Ho Chi Minh City, which is endearingly referred to as “Saigon”, has never seemed to stop enchanting tourists with its fusion of the frenetic energy and the ancient vibe. Have an overall look at the city on our guides before packing for your Saigon travel.
What to Expect from Saigon Travel
Saigon travel is a mix of high and low – You can splurge on your leisure vacation like a queen, or explore the hidden corners of the city to stay under budget. Either way, the unique experience during Saigon travel is still one-of-a-kind.
The simple but delirious joy of Saigon travel
Restaurants
The majority of Saigon culture lies in street food venues. Obviously, the city has an abundance of world-class restaurants just like any other metropolis, but why waste an opportunity of Saigon travel without mingling in the local eateries. Should you feel lost in the street food heaven, you can decide on a food tour to save you from the bewilderment.
Jardin des Sens on Dien Bien Phu Street
Quan Bui on Ngo Van Nam Street
Banh mi – the king of street food
Exciting food tours
Hotels
The importance of the extravagant accommodations varies depending on the ultimate goal of your Saigon travel. You can either opt for a luxurious experience in 5-star hotels or save your wallet for an exciting adventure by staying in more budget-friendly hostels.
New Saigon Hostel on Pham Ngu Lao Street
Find your favorite hotels in Saigon below:
Bars
The one thing you surely don’t want to miss out on your Saigon travel is visiting the frantic bars, with all different genres of music from hard rock to chilling vibes. Check out 10 Ho Chi Minh City Bars You Can’t Pass Up.
EON 51 Heli Bar on Bitexco Financial Tower
Pasteur Street Brewing Company on Pasteur Street.
Historical Sites
Ho Chi Minh has much more than just food and the extravaganza of partying. Upon your Saigon travel, discover the layers of the city’s glorious past in the historical sites: Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Museum of Vietnam History, Ton Duc Thang Museum, etc.
War Remnants Museum
Museum of Vietnam History
Ton Duc Thang Museum
More on fun activities for Saigon travel on Vietnam’s bucket list.
To have fun trips in Ho Chi Minh City, check out our authentic motorbike tours with professional local guides!
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What to Know Before Your Saigon Travel
Obtaining your visa
Getting a Vietnam visa should never hinder you from enjoying your Saigon travel, and the process has been significantly adjusted to avoid unnecessary bureaucracy involvement. You can also learn how to obtain Vietnam visa on arrival on our travel guides.
Health insurance and vaccinations
There is no requirement for either health insurances or vaccinations, but it is advisory to take health precautions into account on your Saigon travel. Find out in details about travel insurance and the vaccinations you need for your Saigon travel.
Packing
If it is your first Saigon travel, packing can be the first challenge. Don’t let your backpacks become a burden by knowing what the essentials on Saigon travel are and what may cause overpacking.
What you should notice on your Saigon travel
Traffic
Upon arriving in Vietnam, you can take a taxi at the airport, and taxi can also be a choice for traveling around Saigon. However, you can take a bus if you wish to stay on a budget, or better yet, take a motorbike tour on your Saigon travel to explore the hidden gems of the city.
Take a motorbike tour to blend in with the locals
Beware of scams
Scams are a pain in the neck in whatever tourist areas. They are annoying, but they are totally avoidable. Common scams you may encounter on your Saigon travel are taxi scam, cyclo scam, motorbike scam. Read our guides as linked above to avoid them.
Health precautions
Getting sick during Saigon travel is the absolute worst. In the food paradise of Saigon, you don’t have to worry about ruining your healthy diet but do bear in mind a few keynotes of how not to get food poisoning. Besides, there are common diseases in Vietnam that you can easily prevent with a few simple steps.
Don’t miss the chance to try the local cuisine
Summary of Saigon Travel
Whether it is your first time in Saigon or you are coming back for a visit, the city will never cease to amaze you. Apart from the shining and glowing look of a bustling metropolis, Saigon also has little-known stories lying deep in the hidden alleys and corners. Look hard enough and you can see the city is simply irresistible.