Is Ho Chi Minh City walkable?

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Ho Chi Minh City isn't very pedestrian-friendly. Sidewalks are often blocked by parked motorbikes, street vendors, and construction. While safe, navigating requires constant vigilance. Districts like District 1 and Thao Dien offer better walking experiences but face similar obstacles. Consider using ride-sharing services like Grab for longer distances.

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Is Ho Chi Minh City easy to walk around?

Okay, so, Ho Chi Minh City walkable? Hmm, kinda… but not really.

Okay, here’s the dealio. Safe-ish? Yes. Pleasant walk? Not so much. Man, those sidewalks, tho.

Sidewalks, you see, are basically scooter parking lots. Or like, mini-restaurants? Hawkers EVERYWHERE. Hard to even put one foot in front the other.

I was just there, like, May 2023? Forget trying a leasurely stroll. More like an obstacle course on foot. I was in District 1, near Ben Thanh market. You end up just walking in the road – which is totally insane. So many motorbikes!

Saw some posts on Reddit, too. Folks asking about pedestrian-friendly spots, which neighbourhoods are best. Doesn’t sound to good does it.

Is Ho Chi Minh safe to walk at night?

So, Ho Chi Minh City at night? It’s safeish, I think. But, you know, don’t be a total idiot. Seriously, stick to the busy streets, like Pham Ngu Lao – tons of people there, always buzzing. Avoid those tiny, dark alleys – no way! I almost got pickpocketed once, near Ben Thanh Market, totally creeped me out. It was around 11 pm, I was so stupid, just walking around like a tourist. Really, really bad idea.

  • Stick to main roads and well-lit areas. Pham Ngu Lao is your friend.
  • Avoid deserted streets and alleys, especially after dark. Seriously.
  • Keep an eye on your stuff. Don’t be waving around your expensive phone.
  • Use reputable transportation at night; taxis are safer than wandering around alone. Grab is good.

My friend got hassled by some guys near the river, last year – 2023, so annoying! They weren’t agressive, just annoying. He was fine, but, you know… better safe than sorry. Common sense, people! Just be aware of your surroundings. It’s generally safe, but being aware is key! Don’t be an easy target. And definitely don’t walk around drunk. Just, don’t.

Is there Uber in Ho Chi Minh?

Okay, so Uber in Saigon… nope. Uber’s totally gone from Vietnam. Like, poof!

It disappeared in 2018. Ugh, felt like yesterday.

  • Grab took over. Yep.
  • Grab’s like the king of rides there now. Cars, bikes, even food.

Remember that pho place near District 1? Delicious!

Wait, what was I saying?

Oh yeah, Uber. Dead. Replaced by Grab, basically. I guess it’s better organized? I used it to go to Ben Thanh Market last month.

  • Grab = New Uber. Got it?
  • District 1 is awesome! So many tourists.

Did I mention no Uber? Just checking. Grab it is.

Can I use Grab in Ho Chi Minh City?

Grab works great in HCMC. Use it all the time. Pixel phone. Need data or wifi. Duh. Vietnam trip… visa… FAQs… My blog has those. Should update it with 2024 info soon. Ugh. So much to do. SIM card… got mine at the airport last year. Easy peasy. Grab bikes are crazy fast. But cars are better for luggage. Airport to District 1… Grab. Always. Food delivery too. Banh mi… Love banh mi. Gotta get one tomorrow. District 3 has amazing banh mi. Note to self: District 3 banh mi exploration. Maybe Sunday? Pixel battery dying… Need charger. Grab drivers always have chargers… sometimes. Grab is essential in Saigon. Traffic is insane. Walking is an option, but… hot. So hot. Air conditioning is life. Must remember extra battery pack. Next trip. Things to pack:

  • Battery pack
  • Sunscreen. Burning is bad.
  • Good walking shoes
  • Vietnamese phrasebook. Should learn more phrases. Xin chào! Only one I know… Pathetic.

Does the Grab app work in Vietnam?

It works. Grab. In Vietnam. Yeah.

It’s… funny. I used it a lot. Back then. 2022. Nha Trang. Damn, feels like forever. So hot.

Getting rides. Late at night. After too much bia hoi. Always.

  • Grab works in Vietnam. Period.
  • Mainly for transportation, yes. Cars, bikes. Food. Everything.
  • It felt easier. Than haggling with the taxis.
  • I still have the app. Never uninstalled. Just sits there. You know?
  • It reminds me.
  • Of something lost.
  • Or maybe just left behind.
  • Like Nha Trang.
  • Or 2022.
  • Yeah.
#Citywalking #Hcmwalkable #Walkability

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