed a lot, but you could completely gain precious safety travel tips from travelers on the road and every street corner. They are willing to share their unforgetable memories and lessons. Do not miss out on this great opportunity.
8. Bag-snatching thieves and pickpocketing
You had best pay attention to this crime because it can be quite dangerous, especially in some hustling and bustling places like: Markets, tourist attractions or walking streets. Thieves often drive motorbike, come up from behind and suddenly pull or snatch away your bag, camera, wallet and so on. This action could lead to a serious accident. If the victims try to hold on or pull back, they might fall on the ground. Always carry your belongings on the opposite side to the flow of traffic and do not hold your valuables on your hand for too long in open space.
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