With a population of 5½ million people Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, although it isn’t the capital. Unofficially still known as ‘Saigon’, it is also sometimes referred to as HCMC. While it is the country’s busiest city, the tree-lined streets are wide and you can walk around the city for hours looking at life go by.
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View all guides »You get man-handled by the market stall owners, the central market stinks of rotten dried fish, the streets are awash with motorbikes that you risk injury or bag snatch when crossing, the food is distinctly average and the sights are very underwhelming.
Insider Tip:Don't go. Simples. I believe Hanoi would be much more enjoyable
Since Liberty 2 was fully occupied during my check in, they shifted me to Liberty 4. I stayed there for 4 days . The overall service / staff right from the general manager to the reception staff were extremely helpful and worth mentioning. LOCATION is perfect ,especially good for backpackers.Partying, shopping, museums , anything you name it is within a 15 - 20mins walking distance ( if you are aged below 40 ).
Ho Chi Minh City doesn't have tons to do - but it's a good base for organising trips to Cu Chi Tunnels and around the Mekong Delta.
Insider Tip:Eat street food and drink coconut water at Ben Thanh Market. Be brave when crossing the roads! Cars will not move around you, but bicycles and mopeds will!
We spent five days in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) and I can honestly say that they were the best of our trip. We arrived not knowing what to expect but the locals were incredibly welcoming and friendly; always willing to dedicate some extra time to ensure that we enjoyed our stay. The food was amazing, especially that cooked by the street vendors. The city has more than enough to occupy you for several days whatever kind of traveller you are, with most things being accessible and well priced.
Insider Tip:Avoid the fancy restaurants and eat the food cooked by the street vendors, you won't regret it!
Ho Chi Minh is much more diverse (internationally) than Hanoi. We went toward the end of the year to find a huge annual International Food Festival going on. It was fun to see the Vietnamese take on international cuisine, and the local food was delicious. The roads are crazy and full of motorbikes. You have to get used to crossing streets as if it were a Frogger game. Western toilets are the norm in Vietnam, but carry tissues with you for toilet paper no matter where you go.
Insider Tip:Our hostel owner said Vinasun taxis (green-and-white) are the most reliable and least likely to rip you off. The restaurant called Ngoc near the Independence Palace is touristy but good! We expected to pay around $35~50 USD for lunch for two people who planned to order and taste a TON of different things (6 fancy drinks, 4 appetizers, 1 soup, 3 main dishes, 3 desserts) --- it was only $13 USD! Plus, it was right next to the Palace, so we just went there afterwards.
Northern Vietnam presents visitors a sharp contrast of things to do. Hanoi, the capital, is a lake-filled city, Haiphong is a smaller, more industrial version and Halong Bay, one of the most beautiful and tranquil bays in the world. As Hanoi is the transportation hub of the country, you are bound to visit here if you are going to Vietnam.
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